Additions + Subtractions = A Perverted Gospel

Speaking where the Bible speaks is in complete harmony with the Word of God. God has informed His people that this is His will. In Deut. 4:2 we read, “You shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” Also, “add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee and thou be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:6).

The Holy Spirit has revealed in the New Testament “For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18-19). These warnings should cause even the casual reader to realize that it is most foolish to tamper and attempt to change the word of God to fit our own desires. The Bible has proved itself time and time again and it certainly does not need to be changed — it needs to be believed and obeyed.

Peter wrote: “But sanctify the Lord in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet 3:15). In view of the scriptures already mentioned, that we should follow the Bible and that alone, I wonder what possible answer I am expected to give when a person inquires about the Bible? Remember that the Lord said, “Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth” (Jn 17:17). John informs us that “you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn 8:32). Now when asked a question, what should I say? Should I give an opinion of my own and tell them this is the will of God? Should I say the Spirit has not revealed it unto me as yet? Every true Bible student would instruct me to just tell them what the Lord says about the matter! This is speaking where the Bible speaks and being silent where the Bible is silent. When we ask for book, chapter and verse, we are saying, “Give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Just a simple request for Biblical authority.

Where is the book, chapter and verse in the New Testament that will authorize mechanical instruments of music in the worship service? Where is the book, chapter and verse in the New Testament that will authorize eating in the church? Where is the book, chapter and verse in the New Testament that will authorize women preachers, elders and deacons? In none of these things did the bible say not to do it. If it is in the Bible I want to do it — if it is not found in the word of our Lord then we had better leave it alone. Did not Christ suffer and die on this earth so that we might have a law to go by and an example to follow! Preachers who say this need to change and not the word of God.

Many verses teach that Christ and God set up the rules for the church and we as God’s children must obey these rules or perish. Just a few verses to prove this point: “And hath put all things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23). “He is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first born from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18). We are told in the word of God to listen to the voice of His son. “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him” (Matt. 17:5). “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” (Heb. 1:1-2). God has given all things that we need to learn the way of His son and it is evident that we should not drift away from God.

We should be known today for the theme of, “where the Bible speaks we speak and where the Bible is silent we are silent.”  When a preacher, or anyone else for that matter, makes light of you for wanting book, chapter and verse for what you do, just remember that this is the very command of God himself and we do greatly err when we depart from the living God. Question: Do you speak where the Bible speaks, and are you silent where the Bible is silent?” Do you go beyond that which was written? (1 Cor 4:6) Additions + Subtractions = A Perverted Gospel. Those who pervert the gospel of Christ and shall be accursed! (Gal 1:6-9).