Revelation 3:4-6 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
There is a condition to having our names in the book of life: becoming conquerers in this life. One must remain pure and be soiled by the ways of this world. This is not an easy thing to do, depending on one’s environment. Sardis was a challenging setting, as were many ancient cities of the Roman Empire. It took total dedication and consecration of one’s self to God. This was not a one time decision. If it was only done once, then the temptations would grow and the memory weaken. It must be a constant commitment, a daily dying to the old ways of the world. We become citizens of a new kingdom and must follow its ways.
The book of life is where the names are written of those who have accepted the Lordship of Jesus. These are the people who have confessed the name of Jesus before the world. The result will be eternal life and Jesus confessing their names before the Father. We must not let the world blind us. It is a trap. The Deceiver will trick us. If he could trick Adam and Eve who were created in God’s image, how about us who have been marred by sin? We need the help of the Holy Spirit and one another to make it on this journey.
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