Today’s devotion comes from Revelation 22:18-19.
“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 which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19.
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“You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2.
“Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.” Deuteronomy 12:32.
“5 Every word of God is tested;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
6 Do not add to His words
Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6.
We may quickly and lightly dismiss today’s Scripture, thinking that we are in no danger of adding to or subtracting from God’s words. But, let us be more careful and think more deeply. “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3.
But, do we by our preaching and teaching add to God’s word by our own stories that we add to entertain and to show our own intelligence and our own goodness?
Do we by our preaching and teaching subtract from God’s word to pacify or satisfy our audience who do not want to be convicted by God’s word of their sin?
The following Scripture may help us by reminding us of the perfection of God’s word. Why tarnish or distract from the gold of God’s word by our gravel? Why subtract from God’s word to add our word?
“7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 