Elishama stood paralyzed for a moment. “That sounded strange. What happened?” . . . The day had begun with the usual call to worship at the Sanctuary. He had returned to his house and kissed his young bride goodbye for the day. He whistled as he walked toward the stand of pines on the hill side. He planned to fell a couple of trees for his carpentry work. He had recently received some much needed orders for furniture. How glad he was for those orders to help with their expenses. Tirzah could have more supplies for cooking again.
Elishama chose a good, straight tree and set his ax to work. With sweat dripping in his eyes and a good collection of chips scattered around him, he paused to survey the tree just before he would give it the last strokes to bring it down. There were some others working in the woods around him and he shouted loudly to warn them. Then the last few swings of the ax and CRASH! But in that crash of splintering branches, Elishama heard another sound that sent a chill down his neck. What was that? He stood frozen for an instant trying to think and then shook his head to clear his mind. He ran along the length of the tree until he came to the crown of large branches at the very top. There, his quick glance caught something that forced a gasp from his tight throat. There was a leg sticking out from under that tangle of branches. Someone was pinned under the tree.
In panic and with almost super-human strength, Elishama threw the tree off to the side and uncovered a crumpled body lying very still. Blood was spattered on the grass and puddling in little pools. The man’s head had apparently been the first target hit as the tree fell. Elishama grabbed the man’s wrist. No pulse. He touched his neck to feel for a pulse there. Nothing. There was no gentle rise and fall of the chest to indicate some thread of life. The face was pale, the eyes staring. There was no response to anything Elishama did. The man was dead. Elishama knelt there for a moment in stunned silence. His mind reeled. Who was this man? Where was he from? Hadn’t he heard the warning shout? What should be done now? Should he try to find someone to . . . ? No, there might be a close relative around somewhere–the avenger. That word broke through Elishama’s questions like a shock wave and the realization of his situation made his head spin. He jumped up. He suddenly knew what he had to do. His own life was at risk now. Quickly, he grabbed up his ax and fled the awful scene. He had to tell Tirzah what had happened and then run to the refuge before the avenger found him.
He hurried down the hill, along the road, through the gate, down the street toward home. Bursting through the door, he grabbed his wife and held her close for a moment. Tirzah was surprised by his forceful action. “What is the matter, Elishama?” she asked. Quickly he related the terrible tale of what had happened. “Did anyone see it?” was her next query. “I don’t know. There were other people in the forest working, but not very close. He was probably with that other party. I can’t understand why I didn’t see him before it happened or why he didn’t hear my shout when the tree was coming down. But I need to hurry to the city of refuge at Hebron as quickly as I can. I am glad it’s only about half a day’s journey from here. No telling how soon action will be taken.”
Quickly he kissed her and grabbed a few supplies for his journey. “Please come and see me often,” she heard as he headed out the door and was gone. Tirzah just stood and stared as the door banged shut. What would happen now? Would he ever be able to come back home? “Oh, Yahweh. Please see to it that justice is done for us.”
Though this story did not actually occur, it illustrates a very fascinating arrangement set up by God long ago – the Cities of Refuge. This system, given like an acted parable, presents a wonderful picture of the Gospel. Let’s explore this vein in the Mine of Truth and try to understand the meaning for God’s people in all time as it illustrates various aspects of the great Plan of Salvation?
The Jewish economy is not yet fully comprehended by men to-day. Truths vast and profound are contained in Old Testament history. The gospel is its interpreter, the key which unlocks its mysteries. The plan of redemption is unfolding these truths to the understanding. . . . There are still treasures to be searched for. Let the shaft which has begun to work the mine of truth sink deep, and it will yield rich and precious treasures. 1888 Mtl. p. 1689
The Cities of Refuge
Of the moral crimes mentioned in the Ten Commandments, killing another human being is probably considered the most heinous. It has such terrible, irreversible results. But, unlike most sins, manslaughter may be unintentional and so God created a system that would bring about justice. We can find the specifics in Exodus 21:12-14, Numbers 35:6, 9-34, Deuteronomy 19:1-13, and Joshua 20:1-9. Here is the plan in a nutshell:
Of the 48 cities given to the Levites, 6 were designated as Cities of Refuge, where anyone who had killed another person could flee and receive protection until it was determined whether the killing was done maliciously or accidentally. If the deed was found to be premeditated murder, according to the testimony of several witnesses, the murderer was handed over to “the avenger,” a close relative of the victim, whose responsibility it was to kill the murderer. If it was determined that the killing was accidental, the perpetrator was given a place to live in the City of Refuge where he was legally protected from the avenger. He could not leave the City of Refuge for any reason until after the death of the High Priest, at which time he was free to return to his home. If he left the City of Refuge before the High Priest died, he forfeited that protection and the avenger was allowed to kill him if he found him.
