Rightly Interpreting the Word of God with the Holy Spirit: Avoiding Bad Doctrine and False Teaching

As a Bible-believing Christian, one of the most important aspects of our faith is the correct interpretation and application of the Word of God. The Holy Spirit provides us with the guidance and wisdom to discern the truth and avoid the winds of doctrines that can lead us astray. In this article, we will explore various biblical warnings about bad doctrines and false teachings, and how to grow in our understanding of the Scriptures to avoid falling prey to these spiritual dangers.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Interpreting the Word of God

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our understanding of the Scriptures. In John 14:26, Jesus promises, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” This promise is reiterated in 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, where the apostle Paul writes, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

These passages emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding us as we study and interpret the Word of God. As we grow in our relationship with Him, our understanding of the Scriptures will deepen, and we will be better equipped to discern the truth from false teachings.

Beware of Winds of Doctrines

The apostle Paul warns us about the danger of being led astray by false teachings in Ephesians 4:14, “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.” The phrase “winds of doctrines” refers to the shifting and deceptive teachings that can lead us away from the truth. To avoid these spiritual dangers, we must be firmly grounded in the Word of God and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding.

The Doctrine of Demons

In 1 Timothy 4:1-2, the apostle Paul warns about the doctrine of demons, saying, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” This passage highlights the reality of spiritual deception and the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against false teachings that can lead us away from the truth.

False Teachers and False Prophets

The Scriptures are filled with warnings about false teachers and prophets who seek to lead God’s people astray. In Matthew 7:15-16, Jesus says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” Similarly, in 2 Peter 2:1-3, the apostle Peter warns, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.”

These passages emphasize the importance of discernment in identifying false teachers and prophets who may masquerade as genuine followers of Christ. We must examine their teachings in light of the Scriptures and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding.

Anti-Grace Teaching

In recent times, there has been a resurgence of anti-grace teaching that seeks to impose legalistic standards on believers, rather than trusting in the grace of God. This type of teaching is contrary to the gospel message, as emphasized in Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”

As Christians, we must guard against any teaching that undermines the grace of God and seeks to impose a performance-based standard for salvation and spiritual growth. We must remember that our salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Confusing Doctrines

In addition to outright false teachings, there are also doctrines that can be confusing and difficult to understand, leading some believers astray. The apostle Peter acknowledges this reality in 2 Peter 3:15-16, “and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.”

To avoid being led astray by confusing doctrines, we must be diligent in our study of the Scriptures and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding. We must also be cautious about interpreting Scripture through the lens of our own understanding or the teachings of others, recognizing that some things may be difficult to grasp without the wisdom and discernment provided by the Holy Spirit.

Extra-Biblical Revelations

While the Holy Spirit can provide us with wisdom and understanding as we study the Scriptures, we must be cautious about accepting extra-biblical revelations or teachings that claim to provide additional insight or divine guidance. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the apostle Paul emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture, stating, “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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

As Christians, we must be cautious about accepting any teaching or revelation that is not supported by the Scriptures. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding of the Scriptures and guard against any teaching that seeks to add to or detract from the Word of God.

Extra-Biblical Revelations and the Dangers of False Teachings

As Christians, we must be cautious about accepting extra-biblical revelations or teachings that claim to provide additional insight or divine guidance. The Scriptures emphasize the sufficiency of God’s Word and warn against adding to or detracting from its teachings (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Revelation 22:18-19). To avoid being led astray by false teachings, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding of the Scriptures and guard against any teaching that seeks to add to or detract from the Word of God.

