Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 158

PART 1

Article on Faith and Grace

Ro 5:21 "So that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Spiritual salvation comes as a gift of God's grace (i.e., his undeserved favor, love, kindness, help and spiritual enablement), but it can only be received and become personally effective in individuals' lives by the response of faith. To understand the process of salvation, we must understand these two words. (For further consideration of the issue of spiritual salvation, see article on Biblical Words for Salvation.)

Saving faith. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only condition or requirement for receiving God's free gift of spiritual salvation. Faith is not only a matter of what a person believes about Christ; it is also an active response from the heart of a person who truly desires to accept Christ as Savior (i.e., the Forgiver of his or her sins) and to follow him as Lord (i.e., the Leader of his or her life; cf. Mt 4:19; 16:24; Lk 9:23-25; Jn 10:4, 27; 12:26; Rev 14:4). This means that faith is more than intellectual acknowledgment that Jesus Christ is God's Son who died to pay the price for our sins. True Biblical faith-the kind that brings spiritual salvation-involves an active trust by which a person surrenders complete control of his or her life to Christ and commits to following his purposes. (1) The NT description and pattern of faith includes four main elements:

(a) Faith involves firmly believing that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead to bring us life, then trusting in him as our personal Lord and Savior (see Ro 1:17, note). It involves believing with all our hearts (Ro 6:17; Eph 6:6; Heb 10:22), surrendering our wills (i.e., our desires, choices, plans, purposes and motives) and devoting ourselves completely to Jesus Christ and his purposes as revealed in the Bible.

"1:6 Being confident of this. Paul's confidence in the Philippians is based not only on God's good work in their lives and their church, but also on their passion and sacrifice for the cause of Christ (vv. 5, 7; 4:15-18). Because they have already proven to be faithful in supporting and partnering in the work of ministry, Paul was certain that God would continue to work in and through them. God is always faithful to ensure that his work will be effective in the lives of those who remain loyal to and dependent on him. However, his faithfulness can do nothing for those who resist his grace (i.e., unearned favor, love, help and spiritual enablement) and refuse his gift of salvation (see 2:13, note; 2Ti 2:13, note).

Phil 2:13 God who works in you. God works by his Spirit within the lives of Christ's followers to produce in them both the desire and the power to do what is good and right and to fulfill his purposes for their lives (see article on Faith and Grace). However, God's work is not forced, and his grace (i.e., his undeserved favor, love and spiritual help) can be resisted. That is to say, we can reject God's help and guidance and go our own sinful and destructive way if we so choose. God's work within us (1:6; 1Th 5:24; 2Ti 4:18; Tit 3:5-7) is always dependent on our FAITHFULNESS and cooperation (vv. 12, 14-16).

Phil 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Phil 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Phil 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain."

That is to say, we can reject God's help and guidance and go our own sinful and destructive way if we so choose. God's work within us (1:6; 1Th 5:24; 2Ti 4:18; Tit 3:5-7) IS ALWAYS DEPENDENT ON OUR ON OUR FAITHFULNESS AND COOPERATION (vv. 12, 14-16).

Also see article on individual apostasy

That is true somewhat although some nations are mentioned that are roughly geographically the same. Others were; as pointed out at that time anyway places where certain descendants went to which could explain Tarshish (some say Spain others America for the sons mentioned); there are some references to the land of tin being England and differing opinions as to Togarmesh; Meschesh and Tubal being Turkey or rough translations of cities in Russia (perhaps both). Other places are extrapolations such as the Kings of the East. Babylon could certainly be America although it seems it could be literally in the old territory with plans for the future if the Lord tarries in coming years seem to be headed for development of a city made for drones somewhere in Abu Dhabi I believe.

Obviously there are certain peoples in tribes particularly in the Western Hemisphere that have gone extinct. Some have said that that issue with the Jamaicans for instance isn't such a mystery because they simply intermarried to the point that they are inextricably meshed with later peoples that took over. The languages certainly mixed things up so we have light skinned people in S. Italy and North Italy has dark skinned; we have languages like the Czeck and Slovak near each other that are completely different and of course even many more native American languages and cultures than we see in the "civilized world".

