But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 21:27)

Only

The word ‘only’ is an adverb that describes a single fact or instance and nothing more or different. It is easily identifiable as existing without anything else, thus eliminating all others. When a man has only eggs for breakfast, he does not have bacon, pancakes, or other foods. Suggesting he only had eggs means everything else is eliminated. If the man has eggs, bacon, and toast, he could not say he had only eggs because he had bacon and toast. This mundane illustration seems childish to illustrate what ‘only’ means, but when the word only is used, it removes any other possibilities.

John wrote the Revelation as a testimony to the victory found in Jesus Christ as the world seeks to destroy the kingdom of God. There is nothing man can do to stop the church of the New Testament or to destroy the kingdom of God. Since its beginning on Pentecost two thousand years ago, the church has continued without fail. Saints of God have gained victory over the forces of evil. The names of the myriad hosts of believers are emblazoned on the pages of the Book of Life in the blood of Jesus Christ. John declares that only those whose names are in the Book of Life will be saved. Only those names inscribed on the heavenly register will receive eternal life. Heaven is not for everyone, although it was designed for everyone. The sadness of grace is that most men (the majority) do not have their names in the Book of Life.

Jesus reminded His disciples that most men will journey down the broad road to destruction. Only those who do the will of the Father have their names in the Book of Life. The Book of Life is the heavenly journal of those who have been washed in the blood of Jesus through the waters of baptism and, through God’s grace, stand justified in His presence. Not all who name the name of Christ will find their names at the judgment. Some who once had their names will find God blotted their names out for unfaithfulness. The eternal truth is that only those whose names are in the Book of Life will be saved.

The Holy Spirit limits the saved when He says, “only.” There are many names in the Book of Life, like Moses, David, Elijah, Mary, Peter, Paul, and a host of other saints. Individuals such as Hymenaeus and Alexander once had their names in the Book of Life but no more. Only those who have overcome will eat from the tree of life. Those faithful unto death will receive a crown of life. Only those in the Book of Life will not be hurt by the second death. Jesus said those found in the Book of Life will receive the hidden manna and a new name. Only those who overcome and keep the works of Christ until the end will be saved. The white garments of eternal life are only given to those in the Book of Life. Only those who overcome will Jesus make a pillar in the temple of God. To him who overcomes Jesus will grant to sit with Him on His throne. Only those whose names are in the Book of Life – only! That’s a word for eternity.