How Is One’s Name Written in the Book of Life?

[JesusFollowerForever]

The Book of Life is a record of those who belong to God and will inherit eternal life. Throughout the Bible, it is presented as a divine register that determines the fate of individuals in relation to God’s kingdom. The question of how one’s name is written in or removed from this book is crucial in understanding salvation, judgment, and God’s justice.

The Book of Life in the Old Testament​

The first mention of a divine book appears in the time of Moses. After Israel sinned by worshiping the golden calf, Moses pleaded with God for their forgiveness:


“Yet now, if You will forgive their sin, but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.’” (Exodus 32:32-33)


This passage reveals that God has a book in which names are recorded, and those who sin against Him may be removed. Moses, as an intercessor, understood that inclusion in this book was vital, and he was willing to sacrifice his place for the sake of the people. However, God made it clear that individuals are accountable for their own sins.


The idea of the Book of Life continues in the Psalms, where David, speaking against the wicked, prays:

“Add iniquity to their iniquity, and let them not come into Your righteousness. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.” (Psalm 69:27-28)


This confirms that there is a separation between the righteous and the wicked based on this book. The wicked may be removed, while the righteous remain.


Later, the prophet Daniel speaks of the Book of Life in connection with the end times and the resurrection:

“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.” (Daniel 12:1)


This prophecy shows that those whose names are in the book will be delivered, meaning they are the ones who will be saved in the final judgment. This aligns with the idea that the Book of Life contains the names of those who belong to God and will be spared from destruction.

The Book of Life in the New Testament​

The concept of the Book of Life is deepened in the teachings of Jesus and the book of Revelation. Jesus tells His disciples that their joy should not come from power over demons, but from their names being recorded in heaven:

“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)


This shows that being written in God’s book is the greatest assurance of belonging to Him.


In the book of Revelation, Jesus speaks to the church in Sardis and gives a clear promise regarding those who remain faithful:

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” (Revelation 3:5)


This verse reveals an important truth: names can be blotted out of the Book of Life, meaning it is possible to fall away from God’s grace through disobedience. However, those who overcome and remain faithful will have their names permanently secured.


At the final judgment, the Book of Life is opened, and only those whose names are found in it will be saved:

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” (Revelation 20:12)


“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)


This passage confirms that being written in the Book of Life determines one’s eternal destiny. Those whose names are not found will face eternal separation from God.

How Is One’s Name Written in the Book of Life?​

The Bible does not say explicitly whether all names start in the Book of Life from birth. However, the fact that names can be removed suggests that one must remain faithful to God to stay in the book. Jesus’ words in Revelation emphasize overcoming and obedience as key factors.


To have one’s name in the Book of Life:

1. Believe in Jesus and follow His words – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
2. Repent from sin and live righteously – “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)
3. Remain faithful to the end – “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

To Conclude, the Book of Life is God’s record of those who belong to Him and will receive eternal life. While some names may be blotted out due to sin and unfaithfulness, those who follow God, repent, and remain faithful will have their names secure in His book. The final judgment will confirm the destiny of all people based on this divine record. Jesus’ warning is clear: to rejoice not in worldly achievements, but in the assurance that our names are written in heaven.

Blessings.

 

[Clare73]

The Book of Life is a record of those who belong to God and will inherit eternal life. Throughout the Bible, it is presented as a divine register that determines the fate of individuals in relation to God’s kingdom. The question of how one’s name is written in or removed from this book is crucial in understanding salvation, judgment, and God’s justice.

The Book of Life in the Old Testament​

The first mention of a divine book appears in the time of Moses. After Israel sinned by worshiping the golden calf, Moses pleaded with God for their forgiveness:
“Yet now, if You will forgive their sin, but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.’” (Exodus 32:32-33)
This passage reveals that God has a book in which names are recorded, and those who sin against Him may be removed. Moses, as an intercessor, understood that inclusion in this book was vital, and he was willing to sacrifice his place for the sake of the people. However, God made it clear that individuals are accountable for their own sins.


The idea of the Book of Life continues in the Psalms, where David, speaking against the wicked, prays:

“Add iniquity to their iniquity, and let them not come into Your righteousness. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.” (Psalm 69:27-28)


This confirms that there is a separation between the righteous and the wicked based on this book. The wicked may be removed, while the righteous remain.


Later, the prophet Daniel speaks of the Book of Life in connection with the end times and the resurrection:

“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.” (Daniel 12:1)


This prophecy shows that those whose names are in the book will be delivered, meaning they are the ones who will be saved in the final judgment. This aligns with the idea that the Book of Life contains the names of those who belong to God and will be spared from destruction.

