The Book of Life

The Book of Life

Names Are Never Added!

Chapter 11 Preview: Why is it that scripture never mentions someone having his or her name ADDED to The Book of Life? Why is it that the Bible only mentions people having their names BLOTTED OUT of that precious book? People ASSUME that the scriptures say: “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will ADD his name to the Book of Life”! This chapter makes the arguments about “predestination” irrelevant since we can know that God has predestined that all of us would be winners in the “game of life”, if we simply play by the rules! The later part of this chapter goes beyond just having your name recorded in heaven. It covers what is required to actually be present in the coming Everlasting Kingdom.

INDEX

The following scripture illustrates a key point concerning the Book of Life. This would be the ideal place to mention that your name could be added to the Book of Life—yet instead we see that it is already there!

Revelation 13:5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I WILL NOT BLOT OUT HIS NAME FROM THE BOOK OF LIFE; but I will ‘confess’ [Literally: “acknowledge openly and joyfully”!] his name before My Father and before His angels.

This passage adds an interesting perspective to all of those scriptures telling us to “confess” Jesus! Jesus will confess us!

Revelation 17:8 And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, WHOSE NAMES ARE NOT WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

Their names have been removed:

Psalms 9:5 You have rebuked the nations, You have DESTROYED the wicked; You have BLOTTED OUT THEIR NAME forever and ever.

There is little doubt that “the wicked” once had their names recorded, or their names could not be “blotted out”! The wicked “who dwell on the earth” at this time are separated from the merely unconverted, “the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left”. God recorded everyone’s name in advance, because He doesnt want any to perish, but the incorrigibly wicked will have their names deleted! But the sheep and the goats are not who they are being promoted as being. The sheep are not “converted” people! Need proof? Here it is: The Called, the Culled, and the Excused.

Exodus 32:31-33 Then Moses returned to the Lord and said: Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! 32 Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, BLOT ME OUT OF YOUR BOOK which You have written.’ 33 And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against Me, I will BLOT HIM OUT of My book.

Again, the names of the incorrigibly wicked were formerly in the Book of Life, but will be removed. These were not converted people whose names were to be blotted out of God’s book!

Verse 22 So Aaron said, ‘Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.

Interestingly, we are told exactly when these ancient people will be punished. They will receive their reward “in the day when I visit for punishment”.

Verse 34 Now therefore, go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, My Angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit for punishment, I will visit punishment upon them for their sin.

This is explained fully in The Great Judgment Day.

This timing of punishment is the same timing that Peter mentioned when he spoke of “the day of visitation”. However, Peter admonished the Saints [off site] to set an “honorable” example so that some of the “gentiles” who “speak against you as evildoers” may eventually “glorify God”!

1 Peter 2:11-12 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

David, in a long lamentation about the worthlessness of the wicked said:

Psalms 69:28 Let them be blotted out of the BOOK of the Living, and not be WRITTEN with the righteous.

“Living” would be more accurately translated “Life”. (Strong’s 02416 chay khah’- ee) The KJV translates it as “live” 197 times and “life” 144 times.

David said: “Let them be blotted out of the Book of” [Life]”!

The alternative to having your name written in the Book of Life is to have it written in the dust of the earth—“ashes to ashes, dust to dust”, so to speak:

Jeremiah 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake You shall be ashamed. Those who depart from Me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.

Philippians 4:3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are [presently] in the BOOK OF LIFE.

As in every age, some of our “fellow workers” will drop out of the race, but as long as they remain faithful, their “names are in the Book of Life”.

Luke 10:20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.

Revelation 20:15 And anyone not ‘found’ [Literally: “after searching”, and “sought without previous search”] written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

The following passage is translated into many translations in a way that implies that some names were never recorded in the Book of Life to begin with. The actual transliteration of the words from Green’s Interlinear Bible are: “And will worship it all those dwelling on the earth of whom not was written the names in the scroll of life ....” Those names “not was written” because they had been removed—as every other account explains—not because they were never there! The KJV has it rendered correctly:

Revelation 13:7-8 KJV And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall ‘worship’ [Literally, “kneel before”] him whose names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

The implication is that God will demand that everyone bow to Him and acknowledge His fairness even if He must break their knees first. The point is not to indicate that God failed to “give them a chance” rather, the focus in on the tragedy that many are no longer in the Book.

