Search The Scriptures: May 20, 2001
IS YOUR NAME WRITTEN IN HEAVEN?
INTRODUCTION:
A. Good morning and welcome to today’s broadcast of the bible study program Search the
Scriptures. Search the Scriptures is brought to you by the Danville church of Christ and is
one way we are trying to make Christ known to this community. I would like to remind each of
you that you can order, absolutely free, taped copies of this broadcast or CD copies of all the
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contact us on the Internet at www.danvillechurchofchrist.org.
B. My friends, as we begin our study for today, I wish to read with you something Jesus said in
Lk. 10:20. There he told his disciples, upon their return from preaching the gospel, nevertheless
do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names
are written in heaven. The expression - your names are written in heaven - is one of those
phrases that is so unusual and meaningful that it is not easily forgotten. As a matter of fact, this
statement of the Lord’s is the inspiration for the song that has been loved - and sung - by
Christians for many years that When the Roll is called up Yonder. The third verse says: “Let us
labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, Let us talk of all His wondrous love and
care; Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up
yonder, I’ll be there.” Of course, the idea is that one day all names that have been logged in
heaven will be read and called. And those names called will be answered and rewarded. In Lk.
10:20, when Jesus told the disciples that their names were written in heaven, he was explaining
to them that God has a record of their doings. He is reminding them that God keeps a record of
all that is being done and even being said. The truth that God records [or makes a record of] all
that was done is something he revealed even in the Old Testament. Psa. 56:8 finds the Psalmist
addressing God in this way. You number my wanderings; put my tears into your bottle; [then
he asks] are they not in your book? Also, the New Testament book of Hebrews says in Heb.
6:10, for God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love. These two references should
be sufficient in telling us that God keeps a record. He knows - by name - those who are serving
him. My friends, a Christian is not just a number - with God he is a name. We are not serving
some impersonal God. Instead, believers are known - by name - in the portals of heaven. God
keeps a record with our names written there. Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, and twice he
reminded those Christians of this eternal truth. First he said in Phil 4:3, and I urge you also,
true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and
the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Here were some who were
said to have their names written in the book of life. That is, these fellow workers of Paul were
known personally by God. Their names were recorded in the sanctuary of heaven. My friend,
that is an awesome thought. Also, in Phil. 3:20 Paul informs all the faithful that our citizenship
is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Again, this
implies that Christians are not to consider themselves as earthlings, or citizens of this world.
Instead, Christians are citizens of heaven. The thought is that God has a roll in heaven with the
names of believers registered there. Furthermore, the writer of Hebrews has assured us in Heb.
12:22-24, but you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the
firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made
perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant. All those coming to Christ have their names
recorded in heaven. Those coming to the Lord are listed on God’s heavenly document. I can
remember when I was a child in school that I kept hearing about something called my
“permanent record.” That is, whenever I was being tested, I was encouraged to do the best I
could, because the results would go on my “permanent record.” I was told that if I got in trouble
with the principal that I would have a mark on my “permanent record.” It wasn’t that I
understood what this so-called “permanent record” was, but I came to fear it. Then, as I grew
older, I begin to doubt that a record (permanent or other wise) was being kept on me. Frankly,
ladies and gentlemen, I doubt very seriously that if you were to return to the Sylvia Wilkerson
Elementary School near Louisville, Kentucky that you would find a record of me having ever
attended there. But, that is not so with God. The bible assures us that our names are recorded in
heaven. If we belong to Christ, then God knows us by name. Paul writes in 2 Tim. 2:19,
nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: The Lord knows those who
are his. I believe this statement is hard for finite minds to fathom. To consider that I am
personally known by God is staggering. Yet, we are assured that God knows - by name - those
who are his. Then there is the stinging statement of Rev. 20:15 that says, and anyone not found
written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. This is said after John is assured that
there is coming a day of judgment. And, on that day only those who have their names written in
heaven will escape the damnation of hell. Only those who are enrolled on God’s ledger in
heaven will be saved.
