The Church Directory is not The Book of Life

We have a record that is kept by God of those who will enter into eternal life (Revelation 20:12). It is a record kept by God. A record that reveals those who are going to have eternal life. Any of those that are outside of this book have a home and it will be the lake fire know as the second death (Revelation 20:13-15).


However there many who have a serious misconception about the book of life. That is the church directory is the book life. This is a very dangerous line to stay on! There are some who may not say it but, they do show it by actions one makes.

There is a similarity between the Book of Life and the church directory and that is both have names on them. This is the only similarity that both truly have.

As we consider this let’s point out a couple of things concerning the church directory. First of all the directory shows names of those who have decided to be part of the local body of Christ in a specified community. Secondly, it shows both Christians and non-Christians. So as we can see with the church directory there are things that are revealed in it to the members of the Christians represented in said local community.

However just because one is put on the said directory it doesn’t mean one will have eternal life. One can still fall prey to sin and make one disqualified from entering into eternal life. Just because one is recognize as being part of the congregation where they live it doesn’t mean that one will have eternal life. The directory is to list information about people that attend there.

However in matters concerning the Book of Life that lists those who remain faithful to God (Revelation 21:22-27). It is a place for those continue to live faithfully to God. It is for those that have desired a righteous life where one remains faithful to God (Revelation 2:10). A place where God rewards the righteous (Romans 6:23). Those on this list are faithful servants to God and His will knowing what it takes to have their name written there (Matthew 7:21).

It is with this that we can see a difference to the church directory and the Book of Life. One can have their name on the directory and not do what Jesus says (Luke 6:46) and still practice lawlessness which in the end will have its own “reward” (Matthew 7:23). The Book Life is kept by God and not men and therefore we still have a responsibility to God. Are we doing the things God commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13)?



Daniel Sanders