The Book of Remembrance Open Before the Lord

Even after the prophet had rebuked them, the people of Israel did not repent; instead they mocked God. They insisted that the wicked could prosper and never be punished. Yet there were also the righteous, who feared the Lord, and every word they spoke and every resolve they made was recorded in full in the book of remembrance that lies before God.

Daniel saw a vision of many books opened before the judgment seat, and later the disciple John saw the dead judged according to their deeds, as it was written in those books. The sins of the wicked and the good deeds of the righteous roll on together like two wheels, but when the day of judgment comes they part ways: the one into the arms of Christ, the other into judgment. Only a faith accompanied by works is inscribed in the book of remembrance, as Abraham’s was when he obeyed even to the point of offering up his son.

Christians must not suppose that heaven and judgment are unreal simply because they cannot be seen. Those who hold fast to their faith to the end, whatever persecution and tribulation may come, will share in the first resurrection and reign with Christ for a thousand years. They must repent of their sins while the opportunity remains and live honestly in the truth if they are to receive eternal blessing.