Revelation 3:5
Verse
Context
To the Church in Sardis
4But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white. 5Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I will not blot out his name - This may be an allusion to the custom of registering the names of those who were admitted into the Church in a book kept for that purpose, from which custom our baptismal registers in Churches are derived. These are properly books of life, as there those who were born unto God were registered; as in the latter those who were born in that parish were enrolled. Or there may be allusions to the white raiment worn by the priests, and the erasing of the name of any priest out of the sacerdotal list who had either sinned, or was found not to be of the seed of Aaron. In Middoth, fol. 37, 2: "The great council of Israel sat and judged the priests. If in a priest any vice was found they stripped of his white garments and clothed him in black, in which he wrapped himself, went out, and departed. Him in whom no vice was found they clothed in white, and he went and took his part in the ministry among his brother priests." I will confess his name - I will acknowledge that this person is my true disciple, and a member of my mystical body. In all this there may also be an allusion to the custom of registering citizens. Their names were entered into books, according to their condition, tribes, family, etc.; and when they were dead, or had by unconstitutional acts forfeited their right of citizenship, the name was blotted out, or erased from the registers. See the note on Exo 32:32.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
white--not a dull white, but glittering, dazzling white [GROTIUS]. Compare Mat 13:43. The body transfigured into the likeness of Christ's body, and emitting beams of light reflected from Him, is probably the "white raiment" promised here. the same--Greek, "THIS man"; he and he alone. So one oldest manuscript reads. But two oldest manuscripts, and most of the ancient versions, "shall THUS be clothed," &c. raiment--Greek, "garments." "He that overcometh" shall receive the same reward as they who "have not defiled their garments" (Rev 3:4); therefore the two are identical. I will not--Greek, "I will not by any means." blot out . . . name out of . . . book of life--of the heavenly city. A register was kept in ancient cities of their citizens: the names of the dead were of course erased. So those who have a name that they live and are dead (Rev 3:1), are blotted out of God's roll of the heavenly citizens and heirs of eternal life; not that in God's electing decree they ever were in His book of life. But, according to human conceptions, those who had a high name for piety would be supposed to be in it, and were, in respect to privileges, actually among those in the way of salvation; but these privileges, and the fact that they once might have been saved, shall be of no avail to them. As to the book of life, compare Rev 13:8; Rev 17:8; Rev 20:12, Rev 20:15; Rev 21:27; Exo 32:32; Psa 69:28; Dan 12:1. In the sense of the "call," many are enrolled among the called to salvation, who shall not be found among the chosen at last. The pale of salvation is wider than that of election. Election is fixed. Salvation is open to all and is pending (humanly speaking) in the case of those mentioned here. But Rev 20:15; Rev 21:27, exhibit the book of the elect alone in the narrower sense, after the erasure of the others. before . . . before--Greek, "in the presence of." Compare the same promise of Christ's confessing before His Father those who confessed Him, Mat 10:32-33; Luk 12:8-9. He omits "in heaven" after "My Father," because there is, now that He is in heaven, no contrast between the Father in heaven and the Son on earth. He now sets His seal from heaven upon many of His words uttered on earth [TRENCH]. An undesigned coincidence, proving that these epistles are, as they profess, in their words, as well as substance, Christ's own addresses; not even tinged with the color of John's style, such as it appears in his Gospel and Epistles. The coincidence is mainly with the three other Gospels, and not with John's, which makes the coincidence more markedly undesigned. So also the clause, "He that hath an ear, let him hear," is not repeated from John's Gospel, but from the Lord's own words in the three synoptic Gospels (Mat 11:15; Mat 13:9; Mar 4:9, Mar 4:23; Mar 7:16; Luk 8:8; Luk 14:35).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that overcometh,.... The deadness, formality, and imperfection of this church state; gets over these things, and is among the few names in it: the same shall be clothed in white raiment; the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, read, "thus shall he be clothed in white raiment"; he shall have abundance of spiritual peace and joy, great success and prosperity, both inward and outward, in himself, and in the church; and triumph over all his enemies, sin, Satan, the world, death, and every other enemy; and not only be clothed with change of raiment, the pure and spotless righteousness of Christ, but shall enjoy eternal glory and happiness! the allusion seems to be to the custom of the Jewish sanhedrim in judging of priests fit for service (l), "they examined the priests concerning their genealogies and blemishes; every priest in whom was found