Are there two books of life; one of those being The Lamb's book of life? A Rebuttal.

 The wife and I watched Jack Hibbs, and he was all fired up about our CA Congress and their willingness to murder babies. Near the end of his talk, he evidently said there are two books of life. One is allegedly the Lamb's book of life. The wife turns and says, what do you think of that? I believe now that it was a good thing that I missed what he said because it would have made me angry. I did manage to tell the wife that I would transcribe what the pastor said and do a study in the morning to see if I could find these multiple books of life that I have never heard of until this day. Here is how that went.

So, Pastor Jack quickly tells the audience that there are two books of life; and one of those books is The Lamb's book of life. From this book, you cannot get your name blotted out because we belong to Jesus; however, you can get your name blotted out of the book of life. 

(To be fair, I found two scriptures that included the Lamb's book of life, or a derivative, and both are in the Book of the Revelation, which we will pursue momentarily.)

I did a search for the phrase, the book of life. Throughout the bible, and using the NASB, that phrase is only found 7 times.  

Here are those verses.

Psalm_69:28  May they be blotted out of the book of life And may they not be recorded with the righteous. 

This is King David whining out for justice against his enemies, and so we can exclude this. 

Phillipians_4:3  Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle 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. 

Here, Paul, acknowledges that their names were written in the book of life, but primarily based on faith. I have no doubt that they were. 

Rev_3:5  'He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments, and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 

 Revelation 3:5 is bewildering because it says, I will not erase the name of an overcomer. I have overcome a few things but was it enough? What is the standard? Perhaps there is NO standard and that is why Jesus came and died on our behalf. None of us would have made it into the kingdom. If you look for the term erase in your Bible, this is the only place it shows up. Try another translation, like the King James, and you get nothing.

 Erase is the Greek word exaleiphō and also means to smear out, obliterate, and wipe away. 

Now if you look for the word blot, which seems like the same thing, there are 14 entries. Genesis 6 gives us one of those when it says, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land."

Here, it is a Hebrew word machah, but if effectively means the same thing as the Greek word  exaleiphō. 

Well, obviously He did not blot out everyone because He spared Noah and family. Our problem is that we assume He never offered salvation to any others. It took Noah over a hundred years to build this ark and we are told that Noah preached righteousness to all who would listen. Therefore, salvation was offered to anyone who would accept it, and all we see was immediate family. 

With verses like Exodus 17:13-14, it is difficult to argue against the possibility that God would blot someone's name out of the book. 

So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." (Exodus 17:13-14 NASB)

 You get the idea that God was very angry with, not only this man, but a nation named after him; and yet, God only focuses on the man.

Look at this, as it seems to be a clear definition of why someone would be blotted out.

"so that there will not be among you a man or woman, or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of those nations; that there will not be among you a root bearing poisonous fruit and wormwood. "It shall be when he hears the words of this curse, that he will boast, saying, 'I have peace though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart in order to destroy the watered land with the dry.' "The LORD shall never be willing to forgive him, but rather the anger of the LORD and His jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse which is written in this book will rest on him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. "Then the LORD will single him out for adversity from all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant which are written in this book of the law." (Deuteronomy 29:18-21 NASB)

Rev_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. 

 Revelation 13:8 is not so much about "the book" as it is about those who have enough backbone to refuse the beast, his mark, and his image. The mystery of these people is only enhanced by the fact that their names have been in this book of life before time began. 

Since these people, who are resisting the global agenda, did not go up in the rapture, how did they get their names in the book of life? When I attempt to point this out to my "Christian" friends, they are puzzled, mumble out some unfounded response, or get angry. Why angry? Because what we see here defies any standard religious explanations; and, it validates what we see in Matthew 25, where the crowd before the throne is separated into two groups. The group referred to as sheep is granted entrance into the kingdom. I was under the impression that sin was one of those things that kept you from going up in the rapture; if that is the case, these people don't fit. And yet, this is Jesus giving them entrance. I have only one decent explanation and that is that God's mercy is greater than anything we can understand.  

Rev_17:8  "The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come. 

When the antchrist shows his head, and contrary to Pastor's like Tom Hughes, I believe that this man will have Muslim roots. Can you think of anybody that has the ear of the world and yet has Muslim roots? I can, former American President Obama does. 

The passage says, only those who do not have their names in the book of life will be in awe of this guy. Why make a distinction like that? Perhaps it is because, during the time of wrath, when many will tell you that the Holy Spirt is removed from earth, the Holy Spirit, which leads and guides you into all truth is still here, speaking into the hearts of those left behind and telling them, DO NOT follow this clown.

Rev_20:15  And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. 