The Book of Life in the New Testament​

The concept of the Book of Life is deepened in the teachings of Jesus and the book of Revelation. Jesus tells His disciples that their joy should not come from power over demons, but from their names being recorded in heaven:

“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)


This shows that being written in God’s book is the greatest assurance of belonging to Him.


In the book of Revelation, Jesus speaks to the church in Sardis and gives a clear promise regarding those who remain faithful:

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” (Revelation 3:5)


This verse reveals an important truth: names can be blotted out of the Book of Life, meaning it is possible to fall away from God’s grace through disobedience. However, those who overcome and remain faithful will have their names permanently secured.


At the final judgment, the Book of Life is opened, and only those whose names are found in it will be saved:

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” (Revelation 20:12)


“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)


This passage confirms that being written in the Book of Life determines one’s eternal destiny. Those whose names are not found will face eternal separation from God.

How Is One’s Name Written in the Book of Life?​

The Bible does not say explicitly whether all names start in the Book of Life from birth. However, the fact that names can be removed suggests that one must remain faithful to God to stay in the book. Jesus’ words in Revelation emphasize overcoming and obedience as key factors.


To have one’s name in the Book of Life:

1. Believe in Jesus and follow His words – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
2. Repent from sin and live righteously – “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)
3. Remain faithful to the end – “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

To conclude, the Book of Life is God’s record of those who belong to Him and will receive eternal life. While some names may be blotted out due to sin and unfaithfulness,

The Book of Life is from Revelation, which is prophecy (Rev 1:3), which is given in riddles, not clearly (Nu 12:6-8) and is subject to more than one interpretation, the rule being that to be correct, interpretation must be in agreement with the apostolic teaching of Christ (Lk 10:16).

Since the redeemed are kept by God (1 Pe 1:5) and cannot be snatched out of his hand (Jn 10:28-29), the Book of Life is a record of those who profess Christian faith, some of whom do not actually possess true Christian faith, just as the kingdom has both wheat and tares.

those who follow God, repent, and remain faithful will have their names secure in His book. The final judgment will confirm the destiny of all people based on this divine record. Jesus’ warning is clear: to rejoice not in worldly achievements, but in the assurance that our names are written in heaven.

 

[d taylor]

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Only by believing in Jesus. When a person receives The Life of God (eternal life) when they believe in Jesus for eternal life., their name is written in the book of life.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

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Only by believing in Jesus. When a person receives The Life of God (eternal life) when they believe in Jesus for eternal life., their name is written in the book of life.

what about point no 2 and 3 are these necessary also? in your opinion, I mention this simply because many just think that simply believing in the name of Jesus will save them but it requires a bit more according to Jesus.

1. Believe in Jesus and follow His words – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
2. Repent from sin and live righteously – “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)
3. Remain faithful to the end – “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

 

[d taylor]

what about point no 2 and 3 are these necessary also? in your opinion, I mention this simply because many just think that simply believing in the name of Jesus will save them but it requires a bit more according to Jesus.

1. Believe in Jesus and follow His words – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
2. Repent from sin and live righteously – “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)
3. Remain faithful to the end – “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

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Prove two and three from The Gospel of John. The only book of The Bible whose stated purpose for being written, is to tell people how to have life (eternal life)

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

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Prove two and three from The Gospel of John. The only book of The Bible whose stated purpose for being written, is to tell people how to have life (eternal life)

The claim that the Gospel of John is solely written to tell people how to have eternal life is not accurate. While the Gospel of John does emphasize eternal life, its purpose is broader than just that. The Gospel of John was written to help people believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, they may have life in His name (John 20:31).


Now, let's address the two points you mentioned—repentance and remaining faithful:

point 2 Repentance from Sin (Luke 13:3)​

The Gospel of John doesn't directly use the word "repentance" as much as the Synoptic Gospels, but it does emphasize the need for turning to Jesus for salvation and believing in Him. Some verses relating to repentance or the call to turn to Jesus include:

• John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (This highlights faith in Jesus for eternal life, implying a turning away from sin to Jesus.)
• John 8:11: “She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’” (Jesus’ words to the woman caught in adultery, showing that repentance and a change of life are key in following Him.)

point 3 Remaining Faithful to the End (Matthew 24:13)​

The Gospel of John also speaks about remaining faithful and enduring. Jesus often speaks to His disciples about perseverance in the faith:

• John 6:39: “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.” (This assures believers of the security of those who believe and remain in Jesus.)
• John 15:4-5: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (Remaining faithful and abiding in Jesus is necessary for a fruitful life.)

