When is your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life????

[Darcie]

I came across these verses this weekend, and I need some help in clarifing these verses.

Revelation 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 17:8
8The 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.

Can it be that before the foundation of the earth names were already written or not written in the book of life?

What say ye? I would like to know your opinions/explanations. I'm not trying to stir things up. I sincerely just need some clarity.

[scotty]

I have seen no scripture that supports the existance of man prior to Adam. I believe God was using "from the foundation of the world" as a time line reference. He could not have said "from the beginning" etc.because no one really knows when the true beginning was. He is the beginning and the end. Thats a question I can't wait to get the answer too. Was there anything prior to the foundation of the world? ever?

[Darcie]

I have always had this picture in my mind that once a person is saved, their name gets written in the book of Life. But these verses have made me rethink that.

[scotty]

ooooooooooooo.....You mean preterism!?!?!?!

Note to Admin: I will explain preterism in order to denounce it as doctorine and have no intention of it becoming a topic.

If you are saying that God knows from the beginning those who will be saved and those who won't and thus fills out the book of life in the begining then the answer is NO. Otherwise what would be the point. God gives us freedom of choice. That is why there was a Tree of Life in the Garden. He could have left the tree out of the Garden thus man would never have sinned and would have lived forever worshiping God because there would have been no other choice. Why would satan bother tempting those away from God if it was already known they were going to be saved anyway.

See what I mean, what you are saying defies the whole plan of salvation and reason for the redemption of Christ.

[SDG]

I have always had this picture in my mind that once a person is saved, their name gets written in the book of Life. But these verses have made me rethink that.

You smelling tulips, Darse??? Now you've gone Calvinist?

[Darcie]

'

You smelling tulips, Darse??? Now you've gone Calvinist?

I had a feeling someone would say that. Still I don't get those 2 verses.

[scotty]

It's just a time line reference, there is no predetermination of who will be saved and who won't. No the book of life was not filled out in the beginning.

Psalm 69:28 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=23&chapter=69&verse=28&version=31&context=verse)
May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.

Why blot one out if it's already known they are lost.?

actually it could be the reverse, everyone is in the book of life until they reach the age of knowledge of right and wrong. Jesus said " suffer to me the children for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"

[Darcie]

It's just a time line reference, there is no predetermination of who will be saved and who won't. No the book of life was not filled out in the beginning.

I can see that. Is there scripture (this is what I'm online looking for right now) for your name being written in at salvation?

[Darcie]

It's just a time line reference, there is no predetermination of who will be saved and who won't. No the book of life was not filled out in the beginning.

Psalm 69:28 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=23&chapter=69&verse=28&version=31&context=verse)
May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.

Why blot one out if it's already known they are lost.?

actually it could be the reverse, everyone is in the book of life until they reach the age of knowledge of right and wrong. Jesus said " suffer to me the children for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"

Hmmm...very interesting concept. So then maybe at death or Rapture it is determined?

[Darcie]

Revelation 3:5
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.

[Jesuswins]

It's just a time line reference, there is no predetermination of who will be saved and who won't. No the book of life was not filled out in the beginning.

Psalm 69:28 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=23&chapter=69&verse=28&version=31&context=verse)
May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.

Why blot one out if it's already known they are lost.?

actually it could be the reverse, everyone is in the book of life until they reach the age of knowledge of right and wrong. Jesus said " suffer to me the children for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"


:noidea

This explanation makes the most sense to me.

[scotty]

I can see that. Is there scripture (this is what I'm online looking for right now) for your name being written in at salvation?

Nope, unfortunatly it doesn't say " Repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and ye shall recieve the Holy Ghost and have your name written in the Book of Life.

However it does state that baptism in Jesus name and the Holy Ghost is the way to salvation. And it says if your name is in the Book of Life you are saved. So it's kind of a 2+2 thing.
I would say it is listed at the time of salvation since it obviously can be blotted out at any time.

Careful not to try and "out think" the Word. Even Jesus taught in simple parables. Make sure your not trying to see "through" the trees to find a forest.

[Darcie]

Nope, unfortunatly it doesn't say " Repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and ye shall recieve the Holy Ghost and have your name written in the Book of Life.