anything faulty in his genealogy, he was clothed in black and veiled in black, and went out of the court; but everyone that was found perfect and right, , "he was clothed in white", and went in and ministered with his brethren the priests. And I will not blot out his name out of the book of life; by which is meant the choice of persons to everlasting life and salvation; and this being signified by a book, and by writing names in it, shows the exact knowledge God has of his elect, the value he has for them, his remembrance of them, his love to them, and care for them; and that this election is of particular persons by name, and is sure and certain; for those whose names are written in it shall never be blotted out, they will always remain in the number of God's elect, and can never become reprobates, or shall ever perish; because of the unchangeableness of the nature and love of God, the firmness of his purposes, the omnipotence of his arm, the death and intercession of Christ for them, their union to him, and being in him, the impossibility of their seduction by false teachers, and the security of their persons, grace, and glory in Christ, and in whose keeping this book of life is; which respects not this temporal life, that belongs to the book of providence, but a spiritual and eternal life, from whence it has its name, But I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels; which shows that Christ has an exact and perfect knowledge of all the chosen ones, he knows them by name; and that he has a strong and affectionate love for them, and is not ashamed of them, of their cause, of their persons, and of their relation to him; and that he does and will own, acknowledge, and approve of them, both here and hereafter: and the confession he will make of them will be in their praise; in praise of their persons and the comeliness of them, which he has put upon them; and of their graces, though they are his own; and of their good works as the fruits of grace: and this will be made before his Father, who chose these persons, and gave them to him to preserve and save; and before the angels, who rejoice at their salvation and happiness; and this will be at the last day; see Gill on Mat 10:32. (l) Maimon. Biath Hamikdash, c. 6. sect. 11, Misn. Middot, c. 5. sect. 3. T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 19. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5 Having one’s name recorded in the Book of Life (see 20:12-15; Dan 7:10) symbolizes having assurance of God’s acceptance and eternal life (see Rev 17:8; 20:12; Phil 4:3; see also Luke 10:20). For God to erase a name implies condemnation and eternal death (see Exod 32:32-33; Ps 69:28).
Revelation 3:5
To the Church in Sardis
4But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white. 5Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hell - Part 2
By David Wilkerson7.6K20:27HellISA 47:7MAT 6:33MAT 7:22HEB 2:3REV 3:5REV 20:12REV 20:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not neglecting salvation. He highlights how people often neglect prayer and the word of God, instead spending their time on worldly pursuits. The preacher warns that these actions will be recorded in the book of judgment. He shares a personal story of a young man who had a powerful encounter with God and was delivered from the fear of hell. The preacher challenges the audience to prioritize seeking God and praying for the salvation of their loved ones, reminding them of the reality of a Godless, eternal hell.
(Messages) Repentance
By Basilea Schlink7.5K51:16RepentancePSA 51:17MAT 3:2ACT 3:192CO 7:10JAS 5:20REV 2:4REV 3:5During World War II, many German people experienced suffering and developed a hunger for the word of God. The speaker received numerous requests for Bible studies and lectures, which brought joy and gratitude. However, a moment of revelation unsettled the speaker, leading them to realize the importance of repentance. The speaker emphasizes that repentance is the gateway to heaven and the heart of the Father, as preached by John the Baptist and Jesus himself. The speaker highlights the human tendency to be apathetic and indifferent towards our own sins, often blaming others or even God. They stress the need to recognize our lack of repentance and turn to God in faith, as He is able to create repentance in our hearts through His Holy Spirit. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross not only destroyed Satan's power but also the hardness of our hearts, enabling us to weep over our sins and the suffering we have caused. The call to repentance is both a command and a promise.
Things God Wants Us to Know - Part 2
By Brother Andrew4.0K27:58RevelationMAT 11:28MAT 28:19JHN 1:29ACT 1:8REV 3:5REV 17:13REV 22:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a young man who dedicated his life to Jesus after hearing an invitation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of making a decision to follow Jesus and how it can impact not only our own lives but also the lives of others, particularly those in persecuted countries. The speaker quotes Patrick Henry and Benjamin Franklin to highlight the significance of fighting for freedom and not sacrificing it for security. The sermon concludes with a call to be spiritual fighters and to allow God to work through us to bring about change in the world.
