New Bible Perspectives: Blotted Out or Added In?
I don’t often do this because I want the Living God to recognize you but I want to personally thank those of you who are led of the Lord God Almighty to support the ministry. Many of you pray for us – for me – for the staff and for the ministry. Those prayers are invaluable to me and I thank each of you for your willingness to sacrifice part of your life-time to speak to God on our behalf. It means so much. Some of you choose to support us financially. We appreciate every cent and try our best to take your donations and use them to increase the ministry output multi-fold. There are so many options out there on where to give – and I want you to know we are truly grateful for your sacrifice.
We have taken the past number of years to build up resources in the ministry without any real effort to market them to the world. Instead we have just relied on people finding us and choosing to tune in. Gathering producing and presenting our data has been a Herculian effort and the storehouse is almost at capacity with all the foundational information at hand. By taking this approach we have been able to focus on leadership rather than management, on sifting thorough doctrinal positions rather than crowds and emails, and we have truly be free to examine most things relative to the faith rather than to have to manage marketing strategies, number of hits, or concerns over subscribers.
Once our filling the storehouse is complete, and once we have everything produced, vetted and in place, we will shift into the second phase of our ministry, which we will announce in late 2021. But well in advance of this, I want to take the time to acknowledge every one of you who have been with us through thick and thin. You three to six hundred regulars that have patiently observed. I see you all as the original gangsters of HOTM and want you to know that you have a very special place in our hearts. Thank you all, in the Name of our King. And continue to keep us in prayer as late 2021 is going to bring some huge changes that you will want to be a part of.
Resources and Publications
Just a reminder, we have taught through most of the New Testament verse by verse and all of those teachings are available at www.campuschurch.tv. We also have a number of books that we have published over the years – some on Mormonism and some on Christianity – check those out at HOTM.faith.
Let’s step into another Biblical Perspective you may have never considered now. When reading the scripture, if you step back a minute and allow it, you will see the narrative addressed to God’s people. First, Moses tells the story of the Creation, of Noah, and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, then of the twelve tribes and some of their dealings, and then specifically of Joseph who indirectly brings the tribes into Egypt. From there Moses teaches us all about the Exodus, the wilderness wandering, the giving of the Law, the tabernacle elements and then from there we have a number of different prophets and poets write whose writings comprise what we call the Old Testament. Then we have the Gospel writers tell us the story of Jesus, and the Apostles tell us the story of the spread of the Gospel and insights they wanted the church/bride to have in that day.
The Book of Life
Now, in most of these writings there was a concept that existed among the Jews anciently and it carried forward and out to the Bride of Christ in that day. The concept was that there was a book that contained the names of those who would inherit eternal life. This Book is called “the Book of Life” and also “the Lamb’s Book of Life,” and sometimes it’s just called, “The Book” or its referenced as names “written in Heaven.” One of the important themes around this book (by whichever title you want to give it) is the interesting fact that names were blotted out of it, not written into it. Exodus 32:32 reads, Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
The Concept of the Book of Life
The idea here is that YHWH wrote the names of His elect – which to me was the Nation as a whole from the foundation of the world – and would then erase the names of those who refused to seek and trust in Him by faith, who broke his law willfully, and had no desire for him in their hearts. Psalms 69:27-28 has the psalmist praying that the wicked would be “blotted out of the book of life.” And Revelation 3:5 says (to them then) “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.”
The key to this theme is that God, from the foundation of the world, wrote names into this book and the names might collectively be seen as all whom He had called to be His children by faith. Nevertheless, this idea of Him blotting out or erasing names from the book is also configured in scripture, and this tells us that just because God elected all of them, to the point that he actually included all their names in the Book of Life, there would be those who freely chose to reject him – and these would have their names ultimately erased. Many – in fact most – believers today read the Bible and assume that this act of blotting out continues to happen.
