A Name Written in Heaven Is Very Special (Luke 10:20)
Introduction:
1. The theme of our lesson is based on the Lord's statement recorded in this verse -- "a name written in heaven is very special." 2. To properly understand the Lord's statement we need to consider the events that led up to it. a. (Luke 9:1-6) Jesus had sent the apostles on "the limited commission." b. We read about the return of the apostles in Luke 9:10a. c. Jesus gave the same mission to the 70 in Luke 10:1, 9. d. We read about the return of the 70 in Luke 10:17. 1) They rejoiced because of their power over demons. 2) (Luke 10:18-19) Jesus stated that Satan's power had been checked. e. (Luke 10:20) Jesus talked to the 70 about the cause of their joy. 1) He told them not to rejoice because of their power over evil spirits. 2) Rather, they were to rejoice because their names were written in heaven. 3. We conclude that a name written in heaven is very special. 4. As we study this subject, we first need to point out that . . .
Discussion:
I. NAMES WRITTEN IN HEAVEN ARE IN "THE BOOK OF LIFE"
A. (Philippians 4:3) Paul mentioned his co-workers "whose names are in the book of life." B. According to Revelation 20:15, having a name in the book of life is a matter of utmost importance. 1. False worshipers will not be in this book (Revelation 13:8; 17:8). 2. (Revelation 3:5) A person must overcome to prevent his name from being blotted out of this book. C. On the basis of this information, let us turn our attention to . . .
II. SOME THINGS JOHN SAW AND HEARD (Revelation 20:11-15; 21:1-4)
A. Let us consider the things that John saw. 1. (20:11) He saw: a. "a great white throne" [a place of judgment -- Matthew 25:31-32] b. "him that sat on it" c. that the earth and heaven were gone (2 Peter 3:10). 2. (20:12-13) He saw: a. the dead stand before God 1) Included were the "small and great." 2) The dead were resurrected. b. some books opened, one of which was the book of life c. the dead judged on the basis of "what was written in the books" and "their works." 3. (20:14) He saw what happened to death and Hades -- they were "cast into the lake of fire." 4. (20:15) He saw what happened to those whose names were not written in the book of life -- they were "cast into the lake of fire." 5. (21:1) John saw "a new heaven and a new earth." a. The first heaven and earth "were passed away" (2 Peter 3:10, 13). b. In this new dwelling place, "there was no more sea." 6. (21:2) John saw "new Jerusalem" that: a. came "down from God out of heaven" b. was "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (John 14:2-3). B. Let us consider the things that John heard. 1. (21:3) John heard that God would dwell with His people in His tabernacle. 2. (21:4) John heard that certain things will not exist in this new dwelling place. C. Who will be permitted to enter this new dwelling place? (see 21:27)
Conclusion:
1. (Luke 10:20) Jesus said that a name written in heaven is very special. 2. Is your name in the book of life?