Nonethelss in glory those who have died would surely make up some from every tribe; tongue and nation who are missing today as the Lord will bear fruit and His Word not be void. Therefore even those who haven't heard the Word through creation it would appear will have faith; at least from the time before Christ came to earth.

Interesting story. I have one question and it is a BIG one. Having accepted that gift from that lady, have you accepted the free gift of Salvation? Did you call on the Lord to save you and accept his free gift of Salvation. If you have a Bible, then please read the following verses:

Rom. 3:23, Rom. 5:8, Rom. 6:23, Rom. 10: 9, 10 and 13

This is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. His death, burial and resurrection. The Lord Jesus Christ died for you because He loved you unconditionally. John 3:16 and 17 says it all.

Call on Him to save you from the fires of hell and write your name in the Lamb's book of life. I pray that you will be saved.

Kangaroo Word (3 of 3)

Second time we come across this expression is in the vision of Daniel where across the river of time the man clothed in linen gives a cryptic answer (Dan.12:7) Then in the vision of John we come across the left out church, 'she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent(Re.12:14). When we take together several other expressions each with reference to a period of time it is clear that the Spirit is using the three and a half year of the ministry of Jesus as the base line

Similarly when we have two witnesses martyred we have variation of the same expression. "And the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months./ And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth(Re.11:2-3)". The church the body of Christ is also compared to a bride, New Jerusalem. Saints redeemed from the earth are tagged by time times and dividing of time as the beast is given power for the same duration. Thus key to unlock the expression is in the Son.

In compressing the Salvation Plan of God a symbol referring to the Father Son relationship is carried over from its context in the natural world to the eternity where relationship is retained. God created "the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night (Ge.1:16)" Under divine Will the pair,- greater and lesser light are treated as one, to rule the day and night respectively. In the eternity there is no more night but the throne of God and of the Lamb explain the same relationship.(Re.22:1). The symbol is in terms of the glory. Instead of the greater and lesser light we have the throne..

Kangaroo Words (2 of 3)

In order to fix part of the divine Will in the narrative we have such expressions, 'In the fullness of times, in the beginning in the latter days. While we have time as intended by the Son which are already in the flux. "And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.(Re.9:15)". An hour a day a month or a year are as an expression for judgments that do not make a full end but warn man to 'Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord( Ac.3:19-NIV)'." "Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy

(Pr.29:1-NIV)".

Names serve as kangaroo words throwing up long shadows. Creation of Eve is an example. "And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living." (Ge.3:20). Adam assigning his wife the name, Eve, has led some scholars conclude it as an example of paronomasia. The Hebrew word hawwa is a play on the word meaning 'life'. Does God need play with words?

The Spirit uses the role of Eve in relation to Adam who foreshadows Christ the head. His deep sleep anticipates his death and Eve expresses his body, the church. Adam in giving the name 'mother of all living' is on the basis 'I am the truth and the life.'

"Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is (De.10:4)".

The expression 'the heaven and the heaven of heavens' is similar to 'time and times and the dividing of time.' Daniel the seer refers to the latter days. "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time(Dan.7:25).

Kangaroo words (1 of 3)

While explaining the fulness of God in his Son the Spirit splices his deity and humanity explains kangaroo words, end time events riding the specific events as well as persons doubling for the advent of the Son 'in the fulness of time. For instance the spirit of Christ and the indwelling Spirit after his Ascension are all pointing to the fulness of God.Consequently the Spirit loads words with spiritual shadows. God sent 'his only begotten Son' refers to the logos aspect of Jesus Christ.

Whereas the sons of God who went into the daughters of men and corrupted the old world are rogue elements not being subject to the word.( Ge. 6:2). Ishamael and Isaac are both sons of Abraham but one is the son of promise. In order to distinguish the Word becoming flesh, from humanity of Jesus, Promise of the Word necessitate this narrative mode as we see in the matter of God tempting Abraham. Before Abraham could harm his son the angel of the Lord restrains hi Notice the usage of 'the only son' in this verse, "For now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me."(Ge.22:12b). Both examples are set in direct frame of reference to the Son of man. Isaac is the heir of promise while Ishmael is the son of the bondmaid.

