Topic: Book of Life

Philippians 4:3 > 2 Nephi 29:11 > Doctrine and Covenants 76:68 > Alma 5:58 > James 2:17-18 > Exodus 32:33 > Psalms 69:28 > Revelation 3:5 > Daniel 12:1 > Revelation 20:12-15 > Doctrine and Covenants 128:6-7

In the Scripture Train, "Becoming Christ-like", we discussed the scriptural teaching that only those who become Christ-like will inherit Eternal Life. The scriptures also teach that to gain Eternal Life our names must be written in the Book of Life.

In Philippians chapter 4 verse 3, Paul pleads with his brethren to look after those women, and others, who labored with him in the gospel, who he called his, "Fellow Laborers", whose names are written in the Book of Life. Immediately what jumps out to me and those who study the scriptures diligently is the fact that it is those who labor, those who bring forth good works, those who are not hearers only, but doers of the word, who will be written in the Book of Life.

In 2 Nephi chapter 29 verse 11, although the Book of Life is not specifically mentioned, we are taught that we will be judged out of the books which shall be written, we shall be judged according to our works. We must assume that the Book of Life is one of those books. Similarly, in the Doctrine and Covenants section 76 verse 68, we read that those who receive salvation will be those whose names are written in heaven. In what will they be written? The books, of course, even the Book of Life. In Alma chapter 5 verse 58, Alma teaches that it does not matter what our opinions are, what does matter is what the scriptures teach and in this matter they teach that our names must be written in Book of Life and only the names of the righteous will be written therein. The righteous are those, who by their works, demonstrate their faith in Jesus Christ. James chapter 2 verses 17 and 18 is very sure on this point; certainly James was a righteous man, he knew that righteousness came by doing through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Even though our names may be written in the Book of Life, it is possible that we could be blotted out of this great book. In Exodus chapter 32 verse 33, the Lord warns Moses that those who sin will be blotted out of His Book of Life. Here we learn that the Book of Life is the Lord’s book. Furthering our understanding, we read in Psalms chapter 69 verse 28 that the names of the unrighteous will be blotted out of the Book of Living. There are a couple of interesting things that we can ponder upon at this point. These are ideas and not doctrines. First, is it a possibilty that all of God's children's names are written in the Book of Life until such time when, through their unrighteousness, they are blotted out? Second, are our names written in the Book of Life only after we take upon ourselves the saving ordinances and make covenants with God? Obviously, no matter what the case, we are written in the Book of Life and we can be blotted out. Our salvation is not made sure until God says so! This is alluded to in Revelation chapter 3 verse 5 where we learn that we can overcome sin and thus unrighteousness and those people who do overcome, their names will not be blotted out, but rather they will be clothed in the robes of righteousness and Christ will confess their names before His Father and all the holy angels.

In Daniel chapter 12 verse 1, we read of a great message of hope to all those whose names are found in the "Book". In times of great trial and trouble all those whose names will be found written in the Book of Life will be delivered.

What is the final out come? In Revelation chapter 20 verses 12 through 15 and Doctrine and Covenants section 128 verses 6 and 7, we learn what will become of us as we come before the great Judge, even Jesus Christ, to Whom the Book of Life belongs. We will stand before Him and the books will be opened in which is recorded the works, which we have done while living upon the earth and we will all be judged out of these books according to our works. Then the Book of Life will be opened and if our names are not found in the Book of Life, we will be cast out; if, on the other hand our names are written therein, we will be saved in the kingdom of God.