People still use this phrase to mean, sign your name on a particular document. But do you know the origin of this phrase? John Hancock presided over the Second Continental Congress when it voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence. As President of that Congress, he was the first to sign. Even while knowing that he could be hung by the British as a traitor, he boldly signed in extra-large letters. History has shown the high value and importance of the 56 Founding Fathers who signed their names to the Declaration.

As important as the Declaration is, John Hancock, and indeed many of the founders, knew there was an even more important place to have their names written–in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (See Revelation 21:27.) This is God’s Book in Heaven which keeps an accurate record of who will live forever with God. James Madison, a signer of the US Constitution, put it this way: “A watchful eye must be kept on ourselves lest, while we are building ideal monuments of renown and bliss here, we neglect to have our names enrolled in the Annals of Heaven.”¹

Would you like to follow Madison’s advice and have your “name written down in Glory”? Think of these ABCs. Admit you are a sinner who has earned eternal death, and repent over those sins. (See Romans 6:23 & Luke 15:10.) Believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you and rose again. (See 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.) Choose to receive Jesus as your own Master and Savior and become God’s child. (See John 1:12.) If you have truly turned to God in sincere repentance, you have entered into eternal life in Christ! Your name is written down in Glory!

¹ James Madison to William Bradford, November 9, 1772.