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Revelation 13:8
Verse
Context
The Beast from the Sea
7Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. 8And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb - The earth here is the Latin world, as has been observed before in similar cases. The meaning therefore is, that all the corrupt part of mankind who are inhabitants of the Latin world shall submit to the religion of the empire, except, as Bishop Newton expresses it, "those faithful few whose names, as citizens of heaven, were enrolled in the registers of life." Slain from the foundation of the world - That is, of the Christian world; for this has been shown to be the meaning of all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. The year of the crucifixion is properly the commencement of Christianity, as the apostles then first began to promulgate the religion of Christ with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. But as Jesus Christ was in the Divine purpose appointed from the foundation of the world to redeem man by his blood, he therefore is, in a very eminent sense, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, i.e., from the creation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all that dwell upon the earth--being of earth earthy; in contrast to "them that dwell in heaven." whose names are not written--A, B, C, Syriac, Coptic, and ANDREAS read singular, "(every one) whose (Greek, 'hou'; but B, Greek, 'hon,' plural) name is not written." Lamb slain from the foundation of the world--The Greek order of words favors this translation. He was slain in the Father's eternal counsels: compare Pe1 1:19-20, virtually parallel. The other way of connecting the words is, "Written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb slain." So in Rev 17:8. The elect. The former is in the Greek more obvious and simple. "Whatsoever virtue was in the sacrifices, did operate through Messiah's death alone. As He was "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world," so all atonements ever made were only effectual by His blood" [BISHOP PEARSON, Exposition of the Creed].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,.... The inhabitants of the Roman empire, the idolatrous part of it, the men of the world, earthly minded men; who are as they came into the world, and are of the earth, earthly, and seek only after earthly honours, pleasures, and profits; these are the admirers and adorers of the beast: whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world; by which book is meant God's predestination of men to eternal life, or his decree of election; why this is called the "book of life"; see Gill on Rev 3:5; and their "names being written therein from the foundation of the world", Rev 17:8, for such a construction the words will bear, denotes that election is eternal, and is not an act of time, nor dependent upon anything done in time; and that it is of particular persons, and not of bodies of men, of nations and churches, and still less of propositions, or of persons so and so qualified, or under such conditions and circumstances; and that it is perfectly well known to God, and is sure and certain in its effects, and is unchangeable and irrevocable; for what is written in it, is written, and will always stand, not upon the foot of works, but of the sovereign grace of God; and this is called the Lamb's book; that is, Christ, who is compared to a Lamb for its harmlessness, meekness, and patience, and was typified by the lambs in the legal sacrifices; and this book is called his, because he was present at the making of it, and was concerned in putting down the names in it, Joh 13:18, and he himself stands first in it as the elect of God, and the head of all the elect, who, as members, were chosen in him: the act of election was made in him, and stands sure in him; and he is the author and giver of that life, which men are chosen unto both here and hereafter: and he may be said to be "slain from the foundation of the world"; in the decree and purpose of God, by which he was set forth, or foreappointed to be the propitiation for sin, and was foreordained, before the foundation of the world, to redeem his people by his blood, and in the promise of God immediately after the fall of man, that the seed of the woman should have his heel bruised, and he himself should bruise the serpent's head, which made it as sure as if it was then done; and in the sacrifices, which were immediately upon this offered up, and were types of the death and sacrifice of Christ; and in the faith of the saints, which brings distant things near, and considers them as if present; and also in his members, in Abel, and others, in whom he suffered, as he still does in his people; to which may be added, that such is the efficacy of the bloodshed and death of Christ, that it reached to all the saints from the beginning of the world, for the justification of their persons, the atonement of their sins, and cleansing from them; for the remission of sins, that are past, and for the redemption of transgressions under the first testament; for Old Testament saints from the beginning are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, as New Testament ones are. Something like this the Jews say (e) of the Messiah upon Gen 49:11, "he washed , "from the day that the world was created"; who is he? this is the King Messiah.--It is written Gen 1:2; "and the Spirit of God", &c. This is the Spirit of the King Messiah; and from the day that the world was created; he washed his garments in wine;'' which the Jewish writers (f) understand of blood, which for its redness is like to wine; though they interpret it of the blood of the slain, with which the garments of the Messiah will be stained. Now such whose names are not written in this book of the Lamb, who have no interest in electing grace, nor in redemption by Christ, the slain Lamb of God, nor any right unto eternal life, who are reprobate persons, vessels of wrath fitted for destruction, who are foreordained to condemnation, and are given up to believe a lie, that they might be damned, these are the followers and worshippers of antichrist. (e) Zohar in Gen. fol. 128. 2, 3. (f) Targum Jon. & Jerus. & Aben Ezra in Gen. xlix. 11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:8 Those who worshiped the beast receive its mark (13:15-17) and are not listed in the Book of Life (see 20:12).
