In the post “What is the Second Death?” we saw that the people whose names are listed in the book of life will escape the second death. That raises the question, what is the book of life?
The phrase the book of Life is found once in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament, mostly in the book of Revelation
Find the Book of Live in Psalm 69:28, Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 17:8, Revelation 20:12, Revelation 20:15, and Revelation 21:27.
Two verses talk about names being removed from the book of life and one verse talks about names being found in the book.
Some verses talk about names written in the book of life, but it’s hard to tell if this is an action, as in names being added, or a status, as in names that are already written, that is, found in it.
We could infer that everyone’s names start out in the book of life, but some are removed or “blotted out.”
Two verses clarify that the book of life is the Lamb’s book, that is Jesus’ book (Revelation 13:8 and Revelation 21:27).
If our names are in Jesus’ book of life, we will escape the second death, the lake of fire, to enter the new Heaven and new earth.
[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Revelation 20-22 and today’s post is on Revelation 21:27.]
Read more in Peter’s devotional Bible study, A New Heaven and a New Earth: 40 Practical Insights from John’s Book of Revelation.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.