Robert Hibbard Supporter Retired Christian High School Teacher

In John 6:37 Jesus says, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." (ESV) If we truly belong to Christ, we are secure in our salvation. There are people who may identify as Christians or have an emotional experience at a time and say they became a Christian, but the parable of the sower tells us that many fall away for various reasons. So I would agree that some people, despite their self-identity as Christians, may not be Christians belonging to Christ.

Now there could be a time where one may deny Christ, or compromise their confession at a time of persecution, but are redeemed nevertheless, by recanting their denial and possibly suffering after all. There is historic precedence for this; I have read about this particularly during the Roman persecution and during the English Reformation. And remember, Peter was restored after his denial of Christ. Yes, Christians should never deny Christ, but we are weak, and any of us can fail in being faithful to Him in different ways.

February 23 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Daniel Veler Supporter

When I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, we would hold Bible study sessions during our unpaid lunch breaks. One of these sessions turned to the topic of the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Most of us have been taught by others that once we are saved, our names are added to the Lamb’s Book of Life. There was a preacher among us, and he made a profound statement. He said, “We all believe that once we are saved, our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." He paused and posed a thought-provoking question to us: "How do the children who die at or before birth, those who never reach the age of reasoning, or those who lack the mental capacity to comprehend the concept of salvation get their names entered into the Lamb’s Book of Life?” I left that day feeling deeply saddened and uncertain, as none of us had the answers to this profound question. 

I sought the Lord’s understanding, and this is what He revealed to me:

First, He reminded me of David’s words when his son, only four days old, passed away. David expressed his inability to bring his son back, but assured his servants that he would be reunited with him someday.

Then, the Lord brought to my mind the crucifixion-related psalms. I saw those who offered Christ vinegar and gall to drink were informed that their names would be erased from the book of the living and not be recorded among the righteous. I inquired of the Lord how they managed to be inscribed among the righteous. Were they saved and now lost?

Then, the Lord revealed two things to me. The Roman soldiers who provided the Lord with vinegar and gall were the ones responsible. He showed me in the apostle’s writings. Had they been aware that Christ was the Son of God, they would not have crucified Him.

Through this revelation, I comprehended the significance of the Lamb’s Book of Life. It demonstrated that the Book of Life belonged solely to the Lord, and it was not a separate book at all. 

All names are written in the Book of Life, and when a person is rejected by the Lord, their name is blotted out. It was at this time that I saw the mercy of the Lord and knew why David said what he did. 

I know now how the children who die at or before birth. Or children who have never reached the age of reasoning, or those who never have the mental capacity to understand, have their names in the book of life.

10 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair

Good question! According to Jesus in Revelation 3:5, The book of life is the record of those who will inherit eternal life (Rev. 20:12; Exod 32:32-34; Dan 12:1). Eternal life is given to believers in Jesus (John 3:16-17). And that eternal life is given to believers in Jesus only. --FSB

"It appears that the names of unbelievers were never written in the Book of Life (Rev 13:8; 17:8), and never will be if they die in unbelief." --Jeremy Myers 

The apostle, John, said in Revelation 13:8, "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."

February 27 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report