MEMORY VERSE: *And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the Books were opened: and another Book was opened, which is the Book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the Books, according to their works.” Revelation 20:12.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 20:11-15.
INTRODUCTION
The Scripture establishes that there are two kinds of eternity: eternal life and eternal damnation Revelation 20:6. The Scripture also establishes that there are ‘Books’ and there is the ‘Book’; which is the ‘Book of life’ Revelation 20:12. This Book of life is different from ‘the Book of the living’ mentioned in Psalm 69:28 which is earthly, physical life, and not eternal life. This ‘Book of life’ according to the bible is the same with the ‘Lamb’s Book of life’ Revelation 21:27. God is the greatest Recorder and Rewarder. He knows those who are His and has their records. He also has the records of those who do not belong to Him
2 Timothy 2: 19;Numbers 16:5.
OUTLINE
- THE ‘BOOKS’ VERSUS THE ‘BOOK OF LIFE’
- WHO WILL NOT BE IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?
- THE ‘BOOKS’ VERSUS THE ‘BOOK OF LIFE’
The ‘Book of life’ is described in Revelation 3:5 as the Book containing the set of names of those that will live with God forever. At the great white throne judgment, sinners will be judged according to their deeds in ‘the Books’. Everyone who goes for this judgment does not have his name in the ‘Book of life’ and such is doomed for eternal damnation Revelation 20:11-15.
The ‘Book of life’ contains the names of those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Revelation 5:9; 21:27. Saints, who have laboured faithfully, have the assurance of being registered in the Book of life Philippians 4:3. There is a proportionate reward for the works of the Saints 1 Corinthians 3:13-15.
Our greatest joy should be that our names are in the Book of life. To have your name written in the Book of life, you must be born again. Any ‘believer’ that sins or falls away from the faith – apostasy and refuses to repent, will have their names blotted out of the Book of life Hebrews 6:4-6; Revelation 3:1-5. We must make heaven our priority in all we do Luke 10:20.
2. WHO WILL NOT BE IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?
The Bible says that anyone who refuses to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour is already condemned John 3:18; 5:24. People who indulge in the works of the flesh will not be found in the Book of life Galatians 5:20-21. The abominable, unbelieving, liars, sorcerers, idolaters, etc. will not have their names in the Book of life Revelation 21:8, 27. The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 tells us more about sinful acts that can prevent people’s names from being in the Book of life.
CONCLUSION
It is true that being born again is the prerequisite for eternal life, but we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling Philippians 2:12 Only those that endure to the end shall be saved and made to sit with God on His throne. Romans 3:21.
FURTHER READING
Sun: Romans 1:29-32.
Mon:1 Timothy 1:9-11.
Tues: Colossians 3:5-8
Wed: Luke 10:20.
Thurs: Revelation 20:11-15.
Fri: Revelation 5:9; 21:27.
Sat: 1 Corinthians 3:13-15