The Spirit incorporates the deity and humanity of the Son to delineate them in the larger context of the Father Son fellowship. Kangaroo words similarly set events within another. Thus Israel being led through the wilderness is an example. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.(1 Co.10:11-AKJV)" But what is the spiritual principle for the Kangaroo Words? Abiding in Christ like branches to the true Vine we are connected to the world of the Spirit. This 'being hid in Christ' we are in heavenly places. (Col.3:1-3)

Inversion, Mode of

Inversion is expressed as a narrative mode where two unequal entities are set on the basis of the Word. Thus blessing come from God to Man and not other way about. The Word is God.

Whereas God the Son becoming man explains one aspect of the Sovereign will of God. Free will on the other hand gives man the choice: either or. In believing the Apostle of God he is adopted in the Son into the Fellowship of God with Man. Here we have the Word freeing man so may be lifted up by faith in the Son. The Word became flesh.

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me ( John 6:38-NIV). "Motive force of Jesus was squarely set on the bedrock of the Father Son relationship.

Consequently he humbled himself as man, "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross./ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name (Ph.2:8-9)." The Spirit has set this example of God the Son for our instruction in righteousness, "But many that are first shall be last; and the last first."( Mark 10:31)

Denying the free will to man is a heresy because just as his Son freely chose to be the slain Lamb, -and before the worlds began, the same liberty is given man. This empowerment places man who reveals the same DNA of faith outside the earth time and space limitations. As it is the eternal Word that is the Law or Constitution of the kingdom of God, we understand the rationale behing the Law of Gradation.

Law of Gradation (2 of 2)

"The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son" ( John 5:22). Till such time all martyrs from Abel onwards by Law of Gradation are graded as evidence; similarly children of disobedience are catalogued as testimonies against them

Similar catalogue we see in the seven days in the creation account. Each day has duration in the day decreed for the Son. The world as a field produce good as well as the tares as the Parable of Jesus teaches us.

"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Re.21:6).

"And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;/And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance./And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age./But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. (Ge.15:13-16)

Law of Gradation (1 of 2)

This is an extra-biblical term to explain several modalities with which the Holy Spirit underlines the Man component in the fellowship of God with Man. God appointed the Son a day in which all those who are called before the worlds began shall be catalogued in direct context of the Son. In receiving him in faith man is placed outside his time and place, as a testimony. Thus martyrs from Abel onwards are under his charge. They are graded with the Son in his human experience.

When Jesus heaps woes to the scribes and Pharisees he addresses them thus, "on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar (Matt.23:35-NKJV)." All martyrs from Abel to the last are part of cloud of witnesses and they serve as memorial, which is what the altar of souls in Re.4 would indicate. The Four Horsemen at the opening of the seal illustrates this. (Re.6:1-11) From under the altar of soul the cry goes up why and we have the answer, "That they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled".

1.

God the Father has expressed His will which 'should be fulfilled" Thus the rider on the red horse sets off wars and their consequences hunger pestilence, famine are all graded quiet distinct from one another. Death on the pale horse is followed by hell. " Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth (6:8)". The crucial role is given to Jesus Christ the rider on the white horse and he is in charge.

Brother in Christ,

I have covered the point you make in my posts on the series beginning with the Golden Reed. We need do things each day as though it is our last day on the earth. "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." (1 Co.16:13)

The word "nations" literally means people groups. So this probably has nothing to do with nations as we understand them. It means these people groups will be there....

Brother Spencer,

If I can just add my 2-cents on this great verse ( Philippians 1:6) you brought up.

Notice how it says "being confident."



It's actually a Perfect Tense. It should read, "having become confident." Why? Because they've been in fellowship with the gospel from the first day until now.



