"I KNOW MY NAME IS THERE"
Of all the books that one can have his name written in, oh how marvelous, oh how
wonderful it is, for one to have his name written in the book of life.
"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).
THE IMPORTANCE OF ONE’S NAME BEING IN THE BOOK OF LIFE.
It is only when a person complies to the will of God that he enters into a relationship with God. The result of one’s obedience is something to truly rejoice about—for we were lost but now we are saved. … but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20
Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized? Then Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:36-39
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. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:3,4
Today, when a person obeys the gospel (Romans 1:16; Mark 16:15,16), he is in Christ (Galatians 3:27) where salvation (Acts 4:12) and every single spiritual blessing is found (Ephesians 1:3). Because of one’s obedience his name is now in the book of life, when one contemplates the alternative, he can see that his obedience to the will of God is truly something to rejoice about.
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 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. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15
But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Revelation 21:27
THE IMPORTANCE OF ONE’S NAME CONTINUING TO BE IN THE BOOK OF LIFE.
The Jews kept a register of their citizens and when that person died his name was removed from that register. As Christians, if we are spiritually dead, then the Bible teaches that our names will be removed from the book of life.
You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 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 3:4,5
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18,19
What must the Christian do to keep his name in the book of life? We must simply be faithful to God (I John 1:5-2:6). Has your name been written in the book of life? If so, does your name continue to be in the book of life? A person’s name is written in the book of life, written in heaven when he obeys the gospel and his name continues to be there as along as he remains faithful to God. Walt Huntley said, Your name may not appear down here in this world’s hall of fame—in fact you may be so unknown that no one knows your name. The Oscar’s here may pass you by and neon lights a blue; but if you love and serve the Lord I have news for you. This world’s hall of fame is only good as long as time should be; but keep in mind God’s hall of fame is for eternity.
To have your name inscribed up there is greater—yes by far than all the hall’s of fame down here and every man-made star. This crowd on earth soon forgets the heroes of the past. They cheer like mad until you fall and that's about how long you last. But God he never does forget and by just obedient faith in His Son—inscribed you will find your name. I tell you friend I wouldn’t trade my name however small that’s written there beyond the stars in God’s celestial hall for every famous name on earth and glory that they share. I rather be an unknown here and have my name up there.
Mike Gurganus
PO Box 916
Henderson, NC 27536