March 28: DO NOT ADD TO THE LORD’S WORD
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. Revelation 22:18
John’s testimony here is more than just a postscript. It is a solemn warning from Christ, whose word is carefully designed and constructed to meet every need of the thirsty and strengthen all who desire to follow Him. The words of the prophecy of this book prepare God’s people for the hardships of a fallen world, especially in light of the intensity of Satan’s wrath toward the end-time remnant (Revelation 12:17). But what exactly does it mean to add to God’s Word? Any tampering with manuscripts by the addition of new words would be the most obvious answer. But it also means adding ideas and interpretations that are not based on the text. This can be accomplished with loose translations that lead to ideas that were never expressed originally. It can also happen when someone in a position to teach the Word of God to others conveys an idea that is at variance with God’s intent; a deviation from the original meaning.
Of course, our omniscient God knew ahead of time that false ideas would escalate in the last days. Many Christians are currently deceived by a popular notion of a silent rapture, followed by a seven-year period of tribulation during which the lost will have another opportunity to be saved. All three of these ideas are contrary to Scripture.
The Bible teaches that when Jesus returns, everyone will know. There is absolutely nothing quiet or secret about it. Jesus described His return “as the lightning that comes from the east and flashes to the west . . . you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 24:27; 26:64). Every eye will see Him. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent; A fire shall devour before Him, And it shall be very tempestuous all around Him (Revelation 1:7; Psalm 50:3).
The Bible says nothing of a “seven-year tribulation”. We are told that there will be an extremely tumultuous time just before Jesus returns, and many Christians will die for their faith. This is already happening in some areas of the world. Love for the Savior more than one’s own life is essential, regardless of the intensity of opposition. The greatest battle is with “self”. Paul points out that “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Those who are unprepared to face trials that will severely test their faith will lose it. This is exactly what Satan wants; he especially relishes the deception of a “second chance” for the lost after Jesus comes to take the saved to heaven. No human will be left alive on earth in the wake of this cataclysmic event (Revelation 19:21).
The everlasting gospel does not change. Its purpose is to present the reality of God’s plan and the reality of Satan’s opposition. “But he that endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)
Paul said: “There are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:7,8
Dig deeper: Deuteronomy 4:2; 18:20; Isaiah 66:15-17; Jeremiah 14:14; 25:33; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 7:15; 24:11; 24:24; Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 3:14-17; 1 John 4:1; Jude 3-5; Revelation 14:6,13