Bible Question:

Would God blot someone's name from the Book of Life? My son has just become a Christian and he has focused on Revelation. My question: In the third chapter of Revelation the Bible says that if they (Christians in the church at Sardis) did not change and repent He would blot their names from the Book of Life. Does this mean that we can be Christians and lose our salvation? I have always had a problem with the “Once Saved always Saved” teaching. I have always wondered if those who go to church, say that they are Christians, and yet live a wicked life are really saved. This scripture sounds like they were Christians who could lose their salvation. Please explain.

Bible Answer:

No, it is not possible to lose your salvation. You might be interested in a study located here at NeverThirsty entitled, “Saved Only Once.” It will answer some of your questions.

Book of Life

First we want to ask, “When was the book of life created?” The answer is found in the book of Revelation.

And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. (NASB) Rev. 13:8

First, notice that the Book of Life was created before the foundation of the world. God created the book before He created Adam and Eve. Next, notice that God says if a person’s name was not written in the book before the foundation, he or she will worship the beast. God says that the decision was made before anyone was created.

The same truth is repeated in Ephesians in a different way,

. . . just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. (NASB) Eph. 1:4

Here we read that God chose us before the foundation of the world.

And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (NASB) Rev. 20:15

God has already made the decision. At this point you might want to read a past question entitled, “If you are not chosen then does it really matter when you die?”

Church of Sardis

Now for the passage you are asking about in Revelation 3:5.

He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. (NASB) Rev. 3:5

God’s statement to the church at Sardis is a statement of assurance. What does it mean to “overcome”? The answer is given in the Apostle’s previous book.

And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (NASB) 1 John 5:5

To overcome means to have believed in Jesus Christ. What happens to those who overcome? Listen to these verses.

To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God. (NASB) Rev. 2:7

He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death. (NASB) Rev. 2:11

He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (NASB) Rev. 3:21

He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. (NASB) Rev. 21:7

The person who overcomes will eat of the tree of life which is in heaven and will not be hurt by the second death (Rev. 20:14). The person who overcomes will sit with Jesus and inherit heaven. These things are promised to the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. That is the meaning of “overcome.” This is not self-effort. There is nothing to do but simply believe.

Conclusion:

No, it is not possible to lose your salvation. A person is saved only once. If we did not deserve to be forgiven when He decided to forgive us, why should He un-save us when He finds the same sins in us later? We can thank Him for His love and forgiveness. God is holy. He is full of mercy. He is a gracious God. He is a just God who forgives our sins because of Jesus’ death. Praise the Lord.

Suggested Links:

Are the names of the chosen already written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?
Does Jesus disagree with the God of the Old Testament?
Looking Real Good
Save Only Once