Here are some verses that summarize how this arrangement illustrates the Gospel. Next time we will begin a deeper look into this great Old Testament parable of the Kingdom.
He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death. Exodus 21:12
For the wages of sin is death; . . . Romans 6:23
And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee. Exodus 21:13
. . . but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbor, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die. Exodus 21:14
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18
The system of Jewish economy was the gospel in figure, a presentation of Christianity which was to be developed as fast as the minds of the people could comprehend spiritual light. Satan ever seeks to make obscure the truths that are plain, and Christ ever seeks to open the mind to comprehend every essential truth concerning the salvation of fallen man. To this day there are still aspects of truth which are dimly seen, connections that are not understood, and farreaching depths in the law of God that are uncomprehended. Review and Herald, 11-28-93
God instructed Moses and Joshua to designate Cities of Refuge to ensure justice in cases of manslaughter and murder. We, the human race, have collectively and individually done a similar terrible thing – we have committed murder and high treason in our rebellion against the Ruler of the Universe and have done all sorts of other evil things against Him and against each other. But He has been merciful in not destroying us immediately in vengeance. Instead, He is giving us an opportunity to individually show whether we are truly criminals at heart and will persist in the rebellion, or whether we have done it “unwittingly,” “through ignorance,” and are truly repentant. Let us take a closer look at the great parable of the Cities of Refuge to uncover more of God’s wonderful grace.
One of the most significant points that God stated as the purpose for the Cities of Refuge was to provide protection for someone who had killed another unintentionally, by a fatal accident. (see Exodus 21:13; Numbers 35:11, 15, 22, 23; Deuteronomy 19:4-6; Joshua 20:3, 5) This is the only moral crime that had this provision. Breaking any other of the Ten Commandments would almost surely be intentional – idolatry, Sabbath-breaking, adultery, stealing, lying, etc. are not done accidentally. In the case of theft, restitution was required. But a life taken cannot be restored or replaced or substituted, and the nearest relatives and friends of the one slain would be hot on the trail of the killer for vengeance. In this provision of refuge, God was laying down the principle that the killer did not deserve death if his act was not malicious.
In the great drama of God’s dealings with evil, we see Him applying this principle in a marvelous way. Lucifer and his cohorts rebelled against God with full knowledge of what they were doing. Since they had lived in His very presence and knew Him very well, there was no excuse for their actions; they could not plead that what they did was an accident. Because they are confirmed criminals, they are on “death row” (2 Peter 2:4) and will be turned over to the “avenger” at the end. Humans on the other hand, were deceived into joining the rebellion, and God has mercifully given us a time of probation to show our true character, our true intentions. There are several passages in the New Testament that speak of this:
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34
But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. Acts 3:14-17
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:8
God wants humans to be fully informed of the issues in the Great Controversy between good and evil so that we can make an intelligent choice as to where we stand. One of the reasons for Jesus’ death on the cross was to show humanity the full extent of our crime – we wanted God dead; we killed His Son. Is that what you wanted or was it “in ignorance?”
The cross is a revelation to our dull senses of the pain that, from its very inception, sin has brought to the heart of God. Education, p. 263
There was always an investigation and court hearing that followed a serious incident like this where witnesses were called forward to testify in the case. God specified that at least two witnesses were required to convict a murderer. (Numbers 35:30) God’s system of justice is always fair and righteous.
