Don't Alter the Word of God

As Christians, we are called to handle the Word of God with the utmost reverence and care. The Bible is not just any ordinary book; it is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of the living God. It is the foundation upon which we build our lives and the source of truth that guides us in our walk with Christ. Therefore, it is crucial that we approach God's Word with humility and a desire to understand its true meaning without adding to or subtracting from its message.

The Importance of Preserving God's Word

In Deuteronomy 4:2, we are commanded, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it." This verse emphasises the importance of preserving the integrity of God's Word. When we add to or take away from the Scriptures, we are essentially altering the very words of God, which is a grave offence.

The book of Proverbs also warns us against tampering with God's Word: "Every word of God is pure…Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar" (Proverbs 30:5-6). By attempting to modify the Scriptures, we are implying that God's Word is somehow flawed or incomplete, which is a form of pride and arrogance.

The Consequences of Altering God's Word

When we alter the Word of God, we diminish its power and authority. As the prophet Jeremiah discovered, God's message must be delivered in its entirety, without any omissions or alterations. In Jeremiah 26:2, God instructed the prophet, "Diminish not a word." By reducing or changing the message, we lessen its impact and effectiveness in the lives of those who hear it.

Moreover, altering God's Word can lead to spiritual confusion and deception. When Eve was tempted by the serpent in the Garden of Eden, she omitted crucial details from God's command and added to it, saying, "God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die" (Genesis 3:3). By failing to accurately represent God's Word, Eve opened the door for the serpent's deception and the fall of mankind.

Approaching God's Word with Humility

As we study the Bible, it is essential that we approach it with a humble and teachable spirit. We must recognise that our understanding is limited and that we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to grasp the depths of God's truth. As Isaiah 66:2 reminds us, "But to this man will I look, even to him that...trembleth at My word." When we approach God's Word with reverence and awe, we position ourselves to receive the wisdom and understanding that only He can provide.

The Power of Studying God's Word Diligently

Rather than only focusing on the quantity of Scripture we read, we should also prioritise the quality of our study. Each verse of the Bible is filled with profound truths and insights that can transform our lives. By taking the time to meditate on God's Word and seek to understand its meaning, we allow it to take root in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives.

As the psalmist declared, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Ps. 119:105). When we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures and allow them to guide our every step, we will experience the joy and peace that come from walking in obedience to God's will.

Don't Alter the Word of God

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