Sunday School Today: Adding and Removing Scripture

There are warnings within God’s Word about adding or taking away scriptural passages. “I testify to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this prophetic book, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, written in this book (Revelation 22:18-19).” Please note that some church denominations may take this verse and imply that it was not meant to reference the entire Bible because of the number of authors who wrote it over time and as to when its books were historically written. These actions are an effort to justify the additional texts found in some bibles (for example, the Apocrypha and the Book of Mormon). Note, however, that Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32 are also often included in this discussion about adding or removing scripture. The context of what Moses was referring to was more in line, however, with an admonition to the people to follow the Lord with a strict obedience and to rain focused on the attention that God has given to them. Proverbs 30:5-6 (“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Don’t add to His words, or He will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar.”) and Jeremiah 8:8-9 provide even greater insight to the false use of scripture (adding and removing meaning and interpretation) with dire consequences. The Bible admonishes those who intend to teach God’s Word deceitfully, and for all of us to be wary of false teaching.