Why do so many Christians misinterpret this scripture?

Question

Revelation 22:18-19
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth 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:
19 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.

I bring this up because I have seen it way too many times where this is cited as "proof" that there can't be any more scripture in addition to the Bible, or any more revelation from God. Thus, God's lips are sealed forever. First of all, the book of Revelation (which is really the "book" John refers to) was written 200+ years before the "Bible" even existed! Secondly, it is agreed by many scholars that Revelation was not even the last book written. And finally, what do you think Moses implied (Deut. 4:2) when he basically said the same thing? No more scripture?

Answer 1

They misinterpret it because it suits their needs to do so. That's how most of them approach the entire Bible.

Answer 2

Two scenarios can be arrived in this:
1. Why were the other books not added?
2. Does this only apply to Revelation or does this apply to all since it was placed last?
One endorsement comes into play. We can safely assume the original letters in the New Testament were written in the prescribed time. Were the manuscripts written during that time or were the manuscripts found to be copies?
The second theory comes as when did John actually have these revelations and when were they placed in parchment? The Old Testament was already written and in place, since many hundred years passed between the writings of Malachi to the time of Jesus. No one can claim when the writings of John was actually done, either, so we can only hypothesize.
The theory I can bring up is the Revelation consists of the end times, the second coming and the eternal reign. Remember, testament is a covenant. Jesus has not referred to a third covenant, only the second, which the first one was abolished. When eternity begins, nothing is stated that will change, nothing is needed to change.
You offer a good debate, does it relate to the book he wrote or the entire Bible? We still must be wary of the instruction, maybe God planned it this way all along. The Mormons have claimed another testament, and see what doctrine they believe in. It has very little agreement with the Holy Bible.

Answer 3

While I agree that this verse has nothing to do with "the closing of the canon of Scripture" I personally believe that the Bible as it now stands is sufficient for God's purposes of revelation to mankind.

Does that mean that a Pastor or a teacher or someone with the gift of prophecy cannot be inspired by the Holy Spirit when writing? Certainly not! It only means that we don't need to "add any more books" to the Bible.

Gifted teachers can offer up their works to the body of Christ and we can compare them to Scripture and see if they enhance our understanding. A prophet like Agabus can deliver a warning in God's name as I have been led to do before. But the Bible was ordained as a complete work of the Holy Spirit and we shouldn't seek to add or subtract from it.

Answer 4

I completely agree with you. Also, what about the popes secret library where it is believe it holds other parts of the bible.....Just a few months ago I read in a news article from ajc.com (Atlanta journal) that new parts of the bible where discovered. Things like this have happened before, yet these missing books are never added.

Answer 5

first of all, i ask, is this the only part of the bible that you have read? if it is, you have picked the worst place to start. you need to go back & read the gosple of john & then to the books of matthew, mark luke, & john. this is the foundation of what god wants us to know as new christians. the future is on everyones mind for sure, but to understand it, you must first find out who you are in christ & that his love is unconditional. if all the religions were allowed to prosper, there would be a clamoring to find the truth. thats whay gods word is the first & final word. to allow it to be added to would make it to confusing. so when god says that its his final word, it really is. when he died on the cross, his final words were, it is finished. into they hands i command my spirit. so in other words, it was his fianl act of love for us before he went to be with his fatherand so is the bible. its his final word to us on how to live before he comes back again.

Answer 6

this is specifically about the book of revelation

Answer 7

It's doesn't matter.

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