From earlier Scripture we learn that this refers to a register containing the names of all those throughout the ages whom God has chosen for eternal life (Exodus 32:32; Psalm 69:28; Isaiah 4:3; Daniel 12:1; Malachi 3:16; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Hebrews 12:23). John had earlier mentioned this book in Revelation 3:5 and Revelation 13:8. Whereas “the books” record people’s deeds, “the book of life” records God’s decisions about certain people.
12 And I saw the dead, great and 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 by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.