Deuteronomy 4 - THE WORD OF GOD

 NUGGETS…from the WORD of GOD

THE WORD OF GOD

“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” —Deut. 4:2

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There is an interesting parallel to this text on the last page of the Bible:

“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: 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)

While each of these texts applies to the context in which they were written, they reveal a vital principle that surely applies to all scripture. Scripture is unique. in a world of “books” there is one book that stands apart from all others, and that is the scriptures—the Word of God. Though lying on a table with other books, the Bible may look the same, the fact is that it is above and apart from everything else ever written, and is not to be trifled with.

Well known, but well worth reviewing, is that classic text on the divine inspiration, II Tim. 3:16-17. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

The Bible is consistent in its affirmation that all its content has originated with God. Our text implies it. David, as one of the inspired publishers of the word of God affirmed, “The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me… [II Sam. 23:2].” The uniform claim implied, if not stated, is, “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it. [Ps. 68:11].” This unique character applies to all the word of God, and it applies only to the word of God. In consequence, we are to handle it with the utmost care, as a sacred trust. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away, is recorded three times in the gospels as uttered by the Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33).

Scripture is enshrined in the library of heaven, entrusted to the hands of faithful men and designed for two things, supremely/ First, for informing sinners of the need for an the way of salvation. “…the holy scriptures are able to make [one] wise unto salvation [II Tim 3:15].” And secondly, it is given to the end “that the man of God may be perfect, [thoroughly equipped] for all good works.” No other “word” can do that.

There is another characteristic unique to the scriptures and that is their connection with the Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. The design of the written word is to introduce the Son of God. The Bible gives us a portrait of His character and invites us to identify with His person. If we tamper with its content, we are effacing the revelation of the Savior. If we discount its authority, we are denying His. We have no authority to add or subtract according to our own liking, yet many today have audacity to do so, including some who profess to be shepherds of the Lord’s sheep. It is of paramount importance that we remember that the first question in human history  was, “Yea, hath God said…? And when Eve added to His pronouncement (“neither shall ye touch it”), then minimized its declaration (“lest ye die”) the consequences were devastating, and we bear the burden of it to this day. 

If we would reap the benefit here and hereafter of the blessing of the Lord, it is imperative that we apply this principle in all of life; “Ye shall not add unto the Word…neither shall [we] diminish ought from it.” Simply trust and obey!

“What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: 

thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” 

Deut. 12:32

If God says a thing once, you had better believe it. If He says it twice, you had better never forget it!

—"Pastor" Frasier

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8/4/12