THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY

BOOK OF LIFE Part II

THE SINGLE BOOK OF LIFE VIEW

Many believe that the Book of Life refers only to the names of the elect of God, which have being recorded from eternity past( Walvoored, Revelation, P. 203; see Revelation 17:8). The reference in Revelation 3:5 to the possibility of having one’s name blotted out of this book should should be understood as a threat and a promise to those who thinks because they are Christians they have the ability to live just any kind of way with out severed re-precaution even with their their names being plotted out of the book of life and their lot and portion is appointed with the sons and daughter of perdition who once knew the way of righteous but departed from it and the children of disobedient. Others hold that the single book of Life is actually a book of all the living, wicked as well as righteous ( wiersbe,p.39), from which all unbelieving sinners’ names are removed when they died and no longer have an opportunity to make a choice to believe ( Kessinger, P. 191; see Exodus 32:32; Psalm 69:28). If a person professes true saving faith in Jesus Christ, his name becomes permanent in the book, never to be erased. Revelation 3:5 is usually used as evidence for this view ( Thomas, P. 165)

THE TWO BOOKS OF LIFE VIEW

In the view of the present author, there are two books– the Book of Life and the Lamb’s Book of life. The major difference between the two is that the Book of Life contains the names of all living people, where as the Lamb’s Book of Life includes only the names of those who have received eternal life from Jesus( the Lamb). One’s name may be blotted out from the book of life, but not from the lamb book of life.

Once a person has entered the world, their name is automatically recorded in the Book of Life. If ,by the time of their death, they have not called upon Jesus Christ for Salvation, their name will be remove from the book of life.If they have accepted Christ and his forgiveness of sins, their name will remain in the Book of Life and be indelibly recorded in the Lamb’s Book of life, never to be erased. Their entrance into heaven is guaranteed ( Revelation 21:27 ).

Those who appear before the Great White Throne judgement all died without accepting Christ’s payment for their sins, so their works must be judged according to the law. This is where the books of man;s deeds are opened. The inevitable outcome is that each person will be found guilty, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23 ). However, before the sentence is pronounced,the Lamb’s book of life will be opened, but of course, the names of unbelievers will not be there. Finally, as one last double check, the Book of Life will be opened. But once again, the names of unbelievers will not be found. “Any one not found written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire” ( Revelation 20:15 ).This verse emphasizes the importance of making sure your name remains in the Book of life. God’s will is that none “should perish but that all should come to repentance” ( 2 Peter 3:9 ). To prevent your name from being blotted out from the Book of Life, you must make sure your name appears in the Lambs Book of Life. T do that, simply accept Christ’s payment for your sins, invite Him into your heart, and ask Him to be the Lord and Savior of your life ( Luke 10:20 ). Your eternal destiny is at stake! —- TIM LAHAYE

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kessinger, Tony. Come Out of Her My People. Philadelphia: Xibris, 2003.

Smith, J.B. A Revelation of Jesus Christ. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1961

Thomas, Robert L., Revelation 8 – 22: An Exegetical Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press 1995

Walvoord, John F. The Prophecy Knowledge HandBook. Wheaton, IL: Victor Brooks, 1990.

—– The Revelation of Jesus Christ. Chicago: Moody Press 1966.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Be victorious. Colorado Springs: Chariot Victor, 1985.