However it does state that baptism in Jesus name and the Holy Ghost is the way to salvation. And it says if your name is in the Book of Life you are saved. So it's kind of a 2+2 thing.

Careful not to try and "out think" the Word. Even Jesus taught in simple parables. Make sure your not trying to see "through" the trees to find a forest.

No I'm not trying to "out think" the word. Its just that I always had that picture in my mind of your name being written in at salvation. But I think you made a great point before. (the other one I quoted you on.) And I think the Revelation 3:5 backs up your statement.

[SDG]

No I'm not trying to "out think" the word. Its just that I always had that picture in my mind of your name being written in at salvation. But I think you made a great point before. (the other one I quoted you on.) And I think the Revelation 3:5 backs up your statement.

Let us not confuse being blotted out of the book of life w/ when that name is placed .... I'm still not sure the explanation given deals w/ when ... only w/ the biblical truth, I see, that names can be blotted.

I don't buy this explanation that we are tentatively penciled in until age 7 ... then we're blotted out ....

Furthermore we disagree w/ Scott on the point of initial salvation.

[SDG]

Pre- Pentecost .... Jesus tells his disciples:

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20)

[Darcie]

Never said I agree with his formula of salvation. But here's how I see it. Your name is in the book of life and he who overcomes in the end will be saved and never to be blotted. I don't think God has us penciled in and erases us when we are bad and puts us in when we are good.

[SDG]

Here is one explanation .... one person, Larry Wilson, offers ... Don't know if I agree ... but it's a plausible explanation :

http://www.wake-up.org/daystar/ds2001/JulA.htm

The All Important Book

The Seven Seals -- Part 2

Day Star

July, 2001
by Larry Wilson

Review
Initially, I anticipated this topic could be covered in a two-part series, but I was wrong. At a minimum, it appears this will be a three-part series. To review briefly, the previous issue of Day Star presented an aspect of God’s love that is very interesting to ponder. For example, because God is love, He grants every child the freedom of choice. We can choose to obey God or to rebel against Him. This freedom is never revoked. Lucifer exercised this freedom when he chose to disobey and so did Adam and Eve. Many people may consider this topic "no big deal," but this freedom to choose comes with a great price. The freedom to rebel against our Creator was granted by our Creator and it puts Him in a very vulnerable position! This does not mean that God is subject to weakness, but that a God of love is willing to be vulnerable. Lucifer rebelled and God lost one-third of His angelic host. Adam and Eve rebelled and it cost the life of Jesus. So, this freedom of choice that God offers has enormous consequences for God, as well as His children. This also means that God cannot demand our love. He may ask for it and He may seek our love and affection, but affection for God and submission to His commandments are the reciprocals of intelligent love. In other words, love for God is awakened in our hearts after we first understand something about His love for us. (Romans 2:4; 1 John 4:19)
God is omniscient (all knowing). The Bible states that He knows the changing number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30), when every sparrow falls (Matthew 10:29), and what choices each of us will make before we are created! (Psalm 139:16; 1 Kings 13:2) Because God has omnipotence (all power) and omniscience, He can do something today that may take 7,000 years of study to understand. Even more, His wisdom allows Him to know what to do today for the benefit of His children 7,000 years from now! This kind of wisdom belongs only to God. Consequently, relating to God during those periods of time when we do not understand what He is doing can be difficult. There is only one way to live in peace with the Creator of the Universe and that is through a nonnegotiable faith in His righteousness (right doing). With that short review, let us consider the Book of Life.
The Book of Life

"Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside." (Revelation 5:1-4)

Many people unintentionally skip over the pivotal importance of the "book" that is sealed up! For some reason, the seven seals on the book have gained more attention than the book itself. Actually, it is the other way around. The all-important purpose of the book gives the seven seals their profound importance! The drama in Revelation 5 occurs in Heaven because sin produced a number of problems in Heaven. To be sure, the problems that accompany the presence of sin and rebellion are not limited to Earth. Therefore, Revelation’s story reveals God’s methods for resolving sin from both perspectives – Heaven and Earth.

