You're referring to the Book of Remembrance in the book of Revelation!
In the Bible, specifically in the book of Malachi (Malachi 3:16-18), it is written that God has a "book of remembrance" where He keeps track of those who fear and obey Him. This concept is also alluded to in the book of Revelation, chapter 20.
According to Revelation 20:12-15, at the end of the millennium (the thousand-year period described in Revelation 20:4-6), Satan will be released from his imprisonment and will deceive the nations one last time. As a result, God will send fire from heaven to destroy them (Revelation 20:9).
In this context, the "book of remembrance" is mentioned as a book where God keeps track of those who have been faithful to Him throughout history. Those whose names are written in this book will be resurrected and given eternal life (Revelation 20:12-15). This suggests that God's judgment is not based on some arbitrary standard, but rather on the individual's obedience and faithfulness to Him.
In other words, if your name is written in the "book of remembrance," you can be confident that you will inherit eternal life with God. Conversely, if your name is not found in this book, it may indicate that you did not live a life pleasing to God during your time on earth, which would have serious consequences.
This concept serves as a reminder to believers throughout history to remain faithful and obedient to God's will, knowing that their names are being written in the "book of remembrance."
You're referencing the biblical account of Queen Esther and her uncle Mordecai!
According to the Book of Esther (Esther 6:1-14), Mordecai, a Jewish advisor to King Xerxes I of Persia, had foiled an assassination plot against the king. However, when Haman, the king's chief advisor, discovered that Mordecai was Jewish and didn't bow down to him as expected, he became enraged.
Haman convinced King Xerxes to issue a decree ordering the destruction of all Jews throughout the Persian Empire on a specific date. But God had other plans!
In a dramatic turn of events, Queen Esther (who was also a Jewish woman) risked her life by approaching the king uninvited and revealing Haman's evil plot. The king became enraged with Haman and ordered his execution instead.
And that's when "the book of remembrance" was opened for Mordecai! According to Scripture, Mordecai's bravery and loyalty had earned him a place in God's book of remembrance (Esther 6:2). This is often seen as a foreshadowing of Mordecai's future recognition and honor before the king.
What a powerful story of faith, courage, and redemption!
A wonderful resource!
The Book of Remembrance (BoR) is a comprehensive, downloadable PDF document that lists the names and details of all victims of the Holocaust. The BoR is maintained by Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel.
The PDF contains over 4 million entries, including:
1. Victims' names: The majority of the entries are for individuals who were murdered or died during the Holocaust.
2. Places of death: The location where each person was killed or died is recorded.
3. Dates of birth and death (where available): This helps to establish a timeline of the victims' lives and their tragic end.
4. Nationalities: The document includes information on the nationality or ethnicity of each victim.
The Book of Remembrance serves several purposes:
1. **Honoring the victims**: It provides a permanent record of those who lost their lives during the Holocaust, ensuring that their memories are preserved for generations to come.
2. **Educational tool**: The BoR is an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and educators, helping to raise awareness about the Holocaust and its impact on individuals and communities.
3. **Research aid**: The document can be used by historians, genealogists, and others conducting research on Holocaust-related topics.
You can download the Book of Remembrance from Yad Vashem's website in PDF format.
Keep in mind that the BoR is a vast and complex resource, covering over 4 million entries. It may take some time to navigate and find specific information. However, it is an incredible tool for learning about and honoring the victims of the Holocaust.
A great reference to Revelation 20:12!
In this verse, John writes:
"And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books."
The "book of remembrance" mentioned here is likely a reference to this "other book" that was opened after the Book of Life. This book is thought to contain the records of every person's deeds, both good and bad, during their lifetime on earth.
In this context, the opening of the book of remembrance serves as a sort of "judgment roll call." The dead are summoned before God's throne, where they are judged according to what they have done in life. This judgment is not just based on outward actions, but also on the motivations and intentions behind those actions.
The idea of a book of remembrance is found in other passages of Scripture as well, such as Malachi 3:16-18, where it's mentioned that God keeps a record of those who fear Him and obey His commands. Similarly, Psalm 56:8 says, "You keep track of all my wanderings; put my tears in your bottle."
