This past week, I went to a school’s Honor’s Day recognition program.

As I was listening to the names of students being called to be honored, my mind drifted to a future time when names will be called. I do applaud these students, and what I say is not to take anything away from their accomplishments.

There will be, however, a time when our names being called will be far more important. Matthew 7 says there will be a time when those who expected their names to be called will be disappointed.

Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"

Jesus is saying that there is only one way to have your name called, and that is by knowing him personally and intimately. Just being religious, going to church, being in a Christian family or even believing that there is a God will not be enough.

We don’t know exactly how the Lord is going to call our name, but we are told in Scripture that he does have a record or book of those who are going to one day end up in heaven.

Revelation 21 says, "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life."

The good news is that we don’t have to wait and guess whether our name will be called, but we can have assurance and wait with confidence.

We find this in 1 John 5:13, where it says, "I write these things to you who believe so that you can know that you have eternal life."

Also, there is an invitation to all of us, no matter who we are or what we have done, to get our name in God’s book.

In Revelation 22:17 we are told, "The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."

Can you say with confidence, like the writer of the old hymn penned, "When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there."