Interpretation and Misapplication
I don’t think so as the Gentiles were not his elect from the foundation of the world. This is the result of reading what was written to them/then and assigning all the factors to ourselves today. I would suggest that we are faced with a different application to the Book of Life since the wrapping up of that age and the names that are now written in the Book rather than blotted out. See, in that age where God was doing everything necessary through the Nation of Israel, their prophets, and their Messiah, the book contained every name of the Nation. God had elected them from before the foundation of the World and it would only make sense that He would beforehand write their names in the Book of Life. But it would also make sense that he would also erase the names of those who belligerently, rebelliously reject his election and turn from him.
At the end of that age, when the final judgment occurred, and sheol (or hell) was emptied out, we read the following: Revelation 20:12 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. This all had application to them/then – those of that age, those through whom God worked out the salvation of the Human race once and for all. We read these passages written to the Jews in that day in the present and say things like: “Well, I hope he hasn’t blotted my name out of the book?” And I would suggest that this is a misappropriation of the text. With God reconciling the world to Himself by and through His only begotten Son, I think names ever since are now added in to the book.
The Modern Perspective
He elected the Nation, but some of that Nation rejected him – and so their names were erased. Today, instead of removing names from the Lamb’s book of Life, I tend to think that names are being added by those who receive him by faith and choose to live and love for Him instead of living by their own will. I can’t prove this through scripture because the scripture was speaking and describing them then. But it seems to me that if the Lamb’s book of Life remains in play, and therefore it forever will because His Kingdom is ever increasing, that the Lord God Almighty adds names of His sons and daughters names as He deems fit. Those whose names are not added are not his, and they will not enter into the Kingdom above. This does not mean an insufferable eternity in hell, it just means they are not his and no entrance into his Kingdom will be granted. If we think about it, the action of erasing names from a book or adding names to a book (which are all symbolic gestures, by the way) the end result is the same – all who love God (and therefore…
Exploring Christian Perspectives on Substance Use
So while not a hill to die on, and not by any means a dogma over which to argue, I tend to see one distinguishing characteristic between what we read in the ancient scripture and what exists today as the difference between being erased from the Kingdom of God (in that day) . . . or added to it (today).
Viewer Comments on Substance Use
Jon Golden comments: "Careful here. Drunkenness is clearly a sin in the Bible. I think it’s a broader topic here. Heroin and cocaine are different than a beer. I think weed, tobacco, and beer are okay in moderation. I say that because God actually talks about alcohol very positively in many places in the Old Testament and new. That’s why weed, tobacco, coffee etc., are probably okay when you’re not in a drunken state. Just be clean in your heart before God."
C Whitener shared: "Jesus called the crowd to him and said, 'Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean.' – Great show, guys!!! I am off caffeine and feel so much better. I struggle with alcohol (two tall boys a day and working on that issue). I have freedom in Christ. I am blessed with great health & fitness. I know the effects of alcohol on the brain, excessive dopamine damage & neurotoxicity. I want a more abundant life with greater love, serious awareness of God's presence in my life, health, & fitness. God is awesome and consequences are real."
Santacruz Hippysurfer simply states: "Religion is a drug ~ "
Reflections and Testimonies
H Bendzulla expressed, "Shawn, I loved your opening testimony. What you have been and what You believe now, in Jesus Christ." Caller Is Interested In Why The Show HOTM.
Steve James wrote, "I started following Shawn roughly 10 years ago. He's really changed a lot. This new Shawn is rather impressive."
Max Frank added a thought-provoking comment: "Respect? Agape? Perhaps. Or, wise David knew better than to incur the wrath of Ms. McCraney."
Parowan Prophet shared a vision, "Shawn, Acts 2:17-19 tells of the LAST DAYS and Gods 'servants' AND HANDMADENS have Prophetic DREAMS. And I have Visions of World War 3 beginning near Christmas. GOOGLE my name and read FREE and prepare for War soon. Jude 18 Bless you and people, see 2 Peter 3:3 and all of the Chapter with FIRE and Judgment. Isaiah 66:15 AND D&C 88:81 When a NUKE hits Salt Lake City the Great And Spacious Building WILL FALL AS Nephi 11 tells: 'And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 1 Nephi 11:36."
