Revelation 20:11-15:
[11] And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
[12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
[13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
[14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
[15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
The above passage depicts the final judgment of people who have died without trusting in Christ. This passage underscores very clearly that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
What we see in this passage:
- There are multiple books (“the books”) that catalog the works done by the people attending this judgment.
- Each person’s works are documented in these books.
- Each person is judged according to his works (and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works)
- No person’s works will be considered in whether or not he is allowed into heaven.
- There is only one Book of Life (and another book was opened, which is the book of life)
- Whoever is not in the Book of Life is cast into hell (And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.)
What we don’t see in this passage:
- We don’t see any mention of works being contained in the Book of Life. It is names only. One cannot get his name written into the Book of Life by his works.
- We don’t see any mention of someone’s works being used to corroborate, or authenticate, whether or not his name was found in the Book of Life. That is because works are not the basis by which one is saved. Rather, the only way to heaven is by trusting in Christ.
- We don’t see any cross-reference between “the books” (of works) and “the book” (of life). This concept is underscored in Matthew 7:21-23: [21] 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. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (The people that Jesus is condemning in this passage have works, but they do not have eternal life. Their names are not in the Book of Life).
- We don’t see anyone’s name at the Great White Throne Judgment being found in the Book of Life. That is because this judgment is for people who have not believed. Judgment for church-age believers takes place at the judgment seat of Christ, depicted in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15: [12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;[13] Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. [14] If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. [15] If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
The ONLY way to receive eternal life is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Ephesians 2:8-9:
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The way to receive eternal life: Eternal Life For You
Notes From A Retired Preacher 
Holly, good question regarding Billy Graham. I think the religions are in the process of coalescing.
Johninnc… I always wonder how the RC church will play out with some of the other religions in end times. Being as they don’t believe in the rapture and don’t separate the judgments or timing of the resurrections (I guess it makes sense if you don’t believe in the tribulation). I wonder how fooled they are themselves to think they can fool God or earn their way into His good graces?
I remember Billy Graham talking on the Larry King show about Mother Teresa and how she wasn’t sure if she was going to ‘make it’ inside the pearly gates. And Graham added something to the effect (not verbatim), if a wonderful woman of God like Mother Teresa didn’t know, how could he know, but he sure hoped so… I wonder if Billy Graham sees himself as a Perseverance of the Saint’s adherent, or he just has such a confusing and ever-changing ‘gospel’ that he just doesn’t have any idea…
L. Vandre, so sorry I missed your post before, but a welcome drink of water this evening. Your passage reminded me of Psalm 107. Hope the Lord is blessing and refreshing/reviving and strengthening you through His Word. (Ps 119:25,28)
I don’t recall Obama seeing the pope this often, lol. How is churchianity, bethel church, lordship, and popery supposed to make America great again? Even the liberal media thinks Trump’s relationship with francis i is quaint.
Article from “HuffPost” entitled “Trump And Melania Hold Hands in Sistine Chapel, Observe ‘Last Judgement’.”
Following is an interesting quote:
“The Last Judgement” features Jesus Christ in the moment preceding when the verdict of the Last Judgement is decided – a moment in Catholicism where a soul is sent to heaven, purgatory, or hell.
My comment: The Last Judgement is the Great White Throne Judgement. As I understand it, there will be only one verdict at that judgement.
Holly,
May the joy being produced in you be a light to your loved ones. Keep basking in t riches of His GLORIOUS grace!
The works of the LORD are great,
Studied by all who have pleasures in them.
His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered.
Psalm 111 2-4
L. Vandre, because of your encouragement today, this is what I posted on facebook for others.
ETERNAL LIFE NOW!
We who have believed, are gifted with eternal life NOW (John 5:24).
We are NOW children of God (1 John 3:1-2; John 1:12).
We are seated ALREADY in heavenly places in Christ (Eph 2:6).
We have ALREADY been translated into His Kingdom (Col 1:13), SEALED with the Spirit when we believe (Eph 1:13) UNTIL the day of redemption.
We are CITIZENS of HEAVEN (Phil 3:20).
We are PERFECTED FOREVER by His sacrifice (Heb 10:10, 14).
We are BAPTIZED into His Body by the Spirit (1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:4-6), FLESH of HIS FLESH, BONE of HIS BONES (Eph 5:29-31), we are the CHURCH, His BRIDE.
