Addition and Subtraction

Addition and Subtraction

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book l of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Revelation 22:18-19

It is important that we pay close attention to the closing remarks of the Word of God. The last warning regarding our treatment of the Scripture lies in the words of our text today. John declares, in verse 20, that Christ Himself ‘testifies’ regarding this warning. By no means is this the only occasion in which the Scripture sounds such a warning. In Deuteronomy 4:2 we find, ‘You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.’ Beyond that, in Proverbs 30:6 we find, ‘Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.’ Three times in the Canon, once at the beginning, once in the middle, and once at the end, God warns, ‘Do not add; do not subtract from my Word.’ The last warning comes with the imprimatur of Christ Himself upon it. Here is a solemn thought for teachers and preachers. How often have the words of Christ come to be, ‘their worship is a farce, for they teach man made ideas as commands from God.’ How much has human tradition and image-mongering, self-exalting religious leadership added and subtracted from the Scriptures and thereby brought reproach upon the Name of Christ. Christ has left us with this solemn warning. Let us, not take Him lightly. He has given us His word as ‘a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path.’ So let us heed it as it is, without addition or subtraction.

Our most Holy and Wise God,
we praise You, that You have delivered unto us Your Word,
both Written and Living.
We rejoice that it will stand forever,
and that every thing shall come to pass.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning