Chapter Eleven/Is Your Name in the Book of Life?

"A Few Names"

Jesus' next words to the congregation in Sardis are most  encouraging.  He says:  "Nevertheless, you do have a few names in Sardis that did not defile  their outer garments and they shall walk with me in white ones, because they are worthy. He that conquers will thus be arrayed in white outer garments; and I will by no means blot out his name from the  book of life, but I will make acknowledgement of his name before my Father and before his angels." (Revelation 3:4, 5)   Do not these  words arouse us and strengthen our determination to be faithful?  Because of negligence on the part of a body of elders, a congregation as a whole may fall into deep spiritual sleep. Yet, some individuals therein may strive courageously to keep their Christian identity  pure and unspoiled and thus continue to have a good name with Jehovah. -Proverbs 22:1.

Yes, those "outer garments" refer to a person's righteous identity as a Christian.  (Compare Revelation 16:15; 19:8)  It must be heartwarming for Jesus  to see that, despite the apathy of the great majority, "a few names," a  few anointed Christians in Sardis still manage to keep this identity.  Likewise, when professed Christians were absorbed into Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, during the long centuries of the great apostasy, there must always have been a few individuals  who tried, against great odds, to do Jehovah's will.  These were righteous  like wheat hidden amid a profusion of sectarian weeds. -Revelation 17:3-6;  Matthew 13:24-29. 

Jesus promised that he would be with these wheatlike Christians "all the days until the conclusion of the system of things."  He knows who they are and what good names  they made for themselves.  (Matthew 28:20; Ecclesiastes 7:1)  Imagine the joy of those faithful  "few" who were still alive at the start of the Lord's day!  They were finally separated from spiritually dead Christendom and were gathered into a righteous congregation more like the congregation in Smyrna.  -Matthew 13:40-43.

Those in Sardis who are faithful  to the end and so not sully their Christian identity attain the realization of a wonderful hope.  After the establishment of Jesus'  Messianic Kingdom in 1914, they are resurrected to spirit life and as conquerors are arrayed  with white outer garments in symbol of their flawless, untainted righteousness.  Having  walked the cramp road that leads to life, they will enjoy  an eternal reward. -Matthew 7:14; see also Revelation  6:9-11.

Forever in the Book of Life!

What is "the book of life," and whose names will be retained therein?  The book, or scroll, of life refers to the record of Jehovah's servants who come inm line to receive the grant of everlasting life.  (Malachi 3:16)  Here in Revelation specific reference is  made to the names of  anointed Christians. But the names of those in line fro everlasting life on earth are also recorded therein. Moreover, names can be 'blotted out' of that book.  (Exodus 32:32. 33) Nevertheless, those of the John class whose names remain in the book of life until their death receive immortal life in heaven.  (Revelation 2:10)  These are the names  that Jesus  specially acknowledges before his Father and before His angels. How magnificent that reward! 

The great crowd, whose names are also written in that book of life, will come out of the great tribulation alive.  By exercising faith throughout Jesus' Millennial Reign and during the decisive test that follows  these will be rewarded with life everlasting in Paradise on earth.  (Daniel 12:1; Revelation 7:9, 14; 20:15; 21:4)  Their names will then remain indelibly  written in the book of life.  Knowing what is here presented by means of holy spirit, do you not respond with enthusiasm to Jesus' repeated exhortation: "Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says  to the congregation"? -Revelation 3:6. 

Next time: Chapter Twelve/ "Keep On Holding Fast What You Have" 

From the book of Revelation