How can we ensure our names are "recorded for life" in God's book? A Snapshot of Isaiah 4:3 “ And it will come to pass that he who is left in Zion, who remains in Jerusalem, will be called holy—everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 4:3) What “Recorded for Life” Signifies • God keeps an actual register—“the Book of Life”—of every person who belongs to Him (Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28; Revelation 20:12). • Isaiah links being on that roll with holiness; the entry is not merely a notation but a statement of one’s standing before the Lord. • The phrase points forward to the final judgment when only those found in the book are welcomed into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27). The One Certain Way Our Names Are Written 1. Trust Christ alone: • “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31) • By faith we receive His righteousness, the only credential accepted in God’s ledger (2 Corinthians 5:21). 2. Repent and confess: • “Repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts 3:19) • Genuine repentance indicates the Spirit’s work and assures we are no longer identified with sin. 3. Be born of the Spirit: • “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5) • The new birth seals us as God’s own (Ephesians 1:13-14). 4. Continue in obedient faith: • “The one who overcomes will be clothed in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the Book of Life.” (Revelation 3:5) • Perseverance does not earn salvation but proves its reality (James 2:14-18). 5. Pursue holiness in daily life: • “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) • Isaiah’s “holy” label shows that practical purity accompanies a secure name. Supporting Witnesses From Scripture • Luke 10:20—Rejoice that “your names are written in heaven.” • Philippians 4:3—Co-workers “whose names are in the Book of Life.” • Malachi 3:16—A “scroll of remembrance” is written for those who fear the LORD. Living Out the Assurance • Rest in Christ’s finished work; He secured the ink that writes your name. • Feed on Scripture and prayer, keeping your heart tender to quick repentance. • Gather with believers; fellowship strengthens perseverance (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Rely on the Spirit’s power to walk in daily holiness, knowing He is the seal of your inheritance. Key Takeaways • The Book of Life is real, eternal, and decisive. • Entry is granted by grace through faith in Jesus, evidenced by repentance and a holy walk. • Persevering, Spirit-empowered obedience confirms that our names are indeed “recorded for life.” |
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