They've been in fellowship with the gospel, so confidently Paul can say about this very thing that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform, and the Greek word means literally complete it, until the day of Jesus Christ:



That's quite a promise. But he didn't say that for all people. He says because you have been in the word from the first day until now, I can tell you that God's promise to you is that whatever work He began in you, He's going to complete it until Christ comes.



There's a reason why they stayed in the word. He didn't say for all people who profess to be Christians because not all professing Christians are saved, especially in our religious system in our country.



So the confidence comes because they've been in the word since the first day they were saved. God began a work in them. He gave them His Spirit, and by His Spirit, they were continuously being drawn to His word.

This is God's doing. It is His work in their lives. He began this work, and He sees it to its completion.

God bless!!!

Richard,

My dear brother in Christ, I know the feeling. I understand how it can feel as though you're being ambushed. I have experienced the same, not just here, but in face-to-face conversations with other believers.

I have never used the phrase "Once saved, always saved" on this forum even though I do believe in the permanency of salvation.

Because of this belief, people have told me that I believe I can do anything I want, and that I can sin all I want because I am saved regardless.

Have you ever been in a real live in-person conversation with someone who believes that you can lose your salvation. I have. People like to tell you that you can lose your salvation, but I have never been able to get anyone to tell me that they might lose theirs.

They will tell you that you can walk away from Christ and lose your salvation. I had one brother tell me this and when I asked him if he would ever walk away, his answer was no!

I asked him why not? His response was that he loved the Lord way too much to ever walk away. I guess that's the guy who won't lose his, but I can lose mine. Go figure!

Blessings to you my brother!

Romans 8:38-39, "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Hi Bennymkje. greettings in Christ JESUS

Revelation 11 is wonderful and very deeply really. The content of verse 2 was preached two times by JESUS. First in Luke 21:24, 2nd after His ascension-Rev.11:2-and JESUS reveals that the COURT is given unto the Gentiles and(in the FIRST half of the last week, week 70th) the holy city shall they tread under foot 42 months. But I ask, how? Well, the Dragon will give(to the Beast of sea)his Power, and his Seat(in Jerusalem spiritually called Sodom and Egypt), and great Authority.

Simultaneously,in the other hand,JESUS will give POWER unto His two witnesses,these are the two olive trees,and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth(before the Holy Spirit,Paraclete,Comfort- Jn 16:12-15).wo candlesticks are two Churches-Gentile Church and Jewish Church- Hebrews 12:23.The two olive trees are the two sources of OIL of the two Churches-the OT and NT.JESUS revealed that the two Churches receive Power(verse 6)to shut heaven,that it rain not in the days of their prophecy:and have POWER over waters(over peoples,and nations,and multitudes of all tongues-verse15-18)to turn them to blood,and to smite the earth with all plagues,as often as they will-(The righteous Judgment of GOD-1Cor.6:2-3)-and they shall prophesy ALSO 42 months,equal period the holy city being trodden by the Gentiles.

The worst will be in the 2nd half of the last week.The Beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit -Rev.13:11-18&Ez.21:25- Matthew 24:15-25- shall make WAR against them(against the two Churches-two candlesticks),and shall overcome them,and kill them-Rev.11:7->END of the OT and NT arrived).They that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another;because these two witness/prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

But after three days and an half the spirit of life from GOD entered into them,and they stood upon their feet;and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

continues below

continuation from above

Revelation 19:5-9

5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our GOD, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord GOD omnipotent reigneth( Revelation 11:15 to 18. Take a look).

7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed IN FINE LINEN, CLEAN AND WHITE: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of GOD.

Revelation 11:12-13

12 And they (the two candlestlicks /two Churches-Gentile and Jewish Church)heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud (like JESUS- Acts 1:9-11-Take a look); and their ENEMIES beheld them.

13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake(Resurrection???), and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the GOD of heaven.

1Thes. 4:15-16 ->15 We say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Daniel 12:12- Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.(Oh yes, blessed is he that waiteth,and cometh to the Ineffable, Wonderful, Indescribable, unspeakable day, the day 1.335, Hallelujah!!!, by the way, 45 days after the period of 1290 days- Daniel 12:11.

