Adding to God's Word by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 19, 1914

Adding to God's Word

By F. M. W.

IN the last book of the Sacred Scriptures there is given a warning against adding to or taking from the Word of God. See Rev. 22:18, 19. We see many doing this at the present time. Many vital truths taught in the Scriptures are set at naught, or their importance is minimized. Thousands of Christians no longer believe that the law of the ten commandments is binding. Many ministers of the gospel discount the virgin birth of Christ, his resurrection from the dead, and the efficacy of his sacrifice and priestly ministry. The truth of God in many instances has been changed into a lie, its purity corrupted, its teachings perverted.

On the other hand, the Word of God has been made responsible for the teaching of many wild theories and doctrines which have no foundation in the sacred record. In the preaching of some a mere detail of truth has been made the center about which the entire plan of salvation revolves. This is an age of speculative philosophy. Especially during the last few months, in which so many thrilling events have taken place, many wild theories have been put forth regarding the fulfillment of prophecy. There has been much juggling with dates and prophetic periods.

We need to be careful that this spirit of idle speculation does not take possession of us. We cannot afford to mingle the curious and speculative with the plain predictions of Sacred Scripture.

There are some things which we know will occur in the future. The Word of God plainly predicts them. There are, however, many other events about which we cannot be so certain. We cannot clearly outline just what course will be taken by this nation or that nation, nor the precise order of events which will occur in the fulfillment of prophecy. It is barely possible that we might make a correct forecast, but it is more probable that we should fall far short in our calculations, and unfolding events of the future would serve to cast discredit upon our theories and upon the cause which we represent.

There are great principles which stand out clearly and prominently in the Word of God; there are lines of prophecy which are plain and unmistakable. Let us teach these, not in that detail which exceeds the revealings of the divine Word, but in their clear general outline and bearing. In our exposition of these let us go no further than the Word of God goes. Let us not hazard predictions which are based only on philosophical reasonings. Let us keep away from the speculative, the sensational, and the spectacular in our teaching. This will prove our safeguard in the times before us.

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Prov. 30:5, 6. F. M. W.