IS YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?

Title: IS YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 20:15
Supporting Texts: Revelation 21:27, Luke 10:20, Philippians 4:3

INTRODUCTION:
The Bible speaks of a final judgment day when every person will stand before God. On that day, the most crucial question will not be how much wealth or fame we acquired but whether our names are written in the Book of Life. According to Revelation 20:15, those whose names are not found in this book will face eternal separation from God. Salvation through Jesus Christ is the only way to have our names written in this eternal record. Today, we will examine the importance of having our names in the Book of Life and how we can secure our eternal destiny in Christ.

1. THE BOOK OF LIFE: GOD’S RECORD OF THE SAVED

a) The Book of Life holds the names of the righteous
The Book of Life is God's divine register, containing the names of those who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour and live in righteousness (Philippians 4:3).

b) It is the most important book in eternity
All earthly records and achievements will fade away, but the names in the Book of Life will determine one's eternal destiny (Luke 10:20).

c) It is for those washed by the blood of Jesus
Only those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and are cleansed by His blood are written in this book (Revelation 7:14).

d) The names are permanent unless rejected by unbelief
Once your name is written in the Book of Life, it is sealed, but unbelief and turning away from God can result in removal (Revelation 3:5).

Biblical Example: The 70 Disciples’ Rejoicing
In Luke 10:17-20, when Jesus sent out the 70 disciples, they returned rejoicing about their authority over demons, but Jesus reminded them that the greatest joy should come from knowing their names were written in heaven.

2. THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT BEING IN THE BOOK OF LIFE

a) Eternal separation from God
Revelation 20:15 declares that anyone whose name is not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire—this is eternal separation from God.

b) The second death
This judgment is referred to as the "second death," where people will be eternally lost without the possibility of redemption (Revelation 21:8).

c) No second chances after death
Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. There are no second chances to have your name added after death.

d) The finality of judgmentd
Once judgment is pronounced, there is no appeal or reversal of the decision; the eternal destination is fixed (Matthew 25:46).

Biblical Example: The Rich Man and Lazarus
In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells the story of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. After death, the rich man, whose name was not in the Book of Life, found himself in eternal torment with no way to escape.

3. HOW TO GET YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK OF LIFE

a) Believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God
Salvation begins by believing in Jesus as the Son of God who died for our sins (John 3:16). Faith in Christ is the only way to have our names written in the Book of Life.

b) Repent from your sins
Acts 3:19 says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out." True repentance opens the door for your name to be added to the Book of Life.

c) Confess Jesus as Lord
Romans 10:9 tells us that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved.

d) Live a life that glorifies God
A name in the Book of Life is more than just a ticket to heaven; it calls for a life of holiness and obedience to God's word (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Biblical Example: The Thief on the Cross
In Luke 23:39-43, one of the thieves crucified next to Jesus believed in Him at the last moment of his life. Though he had lived a sinful life, his faith in Jesus secured his place in paradise, symbolizing the inscription of his name in the Book of Life.

4. THE SECURITY OF YOUR SALVATION

a) Once saved, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:13 says that those who believe in Christ are sealed with the Holy Spirit, marking them for eternal life.

b) No one can snatch you out of God’s hand
John 10:28-29 assures us that no one can snatch us out of the Father's hand once we belong to Him.

c) Continue in faith and obedience
While our salvation is secure in Christ, we must continue in faith, obedience, and righteousness (Colossians 1:23).

d) Endurance until the end
Jesus said in Matthew 24:13 that the one who endures to the end will be saved. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining your faith until your final breath.

Biblical Example: Apostle Paul
In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul, nearing the end of his life, expresses his confidence that he has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, knowing that a crown of righteousness awaits him.

5. THE JOY OF HAVING YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK OF LIFE

a) Assurance of eternal life
Those whose names are in the Book of Life have the assurance of eternal life with God in heaven (John 3:36).

b) No fear of judgment
Romans 8:1 declares that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, meaning we no longer need to fear judgment.

c) A place in heaven prepared by Jesus
Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us in heaven, and those whose names are in the Book of Life will inherit this eternal home (John 14:2-3).

d) Eternal fellowship with God
Revelation 21:3-4 tells us that those in the Book of Life will dwell with God forever, where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death.

Biblical Example: The Saints in Revelation
Revelation 7:9-17 paints a picture of the saints whose names are in the Book of Life, standing before God’s throne, worshiping Him, and enjoying eternal life in His presence.

CONCLUSION:
The most important question we must ask ourselves is, “Is my name in the Book of Life?” Our earthly achievements, status, and possessions will mean nothing if our names are not written in this eternal record. Salvation through Jesus Christ is the only way to secure a place in the Book of Life. If you have not yet accepted Jesus, today is the day of salvation. Make the decision now to ensure your name is in the Book of Life, and live a life that glorifies God until the day you meet Him face to face.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I thank You for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

2. Father, help me to live every day with the assurance of my salvation.

3. Lord, I repent of all my sins and ask that You write my name in the Book of Life.

4. Father, give me the grace to live a holy and righteous life before You.

5. Lord, help me to remain steadfast in my faith until the end.

6. Father, remove the fear of judgment from my heart and fill me with the hope of eternal life.

7. Lord, use me to bring others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

8. Father, may my life reflect Your glory and lead others to You.

9. Lord, give me the strength to endure in faith and obedience until the day of Your return.

10. Father, thank You for the assurance that my name is written in the Book of Life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that my name is written in the Book of Life through Jesus Christ.

2. I declare that no weapon formed against my salvation will prosper.

3. I declare that I will live a life that brings glory to God every day.

4. I declare that I will not be afraid of judgment because I am covered by the blood of Jesus.

5. I declare that my eternal home is secure in heaven with God.

6. I declare that my life will be a testimony of God’s saving grace to others.

7. I declare that nothing will separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

8. I declare that I will finish my race with faith and endurance, receiving the crown of righteousness.