I. With all this being said, the question that must capture our hearts now - and the question that
must be asked by everybody is: “Is our names written in heaven?” My friends, please consider
that question; “Is your name written in heaven?” If your name is not recorded in heaven, then
you are not listed among the saved. Now, I’m not reminding you of this in order to sound unkind
or harsh or to cause you to become heavy-hearted or depressed. Instead, I ask this to challenge
you to do what is necessary to have your name enrolled in heaven, so that when the roll is called
up there your name will be included. Remember it is the bible that tells us [one] there is a roll of
names kept in heaven, and [two] if a name is not recorded there, then that person will be cast
into the lake of fire. But a second question also becomes important at this point, and that is, do
you even care if your name is written in heaven? I’m sure you do, or you would not be listening
to this broadcast, but far too many people do not even seem to be concerned if their name is
written in heaven. Many seem to be more concerned that their names are enrolled in some
“Who’s Who” book. I have heard parents make a much bigger deal out of a child being admitted
to some nice university than was made when their child came to Christ. If a parent is more
excited about their child being admitted to some prestigious fraternity or sorority - than they are
when the child becomes a Christian, what does that say about the importance they are placing
upon having that young person’s name written in heaven? Jesus told the disciples that they were
not to rejoice over temporary things that would have even included the casting out of demons.
Instead, they were to rejoice over the eternal. They were to glory that their names were written in
heaven. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice
because your names are written in heaven. Also, there are many people who are more
concerned with having their name on a church roll than having it recorded in heaven. That is,
some people were raised in a particular church, and they have been members of that church all
their lives, and their parents and perhaps their grandparents were members there also. As a
matter of fact, most of their family members have been members of that church. And they are not
about to break the chain of church membership regardless of what the bible has to say. My
friends, these kinds of people would rather have their names written on a church registry than
have them written in the shelter of God’s throne. Several years ago I was engaged in a bible
study with a woman who was a member where they used instrumental music in worship unto
God. After several sessions she was forced by scriptural evidence to concede that there was not
one single bible verse that permitted - or authorized - the church to use instrumental music in
praising God. But instead of saying that she desired to obey the Lord, and have her name entered
into God’s heavenly roll, she said: “I would not give up my piano for anything.” She also said:
“If having instrumental music is sinful, then I’d rather go to hell.” Was this said out of
frustration? Perhaps, but it also reveals a mind set that temporary things are of greater value than
having one’s name enrolled in God’s record book. Also, I know a preacher in the city of
Indianapolis who admits he cannot give an answer from the scriptures for what he teaches
pertaining to baptism. But instead of turning to God, he remains loyal to his church. He seems to
be more interested in keeping his position within his denomination, than in having his name
written in heaven. What about you, my good friend, this does not describe you does it? Are you
more interested in being a member of some large - and socially acceptable - church, than in
having your name enrolled in heaven? Please remember that according to the statement of Rev.
20:15 - that says and anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of
fire. When we all stand before God in judgment, we will not find God checking the roll of the
Baptist church for heavenly acceptance. He will not take a look at the roll book of the
Assemblies of God to see who will escape the fires of damnation. Nor, will he consult the church
directory where you are considered a member to see who enters into the heavenly kingdom.
Instead, my friends, God will consult the list of those whose names are written in heaven to find
those who will be saved throughout eternity. This also, as I suggested, includes even those who
are content to have their names in some local directory of some local church of Christ
somewhere. You, better become more concerned with whether your name is recorded in heaven
than in being a member of a local church that has long ago stopped walking according to the
teaching of God. Just because you are a member of some local church of Christ, in-no-way,
assures that you will escape the fires of torment. Ladies and gentlemen, we must speak out
against the false doctrine of once-saved-always-saved, whether it is taught by the Baptists or
whether it is practiced by some claiming to be members of the church of Christ. Now, what I
mean by that statement is this. The doctrine of once saved always saves teaches that when one
becomes a Christian [or is saved], then he cannot ever sin so as to be lost. That is, once he is
saved, his soul is eternally secured, and he can do nothing that would ever endanger his soul. My
friends, this is not taught in the bible. To the contrary, the bible makes it crystal clear that one
can sin and be lost after being saved. Paul warned the Galatian Christians, that this was about to
occur with some of them. He said in Gal. 5:4, you have become estranged from Christ, you who
attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. Furthermore, when Jesus
commissioned John to write to the church in Sardis, he warned them in Rev. 3:4-5, you have a
few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in
white, for they are worthy. 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. Therefore, it is not only possible to be lost after having been saved. That is, it
is not only possible to have your named erased from the roll in heaven after having it placed
there. But, Jesus gives us an insight of this having happened. In giving us a brief preview of
judgment in Matt. 7:22-23, Jesus makes it plain that some will be caught by surprise when they
