Growth “The Book of Life”

[netchaplain]

I would not hesitate to say that “the Book of Life” and the writing of its contents had no beginning and has no ending, for it is a conception of God, and everything known by Him is from everlasting (eternity past) to everlasting (eternity future), as in Psalm 90:2. Eternity has no time but it can be compared to time to reveal its meaning, and such is "the Book of Life."

Concerning the compiling of its contents (names of people), it had no beginning, for God has always known who they are which will inherit “eternal life” (Mat 25:34). Concerning those involved in its contents, they do have a beginning, but no ending, for God knew when He would create, and knew all who would inherit eternal life even prior to creating, which content of this foreknowledge is unchangeable and unalterable. Can the destiny of one’s life change? All have only one destiny, and the concept of it changing would nullify the meaning of destiny.

For the Christian in this life, there is no greater encouragement than that of being convinced by “the word of truth,” that everyone who is truly “born again” will inevitably enter the eternal presence of God. If the Enemy can adversely affect the believer concerning this truth alone, there will never be a greater “weight” (Heb 12:1) that can hinder the believer from being “strong in faith” (Rom 4:20), nor one that could cause one to be any weaker (Rom 14:1), for the promise of eternal life is the sole hope of the believer in this life—it being the predominant support for the entirety for Scripture.

The hypocritical lives of those who “say” (Jam 2:18) they are redeemed but in truth are not, they give the appearance that one can attain regeneration (born again) and eventually forfeit its position (un-born again?), but this would not be eternal salvation, but rather temporal salvation, which is a non-existent concept in Scripture.

There exists Scriptural terminology which appears to refute this truth, but closer studies reveal their doctrines do not, and everyone is welcomed to present Scripture on which we can examine and share our thoughts and understanding. For example, passages pertaining to the “blotting out” of names in “the Book of Life” never actually design the intention of removing a name from “the Book.”

Here are some examples on which John Gill comments:
Exodus 32:32—“and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of the book which thou hast written“: “of eternal life, and is no other than the book of life of the Lamb, or God's predestination or choice of men in Christ to everlasting life, which is particular, personal, sure, and certain; and Moses asks for this, not as a thing either desirable or possible, but to express his great affection for this people, and his great concern for the glory of God; and rather than either should suffer, he chose, if it was possible, to be deprived of that eternal happiness he hoped for, and should enjoy.

Exodus 32:33—“whosoever hath sinned against Me, him will I blot out of My book”: “Not that anyone that is really in the book of life is ever blotted out, or that anyone predestinated or ordained to eternal life ever perish: but some persons may think themselves, and they may seem to be written in that book, or to be among the number of God's elect, but are not, and turn out obstinate impenitent sinners, and live and die in impenitence and unbelief; when it will appear that their names were never written in it, which, is the same thing as to be blotted out of it, see Psalm 69:28.”

Revelation 3:5—“And I will not blot out his name out of the book of life”: “by which is meant the choice of persons to everlasting life and salvation; and this being signified by a book, and by writing names in it, shows the exact knowledge God has of His elect, the value He has for them, His remembrance of them, His love to them, and care for them; and that this election is of particular persons by name, and is sure and certain; for those whose names are written in it shall never be blotted out, they will always remain in the number of God's elect, and can never become reprobates, or shall ever perish; because of the unchangeableness of the nature and love of God, the firmness of His purposes, the omnipotence of His arm, the death and intercession of Christ for them, their union to Him, and being in Him, the impossibility of their seduction by false teachers (Mat 24:24), and the security of their persons, grace, and glory in Christ, and in whose keeping this book of life is; which respects not this temporal life, that belongs to the book of providence, but a spiritual and eternal life, from whence it has its name.”

To me, the phrase “And I will not blot out his name” does not intend the possibility of a name being blotted out, but rather a situation which discloses the converse of such an action transpiring. My reason for continuing to address the truism of "Eternal Salvation" (Heb 5:9) is due to it being the most significant doctrine concerning spiritual growth. Again, the belief of one concerning this truth does not affect the receiving of salvation, but will affect the strength of one's faith.

-NC

 

[netchaplain]

The most significant of God's three attributes (Omniscience, Omnipotence, Omnipresence) concerning the permanency of salvation--Omniscience--which means He has always possessed foreknowledge of all things, and everything He knows is from eternity past, to eternity everlasting.

The reason I focus on His omniscience when relating to salvation is because He gives it only to those He knows who are His (John 10:14, 27), which means He knows it will be permanent. It would be to misunderstand God's omniscience if one would think He would give eternal salvation to someone He knew would eventually reject it (eventual rejection evinces never having received), that's why it's not salvation if it's not eternal, because there is only one type of salvation--eternal salvation (Heb 5:9). There is no such thing as temporary salvation; either one is saved or has never been saved. The very meaning of "salvation" means to be eternally redeemed.

 

[Kemosabe]

netchaplain: For the Christian in this life, there is no greater encouragement than that of being convinced by “the word of truth,” that everyone who is truly “born again” will inevitably enter the eternal presence of God.