Kenia Mendes asserted, "Jesus is the promised redeemer. There would be no life without Him."
G. J. M. stated, "Oh don't fool yourself girls want sex just as much as men do. Don't lump shame and guilt into that we intimidate girls into having sex. It takes two to tango."
Charlie Clark thanked, "Thank you brother the more you research in the more you start to seek the truth about the stories in the Bible you have a tendency to fall off into question your faith. Thank you for the booster shot."
Eli Sheets critiqued, "Shawn claims he's about Biblical truth until he talks to people with Masters degrees in NT Greek then it's 'well I feel' etc. Shawn is not about finding real Biblical truth."
The Debate on Hell and Christian Doctrine
HOTM 1.0 until you started attacking your Christian brethren. You are a walking contradiction and inevitably leading ignorant people away from the true Gospel.
Eli Sheets: @Charlie Clark I have my evidence and I love this Shawn guy. I've watched hours of his old show and some of his new. I've watched his interviews about his life etc. He crossed the line when he called pastors and church leaders garbage. Plus he doesn't believe in Hell and thinks you can be saved while practicing another faith. It is a lie and should be called out.
Charlie Clark: @Eli Sheets while you're entitled to your opinion but your understanding of the doctrine of hell I too at one time believe in hell and Damnation and chosen still my eyes were open and I started to understand the Greek and the words that were said in your contacts do a hard word study on hell and she'll in the Old Testament you'll come to the same conclusion my brother do you have questions and it's far as your evidence about I'm picking on pastor he is absolutely correct most of them are money oriented clubs just like the Mormons but let me add not at all.
Eli Sheets: @Charlie Clark The truth is if you did a hard study on the "Old Testament" you'll find that the Law was never abolished. You'll find that Paganism took root in the early church and the earliest church followed the Mosaic Law because they were Jews following the Torah. They weren't 21st century westerners with no sense of punishment or action.
Charlie Clark: Eli Sheets well if that's what you believe Brother you better start living a better life because of the law was never done away with and 70AD with a new company came in it was written on our hearts and our minds and you better start living a better life and maybe start you know some sacrifices. The word health is not exist in the Greek.
Mosaic Law and Christian Living
Charlie Clark: @Eli Sheets why don't you go to the website and pull up Heart of the matter the subject of hell I think that's a great discussion let me know what you think.
Richard Neumann: HELL WAS BECAUSE OF MOSES 22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest (hell,) and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. Deuteronomy 32. MOSES THE TRUE DEVIL MY OPINION WITH HIS GOD JEHOVAH. Moses was the Pinnacle of pure evil !!!
Eli Sheets: @Charlie Clark Its not a matter of opinion that is what the Jews were, they were Jews…They followed the Torah and Jesus himself said the Law isn't abolished.
Charlie Clark: @Eli Sheets I agree with you Jesus didn't come to abolish the law but to fulfill all of it and live a perfect life. Do you still feel that we are under the law? Or are we under grace?
Perspectives on Jesus and the Law
Duane Dahl Jr.: But to what "world" was Jesus given to????….Galatians 4.4 is your answer….the world of those under the law….not mankind. Thinking otherwise imo, shows a Grecian understanding of "world" not the Hebraic view which is what was intended.
Godngunclinger: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ISAIAH 9 : 6
Mark † Peter †: Hi Sean. Come home to the Catholic church. Trinity Collusion – Part 2 [2L]
Glass Formely Known As Sandcastle: Awesome
Ken Olson: I left the Mormon church 15 years ago. It took
A Journey to Knowing Jesus
It took me a long time to realize that it was Jesus that led me out of the Mormon religion. Jesus did so with great kindness and great patience. It took 14 years before I came to an understanding of my place in eternity and asked Jesus to be Lord Of My Life. Thank you for your service brother.