My study has led me to conclude that the book sealed up with seven seals is the "Book of Life." I have come to this conclusion for three reasons: First, John mentions the "Book of Life" six times in Revelation and distinguishes this book from other books. (Revelation 3:5; 20:12) For example, in Revelation 5 Jesus (the Lamb) is found worthy to receive this book with seven seals. John sometimes refers to this book using a possessive noun such as the "Lamb’s Book of Life" (Revelation 21:27) or the "Book of Life belonging to the Lamb." (Revelation 13:8) In other words, after the Lamb receives the sealed book from the right hand of the Father, the Lamb possesses the Book [of Life].

Second, according to the Bible, the Book of Life is opened and its contents revealed only at the end of the 1,000 years. (Revelation 20:12) Notice how this unfolds: The sixth seal is broken at the time of the Second Coming; therefore, the seventh seal must be broken and the contents of the Book of Life revealed at some point after the Second Coming. According to John, the Book of Life is opened at the very end of the 1,000 years. Since the breaking of the seventh seal has to also occur after the Second Coming, the alignment of these two features suggests the Book of Life is the book sealed with seven seals.

The third reason I have concluded the book with seven seals is the Book of Life centers on its contents. Even though no one knows the specifics that are recorded in the book sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:3), we do know the contents! Notice this verse: "If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15) This verse suggests that only the names of the redeemed are found in the Book of Life. In fact, because of this verse, many Christians believe the Book of Life contains only the names of the saved. They interpret the title to mean "The Book of [Eternal] Life," but the Bible does not confer this meaning on the book, even though this will be the final result. The Book of Life includes the life’s record of everyone who was given life. Think of this book as a roster about everyone who was ever born. In fact, God prerecorded our choices and actions in His book before we had life. (Psalm 139:16) On the basis of God’s perfect foreknowledge, He wrote out a complete history of life before life was created. Then He blotted out the names not of those who would live, but chose to rebel. In other words, God foreknew who would choose eternal life and who would choose rebellion. God does not want anyone to know who will be saved or lost (information that He foreknew) until the judgment of wicked angels and mankind has been completed. Keep this thought in mind: The Book of Life remains sealed until the 1,000 years have ended. The Book of Life has nothing to do with the judgment of mankind. Man is not judged on the basis of God’s foreknowledge, but from the information written in separate books by angels who chronicle our daily actions. (See Daniel 7:9,10; Revelation 20:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Malachi 3:16)

more here ... http://www.wake-up.org/daystar/ds2001/JulA.htm

[SDG]

Never said I agree with his formula of salvation. But here's how I see it. Your name is in the book of life and he who overcomes in the end will be saved and never to be blotted. I don't think God has us penciled in and erases us when we are bad and puts us in when we are good.

So were all in until we rebel or choose to no longer believe the gospel?

[Darcie]

Revelation 3:5
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.

So were all in until we rebel or choose not believe the gospel?

I don't know.

I can see the be written in from the begining of time and at the end your life it being determined. Jesus said he who overcomes.

[Darcie]

Exodus 32:32,33

But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written."

33 The LORD replied to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.

It seems to me the goal is not to get written in, but the goal is not to get blotted out.

[scotty]

Pre- Pentecost .... Jesus tells his disciples:

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20)

With all due respect to you both,

First off the verses before and immediatly after the one you have quoted are in future tense. (after pentecost)

Second , "I" have no formula for salvation, my salvation and the validation of it is in the Word of God.

Third, I am afraid I am not following the intrest in the Book of Life. The Book does not save me, the blood of Christ on the cross is my redemtion. "When" my name is written in the book of life is also irrelevant.

Matthew 6:33 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=6&verse=33&version=9&context=verse)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

God bless you and may the Love of Jesus be with you.

[scotty]

Pre- Pentecost .... Jesus tells his disciples:

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20)

The scripture you qoute is Jesus teaching the diciples of things to come (after pentecost) Notice the scripture before and immediatly after are in future tense.

DarcieNever said I agree with his formula of salvation

I have no formula of salvation, My salvation is validated through the blood of Jesus Christ and rooted in the Truth of His Word.

Saints, I believe the emphasis on the Book of Life is unfounded. It is a descriptive word used of God to express salvation. "when" my name is written there is irrelavent. as long as it is written.

