What does it mean to have our names "written in a scroll"? Setting the Scene - Scripture repeatedly pictures God keeping a literal record—often called “the book” or “the scroll”—that lists those who belong to Him. - One representative passage: “At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name” (Malachi 3:16). - The same reality is described elsewhere as “the Book of Life” or “the Lamb’s Book of Life” (Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28; Daniel 12:1; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 20:12, 15; 21:27). The Scroll in Scripture - A literal, heavenly registry kept by the Lord. - Records those who are redeemed and destined for eternal life. - Functions as God’s unassailable testimony—no one’s name is there by accident, and no rightful name will ever be overlooked. What It Means to Have Your Name Written There • Eternal acceptance – “Nothing unclean will ever enter it… but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 21:27). • Security in final judgment – “If anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). • Deliverance in coming trouble – “Everyone whose name is found written in the book will be delivered” (Daniel 12:1). • Citizenship in heaven right now – “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). • Participation in God’s ongoing remembrance – Malachi 3:16 shows God delighting to record every act of reverent faithfulness. How Does a Name Get Written? 1. By grace alone through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). 2. At the moment of genuine conversion—when a sinner repents and believes the gospel (Acts 3:19). 3. Because the Lamb was slain; His blood secures forever those He saves (Revelation 13:8). What About Being Blotted Out? - Moses interceded, “Please blot me out of the book that You have written” (Exodus 32:32-33). - Psalm 69:28 speaks of the wicked “erased from the Book of Life.” - These warnings underscore God’s holiness; they do not contradict His promise that true believers are kept by His power (John 10:28-29; Jude 24). Why This Matters for Daily Life • Assurance—confidence springs from God’s record, not our performance. • Motivation—knowing our deeds are noticed, we “abound in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Perspective—earthly trials are temporary; heavenly citizenship is permanent (Philippians 3:20-21). • Worship—gratitude flows because inclusion in the scroll is entirely His doing (Revelation 5:9-10). Key Takeaways - The scroll is real, maintained by God, and forever accurate. - Having your name written there means you are saved, secure, remembered, and destined for eternal life in the New Jerusalem. - Names are written by God’s grace through faith in the finished work of Christ. - Live today in joyful assurance, eager obedience, and confident hope, for the One who wrote your name will never erase it. |
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