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Choosing a name for a child is not always an easy task! We had read through name lists, discussed several possibilities and finally decided on Emily Suzanne. To see your name, or the name of someone you love, in writing is usually a source of pride and joy.

We first saw her name written in the nursery of the hospital where she was born; it was on the little infant bed, so that when family and friends peered through the glass at all the babies, they could identify the newborn who was so special to them.

We wrote her name with great pride on the birth announcements we sent out, letting our friends know that we had been blessed with our second child. Not many weeks later, we received an official birth certificate from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics with her name, our names and other information concerning her birth.

When school days began for her, we were thrilled to see her write her own name, first in simple printing and later in cursive. Through the years the report cards bearing her name always showed excellent grades and decorum; we were so pleased to see her name on violin recital programs or listed as a band member in the trumpet section.

Then came age fifteen, time for the learner’s permit to drive. The next year she received the much coveted driver’s license itself with her full name printed on it—proof of driving eligibility! One year later we were jubilant to see her name followed by, “...first place winner of the national competition in original persuasive oratory!” Soon to be added would be a VFW award, drama award, and outstanding Christian leadership award. By her name in the high school commencement program was the symbol indicating that she was graduating summa cum laude, “with highest praise.”

How proud we were of her! She applied to a distinguished university, and we were elated to see her name on the acceptance letter. Eighteen years old! What a bright future!

Then one month and two days after her graduation, we saw her name written again. This time it followed the newspaper headline, “Woman Killed in 2-Car Crash.”* Then her name was in the obituary column, a place we never, ever dreamed we would see it written. Nor did we expect to visit the family cemetery and see her name etched in granite stone. Now, as well as the official birth certificate, we hold an official death certificate bearing her name.

But there is one more place her name was written several years before it appeared in the obituaries. We haven’t seen it, but we know it’s there. The most important place her name has ever been written is in Heaven in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Who is the Lamb and whose names are written in His book? The Bible tells us that the Lamb is God’s Son, Jesus Christ. He is called a lamb because He willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. He suffered the horrors of crucifixion on a Roman cross, shedding His blood and dying there to reconcile the sinner to God. Three days later He rose from the dead. (See 1 Corinthians 15:3-5).

The Bible tells us in Revelation 21:27 that no one shall enter Heaven “...but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” So, whose names does He write there? Those who are good? Ecclesiastes 7:20 says, “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Is it those who keep the Ten Commandments? “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight...” (Romans 3:20). Or does He write the names of those who do their best and do more good than they do bad? According to the prophet Isaiah, ALL our righteousnesses “are as filthy rags” (64:6). If good works won’t suffice, what will?

The answer is: FAITH! “For by grace are ye saved through faith...” (Ephesians 2:8a). To have one’s name written in the book of life, a person must receive Christ by faith, trusting in Him alone for the forgiveness of sins. That is all God requires.

The names are written individually because faith in Christ is a very individual matter. No one can believe for someone else. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). Emily’s name is there because she put her faith in Jesus Christ alone to forgive her—to become her Saviour.

Someday someone you love will see YOUR name written in the obituaries. Will they have the assurance that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Revelation 20:15 tells us that “...whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Is your name there?

If not, won’t you respond to His sacrifice of love on the cross and His resurrection from the dead by believing on Him? Do it today! Tomorrow may be too late.

*Emily was killed instantly by another motorist who was speeding and ran a red light.

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