Addition, Subtraction, and Expedience
The Bible is the Word of God. It is the only approved standard by which men must live to be right in the eyes of God. We must treat the Word of God with the utmost respect, not because it is just another book, nor is it merely words printed on the page with a human origin. The Bible is authored by the Holy Spirit of God, and we must listen to what He has said concerning His Word. We must be careful first and foremost never to add nor take away from God’s Word.
A Command Under Moses
A command was given to the Jewish nation in the law of Moses first. “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2). God delivered this Law on Sinai as the only approved standard by which Israel would live. It was the supreme law of the land and any question or dispute that needed to be resolved began and ended with the Law of Jehovah.
A Command Broken Under Moses
Adding to the Law of Jehovah was accomplished certainly by the partisan Pharisees who bound (cf. Matt. 23:4.13.16) excess doctrines to the Law of Moses. This was certainly condemned by Jesus. In addition, they, along with others, were certainly guilty of taking away from the Law (cf. Matt. 23:23-24). So if this was important to God under the Old Covenant, is it important to Him now under the New Covenant?
A Command Under Christ
The New Testament (the Law of Christ) also affirms this concept of not adding to or taking away from God’s Word. The Spirit warns,
“I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which 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 from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19).
If we are to remain God’s called-out ones, we must be careful to heed this warning. Indeed, God’s Word reminds us to be mindful of how we walk lest we go the route of fleshly Israel (cf. Romans 11:20-21).
What Constitutes an Addition to the Word In Our Era?
With regard to adding to God’s Word, we might point to the partisan creeds that were developed centuries after the church of Christ was established. Creeds, confessionals, and Catechisms hold this is common as they are all additions to the Word of God which was completed within the first century (Jude 3, 1 Cor. 13:10-13;). God reminds us that He has revealed all that we need, “seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue;” (2 Peter 1:3).
What constitutes taking away from the Word In Our Era?
How do individuals attempt to take away from the Word of God? There has long been the practice of attempting to take away baptism as part of God’s plan for saving man (cf. Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Romans 6:1-6, Gal. 3:26-27, 1 Pet. 3:21, et. al). Others have attempted to take away weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (cf. Acts 2:46; 20:7). I urge you to examine the denominations that you know of and just see how much they have taken away from the Word.
What is Not an Addition to the Word? What is an Expedient?
Matters of expedience are not additions to the Word. These are simply things that expedite what we are doing. They are not necessary but can help in carrying out the commands of God. For instance, while acapella singing is commanded (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16), using a songbook, projector, screen, pitch pipe, etc. are expedients. I feel for the sake of some the need to add that use of the drums, guitar, hand clapping, beatboxing, etc. are additions to the Word and unauthorized.
Reading the Scripture and preaching the Word are commandments (cf. 1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 4:2). How do I go about that? Is it permissible that I drive my car to preach at the summer series or do I have to walk, take a chariot, or board a ship like brother Paul would have? The answer should be clear, cars are expedient to the preaching of the Gospel.
Can I use a bound and divided Bible to preach from? To have a copy of God’s Word in English compiled with page numbers and chapters is expedient. There is even an inspired case for Chapter divisions in at least one book. Months ago I was asked a question concerning Acts 13:33 in one of our Question and Answers nights. From this passage, we find Scriptural evidence of chapter divisions in the Psalms. This verse reads, “that God hath fulfilled the same unto our children, in that he raised up Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee”.
The Psalms are separated into different numbers because they are a collection of poems, or songs if you will. It is rightly called a songbook within our Bible. The Psalms and the entire Old Testament were complete before the events in the New Testament. Acts 13:33 affirms that the Holy Spirit divided the Psalms because He inspired them and He inspired Paul to reference the “second” psalm.
Ask Questions
It is certainly a great practice for God’s children to examine what we are doing or not doing as the church. We need to honestly test our practices against the Holy Writ and ask does this add to, or take away from God’s Word? In that process we also might need to ask, is it possible that the thing in question is expedient and not adding to or taking away from God’s Word? A pure and righteous motivation, paired with proper interpretation of God’s Word, will produce worship and service that magnifies the name of Jehovah. Do you have Bible questions? I would love to study with you.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
