How can we ensure we faithfully adhere to Revelation 22:18's warning? The Seriousness of the Warning “ I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.” (Revelation 22:18) • Last words in Scripture carry weight—God Himself seals His completed revelation. • The warning is not mere rhetoric; it promises real consequences. Recognizing the Scope • Immediate context: the book of Revelation. • Broader biblical principle: Do not tamper with any of God’s Word. – Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32 — Israel was forbidden to add or subtract. – Proverbs 30:5-6 — “Every word of God is flawless … do not add to His words.” – 1 Corinthians 4:6 — “Do not go beyond what is written.” • Conclusion: The canon is closed; Scripture stands complete and sufficient. Guarding Against Additions • Test every “new revelation,” prophecy, or teaching by the written Word (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11). • Reject sources that place tradition, experience, or private visions on par with Scripture. • Stay alert to subtle additions: footnotes that change meaning, “secret codes,” or speculative timelines. • Keep teaching plain—explain what God actually said, not what we wish He had said. Guarding Against Subtractions • Avoid selective preaching that skips hard doctrines (Acts 20:27). • Receive the whole counsel of God—law and gospel, judgment and mercy. • Maintain doctrinal precision: deny compromises that dilute core truths (Jude 3). • Refuse cultural pressures that silence biblical positions on sin, marriage, salvation, or judgment. Handling Scripture Responsibly • Read literally, normally, and in context (Nehemiah 8:8). • Compare Scripture with Scripture; let clear passages illuminate the obscure (2 Peter 1:20-21). • Rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14). • Engage trusted teachers who honor biblical authority (Ephesians 4:11-14). Practical Habits That Keep Us Faithful • Daily Bible intake—routine keeps us sensitive to deviations. • Memorize key verses—immediate recall exposes counterfeits. • Family and small-group study—mutual accountability. • Sound resources—use translations, commentaries, and concordances that defend inerrancy. • Continuous repentance—confess when we’ve misused Scripture and realign quickly. Living the Warning Out Loud • Let obedience confirm fidelity; hearing without doing is self-deception (James 1:22). • Speak Scriptural truth lovingly yet firmly (Ephesians 4:15). • Model reverence: handle your Bible with gratefulness, not casualness. • Anticipate Christ’s return; the nearness of eternity sharpens vigilance (Revelation 22:20). By honoring these commitments, we take Revelation 22:18 to heart—neither adding to nor taking away from the God-breathed words that lead us to life. |
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