Revelation is a book steeped in symbolism and metaphor, written in the apocalyptic genre. It features descriptions of beasts, dragons, flying horses, and other imagery that first-century readers would not have interpreted literally. The apocalyptic genre is characterized by vivid imagery and symbolic language meant to convey deeper spiritual truths rather than literal descriptions.
Revelation 3:5: Being Blotted Out of the Book of Life
He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Revelation 3:5
This verse has caused much anxiety among Christians, as it appears to imply that Jesus might blot out names already written in the Book of Life, suggesting a loss of eternal life and torture in hellfire. This statement is made to the church in Sardis, indicating that those who overcome will be clothed in white garments, and their names will not be blotted out of the Book of Life.
What is the Book of Life?
In the Hebrew Scriptures, the “Book of the Living” lists those presently alive on the earth, whether righteous or wicked (Exod. 32:32-33; Deut. 29:20; Ps. 69:28; Isa. 4:3).
The Book of Life/Living is mentioned in the Bible in three ways:
- The Book of the Living: Psalm 69:28.
- The Book of Life: Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 20:12, 15.
- The Lamb’s Book of Life: Revelation 13:8; 21:27.
Whether discussing the Book of Life or the Lamb’s Book of Life, the fundamental point remains that those whose names are written in these books are alive. Different interpretations exist about whether these are two separate books or one single book with varying functions. One interpretation suggests the Book of Life lists everyone who is alive, while the Lamb’s Book of Life lists those who will receive great honor. Another interpretation is that there is only one Book of Life.
In John’s time, many towns, including Sardis, had citizenship rosters listing the names of their citizens. When a person died, their name was removed from the roster. Additionally, if a person committed severe crimes and brought great shame upon the town, they might also be removed from the roster.
A critical point is that Scripture does teach about names being blotted out of the Book of Life, but this does not refer to losing eternal life. To be an overcomer, one must faithfully love, serve, and honor Jesus throughout their life.
The promise to never remove an overcomer’s name from the Book of Life symbolizes a tribute of great honor and respect. It indicates that those who faithfully serve Him will receive special recognition. However, this does not mean that those who fail to overcome will be tortured in hellfire or lose their eternal life.
Likewise, Sardis boasted of her trade in woolen goods and dyed fabrics. In ancient times, “white garments” connoted honor, festivity, and victory. White robes (or garments) symbolize respect, honor, and tribute.
Litotes in Revelation 3:5
Since Jesus taught that eternal life can never be lost (John 3:15-18; 4:10-14; 5:24; 6:35-40; 10:28-29; 11:25-26; et al.), it is best to understand the words, “and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life” (3:5), as a figure of speech called a litotes. Litotes is an understatement in which a positive affirmation is expressed by negating the opposite. For example, saying, “I will not stop loving my wife as long as she makes me ice cream,” does not mean I will stop loving her if she does not make ice cream. It emphasizes my love for her, with the ice cream being an added delight.
Similarly, when Jesus says He will not blot out the names of those who overcome from the Book of Life, He uses an image the recipients are already familiar with to emphasize the special honor and blessings for those who remain faithful. This does not imply that those who fail to overcome will be tortured in fire forever.
In conclusion, not having one’s name acknowledged is simply to forfeit the Master’s “Well done” (cf. Matt. 25:21, 23; Luke 19:17, 19).
This article was a copy-paste from my new book on hell: HELL: A Jewish Perspective on a Christian Doctrine