ACCEPTED in the BELOVED (Eph 1:6).
BEGOTTEN by belief in His Word (James 1:18, 1 Pet 1:23)
RECONCILED to the Father by belief in Christ (2 Cor 5:18-20; Col 2:14-17)
GIFTED with ETERNAL LIFE (Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9)
Confirmed BLAMELESS to the end (1 Cor 1:8)
RIGHTEOUS by belief in Christ (Rom 10:4, Rom 3:22; Rom 5:19; 2 Cor 5:21)
GIVEN/GIFTED to Jesus by the Father (John 6:39-40; John 10:29; John 17:11, 24)
Made ALIVE (Eph 2:1; 1 Pet 3:18)
ESTABLISHED and GUARANTEED (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Eph 1:13)
Given an INHERITANCE (Acts 20:32; Eph 1:14; 1 Pet 1:4)
Forgiven ALL your sins (Col 2:13; Titus 2:14; Heb 10:10, 14)
WASHED, conscience PURGED, and made NEAR to Him by HIS blood (Rev 1:5, Heb 9:14, Eph 2:13
REDEEMED (Rom 3:24; Gal 3:13; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet 1:18-19), DELIVERED (2 Tim 4:18; Col 1:13) BLESSED (Eph 1:3) and presented FAULTLESS by Him (Jude 24)
One day soon we will arrive to the place He has prepared for us (Jn 14).
Not because of any great thing we have done or will do, but because we have believed God’s witness of His Son (1 John 5:9-13), because of that belief, we are overcomers (1 John 5:4-5). He overcame death, and because of Him, we will too
L. Vandre, may I go do that some right now to get me strengthened ❤
Holly,
Wonderful thoughts to meditate on today and always! Wonderful! Glorious! Praise Him!
Daniel, we who have believed, are gifted with eternal life NOW (John 5:24). We are NOW children of God (1 John 3:1-2). We are seated already in heavenly places in Christ (Eph 2:6). We have already been translated into His Kingdom (Col 1:13), sealed with the Spirit when we believe (Eph 1:13) until the day of redemption. We are citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20). We are perfected forever by His sacrifice (Heb 10:10, 14). We are baptized into His body (1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:4-6), flesh of His flesh, bone of His bones (Eph 5:29-31), we are the church, His bride, accepted in the beloved (Eph 1:6).
Not because of any great thing we have done or will do, but because we have believed God’s witness of His Son (1 John 5:9-13), because of that belief, we are overcomers (1 John 5:4-5). He overcame death, and because of Him, we will too ❤
I might add Daniel that if you have trusted Christ as your Savior then Christ already took your judgement for your sins in your place. You have therefore been forgiven, acquitted and reconciled to God for all time. There is therefore no condemnation for you: Heaven is yours! (Romans 3 thru 5)
The judgement seat of Christ for saved believers is not a judgement for sins, but is actually kind of an awards ceremony where the saved will receive crowns for unselfish, righteous Christ-like acts. Have you shared the gospel of salvation here or elsewhere? Do you eagerly look for Christ’s appearing? There are crowns for these. These are just a few of the crowns for faithful service in Christ.
Daniel, Christians in the church age go to be with the Lord when we die. Non-Christians go to hades to await the Great White Throne judgment, at which they are cast into the lake of fire.
Please note that no one is really sentenced when they die. People who have not believed in Jesus are condemned already, and are just waiting for the sentence to be carried out.
John 3:18: He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Huh. I Always wondered this.
When we die, do we immediately go to heaven or hell? Or are we carried by an Angel into the throne room of God and THEN are we sentenced to Heaven or hell?
bibletruth777 – It’s good to see people clarify, and care about not misleading others. I’m with you, and I am thankful for understanding the problem with faith being the gift spoken of in Eph. 2:8-9. It has taken a ex-Bible teacher of mine into Calvinism sadly.
Expreacherman
Yes I also phrased that wrong what I meant to say its by faith and the gift of grace, i agree with what you said its it’s grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.
I guess I don’t have the best skills at expressing what I mean on a blog , thank you for clearing that up I wouldn’t want to lead anyone in the wrong direction God bless
Johninnc, yes you are right I should have phrased it ” works should follow” that’s the correct way to say it I agree 100% with that. And thank you for the link I’m going to readit God bless
Jim, when I looked up Calvin’s Institutes and downloaded to check out the references to Augustine, there were near 1000 favorable references to his idol. I spent days just trying to highlight them and finally quit because it was too overwhelming and discouraging. I wonder if someone took his institutes apart, and used his quotes of the traditions of men vs. the Bible how it would stack up. And then divided his quotes of the Bible to see which ones were used in context…
bibletruth777, we find a lot of confusion regarding the different judgments for church-age believers (the judgment seat of Christ) versus non-believers (the great white throne judgment).
You might be interested in an article from ExPreacherman on the subject of the judgment seat of Christ. It is linked below:
https://expreacherman.com/2013/03/12/calvinist-and-lordship-salvationist-objections-to-the-doctrine-of-rewards/
Jim, these things are definitely the doctrine of men.
The “reformers” were trying to reform a false religion. That’s not possible. Religion is something to be repented of, not reformed.
Holly, Jack
Yeah, and Calvin based his teaching on Augustine (instumental in establishing Catholicism) who based his teaching and was influenced by many sources outside the Bible (Neo-Platonism and Manichaeism). I don’t think that many people that hold to Calvinism realize how it is a passed down doctrine of men, not the Bible. I find it hard to believe that Augustine or Calvin even ever understood the gospel based on their writings.
People are wise to avoid it.
Jim F
If people who quote Augustine, would look up his ‘conversion story’, they might better understand how Calvin developed this ungodly theory even further by the twisting of Scripture. Every man has been died for even the false prophets that would deny Him. Every man has been drawn when Christ was lifted up on the cross, and as I understand it, everyone given a measure of faith (unless I misunderstand that passage – some say that is only for believers). Every man is given light, and every man is convicted by the Holy Spirit of the sin of unbelief, judgment and righteousness. Every man can come to faith by hearing the Word, and the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
Aren’t we shown all over His Word that every man has the ability to believe or to reject or suppress the truth in unrighteousness?
Thanks Jim for your comment,
You hit the nail on the head — and point out the illogical theory of Calvinism. And it is only man’s theory, (the man, the evil John Calvin) but it is now carried on and promoted by men who do not know or seemingly don’t care to know God’s Word unless it is filtered through Calvin.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
BibleTruth777
Welcome and thanks for thinking, searching and finding ExPreacherMan.com.
As John said above, the Calvinist predestination lie is not Biblical. Biblical predestination is for believers to “be conformed to the image of His Son,” not for heaven because Heaven is already guaranteed for them. (Romans 8:29)
Also the White Throne Judgment is NOT to determine Heaven or hell for antone.. but is for nonbelievers who are already hell-bound and, it is my understanding that it is to determine unbelievers degree of punishment in hell.
The Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema) is the judgment of all believers works to determine rewards in Heaven — NOT destination. Their destination, Heaven, is already secured once and for all by their faith in Christ alone for their salvation.
You said, “I know we can’t “work our way to Heavan” it’s by faith a gift of grace,” I would point out that faith in Christ is not a Gift of Grace” but faith is a determination and decision on an unbeliever’s part to trust Jesus Christ alone as Savior. Salvation is BY Grace alone THROUGH Faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. That may be what you meant but I thought I’d clarify the point. Calvinists make the fatal mistake (maybe on purpose) of claiming as one of their primary teaching points, that faith is the gift of God. Not true.
And yes, the Calvinist’s evil god is not the loving and just God of the Bible.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Bibletruth777,
You bring up a good point that illustrates the illogical nature of the Calvinist’s position. The great white throne judgment does not make sense in light of the Unconditional Election theory. Neither does the Bema seat judgment make sense in that scenario. Why reward believers for faithfulness if they had no free will at all and God made them do it?
Jim F
Bibletruth, welcome and thanks for joining us today!
Let me start by saying that I loved your search question – “if Calvinism or predestination concerning salvation is true then why is there a white throne judgement”?
That’s a great question, and I agree with your answer that predestination is not Biblical. The Calvinist god is not the God of the Bible.
There is one other thing I would like to address:
You said: “.. I believe works will not get you to heavan but works follow a regenerated life.”
