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Pastor Ted Dudak has been going through "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" since November of 2022. He is at the good part of the book. Pastor has mentioned repeatedly that we should not worry as he and Adrian Rogers alluded to in one of his sermons, “WE WIN!” “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15) But there is much more!
We just finished Chapter 19 of that book. The next few chapters will totally explain the “WE WIN!” I can hardly wait. We will finally see the Defeat of Satan and The Great White Throne Judgement. Then the best is yet to come as we enter Chapter 21 and 22. When he gets to it Pastor will get to the severe warning given in Revelation 22:18-19 "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book."
I certainly will not minimize that warning as this warning is extremely severe and extremely important to bear in mind. As we reflect on the tragic events that have unfolded since Chapter 6, we thank God that we will not go through those events; we look forward to the "Good News" coming. While many use this warning to tell us it refers to all of Scripture (it may), notice the words “the prophecy of this book.” This book refers to this book, "The Revelation of Jesus.”
Okay then, should we ignore the warning for the rest of the book? Glad you asked. When you carefully read the book of Deuteronomy, (“second law”) you will find that Moses is restating the Law as found in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, we find two severe warnings there that cover all of Scripture.
“You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2)
“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:32)
Now those two verses specifically talk about the word (Logos) and all the commands given in all of Scripture. All Scripture? Yes, all Scripture: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16)
So, are these three warnings the only ones found in Scripture? Absolutely not! God, through inspired man, provided us with a whole lot more warnings. In fact, all Scripture (2 Timothy 3:6) provides us with warnings throughout. We don't get these warnings, as such if we simply read our Bibles. We only get them is we study our Bibles. We must be Theologians (study of God). That is why Bible Studies are so very important. Pastor does awesome with his Sunday Sermons and provides us with a wealth of knowledge and instruction. Lighthouse Bible Church offers a variety of great Bible Studies. We have a Study for everyone, our Wednesday evening Bible Study, a Men's Bible Study, and a Women's Bible Study. Other studies may become available like Kim Houghton's Effective Series called the Balm of Gilead.
Why then are there so many translations since the original text? Don't they change words; drop words; add words?
Great questions! That’s a Blog of a whole other study.
