In John's stunning view of New Jerusalem, he reminds us, "Nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those written in the Lamb's book of life" (Rev. 21:27). This verse focuses more on who and what are excluded from the city than it does on who and what are welcomed into its gates.

After Satan’s release from the abyss, which John depicts in Revelation 20:7, the evil one proves himself unreformed and undeterred. He immediately returns to his life of crime, setting out to deceive the nations once again and gather them for battle against Christ and his followers. As soldiers of this newly formed axis of evil surround the encampment of the saints, fire from heaven consumes them (Rev. 20:7-9). 

Why is the book of life also called the Lamb’s book? When we think of Jesus as the Lamb of God, and we see Scripture identify the book of life as belonging to the Lamb, we should note that lambs play a key role in redemption.

In this month's guest column, Ed Croteau writes, "One of several proof texts for God's everlasting covenant with Israel is found in the Old Testament book of Hosea, where God clearly states - even repeating it THREE TIMES - that He is betrothed (married) to His ethnic people Israel, even after Israel's adultery against Him!"

Two key statements in the book of Revelation tell us the book of life was written “from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8; 17:8). What does that mean? Is John saying the book of life was written before the creation of the cosmos, or perhaps as part of God’s ex nihilo work of calling everything into existence? Was it written some time after creation, perhaps associated with the Fall? Or is there another explanation?

The very idea of stewardship may be traced to the garden of Eden, where God commands Adam and Eve, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it" (Gen. 1:28). Stewardship isn't ownership. Good stewards faithfully manage what belongs to someone else and readily understand they are accountable to the owner. Article XIII of The Baptist Faith & Message addresses this Southern Baptist distinctive.

When Southern Baptists gathered in Memphis in 1925 for their annual meeting, they made two historic decisions. First, they established the Cooperative Program, the SBC's funding mechanism for missions at home and abroad. And, they affirmed a new statement of faith called The Baptist Faith & Message. Both CP and the BF&M celebrate their 100th anniversaries this year. Missouri Baptists, through High Street Press, have created a guide for personal or group study for the BF&M.

The Book of Life: What the Bible Says About God's Registry of the Redeemed addresses key questions about this fascinating book: What is the book of life? Why does it exist? Whose names are written there? Once entered, can names be erased? And how can I know if my name is recorded there? Written for pastors and laypersons alike, this resource is designed for personal or group study.