“…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.”  (Revelation 20:12)

     The above verse references the time of judgment - the time when we will all be judged according to our works.  
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, 
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor 5:10).   “For the Son of man shall come in the glory 
of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works” (Matt 16:27).  

     When we obey the Gospel the Lord adds us to the church (Acts 2:47).  At that time our name is added to the 
book of life (Heb 12:23).  If we then labor within the Gospel (Phil 4:3) and overcome the temptations and trials of this 
world (Rev 3:5) in an ongoing faithfulness (Rev 2:10), our names will remain in the book of life.   In this fact, we have 
a wonderful reason to rejoice and great motivation to remain faithful.  In contrast, the names of those who do not obey 
the Gospel will not be in the book of life (2 Thess 1:7-9) - neither will those who obey but turn away (2 Pet 2:20-22).  

     However, Revelation 20:12 says “…and the books were opened…”  Notice the plurality of the word “books.”  The 
book of life will not be the only book opened at that time.  We are not given the specifics regarding these other “books” 
but this same verse tells us that they contain information pertaining to our works - “the dead were judged out of those 
things which were written in the books, according to their works.”  

     Let’s remember that we cannot earn our salvation - not a one of us has a perfect record.  So, when we stand 
there in judgment with the books opened, we will be dependant upon the grace and mercy of God which was offered 
through the blood of Christ.  But, if we don’t diligently strive for a good record, we will not stay in contact with the blood 
of Christ.  Through God’s word we are urged “…to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been 
called (Eph 4:1, NASB).  We must “walk in the light as he is in the light” (1 John 1:7).  It is then that “we have fellowship 
one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).  Let’s always remember 
these words of Jesus, “…when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable 
servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10).

     As Christians, we should regularly ask ourselves how we are walking.  Is our walk bringing us closer to God or is 
it leading us away from Him?