Warning

by Hugh DeLong

Text: Revelation 22

As we finish reading the rather strange (compared to the gospels and letters of the New Testament), we are given a stark warning:

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,  and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book" (Revelation 22:18-19).

The problem is simply that the mind of men is not able on its own to discern the mind of God; we need a revelation from God to reveal the mind of God unto us. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death" (Proverbs 14:12). Isaiah proclaimed: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Thus, this warning: Do not add or subtract.

We have such a revelation, and it is the New Testament. While this warning may specifically apply to this book, the principle has been stated many times. In the giving of the Old Testament, Moses addresses the second generation of Israel, the children of those adults who came out of Egypt. This is the book of Deuteronomy. Moses, the man of God and Lawgiver to Israel, wrote:

"You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you" (Deuteronomy 4:2).

“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it" (Deuteronomy 12:32).

God could and did reveal more through the prophets that followed. Being inspired, they revealed the Word of God (note how many ‘Thus saith the Lord’ or equivalent phrases are used throughout the Old Testament!). Proverbs warned: "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar" (Proverbs 30:5-6).

Similarly, John wrote: “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting” (II John 9-10).

Whenever we try to teach what God likes, dislikes, hates, loves, etc., we need to speak as the Bible speaks. Paul said: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:16-17). It tells what we need to know to be right with God.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:16-17).