The Lamb’s Book of Life

Bobby L. Graham

 

This register or list of the saved, thus designated because of the sacrifice of the Lamb making it possible and the life secured thereby (2 Timothy 1:10; John 14:6; 2 Peter 1:19), comprehends all redeemed from all covenants, because the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was designed to effect the redemption of faithful saints under all economies (Hebrews 9:15; 11:39-40). A similar book of remembrance was mentioned by the prophet in connection with God’s people in who He delighted (Malachi 3:16-17). An examination of this register reveals the following features:

  1. Select: Christians have their name entered in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Hebrews 12:23). None others have such a promise.
  2. Restrictive: Some are definitely and specifically excluded from this list (Revelation 13:8). One would expect this in that the promise of salvation is received upon conditions established in the gospel of Christ, not unconditionally, universally, or automatically.
  3. Promising: Those whose names have been entered in this register enjoy the promise of entering heaven and enjoying eternal life (Revelation 21:27).
  4. Changeable: This list of names is subject to change (Revelation 3:5: 22:19). In the first passage those who are victorious in Christ receive the assurance that their names will not be removed, while the latter passage says that those tampering with the revelation from God by subtracting something there from will have their names removed. People can fall from divine grace (Galatians 5:4).
  5. Final: The Bible also teaches that God’s list of redeemed people is the final list (Revelation 20:12, 15). Judgment will be based on what is written in the books, and those without their names in the Book of Life will enter into the lake of fire, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8). No one will be able to gainsay what the Book of Life reflects.

Friend, now that you know about the Book of Life, why not submit to the will of Christ so you can benefit from the sacrifice of the Lamb slain for the sins of all? You can enjoy the promise of eternal life. 

— via The Melrose Memo, Richardson, Texas