Book of Life | Citizens of Heaven | God’s Wrath by Rev. Nicholas Sybrowsky

 

Service Invocation:

Opening Prayer: Serenity Prayer. (Link leads to blog article)

Opening Word & Reading for Worship:

    The Bible provides us the Bread of Life and Living Water that by God’s design our souls deeply need to thrive.  These are important details to the spiritual life of man & woman.  Another important soul detail that the Bible points to as well is the “Book of Life”.  Jesus, The Word, himself is quoted by Luke in chapter 10:20 speaking of this book.  In The Return of the Seventy-Two disciples, he had sent ahead of him two by two into every town and place where he himself was about to go in Lk 10:1 (ESV).

[17] The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" [18] And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.[19] Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. [20] Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. [Luk 10:17-20 ESV] (Verse 20 Emphasis by me) 

    Let us rejoice today that our names are written in heaven!

Sermon:  God’s Wrath:  Citizens of Hell (Lake of Fire)

One Thesis, three descriptions.  One more right-handed thinking; objective, one more left-handed thinking; subjective and the other through the ambidextrous lens of God:

Right-handed:  Every believer must examine whether they are truly registered in the Book of Life—because citizenship in heaven begins with spiritual inscription, not just earthly affiliation.

Left-handed:  Registration in the Book of Life is not earned by effort or heritage—it is received through surrender, sealed by grace, and lived through transformation.

True citizenship in heaven begins not with earthly affiliation or inherited faith—but with spiritual inscription: received through surrender, sealed by grace, and revealed in transformation.

Ambidextrous: Through the lens of God this may sound like:

“I have written your name not by merit or lineage, but by surrender to My Son.  For true citizenship in heaven begins not with your hands or heritage, but with My inscription on your soul.” 

The Christian has been delivered, sanctified, and commissioned to live out and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. True maturity in faith means surrendering fully to God’s will and living for His glory—this is a conviction worthy of our deepest commitment, even unto death. 

Have you worked out or reconciled such conviction in your own belief system? 

The blood of Jesus is considered imputed righteousness that positionally sets us up for registry. Permanent registry in the “Book of Life”. 

 Please let me recap the previous three sermons of this series titled: Book of Life:  Citizens of Heaven.  The first sermon is titled:

“Are You Registered in Heaven?”  According to scripture, God writes our names in His book.  We see this emphasized in Ps. 87:6, which reads, “When the LORD registers the nations, he will say, "They have all become citizens of Jerusalem."

Psa 87:6 (NLT).  The psalmist uses the word, “register” which is inference to the phrase, “book of life”.  “The Book of Life is not just a metaphor but a divine reality that calls [each] of us to examine our spiritual standing.  Are we truly registered in heaven?”

In the second homily (a.k.a. sermon), titled “Registered for Heaven”, we examined Philippians 4:3 where Paul authored, “Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. " (ESV) From this we observe that, “teamwork in reconciliation prevents erasure from the book of life.”  According to this letter from Paul, we observe another allusion or inference to, “The names of Christians are in the ‘book of life’”. 

In the third sermon, “Permanent Registry”, we observed that, “Our names cannot be removed from the book of life”.  Jesus is the only one who has the authority to blot our names from the book of life. 

“God writes our names in His book.”  “The names of Christians are in the ‘book of life’”.  “[Christians’] names cannot be removed from the book of life”.  Are you “Christian”?  Then your name is written in the book of life through the blood of Jesus Christ.  This means, you can have or get conviction!  

God does the convicting.  (For more on this read the table below filled with "Core Scriptures on Conviction from God.").

Reconcile, reaffirm, respond and reflect on that shared. 

Today we observe and reflect on NOT another allusion, NOT a hint at the “book of life.” But an explicit reference to it by the Apostle John by way of revelation on the island of Patmos.

Main Text/Topic

Revelation 20.  Emphasis Rev. 20:15. Book of Life; Lake of Fire; Wrath of God, Eternal Hell. 

1. People not recorded [in the book of life] will experience God's wrath according to Rev. 20:15 

Which reads, "And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire." [Rev 20:15 NLT] 

    In the context of Revelation chapter nineteen just before chapter twenty we read about Songs of Victory in Heaven and The Rider on the White Horse.  

We pick up our main text beginning at

Rev. [19:20] “And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast--miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

 [21] Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse. And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies.” (Rev 19:20-21 NLT) 

The Thousand Years sometimes referred to as the Millennial Reign of Christ.

[20:1] Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a heavy chain in his hand. [2] He seized the dragon--that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan--and bound him in chains for a thousand years. [3] The angel threw him into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. Afterward he must be released for a little while. 

[4] Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their forehead or their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 

[5] This is the first resurrection. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.) 

[6] Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years. [7] When the thousand years come to an end, Satan will be let out of his prison. [8] He will go out to deceive the nations--called Gog and Magog--in every corner of the earth. He will gather them together for battle--a mighty army, as numberless as sand along the seashore. 

[9] And I saw them as they went up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded God's people and the beloved city. But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them. [10] Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. [11] And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 

[12] I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. [13] The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. 

[14] Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. [15] And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Rev 20:1-15 NLT) (Emphasis mine). 

 [21:1] Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. [2] And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (Rev 21:1-2 NLT) 

The Life Recovery Bible Scholarly Commentary in reference to chapter 20:11-15 indicates, 

“At the climactic "white throne" judgment, those who reject God will face eternal consequences.  Believers in Christ, however, will be shown amazing grace.  Most of us expect our judgment to be based upon whether or not we are guilty.  At this [particular] judgment, though, everyone is guilty.  

The people who have believed in Christ will be forgiven.  Those who have chosen to go their own way are headed to a place of eternal torment.  No matter who we are or how terrible our past [is], we can have our name written in the Book of Life.  