(Revelation) the New Jerusalem Our Eternal Home
By Willie Mullan3.0K1:03:03New JerusalemREV 1:9REV 1:12REV 3:5REV 21:6REV 21:23REV 21:26In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dimensions of a new city mentioned in the Bible. He explains that the city is 1,500 miles in length, but clarifies that it is actually 1,500 miles short. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having one's name written in the Lamb's Book of Life, regardless of one's religious affiliation. He also highlights the consolations and illuminations of the heavenly home, including the absence of death, sickness, and crying, as well as the glory of God and the Lamb. The sermon concludes with a discussion of the architectural aspects of the city, such as the twelve gates and the pure gold material.
Few Find the Way to Life
By Zac Poonen2.1K57:22Narrow WayMAT 7:13MAT 24:35MRK 8:38HEB 12:14REV 3:5REV 7:14REV 14:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of striving and putting total attention into following the words of Jesus. He criticizes the current state of preaching, stating that many preachers do not emphasize the need to strive for salvation. The preacher highlights the significance of our daily decisions, comparing them to sowing seeds in a vineyard. He warns against making careless decisions like Esau, who traded his birthright for a single meal. The sermon encourages listeners to be mindful of their choices and to seek fellowship with humble believers.
(Revelation) the Great White Throne
By Willie Mullan1.8K1:24:06Great White ThroneEXO 32:30MAT 6:33REV 3:5REV 20:11REV 21:27In this sermon, the preacher urges the audience to get saved and not to run away from God's judgment. The preacher emphasizes the urgency of salvation and encourages the audience to listen to God's warnings and mercy. The sermon includes a hymn about the passing of time and the impending judgment. The preacher also references a biblical passage from Revelation 20, highlighting the importance of living a righteous life as every action will be recorded in the book of life.
Russ-05 Q & a a.katz
By Art Katz1.5K30:20RussianHEB 10:35REV 3:5REV 20:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life worthy of God's reward in eternity. He explains that when Jesus comes, he will bring his reward with him and give to each person according to their works. The preacher warns that many will have no reward or their works will be burned up in judgment. He urges the listeners to have a greater urgency about eternity and strive to obtain a greater and eternal reward by living a distinguished and productive life for Christ.
The Call to Overcome
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:09:15OvercomingMAT 6:33REV 1:9REV 2:7REV 2:11REV 2:17REV 2:26REV 3:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a vision and how it relates to the call of God. The vision is described as an unveiling of the mind of God to our spirit, and it is through seeing this vision that we receive the call. The main focus of the vision is on the son of man, who is described in great detail, while the seven golden candlesticks in the background are not described. This is because the purpose of the vision is for us to see Christ and his glory. The speaker emphasizes that as Christ is, so is the church. The vision also reveals that Christ holds the keys of death and Hades, signifying his power and authority.
Hell Whats It Like - Whos Going There
By David Wilkerson89642:30HellISA 14:15MAT 5:22MAT 10:28MAT 10:33MAT 23:332PE 2:17JUD 1:13REV 3:5REV 20:12REV 21:23In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful story about a man who experienced a tragic accident on an oil rig. Despite being mocked by a young man prior to the accident, the injured man selflessly saved him from the fire. The preacher then transitions to discussing the reality of hell and the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. He emphasizes that hell is a place of darkness, both literally and spiritually, and shares the story of Iranian young people who were deceived by false promises of paradise. The preacher concludes by urging listeners to accept the simple and free gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
Russ-05 вопросы и ответ
By Art Katz81027:23Question AnswerISA 65:21JOL 2:28MAT 24:121CO 3:122CO 12:7HEB 10:34REV 3:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on eternal rewards rather than temporary earthly possessions. He references Hebrews chapter 10, which encourages believers to endure patiently and find joy in the promise of an enduring substance in heaven. The preacher also discusses the concept of rewards that Jesus brings with him when he returns, particularly for those who are faithful and obedient. He highlights the idea that suffering for Christ's sake leads to a greater and eternal reward. The sermon concludes by acknowledging that apostolic suffering is inherent in apostolic calling and encourages believers to follow the example of Paul in enduring persecution for the sake of the gospel.
