Bulletin Articles
DON’T ALTER THE MESSAGE!
DON’T ALTER THE MESSAGE!
As the book of Revelation closes, this ominous warning is given: “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; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rv.22:18-19). John’s remarks are specifically intended for “this book” (i.e., the book of Revelation). However, the principle enunciated here has application throughout the Scriptures (Dt.4:2; Pr.30:6; 1Cor.4:6; Ga.1:8-9; Col.3:17; 2Jn.9; etc.).
Traditionally, brethren have correctly applied this principle to the work, worship and organization of the local church. The purpose of such preaching is to remind us to stay within the bounds of God’s word; and therefore, to not get the local church involved in “other” (i.e., sinful) things. But I want us to think about the warning of Revelation 22:18-19 in the context of the book itself. Not long ago, we concluded our study of the book of Revelation; and when I thought about this warning, several thoughts came to my mind. No doubt there are more applications than I will list here. But these thought-provoking applications will make a nice transition to our new study about the unchanging nature of truth…
If there is a God, then there is a Devil. The book of Revelation gives us a glorious picture of the throne of God and the Lamb (cf. Rv.4-5). It is a mesmerizing picture of beauty and glory and everlasting worship. God is surrounded by multitudes of creatures, the likes of which we have never seen. But there is another reality to be reckoned with; a horrible being, who is to be dreaded. He is “the great dragon… that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world” (Rv.12:9). His entire mission is against God: “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time” (Rv.12:12). If we believe there is a God, we must also believe there is a Devil (Rv.22:18-19).
If there is good, then there is evil. Some want to see the world strictly through the lens of good, or the lens of evil. But the truth is more nuanced than that. No only is there both good and evil in this world, there is often a “mixture” of both good and evil in each one of us! The book of Revelation pictures the forces of evil arrayed against the forces of good. “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” (Rv.16:13-14). This is a battle that evil cannot win (Rv.19:11-21); but evil fights anyway! If we believe there is good, we must also believe there is evil (Rv.22:18-19).
If there is persecution, there is deliverance. One of the primary themes of the book of Revelation is the fact that God coming to deliver persecuted Christians (Rv.6:9-11). And the deliverance that is promised is eventually given (cf. Rv.11:16-18; 18:20-24). From this we learn to “be faithful unto death” (Rv.2:10). Never forget that the hardship you are enduring right now will give way to a Divine deliverance – if not in this life, then certainly in the next (cf. Rm.8:18). If you believe in God, and you believe in His goodness, then you must believe in His deliverance (Rv.22:18-19).
If there is a Heaven, then there is a Hell. Another theme of the book is the “rewards” which await both the righteous and the wicked. Unfortunately, many today erroneously think only in terms of Heaven. Some even argue that every person eventually goes to Heaven. But they are sadly mistaken! If there is a Heaven (Rv.21:1-7), then there is also a Hell (Rv.21:8). And where you end up will be determined by how you conduct your life (Rv.22:14-15). If you believe in Heaven, then you must also believe in Hell (Rv.22:18-19).
These simple thoughts put a whole new perspective on the warning of Revelation 22:18-19. Let us be sure that we accept ALL truth – both the good and the bad!
--Lanny Smith