My comment: I would agree completely, if you had said “…I believe works will not get you to heavan but works SHOULD follow a regenerated life”
Calvinism teaches that man does not have free will either before or after salvation. The Bible teaches that man has a free will (choice) to accept or reject Christ as Savior. The Bible also teaches that a believer has a choice as to whether he is going to submit to Christ or not.
Good works SHOULD follow salvation. That’s why we as believers are encouraged to do them:
Titus 3:8: This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Hi, I find this very interesting, I was googling a question and it brought your blog my Question was ” if Calvinism or predestination concerning salvation is true then why is there a white throne judgement”
I have been thinking a lot on this subject because so many ppl lately seem to be saying that predestination/ chosen other wise no matter what you do if your chosen you will be saved and no matter what you do if your not chosen you will not be saved.
So I thought why would The Lord have a white throne judgement to judge you for something out of your control?
I know we can’t “work our way to Heavan” it’s by faith a gift of grace, but if your not allowed to tap into that grace then judged for not having it does that make sense?
And to open the book of life and check it to see if your name is in it when there is no way it can be if your predestined to hell seems senseless to me and a bit cruel.
The very sins your being judged for are sins your not allowed to place under the blood and under grace to receive forgiveness of them, you have no control over receiving the free gift of salvation yet judged for not having it.
To me God is a loving God and fair and would not unfairly judge you for something you could never recieve to begin with. I strongly believe no man can obtain salvation out side of grace, I believe works will not get you to heavan but works follow a regenerated life.
So I guess my point being if predestination is true why is there a white throne judgement? Thanks for your time God bless <
Thanks John, I totally agree with your main point of this article. There is no cross reference as you describe. So to be clear for others, there is also no way for a person to be saved eternally then be lost again. So as far as how the books and record keeping actually work, I’ll leave that up to God. If pressed I would lean toward John’s view.
Jim F
This has been a great discussion on the Lamb’s book of life and eternal security. I think we all agree that believers are never under threat of having their names removed from the Lamb’s book of life.
My main point in writing this article was that one’s works are of no relevance in determining whether or not he has eternal life. There is no cross-reference mentioned between the books of works and the Lamb’s book of life at the Great White Throne Judgment.
“I will not blot out his name” is indeed a litotes, an understatement that is found in Scripture on occasion, as a method to emphasize a positive point. “I will not blot out his name” is emphasizing the fact that, not only will the believer not be blotted out (which is impossible anyway), but the believer will be richly rewarded. It is stating the impossible negative to emphasize the positive.
Another use of this in Scripture is in Hebrews 6:10, where it states that “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love”. Well God is never unrighteous (that is the impossible negative) and stating it that way, emphasizes the positive, which is, that God will remember your work and labor of love, and reward you for it.
Jim F., you bring up a good point about imprecatory (new word for me!) prayers. Also, your point about the Bible not mentioning when the unborn, mentally handicapped, and too young to understand the gospel are added to the Lamb’s book of life is a good one.
I had interpreted Philippians 4:3 to mean that believers names were in the book of life (as opposed to all living people starting out in the book of life and then unbelievers having their names removed). If this were the case, then why would this verse say “…whose names are in the book of life”? What would distinguish these people from anyone else (including non-believers) who was still alive?
But, either way, believers’ names are all in the Lamb’s book of life.
L. Vandre,
Welcome!! I agree – when one is born again (from above [Greek “anothen”]) by faith in Jesus Christ alone, he is an overcomer and is ETERNALLY secure in Jesus.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Speedyz,
I believe that overcomers are believers and believers are overcomers. Rev 3:5 does reaffirm security of the believer – they will not be blotted out. I guess I have heard or thought of it both ways either all names are added to the book of life and those that do not have Christ’s righteousness at death are blotted out or only those that believe Christ alone for salvation are put in the Lamb’s book of life and thus will not appear at the Great White Throne. No matter what the born again believer is never blotted out. Once saved always saved.
John,
As for Ps 69:28, I do see it at least possible that David was referring to the book of life and eternal salvation. The verse directly before says: Psa 69:27 Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness.
Why the part about let them not come into thy righteousness if this is only talking about physical life? Just wondering. Also, there are many times that people have prayed imprecatory prayers but this does not mean that God always chooses to make those prayers come to pass just a we want. Yes God does want all men to come to repentance but I don’t think this prevents God from ever destroying the wicked physically here on earth. They all had a chance to believe but would not. Think of all the multitudes that were destroyed that opposed Israel and God.