Excuse me, are you just making that up?

That's not what Jesus teaches.

"And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended."

Yep, Jesus says; "endure but for a time".

Or Paul.

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."

I find it hard to believe that anyone would think that Jesus died so that folks could play around with all them lusts and entertain demons.

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son"

Christ's doctrine; "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

Can't forget the "IF".

If a person "abideth not in the doctrine of Christ[/COLOR]" then they "hath not God". Not a good thing.
.

 

[Kemosabe]

"endure but for a time".

For a time, they were.

 

[netchaplain]

netchaplain: For the Christian in this life, there is no greater encouragement than that of being convinced by “the word of truth,” that everyone who is truly “born again” will inevitably enter the eternal presence of God.

Excuse me, are you just making that up?

That's not what Jesus teaches.

"And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended."

Yep, Jesus says; "endure but for a time".

Or Paul.

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."

I find it hard to believe that anyone would think that Jesus died so that folks could play around with all them lusts and entertain demons.

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."

Christ's doctrine; "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

Can't forget the "IF".

If a person "abideth not in the doctrine of Christ" then they "hath not God". Not a good thing.
.

Hi Kemosabe - "Enduring for a time" is evidence of an unbeliever, for a believer "endures unto the end." There are those who "profess to know God, but in works they deny Him" (Tim 1:16). They only "say they have faith" (Jam 2:18).

Many Scripture passages, because of the way they read, give the appearance of one being saved but do no intend such meaning.

"And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time" (Mar 4:17): "and so endure but for a time: they continue hearers and professors of the Gospel but for a small season; like the Jews, who rejoiced in the ministry of John the Baptist for a while, and then left him." http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/mark/gill/mark4.htm

 

[Kemosabe]

kiwidan : But the ones who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it.
Absolutely!

netchaplain: they give the appearance that one can attain regeneration (born again)

We don't "attain" born again; it's by grace the second we ask Jesus into our heart.

We can be truly born again, and then turn aside; "For some are already turned aside after Satan."

Our names can be in the book of life, and then blotted out.

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."

It's up to us to endure to the end.

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
.

 

[netchaplain]

But the ones who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it.

Hi Kiwian - Yes, only those that fell on good ground received eternal life!

 

[netchaplain]

netchaplain: they give the appearance that one can attain regeneration (born again)

We don't "attain" born again; it's by grace the second we ask Jesus into our heart.

We can be truly born again, and then turn aside; "For some are already turned aside after Satan."

Our only part is to ask to receive!

Again, those who "turned aside" fell from a profession, not a possession of faith. Discontinuing is evidence of unbelief, and unbelief is evidence of never having believed, because one cannot truly believe in Christ then eventually truly disbelieve. "For if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued" (I John 2:19).

"For some are already turned aside after Satan. Meaning some of those younger widows, whom the apostle knew, and had observed to have departed from the faith they first professed, and turned their backs on Christ, and gave themselves up to carnal lusts and pleasures, and an idle and impure life and conversation, walked according to the course of this world, and the prince of it, by whom they were led captive at his will; for so everyone that apostatizes from a profession of Christ, and follows either false teachers, and their doctrines, as the Gnostics, that condemned marriage, or any sinful and impure way of life, may be said to turn aside after Satan; and as that apostle knew this to be fact, from his own observation, he therefore gives the above advice." John Gill

 

[Kemosabe]

netchaplain: Many Scripture passages, because of the way they read, give the appearance of one being saved but do no intend such meaning.

Jesus doesn't make silly statements.

We have to be in an un-fallen state, before we can be "fallen".

Jesus wouldn't give an option to "repent, and do the first works" if it was in vain.

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works ..."

Clearly, Jesus is giving these folks a chance to make a decision of which path to take.

It's not made for them, it's up to them which path they take.
.

 

[netchaplain]

netchaplain: Many Scripture passages, because of the way they read, give the appearance of one being saved but do no intend such meaning.

Jesus doesn't make silly statements.

We have to be in an un-fallen state, before we can be "fallen".

Jesus wouldn't give an option to "repent, and do the first works" if it was in vain.

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works ..."

Clearly, Jesus is giving these folks a chance to make a decision of which path to take.

It's not made for them, it's up to them which path they take.
.

I understand your reasoning, but there's much misinterpretation among those who do not consult Bible commentators. I've learned to consult Bible commentators (esp. John Gill) to get more at the truths of Scripture, but there are still many who choose not to get that involved with study, or who do not trust to compare their belief's with others, which limits one to their "own understanding" (Pro 3:5).

I believe the Spirit of God reveals more to those who spend more time in the study of Scripture, which is why I find It more useful to compare my understandings with those (esp. Bible commentators) who have dedicated their entire lives to the study of "the word of truth."

 

[Kemosabe]

netchaplain: Our only part is to ask to receive!
Our part is to "doeth".

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

God gives us the option to "doeth".

"doeth" = "shall enter into the kingdom of heaven"
Not "doeth" = "Not every one"

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

Either we "do", or we don't.

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord" ... "but he that doeth the will of my Father"

God doesn't say silly things.

