This is probably the most misunderstood piece of legislation ever conceived by man. In it alone demonstrates the hand of God as some believe different than what the Bible says. As God the Father is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17) so is our understanding of the Bible. But woe is to them that understand not; they too are not recipience of the perfect gift which is salvation where understanding the Bible is a great part of it.Therefore, the nature of religion whether it be the Latter Day Saints (LDS, Mormon) or Roman Catholic or Pentecostal or Seventh Day Adventists or Baptist is prescribed by it's authority in relations to the Bible. Because the Bible is the Word of God all the information contained therein must be observed with the strictest obedience and reverence. This cannot be done unless the founders of these denominations understand what the Bible says. We can't understand unless we are saved and that God has given us the understanding. In most cases we find some of these leaders accentuates certain parts of the Bible without regard to the whole Bible, its 66 books. This is the challenge for all of us; How can we know if a church is being faithful to the will and the commandments of God contained in the Bible. Fortunately, no one but God alone is in charge of understanding the Bible. God must open our spiritual eyes to see and understand what Her wants us to understand. Let us look at the fundamental basis why people, believers and non-believers differ in their views. [From God's perspective, there are only two types of people there are; the believers (saved) and the non-believers (unsaved) We do not know, only God does, who they are but there are believers scattered about in all religions. By preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ God uses that to bring them to His kingdom. Most are unbelievers that as God would draws to the truth they too would then believe and be saved.] We read in John 12:37-40;
37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.In this account we see that even though the people see Jesus perform so many miracles, they didn't believe Him. This means believing is not by something we see but something we don't see. This confirms to us what Hebrew 11 says that unless we have the faith to believe we cannot believe Jesus. (The same thing is happening today, there are those who try to convince us through miracles of healing etc. that it would make us believe but these activities are not from God; they are of the devil) The verse goes on to quote the prophet Isaiah from Isaiah 53:1 "Who hath believed our report?..." The report is the Word of God, the Bible to whom God will only reveal the mystery of His kingdom to those He has saved. However, verse 40 says that He blinds and hardens the heart of those that He would not and because their eyes are blinded they will not see the truth.
ADDITIONAL BOOKS, et el
After the last book of the Bible, Revelation was written at about 100 A.D., the Bible was completed. God gave a command that we read in 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.
This verse is so plain and clear. We find that the introduction of the Book of Mormon is a violation of the above commandment. If we should add to these things which also applies to those that try to force a meaning or teach falsehood that the Bible does not permit, they will be punished. Likewise if we take away. God knows the end from beginning even before creation. We have seen that about how He predestinated and preordained everything at the foundation of the world. We read about how the heavens were ordained by God from Psalm 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; The preordination of His elect from Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. God knew His elect before they were born; meaning He knew their parents and their parents parents etc etc. Even their ]correction and chastisement Habakkuk 1:12 Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. Everything in the world was preordained by God. Even judgment God has prepared for those that disobey His laws. Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it. Tophet is a picture of hell that God where the wicked will be killed on Judgment Day. We see how it describes it in Jeremiah 19:6 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of slaughter. God alone has done this for the glory of the elect and the damnation of the wicked. How serious is this command not to add to His Word? We read in Revelation 22:18 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 <4127> that are written in this book: What plagues is God talking about and how serious are they? We can start looking for references from the Bibles to tell us what God is saying. We see the references from Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes <4127>, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. The same thing we find in regarding the plagues that relate to the wrath of God in Revelation 15:1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues <4127>; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. There is nothing fun about having to deal with the wrath of God. The same we see in Revelation 16:9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues <4127>: and they repented not to give him glory. God works out His plans for the wicked as we have seen. We read from Revelation 16:21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague <4127> of the hail; for the plague <4127> thereof was exceeding great. There is no turning from God's wrath it is given in a precise details of how He would go about it and how those that are under it are going to face His fierce anger.
Likewise also we see what God expresses for us in Revelation 22:19 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. Those that take away from the word of the book God will take away their part out of the book of life; All the elect have been given salvation; which is their part in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. The same is that of those that overcometh evil. We read in 1John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Those that truly are saved overcome as we read further in Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. In referring to those that worship Satan the reason they do that is because their names are not written in the Lambs book of life. We read in Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Those that worship not the beast Revelation 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
These are the commentary of these verses. In the Book of Mormon for instance, if we understand the verse those that claim the Mormon faith would surely renounce their faith. In the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smth had to seek the confirmation of others to validate his claim of the gold plate in which the Book of Mormon is supposedly interpreted from. Have you ever wondered why. Did he have a problem in anticipating that others of reasonable mind would have a problem with it. This is not how God wrote the bible. God is in charge of his Word. We don't have to prove to people we have the truth. We just preach it, God does the rest of converting souls. We don't try to win people over with some miraculous proof. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not about proving anything but by faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Now there are those that usually quote from Deuteronomy 4:2 as if to say that is the same verse and yet God did add to His Word. Well let's look at that verse; Deuteronomy4:1-2
1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2 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.
