LIFE, BOOK OF (τὀ βίβλίον τῆς ζωῆς). This expression appears frequently in Ap. Lit. and is usually associated with proclamations of judgment. It denotes the roll of the redeemed, also the ethical relationship between God and man (Rev 3:5). In the Revelation it is said that there are some men whose names had never been in the book “from the foundation of the world” (17:8; possibly 13:8). They were associated with the beast which is destined for perdition. On the other hand, those whose names were written in the book were destined to be citizens of the Holy City (21:27). This distinction is made between those who have believed in Christ and those who have not. But such predestination to both damnation and blessedness is peculiar to the Revelation. This book is “the book of life of the Lamb that was slain” (13:8), and “in him was life” (John 1:4). This is different from the “books” by which men will be judged (Dan 7:10; Rev 20:12-15).

Other references may be found (Exod 32:32; Ps 119:16; Isa 4:3; Luke 10:20; Phil 4:3; Heb 12:23). See Eschatology.

Bibliography J. P. Lange, E. P. Schall, Revelation, 268, 269; M. Kiddle, The Revelation of St. John (1940), 250, 251; R. H. Preston and A. T. Hanson, The Revelation of St. John the Divine (1949), 66.