Also what about the unborn, mentally handicapped, and those too young to understand the gospel? When are they added to the Lamb’s book of life? If the Bible does not specifically mention when, then I just focus on the fact that they are there and will be in heaven one day along with all that are saved by believing the gospel trust Christ alone to save.
Jim F
Speedy, I don’t think you’re being contentious. Revelation 3:5 is a difficult passage to understand, and I’ve heard a couple of different explanations that could be construed as being consistent with salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone AND with the doctrine of eternal security. They are as follows:
1. That all believers are “overcomers”
2. That Jesus is using understatement to make the point that faithful Christians (overcomers) will be rewarded.
In this case, Jesus, by way of understatement, would be saying something like: “Whoever lives a victorious Christian life will certainly not have his name blotted out of the book of life.” This would be an understated way of saying that a faithful Christian will be richly rewarded.
According to this interpretation, Revelation 2:11 might use the same type of understatement:
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”
In this case, not only would “he that overcometh” not experience the second death (understatement), but would be handsomely rewarded for his faithfulness.
I was thinking that John defines “overcomer” in 1 John 5:4-5
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
So, the moment one is born-again, he IS an overcomer. Does that sound right?
That is true.
And I think that is the only correct response we would have, to counter to the loss of salvation crowd, because they do actually try to use this verse to say one can be blotted out of salvation (which it does not explicitly say).
But to be honest, it is a little odd, isn’t it? That is, if the Book of life has only ever included the names of believers, why would He say something like “you won’t be blotted out, if..”? Why would He tell them He won’t “take away their salvation.. if… they overcome”? Ok, it’s quite right that He didn’t say that He would, He said He wouldn’t. But I have reservations. And who is He speaking to? (Sardis) Who are the overcomers? All of them? All believers? Or certain believers?
There’s no doubt that the book of life = saved people at the white throne. But if the Book of life = only saved people, throughout the church age, what seems out of character to me, unless I’m reading it wrong, is it’s almost saying, kind of like, I “won’t” drop you “if”…
And “if” [..anything..] just seems out of character, doesn’t it? He13.5 says I will never no never no never leave you nor forsake you. I understand discipline being conditional “if” you overcome, you will escape severe discipline, but the threat of not being blotted out of salvation, “if” you overcome…? Why would that be put out there if the converse was not an option (and it is not)? Obviously the scripture is absolutely clear we can’t be blotted out of salvation. What God does it shall be for ever Ec3.14.
Perhaps He is saying overcomers won’t be blotted out of physical living on earth, as in, they will not experience severe discipline including being taken home early? Or is He actually saying they won’t be blotted out of salvation, “if” they overcome? You decide.
I hope I’m not being contentious on a grey area here, and it’s really something for the individual to decide. Personally, I used to think this book of life was something we entered into at salvation, until I saw the distinction between the “Lamb’s book of life” & the “Book of life”. Now I lean towards thinking it refers to all living people, who, if they never believe, are blotted out at death, hence their names are not there at the White throne.
Someone I was just chatting to about it asked the question, if that’s the case, why then would He make the statement that overcomers would not be blotted out of the book of life? I suggest that “not being blotted out” is is synonymous with, “not being removed from the earth due to chastisement”, c.f. your good comment on Ps69.28
I hope this is not unedifying and I do see your good point which you expressed above, that He does not say “I will” blot them out, but “I will not”.
God bless you as you keep standing for the pure gospel of free grace
speedyz
Speedy, you missed my point above.
The Bible does not say: “He that DOTH NOT overcometh, the same shall NOT be clothed in white raiment; and I will BLOT out his name out of the book of life…”
It says: “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…”
For us to assume that anyone’s name will be blotted out of the book of life requires us to add to scripture.
In addition to this there is the Re5.2 book, of judgement, or possibly the title deeds to the earth, sold out by Adam, and the Mal 3.16 book of remembrance of believers who gather often and think on His name.
This is a good question.
The problem if we interpret the BOOK OF LIFE as something believers are put in at salvation, then being blotted out, in Re3.5, could be used against the doctrine of eternal security. I’m not sure this is the right interpretation.
On the other hand, there is the LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE in Re21.27. If believers are put in there at salvation, there’s no contradiction.
