For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18-19
The parting thought of the Bible is the direct command not to change or tamper with the Word of God in any way. This commandment is affirmed throughout all the Bible. A simple exercise one can do is this: take any printed Bible with both Old and New Testaments and we’ll see that the front (Duet 4:2), middle (Proverbs 30:6) and end (Rev 22:18-19) tells us that God explicitly commands no change is permitted. Mankind is not following God or keeping the commandments should he adulterate the Scriptures (Duet 4:2).
As plain as God has made it, we as his faithful followers must continue to fight the good fight and not only proclaim what is right but stand firm against that which is opposition to the Divinely revealed Word (Gal 1:6-8). While we don’t know the intent of those who pervert the Word on an individual basis, we are given insight in scripture to why some do this. Some love the idea of being preeminent (3 John 9), some for financial gain and followers of themselves (Titus 1:10-12), others think more of their own opinions than God’s Word (Mark 7:6-9), as well as a host of other reasons. Two things are certain. They are following the will of Satan (2 Cor 4:4) and with a little examination they are identifiable (Matt 7:16-20).
The parting thought of the Bible makes it so clear that there are serious and eternal consequences for altering God’s Word. Punishment has always visited those who did not follow what had been instructed. It is made plain in our text that it always be so. However, as it is with so much of the scripture, it is promised that those who are obedient (Heb 5:9) and remain faithful (Rev 2:10) will be the ones given the Crown of Life.
These parting thoughts are in a way a summary of the New Testament. This passage teaches us to keep God’s Word pure. Our responsibility is to study (2 Tim 2:15) and follow God’s will (Psalm 119). These parting thoughts teach us how to prepare for eternity and this last one makes it so plain, live according to the Bible.
By Jason Barger