After God gave the children of Israel the ten commandments, He also instructed them to obey. (This verse is also a commandment to us today.) They were not specifically given a consequence of punishment should they disobey. (This is because the children of Israel (picture of the elect) will be redeemed.) No sin is o.k. with God. All sins are punishable in the end. In Deuteronomy 4:2 there is no specific mention of a specific punishment as in Revelation 22:18 & 19. However, anyone who disobeys these commandments would face judgement if they remain unsaved. Because the command were intended for the children of Israel (picture of the elect) we know that the Shepherd of their salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ who will take care of them by making them keep these commandments. God is emphasising the point that we as believers must obey the Word of God; and as believers, we will. The warning in Reveation refers mainly to the false gospels and those whom God knows will violate his command. God is allowing us to see as there will be no surprises. They will face their pronounced end. But there is no comparing of these two scriptures. As we read further from Deuteronomy 4 the following verse pertains to the all that was written of the Bible at that time plus the 10 commandments. This we read in verse 13
13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. 14 And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.
This is teaching that the part of the Old Testament which was written up to that point including the 10 commandments are what they were to obey. These commandments given to Joshua (picture of Christ) to teach these things to the children of Israel (elect) as we are taught today by the Holy Spirit if we have been saved. (Remember, how the devil in Genesis 3 when he deceived Eve. You will find that there will always be those that will question God and the truth of the Word of God. Satan is a very smooth liar, he will put doubt in the minds of those who are not under the care of the Shepherd of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ.) The believer and the yet to believe (elect) on the other hand, have nothing to fear. God will save His elect in time. This is the sole purpose of bringing the Gospel. As long as God allow us to see the truth, we must be about becoming witnesses of that truth and not to criticize as God is still saving people today. (Because of the length of what this may entail, I will end here because other some of their teachings are obviously against what the Bible teaches but this can be very helpful for you to discover as you read and study the Bible. Knowing the authority of the LDS and others which are either wider or narrower than what God permits may be helpful as we try to determine what may be advantageous for us.)
ADDITIONAL DREAMS AND VISIONS
We also find those of the Charismastic faith that believe that God is still giving us revelations today in "dreams and visions" This cannot be so because anything that would add to the written Word would also be in violation of Revelation 22:18. Because God is God He has given us His Word that could never be changed by addition or subtraction. We a similar situation that the people of today as we saw with the king of the Chaldeans the great nation of Babylon. In the envy of the presidents and the princes of the kingdom as they counseled together to find a way to overthrow Daniel, who was favored of them all. Yet the law of the land was established but these evil men wanted to device a way to convince king Darius to declare a royal statue other than the law that they now observe. The nature of the new degree cannot be changed. Daniel 6:8
Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
And so it was carried out. Herein is the evil heart of men. The new degree represents those laws that were added to the laws of the Medes and Persians which cannot change. And yet the law they evilly contrived did change the law that was not supposed to be changed. This is the nature of mankind. Because he is not under the care and nurturing of God, they desire to better themselves by themselves without regard to what God has already declared. This is the nature of what we find here. Man strives to be the best regardless of what God has set up. We know the end just like those who devised evil again Daniel, who is a picture of the elect, those whom the Lord keeps in His care.
Likewise we can see that those that do not understand the Word of God are taking away from the Word of God. Because all understanding is from God, those that misinterpret the Word are doing it without their knowledge because God has not revealed to them the mystery of His written Word. As Daniel declares in Daniel 2:19-22
19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
Soon after Daniel reveals the kings dream we find the king Nebuchadnezzar also worships Daniel's God as he is convinced of the great wisdom from God demonstrated by Daniel. Daniel 2:47 This simply teaches us that God is supreme and sovereign. There is no other God that reveals things to men.
The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
Today, because the Bible is complete and the Canon is closed by those whom God has appointed to bring His Word to the fore, our main function is to spread the Gospel. God has given to us the job to fulfill. We are no longer to seek any more revelation as the day of Pentecost pointed to every believer to bring the Gospel. It is for this reason we are to heed that call. It is the final appointment Christ made before He went to heaven. (Matthew 28:18-20) It is no small task to understand the Word of God. It is a gift and that gift is not given for our honor or glory. As Daniel, we must always remember to return the glory to God who really is responsible for all wisdom. We cannot take the credit for any understanding at all because it is given to us for a purpose; and that purpose is to bring the Gospel.
Let me caution all of us that may know otherwise. We are not to point out the sin of others. It could be just as easy for us to be deceived had it not for the mercy of God. Let us be kind and be full of compassion for our loved ones who may be in all these false religions. We have to understand that that is the will of God. God allows falsities to go on right along the truth as the wheat and the tares. (Matthew 13:24-30)
24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
The tares and the wheat will grow up together. Today the saved and the unsaved coexist but only God knows who they
all are, We do not discriminate against anyone we feel may not have the truth because only God knows who would all
be saved. We just declare His truth contained in the Bible. God loves those He elected to salvation from before the
world began and he will bring them to the fold. Some of those may be in the LDS or other churches. But let us be keep
ourselves as 2Timothy 2:15 admonishesStudy to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We are to study and know the truth, should the Lord allow us, so that we know what is true for ourselves and for Him we speak of as His witnesses. We pray that God would be merciful to open the eyes of our loved ones friends and our people to see the truth. Today, salvation is still available as we bring the Gospel to those to whom the Lord would help We just don't know what the will of God is in their lives, we just witness and hope that God will draw them to the Lord Jesus Christ whereby we are all saved. May God give us the eyes to see and the ears to hear.
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