The words spoken by Jesus in the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are equally valid and clearly express the importance of repentance and remaining faithful. While the Gospel of John emphasizes the eternal life found in Jesus, the other Gospels also highlight these crucial aspects of the Christian faith. These gospels complement one other and are all equally important to understant the words of jesus.

For example:

In Matthew 4:17, Jesus begins His ministry by saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This call to repentance is central to Jesus’ teachings in the Synoptic Gospels, echoing the need for turning away from sin and turning toward God.​

In Luke 13:3, Jesus directly calls for repentance with, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” This demonstrates the necessity of repentance as part of following Jesus.​

Matthew 24:13 speaks of enduring to the end for salvation: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Similarly, Mark 13:13 affirms this by saying, “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”​

So, while the Gospel of John presents essential themes of eternal life and belief in Jesus, the other Gospels provide similar teachings on repentance and perseverance, making them all vital for understanding the fullness of the message of salvation that Jesus proclaimed.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

The Book of Life is from Revelation, which is prophecy (Rev 1:3), which is given in riddles, not clearly (Nu 12:6-8) and is subject to more than one interpretation, the rule being that to be correct, interpretation must be in agreement with the apostolic teaching of Christ (Lk 10:16).

Since the redeemed are kept by God (1 Pe 1:5) and cannot be snatched out of his hand (Jn 10:28-29), the Book of Life is a record of those who profess Christian faith, some of whom do not actually possess true Christian faith, just as the kingdom has both wheat and tares.

Claire, the passage in Exodus 32:32-33 is clear;

“Yet now, if You will forgive their sin, but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.’”

This book of life was known much earlier than revelations. some prophecies of revelations are closed to us for now but are being revealed in this end times. Some are explained in part in other books like the prophets of the O.T. and become clearer at this very moment as we see these prophecies of end times being started being fulfilled or close to be. but that is for another thread eventually.



1 Peter1:5 and John10-28-28 is for those who belong to Christ, they are the ones who believe without any doubt, repent and endure to the end.

 

[d taylor]

The claim that the Gospel of John is solely written to tell people how to have eternal life is not accurate. While the Gospel of John does emphasize eternal life, its purpose is broader than just that. The Gospel of John was written to help people believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, they may have life in His name (John 20:31).


Now, let's address the two points you mentioned—repentance and remaining faithful:

point 2 Repentance from Sin (Luke 13:3)​

The Gospel of John doesn't directly use the word "repentance" as much as the Synoptic Gospels, but it does emphasize the need for turning to Jesus for salvation and believing in Him. Some verses relating to repentance or the call to turn to Jesus include:

• John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (This highlights faith in Jesus for eternal life, implying a turning away from sin to Jesus.)
• John 8:11: “She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’” (Jesus’ words to the woman caught in adultery, showing that repentance and a change of life are key in following Him.)

point 3 Remaining Faithful to the End (Matthew 24:13)​

The Gospel of John also speaks about remaining faithful and enduring. Jesus often speaks to His disciples about perseverance in the faith:

• John 6:39: “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.” (This assures believers of the security of those who believe and remain in Jesus.)
• John 15:4-5: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (Remaining faithful and abiding in Jesus is necessary for a fruitful life.)

The words spoken by Jesus in the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are equally valid and clearly express the importance of repentance and remaining faithful. While the Gospel of John emphasizes the eternal life found in Jesus, the other Gospels also highlight these crucial aspects of the Christian faith. These gospels complement one other and are all equally important to understant the words of jesus.

For example:

In Matthew 4:17, Jesus begins His ministry by saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This call to repentance is central to Jesus’ teachings in the Synoptic Gospels, echoing the need for turning away from sin and turning toward God.​

In Luke 13:3, Jesus directly calls for repentance with, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” This demonstrates the necessity of repentance as part of following Jesus.​

Matthew 24:13 speaks of enduring to the end for salvation: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Similarly, Mark 13:13 affirms this by saying, “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”​

So, while the Gospel of John presents essential themes of eternal life and belief in Jesus, the other Gospels provide similar teachings on repentance and perseverance, making them all vital for understanding the fullness of the message of salvation that Jesus proclaimed.

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Yes it is. The Gospel is focused on the 8 miracles (signs) that Jesus did to prove He Jesus is who He says He is. So people could believe in Jesus for Eternal Life.