discover that they are lost. He said on judgment day that many will say to me in that day, Lord,
Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many
wonders in your name? [However, they were not prepared for the answer given to them. Jesus
continues by promising] and then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me,
you who practice lawlessness! This truth is applicable to those who have never been saved - and
it is applicable to those who have had their named erased from the book of life. Therefore, the
point I’m making is to those who are more content with having their name on a local church roll,
than having it written in heaven. You better begin to recognize that you cannot live unrighteous
and immoral and continue to have your name written in heaven. Now it’s true you might keep it
on the local roll, but God has long since erased it from his record in heaven. A problem like this
arose in the church at Corinth in the first century. Paul - by the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit
- wrote in 1 Cor. 5:1-2, it is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and
such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles; that a man has his father's
wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed
might be taken away from among you. Here was a man living in open adultery while he
continued to enjoy local church fellowship. That is, he was an immoral man, but his name was
written on the local church register. However, Paul, next, begins to censure the church for this
continued fellowship. He said in verses 4-5, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you
are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver
such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of
the Lord Jesus. You see, my friends, this man had already had his name erased from the roll in
heaven, and it was fruitless for them to keep him on their rolls. There are far too many among us
that act as though they do not know this divine truth. I know those who lie about and slander
good brethren, and all the while maintaining some semblance of local fellowship. These people
are only fooling themselves, because their names have long ago been erased from the book of
life, found written by God in heaven. Therefore, I would like to ask those who savor the fact
their names are on some local church roll, is your name written in heaven? You might be active
in a local church, and you might have all the members fooled, but God is not blind to the way
you happen to be living. He sees perfectly what you are like. And if you are deceitful or immoral
then your name is not recorded in heaven. It might have been at one time, but if you are engaging
in the works of the flesh, then it has been removed. If you are filled with wrath, or bigotry, if you
are filled with sinful lust or have eyes full of adultery then your name is not written in heaven.
You see, my friends, I am opposed to this godless doctrine of once-saved-always-saved whether
it is taught by the denominational world or whether it is practiced by the immoral who have their
names written on a local church of Christ list. This is true of preachers as well. Some men who
occupy pulpits trying to instruct others how to live are themselves steeped in sin. They are
covetous and unwilling to forgive. They may be able to appear doctrinally as straight as a poker
but morally and ethically they are as twisted as tangled rope. Their names have been removed
long ago.
II. But, now after having discussed that one must have his name written in heaven in order to be
saved on the judgment day. And after reviewing the dangers of living in such a way so as to have
our names removed from the heavenly list. Let’s now consider how we get our names written
in heaven in the first place? Before determining - from the scriptures - how this process occurs,
we must note what does not accomplish this. That is, there are some things that will not get our
names written in heaven. [First] just being a good - upright - and even a moral person will not
cause our name to be written in heaven. I’ve had people to tell me that they know their mother
must be in heaven, because there was not a better woman whoever lived. She loved and served
her family for years. She waited on the sick, and sat with the dying. She did volunteer work, and
she always found time to live by the golden rule. I’m sure that all people who have had mothers
like this believe they deserve to be saved. But, what happens in discussing these wonderful traits
of our deceased loved ones is - we often forget that neither we nor they are saved by works. Paul
writes in Eph. 2:8-9, for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Now, my friends, this is
not being said to cause any grief, nor is it being said to make myself out to be the judge of the
dead; I’m not. I am just repeating the scriptures that tell us that man’s good works are
insufficient to save him. That is, just being a good person will not cause our names to be
registered with the saved. This is true of me and it’s true of you. Furthermore, it’s true of any
loved ones we might have had who spent their life in good works. The bible reveals to us this
fact in vivid clarity. Consider the man named Cornelius in Acts 10:1-2. There was a certain
man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a
devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the
people, and prayed to God always. I don’t believe anyone could dispute this man’s goodness.
Yet he was unsaved! His good works and his devoutness did not save him, I know this is true,
because Peter was told - by God - to go to Cornelius for a particular purpose. And we are told
this purpose in Acts 11:14. There the bible says that God told Cornelius that Peter would come
to him, and when he did it would be Peter who will tell you words by which you and all your
household will be saved. Cornelius was a good man but he was unsaved. He was a considerate
and an honest man, but his name was not found written in heaven. [Also], the incident with
Cornelius tells us that just being religious does not insure that our names will be written in
heaven. Cornelius was a praying man, and he had even seen a miracle of God, but neither his
prayers nor his vision saved him; he was yet unsaved. I have found that there are many people
who believe that so long as one is religious, then he is saved, and his name is written in heaven.
