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The Book of Life

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The Bible reveals that the first registry belongs to God, known as the Book of Life, which holds profound purpose and significance. This book is described as a record where God catalogs the names and significant details of every living person. At the final judgment, as depicted in Revelation 20:12 and 15, books are opened, including the Book of Life, and the dead are judged according to their works recorded therein. Anyone not found written in the Book of Life faces dire consequences, being cast into the lake of Fire. Additionally, Psalm 69:27-28 speaks of being blotted out of the book of the living, indicating that God records every thought and action, determining eternal life or death based on this record. The Book of Life is portrayed as a literal book in Revelation 20:12, where the apostle John witnesses books being opened during a vision. Although it may represent a broad metaphor for God's ultimate will and judgment, it is understood to be an actual record that He maintains. This book exists not to aid His memory but to benefit His children, revealing that He is a God of order who keeps meticulous records of our lives, adding a sense of urgency to the human goal of overcoming. In messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, Christ emphasizes that overcoming sinful natures is essential to have one's name written in the Book of Life. However, Revelation 3:5 indicates that there is no eternal security, as He declares that He will not blot out the name of the one who overcomes, implying that a name can be removed if one turns away from commitment to Him, as supported by other passages like Revelation 22:19, Exodus 32:33, and Deuteronomy 29:20.

Basic Doctrines: Eternal Judgment

Bible Study by Earl L. Henn

The concept of the Book of Life emerges as a critical element in the process of eternal judgment, where God, the great Judge of all the universe, determines the fate of every individual. In this judgment, as described, all humans will ultimately stand before the judgment seat of Christ, where Jesus, appointed by God the Father, will judge with fairness and righteousness, filled with the Spirit of God, using true knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. During the Great White Throne Judgment, which occurs after a period of resurrection, individuals will be judged according to the things written in the books, which represent the Word of God, the standard of righteousness for all. Those who are part of the second resurrection, raised to physical life in a peaceful world, will also be assessed by this same criterion during their hundred-year period of opportunity to learn and accept His way. Furthermore, in a third resurrection, the incorrigibly wicked, who refuse to live by God's laws and reject repentance, will face judgment. Their fate, as recorded in the context of the Book of Life, leads to being cast into the Lake of Fire, where they are completely burned up, unable to be resurrected again, having spurned His offer of salvation and eternal life.

Death: The End of the Beginning

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Last Great Day embodies God's grace and fairness, envisioning a time of perfect justice where each person receives a chance for salvation under favorable conditions, free from deception. This day anticipates the ultimate eradication of evil and the second death, also known as the Lake of Fire or the third resurrection, where all wickedness will be eternally removed, allowing God Himself to dwell with humanity. In this context, the Book of Life holds profound significance as it pertains to the judgment during the general resurrection, described in Revelation 20. This resurrection, following the Millennium and Satan's final rebellion, involves all the dead, small and great, standing before God's throne. Here, the Book of Life serves as a record in the judgment process, determining who will be welcomed into God's Family and who will face the Lake of Fire. This judgment offers the last, yet best, chance for salvation, ensuring that if individuals please God and live according to His way, their names are secured in the Book of Life, symbolizing their acceptance into eternal life with Him.

God of the Living

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

Jesus proclaimed that God was not the God of the dead but the living, identifying Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were physically dead and in their graves.

Judgment According to Works

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because God sees the content of our hearts, nothing escapes His attention. He mercifully judges over a lifetime of behaviors, not just isolated incidents.

Why the Last Great Day?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Some words are inadequate to describe the magnitude of certain things. Why is the 'Last Great Day' called great?

Basic Doctrines: The Third Resurrection

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Most of Christianity ignores the third resurrection, but it shows God's ultimate justice and how He will deal with incorrigibly evil people in godly love.

Judgment Is a Merciful Blessing

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God is patient and tender-hearted to late bloomers, forgiving sincerely repentant individuals, but will not budge an inch on rebellion or sin.

What Is the Second Death?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The second death is an event beyond physical death. It disproves the traditional heaven-hell and immortal soul doctrines, yet demonstrates God's perfect justice.

The Faithfulness of God (Part Three)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God is absolutely faithful to His promises. We attain salvation is entirely by grace; God owes us absolutely nothing.

The Judgments

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Multiple billions of people have lived and died without even hearing the name of Jesus Christ. But God has distinct periods of judgment and resurrection.

God's Sense of Justice

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God is absolutely justified in what He decides regarding the judgment and punishment of us all. However, He is merciful and always rewards righteousness.