How can believers ensure their names are in the Book of Life? Anchoring Verse: Revelation 17:8 “Those who dwell on the earth whose names have not been written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet will be.” What the Book of Life Is • God’s heavenly registry of all who belong to Him (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 20:12). • Secures eternal life; anyone not found in it is “thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). • Written “from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 17:8), yet Scripture calls believers to confirm their inclusion (2 Peter 1:10). How Our Names Are Written • New birth through faith in Jesus Christ: “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). • Repentance and forgiveness: “Repent... so that your sins may be wiped away” (Acts 3:19). • Confession of Christ: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). • Cleansing by His blood: “Their robes... made white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14). Living in the Assurance of Salvation • The Lord Himself keeps His own: “No one can snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28). • The Spirit testifies: “The Spirit Himself bears witness... that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). • Jesus promises: “I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life” (Revelation 3:5). Marks of a Life that Stays Written • Ongoing faith and love for Christ (Colossians 1:23). • Obedience to His commands (John 14:15). • Walking in the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25). • Perseverance amid trials (James 1:12). • Bearing fruit worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:8). • Fellowship with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). Guard Against Deception and Apostasy • Test every spirit and teaching (1 John 4:1). • Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). • Keep yourself in the love of God (Jude 21). • Hold fast what you have until He comes (Revelation 2:25). Encouraging One Another Toward the Goal • “Encourage one another daily... so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). • Restore those who stumble (Galatians 6:1). • Spur one another on to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). The Final Word of Promise “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.” (1 John 5:4) Remain in that conquering faith. In Christ, your name is eternally and securely inscribed in the Book of Life. |
    |