Revelation 13:8
The Beast from the Sea
7Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. 8And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Eternity of God
By A.W. Tozer4.8K44:00Attributes of GodGEN 1:1PSA 90:1ISA 57:15MIC 5:2MAT 5:17GAL 4:4REV 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God in our lives. He mentions that God has been present since before the existence of communism, fascism, and modern inventions. The preacher quotes Jesus' invitation to come to him for rest and highlights the idea that God has no past. He criticizes the trend of religious entertainment and emphasizes the need to preach the gospel instead. The sermon also references a vision of the last man on earth, who finds hope in the resurrection of Jesus and trusts in God's immortality.
(Exodus) Exodus 27:1-8
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K06:51EXO 27:1MAT 6:33JHN 1:29ACT 2:23EPH 5:2HEB 10:19REV 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the way of the cross as the only path to God. The brazen altar is highlighted as the place where access to God is made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The altar is described as a symbol of strength and judgment, with its brass overlay representing the judgment of sin. The preacher also emphasizes the equality of all people before God, as demonstrated by the altar's four square shape. The sermon concludes with the reminder that through the cross, God's justice and mercy are perfectly balanced, allowing sinners to come to Him.
Jesus in the Way of the Shedding of His Blood
By F.J. Huegel2.5K46:15EXO 12:46LUK 23:46JHN 1:7JHN 19:34ACT 2:23REV 13:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses his conversation with someone who reads Watchman Knee's book, "Sit, Walk, Stand." The speaker initially struggled to reconcile the idea of sitting and enjoying the feast with the presence of conflict. He then shares a personal experience where he had already paid his water bill but was still confronted by a man demanding payment. The speaker uses this anecdote to illustrate that even though Jesus said "it is finished," there is still ongoing conflict in the world. The sermon also touches on the crucifixion of Jesus, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecies and the significance of the blood and water that flowed from his side.
The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks2.0K53:30Divine PurposeEXO 32:31PHP 4:3HEB 12:23REV 13:8REV 17:8REV 20:15REV 21:27In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of life as portrayed in the Bible. He emphasizes that man's disobedience led to the withholding of a completing factor, resulting in a life marked by vanity and unfulfilled quests. The speaker highlights the importance of life as the ultimate criterion and the key theme throughout the Bible. He points out that the purpose of Jesus' incarnation was to provide humanity with this life. The sermon encourages listeners to test and experience this life for themselves, as it brings true satisfaction and fulfillment.
(Divine Attributes) 09 the Sovereign Triune God of the Universe
By Denny Kenaston1.5K1:08:19Character Of GodPSA 139:1PRO 2:6MAT 6:33ACT 2:23ROM 8:28EPH 1:4REV 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God. He recounts the story of Nebuchadnezzar, who was brought down by God's judgment and spent seven years crawling on his hands and knees and eating grass like an animal. The preacher also highlights instances where individuals have received divine revelations and insights through the Holy Spirit. He further explains the role of each person of the Trinity in the work of salvation, with Jesus being the visible image of the invisible God. The sermon concludes with examples of God's creative power and control over nature, emphasizing His authority over life and death.
The Beast
By Paris Reidhead1.2K1:01:19The BeastMAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 8:1REV 13:1REV 13:8REV 13:11REV 13:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the vision described in Revelation chapter 13. He starts by emphasizing that despite the challenges and opposition faced by the church, the Gospel will not cease and the church will not be exterminated. He refers to the imagery of a wounded head and connects it to the concept of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, where three worlds converged: wicked men, the Father dealing with sin through Jesus, and the believer's personal guilt and sin. The speaker then introduces two beasts mentioned in the vision, one rising from the sea and the other from the earth, and highlights the power and authority given to them by the dragon. He concludes by emphasizing the consequences of choosing bondage to Satan or turning away from sin and finding forgiveness and eternal life.
Words of Wisdom - Part 1
By K.P. Yohannan1.2K23:04WisdomMAT 4:19MAT 6:33MAT 16:241PE 2:211PE 4:102PE 3:10REV 13:8In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of John Beers, a banker who was converted after reading one of the speaker's books. Beers felt convicted to leave his profession, sell his house, and take his family to serve the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of committing one's life to God and being involved in reaching the lost world. He encourages listeners to have a heart for missions and to live a lifestyle that hastens the coming of the Lord. The speaker also highlights the significance of becoming more like Christ and being agents of redemption for the world.
