A reader like you – cryptically named “CT” – asks, Pastor Jeff,
Q – “In Revelation 20, what is the difference between the “book of life” and “the books?”
A – Read on……
This question has a bit of detail to it, so this week we will try to identify the book of life. The passage you are referring to says, “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Rev 20:11-12)
“The Book of Life”
This book has three names: 1) the book of life – Phil. 4:3; 2) the Lamb’s book of life – Rev. 21:27; and 3) the book of the living – Psa 69:28. It is referred to throughout the Bible, so its scope can not be limited to any one particular group of mankind in scripture.
Clearly one must have their name written in this book in order to have eternal life – Rev. 20:15. Most of the references to this book in scripture are negative – someone who has failed to have their name written in this book. Both in the Old Testament (prior to Jesus’ death on the cross) and during the Jewish tribulation, references exist to the fact that it is possible to have one’s name blotted out of this book – see Exod 32:33; Rev 3:4-5; Psa 69:27-28. In the New Testament gospels and church epistles, it is clear that one’s name is written in this book when they trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour for the forgiveness of sin – Luke 10:20; Phil 4:3.
Although I can’t prove it from scripture, it appears possible when looking at all of the relevant passages that everyone’s name may be written in this book upon conception or birth – this is consistent with the Bible truth that all babies are “safe” in Christ – they still have eternal LIFE. At that age when a child or young person consciously chooses to sin and God holds them accountable for their actions, their name is blotted out – they are now spiritually DEAD and no longer found in the book of LIFE. When such a person is then confronted with the gospel of Christ and trusts Jesus as Saviour, they receive eternal life (John 3:36) and thus would be written into the book of LIFE.
In the church age it is impossible for one to lose salvation because it is given as a FREE gift without conditions and consisting of ETERNAL life. But this is not the case prior to Calvary and after the rapture – hence the references to being blotted out of this book BEFORE and AFTER the present church age.
So what about “The Books”?
The passage we have been looking at has been, “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Rev 20:11-12)
We can see that the book of life is a record of all those possessing eternal life. What are these other “books” that God will judge mankind from? Scripture identifies two possibilities that are in all likelihood both true:
1) A written record of your deeds and words.
The context clearly says, “…the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Malachi 3:16 mentions a “book of remembrance” that God is writing. In the context it will be used at the final judgement to assist in “discern(ing) between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” We know that God is keeping track of “the secrets of men” (Rom 2:16) which he will use on judgment day. Eccl 12:14 tells us that at the final judgment, “God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” God is not only keeping tabs on your actions, but your words as well! “…every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Matt 12:36-37)
The issue here is not about your good works outweighing your bad works – this is impossible! Jesus died on the cross precisely because you could NOT do enough good works to save yourself! Rather, works and words are being recorded to reward the believers from other ages who stand before God at this judgment and to use as evidence to condemn the unsaved and determine their punishment in hell. Hell will not equal for all of the lost as some will face “greater damnation” (Matt 23:14)
2) The Bible.
Yes, God will open his written word on judgment day. This is the law from which all men will be judged! “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48)
Conclusion?
Friend, you are without excuse! All that God requires of you is in black and white and can be read today. Don’t needlessly go to hell when the remedy for your sin and the means to have your record wiped clean today is so simply explained in God’s word!!
Click Here for information on how to have your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life!
