The Church Directory is Not the Book of Life

Occasionally people seem to confuse the congregation's directory with the book of life. Some outside the body of Christ tell Christians, “You think you're the only ones going to heaven.” Some in the body of Christ think, “Well, I go to church, and it's a good church, so I'm okay.” Both of these make the mistake of thinking that having your name in the church directory is the same as having your name in the book of life.

And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 4:3 (KJV)

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 3:5 (KJV)

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:12-14 (KJV)

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Revelation 21:27 (KJV)

One thing that is quickly seen in each of these passages is that people are not written into the book of life as a group. They are written as individuals. Paul describes these individuals as “fellow laborers,” that is, those who are diligently working to further the cause of Christ. In the book of Revelation, it is stated that those who “overcome,” that is, patiently endure the trials and temptations of this life while leading a Christian life, will not have their name blotted out of the book of life. We see also that having one's name in the book of life is dependent on obedient action, for such is what we will be judged by. We also see, by comparison, that those written into the book of life are pure and blameless before God, nor being defiled or spotted by sin.

This is not to say that working and assembling with a sound, solid congregation is not important. It most definitely is. But identifying yourself with the most faithful congregation in the world will not gain you entrance into heaven. Having your name in the directory will not get your name into the book of life.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12 (KJV)

Paul writes that Christians should work out their own salvation. He is not instructing us to create our own rules or system by which we can be saved. He is instructing us to be aware that salvation is on an individual basis. As such, we need to work towards salvation on an individual basis. Each of us is responsible for having faith (Hebrews 11:6, I Corinthians 15:1-19, Matthew 16:16, Acts 8:37). Each of us must repent of our sins and turn to God (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19). Each of us must confess Christ continually (Romans 10:10). Each individual must be baptized (Acts 2:38, I Peter 3:21). Each individual must engage in obedient works (James 2:14-26, Ephesians 2:10). And each individual must be sure not to waver and fall away (Luke 8:13, Hebrews 6:4-6).

You may convince yourself that you are doing well, even without putting in much effort (I Corinthians 3:18). You may convince others in the church that you are solid, on the basis of coming to assemblies. Everyone you worship and work with may be in the book of life. But your life must truly be in accordance with God's will if you wish to have your name in the book of life. Are you diligently laboring in the same way as those who labored with Paul, striving to teach others the gospel (II Corinthians 5:11) and doing good to all men (Galatians 6:10)? Are you striving to overcome sin and temptation and live a life in accordance with God's will? Do your actions reflect a focus on spiritual things, a trust in God, and a willingness to submit your will to His? Are you free from sin?

If not, then your name, according to the scriptures, is not in the book of life. While it is important to identify and assemble with a scripturally solid and faithful church, we must make sure that the local directory is not the only place our name appears. We must faithfully strive to have our name written in the book of life.