The Suffering of Christ and the Sovereignty of God
By John Piper1.1K44:27PSA 34:8PSA 103:1MAT 6:332CO 5:151PE 1:4REV 5:9REV 13:8In this sermon, Pastor John Piper explores the purpose of suffering and the glory of God. He begins by stating that the entire universe exists to display the greatness of God's grace. He supports this claim by referencing Ephesians 1:4-6, which speaks of God choosing and adopting believers for His purpose. Piper then turns to the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 13 verse 8, to further emphasize the ultimate biblical explanation for suffering. He concludes by urging listeners to find freedom from discouragement, self-pity, fear, and greed by focusing on the glory of Christ in His suffering.
What Distracts Us
By K.P. Yohannan1.0K24:57DistractionsNEH 6:3MAT 4:1MAT 6:33MAT 12:50EPH 5:27HEB 4:15REV 13:8In this sermon, Brother K.P. Ohanan discusses the power of focus and how easily we can lose sight of the most important thing in our lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who faced numerous distractions throughout his life on Earth, yet remained focused on his purpose. Brother K.P. also highlights the story of Nehemiah, who stayed on track despite threats and opposition. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing anything to distract us from our calling as disciples of Jesus and living with a sense of urgency in light of eternity.
Road to Reality - What Distracts Us
By K.P. Yohannan98924:57Road To RealityNEH 6:3MAT 6:33MAT 12:502TI 2:4HEB 4:151PE 1:17REV 13:8In this sermon, Brother K.P. Ohanan discusses the power of focus and how easily we can lose sight of the most important thing in our lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who faced numerous distractions throughout his life on Earth, yet remained focused on his purpose. Brother K.P. also highlights the story of Nehemiah, who stayed on track despite threats and opposition. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing anything to distract us from our calling as disciples of Jesus and living with a sense of urgency in light of eternity.
Dr. Gamliel Was Right
By Major Ian Thomas79536:30Christian LifeMRK 16:15JHN 14:6ACT 2:36ACT 5:211TH 5:9HEB 1:1REV 13:8In this sermon, the speaker begins by painting a hypothetical scenario of succumbing to temptation and committing a murder. He emphasizes the guilt and fear that would accompany such an act. The speaker then transitions to the story of Peter and the apostles being imprisoned for preaching about Jesus. Despite their circumstances, an angel miraculously frees them and instructs them to continue spreading the message of eternal life through Christ. The sermon concludes with a challenge for believers to live in a way that reflects their faith, so that if they were ever persecuted for it, there would be enough evidence to convict them.
Christ, God Manifest in the Flesh, Died for Sinners
By Rolfe Barnard65553:18SinnersGEN 22:8EXO 12:13JOS 2:18MAT 16:18JHN 5:39HEB 9:22REV 13:8In this sermon, Dr. Gordon shares a story about a little boy he encounters while walking in Boston. The boy has a cage with scared little birds inside, unable to fly out. Dr. Gordon feels sorry for the birds and offers to buy them from the boy. The boy initially thinks the birds are worthless, but Dr. Gordon insists on purchasing them. He pays two dollars for the birds and the cage, symbolizing the price Jesus paid for our redemption. The sermon emphasizes the concept of redemption and the freedom we have through the blood of Jesus Christ.
I Can't!
By Ernest O'Neill63516:08MAT 6:33ROM 8:8REV 13:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God had foreseen how humanity would become enslaved to people and things before He created us. He explains that our old perverted personalities, which bind us to others and make us slaves, were destroyed in Jesus. This event occurred around 1900 years ago in Jerusalem, but it was foreseen by God before the creation of the world. The speaker highlights that God allowed us to live in a world dominated by Satan as a clear choice between the lie of self-gratification and the truth of following God.
The Four W's 03 the Worship of God
By Stan Ford41654:50GEN 22:8GEN 46:13REV 1:6REV 5:12REV 13:8In this sermon, the preacher starts by mentioning a recent travel experience and a conversation with a woman who was excited about reading the last book of the Bible. The preacher emphasizes that God is too big for a solo or a quartet, and instead, the twenty-four elders in the Bible sing a powerful song of worship. The preacher highlights the importance of giving and how we only see what we give away. He encourages the audience to be friendly and generous, using the Bible verse "he that would have friends, would show himself friends." The sermon concludes with the congregation learning and singing a hymn together.