To be honest, this passage annoys me. Not because of its finality, but because it is like a fly trap for people who seem to relish punishment. If you read Revelation 20:12-15, then you wouud know that NONE of those standing there are judged from the book of life, they are judged, according to their deeds, from the other books. I already pointed out how in Exodus, God told Joshua to write Amalek's name in a book of rememberance. I don't what these books are but this may give us a clue. By the way, you and I are NOT the judges, so don't worry about these books. If you must be concerned then make Jesus the Lord over your life and move on. 

Rev_21:27  and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. 

Revelation 21:27 puzzles many people. The answer lies in the fact that we are looking at the millennial reign of Jesus. During this time, many from the nations have survived, just as many of the Jews have, and are living with the freedom of choice. This freedom allows them to practice their abominations, which is idol worship. The biggest joy I have, is knowing that this time will be one of peace, so your twisted nature will  have no impact on me. But know this, you don't get to bring your abominations and brokenness into the Holy City. Wow, that sounds hopeless, but it is NOT as there those leaves from the trees of Life, and they can bring healing. This healing is not just a quick fix but an entire mental overhaul and freedom from your brokenness.

If we extend the search to the Lamb's book of life. There is also a reversal of that phrase in Revelation 13:8 as it reads the book of life of the Lamb. In either case, there is but one example. That information alone should tell you that you are chasing a rabbit trail. With such minimal examples, you should grasp that there is no additional book of life exclusive to Jesus. Therefore, this is most likely not a valid argument. 

John, in Revelation 21, starting in verse ten, was shown the Holy City of Jerusalem. So, the conversation has everything to do with New Jerusalem and who is allowed into that city. 

"I did not see a temple there. The Lord God All-Powerful and the Lamb were its temple. And the city did not need the sun or the moon. The glory of God was shining on it, and the Lamb was its light. Nations will walk by the light of that city, and kings will bring their riches there. Its gates are always open during the day, and night never comes. The glorious treasures of nations will be brought into the city. But nothing unworthy will be allowed to enter. No one who is dirty-minded or who tells lies will be there. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will be in the city." (Revelation 21:22-27 CEV)

If you are struggling to understand at what point in time this city shows up, look at the words "Nations will walk by the light of that city." This can ONLY happen during the millennial kingdom. We have not yet reached the Great White Throne judgment, which is about a thousand years away. And, if you noticed, it says nothing about getting your name into that book or being blotted out, for the names are already established in that book. 

Focus on the word established for a moment. When you consider those who go through the seven years of God's wrath upon the earth, the great push to take the mark, worship the beast - the antichrist, and worship the image of the beast, this DOES NOT happen until 1240 days into the seven-years. 

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. (Revelation 13:8 NASB)

One of two scenarios has taken place to put these people in this horrid time. First, they were either non-believers or, as Revelation 3 describes, caught off guard when it speaks of the church of Sardis. 

'Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 'So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. (Revelation 3:2-3 NASB)

King David said Before my days were ever formed, you had ordained all my days and wrote them in "your book."

"My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them." (Psalms 139:15-16 NASB)

Let's ponder the reference in Phillipians for a moment.

"I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle 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." (Philippians 4:2-3 NASB)

It is evident that Euodia and Syntyche (Not that it is important, but her name is pronounced soon-too'-khay,) are also followers of Christ and assisted Paul in sharing the gospel. It is Paul's words that help to define their relationship to Christ and also to Paul. Paul calls them, AND an unnumbered quantity of others, his fellow workers, and get this, he says their names are in the book of life. 

Isn't that strange that all these, being believers with proven relationships to Christ - the Lamb, are not defined as those who have their names in the "lamb's" book of life? 

In Revelation 3:5, Jesus says this in speaking to and about the church in Sardis.

'He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments, and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. (Revelation 3:5 NASB)

Did you grasp what He said? 

He is telling you that anyone who overcomes (Since the Revelation is of Jesus, and the first three chapters speak to specific churches that have been gone from us for several thousand years and are, therefore, representative of church ages.) will be clothed in white. He, Jesus, will NOT erase their name from the book of life. 

The critical point is that this is narrowed down to individuals and not the entire church. Verses two and three define what the problem was/is.

Wake up! You have only a little strength left, and it is almost gone. So try to become stronger. I have found that you are not completely obeying God. Remember the teaching that you were given and that you heard. Hold firmly to it and turn from your sins. If you don't wake up, I will come when you least expect it, just as a thief does. (Revelation 3:2-3 CEV)

⦁ You have only a little strength left, and it is almost gone.

⦁ You are not completely obeying God.

⦁ Remember the teaching that you were given and that you heard, and hold firmly to it.

⦁ And turn from your sins.

What happens if they don't? 