GOD BLESS. Get ready

Hello Richard

It is not you that you have been ambushed brother but the doctrine of OSAS has been ambushed. This doctrine takes into account certain verses that favour it but ignores all the rest that oppose it, like that "blot out from the Book of Life". But in this way one can come up with completely wrong conclusions, like it often happens. Trying to fit everything into that consept can lead into "strange" beliefs like the 5 foolish virgins were unbelievers, like an unbeliever can have spiritual gifts like prophesying and healing and so on. Next thing this doctrine can lead people to not be so close to the Lord and His commandments since we are all saved anyway and subsequently we will be left out like the 5 foolish virgins who were living a careless life. The Bible is full of warnings and examples of people who lived a loose christian life. Trying to press those people into an unbeliever or not truly saved pattern produces to christians a false security that they will get into heaven anyway. This is true if we strive to live righteously and hence we are clothed with the Lord's power. But when we leave our Father's house we are on our own. Father will not come after us but is waiting for us to return. It is then our own responsibility to wake up and not get lost while being away from home. GBU

Oseas,

Thank you. We are kept by the power of God. That is one powerful grip. If I didn't have Christ in me, and if I wasn't being kept by His power, it would be so easy to walk away.

Blessings to you in Christ Jesus!

God's plan for the nations (conclusion)

As for the eternal new heaven and earth it seems verses indicate there still will be nations although some seem to merge with promises from the Millennium. However; Revelation 21:24 says: And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. So it is clear that there will be nations still in some geographic sense; although no more sea and the heavenly Jerusalem will clearly be the dominant vista wherever you roam on this new planet.

Jesus stated from the O.T. that the Temple was supposed to be a place of prayer for all nations ( Mark 11:17). This surely will be fulfilled in the future!

There are nations that are said not to know God. Isaiah 55:5 shows that they will wake up at the end of the Tribulation as well as return captives (see Isaiah 49:22-25). They also shall bow down as kings and queens to worship God ( Isaiah 49:23) and take care of children. These are wonderful promises to show even from the wicked Tribulation some even in royalty will be saved! We see an interesting prophecy in Ezekiel 39:2 that a sixth part of the Gog army will remain; I would deem it likely many of these people will repent; although a remnant it will probably be a fairly substantial number of those remaining at the end of the Tribulation (also we don't see those in that invasion who appear to have the mark or fight God). This and other verses show various campaigns which lead up to Armageddon; and perhaps linger on until Christ and His returning saints establish control to rule and reign.

It seems pretty apparent that with all nations against Israel ( Zech. 12:3) in the end so that mainly they will be reprobate with the dead being as dung on the earth ( Jeremiah 25:33). This is a sobering thought; thankfully in Israel 1/3 make it through the fire but 2/3 die ( Zech. 13:9). Some say this is harsh but compared to the stats from the whole world it isn't

Brother Spencer, Amen!!!

Thanks, Giannis!

I agree. He who is overcoming, not he who will. I am overcoming and will overcome because I have Christ in me, the one who overcame!

As long as I have Christ in me, I overcome, and He has promised to never leave me.

Thanks again!

God's plan for the Nations (The Tribulation).

Before the Tribulation; there will be people raptured out of the world from every tribe; language; nation and tongue. ( Rev. 7:9).

To be precise many in this verse will come out FROM the Tribulation but those raptured would logically also come from every nation as many more will die after the seal judgments following the Rapture of the church.

Isaiah 66:19 seems to challenge this as those who have not heard His fame or seen His glory seem to be reached by those surviving physically the Tribulation. The Millennial worship is clear from verse 20. It could mean that the Gospel preached by the 3 angels to the whole world won't be specific about God's past exploits or specific plan or focus on Jerusalem for His return; rather they will just hear a general message to worship God and not take the Mark of the Beast or not be part of Babylon.

