Friday, March 01, 2013

And Whosoever was not Found Written in the Book of Life was Cast into the Lake of Fire


Rev.20:15 
 And Whosoever was not Found Written in the Book of Life
was Cast into the Lake of Fire.

One small sentence inserted almost at the very end of the New Testament. There are many verses which present facets of this terrible truth, but here we have the culmination succinctly stated. This subject has been relegated to the doctrinal back burners if it can be found at all. It is no longer acceptable for the mixed company found dwelling in Sunday morning pews. It is far too unpleasant for open discussion to say nothing of powerful warnings from behind God’s pulpits. It may be touched upon to prove our orthodoxy, but it almost never elicits tears from the doctrinal Bourgeoisie. To be honest, only dead preachers actually preach it with any conviction and heartbreaking emotion.

Rev.20:15 
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Before the glory of a new heaven and a new earth or the wonder of the eternal paradise of God’s presence and the blood washed saints, there is coming a mournful day of gloom for most of the human race. We as believers should never rejoice in that coming narrative, and in fact we should be conduits of light which can be used to lead sinners away from that awful day. This is no hyperbolic play on words used to present a melodrama invented inside the minds of religious fanatics. No, this is a coming reality which can only be described in a very limited way in Scripture since the things of the Spirit are often beyond human imagination.
 

Rev.20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

 
In essence the entire world except for those who have been born again by faith in Jesus Christ will stand before the Creator and asked to give an account for their sins. But since only the shed blood of Christ can forgive sins, those without Christ will not be able to escape the justice of God. They will never be able to pay for their sins and therefore they will suffer the consequences of unpaid sins forever.

Rev.20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
 
Yes, this all seems like religious folklore. And if indeed the Bible is not true than it is nothing but a fairy tale. But if even most of the Bible is true than this final judgment will be an event unlike any other. Even unbelievers have a sense of justice and good and evil. Dolphins do not have that sense. Bears do not have that sense. Lions do not have that sense. But mankind has sense of fairness and good versus evil. The definition of evil or good may be different, but that sense is still present.


Rev.20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

But in the end the story of man, filled with war and woe, will meet its final authority. And the Judge of All will point His righteous scepter and demand holiness from every sinner born of a woman. Where will people go? To whom will they turn? The time for faith has past and they will stand naked in their sins without a hope for redemption. I tremble to think of that day, and I am in Christ. If the righteous scarcely be saved, where will the unrighteous be found? Imagine standing before God and realizing that there is no hope and that you are about to reap the reward of your sin. Imagine knowing that in a moment you will be cast into the lake of fire without any hope of getting out. Imagine eternal punishment. Discount it as foolishness if you wish. Disregard the warnings if that soothes your conscience. But if you do, and that is your choice, just remember that one day you will wish you had given some attention to these words of warning. I beg you to pause with just one unguarded moment and allow God to speak to your heart.


Rev.20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

We are impressed these days with all the technological advances and the soaring rhetoric of the latest politician or the talents of sports figures and Hollywood actors. And Biblical truths like this seem so farfetched and so out of touch with modern realities that not only are they dismissed, they are rarely even spoken of in churches whose doctrinal statements say they believe them. The warnings of eternal judgment have fallen almost silent and have given way to more uplifting messages of success, prosperity, and a healthy self image. Any judgment, to say nothing of eternal judgment, has been widely discounted as hyperbole.


Rev.20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

But this is as serious as it gets. Our minds have been so consumed with everything from politics to sports to finances and everything in between that we can hardly ever capture our hearts long enough to even give serious consideration to things like this. And although we cannot bring ourselves to openly deny truths like this, we have cleverly designed an ecclesiastical system that can be practiced and enjoyed without ever manifesting the prayers, emotions, and outreach that would substantiate our doctrinal suggestions.

Rev.20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
 
The truths we profess to believe are most astonishing. To put it in succinct terms, we believe that every person born will spend eternity either in the presence of Christ or in a place of continuing and unabated judgment. Think about that for a moment. That is a colossal and breathtaking assertion. And if that is true, and if we actually believe it to be true, than should not such a desperate issue elicit fruits and behaviors from those who believe it which can only be described as remarkable?

