Isaiah 65:6 - Homiletics

Men's sins recorded in God's book.

As far back as the time of Moses, God announced through him that men's sins were "laid up in store with him, and sealed up among his treasures" ( Deuteronomy 32:34 ). The later prophets ( Malachi 3:16 ), with the Psalms ( Psalms 56:8 ), and the Revelation of St. John ( John 20:12-15 ), speak of "a book," or "books, of remembrance," which contain the record of human frailty. Jeremiah says, "The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond" ( Jeremiah 17:1 ); and Daniel, like St. John, tells of a time when the judgment will be set, and "the books opened" ( John 7:10 ). The heavenly registers record the acts of men, both good and bad; and in one register seem to be written the names of those whom God regards as "living ones" ( Isaiah 4:3 ). This register is called "the book of life" ( Revelation 3:5 ; Revelation 13:8 ; Revelation 17:8 ; Revelation 20:12 , Revelation 20:15 ). Such are the biblical statements on the subject. The expressions used are doubtless accommodations to human modes of thought, and are not to be taken literally. The great truth, however, which they convey is to be understood in the most absolute literalness. Men's sins will not be forgotten, even when they are forgiven. They are all registered in God's memory; and perhaps it may be found that each man's sins are also registered in some secret place of his own memory, though at present he is unable to recall the greater part of them. All will be taken into consideration at the time of judgment, and all will be set forth in the sight of men and angels. There is nothing "secret" which shall not then be "revealed," or "hid" which shall not be "known." Men will be judged and sentenced "according to their works" ( Revelation 20:13 )—"according to that they have done, whether it be good or evil" ( 2 Corinthians 5:10 ).