Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries
The Doctrine of the Book of Life, Part 5. How believers can have their name blotted out.
Sunday, May 13, 2001
PHI 4:3 Indeed, I request also you, true Syzygus [genuine one who is a real man], to help or to assist these women of such quality who have fought by my side in the cause of the gospel,
together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
The Doctrine of the Book of Life.
In eternity past, the book of life is a registry containing the names of every member of the human race who would ever be born.
In time, the book of life includes members of the human race who are alive, all believers, and those rewarded as winner believers or overcomers.
In eternity future, the book of life is the registry of all believers forever.
Therefore, in eternity future only the names of believers are in the book of life, PHI 4:3; REV 13:8, REV 17:8;REV 20:12,15, 21:7.
An ancient custom was to keep the various kinds of genealogical records in a book known as a book of life,NEH 7:5.
They would have a book of life for registering citizens for numerous purposes, JER 22:30; EZE 13:9.
Point 2. Passages Referring to the Book of Life.
EXO 32:30-33 – the book of life as a registry of individuals’ names in time and the works God ordained for them to perform. PSA 69:28 – having your name blotted out of the book of life concerning time and eternity future.
DAN 12:1 – the principle of divine protection during the Tribulation period because your names are written in the book of life. LUK 10:20, HEB 12:23 – If you are a believer your name stands permanently written (recorded) in the book of life.
PHI 4:3 “the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.” REV 3:5 “The winner believer, I will not erase his name from the book of life,”
Point 3. The Book of Life In Relation to Believers.
Believers’ names stand permanently written in the book of life. LUK 10:20, HEB 12:23 suggest an abiding state. The book of life is the guarantee of eternal salvation, REV 13:8; 17:8; 21:27.
“wash their robes” rebound + PMA of Bible doctrine, with emphasis on application or good deeds and works,REV 7:14; 22:14.
Washing of the robes progressive sanctification, which depends upon God and us.
Garments = not to the imputed righteousness of Christ but to the “righteous acts of the saints,” REV 19:8.
ROM 8:13 “for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
JAM 1:15 “Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”
EPH 5:14 “For this reason it says, Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”
Those who have been saved by Christs redemption can fall away and be lost forever. Arminian position
Our justification not based on our works but on the perfect, finished righteousness and substitutionary atonement of The Lord Jesus Christ. JOH 3:16; JOH 10:27-30, ROM 8:29-30.