I do not need to address repentance or remaining faithful to the end, as neither of the verses you use are addressing unbelievers receiving Eternal Life

 

[d taylor]

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I am not going to keep doing a back and forth on this. As i have done this too many times already on this site.
But if you are interested in getting right receiving eternal life, here are links to excellent articles on this.

Unless You Repent You Will Perish: Repentance in Luke 13:1-5 – Grace Evangelical Society

Confusion Abounds About How to Have Eternal Life – Grace Evangelical Society

Is Repentance Required for Eternal Life? – Grace Evangelical Society

Does Your Mind Need Changing? Repentance Reconsidered – Grace Evangelical Society

How Can a Layman Understand Repentance and Salvation? – Grace Evangelical Society

Repentance and Salvation: A Key Gospel Issue – Grace Evangelical Society


https://faithalone.org/journal-articles/repentance-and-salvation-part-1/
https://faithalone.org/journal-articles/repentance-and-salvation-part-2/
https://faithalone.org/journal-articles/repentance-and-salvation-part-3/
Repentance and Salvation part-4
Repentance and Salvation part-5
https://faithalone.org/journal-articles/repentance-and-salvation-part-6/

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

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Yes it is. The Gospel is focused on the 8 miracles (signs) that Jesus did to prove He Jesus is who He says He is. So people could believe in Jesus for Eternal Life.

I do not need to address repentance or remaining faithful to the end, as neither of the verses you use are addressing unbelievers receiving Eternal Life

Have it your way, your choice.

 

[Clare73]

Claire, the passage in Exodus 32:32-33 is clear;

“Yet now, if You will forgive their sin, but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.’”

Yes. . .my point is the Book of Life contains the names of those who profess faith, which includes those who possess faith,
like the kingdom includes all who profess faith (wheat and tares), which includes those who possess faith (the wheat).
However, not all who profess faith necessarily posses faith, and their names get blotted out when they apostasize.

This book of life was known much earlier than revelations. some prophecies of revelations are closed to us for now but aare being revealed in this end times. Some are explained in part in other books like the prophets of the O.T. and become clearer at this very moment as we see these prophecies of end times being started being fulfilled or close to be. but that is for another thread eventually.


1 Peter1:5 and John10-28-28 is for those who belong to Christ, they are the ones who believe without any doubt, repent and endure to the end.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

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​

Yes it is. The Gospel is focused on the 8 miracles (signs) that Jesus did to prove He Jesus is who He says He is. So people could believe in Jesus for Eternal Life.

I do not need to address repentance or remaining faithful to the end, as neither of the verses you use are addressing unbelievers receiving Eternal Life

I wrote this one for you;

The Call from Jesus to Repent and is essential for Salvation

The Call from Jesus to Repent and is essential for Salvation Repentance was central to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Before Jesus began His public ministry, John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way by preaching repentance. As it is written, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in...

www.christianforums.com

Blessings.

 

[d taylor]

I wrote this one for you;

The Call from Jesus to Repent and is essential for Salvation

The Call from Jesus to Repent and is essential for Salvation Repentance was central to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Before Jesus began His public ministry, John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way by preaching repentance. As it is written, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in...

www.christianforums.com

Blessings.

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Saving the Lost (Luke 19:9) – Grace Evangelical Society

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

Luk 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Luk 6:47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

Luk 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

Luk 6:49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

The Book of Life is a record of those who belong to God and will inherit eternal life. Throughout the Bible, it is presented as a divine register that determines the fate of individuals in relation to God’s kingdom. The question of how one’s name is written in or removed from this book is crucial in understanding salvation, judgment, and God’s justice.

The Book of Life in the Old Testament​

The first mention of a divine book appears in the time of Moses. After Israel sinned by worshiping the golden calf, Moses pleaded with God for their forgiveness:


“Yet now, if You will forgive their sin, but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.’” (Exodus 32:32-33)


This passage reveals that God has a book in which names are recorded, and those who sin against Him may be removed. Moses, as an intercessor, understood that inclusion in this book was vital, and he was willing to sacrifice his place for the sake of the people. However, God made it clear that individuals are accountable for their own sins.


The idea of the Book of Life continues in the Psalms, where David, speaking against the wicked, prays:

“Add iniquity to their iniquity, and let them not come into Your righteousness. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.” (Psalm 69:27-28)


This confirms that there is a separation between the righteous and the wicked based on this book. The wicked may be removed, while the righteous remain.