If we "doeth the will of my Father", then God can't keep us out of heaven; He can't lie.

 

[netchaplain]

netchaplain: Our only part is to ask to receive!
Our part is to "doeth".

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

God gives us the option to "doeth".

"doeth" = "shall enter into the kingdom of heaven"
Not "doeth" = "Not every one"

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

Either we "do", or we don't.

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord" ... "but he that doeth the will of my Father"

God doesn't say silly things.

If we "doeth the will of my Father", then God can't keep us out of heaven; He can't lie.

The above passage is a good example of those who only profess faith and have never chose to possess it.

 

[Kemosabe]

netchaplain: I understand your reasoning, but there's much misinterpretation among those who do not consult Bible commentators.

"It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."

NOT; "It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, consult Bible commentators."

 

[netchaplain]

netchaplain: I understand your reasoning, but there's much misinterpretation among those who do not consult Bible commentators.

"It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."

NOT; "It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, consult Bible commentators."

The understanding must be that only by the Spirit of God can any man understand the written Word of God (1 Co 2:13), and it stands to reason that the more study you devote to the Word, the more the increase of knowing, understanding and applying it, and it is all by the Spirit through one another, for the Spirit teaches us through one another.

 

[Kemosabe]

netchaplain: The above passage is a good example of those who only profess faith and have never chose to possess it.

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent"

We can start but not finish; "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Otherwise, Jesus would be saying; "thou are faithful, and I will give thee a crown of life."

"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

We can be "castaway".

We're saved by "hope" that requires faithfulness for fulfillment.

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

Friends "do"; but if the "do" stops, that ends the friendship.

 

[Kemosabe]

netchaplain: John 2:19

John 2:19 "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."

John 2:24 "Let (to cause to) that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father."

As John says, we have responsibility for our spiritual well-being; "If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son."

"they might be made manifest that they were not all of us" ... "that shall endure unto the end"

"Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."

The responsibility is ours; "sin no more"

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"


We can't place the blame for our actions on God.

We choose the path; "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

We have the option to "err".

"Do not err, my beloved brethren."

 

[netchaplain]

netchaplain: The above passage is a good example of those who only profess faith and have never chose to possess it.

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent"

We can start but not finish; "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Otherwise, Jesus would be saying; "thou are faithful, and I will give thee a crown of life."

"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

We can be "castaway".

We're saved by "hope" that requires faithfulness for fulfillment.

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

Friends "do"; but if the "do" stops, that ends the friendship.

netchaplain: John 2:19

John 2:19 "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."

John 2:24 "Let (to cause to) that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father."

As John says, we have responsibility for our spiritual well-being; "If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son."

"they might be made manifest that they were not all of us" ... "that shall endure unto the end"

"Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."

The responsibility is ours; "sin no more"

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"


We can't place the blame for our actions on God.

We choose the path; "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

We have the option to "err".

"Do not err, my beloved brethren."

I do not see the primary issue as a responsibility as much as it is all being continually worked in us by the Father (Phl 2:13). You could say that He, through His working in us causes us to be responsible, which is being used of Him to manifest Him in us.

 

[reba]

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[Kemosabe]

netchaplain: I do not see the primary issue as a responsibility as much as it is all being continually worked in us by the Father (Phl 2:13). You could say that He, through His working in us causes us to be responsible, which is being used of Him to manifest Him in us.

Better read that scripture again, it puts the responsibility right on you.

God gives you the "will" "to do".

Philippians 2:13 "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

Can't escape the responsibility of the "do".

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

 

[for_his_glory]

Our only part is to ask to receive!

Again, those who "turned aside" fell from a profession, not a possession of faith. Discontinuing is evidence of unbelief, and unbelief is evidence of never having believed, because one cannot truly believe in Christ then eventually truly disbelieve. "For if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued" (I John 2:19).

"For some are already turned aside after Satan. Meaning some of those younger widows, whom the apostle knew, and had observed to have departed from the faith they first professed, and turned their backs on Christ, and gave themselves up to carnal lusts and pleasures, and an idle and impure life and conversation, walked according to the course of this world, and the prince of it, by whom they were led captive at his will; for so everyone that apostatizes from a profession of Christ, and follows either false teachers, and their doctrines, as the Gnostics, that condemned marriage, or any sinful and impure way of life, may be said to turn aside after Satan; and as that apostle knew this to be fact, from his own observation, he therefore gives the above advice." John Gill

I like how you displayed profession and possession of faith as this is so important in teaching others that seem to stray away so easily from Gods grace. Many give lip service, but truly have not faith and that is why they fall away so quickly. Many keep God in a box and only take him out when they need something from him and it is those who fall by the wayside when God does not make Himself known to them. We who are truly Spiritually born-again will endure until the end by that of knowing and understanding that anything we will have to face in this present world, even to death of the physical by that of persecution, we know that our names are written in the Lambs book of Life as our faith is not our own, but that of Christ Jesus as we are also partakers in His death and resurrection through Spiritual regeneration of our inner man by that of Gods Holy Spirit.