What is the “lamb’s book of life” and how do I know if my name is in it?

The expression “book of life” is used widely in the New Testament as a symbolic register of committed Christians who, as Jesus expressed it, will be “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10). We are assured of everlasting life in the heavenly kingdom. If one commits themselves to God, appreciates Jesus as their redeemer, and develops the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) they are given everlasting life.

These may be assured that their names are in the “book of life” and will receive their reward in the heavenly resurrection.

Paul said in Philippians 4:3, “those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, [their] names are in the book of life.”

All such Christians are in preparation of character in the present, in order to serve as “priests of God and of Christ” to uplift the world of mankind in the Millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:6).

We term this commitment “consecration,” drawing from Leviticus 8:33, which speaks of the days of “consecration” of the priests in the Old Testament. The seven days of their consecration are a picture, or illustration, of our preparation during our lifetime, to serve with Christ to bless mankind in the kingdom.

If we have made this commitment before God, it is customary practice to symbolize this decision by water baptism. This is symbolic of our immersion into the will of God. Thereafter, we look forward by faith to a heavenly resurrection, providing that we follow this “narrow … way, which leadeth unto life,” to the end of our present life (Matthew 7:14). If we do this, we may rest in faith that our names are registered in the book of life.
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The precise expression “Lamb’s Book of Life” appears in Revelation 21:27. The context there, from Revelation 20 forward, is about the kingdom of Christ established at the close of the present time called the “Gospel Age.” In this case it refers to the world of mankind recovered and committed during the “Millennial Age.” The heavenly calling will have closed by that time — the faithful of the world then will receive everlasting life on earth, as offered to Adam and Eve at the beginning.

Ultimately, all who receive life will be in Jesus’ book of life, the Lamb’s book. He is the Redeemer, and all those who receive life from his sacrifice will be in his book. During the Gospel Age that would be the saints — but in the kingdom, it will include the resurrected and rehabilitated mankind who are willing and obedient.

For more on how to be a faithful disciple of Jesus listen to:

Does Being a Christian Have to Be Difficult?

For more on God’s overall plan, listen to:

What if I’m Not Good Enough for Heaven?

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