For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Pam Johnson
I agree that the Lamb's Book of Life is a literal book that contains the names of those who will receive eternal salvation. However, it is not scriptural to believe and teach others that God has chosen anyone over another for this salvation. God doesn't want anyone to perish, but wants all to come to the saving knowledge of Christ. It is also errant to teach others that one's salvation is secure. We are taught by Jesus that those who obey God's word are the one's who are welcomed into God's kingdom. It is a misreading to believe that the verse where no one's name will be blotted out is eternal security. If one rightly divides the word of truth, God will show him/her that one's name actually can be blotted out of that book and that many whose names were written in and then blotted out work in the church. These are the servants of God who He Himself declares they will not attain the kingdom. Many scriptures support both of these points: that one actually CAN lose their salvation and the other point that Jesus died for all people and didn't CHOOSE anyone to receive salvation. He may have known ahead of time who will be in His kingdom but God doesn't show favoritism.
Grant Abbott
What about believers who lived before Jesus time (ie Abraham)? What book are their names recorded in?
James Kraft
Pam, there are a few verses that come to mind. John 6:40 And this is the will of Him who sent me, that ALL that seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the last day.
First John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know ye have eternal life.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father who is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand. Double eternal security.
Once we have trusted Jesus as our savior, we are given eternal life. It is a free gift of God, not by anytiing we do or do not do. Our works. Romans 11:6.
Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30. Hebrews 13:5. Second Timothy 2:19. Once we are sealed by the Holy Spirit we can never be lost. We are born into Gods family by faith alone in Christ alone.
And you are right. God does not select who is going to be saved. First Timothy 2:4 God wants every one to believe and be saved. But not every one will believe.
He died for the sins of the whole world, so that anyone who would receive the free gift of salvation would be saved. First John 2:2. Ephesians 2:8-9
The gospel we must believe. First Corinthians 15:1-4. Once we believe it we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and Jesus has never lost one. John 6:39
AMAZING GRACE, JESUS PAID IT ALL AND WE PAID 0. IT IS FREE