IS MY NAME THERE? - Will I Be Called?

IS MY NAME THERE? - Will I Be Called?

INTRODUCTION:

“I have a name to protect” is a common statement I have heard so many times. Satan does not respect honourable names, titles, status and class. Without Christian virtues and characters, the whole legacy would be messed up in few seconds. Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” What makes a good name? Good character defines a name. Names are very important and define the identity of the bearer. Some people have names that they do not admire partly because of the literal meaning or the historical account of the original bearer of such names. It doesn’t matter what name you have been given. Spiritual virtues will transform the bearer after salvation, thereby making the bearer’s life beautiful and desirable.

Having our names written in the book of life is tremendously important. Some people bear wonderful Christian names but that is not the criteria. Our names are written in the Book of Life through the application of Jesus blood at salvation. Do all you can, achieve all that is possible but make sure you do everything possible to be enlisted and sustained in the Book of life because in the final analysis, that is the only thing that matters.

You may have a popular name but does Heaven have the record of your name in the Book of Life? There is yet hope.

QUESTIONS:

1. What type of people will not enter into the City described in our text? Be specific, supporting your answer with Scripture.

POINTS:

Who is God? (His characteristics/Attributes)

·         God is righteous

·         God is Holy

·         God is truthful

·         God is good

God’s City and the inhabitants must agree with His attributes.

From Garden of Eden (A Practical example of God’s City)

·         Garden of Eden was created with relative perfection

·         After the fall of man, God planned for a better City

Adam and Eve trespass and the consequences: A case study

·         Adam and Eve trespass and the resultant consequences and eviction is a practical example of those who will not enter the City

Unbelievers and the Faithless 

·         What does it mean to be a believer? – You believe and apply what you believe

The Cowardly 

·         Those who lack the courage to stand firm in their faith will be kept outside the City.

The Abominable (including various works of the flesh)

·         Individuals who engage in practices deemed detestable or unclean by biblical standards are excluded.

Sexually Immoral (Whoremongers) 

Individuals who engage in sexual sin contrary to God’s design are excluded.

Sorcerers (Practitioners of the Occult) 

Those who practice witchcraft or seek power outside of God will not enter.

Idolaters 

·         Those who worship false gods or prioritize anything above the true God will be barred.

Liars 

·         Making an untrue statement with intent to deceive.

 

2. Explain what the Book of Life contains (Revelation 3:5). Of what importance is the Book of Life?

POINTS:

The Book

·         A spiritual identity/document

Life:

·         A description of the content - those who are enlisted in the book

·         Their spiritual identity

·         Their lifestyle, while living on earth

·         The future that awaits them

Whosoever will

·         It is an exclusive book, yet for whosoever will

·         It is based on individual choice

The Book determines eternal destiny

·         It is an eternity destiny determinant book

Names of the Redeemed 

   Revelation 3:5 - "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." 

Redeemed from the corruption of this present life

Records of Faithfulness 

Revelation 20:12 - "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." 

Indicative of a life lived in faith and obedience

 Importance of the Book of Life

Assurance 

Philippians 4:3 - "And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowLabourers, whose names are in the book of life." 

The Book of Life provides assurance of eternal life if the name is kept there.

Encouragement to Remain steadfast

Revelation 3:5 - "...and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life..." 

Is your name written there? Defend your inclusion with faithful walk and work with God

Eternal Hope Reservation

Exodus 32:32-33 - "Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin, forgive it; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." 

Only you can remove it. Don’t do it

God will not do it without your action (removal is a reaction to your action)

Satan cannot remove it without your consent – yield not

 

3. Read Revelation 21:3-4. Who are the people in these verses?

POINTS:

A prepared place for prepared people

A place to dwell with God

Spiritual relationship

There is a price to pay

There is a cross to bear

Reward time is sure (a crown to gain)

The real new world order is coming

Who Are the People in Revelation 21:3-4?

1. God’s People (Believers)

Revelation 21:3 - "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

 The "people" referred to here are the redeemed, those who have accepted Christ and are His followers.

Relationship between God and His people, representing a fulfillment of His promise to dwell among them.

2. Comforted Ones

Revelation 21:4 - "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

They have experienced suffering, pain, and loss in their earthly life.

They hoped on God’s promise to provide comfort and healing from every form of grief.

3. Overcomers

Revelation 21:7 - "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."

Those who have persevered in faith despite trials and challenges.

 Importance of God’s Presence

Redemptive Relationship: A personal relationship with God, where He desires to dwell among His people.

Eternal Hope: Comfort and healing from all earth’s troubles

Assurance of Victory: Our faith leads to eternal reward in God’s presence.

What does it take to be counted among this people?

·         Christian virtues such as willingness, consecration, and obedience

4. The Book of Life is not the only book John saw (Revelation 20:12). What do you think is found in the other books?

POINTS:

The Book of life (God’s plan A for you)

The books… (necessity plan B book, due to human choice and disobedience)

Each book defines two identities (Righteousness and Unrighteousness)

Watch your thoughts, words, deeds and conduct every day

1. Recorded Deeds and Works

Revelation 20:12 - "...and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."

These books contain records of individual actions, decisions, and deeds throughout a person’s life.

2. Accountability for Every Word and Action

    Matthew 12:36 - "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."

    A reminder to be mindful of our words and actions, focusing on speaking truth and acting righteously.