This is just not true! Religion does not translate into virtue. Being religious does not insure that
our names are recorded in heaven. Jesus tells us that there are some people who worship God in
vain. Just read Matt. 15:8-9 that says these people draw near to me with their mouth, and
honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. And in vain they worship me, teaching
as doctrines the commandments of men. My friends, these people drew near to God, with their
lips, but they did not draw near with their hearts. They had their religious doctrine, but that
doctrine was false. These religious people were lost. Their names were not recorded in heaven.
Also, Paul warned in Col. 2:20-23, therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles
of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations; do
not touch, do not taste, do not handle, which all concern things which perish with the using;
according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an
appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are
of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. Paul, in these verses, is describing what has
become so typical in our present religious world. And, that is, men are seeking to worship God
with a self-imposed religion. That is, they are generating their own doctrines, and their own
regulations, and their own value system. But, Paul tells us this kind of self-imposed religion is
not pleasing to God. This kind of religious practice will not cause our names to be written in
heaven. My friend, you might be religious, and you may attend church services and practice all
kinds of religious observances, but if you cannot find what you are doing recorded in the bible,
then your religion and your worship are vain, and your name is not written in heaven. Perhaps
you were told that in order to be saved, you should say “a sinner’s prayer,” or possibly you
were told to “pray through” to God, and convince him to grant to you salvation. Or maybe you
were told to just “accept Jesus as your personal savior.” But since none of these are taught in
the bible, they belong with Paul’s condemnation of self-imposed religion. Now, while merely
being good and even being religious will not cause our name to be written in heaven, the bible
does reveal to us how to have our name enrolled in heaven. That is, we are shown in the bible
how names come to be written in heaven. First we need to be reminded of what is said in Heb.
5:9. There we are told, and having been perfected, [This refers to Christ and his perfection
according to verse 8. His perfection was accomplished by his absolute and total obedience to
God - the Father]. He [That is, Jesus], became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey
him. My friends, Jesus promised to save, by grace, only those who obey him. Therefore, we can
know without a doubt that those whose names are written in heaven are those who have obeyed
Christ. No more and no less. Jesus is the originator of eternal salvation only to those who are
obedient to him. Those whose names are written in heaven among the saved are those who have
obeyed the Lord Jesus Christ. This is clearly seen in Acts 2, when we examine the great event
occurring in Jerusalem after Jesus ascended into heaven. In verse 14 Peter begins to preach the
resurrected Christ. In the process of this sermon he condemns his listeners for sin in verse 36.
Upon believing the message of sin and redemption, these people were cut to the heart with
remorse and guilt. Now notice what happened in verse 37, now when they heard this, they were
cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we
do? These men and women wanted to know what to do to be forgiven of their sins. And they
were not left in the dark about what was demanded of them in order to be forgiven of their sins.
Verse 38 says then Peter said to them, repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
These believers were told to repent and be baptized in order to have their sins remitted - or
forgiven. And this was something they were more than happy to do. Verse 41 says, then those
who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were
added to them. Note, my friend, the term “added to them.” This is key! And this term “added to
them” is then explained in verse 47. There the bible says, and the Lord added to the church
daily those who were being saved. The Lord was adding them to his roll in heaven. Whenever
anyone obeys the precious gospel of Christ by believing in Jesus and repenting of sins and being
baptized for the remission of those sins, then his or her name is written in heaven. To be added to
the church is the same as being enrolled in heaven. Then if one is willing to live a life faithful
unto the Lord his name remains written in heaven. Then when we stand before the Lord in
judgment, and the books are opened. And, when the roll is called up yonder, our name will be
found in the book of life.
CONCLUSION:
A. Ladies and gentlemen, let me ask you this morning, is your name written in heaven? Have
you been added to the Lord’s church by God based upon your obedience to the Lord’s teaching?
If you haven’t - you need to do so. The bible calls upon you, in Heb. 12:22-24 to come to Mount
Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of
angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to
God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new
covenant. If I can help your understanding or your obedience, I hope you will contact me
immediately.
B. This will have to be our final word for today. Thanks for being with us and stay tuned for
some important closing announcements. Be sure to join us again next week as we again open our
bibles and Search the Scriptures. Until then, for the Danville church of Christ, this is J.R.
Bronger saying goodbye for now.