Revelation 21:27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

You want nothing to do with adding or taking away from God’s word!

Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will ADD to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall ‘TAKE AWAY’ [or “remove” Strong’s 851] his part [Literally: “a part due or assigned to one”] from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

This penalty apparently applies not only to the translators who deliberately changed some of God’s word, but also to those who deliberately misrepresent God’s thoughts in their sermons and conversations.

A careful reading of Psalm 139 indicates that every part of our bodies has been recorded in God’s book, before we were even conceived! This is a bit awkwardly written, but upon examination we can understand that in addition to our names being written in a book in heaven, and the number of hairs on our heads counted—God has even recorded information about our genetic profiles before we were conceived! Apparently He then plays an active part in our conception and birth. God obviously “booked” us prior to our conversion—right? Certainly He can determine who the goats are, with foreknowledge as amazing as that, especially after He has witnessed our “works” for years.

Psalms 139:13-16 KJV For thou hast [“formed my inward parts”—NKJV]; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret and [skillfully] wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being [unformed]; and in thy book all my members were written, which ‘in continuance were’ [were in the process of being] fashioned when as yet there was none of them.

Nearing the time of the end, many sleeping Saints will blow the dust off of their Bibles and race “to and fro” thru the pages of “the Book” of Daniel. (Strong’s 7751 implies “eagerly” and “quickly”) As a result of this, scriptural “knowledge shall increase.” This verse is not about trains and planes and fast cars, nor is it referring to scientific advancement, it refers to “the words” and “the book” of Daniel itself being understood, if you consider ALL of verse four! (The word translated “knowledge” can also mean “discernment, understanding, wisdom”: Strong’s 1847) Contrast this “run to and fro” to the previous situation!

Daniel 12:1-4 At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, [This is without a doubt referring to the final three and a half years.] even to that time. And at that time your people [all Israel!] shall be delivered, EVERYONE FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK”. 2 “And [an abundant number] of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake [be resurrected], some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are WISE SHALL SHINE like the brightness of the firmament, and those who TURN MANY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS like the STARS FOREVER and ever. 4 ‘But you, Daniel, shut up THE WORDS, and SEAL THE BOOK [the Book of Daniel!] UNTIL THE TIME OF THE END; [THEN] many shall run TO AND FRO, and KNOWLEDGE shall increase.”

Amos 8:11-12 ‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord God, ‘That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. 12 They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run TO AND FRO, seeking the WORD OF THE LORD [which imparts discernment, understanding, wisdom], but shall NOT find it.

Why did God tell us that He gathers information about the unborn? Does God relish totally useless information or could that information be some of the most precious information He has? Could it be that before the seven thousand years are finished, God will have recycled all of the “useless genetic information” that was aborted or left on the mountains to die or was passed thru the fire for Moloch. Jesus Himself was brought into the world via miraculous genetic code transplant! Family planning could be a bit different.

Resuming Daniel 12:5-13 Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank. 6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, ‘How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?’ 7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, ALL these things shall be finished. [This includes the restoration of Israel in particular!] 8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, [rephrasing the question] ‘My lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ 9 And he said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, FOR THE WORDS ARE CLOSED UP AND SEALED TILL THE TIME OF THE END, [Daniel’s questions concerning “how long” and “what shall be the END of these things” is now no longer a secret!] 10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. 11 And from the time that the DAILY SACRIFICE is TAKEN AWAY, AND the ABOMINATION of DESOLATION is SET UP, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 BLESSED is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. 13 But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the [1,335] days.

The whole point that I believe God has made, by revealing that our names are already written in the Book of Life, is to illustrate the hope that God has for each of us. God wants everyone, including unborn children, to keep not only their names engraved in His book, but He expects us to all become His very sons. God is an optimist; He assumes, until proven otherwise, that we will be “counted worthy to attain that age”!