Thus those alive are in the book of life. But at the Great White Throne, non believers are not found in it. So a non-believer, whilst they may be spiritually dead, nevertheless are, physically, quite alive, yet, will one day, die, ie. not be in /blotted out of, the book of life /record of living ones. Why? They have died having never trusted Christ, and their soul will go to hell.
Believers, on the other hand, are alive (in the book of life), are also in the Lamb’s book of life. Because they will not taste death in Jn8.52, though they die, yet shall they live in Jn11.25 (ie. they don’t really die). They are the only ones who remain in the book of life. They’ve already dies, and have a resurrection life that passes through death!
Claas, you bring up some great questions, and I will attempt to answer them with my interpretations.
You said: “If so then it would be more the way that everyone is written into this book from beginning if their life and when one is not obedient and doesn’t believe the Gospel he will be removed from this book at latest point end of life or as with the Pharao who hardened his heart also earlier.”
My comment: I’ve never interpreted it that way, for several reasons. First, John 5:24 reads as follows:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
We are all born spiritually dead, as seen in Ephesians 2:1:
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
We must be born again in order to have spiritual life, as seen in John 3:3:
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Second, Revelation 3:5 does not say anything about Jesus blotting out anyone’s name from the Book of Life. It says:
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.
So, there is no statement of the converse situation. Jesus is much more clear in other places, in which he makes a statement and then directly addresses the converse situation. For example, John 3:18:
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Also, Matthew 6:19-20:
[19] Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
[20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
As for Psalm 69:28, I believe David is calling upon God to cut these mens’ lives short. It is inconceivable to me that David would pray for God to send these people to hell, since it is God’s will that all men be saved.
Thanks John for your answer and also for correcting my mistake which you interpreted correctly as NO instead of now.
Of course one is saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Thank you for pointing this out again as it is here on this page so clearly.
The problem is that there is no Scripture found that one gets at the point of salvation in this book of life.
What would then be with Rev 3:5
“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.”
This then would say someone could be lost after being saved?
What about Psalm 69:28
“Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. ”
Some translate here also book of life (in the German I use and the Darby translation)
And is in Psalm 139:16 maybe also spoken about the same book?
“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”
(Also Psalm 9:5)
If so then it would be more the way that everyone is written into this book from beginning if their life and when one is not obedient and doesn’t believe the Gospel he will be removed from this book at latest point end of life or as with the Pharao who hardened his heart also earlier.
Please correct me if I’m wrong and I hope I don’t overstep the “STOP” if I should interpret it as that.
Which way it may be, salvation is simple way. Praise our Lord Jesus for that.
.
Claas, welcome and thanks for your comments.
Regarding how one gets into the Book of Life, it is by grace, through faith in Christ.
We know that believers names are written in the book of life. We also know that no believers will be at the Great White Throne judgment.
Philippians 4:3 clearly shows that some names (those of believers) are in the Book of Life.
And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
Revelation 21:27 shows that only those who have been born again through faith in Christ will get into heaven.
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
You said: “I’m sorry that I don’t have much time to say much more but a closer look at the “how” also shows that there is now special group of elect people but all just that many are disobedient and don’t believe in The Lord Jesus Christ for Salvation.”
My comment: I interpreted your comment to be that “…there is NO special group of elect people…” If that is what you intended, than I agree completely. 1 John 2:2 says very clearly that Christ died as the propitiation for the sins of the whole world:
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Likewise, John 1:29 says:
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
So, Jesus took away the sins of the whole world. This payment becomes effective the moment one believes in Jesus Christ as his Savior. Once someone believes, his name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
That is a great study and connected with it could one ask how to get into this Book of Life. I’m sorry that I don’t have much time to say much more but a closer look at the “how” also shows that there is now special group of elect people but all just that many are disobedient and don’t believe in The Lord Jesus Christ for Salvation.
Thanks – and I like the “no cross reference comment”
So someone has records of his own “works” (filthy rages – whatsoever is not of faith is sin), but he has no zoe LIFE, and is lost.
Someone else has eternal LIFE, so they never even face the White throne, but have the privilege of facing the bema judgement to receive awards for Christ’s work – through them! Praise you Jesus!!!!
Thanks John,
Very simple and sobering. Such Scripture is always motivation to contend for the Faith once delivered to the saints.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack