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NASB | Revelation 13:8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Revelation 13:8 All the inhabitants of the earth will fall down and worship him, everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world in the Book of Life of the Lamb who has been slain [as a willing sacrifice]. |
Subject: Our name erased or added to Book of Life |
Bible Note: Hi Ed, Thanks for the compliment, but in all honesty, I see myelf as the servant of the text. This I am continually reminded of, especially when I'm wrong (which happens more frequently than I care to admit). :-( Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Thanks for having the patience to go over old territory with me. The fact of the matter (as we both know) is that Scripture never contradicts itself. Whenever we are faced with what appears to be a contradiction, we realize that it is our reasoning which is at fault. Therefore, it behooves us to put our pre-suppositions behind us and pray that the Holy Spirit will grant us the enlightenment we so need. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up" (Jam 4:10). John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Does "For God so loved the world prove.." that all men are able to believe? A judge may love a condemned man but still send him to the gallows. In fact, if he did not carry out justice, despite his feelings, he would be an unjust judge! I think I am correct in assuming that we both believe all men are worthy of judgement, even if they are not presented with the opportunity to hear the gospel. Indeed, those who have heard the good news but rejected it may be more to be pitied, for they must suffer greater pangs of loss knowing they despised even the offer salvation. "that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish,". Does this verse prove that everyone has the ability to understand an believe the gospel? No it does not. It simply says that those who DO understand and believe will not perish. It says nothing about their capacity to believe. The capacity (ability) of the natural man to understand is found elsewhere in the Bible: 1 Cor 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 1 Cor 1:24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. BUT TO THOSE WHO ARE CALLED? Here we have a clear contrast between the world in general (both Jews and Gentiles) and "those who are called". Now brother Ed... if you are correct in saying "I believe God enables everyone at least once in their lives to accept or reject Salvation." then we do have an actual contradiction in the Word of God! I say this because Paul has just explained to the Corinthians that those who believe are those who are "called". It is also clear that, apart from being "called" by God, the gospel is a stumbling block and foolishness to the World. This is why John makes the unusual statement "he who does not believe has been judged already," (John 3:18) Is it so hard for us to abandon our long cherished ideas that we would sacrifice the integrity of the Bible instead? God forbid! I must get to work, but I do hope you will seriosly consider what I've said. If I have any knowledge of God's Word, much of it is a direct result of my own attempts to disprove the doctrine of election. Love Ya' Ed , John |