The Book of Remembrance mentioned in the Bible is actually a book that is not part of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), but rather a part of the Apocrypha, which are books that are considered to be part of the Christian canon but not recognized as authoritative by Jewish tradition.
The Book of Remembrance is found in the apocalyptic book of 2 Esdras, specifically in chapter 6. It describes a vision given to Ezra, the leader of the Israelites after the Babylonian exile, where he sees a book that contains the names and stories of all the righteous people who have ever lived.
In this vision, God shows Ezra the Book of Remembrance, which is said to be kept in heaven. The book contains the names and deeds of all those who have been faithful to God, and it serves as a record of their righteousness before God's throne.
The Book of Remembrance is seen as a symbol of God's remembrance of His people and His commitment to reward those who are faithful to Him. It is also seen as a reminder that our actions have consequences, both in this life and in the next, and that we will be judged according to our deeds.
It's worth noting that the Book of Remembrance is not mentioned in any other part of the Bible besides 2 Esdras, so its significance is mainly understood within the context of apocalyptic literature.
A beautiful topic!
In the context of a Book of Remembrance, a Bible verse is often chosen to serve as an inspiration and guide for those who are grieving or remembering loved ones. Here are some popular options:
1. **John 14:2**: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. For I go to prepare a place for you." (NIV) - This verse offers hope and reassurance that our loved ones who have passed away are in a better place.
2. **Psalm 23:4**: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me." (NIV) - This verse reminds us that even in difficult times, God is always present to guide and comfort us.
3. **Revelation 21:4**: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (NIV) - This verse looks forward to a future where all tears will be wiped away, and suffering will cease.
4. **Luke 16:25**: "Now Abraham was rich, very rich; but Lazarus was poor. So he carried him on his back and took him to the place of rest." (NIV) - This verse reminds us that even in death, our loved ones can find rest and comfort with God.
5. **Isaiah 65:19**: "Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? And I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (KJV) - This verse speaks of a new beginning and a path forward, even in the midst of grief.
When choosing a Bible verse for a Book of Remembrance, consider the personality, faith, or values of your loved one. You may also want to select a verse that offers comfort, hope, or reassurance during difficult times.
A great choice!
Malachi 3:16 (KJV) says:
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name."
This verse is part of Malachi's message to God's people who had become lax in their worship and obedience. In this context, "those who feared the Lord" refers to those who had a deep reverence for God and sought to please Him.
The phrase "spake often one to another" suggests that these individuals would regularly discuss God's ways and His goodness among themselves. This kind of conversation would likely involve sharing stories of God's deliverance, praising His name, and seeking guidance from each other.
The verse then highlights the Lord's response: He hearkened (listened) and heard their conversations. The phrase "a book of remembrance was written before him" suggests that God kept a record of these individuals who feared Him and thought upon His name. This record is not just a historical account but also a testament to their faithfulness.
In essence, this verse emphasizes the importance of genuine worship, fellowship, and conversation about God among believers. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Him and with each other, knowing that He takes notice of those who fear and reverence His name.
A great passage!
Malachi 3:16-18 KJV reads:
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him of them that feared the Lord, and thought on his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, that observeeth covenant and the faithful in like manner shall be my servant. Then shalt thou call, and I will answer; thou shalt cry, and I will say, Behold, I will do it."
Let's break this down:
* Verse 16: Those who fear (have a reverent awe of) God are talking to each other about His wonders. The Lord listens and takes note of their conversations.
* Verse 17: A "book of remembrance" is written in heaven for those who fear God and think on His name. This book seems to be a record of their good deeds and devotion to Him.
* Verse 18: Those who observe (keep) covenant with God will be His servants. When they call out to Him, He will answer; when they cry out, He will say, "Behold, I will do it" - implying that God will respond to their needs.
This passage highlights the importance of:
1. Fear of the Lord: Having a deep respect and awe for God's power and majesty.
2. Communication with God: Those who fear Him are talking to each other about His wonders, and He is listening and taking note.
3. Covenant-keeping: Observing (keeping) covenant with God means following His commands and remaining faithful to Him.
The book of remembrance in verse 16 also implies that our actions have consequences. What we do while on earth will be recorded in heaven, and one day, it will be used to determine our eternal reward or punishment (see Revelation 20:12-13).