Baptism and the Book of Life (1)
Jesus said, "No one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." To be "born again" means to be born a second time being born of the Spirit (John 3:1-8).
As one's name is recorded in the census when he is born, so is one's name written in the book of life after he is born again of the Spirit. Therefore, when someone is baptized, his name is written in the Church's book of life, and most importantly, is also written in the book of life in heaven.
Matt. 16:19 『"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."』
Like this, when one's name is written in the book of life on earth, it is also written in the book of life in heaven.
The Apostle Paul said:
1 Cor. 4:15 『...for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.』
Phil. 3:20 『But our citizenship is in heaven.』
Phil. 4:3 『Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.』
And Jesus said:
Luke 10:20 『"However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."』
Ps. 69:27-28 『Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation. May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.』
(to be continued...)