Solomon said, "Of the writing of the books there is no end" (Ecclesiastes 12:12). In ancient times the production of a book was a slow and laborious task, but since the invention of printing in the fifteenth century an avalanche of literature has poured into the lives of all who can read. Until modern times, books had been the only permanent record of the past. Today, however, Both video and audio recordings, can provide an instant replay of events captured at the moment of happening. The most important book in Revelation is called the Book of Life. It is mentioned at least six times and represents an incredibly detailed record of the lives of all the people who have accepted the loving Lamb of God as their Lord and Savior.
If you could write a book about your whole life so far, what title would you give it? Why? What have others said?
If only one thing that you did during the last week would be eternally remembered, what incident would you choose?
What have others said?
A Book Exalted by Jesus' Name
How is your value of the Book of Life affected by the title of it's owner? Revelation 21:27 What have others said?
Can you think of some reasons Jesus would have for choosing this title rather than Lion, King, or Alpha and Omega? What have others said?
Cross Reference
From the following scriptures, when do you conclude that names are entered into the Lamb's Book of Life? John 1:12; 3:16; 1 John 5:11, 12 What have others said?
A Book Established by Jesus' Followers
For how long, in human history, has the Lamb's Book of Life been used by God? Revelation 17:8
It appears that from the time of Adam and Eve, God has written in the Book of Life the assurance that all who accept the loving Lamb and live for Him would have the destiny of eternal life.
How did Moses, David and Paul reveal their awareness of the book of life?
A Book Entry Erased by Rejection of Jesus
The book of Revelation continually pictures a great conflict between Jesus and Satan, and between the followers of the Lamb and the Dragon.
How are those who are deceived by satanic earthly powers identified by their relationship to the Lamb's Book of Life? Revelation 13:8; 17:8 What have others said?
Whose names are not blotted out or erased from the Lamb's Book of Life? Revelation 3:5 What have others said?
A Book Examined by Jesus in the Judgment
It seems that a record of the life of every Christian is necessary, not for God's sake since He knows everything, but because Satan accuses those people whom God has saved (Revelation 12:10). Apparently he claims that their sins should keep them from salvation. There is no heavenly "cover up" -- for the Lamb's Book of Life God shows that the forgiven sins of those who receive eternal life are covered by the blood of Jesus.
What evidence do you find that more than one book will be examined at the end of the thousand years? Revelation 20:12 (The thousand year period will be studied in the guide on Revelation 20.) What have others said?
Is there evidence of a careful reviewing of the books of record? Revelation 20:15 What have others said?
If Satan can point to sins that are not confessed and not forsaken does he have a valid claim on that person's life? What have others said?
The ancient Hebrew prophet Daniel, writing about 600 years before John authored Revelation, was given a view of books examined in a judgment scene. What similarities and differences can you find when you compare the scene in Revelation 20:11-15 with Daniel 7:9, 10, 21, 22; 12:1, 2?
Jesus wants you to know that your name is in His Book of Life. Assurance of this will give you confidence for today, the power to cope with life's pressures, hope for the future and joy in the judgment. If you haven't already, why not pause for a moment now and give Jesus permission to enter your name in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Consider ways you can help a person have the assurance by faith that their name is written in the Book of Life. What have others said?
Some have pictured the books of heaven as cosmic computer videos of every life. In what ways are you encouraged by the fact that a God of love keeps such careful and just records? What have others said?
If Jesus died to make the entry of your name in the Book of Life possible, how easily do you think He will erase it? What have others said?
How can a Christian deal with the concern that there may be a negative entry by their name in the Lamb's Book of Life? What have others said?
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