It is possible some remote areas will somehow even miss the angels testimony; which would also mean they may be one of a few who are able to hide from having the mark forced on them; or from the pressure of following the worldwide false church.

Anyway; God will use Antichrist to draw in all those doomed for perdition and the whole world to choose Christ and bring mass beheadings or choose Antichrist and take the mark and or fight Christ and be destroyed at Armageddon. Again; nations are mentioned in the Millennial Kingdom ( Zech. 14:18 for instance) where Egypt and anyone else will have no rain if they don't come and worship Christ at that time. That shows a necessary interlude BEFORE perfect sinless existance in the new earth since some clearly will attempt to disobey.

Revelation 20:8 states "And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea." Clearly there will still be nations until the final conflagration; when there is a new heaven and earth.

Thank you so much, brother Spencer,

Your explanation is reasonable...

This is from the Fire Bible by Donald C. Stamps

3:5 Blot out his name. This appears to be the "book" first mentioned in Ex 32:32-33. It describes a sort of registry of citizenship in God's kingdom. This verse clearly teaches of the very real possibility of members of God's kingdom having their names removed from the book of life. This can happen to any person who experiences salvation and a personal relationship with Christ, but later refuses to remain faithful to him and allow his power to help them overcome the evil around them and the sinful nature within them (see 2:7, note; see article on Individual Apostasy). To have one's name blotted out of the book of life is to give up eternal life with God (2:7, 10-11) and to be condemned to the lake of fire in the end (20:15). This is a direct warning from the Holy Spirit to Christ's churches (v. 6; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 21:27; cf. Ex 32:32).

Link. for the article on Individual Apostasy.

God's plans for the Nations (part 4)

We are in the "Church Age" at this point; and heading toward the final version of the "Revived Roman Empire" as seen in Daniel 2:42-44. The final composite kingdom of the Antichrist is like a lion (Babylonian symbol but modern day Great Britain); a bear (Media Persian symbol also Russia) a leopard (fitting into the Greek or Mediterranean Kingdom); and the final composite Beast of the last days which encompasses the entire earth ( Daniel 7:2-8). This will come eventually with the Antichrist for "one hour" (probably the 7 Year Tribulation) taking over a kingdom of 10 Kings who are yet to have a kingdom ( Revelation 17:12).

Since nations are still mentioned in verses about the Millennium ( Psalm 86:9 as one example) coming to the Lord it is clear they are in God's design to be restored. For now; territorial integrity is important; although God will have to settle many disputes when He comes ( Isaiah 2:4).

God has established through the Abrahamic covenant and other promises to Joshua and Caleb that He would give the 12 Tribes inheritance of all the territory described from the "Great Sea" to the Euphrates ( Joshua 1:4). God does honor covenants though; so agreements made with those in other nations or even Israel itself say with settlements should be honored.

We also need to keep in mind Joshua 5:14 where the Angel of the Lord states He is for the Lord's army not necessarily siding with anyone. This is why God allowed Israel's enemies to prosper at times for chastisement; as was made clear in God's prophecies about Babylon and even the pagan invaders stated this (although I can't find the verse at present). It is humbling to think about this at present; we in our proud nation think the worst thing to happen would be invasion from another nation and submission but are we better than Israel and the Babylonians? This may happen before the Tribulation if He tarries (our borders are already breached BTW). Food for thought.

Thank you Spencer... I read this article from Donahue he puts forth a compelling argument. I copied and pasted it as is unchanged.

"ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED" VERSUS REVELATION 3:5

by PATRICK DONAHUE

Revelation 3:5 reads "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."How could the doctrine of "once saved always saved" be true if the above verse is true? The same book shows that a person's name is not written into the "Book Of Life" unless he is saved:

20:15 whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire

21:27 no one will "enter into it (heaven) any thing that defileth, neither worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."

Revelation 3:5 then necessarily implies that if a saved person does not overcome (temptation, persecution, etc.), if he does not remain faithful, then his name will be erased from the book of life, meaning he will no longer be in a saved relationship with God.

