“All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast — all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.”
Alternate Reading (from NIV footnotes)
“All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast — all whose names have not been written from the creation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain.”
“That is, regarded as slain in the eternal plan and knowledge of God.” (italics mine)
The New International Version and the New American Standard Updated Bible suggest both renderings as valid translations of this verse. Which is correct? Was Jesus slain (or “regarded as slain” in the mind of God) at the beginning of the world? Or, was your name written in the Lamb’s “book of life” at the beginning of the world?
Perhaps both meanings are intended and both translations are correct.
The “creation of the world” is a term John, the writer of Revelation, used to describe the indescribable. God transcends the concept of time. He always existed and His plan of salvation for a world lost in sin also always existed. He had foreknowledge of John 3.16 long before the words were spoken by Jesus or penned by John.
God’s “only begotten Son” did not die for the world in general, but for you and me in particular. He always knew who would respond in faith to Christ. Those of us who have received God’s gracious offer made a surprising discovery… our names have always existed on the pages of the Lamb’s eternal book.
________________
The oil painting of the slain lamb "Agnus Dei" hangs in the San Diego Museum of Art and was created by Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbarán (1598–1664). He is known primarily for his still-lifes and religious paintings depicting monks, nuns, and martyrs.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment