Book of Life

The Book of Life refers to a record kept in heaven.

The phrase appears seven times in the New Testament (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:12; Revelation 20:15; Revelation 21:27).

The idea comes from the Old Testament, where several passages descrtibe God keeping a record of his people. Examples include Exodus 32:32; Psalm 87:6; Daniel 7:10; 12:1; and Malachi 3:16. These passages show that God records both the faithful actions and disobedience of his people. Some passages suggest God might also keep records of other nations (for example, Psalm 87:6). In Psalm 69:28, we find the phrase “Book of Life,” and the surrounding poetic lines refer to physical life.

Daniel 7:10, 12:1, and Malachi 3:16 connect divine records with final judgment and end-time events. These passages describe names and deeds as evidence before a judge. Luke 10:20 and Hebrews 12:23 share this idea but do not mention a “book.” However, a heavenly record is assumed. In Philippians 4:3, Paul uses the term “Book of Life” to give them hope about their future with God.

In the book of Revelation, the "Book of Life" is a heavenly record that contains the names of people who stay faithful to God. It first appears in Revelation in the letter to the church in Sardis (Revelation 3:5). Jesus, who is called "the Lamb," keeps this book (Revelation 13:8; 21:7).

If a person’s name is found in the book, they are allowed to enter the new Jerusalem (Revelation 20:15; 21:27). If one’s name is not written there, their judgment is final destruction. Revelation tells us these names were “written from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8; 17:8). This shows that God has always known and cared for his people.

See also Scroll of Remembrance.