"If you don't wake up, I will come when you least expect it, just as a thief does."

The context of a statement like this has everything to do with the catching away of the church. 

Since this was spoken to real people, who are now dead, how are we supposed to perceive such an admonition? 

Wake up, remember or rehearse the teachings that speak to Christ's soon return, and turn from your sins. 

Let's try an alternative search - "of the Lamb," which will give me other potential answers.

We get things like wrath, blood of, song of, marriage of, wedding supper of, the throne of, and fat of. 

Only one verse in the entire Bible refers to the book of the lamb, Revelation 13:8, and we covered that above.

Another possibility is to simply look for the word "book." There are over 170 references to "book," but obviously, not all apply to the situation. 

The people that were to become Israel compelled Aaron to make the god Moloch for them. I find it interesting that he knew how to do that.

"Then Moses returned to the LORD, and said, "Alas, this people has committed a great sin, and they have made a god of gold for themselves. "But now, if You will forgive their sin--and if not, please blot me out from Your book which You have written!" The LORD said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book." (Exodus 32:31-33 NASB)

Moses told God to blot his name out of God's book, which you have written. Yet, God still held those who had sinned responsible and told Moses that He would blot them out of His book.

Why did God NOT kill Aaron or write him out of His book concerning this event?

I don't have an answer for you aside from the fact that inevitably we  look at the actions and make a judgment that this person is going to hell for that. All the while, God is looking at the heart. 

Back to King David.

Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired; My ears You have opened; Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required. Then I said, "Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. (Psalms 40:6-7 NASB)

Perhaps a little presumptuous, or maybe David had understood that all his days were in this book. 

Doesn't that seem strange when David had a man killed so he could take the man's wife and then lie about the baby he produced? 

Psa_56:8  Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

As I worked on this study I was reminded that God assigned things like books of remembrance. Our presumption, then, is that God would not waste space writing about your tears in the book of Life. But there I go thinking like a human again. 

Psa_69:28  Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

Add iniquity to their iniquity, And may they not come into Your righteousness. May they be blotted out of the book of life And may they not be recorded with the righteous. (Psalms 69:27-28 NASB)

David asks God not to record them with the righteous. I do not think this is appropriate, although heartfelt, and I do not believe that God will not honor such a request from us. 

Why not? 

Because God is Love and desires, every person comes to a knowledge of Jesus Christ. Want proof? 

This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4 NASB)

An interesting relation to the "book" is found in Revelation 17.

"The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come. (Revelation 17:8 NASB)

Only the persons whose name is not written in the book of life are amazed when they see the beast. Revelation 17:8 is easier to understand if, where it says, "that he was and is not and will come," you merely substitute the Islamic Caliphate (This works for me, because the Ottoman Empire was forced -at gun point, to disband and dissolve in 1924. For many years they did, but then there was that devilish branch called the Muslim Brotherhood, who soon regrouped in Egypt. The head that sustained what seemed to be a mortal wound, never truly died.)

So, with NO other valid scriptural witnesses to validate that there is an exclusive Lamb's book of life, then I either do NOT attempt to preach it or teach it, or I make the assumption since Jesus and God are in essence the same thing, then the book of Life is also the Lamb's. He has been given ALL judgment, so that makes sense. 

There is one reference where God says to Moses that He will blot out from "the book" those who sinned. While we don't see that God actually did blot out their names, but we do see Moses having a hand in the death of 3000. (Exodus 32:26-27.)

Initially I said, I have NO additional witnesses to God blotting out people's names from the book, but with further study I found a couple more.

In Genesis 6:7, we see God saying, I will blot out all mankind from the earth. 

Did God do exactly that? 

No, for Noah and the extended family were saved. 

Did God exclude all others from salvation? 

No, as it took over 100 years to build the ark and Noah preached every chance he got. 

Did they line up to get in the ark? 

Hardly, but the family could hear them pounding on the door when the flooding got serious.

How about this one, what methods did Israel have to remove, even if momentarily, sins? 

The sacrificial system, and, at this point in time, I can not see that it was set up. Perhaps this could be an explanation of what seems like harshness. 

Alright then, what is death? 

The cessation of breath and, or complete separation from God. 

So what did God do with the people that were killed at Mt. Sinai? 

They ceased to breathe, for the aspect of death associated with the great white throne has obviously NOT happened as yet. Therefore, no one has yet to be sent to hell, although people will argue with you. And, since we are NOT the judge, we do not know who is destined for this place. 

Is it possible that because of Jesus' obedience to the cross, every person regained their name in God's book? 

If their names were restored and then blotted out, it would only be because of a refusal on their part to accept Jesus, that excludes them from having their name in the book and hence be blotted out.