Audio Sermon: What Does It Mean to Accept Christ - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer76820:22MAT 10:33MAT 16:24LUK 9:23JHN 13:16ROM 8:171CO 1:18GAL 2:20PHP 3:101JN 2:6REV 3:5This sermon emphasizes the radical and revolutionary acceptance of Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of accepting His friends and enemies, His ways, rejection, cross, life, and future. It stresses the need for a complete and exclusive acceptance of Christ, rejecting superficiality and emphasizing the life-changing nature of true acceptance.
The Manifest Presence of God
By E.A. Johnston62920:14Presence of GodMAT 5:8MAT 6:33ACT 16:30REV 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having clean hands and a pure heart in order to ascend and stand in the presence of God. The key to revival, according to the speaker, lies in verse 4 of Psalm 24. The speaker shares a story about a revival in the Scottish Hebrides that started with a group of men praying for God to send a mighty outpouring of His Spirit. The sermon emphasizes the need for personal holiness and a transformed church that is on fire for God and actively witnessing to others. The speaker encourages listeners to examine their own hearts and prepare themselves for an invasion of the Spirit in revival.
Lookout mtn.conference 1973-07 the Apostle Paul
By Stan Ford39138:04JOB 1:21MAT 6:33PHP 2:17PHP 4:41TH 5:23JAS 1:27REV 3:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. He uses the story of Job, who lost everything, to illustrate this point. Despite his losses, Job was able to find joy in his relationship with God. The preacher also emphasizes the need to focus on positive and virtuous thoughts, as outlined in Philippians 4:8. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to find joy and peace in their faith, even in the face of adversity.
7 Types of Eternal Rewards
By Mike Bickle1959:39Heart ResponsesEternal RewardsMAT 6:20MAT 25:211CO 3:81CO 15:412CO 9:7JAS 1:121PE 1:7REV 2:10REV 3:5REV 3:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of eternal rewards in his sermon '7 Types of Eternal Rewards,' explaining that our choices and actions in this life directly impact the rewards we will receive in the age to come. He highlights that Jesus spoke extensively about these rewards, which include various forms of glory, authority, and praise from God, and that they are based on our heart responses rather than our abilities. Bickle encourages believers to consider their daily decisions and acts of righteousness, as these will be recognized and rewarded by God, ultimately leading to a deeper communion with Him. He reassures that every small act of service and humility matters and will be remembered, urging listeners to live with an eternal perspective.
Perfect Holiness - the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus
By Art Katz1Spiritual StruggleHolinessMAT 5:8ROM 12:12CO 7:1EPH 4:1PHP 3:141TH 4:7HEB 12:14JAS 1:121PE 1:15REV 3:5Art Katz emphasizes the profound call to perfect holiness as the true high calling of God in Christ Jesus, drawing inspiration from Charles Spurgeon's reflections on purity and the struggles of a believer. He highlights that perfect holiness is not merely an ideal but a necessary pursuit that leads to joy, peace, and a clear conscience, marking the believer's victory over sin. Katz argues that this journey involves a serious struggle against the flesh, but ultimately results in a triumphant state of being, where one is clothed in righteousness and joy. He challenges the church to strive for this holiness, which serves as a powerful witness to the world. The sermon calls believers to embrace the struggle for holiness, promising that the rewards are worth the fight.
Readings on 1 Peter 2
By John Nelson Darby0Christ's AuthorityFaithfulness in Trials1PE 2:91JN 5:4REV 1:8REV 2:10REV 2:12REV 2:16REV 3:5REV 3:7REV 3:11REV 3:20John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of Christ's character as it relates to the conditions of the seven churches, particularly highlighting His attributes of judgment and authority. In Smyrna, He is presented as 'The first and the last, which was dead, and is alive,' offering comfort amidst tribulation. Darby discusses the importance of understanding the unseen realities behind events, illustrating how God's judgment operates in both human responsibility and divine holiness. He warns against the seduction of the church by worldly influences, particularly in Pergamos and Thyatira, and stresses the need for faithfulness and separation from corruption. Ultimately, he calls believers to hold fast to Christ's truth as they await His return.
