I don't disagree with Ahwatukee except the proper key must be used .. I'd rather believe all names were in the book in the beginning .. Even Pharaoh relented a couple times and then hardened his heart before God hardened it for him .. Everybody in hell will be crying ''why didn't I listen'' but no one will be able to blame God nor will they want God, they just won't like hell ..
Regarding all names being in the book from the beginning, scripture does not teach that concept. Scripture does teach that there were names that were not written and there were names that were written, all taking place before the world began.
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"And 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."
"And those who dwell on the earth whose names
were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet will be."
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The two scriptures above reveal when the names of the wicked were not written in the book of life. At the same time, it also tells when the names of the righteous were written.
Simply put, before the creation of the world, there were names that were not written in the book of life and there were names names that were written. Therefore the proper key is to believe what the word of God has to say on this and any given subject. We can't ignore the meaning of those two scriptures.
I don't teach off the cuff of my sleeve. Every topic that I post on is concluded from all related scriptures. That said, those two scriptures above kills any idea that all names were written in the book of life.