The Great End-Time Conflict: Two Global Worship Movements
By Mike Bickle1945:43Spiritual WarfareEnd Times WorshipISA 42:10MAT 23:37REV 13:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of two global worship movements in the end times, highlighting the intense spiritual conflict between God's true worship and Satan's counterfeit. He explains that worship is not merely for personal refreshment but is a powerful tool for transforming the earth and ushering in the millennial kingdom. Bickle warns of the dangers of a false worship movement that will arise, drawing billions away from the true worship of Christ. He calls for the church to engage in a fervent prayer and worship movement, which is essential for inviting Jesus back to establish His kingdom. Ultimately, the sermon stresses the need for unity and commitment in worship as a defense against the spiritual opposition of the end times.
The Everlasting Covenant
By A.W. Pink1Grace and SalvationCovenant TheologyGEN 3:152SA 23:5ISA 42:6MAL 3:1JHN 8:56EPH 2:12PHP 4:19HEB 8:10HEB 9:15REV 13:8A.W. Pink expounds on 'The Everlasting Covenant,' illustrating how God's plan for salvation was established before the foundation of the world, with Christ as the mediator. He emphasizes that the covenants made with figures like Noah, Abraham, and David were manifestations of this eternal covenant, revealing God's grace and mercy. Pink highlights that these covenants were unconditional promises from God, fulfilled through Christ's sacrificial work, ensuring the salvation of the elect. The sermon underscores the significance of understanding the covenant relationship between the Father and the Son, which is foundational to grasping the fullness of God's redemptive plan. Ultimately, Pink calls believers to appreciate their inclusion in this everlasting covenant of grace.
As It Had Been Slain
By G.W. North0The Blood of ChristRedemptionISA 53:5MAT 26:28JHN 1:29JHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 1:4HEB 9:221PE 1:181JN 1:7REV 13:8G.W. North emphasizes the profound significance of Christ's blood, which was shed not for all creation but for many, highlighting the mystery of His sacrifice and its implications for the Church. He explains that while the physical blood of Jesus was still in His veins during the Last Supper, He spoke of it as already shed, revealing the eternal purpose of God that transcends time. North points out that Jesus was the Lamb of God from before the foundation of the world, and His sacrifice was intended to extend beyond the immediate circle of His disciples to encompass a greater multitude. The sermon invites believers to grasp the depth of Christ's love and the redemptive power of His blood, which ultimately fulfills God's plan for humanity. It challenges the Church to recognize its unique position in relation to this divine sacrifice.
As It Was in the Beginning
By G.W. North0RestorationBaptismGEN 1:2MAT 3:11MRK 1:4LUK 3:3JHN 1:1JHN 1:29ROM 6:4HEB 9:261PE 1:20REV 13:8G.W. North emphasizes that God's original intentions have never changed, and through the Gospel accounts, we see a return to the beginning, where Jesus is identified as the Lamb of God. Each Gospel writer traces the lineage of Christ back to significant points in history, with John connecting Jesus to the very beginning with God. The sermon highlights the mystery of creation and the foundational role of water, symbolizing baptism, in both the material and spiritual realms. John the Baptist's ministry is portrayed as a restoration to God's original design, focusing on baptism rather than the old sacrificial system. Ultimately, the message calls believers to recognize the eternal principles of the Lamb and baptism as central to God's purpose.
The Glorious Cross
By G.W. North0The Cross of ChristEternal TruthsISA 53:5JHN 1:29JHN 8:56ROM 3:252CO 4:18GAL 3:24EPH 1:4HEB 10:11PE 1:19REV 13:8G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the crucifixion of Christ as a temporal event that reveals eternal truths about God's love and sacrifice. He explains that while the crucifixion was a pivotal moment in history, it is merely the visible manifestation of a deeper, eternal reality that has existed since before creation. North argues that all sacrifices, including those in the Old Testament, point back to the original sacrifice of the Lamb, which transcends time and is foundational to understanding God's righteousness. He encourages believers to look beyond the visible and grasp the invisible, eternal truths that the cross represents. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper appreciation of the cross as both a historical event and a reflection of God's eternal nature.
