“I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” – Revelation 3:5b: 

Scripture reading: Revelation 3:1-6

Scripture tells us that God has a book, a register in which peoples’ names are entered, a roster of all those destined for eternal life. It’s a book of life since the names of the spiritually dead are excluded. Scripture teaches us that we can be baptized, profess faith, celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and still be excluded from the book of life. Our names can be on the church register without being on God’s register.

The book of Revelation records a frightening future. One day books will be opened and the dead will be judged by what is written in the books. Everyone whose name is not found in the book of life will be thrown into a lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). Note this: if your name is not in that book it’s because you’ve excluded yourself by your own unbelief.

But Jesus gives us a wonderful promise here: He will never blot out the names of those who persevere in faith and repentance, whose robes have been washed with the blood of Christ. It’s an amazing scene to envision. In the final judgment, Jesus will produce this book of life and he will recite the names of the faithful before God and all the angels. Imagine hearing Jesus say your name!

Many names, acclaimed today, will sink into oblivion and never be heard again. On the final day, however, the names of the obscure will be recited and celebrated. Don’t be so sensitive about human opinion! Be very sensitive about divine opinion!

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that Christ would enable us to profess His name today in anticipation of Christ professing our name tomorrow.

Dr. Bill DeJong is the lead pastor of Blessings Christian church in Hamilton, ON and adjunct professor of Religion and Theology at Redeemer University in Ancaster, ON. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.