Rev.20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
 
If a man says he believes his house is on fire, should we not expect him to flee his house? If a mother says she believes her child may be dying, should we not expect that mother to desperately cry for help? If a father says his child is drowning, should we not expect that father to swim out to rescue his child? And if a believer says he believes every person will face either heaven or hell in eternity, should we not expect that believer to pray and witness with passion or even with obsession? But what if all these scenarios do not elicit the behavior which we should expect? Then what are we to conclude? We must conclude that the man or the mother or the father or the believer does not believe what he or she says.


Rev.20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

And so we are left with an uncomfortable mirror. If we actually believe those words then shouldn’t that belief bring forth some actions and emotions that are unique and even uncomfortable as it pertains to the “normal” religious expressions? That one verse is so profound and so unsettling that it alone should demand some responses that should be considered fanatical by the accepted patterns within the Christian community. But that verse along with others dealing with that issue has little if any affect upon our hearts and lives. In effect, by our ambivalence we render them as benign doctrinal tenants and philosophical curiosities that are rarely considered seriously and even more rarely acted upon.

Rev.20: 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Rev.20: 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Rev.20: 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Rev.20: 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Rev.20: 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Selah.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

This verse gives a spiritual reality-check; but yet, for me, personally, it is scary. I try not to think too much on it because of it's raw reality.

But one thing I've never found out, is how one gets to be written in the Book of Life. Of course we know if one is in Jesus, he/she is written in the Book of Life, but really, has there ever been a study on exactly what the Lamb's Book of Life entails? It's vague in it's description. How are people to know exactly if they qualify to be in this Book? Because to be "in Jesus" today has so many different doctrines.

Are marginal christians in there? Are backslidden christians in there? Are christians who claim they are and believe they are (westernized christianity) in there? Are those who receive Jesus at the last hour, the last seconds, of their lives in there? Are those who were deceived into a cultish form of christianity in there? Are babies in there? At what age does innocent life who never heard of Jesus get their name in there or not? At what age does a child who understands who Jesus is, qualified to be in that Book? What about the mentally ill who cannot compartmentalize what spirituality is? What about the disabled, deformed in countries that have never heard of Jesus? Or anyone who has never heard of Jesus? What about those who have been enslaved and abused and been kept from hearing the Word of God?

There are so many mysteries surrounding who will be in the Book of Life. I thank God and the Lord Jesus that He left some of these things unexplained.. What I'm questioning may not be scriptural, but it's what I am feeling for right now. I believe that if the Lord were to write out a heavenly legal document which graduates each person according to a legal set of rules, that no one would be eligible to get their name in; because then we'd be using works rather than faith.

And if the Book contains names of only those who have received Christ as their Savior, or repented and asked Him to forgive their sins and by the Holy Spirit believe He is the true Christ, the Son of God, will the Book have only a small segment of names? And what about those who arrive at the gates of heaven thinking they are saved (because they did acknowledge Jesus as the Forgiver of Sins and the Son of God) yet who were cruel and unmerciful towards others, and are told, "Away with you, I never knew you" by Jesus, how many can really get into that Book?

I pray that we are all in that Book, but I get a sense of fear that I might have overlooked something in my walk, or that I have to easy a sense of security, or that I only believe I'm a christian and am really not. I want to have an assurance that I don't walk off the path ever, and everyday I feel that insecurity.

Sometimes I believe that if we are too secure and too self-assured that we are saved, that we will miss the mark. If christians who are so self-assured that they won't go to hell, yet protest with signs that tell other people they are going to hell, then I wonder if that attitude will still allow them in the Book of Life.

And we are all have fallen short of the Glory of God. How can we be absolutely sure we are worthy to be in that Book?

Rick Frueh said...

The Book of Revelation makes it clear only the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is worthy. No one else is worthy. That is why only those who by faith have trsuted and clung to the lamb will be there. It could well be titled the Book of Grace.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for replying and yes, only the Lion on the Tribe of Judah is worthy. That was one big detail I forgot to mention.

It's so complicated to my mind, yet it's so simple on God's terms. Nothing can argue that wonderful Grace.

Reine Gnade said...

Unsaved sinners, God's will for you is to give more attention to His gracious loving words of warning.

What must you do to allow God to speak to your heart? You must decide to look to Him as Your teacher.

