How does Revelation 17:8 describe the fate of those not in the Book of Life? Text of Revelation 17:8 “The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and then go to destruction. And 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.” Immediate Observations • The verse highlights two groups: – The beast, destined “to destruction.” – Earth-dwellers whose names “have not been written in the Book of Life.” • Their response: they “marvel” at the beast—fascination instead of faith. • The statement reaches back “from the foundation of the world,” underscoring God’s eternal foreknowledge and plan. Key Phrase: “Not written in the Book of Life” • Absence from this book is not mere clerical oversight; it signals exclusion from God’s saving covenant (cf. Exodus 32:32-33; Luke 10:20). • In Revelation, everyone not recorded in the Book of Life shares a common fate: judgment and eternal separation from God. The Final Destiny of the Unsaved • Revelation 20:12-15 clarifies what Revelation 17:8 implies: 1. The dead are judged “according to their deeds.” 2. “If anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” • Revelation 13:8: all the unredeemed “will worship the beast.” Their worship now leads to wrath later. • Daniel 12:2 and John 5:28-29 echo the same reality: resurrection to “eternal contempt” or “judgment” for the lost. Why They Marvel at the Beast • Spiritual blindness—2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 describes strong delusion upon those who “refused to love the truth.” • Present fascination becomes future condemnation; the object of their awe ends in destruction, and they follow him there (Revelation 14:9-11). Wider Biblical Witness on the Book of Life • Philippians 4:3—names in the Book of Life belong to true believers. • Hebrews 12:23—“church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.” • Revelation 3:5—overcomers’ names will “never be blotted out.” Collectively, Scripture presents the Book of Life as the definitive roster of the redeemed. Implications for Today • Eternal destinies hinge on this book; nothing is more urgent than having one’s name recorded there. • Assurance is found solely in the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 21:27)—the One who secures names in His book and guarantees everlasting fellowship with God. |
    |