13/09/2026
IS YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK OF LIFE? Part 1.
A Heart-Wrenching Call to Examine Your Eternal Destiny
Main Text: Revelation 20:11–15
Supporting Texts: Revelation 3:5; Luke 10:20; Matthew 7:21–23; John 3:16; Isaiah 55:6–7; Revelation 21:27
INTRODUCTION
Beloved, I want to begin with a simple question tonight.
If you were to die today, where would you spend eternity?
Not tomorrow.
Not next year.
Not when you have finished building your house.
Not when your children have graduated.
Not when you have made enough money.
If your life ended today, where would you spend eternity?
And there is another question that is even more personal:
IS YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?.
These are not questions we like to ask ourselves.
We would rather talk about our businesses, our families, our achievements, our problems and our plans for tomorrow.
But there will come a day when none of those things will matter anymore.
There will be a day when every human being will stand before God.
Revelation 20:12 says:
«“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened...”»
Then verse 15 says something frightening:
«“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”»
My brothers and sisters, this is the Word of God.
It is not a story designed to frighten us.
It is a warning from a loving God who wants us to be ready.
So tonight, I want you to forget about the person sitting beside you.
Forget about your husband.
Forget about your wife.
Forget about your neighbour.
Forget about your friend.
Tonight, look at yourself.
And ask:
“Lord, IS MY NAME IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?”
1. WHAT IS THE BOOK OF LIFE?
The Bible speaks about a heavenly record called the Book of Life.
Paul mentioned people whose names are written in the Book of Life.
In Philippians 4:3, he spoke about his fellow workers:
«“Whose names are in the book of life.”»
Jesus Himself said something very interesting in Luke 10:20.
His disciples had returned excited because they had seen the power of God at work.
They said, in effect, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us through Your name!”
But Jesus told them:
«“Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”»
Think about that.
Jesus was teaching them that there is something greater than what you can accomplish on earth.
You may have your name written on a university certificate.
You may have your name on a company document.
Your name may be known throughout your community.
You may even have your name written on a church register.
But there is one record that matters beyond this life:
THE BOOK OF LIFE.
The question is not:
“Does everybody know your name?”
The question is:
“Does your name belong to Jesus?”
2. YOU CAN BE RELIGIOUS AND STILL BE FAR FROM GOD
This is one of the most frightening things Jesus ever said.
In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus spoke about people who would call Him:
«“Lord, Lord...”»
These people were not atheists.
They were religious people.
They even claimed to have done great things in His name.
They said:
«“We prophesied in your name.”»
“We cast out demons in your name.”
“We performed miracles in your name.”
But Jesus answered:
«“I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”»
What a terrible statement!
Imagine standing before Jesus after everything you have done in church, and hearing Him say:
“I never knew you.”
That should make every Christian examine his or her life.
Because Christianity is more than going to church.
It is more than carrying a Bible.
It is more than singing in the choir.
It is more than preaching.
It is more than giving offerings.
It is more than being called “Pastor,” “Reverend,” “Elder,” “Deacon,” “Brother” or “Sister.”
Jesus wants your heart.
He wants your life.
He wants your obedience.
He wants you to surrender to Him.
3. ONE DAY, THE BOOKS WILL BE OPENED
Revelation 20 gives us a picture of the final judgment.
John saw a great white throne.
And he saw the dead—both great and small—standing before God.
Think about that scene.
On that day, nobody will be able to hide.
Nobody will say:
“God, you don't understand.”
Nobody will say:
“Give me one more opportunity.”
Nobody will say:
“Let me call my pastor.”
Nobody will say:
“Let me speak to my father.”
Nobody will be able to use money or influence.
The Bible says:
“Small and great” stood before God.
Kings will stand there.
Presidents will stand there.
Pastors will stand there.
Businessmen will stand there.
Students will stand there.
The rich will stand there.
The poor will stand there.
The famous will stand there.
The unknown will stand there.
And you will stand there.
I will stand there.
Every one of us will stand before God.
Hebrews 9:27 says:
«“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”»
You can avoid many appointments in life.
You can cancel a meeting.
You can postpone a journey.
But there is one appointment nobody can cancel:
THE APPOINTMENT WITH GOD.
4. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A NAME IS NOT FOUND?
Now we come to the part that many people don't want to hear.
Revelation 20:15 says:
«“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”»
Those are frightening words.
The Bible does not tell us to treat eternity casually.
Jesus Himself warned repeatedly about judgment.
Why?
Because eternity is real.
Hell is real.
Judgment is real.
And eternity is too long to make the wrong choice.
Some people live as though they have unlimited time.
They say:
“Let me enjoy myself first.”
“I will serve God when I get older.”
“I will repent later.”
“After I settle down, I will come back to God.”
But my friend, who told you that you have tomorrow?
James 4:14 reminds us that our life is like a vapour that appears for a little while and then disappears.
Tomorrow is not in your hands.
Your next breath is not guaranteed.
That is why the Bible says:
“Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”
Not tomorrow.
Today.
5. DON'T LET THE WORLD MAKE YOU FORGET ETERNITY
One of the greatest dangers we face is becoming so busy with this world that we forget the next.
We are busy building houses.
Busy making money.
Busy pursuing careers.
Busy raising children.
Busy travelling.
Busy buying things.
Busy trying to become successful.
There is nothing wrong with these things.
But there is something terribly wrong when they become more important than your relationship with God.
Jesus asked in Mark 8:36:
«“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”»
Think about that question.
What is the value of owning everything you ever wanted if, at the end of your life, you lose your soul?
You can have a beautiful house and still die without Christ.
You can drive the best car and still die without Christ.
You can have millions in your bank account and still die without Christ.
You can become famous and still die without Christ.
Earthly success cannot buy eternal life.
TO BE CONTINUED.