Later, the prophet Daniel speaks of the Book of Life in connection with the end times and the resurrection:

“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.” (Daniel 12:1)


This prophecy shows that those whose names are in the book will be delivered, meaning they are the ones who will be saved in the final judgment. This aligns with the idea that the Book of Life contains the names of those who belong to God and will be spared from destruction.

The Book of Life in the New Testament​

The concept of the Book of Life is deepened in the teachings of Jesus and the book of Revelation. Jesus tells His disciples that their joy should not come from power over demons, but from their names being recorded in heaven:

“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)


This shows that being written in God’s book is the greatest assurance of belonging to Him.


In the book of Revelation, Jesus speaks to the church in Sardis and gives a clear promise regarding those who remain faithful:

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” (Revelation 3:5)


This verse reveals an important truth: names can be blotted out of the Book of Life, meaning it is possible to fall away from God’s grace through disobedience. However, those who overcome and remain faithful will have their names permanently secured.


At the final judgment, the Book of Life is opened, and only those whose names are found in it will be saved:

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” (Revelation 20:12)


“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)


This passage confirms that being written in the Book of Life determines one’s eternal destiny. Those whose names are not found will face eternal separation from God.

How Is One’s Name Written in the Book of Life?​

The Bible does not say explicitly whether all names start in the Book of Life from birth. However, the fact that names can be removed suggests that one must remain faithful to God to stay in the book. Jesus’ words in Revelation emphasize overcoming and obedience as key factors.


To have one’s name in the Book of Life:

1. Believe in Jesus and follow His words – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
2. Repent from sin and live righteously – “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)
3. Remain faithful to the end – “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

To Conclude, the Book of Life is God’s record of those who belong to Him and will receive eternal life. While some names may be blotted out due to sin and unfaithfulness, those who follow God, repent, and remain faithful will have their names secure in His book. The final judgment will confirm the destiny of all people based on this divine record. Jesus’ warning is clear: to rejoice not in worldly achievements, but in the assurance that our names are written in heaven.

Blessings.

I really liked your interpretation of this. You asked the question when the names were entered. The following is taken from a book I have written on the topic of Free Will vs Predestination, it is one possible way:

The Book of Life Supports Predestination?​

The last book of the Bible, Revelation, has some verses that appear to have a Calvinistic meaning, we will show however that this need not be. We quote one of the verses below then explain it in a free will setting. The following is a passage from the Book of Revelation in the Bible:

The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. (NKJV, Revelation 17:8)​

It appears at first glance that these scriptures support predestination by saying the names of the damned we not in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world. This would suggest that those in the Book of Life were entered in by God “before” creation, thus supporting Calvinism.

However the actual meaning of the word apo, Strong’s number G575 (Strong 1890), the word “from” can have the connotation of referring to a period leading out from that place over time. As we see in the following two scriptures which use identical Greek grammar, and phrases to the scripture in the book of Revelation:

That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; (NKJV, Luke 11:50)​

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For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.(NKJV, Heb 9:26)​

What this shows is that Revelation 17:8 need not mean the names were in the book at the beginning, but rather were entered in from the point of creation on, they were inscribed as time went by, or in the case of the damned (e.g. those who have rejected Christ) were not entered as time passed.

Quote from: The Way and Free Will

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

I really liked your interpretation of this. You asked the question when the names were entered. The following is taken from a book I have written on the topic of Free Will vs Predestination, it is one possible way:

The Book of Life Supports Predestination?​

The last book of the Bible, Revelation, has some verses that appear to have a Calvinistic meaning, we will show however that this need not be. We quote one of the verses below then explain it in a free will setting. The following is a passage from the Book of Revelation in the Bible:

The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. (NKJV, Revelation 17:8)​

It appears at first glance that these scriptures support predestination by saying the names of the damned we not in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world. This would suggest that those in the Book of Life were entered in by God “before” creation, thus supporting Calvinism.

However the actual meaning of the word apo, Strong’s number G575 (Strong 1890), the word “from” can have the connotation of referring to a period leading out from that place over time. As we see in the following two scriptures which use identical Greek grammar, and phrases to the scripture in the book of Revelation:

That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; (NKJV, Luke 11:50)​

​

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.(NKJV, Heb 9:26)​

What this shows is that Revelation 17:8 need not mean the names were in the book at the beginning, but rather were entered in from the point of creation on, they were inscribed as time went by, or in the case of the damned (e.g. those who have rejected Christ) were not entered as time passed.

Quote from: The Way and Free Will

Thank you it was very interesting and I agree. I am sorry I never saw your post, I missed it completely.

Blessings.