What is the Lamb's book of life? Is it different from the book of life?

from the old testament

• Several passages in the Old Testament mention or allude to a divine record where names of the righteous are written, indicating their eternal life or favor with God. Notable references include Exodus 32:32–33, Psalms 69:28, and Daniel 12:1.
• In Exodus 32:32–33, Moses intercedes for the people of Israel after they had sinned by making and worshiping a golden calf. He asks God to forgive them, even offering to be removed from God's book (possibly referring to the Book of Life, or potentially referring to physical life only) if God does not forgive them. God responds that those who have sinned against Him will be blotted out of His book, indicating that inclusion in this book is conditional upon fidelity to God's commandments.
• Psalm 69 is a cry of distress and lament, where the psalmist calls upon God to bring judgment upon his enemies. The phrase "book of the living" here refers to a record of the living, possibly akin to the Book of Life. The psalmist's plea is for the wicked to be removed from this book, which would be final if they died, thus being denied the blessings and favor that come with being among the righteous.
• In Daniel 12:1, the book is associated with a time of great trouble and deliverance. Those whose names are found written in the book will be delivered. This implies that the book contains the names of those who will be saved or protected during times of tribulation, emphasizing salvation for the righteous.

from the new testament

• A "book of life" is mentioned specifically on seven different occasions in the New Testament. Of these, six appear in the book of Revelation and one in Philippians.
• In Philippians 4:3 we read, "Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life." This reference specifically mentions people who are believers in Christ as those whose names are written in the Book of Life.
• In Revelation 3:5 the church in Sardis is told, "The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life." These conquerors refer to all Christians, meaning every person who has genuine faith in Christ will never be removed from the Book of Life.
• Revelation 13:8 speaks of the Beast of the end times, saying, "all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain." In this case, those whose names are written in the Book of Life have had their names there before the world was created. This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and foreknowledge. He knew and chose before He created the earth the name of every person who would spend eternity with Him.
• Revelation 17:8 also shares, "And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come." Again, unbelievers will worship the Beast and are contrasted with believers whose names are in the Book of Life.
• Revelation 20:12 speaks of the Great White Throne Judgment at the end of the millennium and defeat of Satan. We are told, "Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done." Revelation 20:15 adds, "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
• Revelation 21:27 then adds that the book of life belongs to the Lamb, Jesus Christ. There we read, "But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life." Every person who enters the new heavens, new earth, and new city of God will be those whose names are written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb. This is the same Book of Life mentioned in previous verses in Revelation.

implications for today

Knowing whether our names are written in the Book of Life is a matter of eternal significance. According to the Bible, this book contains the names of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). This means recognizing our need for forgiveness, believing that Jesus died and rose again for our sins, and surrendering our lives to Him (Romans 10:9). God's desire is for everyone to experience His love and salvation, as He patiently waits for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). If you're uncertain about your standing with God, take this moment to turn to Him in faith. Seek Him earnestly through prayer, asking for forgiveness and inviting Jesus into your life as your Savior and Lord. Responding to God in faith today will bring your name to the Book of Life, ensuring eternal life with Him.