What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of preserving God's Word unchanged? A Serious Warning at Scripture’s Close “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. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” John ends the canon with a sobering reminder: God Himself guards every syllable. The command is clear—no additions, no deletions, no edits. Do Not Add or Subtract: The Old Testament Foundation “You shall not add to what I command you or subtract from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.” “See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.” God set the precedent in the Torah: obedience includes preserving His words intact. Wisdom’s Counsel: Guard Every Word “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.” “The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, purified sevenfold. You, O LORD, will keep us; You will forever guard us from this generation.” “Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.” “The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.” The wisdom books celebrate both the purity and permanence of Scripture, urging us not to tamper with what God has perfected. The Prophets: God’s Word Endures Forever “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” “Stand in the courtyard of the LORD’s house … tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word.” Prophets recognized that human words fade, but God’s declarations remain fixed for all time—and must be relayed exactly as given. Jesus Speaks: The Unbreakable Word “Until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” “…Scripture cannot be broken—” Jesus affirmed the smallest details of Scripture and anchored His authority to its unchangeable nature. Apostolic Instruction: Keep the Deposit Intact “…that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written…” “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful … so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” “No prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation … men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” “…the word of the Lord stands forever. And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.” • Jude 3 “…contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.” The apostles echo the call to safeguard the written revelation, describing it as God-breathed, Spirit-delivered, once-for-all, and therefore untouchable. Living It Out Today • Read carefully: approach the text expecting exact truth, not suggestions. • Memorize faithfully: hide the actual words—jots and tittles—in your heart. • Teach accurately: quote Scripture, not paraphrased opinion. • Contend lovingly: stand for the unchanged Word when culture presses for edits. • Rest confidently: God Himself preserves what He has spoken; our calling is simply to keep in step. |
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