Holiness - the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus
By Art Katz0Spiritual WarfareHolinessMAT 5:8ROM 12:12CO 7:1PHP 3:141TH 4:7HEB 12:14JAS 1:121PE 1:151JN 3:2REV 3:5Art Katz emphasizes the profound call to holiness as articulated by Charles Spurgeon, who equates perfect holiness with the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Spurgeon encourages believers to engage in the spiritual warfare necessary to attain this purity, promising that the struggles will lead to joy, peace of conscience, and a triumphant victory. Katz highlights that true joy and gladness stem from a heart made righteous through the sanctifying work of God, and that believers must be serious about their spiritual journey to experience this state of being. He challenges the church to strive for this holiness, which not only transforms individual lives but also serves as a powerful witness to the world. Ultimately, Katz calls for a commitment to the struggle for holiness, assuring that the rewards are eternal and glorious.
1 John 2:28
By John Gill0Abiding in ChristConfidence at His ComingMAT 10:32ROM 5:5PHP 1:6COL 3:41TH 5:242TI 4:8HEB 10:231PE 5:41JN 2:28REV 3:5John Gill emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ, encouraging believers to maintain their faith, hope, and love towards Him. He reassures that when Christ returns, those who have remained steadfast will have confidence and not be ashamed, as they will be clothed in His righteousness. Gill highlights the glorious nature of Christ's second coming, where believers will stand boldly before Him, free from shame and full of joy. He also notes that faithful ministers will rejoice in the perseverance of their congregations, as they will share in the joy of their salvation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for unwavering commitment to Christ and His teachings.
The Book of Life
By Thomas Brooks0Assurance of SalvationElectionEPH 1:4REV 3:5REV 20:12REV 20:15REV 21:27Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of the Book of Life, asserting that the names of the elect are eternally inscribed within it, signifying their predestined salvation and God's unwavering grace. He explains that this book is a record of those chosen by God for eternal life, highlighting the certainty of their salvation and the glorification of God's mercy. Brooks warns that on the day of judgment, the Book of Life will reveal the true believers and the reprobates, showcasing the stark contrast between those who have genuinely followed Christ and those who have not. He concludes with a sobering reminder that those whose names are absent from this book face eternal separation from God.
The White Robe
By Phoebe Palmer0JOB 33:14MAT 16:24HEB 12:14JAS 4:81JN 1:7REV 3:5REV 21:4Phoebe Palmer preaches about the transformative power of surrendering to God and pursuing holiness with unwavering dedication. Through the story of E____, who faced a life-threatening illness that led her to a profound spiritual awakening, Palmer emphasizes the importance of wholehearted consecration to God and the journey towards unreserved devotion. E____'s experience of being guided by her Class-Leader in a vision symbolizes the need to constantly seek cleansing and renewal through Jesus' blood to maintain spiritual purity amidst worldly temptations. As E____ progresses on the narrow path of holiness, she learns to prioritize her relationship with Jesus above all else, experiencing a deep transformation that leads to a closer walk with the Savior and a profound encounter with His love and grace.
The Overcomer's Riches, Reward and Rest
By H.J. Vine01JN 4:41JN 5:4REV 2:7REV 3:5REV 3:12H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of believers being in the world but not of the world, emphasizing the victory over the world that comes through faith in the Son of God. He contrasts the true children of God with religious leaders of the world, highlighting the need to overcome the world through their nature, faith, and belief in Jesus. The sermon delves into the rewards and encouragement given to overcomers in Revelation, pointing to the ultimate rest and glory awaiting those who remain faithful to Christ.
Hymn: The Holy Remnant
By D.S. Warner0ISA 4:32PE 3:10REV 3:5REV 3:21D.S. Warner preaches about the holy remnant gathered to the King of Peace, emphasizing the importance of finding full atonement and abundance of grace in Zion. He urges the congregation to heed the voice from heaven calling them out of confusion and to flee from ruin, not taking any part in the world's chaos. Warner highlights the necessity for the remnant to be dressed in white raiment, symbolizing sanctification through the Savior's sacrifice. He concludes by reminding the believers of their inheritance in the kingdom under the Shining Sun, encouraging them to stand firm on the verge of eternity, ready for judgment.