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:33, 34
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10
If the killer was able to evade the avenger and escape to the City of Refuge, he would be protected. But if the investigation that followed revealed that he had malicious intentions and that his act was premeditated, his legal protection was removed. (Exodus 21:12, 14; Deuteronomy 19:11, 12) He was put out of the City of Refuge as a murderer and handed over to the avenger.
For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Hebrews 10:26-28
It is significant to note that the Cities of Refuge were not just randomly chosen from among the cities of Israel, or that protection was granted in any and every city. God specified that there were to be six cities selected from the 48 cities of the Levites. (Numbers 35:6) The Levites were God’s chosen Temple workers. The Priests, the descendants of Aaron, were among them. Protection was not provided just anywhere – only in the places God chose, with His Priests.
Our God is gracious and merciful and offers sinners protection from the consequences of our crime but that protection does not come on our terms; it is not based on what we happen to choose. There is refuge and protection only in Christ, our Priest, our High Priest.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12
If the investigation of the incident revealed that the fugitive was not malicious, he was required to remain in the City of Refuge in order to continue receiving legal protection. (Numbers 35:25-28, 32) He was not just free to go where he chose, not even to go home for a visit with his family. If he left the Refuge, he had no protection from the Avenger.
This shows us the importance of remaining in Christ, consciously abiding in Him at all times. Our salvation is not just a one-time finished event that releases us to do as we please afterward.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 6:17-20
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:7-9
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:4-6
We must maintain our connection, our consecration, our commitment to Him continually.
Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, “Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.” This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ. Steps to Christ, p. 70
We have other examples where protection was promised but with the strict requirement that the person must not go out of the refuge:
Passover–
Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. Exodus 12:21-23
Rahab–
And the (two spies) said unto (Rahab), We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear. Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee. And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him. Joshua 2:17-19
One of the significant words that appears in the Statutes regarding the Cities of Refuge is the word “whosoever.” God had the Israelites establish this system with the express purpose of providing protection and justice for anyone who needed it, regardless of who they were or where they came from. (Numbers 35:15; Joshua 20:9) God does not play favorites to the exclusion of others. He chose the Israelites as His special people, the ones He lavished His attention and blessings on, the nation that received His oracles.
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. Romans 3:1, 2
But He did not exclude others; the Gospel is for everyone, salvation is for “whosoever.” God is the originator of Equal Opportunity.
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:15, 16
Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name’s sake; (For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house; Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name. 1 Kings 8:41-43
Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. Isaiah 56:6, 7
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Acts 10:34, 35
For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:11-13
Another point that God emphasized was that the Cities of Refuge were to be easily accessible. There were to be three on each side of the Jordan River, spaced so as to be somewhat equally distributed throughout the territory, and the routes to them were to be made as efficient as possible. (Numbers 35:14; Deuteronomy 19:3)
It was the duty of the Senate to repair the roads that led to the cities of refuge annually, and remove every obstruction. No hillock was left, no river over which there was not a bridge; and the road was at least 32 cubits broad. At cross-roads there were posts bearing the words Refuge, Refuge, to guide the fugitive in his flight. (from Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, commentary on Deuteronomy 19:3)
God wants salvation to be as accessible as possible to anyone who realizes their need. He encourages and helps all who want to come to Him. He has done everything He could possibly do and provided all the resources necessary so that we can be saved from eternal destruction. It rests with us to accept what He has done and avail ourselves of His provisions.
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: Acts 17:27
But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; Romans 10:6-8
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Hebrews 12:12, 13
The fugitive on his way to the Refuge was in a race against death. He could not take a bunch of stuff with him. We need to be aware that our earthly stuff and our old human nature can be a diversion, an impediment, an obstacle that will keep us from getting to our Refuge.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience (endurance) the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1, 2
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13, 14
When a person showed up at the gate of the City of Refuge asking for protection, the elders would take him in on a provisional basis, to protect him temporarily. It was very likely that the Avenger and other relatives or friends of the victim were hot on his trail. Possibly elders from the home town were along to help carry out justice. The elders from the City of Refuge, Levites, would immediately conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether or not his act of killing was malicious or accidental. If it was totally obvious that it was malicious and / or premeditated, he was handed over to the Avenger to be killed. If there was any question about his motives, a thorough investigation was conducted and a trial was held in the city where the incident happened. It was only after this trial by the “congregation” (his acquaintances) that he was given permanent protection or faced vengeance. (Numbers 35:12, 24, 25; Joshua 20:4-6)
These provisions indicate how God does things in His system of justice. We are told in many places that God has a time when He will judge everyone by Jesus; but we are also told that His people, the saints, will be intimately involved in that process, similar to a jury of peers.
