‘And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire’, Revelation chapter 20 verse 15.

This is one of the most solemn verses in the Bible. It speaks of both the grace and the judgement of God. It is all of His grace that there is a Book of Life in heaven and that there are names written in it. On one occasion, Jesus said to His disciples, ‘… rejoice because your names are written in heaven’, Luke chapter 10 verse 20. Men and women did not deserve such a Book to be in existence; indeed, their rejection of God and His Word deserved banishment from His presence forever. However, He has provided the means by which their names can appear in the Book of Life and thereby, escape judgement. Repentance towards Him and genuine faith in the Lord Jesus guarantees an entry into that Book.

However, when we reach the account of God’s final judgement at the great white throne, revealed in the Book of Revelation chapter 20, we discover this disturbing statement by God: ‘And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire’, Revelation chapter 20 verse 15. It is our earnest prayer that no one reading this meditation will find themselves in this IRREVERSIBLE position. It is sobering to read the account of this judgement and to realise that no voice will raised by those who stand there against the Judge on the throne, the Lord Jesus Christ. They will know that they never turned to God and trusted Him as their Saviour. There will be no objection from any person to the judgement given – the Book of Life will reveal conclusively that their name is not there! Standing there alone and without excuse, they will be sent to a lost eternity!

May that not be your choice.