Christian Nations
By Anton Bosch0DAN 2:44MAT 7:21ACT 11:261JN 5:19REV 3:5Anton Bosch discusses the misconception of nations claiming to be 'Christian nations' throughout history, emphasizing that merely bearing the name 'Christian' does not make a nation or an individual godly. He highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, as Jesus himself warns that many will claim to know Him but will be rejected due to their lawless behavior. Bosch points out that the Bible only mentions Israel and the Church as having a special relationship with God, and challenges the notion of any nation having a unique covenant with God, citing the lack of mention of powerful nations like America in biblical prophecy.
Rev. 20:11-15. the Great White Throne
By Horatius Bonar0JudgmentEternal ConsequencesPSA 102:26ISA 34:4JER 4:23MRK 9:48PHP 4:3REV 3:5REV 13:8REV 17:8REV 20:11REV 21:27Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 20:11-15, depicting the Great White Throne as a scene of ultimate judgment where all humanity, both great and small, will stand before God. He emphasizes the grandeur and purity of the throne, the certainty of judgment based on one's deeds recorded in the books, and the terrifying reality of the second death for those not found in the Book of Life. Bonar warns of the impartiality of God's judgment, where every action and thought will be accounted for, leading to eternal consequences. He challenges the congregation to reflect on the truth of this judgment and its implications for their lives, urging them to consider their standing before God.
The "Man of Soul"
By Jessie Penn-Lewis0MAT 3:6MAT 11:25MRK 1:5LUK 10:21LUK 22:6ACT 19:18ROM 14:11PHP 2:11JAS 5:16REV 3:5In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of 'exomologeo,' which means to fully agree with someone else, confess openly, or give praise. The preacher emphasizes the importance of confessing sins and acknowledging God openly before praising Him. Various Bible scholars and commentators provide insights into the significance of exomologeo in the New Testament, highlighting its association with confessing sins and praising God. The sermon explores how confession of sins precedes true praise and worship, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I will not blot out his name - This may be an allusion to the custom of registering the names of those who were admitted into the Church in a book kept for that purpose, from which custom our baptismal registers in Churches are derived. These are properly books of life, as there those who were born unto God were registered; as in the latter those who were born in that parish were enrolled. Or there may be allusions to the white raiment worn by the priests, and the erasing of the name of any priest out of the sacerdotal list who had either sinned, or was found not to be of the seed of Aaron. In Middoth, fol. 37, 2: "The great council of Israel sat and judged the priests. If in a priest any vice was found they stripped of his white garments and clothed him in black, in which he wrapped himself, went out, and departed. Him in whom no vice was found they clothed in white, and he went and took his part in the ministry among his brother priests." I will confess his name - I will acknowledge that this person is my true disciple, and a member of my mystical body. In all this there may also be an allusion to the custom of registering citizens. Their names were entered into books, according to their condition, tribes, family, etc.; and when they were dead, or had by unconstitutional acts forfeited their right of citizenship, the name was blotted out, or erased from the registers. See the note on Exo 32:32.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
white--not a dull white, but glittering, dazzling white [GROTIUS]. Compare Mat 13:43. The body transfigured into the likeness of Christ's body, and emitting beams of light reflected from Him, is probably the "white raiment" promised here. the same--Greek, "THIS man"; he and he alone. So one oldest manuscript reads. But two oldest manuscripts, and most of the ancient versions, "shall THUS be clothed," &c. raiment--Greek, "garments." "He that overcometh" shall receive the same reward as they who "have not defiled their garments" (Rev 3:4); therefore the two are identical. I will not--Greek, "I will not by any means." blot out . . . name out of . . . book of life--of the heavenly city. A register was kept in ancient cities of their citizens: the names of the dead were of course erased. So those who have a name that they live and are dead (Rev 3:1), are blotted out of God's roll of the heavenly citizens and heirs of eternal life; not that in God's electing decree they ever were in His book of life. But, according to human conceptions, those who had a high name for piety would be supposed to be in it, and were, in respect to privileges, actually among those in the way of salvation; but these privileges, and the fact that they once might have been saved, shall be of no avail to them. As to the book of life, compare Rev 13:8; Rev 