Matthew 6:33 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=6&verse=33&version=9&context=verse)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you

This is our ultimate goal, this is what we strive for,

God bless,

[OneAccord]

Not to enter the fray, only to comment, then move on. Darcie... don't get discouraged. You're on the ight track (from what I have read so far).

Theres nothing in the Word that suggests our names are written in the Book of Life, except "from the foundation of the world". Alot of songs have been written like "Theres a new name written down in glory", but nothing in the Word says our names are wriiten down when we are saved. Nothing says our names are added to the Book. It does say our names CAN be blotted out... but nothing says our names are added.

Do I believe in Predestination? Yes, but not the way its commonly defined. Some say a certain number are predestined for eteranl life, while others are predestined for eternal punishment. I do not agree with this. (And, alot of people disagree with me). Keep studying, theres an important truth right in front of you!

Could it be that our names (everyones name) is written down "from the foundation of the world"? Could it be that ALL, before their birth, are "predestined" for eternal life, but that only those who submit to the Lord actually make it?

Now... lead me away to be crucified.

[OneAccord]

Its been called (on this forum) hersay, but this is the way I interprete this topic. And, admittedly, it is only my interpreatation. Like everyone else, I have the right to interpret the Word.

The accepted Apostolic doctrine of the New Birth states that everyone must Repent, be baptized in Jesus Name and recieve the Holy Ghost to be saved. But, what about those who do not have the mental capacity to submit to the Plan of Salvation? What about those children who die in infancy? It has been suggested that they, like everyone else who fails to obey Acts 2:38 are in hell. Others make "concessions" ("I believe they aren't accountable for their sins... They were too young, etc.") However, only those whose names are written in the Book of Life can inherit eternal life.

When is that done? Our names are written there "from the foundation of the world" like the Bible clearly says. Our names were written in the Book of Life before we were born...before the world was made. Only those who ultimately obey Acts 2:38? No, EVERYONE. Every member of Adams race was recorded and predestinated for salvation before they were ever born. That settles the question infants who die before they are old enough to walk, let alone obey Acts 2:38. They go to their eternal life with the Lord. As we grow older, we begin to be "shapened in iniquity", which means we learn to sin. We take on a sinful nature through interaction with our enviorment. We adopt unscriptural doctrines that lead us from God. We aren't born with a sinful nature, we adapt that as we grow older. True, that sinful nature comes from Adam's fall, but we are not born with a sinful nature.
At some point we are confronted with Truth. What we do with that Truth determines our eternal destination. Reject Truth and we stand in danger of having our names blotted out of the Book of Life.

Listen to what Jesus said "Ye must be born AGAIN". Some say we are born once (our natural birth, and born again (when we are saved). But Jesus made it clear that this discourse with Nicodemus has nothing to do with the natural birth. And, if that is true, when he said "BORN AGAIN" he was referring to a second spiritual birth. We are born once (spiritually) the moment our names are written in the Book of Life (before we were born), then we are born naturally. As we grow older and take on a sinful nature, we die spiritually. We become "dead in trespasses and sins". We need to be re-born spiritually (BORN AGAIN). And this is done when we are saved.

This IS predestination- with a twist. Everyone is predestined for eternal life. However, only those who are BORN AGAIN actually make it. Only those who are reborn spiritually a second tome reap their eteranl reward. Not Calvinsim that teaches some are saved, others are lost. Not Serpent Seed that teaches only a certain number will be in the "Bride" and everyone else will be lost. No, ALL are presdestined for eternal life, but only a few recieve it.

I came across these verses this weekend, and I need some help in clarifing these verses.

Revelation 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 17:8
8The 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.

Can it be that before the foundation of the earth names were already written or not written in the book of life?

What say ye? I would like to know your opinions/explanations. I'm not trying to stir things up. I sincerely just need some clarity.

[Darcie]

Not to enter the fray, only to comment, then move on. Darcie... don't get discouraged. You're on the ight track (from what I have read so far).

Theres nothing in the Word that suggests our names are written in the Book of Life, except "from the foundation of the world". Alot of songs have been written like "Theres a new name written down in glory", but nothing in the Word says our names are wriiten down when we are saved. Nothing says our names are added to the Book. It does say our names CAN be blotted out... but nothing says our names are added.