We cannot earn a place in that book; we can only receive it as a gift.  By admitting our failures, entrusting our life to God in Jesus Christ, and building a new life according to God's will, we become a member of God's family" (Cite 1) 

Sermon Summary & Conclusion:

According to scripture, God writes our names in his book.  The names of Christians are in this book of life.  Once written in the book of life, Christians' names cannot be removed, only Jesus the Christ can remove such people.  People not recorded will experience God's wrath.

The central verse of today’s message (Rev 20:15). It explicitly connects exclusion from the Book of Life with eternal judgment: “Anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” This is not metaphor—it is finality.

Paul opens his theological treatise in Romans 1:18 with a sobering truth: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people...” This wrath is not arbitrary—it is the righteous response to rebellion.

Romans 2:5 is A warning to those who presume upon grace without repentance: “...you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.” The Book of Life is not a passive registry—it is a call to transformation.

...Revelation 14:10 & 19:15 – These verses describe the full outpouring of divine wrath: “He will drink of the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength...” and “He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.” These are not threats—they are truths, meant to awaken and convict.

Each of these scriptures from the Bible and various other addresses within are not threats—they are truths, meant to awaken and convict you.

 Next Message:  Entry to Heaven.  Only those whose names are in God's Book will enter heaven Rev. 21:27. 

Sermon Exhortation:

 [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. [26] If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, [27] but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. (Heb 10:24-27 NIV)

Good order and discipline come from God. Scripture declares,

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. (Rev 3:19 NIV) 

Sermon Altar Call to Action:

Suggested Response.  Read together from the Hymns of Glorious Praise - page 493 - 

Reading 23.  Hell

Comprised of the following scriptures:  Proverbs 14:12; Matthew 7:13, 14; Matthew 7:21-23; Hebrews 3:12, 13; Isaiah 55:6, 7.

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?  and in thy name have cast out devils?  and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  

Take heed, brethern lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:  and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  (Cite 2)

Sermon Prayer & song: 

Hymns of Glorious Praise - Battle Hymn of the Republic page 494 or   Melodies of Praise - When the Roll Is Called up Yonder page 182.

Service Benediction:

Song:  Melodies of Praise - Trust and Obey - Page 57 Chorus.

Prayer:  Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.  Amen.  Rev. 1:5,6.

Next Week:

Book of Life | Citizens of Heaven | Entry to Heaven

Sources, Credits, Citations & Notes:

1.   The Life Recovery Bible, by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.  Carol Stream, IL 1998, pg. 1668 Commentary Rev. 20:11-15.
2. Hymns of Glorious Praise, Gospel Publishing House, Springfield, MO, 1969, 493.
3. Note.  Most hyperlinks lead to Blue Letter Bible.org for NLT unless otherwise noted.

📚 End Notes for Deeper Study: The Wrath of God & The Book of Life (all scripture hyperlinks to Blue Letter Bible.org NIV unless otherwise noted).

1.     Revelation 20:15 – The central verse of today’s message. It explicitly connects exclusion from the Book of Life with eternal judgment: “Anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” This is not metaphor—it is finality.

2.     Romans 1:18 – Paul opens his theological treatise with a sobering truth: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people...” This wrath is not arbitrary—it is the righteous response to rebellion.

3.     Romans 2:5 – A warning to those who presume upon grace without repentance: “...you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.” The Book of Life is not a passive registry—it is a call to transformation.

4.     Nahum 1:2–3 – The prophet declares: “The Lord is a jealous and avenging God... The Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished...” This passage reminds us that divine wrath is not rage—it is justice.

5.     Psalm 7:11 – “God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.” This daily display is not destruction—it is divine patience, holding back judgment to allow repentance.

6.     Ephesians 5:6 – Paul warns believers not to be deceived: “...because of such things, God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.” The Book of Life is not earned—it is received through surrender and obedience.

7.     Colossians 3:6 – Echoing Ephesians, Paul writes: “Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.” The context includes idolatry, impurity, and greed—reminding us that spiritual citizenship requires spiritual cleansing.

8.     Isaiah 30:27–28 – The prophet paints a vivid image: “The Lord’s lips are full of wrath... His breath is like a rushing torrent...” This is not poetic exaggeration—it is prophetic urgency.

9.     Zephaniah 1:18 – “Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath...” This verse underscores that salvation is not transactional—it is relational, sealed in Christ.

10.  Revelation 14:10 & 19:15 – These verses describe the full outpouring of divine wrath: “...they will drink of the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength...” and “...He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.” These are not threats—they are truths, meant to awaken and convict.

1        Here's a curated list of key scriptures that speak directly to the concept of conviction from God—whether through the Holy Spirit, the Word, or divine prompting. These verses reflect both the internal stirring toward repentance and the assurance of truth:

    🔥 Core Scriptures on Conviction from God (see Hyperlink for version of translation):

Verse	Theme	Excerpt
John 16:8	Holy Spirit’s role	“And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness and of the coming judgment.”
Acts 2:37	Heart-piercing truth	“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart…”
1 Thessalonians 1:5	Power of the gospel	“…in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction…”
Hebrews 11:1	Faith as conviction	“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Romans 14:22–23	Personal conviction	“The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God…”
2 Timothy 3:16	Scripture’s convicting power	“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for… reproof, correction…”
Job 33:14–30	God’s quiet conviction	“God speaks once, or twice… in a dream, a vision of the night…”
Acts 16:14	God opening hearts	“The Lord opened her heart to respond…”
2 Corinthians 7:10	Godly sorrow	“Sorrow according to the will of God produces repentance…”
1 Corinthians 14:24	Prophetic conviction	“…he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all.”

Hyperlinks for Job and Acts to be continued later 🙏

Soli Deo Gloria | “Glory to God Alone”