Revelation 3:5 (NKJV)

He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

This verse has been used by many in the evangelical church today to teach that believers can lose their salvation.

Furthermore, they emphasize the word “overcome” written in the present tense, interpreting it to mean Christians must work hard for their salvation, and if they fail to do so, God will erase their names from the book of life.

They also use Moses’ statement in Exodus 32:32 to support their understanding where he says, “Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.”

Explanation

Context of the verse

This verse from Revelation 3:5 addresses a church called Sardis, and it’s actually a promise rather than a warning that God will never blot out the names in the book of life. Our salvation is permanent and not determined by our worthiness, but by the fact that Christ is worthy and that we are in Him. 

This understanding also fits with other verses about the Book of Life. Jesus told the disciples in Luke 10:20, “Do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” In Hebrews 12:23, we read of “the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven.” 

Overcomer

It is important to understand what the author of revelation (Apostle John) meant by the word overcomer. As we look at 1 John 5, the word overcomer is simply defined as Christians. These are believers who will persevere in their Christian walk because they have true saving faith. 

The letter was written to the Sardian church, which (like other ancient cities) had a basic principle regarding  their citizenship records. When people came into the city, their names were written on the city’s rolls, and they were identified as members.

However, if they committed a criminal act discrediting themselves or disgraceful to the city, a certain reproach would be attached to them, and they would be eliminated from that city’s records.

In a similar analogy, God says He would never do that. 

By placing our faith in Jesus Christ, we are, by virtue, over-comers and are clothed in white garments of the highest honour and dignity.

In contrast to the worldly systems, God places no “conditions” on His salvific purpose and promises to never blot us out. 

Exodus 32:32

Regarding Moses’ statement in Exodus, it simply conveys his concern for the salvation of Israel to the point where he was willing to become damned to save them. Moses’ words here are just an outcry from a passionate heart, and the scriptures record his emotion. 

In conclusion, Revelation 3:5 offers believers a profound assurance of their eternal security in Christ. The promise that their names will not be blotted from the Book of Life is a guarantee of God’s commitment to His people. While some may misinterpret this passage as suggesting that salvation can be lost, the context and the consistent message of Scripture affirm that true believers are overcomers by virtue of their faith, and their place in God’s eternal kingdom is secure.

This is further emphasized by the promise that salvation is not dependent on our works or merit but on Christ’s finished work on the cross. Just as the citizens of Sardis feared losing their status due to wrongdoing, God reassures His people that their citizenship in His kingdom is based on grace, not performance. Therefore, this verse serves as a reminder to rest in Christ’s victory and trust in the permanence of the salvation He offers to all who believe.