Do I believe in Predestination? Yes, but not the way its commonly defined. Some say a certain number are predestined for eteranl life, while others are predestined for eternal punishment. I do not agree with this. (And, alot of people disagree with me). Keep studying, theres an important truth right in front of you!

Could it be that our names (everyones name) is written down "from the foundation of the world"? Could it be that ALL, before their birth, are "predestined" for eternal life, but that only those who submit to the Lord actually make it?
Now... lead me away to be crucified.

This is how I'm seeing it as of right now. Still want to study some more tho.

[Darcie]

Its been called (on this forum) hersay, but this is the way I interprete this topic. And, admittedly, it is only my interpreatation. Like everyone else, I have the right to interpret the Word.

The accepted Apostolic doctrine of the New Birth states that everyone must Repent, be baptized in Jesus Name and recieve the Holy Ghost to be saved. But, what about those who do not have the mental capacity to submit to the Plan of Salvation? What about those children who die in infancy? It has been suggested that they, like everyone else who fails to obey Acts 2:38 are in hell. Others make "concessions" ("I believe they aren't accountable for their sins... They were too young, etc.") However, only those whose names are written in the Book of Life can inherit eternal life.

When is that done? Our names are written there "from the foundation of the world" like the Bible clearly says. Our names were written in the Book of Life before we were born...before the world was made. Only those who ultimately obey Acts 2:38? No, EVERYONE. Every member of Adams race was recorded and predestinated for salvation before they were ever born. That settles the question infants who die before they are old enough to walk, let alone obey Acts 2:38. They go to their eternal life with the Lord. As we grow older, we begin to be "shapened in iniquity", which means we learn to sin. We take on a sinful nature through interaction with our enviorment. We adopt unscriptural doctrines that lead us from God. We aren't born with a sinful nature, we adapt that as we grow older. True, that sinful nature comes from Adam's fall, but we are not born with a sinful nature.
At some point we are confronted with Truth. What we do with that Truth determines our eternal destination. Reject Truth and we stand in danger of having our names blotted out of the Book of Life.

Listen to what Jesus said "Ye must be born AGAIN". Some say we are born once (our natural birth, and born again (when we are saved). But Jesus made it clear that this discourse with Nicodemus has nothing to do with the natural birth. And, if that is true, when he said "BORN AGAIN" he was referring to a second spiritual birth. We are born once (spiritually) the moment our names are written in the Book of Life (before we were born), then we are born naturally. As we grow older and take on a sinful nature, we die spiritually. We become "dead in trespasses and sins". We need to be re-born spiritually (BORN AGAIN). And this is done when we are saved.

This IS predestination- with a twist. Everyone is predestined for eternal life. However, only those who are BORN AGAIN actually make it. Only those who are reborn spiritually a second tome reap their eteranl reward. Not Calvinsim that teaches some are saved, others are lost. Not Serpent Seed that teaches only a certain number will be in the "Bride" and everyone else will be lost. No, ALL are presdestined for eternal life, but only a few recieve it.

I said it before I'll say it again, you seem like a wise man to me. :)

[OneAccord]

Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

[SDG]

The scripture you qoute is Jesus teaching the diciples of things to come (after pentecost) Notice the scripture before and immediatly after are in future tense.

Wrong ... he finished saying to the 70 not to rejoice presently about demons being subject to them since they were boasting about this very same thing... but to rejoice that their names were written [present] in the book right now ... this is indicated by NOT WITHSTANDING. Verse 21 .... says this has been revealed ... past tense.

Anything else is verbal and logical gymnastics seeking to fit in your theological paradigm on biblical salvation ... if Jesus meant will be .. then he would have said will be ... I don't need the W&S secret decoder ring to understand this scripture.


DarcieNever said I agree with his formula of salvation

I have no formula of salvation, My salvation is validated through the blood of Jesus Christ and rooted in the Truth of His Word.

Saints, I believe the emphasis on the Book of Life is unfounded. It is a descriptive word used of God to express salvation. "when" my name is written there is irrelavent. as long as it is written.

Matthew 6:33 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=6&verse=33&version=9&context=verse)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you

This is our ultimate goal, this is what we strive for,

God bless,
Seems like a cop out ... scripture seems to be pointing away from what TRADITION HAS TAUGHT US ... do you think scripture is silent on this topic of when our name is written????

[Darcie]

Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Thank you OA for pointing out these 2 scriptures. Its making a whole lotta sense to me.

[scotty]

Wrong ... he finished saying to the 70 not to rejoice presently about demons being subject to them since they were boasting about this very same thing... but to rejoice that their names were written [present] in the book right now ... this is indicated by NOT WITHSTANDING. Verse 21 .... says this has been revealed ... past tense.

Bro. Daniel, If you scroll back through the pages you will find that I was the one who mentioned to Darcie that our names could be written from the begining, so I'm not sure what your point is. Some how you got the conversation between "names in the book of life" and "Holy Ghost infilling" , both of which have been disussed here, mixed up.

if Jesus meant will be .. then he would have said will be .[/b].. I don't need the W&S secret decoder ring to understand this scripture.

I have posted that very line on here on several threads. I fully agree, still don't see your point Bro.


Seems like a cop out ... scripture seems to be pointing away from what TRADITION HAS TAUGHT US ... do you think scripture is silent on this topic of when our name is written????

In closing, Bro. Daniel, I pray you have not entrusted your salvation on what "seems to be". Prayer is the only way for the spirit to reveal the Word. No I do not think the scripture is silient about it, I simply think the point is irrelevant to salvation. Who cares when it is written, as long as it's written.
And secondly, If your brand of salvation or Christianity or whatever you want to call it is represented by the continous degrading way in which you talk to people then I think I will stay with the Tradition of Christ love, mercy and grace. You seem to feel the need to down on people or use hurtful sarcasm to get your point across. Not only does that make possible new comers to the faith react as I have but also seems as if your almost trying to convince yourself of what you are saying. If Christ is in you my friend, then His love will come out of you. You see the kind of caring manner in which Oneaccord has posted above? A person can read that, agreeing or not, and obviously know, that is a person with patient, calm, caring and understanding of the Love of Christ within him.
Bro. Daniel, I would truly enjoy disussing scripture with you, but I have no need to speak in a degrading or childish manner in the context of the Almighty. I wish you well Bro. Daniel and you as well as Darcie will be in my prayers. I hope the hardening of your heart will find the peace that the Love of Jesus offers.

Bless you in Jesus Name,

[OneAccord]

Thank you, Bro. Scotty, for your assessment of me. I just hope I can and will one daylive up to it.

People have different posting styles. I learned this first hand by Bro Steve Epley. His first words to me were some of the brashest, most biting words I have ever read. I am of the opinion that he could have been a little nicer. But, he wasn't (and sometimes I think, isn't) and, over a short period of time have found him to be a fierce contender for what he believes in. A man true to his convictions, even though, I differ with his opinions. A little rough around the edges, yes. But the edges don't really matter. What matters is what is in his heart. And I truly believe what is in his heart is a genuine concern and love for all things Apostolic.

Dan is, just as his sigature says, just Dan. Smart, capable. Good natured. He can, and does, mix it up with the best of them. He, like the rest of us, stands for what he believes. I might (and most likely do) disagree with him (and he with me) on some issues, but thats okay. I don't think we all have to, or ever will, believe everything the same. Some here believe in debating the Scriptures. I don't. I believe its wrong to debate. More power to them who do so, but I stand for my principle...the same as you do. Because we don't always agree, conflicts are inevitable. But you see how I first addressed you in this post? BRO SCOTTY. Because, first and foremost, if you are filled with the Holy Ghost (and I'm sure you are), you are a brother in the Lord. We may diagree on issues, but if (and when) we do, we'll begin with you being a brother...and we'll conclude our discussion with you as a brother.

Bro. Dan isn't nearly as hard as he might seem to be. He's really a softy. And I'm not as nice as you might think I am. Sometimes I can be downright mean.
What am I trying to say? I'll just let my signature line say it...

[Sister Alvear]

yes, we are of one family...that's why we say brother and sister around here...