 

5. Why is the Book of Life sometimes called “The Lamb’s Book”?

POINTS:

The Author

Without the Author, there would be no book

Jesus is the Author and finisher of our faith/redemption

The Book of life/Lamb’s Book is the fruit/evidence of the Author’s work

1. Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb 

John 1:29 - "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

The sinless was needed to die for the sinful

2. The Atonement for Sin 

Hebrews 9:22 “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”

Jesus bore it all and paid it all

It is finished

It is done

3. Assurance of Belonging/Relationship 

Revelation 21:27 - "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."

Those whose names are recorded have a special relationship with Christ.

 

6. What is the alternative to the Book of Life?

POINTS:

God’s best is best

God’s best is best for you

Alternatives? (Missing out on the best)

Alternatives come with relative consequences

Two options: Life or death

There is yet hope (Be enlisted in the Book of Life)

Jesus makes the reservation for everyone

Confirm your booking through salvation

1. The Lake of Fire

 Revelation 20:15 - "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

Created for the devil and his angels

It is by choice and disobedience that humans would belong there

2. Judgment

Matthew 25:46 - "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."

Forward your luggage ahead, now

Settle the old account

3. Spiritual Death (Separation from God)

The alternative to being in the Book of Life is spiritual death, defined by separation from God due to sin.

In essence, there is no better alternative to the Book of life

 

7. Once your name is written down, can it ever be removed? See Exodus 32:33.

POINTS:

God’s words and promises are yes and amen – settled

Choice and response make the difference

Our names written in the book of life is a reaction to our decisions

Removing the name is also a reaction to our actions

God is able to save to the uttermost

Sin? (Satan Identification Number)

The book of life – Definition of spiritual identity of the righteous

Spiritual prompt command (If sin is found, then remove)

There is yet hope (Acknowledge and do the first work)

Sin

·         Sin is the only eraser of names from the Book of Life

·         Whosoever – no preferential or special case treatment (in favour for or against)

Covenant Promise (Conditional)

Revelation 3:5 - "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."

We are to remain "overcomers," a continuous commitment to faith and righteousness in order to keep our names in the Book of life

Privileged information:

·         God did not hide information from us to help us to keep our names in the Book of life

·         We have full knowledge of how to get saved

·         We have full knowledge and capacity of how to maintain our spiritual freedom and identity

Example of Possible Removal 

Exodus 32:33 - "And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." 

God does not willfully or randomly remove names from the book of life

 

8. What can a person do to ensure that his name will remain in the Book of Life?

POINTS:

Spiritual maintenance

Spiritual Dominion

Victory all the time

Spiritual curriculum

Study to show yourself approved unto God

Spiritual communication

Consecration

Faithful Service

Utmost good faith unto God – God first

Applications of spiritual knowledge

Occupy (Feet with the gospel of Jesus – ready to go)

1. Faith

John 3:36 - "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

True belief in Jesus Christ is the foundation of salvation and ensures one's name is written in the Book of Life.

2. Obedience

1 John 2:3-4 - "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

Obedience to God's commandments is a demonstration of true faith.

Strive to live according to biblical principles and let our lives reflect our commitment to God.

3. Persevere

Matthew 24:13 - "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

Faithfulness and perseverance in our walk and work are necessary to maintain our relationship with God. This includes cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers.

4. Worship & Fellowship

Hebrews 10:25 - "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Regular fellowship helps us stay encouraged and rooted in faith.

5. Seeking

Actively seeking God's guidance through prayer and studying His Word helps us make decisions aligned with His will, ensuring we remain in faith.

 

9. Read Revelation 22:18-19. What does it mean to you?

POINTS:

Prophecy – History in advance

Prophecy accuracy – learn from history

What you hear: What are you doing about it?

The word of God is perfect: Does not need to be Updated

The word of God is fundamentally complete:

(Removing anything makes it non-effective, for the user)

The truth that sets free – what you need to hear, not what you want to hear

Great Reward: In keeping all

1. Reverence

 The Scriptures are sacred and should be treated with reverence.

 2 Timothy 3:16 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

 2. Authority

 God presides over His revelations, and any attempt to modify them is an act against His sovereignty.

 Isaiah 40:8 - "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

 3. Consequences of Alteration

Approach Scripture with humility and caution.

Galatians 1:8-9 - "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."

 4. Preserving the Integrity

The importance of passing down the true and unaltered teachings of Scripture to future generations.

 5. Faithfulness

Remain faithful to the truth of Scripture. Be diligent in understanding God's will as revealed in His Word.

Matthew 4:4 - "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

 

10. From the text, list some of the things you can look forward to if you keep your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

POINTS:

Face to face with Christ our Saviour

End of related sinful curse

Perfect peace

Good health

Spiritual fellowship

Glorified body

Supernatural living and operations

1. Eternal Life with God 

Revelation 21:4 - "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

A life where pain, sorrow, and death are wiped away. This promise offers profound hope and comfort for believers facing trials in this life.

2. Inheritance

Those whose names are in the Lamb's Book of Life will enter the New Jerusalem, enjoying a perfect and holy environment where God's presence dwells.

3. Reward for Faithfulness 

Matthew 25:21 - "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

 

CHALLENGE:

Lord, I care not for riches, neither silver nor gold;

I would make sure of heaven, I would enter the fold.

In the book of Thy kingdom with its pages so fair,

Tell me, Jesus, my Savior, is my name written there?

 

Refrain:

Is my name written there

On the page white and fair?

In the book of Thy kingdom,

Is my name written there?