Let them be blotted out of the book: “But to blot names therefrom is not only to kill, but to exclude from the national community, and so from all the privileges of the people of God.” Maclaren
I have often wondered about what this word “Blotted” meant. If I read it as a westerner having grown up in the USA… I would assume that something was written down and erased out or blotted out – from its original place. This is not what Scripture means.
Does this mean that someone can lose their salvation? That someone is saved one day – their name is in the Book of Life – and another day, they have fallen away and their name has been blotted out from the Book of Life? We need to first see the context here in Revelation 3:5. The focus is assurance, so we should not think that names are being constantly erased and then rewritten. The focus here is not the idea that Jesus sits in heaven with a busy eraser. At the same time, we should carefully consider what the Word has to say about the Book of Life. (The enduring commentary)
In ancient times a person who had died was blotted out from the society of which he resided. He no longer had privileges of living within that society because he is dead. The same is true here –
Those who walk away in their sin and remain – loving their unrighteousness more that the presence of their Savior – are no longer provided the opportunity to come to salvation through Jesus Christ! Their opportunity to become Righteous and be among the righteous is blotted out… not allowed… removed….
Only the Righteous (the righteousness of Christ – not my self righteousness) are written and their names will NEVER be blotted out because real salvation always includes a righteousness that is growing and fruitful. (Gal. 5)
Which are you?