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Today's Little Lift
by Jim Bullington
The Book of Life
Peter was the only inspired writer to use the expression “Prince of Life.” He used this phrase to convince a group of fellow-Hebrews at the temple that Jesus was the promised Messiah of the Old Testament (Acts 3:15). We are examining other “of life” expressions in the scriptures. The phrase under consideration today is the “book of life.” This expression is found 8 times in the New Testament; it appears in the books of Philippians and Revelation, Paul and John being the only writers to use it.
“And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.” (Philippians 4:3). This is the first biblical expression concerning the book of life. It is obvious from the context that those who live according to the hope of the gospel have their names written in this book, though Paul does not elaborate.
John uses the phrase 7 times in the book of Revelation. The church at Sardis is warned to remember and repent (3:3). Recording the words of Jesus, John writes, “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.” (3:5). The book of life is again mentioned at 13:8,17:8,20:12 & 20:15 but little else is revealed of its character or function.
Revelation 21:17 adds a couple of very interesting details. First, those who enter New Jerusalem, the Holy City, must have their names written in this book. Its significance is unexcelled. All other books take a back seat to the Book of Life when it comes to eternal life; they are insignificant. Secondly, it is “the Lamb’s book of life!” The Lamb has the power to write in the book and to blot names out of the book. The Prince of Life owns the Book of Life!
There was never a more expensive book! In order to have the right to make entries and to blot out names from the book, the Lamb had to pay with His life. It was in preparation from eternity and will last into eternity future. It has no physical bindings, but it will never deteriorate or fade. There are no mistakes or typographical errors in this book. It will never be reprinted nor will there ever be a second or third edition. The Lamb’s Book of Life is as unique as the Lamb Himself!
Notice one final, sobering thought about the book of life. Jesus warns that if anyone adds to or takes away from His book of revelation, “God shall take away his part from the book of Life” and “from the holy city…”(22:19). For the faithful Christian, this offers assurance of three things – 1st) The book of revelation will not be corrupted (see John 12:48), 2nd) The Book of Life contains his/her name, and 3rd) These eternal realities are guaranteed by none other than the Jesus Christ. With this overview, it is no wonder that Peter coined a most appropriate and meaningful phrase, the Prince of Life!
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