Question:
Why do we have to have our names recorded in a church book? Revelation 13:8; Exodus 32:32; Daniel 12:1; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 20:12.
Answer:
We don’t have to. We don’t have to belong to a church at all in this free land; there is no coercion. But if we do belong to a church, is it not well for that church to keep a record of its members? Surely it would seem as if everyone would wish to do that. It is the family record of when each child came into the family, etc. The name of Jesus, the Son of Joseph, was doubtless in the records of Israel. When at twelve years of age, He became a “son of the law,” His name was undoubtedly recorded as such in the proper records of the synagogue to which He belonged. It is a matter of best business prudence and the most effective church and missionary work to have a record of members’ names. However, what is more important than all else is to have our names in the Book of Life, as suggested by some of the scriptures you cited above.
