The question of whether the Bible permits altering God's word is a significant one, touching on the integrity and authority of Scripture. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, it is essential to approach this topic with reverence and a deep understanding of both the biblical texts and the historical context in which they were written and transmitted.
From the outset, it is crucial to affirm that the Bible itself strongly cautions against altering God's word. This is evident in several key passages that underscore the importance of preserving the integrity of Scripture. One of the most direct warnings comes from the book of Revelation:
"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 22:18-19, NIV)
This passage is often cited as a clear prohibition against tampering with the text of Scripture. The stern warning suggests that altering the words of the prophecy is a grave offense with severe consequences. While this specific warning pertains to the book of Revelation, it reflects a broader biblical principle regarding the sanctity of God's word.
Another significant passage is found in the book of Deuteronomy, where Moses instructs the Israelites:
"Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you." (Deuteronomy 4:2, NIV)
This instruction emphasizes the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands without alteration. The context here is the Mosaic Law, but the principle extends to the broader corpus of Scripture. The underlying message is that God's word is complete and sufficient as given, and human beings are not to modify it.
The book of Proverbs also contains a relevant admonition:
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." (Proverbs 30:5-6, NIV)
This passage reinforces the idea that God's word is perfect and not to be tampered with. The warning against adding to God's words suggests that doing so would distort the truth and lead to falsehood.
The New Testament continues this theme, with the apostle Paul emphasizing the importance of maintaining the purity of the gospel message. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes:
"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!" (Galatians 1:8, NIV)
Paul's strong language here underscores the seriousness of altering the gospel message. He goes so far as to pronounce a curse on anyone who would preach a different gospel, highlighting the critical importance of preserving the integrity of the apostolic teaching.
In addition to these scriptural warnings, the early church fathers also stressed the importance of maintaining the purity of Scripture. For example, Irenaeus, in his work "Against Heresies," argued against those who would alter the text of Scripture to support their heretical views. He emphasized that the true faith is based on the unaltered and apostolic teaching handed down through the Scriptures.
The practice of textual criticism, which involves the scholarly study and comparison of biblical manuscripts to determine the most accurate text, is not about altering God's word but rather about preserving its original form. Textual critics seek to identify and correct errors that may have crept into the text over centuries of copying and transmission. Their goal is to recover the original wording of the biblical texts as accurately as possible.
It is important to distinguish between the deliberate alteration of Scripture for doctrinal or personal reasons and the scholarly effort to restore the original text. The former is unequivocally condemned by the Bible, while the latter is a legitimate and valuable endeavor aimed at preserving the integrity of God's word.
Throughout history, there have been instances where individuals or groups have attempted to alter the text of Scripture to support their own agendas. Such actions are rightly condemned by the broader Christian community. The integrity of Scripture is foundational to the Christian faith, and any attempt to distort or manipulate it is a serious offense.
The Bible's prohibition against altering God's word is rooted in the belief that Scripture is divinely inspired and authoritative. As Paul writes in his second letter to Timothy:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)
The divine inspiration of Scripture means that it carries the authority of God himself. To alter the text is to undermine that authority and to place human judgment above divine revelation. This is why the Bible consistently warns against adding to or subtracting from God's word.
In conclusion, the Bible does not permit altering God's word. The consistent message of Scripture is that God's word is complete, perfect, and authoritative as given. The warnings against tampering with the text are clear and severe, reflecting the importance of preserving the integrity of Scripture. While textual criticism as a scholarly discipline seeks to recover the original text, it is not about altering God's word but about ensuring its accurate transmission. As Christians, we are called to uphold the sanctity of Scripture and to resist any attempts to distort or manipulate it for personal or doctrinal reasons.
