Topical Bible: The Scriptures: Nothing to be Taken From, or Added To

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Topical Encyclopedia

The integrity and completeness of the Scriptures are foundational principles within the Christian faith, emphasizing that the Bible, as the Word of God, is both sufficient and authoritative. This doctrine is rooted in various biblical passages that warn against altering the divine message by either adding to or subtracting from it.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of preserving the integrity of God's Word is evident in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 4:2, Moses instructs the Israelites, "Do not add to the word that I command you nor subtract from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you." This command underscores the importance of adhering strictly to God's instructions without human modification.

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 12:32, the Israelites are reminded, "See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it." These passages highlight the necessity of maintaining the purity of God's commandments as given to His people.

Wisdom Literature

The theme continues in the wisdom literature, where 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." This passage affirms the perfection of God's Word and warns against the consequences of altering it.

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament reaffirms this principle, particularly in the context of the revelation of Jesus Christ. In Revelation 22:18-19, a solemn warning is given: "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." This passage serves as a stern admonition to preserve the integrity of the prophetic message.

Theological Implications

The doctrine that nothing should be added to or taken from the Scriptures is rooted in the belief that the Bible is divinely inspired and complete. The Scriptures are viewed as the final authority in matters of faith and practice, containing all that is necessary for salvation and godly living. This belief is supported by 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which states, "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."

Historical Context

Throughout church history, this doctrine has been upheld to guard against heresies and false teachings. The early church fathers, councils, and reformers emphasized the sufficiency of Scripture, often in response to external pressures to incorporate additional teachings or traditions.

Practical Application

For believers, the call to neither add to nor subtract from the Scriptures serves as a guide for interpreting and applying God's Word. It encourages a faithful and reverent approach to Scripture, urging Christians to seek understanding through prayer, study, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This principle also serves as a safeguard against the distortion of biblical truths, ensuring that the message of the Gospel remains unaltered and pure.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 12:32
What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

When the Scriptures are Quoted, or Alluded To, they are Quoted ...
... in the Scriptures ought to examine what is said by their teachers, and to embrace
what is agreeable to the Scriptures, and to ... Nothing can be taken from it ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section ii when the scriptures.htm

Yet He Added, "But Such Shall have Tribulation of the Flesh...
... the good of virginity, hold most firmly that the holy Scriptures have in nothing
spoken lies ... is true which is said, "And if thou shall have taken a wife ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/of holy virginity /section 16 yet he added.htm

The Fourth Kind of Impossibility 49 is Now Taken into ...
... 49) is now taken into consideration, and it is shown ... have made what He saw, whereas
the Scriptures present Him ... of Love, that the Son can do nothing of Himself ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi the fourth kind.htm

Council of Ariminum .
... "And yet again this one thing we supplicate, that nothing be taken from or ... who will
also instruct your holiness out of the sacred Scriptures, convey the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xv council of ariminum.htm

The Apostolic Scriptures.
... the life of the churches, and that of the apostolic Scriptures, have taken care
that ... The supporters of the first say: "Nothing can be more simple than the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxx the apostolic scriptures.htm

On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In
... been granted, it is denied that the Scriptures perfectly contain ... The Second reason
is taken from the office of the ... 6,) to which as a Testament, nothing can be ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 2 on the sufficiency.htm

Miracles
... nothing can be added to that sum, nothing taken from it ... But it has nothing to say
against the doctrine of ... and all that was recorded in their Scriptures, or that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 1 23 miracles.htm

The Canon.
... constitute the Sacred Scriptures,"that no more can be added and none taken away. ...
There never was such a synagogue; the Scriptures know nothing about it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xi the canon.htm

Psalm LXXIII.
... out in this sentiment: but he is recalled by the Scriptures directing us ... Thy city
their image [3284] Thou shalt bring to nothing."...He hath taken away the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxiii.htm

John vii. 37, 38
... the Scriptures, tell us how it is that the Scriptures say that ... thou art come from
Galilee?" But they said nothing of the ... Some of them would have taken Him, but ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily li john vii 37.htm