What is the "book of life" mentioned in Revelation 20:15? Definition The Book of Life (Greek: τὸ βιβλίον τῆς ζωῆς, to biblion tēs zōēs) is the divine register containing the names of all who belong to God through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. Revelation 20:15 declares: “And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” . Scriptural Occurrences Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28; Isaiah 4:3; Daniel 12:1; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 20:15; 21:27. These passages consistently depict the Book of Life as God’s authoritative census of the redeemed. Old Testament Antecedents 1. Exodus 32:32-33—Moses intercedes: “Now blot me out of Your book.” God answers, stressing personal responsibility. 2. Psalm 69:28—David prays concerning the wicked: “May they be blotted out of the book of life and not listed with the righteous.” 3. Daniel 12:1—At the resurrection the angel tells Daniel, “Everyone found written in the book will be delivered.” Second-Temple Literature 1 Enoch 47:3-4 and Jubilees 30:22 echo the idea of heavenly ledgers, showing the concept was well known among first-century Jews, making John’s Apocalypse readily understood by its original audience. Usage in Revelation Seven explicit references (3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 20:15; 21:27; plus 22:19 textual variant). Distinctives: • 3:5—Christ promises never to blot out the overcomer’s name. • 13:8 & 17:8—Names inscribed “from the foundation of the world.” • 20:12—The Book of Life contrasts with “books” of deeds. • 20:15—Determines eternal destiny. • 21:27—Qualification for entry into the New Jerusalem. Theological Significance Salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9); the Book of Life records recipients of that grace. Foreknowledge (Romans 8:29) and election (Ephesians 1:4) explain why names appear from eternity past, yet human response in faith (John 1:12) evidences inclusion. Perseverance and Assurance Revelation 3:5 ties perseverance to secure inscription. Jesus’ pledge “I will never blot out his name” gives assurance to believers while warning the faithless (Hebrews 10:39). The tension mirrors Philippians 2:12-13. Judgment and Eschatology Revelation 20:11-15 depicts the Great White Throne. Two sets of records: 1. “Books” revealing works—basis for degrees of condemnation (Luke 12:47-48). 2. “Book of Life”—basis for acquittal, because Christ’s righteousness is imputed (2 Corinthians 5:21). Absence of one’s name results in the second death, the lake of fire (Matthew 25:46). Archaeological and Historical Corroboration A first-century inscription from Pergamum (CIG 3494) lists imperial cult members, attesting to contemporary civic “books of membership,” illuminating Revelation 3:5’s imagery. The Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q381) refer to “a book for the righteous,” demonstrating the concept’s Jewish milieu. Philosophical and Behavioral Implications Human longings for justice and permanence find resolution only if an omniscient God keeps perfect records. Cognitive studies reveal moral accountability as a universal intuition; Scripture provides the ontological grounding. Relation to the Gospel Names are entered by grace through faith in the resurrected Christ (Romans 10:9). Evangelistic urgency flows from Revelation 20:15; only Christ’s atonement satisfies divine justice (1 John 2:2). Pastoral Applications 1. Assurance—Believers rest in Christ’s promise (John 10:28-29). 2. Motivation—Holiness arises from gratitude (Titus 2:11-14). 3. Evangelism—Urge others to receive Christ so their names are inscribed (Acts 4:12). Common Questions • Can a name be erased? Revelation 3:5’s promise is emphatic; blots threaten the professing, not the possessing (cf. 1 John 2:19). • When is a name written? Revelation 13:8 indicates eternity past; human conversion manifests what God foreknew. • What of infants or mentally disabled? Genesis 18:25 assures God’s justice; Scripture suggests covenant mercy (2 Samuel 12:23). Summary The Book of Life is God’s eternal registry of the redeemed, secured by Christ’s atoning death and vindicated by His resurrection. Revelation 20:15 places ultimate destiny on whether one’s name is therein. Salvation is available now; “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). |
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