IS MY NAME WRITTEN IN HEAVEN?

                                                     Luke 10:17-20 (p761)

  Introduction

         A.  We must accept two Biblical revelations:  1)  Those who are saved are going to

               a beautiful place called heaven and 2)  those who are condemned are going to a

               terrible place called hell.

         B.  Many people question their eternal destiny:

         C.  The challenge this morning is for each of us to answer this question:  “Is my

               name written in heaven?”  Luke 10:17-20; Revelation 3:4-6 (p906)

              1.  If my name is written in heaven then it must be written in the Book of Life.

     I.  The Book of Life

         A.  Background

              1.  The Jews kept a register of their citizens.

              2.  When a citizen died his name was blotted out of the register.  Psalm 69:28 

              3.  Since the register contained an update of the living, it was called the Book of

                   the Living.

              4.  Jesus used this familiar concept and made a spiritual application.  His                                                                                                           

                   register is named the Book of Life.

        B.  Understanding

              1.  The Book of Life has existed from the foundation of the _______________.

                   Revelation 13:8 (p912); Revelation 17:8 (P914)

              2.  It contains the names of those who will be in God’s ___________ kingdom.

                   Revelation 21:27 (p917); Revelation 3:5 (P906); Hebrews 12:23 (p890)

              3.  It will be used on the Day of Judgment.  Revelation 20:11-15

        C.  Names

              1.  Christ determines whose names are _____________________ in the Book of

                  Life because the book belongs to Him.  John 1:29; Revelation 21:27

              2.  Christ adds the names of the saved.  Revelation 21:27; 3:5

Conclusion

        A.  The names of those who have rejected the gospel of Christ are not recorded in

              the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Revelation 21:27 

        B.  They face an eternity of punishment in hell.  2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

        C.  The gospel message: Acts 2:36-41,47.  “Is my name written in heaven?”