Epistle 338
By George Fox0Courage in FaithUnity in SpiritDEU 4:24NEH 8:10PSA 40:2PSA 91:1PSA 116:9PSA 137:7SNG 2:4ISA 52:7MAT 18:20JHN 15:5JHN 16:33ROM 2:23ROM 6:4EPH 4:3REV 2:17REV 3:11REV 12:11REV 13:8George Fox encourages believers to be courageous in their faith and to uphold the truth of Jesus, emphasizing that they should not fear human wrath but rather honor the Lord. He reminds them that through the blood of the Lamb, they have victory over the world and should remain united in spirit, producing good fruit in their lives. Fox highlights the importance of living in the newness of life, serving the Lord, and maintaining peace among one another, assuring them of the eternal rewards for those who overcome.
Amos 8:9
By Chuck Smith0RedemptionProphecy FulfillmentISA 9:6MIC 5:2MAT 2:16MAT 27:45LUK 19:10JHN 1:5JHN 3:16JHN 8:121PE 1:18REV 13:8Chuck Smith emphasizes the profound significance of God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who was sent to redeem humanity. He discusses the various attempts by Satan to thwart Jesus' mission, including the massacre of infants and the temptations faced during His ministry. Smith highlights the prophetic fulfillment surrounding Jesus' life, death, and the darkness that enveloped the earth at His crucifixion, symbolizing the weight of sin and rejection of God. He urges listeners to recognize the gravity of these events and the love of God manifested through Christ's sacrifice. The sermon calls for reflection on the light of Christ in contrast to the darkness of sin.
God’s Gift
By K.P. Yohannan0God's LoveRedemptionGEN 3:15GEN 3:24JHN 1:12ROM 5:8EPH 1:4REV 13:8K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that the fall of man did not thwart God's ultimate plan for humanity, as evidenced by the prophecy of the coming Messiah in Genesis 3:15. He argues that the cross was not a backup plan but rather God's greatest gift, revealing His profound love for mankind, surpassing even the original creation of man in His image. The sacrifice of Jesus transforms believers into children of God, highlighting the superiority of God's redemptive plan. Yohannan asserts that the cross is not inferior but the pinnacle of God's purpose for humanity.
God's Perfect Plan for Those Who Have Failed
By Zac Poonen0Hope in FailureRedemptionGEN 1:1GEN 3:15PRO 3:5ISA 1:18ISA 55:8JER 18:1MAT 9:29ROM 4:20REV 13:8Zac Poonen emphasizes that despite past failures and sins, individuals can still fulfill God's perfect plan for their lives. He illustrates that God's ability to create beauty from chaos, as seen in the creation narrative, reflects His power to redeem and restore even the most broken lives. Poonen reassures that God's promises, such as the redemption through Christ, are not diminished by human failure but rather can be fulfilled through faith and humility. He encourages believers to trust in God's grace, which allows for new beginnings regardless of past mistakes, and to recognize that their failures can serve as a foundation for God's glory. Ultimately, the message is one of hope, emphasizing that nothing is impossible for God when we believe in His ability to transform our lives.
God the Son: His Incarnation
By Lewis Sperry Chafer02SA 7:16LUK 1:26JHN 1:1PHP 2:61TI 3:16HEB 1:3HEB 2:14HEB 2:16HEB 10:11PE 2:21REV 13:8Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the profound truth of the incarnation of Christ, emphasizing that Jesus was both fully God and fully man, never laying aside His Deity even as He took on human form. The contrasts between His divine and human natures are evident in His earthly life, where He displayed characteristics of both, such as being weary yet offering rest, hungry yet the bread of life, and tempted yet unable to be tempted as God. Through His incarnation, Jesus revealed God to humanity, provided a sacrifice for sin, destroyed the works of the Devil, and fulfilled the Davidic covenant, ultimately becoming the Head over all things to the Church.