Erik Jerde • 2 days ago Hey Shawn, I just wanted to say hi. Because of you I came to truly know Jesus. You were the catalyst for me to know Jesus and that blessing continues to unfold in my life and the ministry work I do with NDEs. I know this is a weird place to post this, but I wanted to publicly thank you. I love you brother!
Exploring New Biblical Perspectives
lindsay lindsey jr. • 3 days ago Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Why Wendy sure can pick them! #LikeTheDoRag He Already Came Back part 3 Kenia Mendes Publicly subscribed to you (4 years) • 3 days ago I recommend Shawn's verse by verse study of Revelation! It is mind blowing!
Stephen • 3 days ago Shawn, do you have a clip of yourself talking about Moroni 10? A W • 3 days ago Jesus the janitor… Chris • 4 days ago Any chance we can get John O'Fallon for a sit-down interview with Shawn? 😉
Robert Hasse • 4 days ago Somebody help me out! How do I watch Shawn live? Vincent S • 4 days ago Interesting, I believe that the warnings in the new testament are both for the generation during Jesus's death but also to an extent for us and perhaps future generations. David Harrington • 4 days ago Being the one mighty and strong is not easy !!! Is it true you received your second anointment? David Harrington • 4 days ago It's been a long time brother.
Thoughts on Liberty and Freedom
Jake Collings Publicly subscribed to you (1 year) • 4 days ago Movie from Utah The Absolute and Only True Liberty [9s] Vanessa Braga • 4 days ago We have liberty in Christ. Freedom to choose which is why I can't believe that story where God threatens JS with a flaming sword. I think God would never do that. He loves us and calls to us patiently. But… what about a robber who says give me your money or I will shoot you dead. Is it really much of a choice then? I would say no. But….God told Adam and Eve not to eat of the fruit or they will die. God commanded people to kill in the Bible, which seems like it would be against their will. Not much freedom there. So he lays out some pretty heavy rules with some pretty heavy consequences, so is that still freedom?
Tony Rowan • 4 days ago His video is five years ago! Has he made any follow-ups? Robbie Carrier • 4 days ago Right on!! Liberty has been the message the Spirit has been bombarding me with for about a year! Every connection you made in reference to those few verses!
Brad Hardisty • 4 days ago (edited) Hey Shawn, I lived in the PCH and Main corner apartment in 85-86. It was incredible. 5 of us in a 2 bedroom apartment. I actually built a platform bed so I could look through the windows when I was in bed at night. Double hung windows usually open with the Breeze coming through. Walter Trout would jam Blues Rock on main, in his bar a few doors down. There would be fights we'd watch at like 2 in the morning. One huge fight between the Surfers and the Leather Jacket Rockers, like 20-30 people complete with throwing somebody through a store front window. The girls would visit us on the weekend if they knew we lived there. The middle Eastern guys at Jack's became friends. They would ask me why I wasn't surfing? They would tell me to grab a rental board and go, lol. Free, all the…
The Absolute and Only True Liberty
Kenia Mendes • 4 days ago I would like to add that because liberty is so important to God, suffering will not be done away with. Suffering is a consequence of having liberty. Would you rather have no liberty in order to end with suffering?
Teresa LovesJesus • 5 days ago God sure is using you for his glory! Thank you! I wonder sometimes is it really the Holy Spirit or my own crazy idea, when in the end the action would not be beneficial? I was raised in an emotionally harmful environment and I used to get taken advantage of, my maturing, age and life experience has helped but also jaded me. I have trouble knowing when it is actually the Holy Spirit.
The Role of Liberty in Life
John Miller • 5 days ago Hello Renewing your mind
Thoughts on Freedom
J L • 5 days ago (edited) 'tis a reason why Freedom is my favorite word. It is exponential. What is yours?
