I've been through the book a time or two, and I see no overwhelming mass of scripture supporting Calvinism. But if you have something that you think proves your point, please tell me.

I do believe in the sovereignty of God, but I do also believe that He has delegated some measure of responsibility to each of us concerning our souls; the question then is not one of sovereignty, but of God's methods.

Concerning the two books of life: utterly impossible.
Rev 17:8 says "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is." So we have people dwelling on the earth whose names are not written in the 'book of life,' please note, not the 'Lamb's book of life,' but their names are not written in the 'book of life.' If you think that the 'book of life' in this context is actually the 'Lamb's book of life,' then let me ask: If there is such a big difference between these two, then why doesn't the scripture go to greater lengths to label them properly? The answer is simple: They are one and the same book.

And it is true, such a warning does not necessarily indicate that someone WILL commit such a vile sin, and thereby be removed from the holy city's registry; but it is clear cut proof that it CAN happen. I mean, just because I could possibly eat at McDonald's today does not mean that I will, it simply means that I can. The simple possibility of such an occurrance (having one's name taken from the book of life, not eating at McDonald's) still disproves unconditional election and perseverance of the saints. And since this passage is a testimony from Jesus Christ Himself, I suggest it be taken as a serious warning and not as a simple 'prod.' But I must also ask, if all true believers automatically endure to the end, why do we need a 'prod' anyway?


In Christ,
Josh