The Lamb's Book of Life
By James Smith0PSA 33:12JHN 1:29JHN 3:19JHN 6:37ROM 8:29ROM 11:7EPH 1:42TI 1:9REV 13:8James Smith preaches about the representation of the Lord Jesus Christ as a Lamb in Scripture, symbolizing His sacrifice for sin and His role in taking away the sins of the world. The sermon delves into the concept of the 'book of life' where the names of the beloved are recorded, emphasizing the eternal purpose of God and the assurance of salvation through Jesus. It highlights the doctrine of eternal election, explaining how God's chosen ones are predestined for sonship and eternal glory, encouraging believers to find strong consolation in their election and to live holy lives devoted to God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb - The earth here is the Latin world, as has been observed before in similar cases. The meaning therefore is, that all the corrupt part of mankind who are inhabitants of the Latin world shall submit to the religion of the empire, except, as Bishop Newton expresses it, "those faithful few whose names, as citizens of heaven, were enrolled in the registers of life." Slain from the foundation of the world - That is, of the Christian world; for this has been shown to be the meaning of all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. The year of the crucifixion is properly the commencement of Christianity, as the apostles then first began to promulgate the religion of Christ with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. But as Jesus Christ was in the Divine purpose appointed from the foundation of the world to redeem man by his blood, he therefore is, in a very eminent sense, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, i.e., from the creation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all that dwell upon the earth--being of earth earthy; in contrast to "them that dwell in heaven." whose names are not written--A, B, C, Syriac, Coptic, and ANDREAS read singular, "(every one) whose (Greek, 'hou'; but B, Greek, 'hon,' plural) name is not written." Lamb slain from the foundation of the world--The Greek order of words favors this translation. He was slain in the Father's eternal counsels: compare Pe1 1:19-20, virtually parallel. The other way of connecting the words is, "Written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb slain." So in Rev 17:8. The elect. The former is in the Greek more obvious and simple. "Whatsoever virtue was in the sacrifices, did operate through Messiah's death alone. As He was "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world," so all atonements ever made were only effectual by His blood" [BISHOP PEARSON, Exposition of the Creed].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,.... The inhabitants of the Roman empire, the idolatrous part of it, the men of the world, earthly minded men; who are as they came into the world, and are of the earth, earthly, and seek only after earthly honours, pleasures, and profits; these are the admirers and adorers of the beast: whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world; by which book is meant God's predestination of men to eternal life, or his decree of election; why this is called the "book of life"; see Gill on Rev 3:5; and their "names being written therein from the foundation of the world", Rev 17:8, for such a construction the words will bear, denotes that election is eternal, and is not an act of time, nor dependent upon anything done in time; and that it is of particular persons, and not of bodies of men, of nations and churches, and still less of propositions, or of persons so and so qualified, or under such conditions and circumstances; and that it is perfectly well known to God, and is sure and certain in its effects, and is unchangeable and irrevocable; for what is written in it, is written, and will always stand, not upon the foot of works, but of the sovereign grace of God; and this is called the Lamb's book; that is, Christ, who is compared to a Lamb for its harmlessness, meekness, and patience, and was typified by the lambs in the legal sacrifices; and this book is called his, because he was present at the making of it, and was concerned in putting down the names in it, Joh 13:18, and he himself stands first in it as the elect of God, and the head of all the elect, who, as members, were chosen in him: the act of election was made in him, and stands sure in him; and he is the author and giver of that life, which men are chosen unto both here and hereafter: and he may be said to be "slain from the foundation of the world"; in the decree and purpose of God, by which he was set forth, or foreappointed to be the propitiation for sin, and was foreordained, before the foundation of the world, to redeem his people by his blood, and in the promise of God immediately after the fall of man, that the seed of the woman should have his heel bruised, and he himself should bruise the serpent's head, which made it as sure as if it was then done; and in the sacrifices, which were immediately upon this offered up, and were types of the death and sacrifice of Christ; and in the faith of the saints, which brings distant things near, and considers them as if present; and also in his members, in Abel, and others, in whom he suffered, as he still does in his people; to which may be added, that such is the efficacy of the bloodshed and death of Christ, that it reached to all the saints from the beginning of the world, for the justification of their persons, the atonement of their sins, and cleansing from them; for the remission of sins, that are past, and for the redemption of transgressions under the first testament; for Old Testament saints from the beginning are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, as New Testament ones are. Something like this the Jews say (e) of the Messiah upon Gen 49:11, "he washed , "from the day that the world was created"; who is he? this is the King Messiah.--It is written Gen 1:2; "and the Spirit of God", &c. This is the Spirit of the King Messiah; and from the day that the world was created; he washed his garments in wine;'' which the Jewish writers (f) understand of blood, which for its redness is like to wine; though they interpret it of the blood of the slain, with which the garments of the Messiah will be stained. Now such whose names are not written in this book of the Lamb, who have no interest in electing grace, nor in redemption by Christ, the slain Lamb of God, nor any right unto eternal life, who are reprobate persons, vessels of wrath fitted for destruction, who are foreordained to condemnation, and are given up to believe a lie, that they might be damned, these are the followers and worshippers of antichrist. (e) Zohar in Gen. fol. 128. 2, 3. (f) Targum Jon. & Jerus. & Aben Ezra in Gen. xlix. 11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:8 Those who worshiped the beast receive its mark (13:15-17) and are not listed in the Book of Life (see 20:12).