At the start of a new year let us be reminded that the Message of the Bible is God’s Word. It isn’t our word it is His.
Moses had commanded that no one should add or subtract from the law God had given (Deuteronomy 4:2) and to do so would bring every curse within it down upon their heads (Deuteronomy 4:20). Why? Simply because it is the inspired Word from God. So when we read the following verses at the end of the Revelation we are not surprised.
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” (Revelation 22 v 18-19)
This is not the end of the prophetic or God speaking through dreams and visions. The canon is closed but not the Spirit. But why would anyone add or subtract from this Revelation (or the whole of the Bible actually)?
I guess the answer is if we don’t think the Revelation/Bible says enough or says too much. Our pre-conceived position and our convenience can sometimes be the guide of our life and not the Bible.
Let’s return for a moment to the seven churches it was originally given for:
Ephesus: Though they were hard working they had let go of the 2 greatest commandments of loving God and loving each other; Smyrna: Though there was no reprimand they were in danger of letting go of their faith under persecution and are encouraged to hold on; Pergamum: Though they held onto Christ they tolerated idolatry and heresy; Thyatira: Though they were in many ways a growing church they were tolerating false teaching; Sardis: Though a small number were still alive the rest had fallen asleep spiritually; Laodicea: Though they had evidence of Jesus in their life they had lost their eagerness for Him.
But I switched the list around so we purposely end with this last church.
Philadelphia: Though they were weakened by circumstance they have ‘kept my word’!
Let this year be the year when we keep to the Word of God and let the Bible direct our paths and inspire our decisions.
Missions Paul 