What is the Book of Life?
What is the Book of Life? The Book of Life is God's record of those who will inherit eternal life, mentioned throughout Scripture as the heavenly register of the redeemed.
Key verse: Revelation 20:15 (KJV)
The Book of Life is God's record of those who will inherit eternal life, mentioned throughout Scripture as the heavenly register of the redeemed.
The Book of Life is God's record of those who will inherit eternal life, mentioned throughout Scripture as the heavenly register of the redeemed.
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." — Revelation 20:15 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Book of Life appears in both the Old and New Testaments as a divine register. Moses references it when interceding for Israel, and the Psalms mention being written or blotted from the book. In Revelation, it becomes central to the final judgment — those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire. Jesus told His disciples to rejoice that their names were written in heaven. Theologians debate whether names can be removed once written, but all agree the Book represents God's sovereign knowledge of His redeemed people.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Heaven?
What the Bible reveals about heaven, eternal life, and our future home with God.
Key Scripture References
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
"And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel... whose names are in the book of life."
"Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Is Heaven a Real Place?
Yes — Jesus explicitly said He was going to prepare a place for believers, and Revelation describes heaven in vivid detail.
What Happens When You Die According to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that after death, believers are present with the Lord, while unbelievers face judgment.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Bible Verses About Eternal Life
10 curated KJV verses
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Revelation. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Revelation on day 358 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What is the Book of Life?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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