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:28
And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:29, 30
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6:2, 3
The Avenger, who was required by God’s Law to kill the murderer (Numbers 35:19, 31; Deuteronomy 19:11-13), was a near relative – father, brother, uncle, cousin, or other near relative. This was a unique role that was quite common in ancient times. This person, called a goel, or kinsman-redeemer, was also the one who redeemed someone that had gone into slavery because of poverty, etc.; or, like Boaz in the case of Naomi and Ruth, redeemed property that had been lost because of poverty, etc.; and / or raised up children in the name of a deceased relative. The ancient Hebrew meaning of the word gives the idea of bringing back around to the rightful position. In the case of murder, justice and equity could only be restored when the guilt of innocent blood was balanced by revenge on the perpetrator. In very ancient times, before there were systems of national law, this concept would often lead to family or tribal feuds, where one murder was “balanced” by another and another. Here, God was establishing a national code of justice that settled matters once and for all with no ongoing feuds.
As the Avenger had the legal right and responsibility to kill the murderer, God reserves the right and responsibility to fill the role of the Avenger for all the evil that has been committed in this world, whether it was done directly to Him or indirectly through the persecution of His people. He cannot be charged with injustice when He has fulfilled His duty.
For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense. Isaiah 59:12-18
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:30, 31
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? Revelation 6:9, 10
And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. Revelation 11:18
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. Revelation 13:10
It is fascinating to note that the slayer who had been acquitted of the murder charge was not just free to return to his former home immediately. (Numbers 35:25, 28, 32; Joshua 20:6) He was considered innocent of the crime, but he was not totally free. He was required to stay in the City of Refuge until the High Priest died. He was risking his life if he left. There were six Cities of Refuge but the High Priest probably did not live in any of them. He most likely lived in Shiloh where the Tabernacle was and then moved to Jerusalem when Solomon built the Temple. As long as he lived, the slayer had protection in the City of Refuge only; when he died, there was legal protection anywhere. At that point in time, the slayer was reinstated to his former status as if he had never committed any crime.
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 6:20
By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:22-25
And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life: and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 John 5:11, 12
In some ways, the Book of Life is like a City of Refuge. Just as any slayer, innocent or guilty, Jew or foreigner, could find refuge in the City, so anyone who comes to Christ can be registered in the Book of Life. But this is apparently only on a temporary, provisional basis. There is a time when the names in that Book (and other Books) are reviewed and some will be removed to suffer retribution. This shows us that a person is not necessarily saved eternally just because they accept Christ at some point in their life.
And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:3
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Revelation 20:12
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelation 3:5
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:27
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:8
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15
God told His people that He wanted to live among them. The guilt of murder “defiled the land” and He would not tolerate that. (Genesis 4:9-11; Numbers 35:33, 34; Deuteronomy 19:10, 13) That is why He goes through a total purification process at the end of the world – judgment, eradication of all sin and sinners, creation of new earth and heavens – before He comes to live with us and be our God for eternity.
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Revelation 21:1-3
I want to encourage each of you to ponder this and other Old Testament “parables” to discover the rich treasury of Gospel truth that can be found there.
Those who have been diligently working in the mines of God’s Word, and have discovered the precious ore in the rich veins of truth, in the divine mysteries that have been hidden for ages, will exalt the Lord Jesus, the Source of all truth, by revealing in their characters the sanctifying power of what they believe. Jesus and His grace must be enshrined in the inner sanctuary of the soul. Then He will be revealed in words, in prayer, in exhortation, in the presentation of sacred truth. God’s Amazing Grace, p. 186