There is just one point that needs to be considered: “the books”. Two references to “books” being opened on Judgment Day appear in the Bible. Would it make sense for God to use “mysterious books” to judge mankind with, using esoteric standards? Of course not! The books that we will all be judged by are the Books of the Bible, which reveals all that we need to know before we stand before our Maker!

Revelation 20:12-13 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their WORKS, by the things which were written in the books. [In case you missed the “works” part, here it is again.] 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his WORKS.

Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.

Mastering these books, and applying them to your daily personal interactions is the best way to keep your name written in the Book of Life!

THE BOOK OF LIFE, Part 2

“Reward” or “Wages”?

Are you expecting a “free reward” from God or might you perchance be expecting eternal “wages” for a job well done? This is an incredibly important concept because, after all, we’re talking about your eternal “reward”!

names written in heaven (as was explained in part 1) and that this was intended to result in a person’s resurrection to eternal life, we must then ask what this has to do with wages. If the gift is free then why do some people receive it while others are burned? Is it simply the difference that some respond to an “altar call” and then say some magic words?

There are many scriptures to demonstrate that your good works or actions are absolutely required for salvation. Here is perhaps the most important of them:

James 2:14-26 What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? 15 And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, 16 and one of you tells them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled;” and yet you didnt give them the things the body needs, what good is it? 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. 18 Yes, a man will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith. 19 You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead? 21 Wasnt Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness;” and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith. 25 In like manner wasnt Rahab the prostitute also justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. WEB

The “best scripture” that those who teach that righteous works are not required for salvation off site) is Ephesians 2:9, yet even this “proof text”, in context, mentions that we were “created ... for good works”! Verse 10 doesnt get the same respect.

Ephesians 2:8-10 ... for by grace you have been saved [from a death sentence] through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, that no one would boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them. WEB

Jesus was the only person whose own righteousness made Him deserving of eternal life. When He “appeared”, it was not because of, that is “not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves”, on the contrary, He appeared to pay the penalty for our sins with His own flesh so that we could progress to the next step, and in order to be a Christian we must gladly acknowledge His sacrifice—yet it is absolutely required that we continue to be “zealous for good works”! God knows that we cannot be perfect in this life but we have the real potential to become that way!

Matthew 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. WEB

By God’s “grace” “the gift of God” is ours but only if we do the “good works” that we were “created” to do! So while we are not yet perfect or deserving of eternal life because of our own righteousness, we must nevertheless earn the right to keep our crown! You dont earn your salvation but you must earn the right to keep it! You must keep your name written in the book of life as explained in part 1.

John 6:37-40 All those who the Father gives Me will come to Me. Him who comes to Me I will in no way throw out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of My Father who sent Me, that of all He has given to Me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day. 40 This is the will of the One who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in Him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

Revelation 2:10 Dont be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, [this goes way beyond an altar call] and I will give you the crown of life. WEB

Revelation 3:11 I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, [your name in heaven] so that no one takes your crown. [You most definitely can loose your crown.] 12 He who overcomes, [sin: the opposite of good works] I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My own new name. WEB

Luke 13:23-25 One said to Him, “Lord, are they few who are saved?” He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter in [when did striving not take hard work?] by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen up, and has shut the door, and you begin to stand outside, and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ then he will answer and tell you, ‘I dont know you or where you come from.’

Philippians 2:12-13 So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, [the Commandments—what else?] not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, WORK out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who WORKS in you both to will and to WORK for His good pleasure. [Notice a pattern? Both you and God must continue working to bring about your salvation!]

As we are about to see in the rest of this chapter, God wants to repay us for our “good works”. Allow the Apostle Paul to explain it to you as he did to Titus.

Titus 2:11-3:8 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works. 15 Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise you. 3:1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for EVERY GOOD WORK, 2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love toward mankind appeared, 5 NOT BY WORKS of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to His mercy, He saved us, [Lexicon: “from perishing”] through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 [which] He poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 that, being justified by His grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable [as in wages!] to men ... WEB

[As a side note about Strong’s 3824—“regeneration”: “The word [is] often used to denote the restoration of a thing to its pristine state, its renovation, as a renewal or restoration of life after death.” And “renewing”, Strong’s 342 means: “a renewal, renovation, complete change for the better”. So in essence our spirit returns to the “pristine” state that it was in when God issued it to us! Then we need to keep our spirit renewed—by our good works, until our “spirit returns to God”.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 ... and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

There are also numerous articles available explaining the necessity of faith AND good works to please God—which is nonetheless a tiny minority view. Yet rather than enter into that arena, the rest of this chapter will be limited to understanding what is being presented in English Bibles as a single word—“reward”.

