September 26: THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:7 (KJV)

Both John and Daniel have identified the first of the dragon’s allies as well as his activities during the period that is called a time, times, and half a time (Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Revelation 12:14), forty-two months (Revelation 11:2; 13:5), and one thousand two hundred and sixty days (Revelation 11:3; 12:6). Now the reader’s attention is turned to the time of the end—the time in which we live—and the coming judgment.

Although the 1260 years ended as prophesied in 1798, the first ally is making a strong comeback – a “resurrection” of sorts. The mortal wound is nearly healed (v.3).

Today’s opening verse makes it abundantly clear that before Jesus returns, only two groups will exist in the world. Worship is the central issue. The activity of the sea beast will continue to capitalize in rallying people together for the stated purpose of saving the world, and he will receive enormous support as earth’s history draws to a close.

Remember the contrast that Revelation provides between those that dwell upon the earth and those who dwell in heaven. If there is any doubt about the difference in these two groups, the second phrase of our opening verse clears it up: earth dwellers shall worship him, that is the sea beast. Worship of the sea beast is equated (13:4) with worship of the dragon, the great dragon, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan (12:9). It is worship by proxy, just as the worship of Jesus Christ is worship of our heavenly Father. Hardly anyone would knowingly worship Satan, which is why he tricks people into worshiping him. He covets the worship due to God, and he will get it by “hook or crook”. This is why deception by subtle departure from the Word is among his most effective tactics for leading worshipers astray. However, a sincere desire to serve the only true God is accompanied by the Holy Spirit’s guiding: the opening of spiritual eyes. With the understanding of each precept of God comes a plain view of the dragon’s operations, many of which are not so very subtle!

Daniel was given a view into the judgment: The court was seated, And the books were opened (Daniel 7:10c). John expands upon this view: And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books (Revelation 20:12).

Jesus is called the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world because the plan of salvation was conceived before our world was created. How amazing that He made us, knowing in advance the indescribable suffering He would face in order to rescue us from sin. The rescue is revealed in that He made available to us, as a gift, His own purpose . . . and His grace to live it out.

God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began . . .  2 Timothy 1:9

For further study: Exodus 32:32; Matthew 25:34; John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; Titus 1:2