Important Note

God is all-knowing and this a Biblical fact.

He may or may not necessarily have these books as literal as we see it in our library collections.

Most scholars believe that the mention of “books/records” by the Bible writers are both metaphorically and heavenly. Meaning, determining the exact description, form, design, and details of these books is none of human business because all secret things belong to God and what we can only talk about is the things which are revealed to us (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Studying further, one can see that there is a transition in allusions of using the scroll/books/records. In the OT, it mostly reflects on actual temporal records for the nation Israel. But, in the NT, it shifted towards the eternal records of all people.

The coming judgement Day

In Revelation 20:12 and 21:23-27, we read that on the judgement day, there will be books (that is plural) which must be opened, and that only those whose names which shall be found in the Book of Life shall enter the Kingdom of God. The biggest question is, do we have the assurance that our name will be on that book, especially the Book of Life (Lamb's Book of Life)?

The six (6) types pf Records in Heaven

1.) Book of the Living

Many scholars believed that this book is just the same as the Book of Life. I will not take side on this, but simply present that this book exist in the Bible. We may identify it as like a Civil Registry record. This book contains the birth of His people just as what is written in Jeremiah 1:5. That, God has consecrated him already even when he was still in his mother's womb. The Psalmist also has the confidence that his name is already written in this book prior to his birth, at the time when he was still a formless substance (Psalms 139:16). However, in Psalms 69:28, King David plead to the Lord that the names of his enemies may be wiped out from the Book of the Living, and that their names would not be written along with the names of the righteous.

And we know that it is Biblical fact that all these came into existence because of God's workmanship. (Read Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:4-6; 2:10)

2.) Book of the House of Israel

Some scholars identify this record as the same with the Book of the Living. However, this book is particular census book of the people of Israel. In Ezekiel 13:9, NASB translation it is specifically identified as the Register of the House of Israel. In Exodus 32:32-33, God told Moses that those members of the House of Israel who sinned against Him will be wiped out from the Books whom God has written.

3.) Book of Tears

Many scholars also associate this book as the same as the Book of Life. In Psalms 56:8, David has the confidence that God takes away his miseries and took his tears inside God's bottles of tears, and that his miseries and cries are recorded by God. This confidence is evident in Psalms 34:18, where David declares that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. In 2 Kings 20:3-5, Prophet Isaiah was instructed by the Lord to tell King Hezekiah that He has seen his tears and that the Lord will heal him from his disease.

4.) Book of Remembrance

This book somehow is closely related to the Book of the House of Israel. However, in Malachi 3:16-18, it is a very specific kind of record. This is book that lists the names of God's people who feared and esteemed His name. This is the list of those God promised to take along with Him upon His coming. And this mirrors the inclusion of Cornelius' prayers and acts of charitable gifts which are considered memorial before God (Acts 10:1-4, 31).

5.) Book of Works and Deeds

Traditionally, it is believed that this Book is one of the main Books which shall be opened during the Judgement Day (Revelation 20:12). In Daniel 7:10, the prophet foretold about the coming judgement when the courts shall convene and there will be books which shall be opened.

In 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, Apostle Paul mentioned about testing the output of a preacher's work at the coming testing of fire. And in Matthew 6:1-4, the Lord teaches about making charitable deeds in secret. This is to have an eternal reward recorded in heaven.

6.) Book of Life (Lamb's Book of Life)

This is the most controversial and most scrutinized Book mentioned in the Bible because, as what is written in Revelation 21:10-27, only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life shall enter the New Jerusalem. And accordingly, Daniel 12:1, mentioned that only those names which would be found in the Book shall be rescued by God.

This Book of Life has the following characteristics:

God has already listed the names of special people who He pre-identified: Revelation 13:8, Ephesians 1:4-6

The Book is the list of names of God's disciples and servants: Luke 10:19-20, Philippians 4:2-3

The Book brings joyful news: Philippians 4:3-4, Luke 10:19-20

It is a Book of Life: Philippians 4:3, Revelation 20:15, Revelation 21:27

Some names can be removed from: Exodus 32:31-33

The book list down names when one truly belongs to God's general assembly and Christ' Church (Hebrews 12:22-23):

1.) A sinner believe and accept Jesus Christ (John 8:24, Romans 10:9-10)

2.) A sinner repented of his/her sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 8:22)

3.) A sinner Confessed the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 8:37;found in KJV)

4.) Believed in Jesus Christ and are baptized (Mark 16:16)

5.) Those who have not soiled their life (Revelation 3:5)

6.) Those who walked what Jesu teaches and exemplified (Colossians 2:6, Philippians 4:13)

Further notes includes:

Psalm 69:28 The Psalmist knew this.

Revelation 3:5 Jesus told the church at Sardis to be aware of this.

Revelation 22:18-19 God will take away those who remove/add something from the Word of God

Revelation 20:11-15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire

TWO IMPORTANT QUESTIONS:

A. Do you have the confidence in Christ that your name could be found in this book?

1. It is more important that your name be here than anywhere else.

2. If it isn’t, you need to submit to God right now!

B. If so, are you doing what is necessary to make sure it stays there?

1. Are you being faithful to the Lord?

2. Remember your name can be removed!

Good news:

Wither temporal for the historical Israel, or eternal for the body of Christ, God’s ultimate desire is to save all mankind and come to the knowledge of truth (1 Timothy 2:4)