Your pressing need is for a trustworthy teacher. Put your wholehearted trust in the risen Jesus Christ, for He is the Teacher of Teachers.

Study His words and life and as you persevere patiently with sincerity God will heighten your interest in hallowing His glorious holy name.

What an adventure awaits you. An adventure like no other where you can find dignity, purpose, meaning, fulfillment and joy unbounded submitted to God and His perfect will.

May eternal God draw all who hunger and thirst for righteousness to His Beloved Son, for He is the way, the truth and the life. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Rick- I have a question which has caused me a great deal of consternation . Is there such thing as a deathbed conversion? Many people who have fled traditional churches to form their own groups don't espouse the sinner's prayer. But it IS unacceptable for people to go to hell! I know people make that choice everyday not knowing what he'll actually is. Thank you.

michael said...

I've commented using this verse in here before so what I've read is enough comment. I'd just tell a story that compels me to take the risk to share the Gospel as I'm led to. Most likely everyone reading these messages has heard of the Hell's Angels motorcycle club? I heard this about a member who bought a house in an upstanding neighborhood with a Christian Pastor living next door raising a family. There were continual "dueling" meetings at each house. There would be Bible studies on Tuesday nights with singing and at times more than normal loud worship. Children playing also drew attention by their playful nature running around the house sometimes with the fun spilling over to the Hell's Angel's yard. That did not go without notice. Then of course there would be gatherings at the Hell's Angel's place as loud and more obnoxious than at the Pastor's.

This sort of thing went on for years and rarely did these people socialize except for maybe a kind jesture in the morning or on the weekends when passing each other unavoidably by simple proximity to each other. After awhile the Pastor's courage increased and at times he'd witness the Gospel to his neighbor the Hell's Angel. God began working on him over a period of time to the point where God opened his heart so that he became troubled about his life style and the things he'd done in direct rebellion and blasphemy towards God. He sought out the Pastor and told him his torments and sought the Lord's forgiveness. They began relating more frequently and he began attending the Bible study. On one occasion the Pastor's Bible study was precisely on the book of Life and hell.. Once this Hell's Angel began thinking and pondering what was taught he got visibly angry with the Pastor because he realized the Pastor understood the torments and judgment a person suffers going out into a Christless eternity! He was mad at the Pastor because he had not shared these truths with him before all the time they had lived side by side as neighbors saying what if I'd been killed in a bike accident or murdered!

Rick Frueh said...

Yes people do make death bed professions but only God knows which are genuine.

michael said...

If I might I'd like to add two personal stories? One I'm very ashamed about but know I'm forgiven. The other is similar and though the end is sad too I have a greater respect for and actively look for the prompting of the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel with people prompted by the Holy Spirit to do so.

I went to the hair salon of a member of my church at the time to get my hair trimmed up. As I came in I saw a couple of bikers in leathers, a man and woman. They were the only ones in the sitting area. I was prompted to speak to them but their hardness of countenance and demeanor frightened me so I said nothing. A few minutes goes by and the lady who would trim my hair came out and greeted me and said I would be next that she was just finishing another one of her clients. She then pointed to this couple and told me the man was her cousin and they had stopped by to say hi as they were traveling through town. I acknowledge them and said hi. But I never shared anything of substance or the Gospel of the Kingdom as I was being prompted to do. Another few minutes goes by and I was called to the back for my trim. The lady said to me she'd be right with me as she wanted to say good bye to her cousin and his girl friend. She goes out and is back a few minutes later. I'm done having my trim and I'm off until next time. I usually came in every three or four weeks for my trim. So now about a month later I'm in for a trim again. The lady hadn't been in church for a few weeks so I'd planned on asking her why? Well she told me why and when she did it was like someone had punched me in my gut! In explaining her absence she'd ask me if I had remembered the biker cousin and his girl friend from the prior visit to the salon? I did because the lingering sense that I had missed an opportunity to be a witness and share the Gospel with them was still bothering me after the several weeks went by. She said she'd been out of town dealing with the family's grief over the death of this cousin and girl friend who tragically were killed that day a month ago. She said after saying goodbye they left out of town and not long after the rain began and he had lost control of his bike and they were impaled on the metal post of highway fencing!

