The largest collection of books in one place is the Library of Congress. In three buildings it contains 29 million books according to Guinness World Record Book. (How can you trust the count when Guinness is involved?)
The National Library of China in Beijing has 23 million books.
The Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia has 20 million books.
The President's book of Secrets (made famous by the movie, National Treasure, Book of Secrets) is as mysterious as Area 51 in Nevada.
None of these contain the book of Life.
Our 2016 marathon through the Bible has brought us to the strange dream of Daniel. (Dan. 10) The dream was so scary that he lost all strength, turned deathly pale and was helpless. (Like eating Mighty Taco after a certain, recent Thursday night football game.)
The dream was heavy. It dealt with wars and kingdoms and things too deep for me to fathom. It is like a Readers Digest version of the history of the world. The ending is the best:
"At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people- everyone whose name is found written in the book of life- will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt."
The New Testament mentions the Book of Life eight times, mostly in Revelation. It is a humbling and frightening book. "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Rev. 20:15)
Gulp! No wonder Daniel's dream filled him with terror.
The most important book in history is not the Bible, it is the Book of Life. The Bible explains how to get your name entered in its pages.
It might surprise you but the names of religious people will not be in the book.
The names of gracious humanitarians will not be in the book.
The names of thoughtful moralists will not be in the book.
God writes your name in the Book of Life when you put your trust completely in the grace of God. You aren't good enough to have your name written there. You don't have enough money to have your name written there. You aren't smart enough to have your name written there.
Only the forgiven will have their names in the Book. That happens when your past is erased in the watery grave of baptism and you are raised to live a new life. God made all the arrangements. Jesus paid the entire cost. "Whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life."
Whatever happens......make darn sure your name is written in the book of life. I humbly ask you to consider your standing today.
I'm buying the drinks.........let's talk soon.
Be strong and courageous, MB