"And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
(Revelation 20:15)
There is another book beside the books that record our deeds and the only thing that stands between any of us and the lake of fire is our name written in the Lamb’s book of life. In Rev. 13:8, John tells us that the book was written “from the foundation of the world.” He calls it, more precisely, “the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.” In Rev. 17:8, he reminds us that all of those dwelling on the earth will bear the mark of the beast except the one whose name was written in the book of life from the foundation of the world. This book alludes to two wonderful truths. First, that a name was written before the world’s foundation points to election; and election highlights the grace of God in salvation. Second, it is the Lamb’s book of life, so it points to redemption; and redemption highlights the gracious provision of Christ to bear God’s judgment for us at the cross.
The juxtaposition of the two books puts all men in condition of deserving wrath. Our deeds—all of them—are recorded in the books. But the book of life declares the deliverance of the redeemed, even though we deserve God’s wrath. Is your name in the Lamb’s book of life?
(Phil A. Newton)
www.Southwoodsbc.org
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