The reason that we need to define “reward” is because far too many people feel that it can imply something free and that it only implies good things. Punishment as a reward is generally thought to be a contradiction in terms. The following definition of the word “reward”, is consistent with my modern Webster’s dictionary except that the newer dictionaries are not literally loaded with scriptural references and even more emphasis is placed upon “compensation”. Biblical usages of the word “reward” never imply that you get something free or for very little effort!

Today the word “reward” would be better used only in the context of getting paid to catch a criminal on the loose or for compensation for finding a lost item (i.e. if you are not your brother’s keeper).

Biblical Greek always means payment when you read about a reward. While three separate words are used to convey the thought, they all involve being compensated for good works!

Here is the most common Greek word usually translated as “reward” according to the Online Bible Greek Lexicon. Notice that the KJV uses the easily misunderstood word “reward” 24 of 29 times—essentially whenever possible, but that the Greek definition is entirely about being compensated for works or actions—good or bad! By using the word “reward” the concept of being compensated by God for righteous actions seldom comes to mind—which is the obvious intent.

Here is the second Greek word translated as “reward” that many people assume means a free trip to heaven (as in the next scripture below). While it always means compensation the KJV always uses a phrase with “reward” in it:

Strong’s 591 is a third word translated as “reward”. It is most often translated correctly because these references usually refer to typical business transactions. Yet in instances where God pays or repays men the translators preferred the more vague word “reward”.

Now let’s look at these three words in action. There are so many references to God compensating us that no matter which other scriptures are thrown into the mix—these compensation scriptures must be accounted for:

Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

Matthew 6:1-6 Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward ... 4 ... that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. 5 And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward .6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matthew 6:16 Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward .

Matthew 6:18 ... so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matthew 10:41-42 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward . And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward . 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward .

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

Mark 9:41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward .

Luke 6:23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.

Acts 1:18 (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out.

Romans 4:4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

1 Corinthians 3:14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward .

1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward ; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages”.

2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.

Hebrews 2:2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward .

Hebrews 10:35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward .

Hebrews 11:26 ... esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward .

2 Peter 2:13 ... and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you ....

2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward .

Jude 1:11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

Revelation 11:18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.

Revelation 18:6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her.

Revelation 22:12 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

Nothing is really entirely free because someone else paid for it. The “gift of God” was paid for in full by Jesus the Christ. And just like the sign: “Kittens free to a good home” there are conditions to free.

Romans 6:23 but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

It is entirely possible that “the gift of God” is not as simple as it appears to be:

The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible:

As with the other parables, they are far closer to reality than they are generally given credit for!

Matthew 25:19-21 Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. 20 He who received the five talents* came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.’ 21 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ WEB

Unlike communism, in the Kingdom of God the compensation package is based upon individual merit rather than everyone being compensated equally. There will also not be any seniority involved among the Saints (off site) tho because all of us will be resurrected within the same general time period:

John 5:28-29 Dont marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; [the first resurrection] and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. [a second resurrection] WEB

Daniel 12:1-2 At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble [the Great Tribulation], such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book [of Life]. 2 ‘Many’* of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, ‘some’ [Literally: one sort] to everlasting life, and ‘some’ [Literally: another sort] to shame and everlasting contempt. WEB

[There will be a separate resurrection after the “thousand years” to sort out “batch #2”.]

* The term “many” above literally means, “an abundant number”. It does not imply that some will not “awake” nor does it contradict what John said. This is also elaborated on in The Great Judgment Day.

The “gift of God” actually extends considerably further than perhaps any “Church” (off site) is willing to admit—it extends way outside of their doors—and perhaps not even inside of them.

Some scriptures are from the “New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.” “Bible text from the New King James Version® is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.”