Warning Against Altering The Word Of God

[Jerry]

Warning Against Altering The Word Of God

The following is taken from pages 326-327 of Myths About The Modern Bible Versions by David Cloud, and is a quote by Charles Spurgeon taken from The Sword And Trowel, September 1888. I want to thank Brother Cloud for putting this material in his book, as I cannot find it online or on the CDRom of Spurgeon's material that I have. In light of the date written, this material would now be in the public domain.

Every motive that could move men to alter the Word of God has been fully delineated in various portions of the Bible. It shows that God was aware from the first of the reception that would be given to His truth; and it is as instructing to the humble believer as it is humiliating to the modern lover of penknife criticism.

The tendency to alter the Word of God is HUMAN. It is manifested in the first religious conversation on record. The Divine voice had asserted 'Thou shalt not eat of it'; the human voice added 'neither shall ye touch it.' The addition was the precursor of the fall.

The desire to alter the Word of God is DANGEROUS. In the wilderness God Himself points this out. 'Ye shall not add unto the Word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it' (Deuteronomy 4:2). The nations they were advancing to conquer had long cast aside their allegiance to their Maker, and the least tendency to question or alter God's Word might result in the same downfall for Israel. 'Thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.' That idolatry does result from such daring rebellion is proved by the state of the Roman Catholic community today.

The act of altering the Word of God is SINFUL. 'Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar' (Proverbs 30:5, 6). 'Every word of God is pure'; and he who assays to improve upon it imputes error to the All-wise. Only unholy minds could attempt it.

The desire to alter the Word of God is WEAKNESS. Jeremiah's was a terrible message, and even he might yield to feelings of pity for his race. God saw this, and in words that could not be misunderstood, He said to the prophet, 'Diminish not a word' (Jeremiah 26:2). If God's message is diminished its power is lessened, and its results are consequently less certain. The authority, the power, the meaning, the terror of God's truth must be preserved in all their fulness if God's purposes are to be carried out.

The ambition to alter the Word of God is PHARISAIC. To break the perfection of the law and teach our own alterations or additions as if they were of God is vile indeed (Matthew 5:19, 20). Our Lord reproved this spirit in scathing and unmistakable language. Why is it His Words are forgotten? 'Ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition,' He says. 'They teach for doctrines the commandments of men' (Matthew 15:6-9). The Pharisaic spirit thus renders impossible obedience to God the Supreme Teacher.

The craving to alter the Word of God is ACCURSED. Revelation 22:18-19 should be read with fear and trembling. Thus all down the ages God has warned men against this crime. He is a jealous God, and has determined to visit with the direst punishment all who dare to alter His completed and full revelation.

This is the crime of the present day: the Lord preserve us from it.

[Colin Stolzer]

I'm gonna go with a guess here, that within a page or two this turns into a debate of whether those verse apply to the whole bible or just the content of the book or author they are attributed too. This should go well (said sarcastically).

C

[Guest Guest]

:amen: Jerry. :thumb

The ambition to alter the Word of God is PHARISAIC. To break the perfection of the law and teach our own alterations or additions as if they were of God is vile indeed (Matthew 5:19, 20). Our Lord reproved this spirit in scathing and unmistakable language. Why is it His Words are forgotten? 'Ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition,' He says. 'They teach for doctrines the commandments of men' (Matthew 15:6-9). The Pharisaic spirit thus renders impossible obedience to God the Supreme Teacher.

The craving to alter the Word of God is ACCURSED. Revelation 22:18-19 should be read with fear and trembling. Thus all down the ages God has warned men against this crime. He is a jealous God, and has determined to visit with the direst punishment all who dare to alter His completed and full revelation.


No debate here. :Bible:

[Jerry]

I'm gonna go with a guess here' date=' that within a page or two this turns into a debate of whether those verse apply to the whole bible or just the content of the book or author they are attributed too. This should go well (said sarcastically).[/quote']

I believe most of the regular members here believe those verses apply to all of the Word of God. The only debate I have ever seen is whether the one in Revelation applies to all of the Bible or just the book of Revelation. With all those other warnings in the Bible, it is obvious God doesn't want anyone messing with any part of His Book!!

[John81]

:thumb

[Guest Guest]

I do not disagree with altering Gods word but taking various verses and putting them into your own context and calling it Theology is not right either. Let the Holy Spirit Lead not man. Here is a point to ponder. Why bother reading the Bible when you can buy a theological book that tells you what it says or means? I'd rather have child like faith and be obedient to the Holy Spirit. Just me different strokes for different folks I guess give up the Spirit to dwell on what someone else tells you to think. :2cents Where are your biblical theological degrees from guys? Just interested in taking some classes hopefully online.

[Jerry]

:puzzled: You don't make any sense. This is called a topical study - looking up verses/passages on the same theme and putting them together. There is nothing wrong with that - unless those verses are ripped out of context, which these are not. Sounds like you really just need to buckle down and start studying your Bible instead of arguing with everything that is posted.

[Guest Guest]

Talk down to me some more I like it. Where did you get you theological degree? I am interested in taking some classes.

[Pastor Matt]

I'm not sure how someone can complain about someone talking down to them when they are doing the same thing themselves.

Let's leave personal attacks out of this or this thread will reach its end. Sorry, but I'm not going to play games here with anybody, Mods or members. Play nice or don't play at all.


Now, back on topic.

[Alimantado]

Let the Holy Spirit Lead not man.

Oops! What an unfortunate comma omission. Surely you didn't mean to proclaim that we shouldn't let the Holy Spirit lead people? :wink

[speerjp1]

Proper grammar is important in communication. That is another reason why it is important that even seemingly minute changes are not made to God's word. :thumb

[John81]

Proper grammar is important in communication. That is another reason why it is important that even seemingly minute changes are not made to God's word. :thumb

Excellent observation at a most appropriate time!