What is the Book of Life — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Revelation 20:15, sits inside Revelation 20. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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