The concept of adding to the Bible is a significant topic within Christian theology and biblical studies. It addresses the integrity, sufficiency, and authority of the biblical canon. The Bible, as the inspired Word of God, is considered complete and closed by most conservative Christian traditions. This entry explores the biblical basis for this belief, historical considerations, and theological implications.

Biblical Warnings Against Alteration

The Bible contains explicit warnings against adding to or subtracting from its contents. These warnings underscore the sanctity and completeness of the Scriptures. In Deuteronomy 4:2, Moses instructs the Israelites: "Do not add to what I command you nor subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you." Similarly, Proverbs 30:5-6 states, "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar."

The New Testament echoes this sentiment in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 22:18-19 warns, "I testify to 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 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."

The Canon of Scripture

The canon of Scripture refers to the collection of books that are recognized as divinely inspired and authoritative. The process of canonization was guided by criteria such as apostolic authorship, consistency with established doctrine, and widespread acceptance among early Christians. By the end of the 4th century, the canon of the New Testament was largely settled, with the 27 books we have today.

The Old Testament canon was recognized by Jewish tradition and affirmed by Jesus and the apostles. In Luke 24:44, Jesus refers to the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms, indicating the tripartite division of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Theological Implications

The belief in a closed canon is rooted in the conviction that God has provided a complete and sufficient revelation for faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Adding to the Bible would imply that God's revelation is incomplete or insufficient, which contradicts the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture. This doctrine holds that the Bible contains all that is necessary for salvation and godly living.

Historical Challenges and Responses

Throughout history, various groups and individuals have attempted to add to or alter the biblical text. The early church faced challenges from Gnostic writings and other apocryphal texts. The church fathers, such as Irenaeus and Athanasius, defended the established canon and rejected these additions.

In more recent times, movements such as Mormonism have introduced additional scriptures, like the Book of Mormon. These additions are not recognized by mainstream Christianity, which holds to the closed canon of the Bible.

Conclusion

The warnings against adding to the Bible, the historical process of canonization, and the theological doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture all contribute to the conservative Christian stance that the Bible is complete and should not be altered. This belief upholds the integrity and authority of the Scriptures as the final rule of faith and practice.Revelation 22:18-19
For I testify to every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book:
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Deuteronomy 4:2
You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish ought from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
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Proverbs 30:5-6
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield to them that put their trust in him.
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Deuteronomy 12:1-32
These are the statutes and judgments, which you shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of your fathers gives you to possess it, all the days that you live on the earth.
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Here we Might Leave the Subject, but we Cannot Forbear Adding Some ...
... the subject, but we cannot forbear adding some further observations in reference
to that professed revelation of God's will which is to be found in the Bible. ...
/.../jerram/thoughts on a revelation/section 6 here we might.htm

The Bible in the Days of Jesus Christ
... Slowly but surely, as time went on, God was adding to His Book, until about ... The
Christian Bible is composed of two parts, the Old and the New Testament; but ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter viii the bible in.htm

The Apostle Paul.
... to the cause of Christ, he at last lost his life in that cause, adding another to ...
This is true also of many others of the Bible stories, and great authors have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/the apostle paul.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... no harm in it, but on the contrary everything to praise, adding that he ... prepared
for the labours of any future missionaries bearing the blessed Bible, who may ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 61.htm

The Belief of the Brethren
... Catholic religion forbids the circulation in the vulgar tongue of the Bible, without
notes. ... there were who would fain make up "another gospel" by adding on the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter v the belief of.htm

Pious Little Peter.
... On Saturday following he expressed a wish to have a Bible and prayer book purchased
for him ... a hope that not one of his family would be wanting; adding, "What a ...
/.../wesley/stories of boys and girls who loved the saviour/pious little peter.htm

The Faith of Little Children.
... The small amount of money lying on your desk I leave untouched, and I take the liberty
of adding fifty dollars besides." The Bible tells us that "the hearts of ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the faith of little children.htm

Introductory Remarks. 1 the Term Hermeneutics (Greek...
... office is, to ascertain and unfold the true meaning of the inspired writers, without
adding to it ... A large part of the Bible is occupied with description. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxiii introductory remarks 1.htm

The Canon in the Confession of Different Churches.
The Canon of the Bible. ... Confession of Faith gives a list of all the books of the
Old and New Testaments as the Word of God written; adding that those called the ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter x the canon in.htm

The Old Testament and Modern Science
... of Genesis even after scientific methods had been introduced in the study of the
Bible. Then came geology, pushing back the "beginnings," adding millions of ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter ii the old testament.htm

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