Next story is similar. I was co- pastoring a small country church. One stormy evening we had an evening prayer time open to the public. A woman came in wanting prayer for something unrelated to the Gospel. This same urge came over me prompting me to ask her about her relationship with The Lord and after she unloaded some stuff and distraught about her relationship with The Lord she asked for forgiveness and all of a sudden you could sense extreme joy filling this woman's heart and soul! She left so lite up and joyful it was exciting and satisfying. Sadly though about three or four miles from the church she lost control of her car because that night was stormy and raining hard. Apparently as she came around a sharp turn in the roadway she hit a mud slick that had covered the road and lost traction and went over an embankment dropping severely off the side of the road into the river below and perished!

Anonymous said...

Is it wrong to lead someone in a deathbed profession ? Or should I wait for God's direction? This is hypothetical .

Rick Frueh said...

There are times where the Spirit leads you directly to witness to someone, but it is never wrong to share the gospel to anyone.

Josef Sefton said...

Anonymous 10:11PM, I think the most important thing is to sincerely desire to honour God. It's God's will for us to share the Gospel, and as Rick says the Holy Spirit delights to illuminate God's word to sinners who are hungry to learn about Him.

Rick Frueh said...

Thank you, Michael. I too have hesitated to witness only to find that person had died not too long after, and I have also witessed and found that person had died. Those kinds of experiences never leave you.

Anonymous said...

It's very hard to try to understand the culture in the earliest days of the church, for me. Under Roman rule, and the different pagan rituals and temples side by side with the Judaic Lawkeepers who were under heathen control, must have been a heavy burden-some life for a new christian.

It wasn't an easy time for a christian then, and it isn't easy now. Minus the brutal persecution, our idols of money, celebrities, sports, and self-actualization hypnotize us.

It would take an epiphany, or a strong awakening for a christian today to stop and realize the church is sinking into a sinkhole; there are no miracles, healings, and deliverances throughout the church. Although God's mercy can bring deliverance individually to those who persevere and ask, the role of pastors to pray and anoint the sick among us seems to have little effect.

The fanfare of turning the Son of God's life and testament and divine plan has been used as a marketing tool for pastors to get rich. They brand a healing ministry as their own, get rich, and even if they say, we give the glory to God, take God's precious gifts to the market place and advertise them as though they are toys. Any church or ministry that sells wares with insignia of that ministry on them is heresy. Anything that has "Jesus" on it's covers and sells for profit, is heresy. Bibles should be printed by non-profit foundations only. They shouldn't be sold in christian book stores.

And somehow the dark deeds of politics has seduced the church and now she's a puppet on strings, doing the bidding of men of power. And the Name of Jesus is used as a master's whip to gin up political dissent and sinner-hater. We are so deep into the muck of delusion that it's blinded us completely and we are like the blind following the blind, and Satan waits and hopes we don't wake up before we leave this earth.

We are so ingrained in this idolatrous greedy culture, it's going to take baby steps to back out. But do we have time on our sides? Going cold turkey would almost make one mad, but it seems that's the only way to free ourselves. With God all things are possible.

Cherie c. said...

Again, the tears of convictions or brokenness, I cannot tell, but tears non the less.

There is not one day that goes by that I don't ask the Lord to find me worthy of Him and salvation as I cling whited knuckled to his garment by faith.

This fear the Bible says is the beginning of Wisdom, so as it breaks my heart, it also gives me hope that only by His Mercy will He find me worthy. As far as missing opportunities to share the Gospel, I too have missed many, but less and less as I go on. A few posts ago I shared about an encounter with a grocery store clerk regarding valentine's day. Although he was not very receptive, I pray that the Holy Spirit perhaps worked to bring him to the Word of God and corrected him. I do not know what this quick encounter produced, but I pray it is for the Glory of God alone.

My husband and sons hate it when I print out posts or Scripture, but who knows, perhaps it will do some good.

Thank you Pastor Rick for the reminder of basic truth.


"And Whosoever was not Found Written in the Book of Life was Cast into the Lake of Fire"

Love to All1

your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.

Reine Gnade said...


If we hold onto and cling to those closing poweful words of yours Anonymous 10:15 AM we will truly be blessed. In my opinion there are still many saved people reaching out and teaching the untaught, unsaved and saved both inside and outside of walled buildings to God's glory! Truly with God all things are possible.To God be the glory!