17:8; Rev 20:12, Rev 20:15; Rev 21:27; Exo 32:32; Psa 69:28; Dan 12:1. In the sense of the "call," many are enrolled among the called to salvation, who shall not be found among the chosen at last. The pale of salvation is wider than that of election. Election is fixed. Salvation is open to all and is pending (humanly speaking) in the case of those mentioned here. But Rev 20:15; Rev 21:27, exhibit the book of the elect alone in the narrower sense, after the erasure of the others. before . . . before--Greek, "in the presence of." Compare the same promise of Christ's confessing before His Father those who confessed Him, Mat 10:32-33; Luk 12:8-9. He omits "in heaven" after "My Father," because there is, now that He is in heaven, no contrast between the Father in heaven and the Son on earth. He now sets His seal from heaven upon many of His words uttered on earth [TRENCH]. An undesigned coincidence, proving that these epistles are, as they profess, in their words, as well as substance, Christ's own addresses; not even tinged with the color of John's style, such as it appears in his Gospel and Epistles. The coincidence is mainly with the three other Gospels, and not with John's, which makes the coincidence more markedly undesigned. So also the clause, "He that hath an ear, let him hear," is not repeated from John's Gospel, but from the Lord's own words in the three synoptic Gospels (Mat 11:15; Mat 13:9; Mar 4:9, Mar 4:23; Mar 7:16; Luk 8:8; Luk 14:35).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that overcometh,.... The deadness, formality, and imperfection of this church state; gets over these things, and is among the few names in it: the same shall be clothed in white raiment; the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, read, "thus shall he be clothed in white raiment"; he shall have abundance of spiritual peace and joy, great success and prosperity, both inward and outward, in himself, and in the church; and triumph over all his enemies, sin, Satan, the world, death, and every other enemy; and not only be clothed with change of raiment, the pure and spotless righteousness of Christ, but shall enjoy eternal glory and happiness! the allusion seems to be to the custom of the Jewish sanhedrim in judging of priests fit for service (l), "they examined the priests concerning their genealogies and blemishes; every priest in whom was found anything faulty in his genealogy, he was clothed in black and veiled in black, and went out of the court; but everyone that was found perfect and right, , "he was clothed in white", and went in and ministered with his brethren the priests. And I will not blot out his name out of the book of life; by which is meant the choice of persons to everlasting life and salvation; and this being signified by a book, and by writing names in it, shows the exact knowledge God has of his elect, the value he has for them, his remembrance of them, his love to them, and care for them; and that this election is of particular persons by name, and is sure and certain; for those whose names are written in it shall never be blotted out, they will always remain in the number of God's elect, and can never become reprobates, or shall ever perish; because of the unchangeableness of the nature and love of God, the firmness of his purposes, the omnipotence of his arm, the death and intercession of Christ for them, their union to him, and being in him, the impossibility of their seduction by false teachers, and the security of their persons, grace, and glory in Christ, and in whose keeping this book of life is; which respects not this temporal life, that belongs to the book of providence, but a spiritual and eternal life, from whence it has its name, But I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels; which shows that Christ has an exact and perfect knowledge of all the chosen ones, he knows them by name; and that he has a strong and affectionate love for them, and is not ashamed of them, of their cause, of their persons, and of their relation to him; and that he does and will own, acknowledge, and approve of them, both here and hereafter: and the confession he will make of them will be in their praise; in praise of their persons and the comeliness of them, which he has put upon them; and of their graces, though they are his own; and of their good works as the fruits of grace: and this will be made before his Father, who chose these persons, and gave them to him to preserve and save; and before the angels, who rejoice at their salvation and happiness; and this will be at the last day; see Gill on Mat 10:32. (l) Maimon. Biath Hamikdash, c. 6. sect. 11, Misn. Middot, c. 5. sect. 3. T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 19. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5 Having one’s name recorded in the Book of Life (see 20:12-15; Dan 7:10) symbolizes having assurance of God’s acceptance and eternal life (see Rev 17:8; 20:12; Phil 4:3; see also Luke 10:20). For God to erase a name implies condemnation and eternal death (see Exod 32:32-33; Ps 69:28).