What Do You Want Written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

 My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to the last seven chapters in the New Testament, Revelation 15-22, in a lesson titled “He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things.” The lesson was preceded by this statement: “Sometimes the biggest obstacle to learning is our assumption that we don’t need to learn – that we already know. As you read the scriptures, be open to new insights that the Lord wants to give you.” The lesson was then introduced by the following paragraphs: 

As you may recall, the book of Revelation begins with the Savior declaring Himself to be “the beginning and the ending” (Revelation 1:8). Fittingly, it ends with similar words: “I am … the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). But what does that mean? The beginning and the end of what? The book of Revelation powerfully testifies that Jesus Christ is the beginning and end of everything—of the great, sweeping drama of human existence and salvation. He is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). And He is the King of kings who brings an end to wickedness, sorrow, and even death itself and ushers in “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

Yet before this new heaven and new earth arrive, there is much for us to overcome: plagues, wars, rampant wickedness—all of which Revelation vividly describes. But Jesus Christ is with us during this part too. He is the “bright and morning star” that shines in the dark sky as a promise that dawn is coming soon (Revelation 22:16). And it is coming soon. He is coming. Even as He invites us, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28), He also comes to us. “I come quickly,” He declares. And with hope and faith that has been purified in the fires of latter-day adversity, we answer, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

The principle chosen for this discussion is “All of God’s children will be judged out of the book of life (Revelation 20:12-15; 21:1-4).

If someone offered to author the story of your life, what details or experiences would you like to be included? If you knew that your future actions would also be recorded, how would you approach your future life to make your life story better? Consider the above two questions as you study Revelation 20:12-15.

12 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.

13 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.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. [Emphasis added.]

What do you hope will be written about you in the book of life? How would you describe the Savior’s role in your book of life? In your opinion, why is it significant that it is called “the Lamb’s book of life” as stated in Revelation 21:27?

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

If the thought of standing before God to be judged is uncomfortable for you, consider looking at Revelation 21:1-4.

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Referring to the above verses, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles said the following:

“That Day of Judgment will be a day of mercy and love — a day when broken hearts are healed, when tears of grief are replaced with tears of gratitude, when all will be made right. Yes, there will be deep sorrow because of sin. Yes, there will be regrets and even anguish because of our mistakes, our foolishness, and our stubbornness that caused us to miss opportunities for a much greater future.

“But I have confidence that we will not only be satisfied with the judgment of God; we will also be astonished and overwhelmed by His infinite grace, mercy, generosity, and love for us, His children” (“O How Great the Plan of Our God!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 21). O How Great the Plan of Our God! (churchofjesuschrist.org)

How do these truths affect the way that you view the Final Judgment? What do these truths inspire you to change in your life?

Heavenly Father is both a merciful and a just God. I believe that He will be as generous with us as possible in His mercy. I also believe that He will be as lenient as possible in His justice. However, I know that He must abide by His laws. I am grateful for His loving gift of His Only Begotten Son, even Jesus Christ, to mediate in my behalf and on the behalf of all people. I love both Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for acting in a way to give me and all people eternal life if we choose to receive their plan.