What are the dangers of adding to or subtracting from God's Word? the verse at the center “See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.” — Deuteronomy 12:32 what does it mean to add or subtract? • Adding: introducing human ideas, traditions, or requirements as though they carry divine authority • Subtracting: ignoring, dismissing, reinterpreting, or silencing any portion of God’s revelation • Either practice implies that the Lord’s Word is incomplete or imperfect—an assault on His character why is God so serious? • His Word perfectly reflects His holiness (Psalm 19:7) • It is the sole, sufficient rule for faith and life (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Tampering distorts the gospel, misleads souls, and invites judgment (Galatians 1:8-9) specific dangers of adding • Legalism: burdens people with man-made rules (Matthew 23:4) • Pride: elevates human authority over divine revelation • False security: ritualism replaces genuine obedience and faith • Divine rebuke: “Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.” (Proverbs 30:6) specific dangers of subtracting • License: downplaying God’s commands excuses sin (Romans 6:1-2) • Half-gospel: omitting hard truths hollows out the message of salvation • Loss of blessing: removing promises also removes comfort and hope • Eternal penalty: “God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city.” (Revelation 22:19) biblical snapshots • Eve adds “nor shall you touch it” (Genesis 3:3) → opens the door to doubt and fall • Nadab & Abihu offer “strange fire” (Leviticus 10:1-2) → instant judgment for unauthorized worship • King Jeroboam subtracts Jerusalem worship, adds golden calves (1 Kings 12:28-30) → nationwide idolatry • Pharisees elevate tradition, nullify God’s Word (Matthew 15:6-9) → Jesus calls their worship “in vain” new testament echoes • Galatians 1:8-9—adding to the gospel brings a curse • 2 John 9—“Everyone who runs ahead and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God.” • Revelation 22:18-19—final warning bookending Scripture practical safeguards for today • Know the text: regular, whole-Bible reading keeps context clear • Compare Scripture with Scripture: let the Bible interpret itself • Weigh every teaching by the written Word, not popularity or tradition • Hold teachers accountable: Berean-style examination (Acts 17:11) • Avoid selective obedience: embrace uncomfortable passages with the comforting ones • Depend on the Holy Spirit for illumination and conviction (John 16:13) closing reflections God’s Word is complete, pure, and life-giving. Adding human layers burdens and deceives; subtracting divine lines empties and destroys. The call is simple and solemn: receive Scripture as it stands, live it out with reverence, and guard it with unwavering loyalty. |
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