Other Bible passages teach the same thing about the book of life. When the Israelites made the golden calf while Moses was on the mount receiving the 10 commandments, God said in Exodus 32:33: Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

Only the names of the saved are in the "book of life" to start with. And if it is possible to get your name blotted / taken out of the book of life, then it is clear that it is possible for a saved person to lose his salvation.The doctrine that a Christian cannot "fall from grace" is just plain untrue.

This is John thank you for all the information sorry for taking so long to get back with you I know in the Lord for two decades he's done a lot of wonderful things for me I wish I could have kept a record of all the things that he try to get my attention Jesus Christ but unfortunately the devil came after me too it's been a battle Jesus knows everything when the pandemic happen you found out who your friends and everybody and that's the way it still is thank you again I apologize for all the texts take care

Hi Jim.

Welcome to the site.

Those who overcome "overcomes" by the blood of Christ and is "overcoming" by the blood of Christ.

Paul says in Philippians 1:6

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you WILL PERFORM IT UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST:

Therefore, the promise is "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. Rec. 3:5.

God bless.

Yes, I am Italian, but NOT Catholic, I am Christian and I know that the CEI Bible has many inaccuracies and shortcomings but I also found some discrepancies in the KJV.

This case can only be an error of the automatic translator which however can be confusing, the text says:

Siracide 4

23] Non astenerti dal parlare nel momento opportuno,

non nascondere la tua sapienza

[23] Do not refrain from speaking at the right time, do not hide your wisdom ( italian )

il traduttore traduce "And refraine not to speake" = astieniti dal parlare ( ma in realta' e' il contrario )

the translator translates "And refrain not to speak" = refrain from speaking (but in reality it is the opposite)

I hope it's clear, in reality it's simple the translator makes a mistake. Ciao e Grazie

Seems like I've been ambushed here. I am not sure whether I should attempt to answer each question one at a time. God of course is beyond time it only takes an instant for us; He of course predestined us from before the foundation of the world and all souls are His anyway. He came for the elect 2000 years ago so knows us better than we can know ourselves. In general His sheep hear His voice that is sufficient; such as Romans 8:10 if I have the verse right where we confess with our mouth and believe with our heart. That doesn't mean we ARE saved if it is disingenuous; so we shouldn't assume a professed 30 year Christian really believes any more than someone like the thief on the cross. You know them by their fruits in time; Christ knows His sheep instantly.

Hope that helps.

Rich P

First off not sure what a DBR is.

Your first question is rather complex. I don't ascribe to not following the law at least in terms of universal ones such as murder and divorce (one which is immensly controversial today in terms of remarriage situations but I hold for NOT remarrying when a spouse is alive which got John the Baptist killed for pagans in that situation). Anyway I may have lost your attention at that comment. I look to ceremonial laws as applying to the Jews at the time or possibly the future Temple; and the sabbath day law in some respect goes to Christ who is "Lord of the Sabbath". We don't attempt to do or not do the law only but we do things with the right motives. My point being we can't just say it's ok to break a law; as the Antichrist himself comes as the "lawless one". We can't have overly legalistic standards either. I am not sure what you mean relying on "His will" that should be something we do now or in O.T. times; and peace is something which we should receive at salvation and also is a fruit of the Spirit (love; joy; peace; longsuffering; etc.)

As to His coming; I have theories basically stating that we need to face that 1948 is NOT the beginning of the last generation which is defined roughly by Psalm 90:10 and i cant see it stretched beyond the 70 to 80 years. I think the Psalm 83 event where Israel expands its borders and immediately surrounding nations capitulate will happen as the signpost of the last generation then there has to be a land of unwalled villages before the Ezekiel 38 war. That timing is tricky. All things are set for the Tribulation but it seems only God the Father determines it as we also seem to see from my commentary on Revelation 1.

I sense your enthusiasm and perhaps struggle and your love for Christ. As Jesus said to the Philadelphia church persevere even with little strength as it is hard today. Satan wants to constantly preempt God's timing but obviously we must occupy till he comes. Outta room