Examples of Extra-Biblical Revelations and False Teachings

1. The Book of Enoch – The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish text that is not included in the canonical Scriptures. While some early church fathers referenced the book, it was ultimately rejected as part of the inspired Scriptures due to its questionable origins and teachings that contradicted the canonical Scriptures. As Christians, we must be cautious about accepting the Book of Enoch or any other non-canonical text as authoritative, recognizing that the Scriptures are sufficient for our spiritual growth and understanding.
2. The Book of Revelation of Mary – The Book of Revelation of Mary is another example of an extra-biblical text that claims to provide additional insight into the end times and the nature of God. This text, like many other non-canonical writings, contains teachings that contradict the canonical Scriptures and are not supported by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we must guard against the influence of such texts, recognizing that they can lead us astray and undermine our faith in the sufficiency of God’s Word.
3. The “Heaven Is for Real” Phenomenon – In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity of books and films that claim to provide firsthand accounts of visits to heaven or hell. These accounts often contain teachings that are not supported by the Scriptures and can lead believers astray. As Christians, we must be cautious about accepting such accounts as authoritative, recognizing that they can distract us from the core teachings of the gospel and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
4. The “the Passion Bible” – The “the Passion Bible” is another example of a text that claims to provide additional insight into the Scriptures, but ultimately undermines the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word. By adding to or altering the canonical Scriptures, such texts can lead believers astray and undermine their faith in the sufficiency of God’s Word.

Examples of Bad Interpretation and False Teaching in the Bible

The Scriptures provide us with numerous examples of individuals who fell prey to bad interpretation and false teaching, highlighting the dangers of these spiritual pitfalls. For example:

1. Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24) – Simon, a sorcerer in Samaria, was astonished by the power of the Holy Spirit and sought to purchase the ability to impart the Holy Spirit to others. This demonstrates the danger of seeking spiritual power for personal gain and the importance of recognizing the true source of spiritual authority.
2. The Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7-25) – King Saul, desperate for guidance from God, consulted a medium who claimed to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. This passage serves as a warning against seeking spiritual guidance from sources outside of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.
3. The Church of Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) – In the Book of Revelation, Jesus addresses the church of Ephesus, commending them for their perseverance and discernment in identifying false apostles but also rebuking them for having “left their first love.” This serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to the core teachings of the gospel and the danger of losing sight of our love for God and His Word.

The Doctrine of the Jews and Avoiding Judeizers in Christianity

In the early days of the Christian church, there was a significant struggle between those who sought to maintain the Jewish customs and laws, and those who believed that the teachings of Jesus had ushered in a new era of grace and freedom from the old covenant. The apostle Paul, in particular, faced significant opposition from those who sought to impose the doctrines and practices of Judaism upon Gentile believers, a group known as the “Judaizers.”

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul addresses this issue directly, warning the believers not to be entangled in the yoke of the Jewish ceremonial laws. In Galatians 2:21, he writes, “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Paul goes on to emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation and the dangers of attempting to earn righteousness through adherence to the Jewish law (Galatians 3:11-14).

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul further emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ, stating that Jesus has “broken down the middle wall of separation” between Jews and Gentiles, making them “one new man from the two” (Ephesians 2:14-15). This passage highlights the contrast between the old covenant, with its focus on adherence to the Jewish law, and the new covenant, which is based on faith in Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Avoiding the Dangers of Judeizers

As modern-day Christians, we must be cautious about the influence of those who seek to impose the doctrines and practices of Judaism upon the church. While there is value in understanding the historical and cultural context of the Scriptures, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of attempting to earn righteousness through adherence to Jewish customs and laws. Instead, we must trust in the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us in our understanding and application of the Scriptures.

In addition to the dangers of legalism, there is also the risk of adopting a form of syncretism, in which elements of Judaism are incorporated into Christian worship and practice. This can lead to confusion and misunderstanding, as well as a dilution of the core teachings of the gospel.

To avoid the dangers of Judeizers and the imposition of Jewish customs and laws, we must:

1. Remain grounded in the core teachings of the gospel, emphasizing the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our understanding and application of the Scriptures.
2. Be cautious about incorporating elements of Judaism into Christian worship and practice, recognizing that the new covenant has replaced the old and that our salvation is found in Christ alone.
3. Emphasize the unity of believers in Christ, recognizing that the “middle wall of separation” between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down, and that all who believe in Jesus are one in Him (Galatians 3:28).

Deeper Warnings and Scriptures Against Witchcraft, Fortune Tellers, and Speaking to the Dead

Witchcraft, fortune-telling, and speaking to the dead are practices that are strictly condemned in the Scriptures. These practices are rooted in deception and the seeking of spiritual knowledge and power outside of God’s will and guidance. As Christians, we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds against these spiritual dangers and the influences of those who engage in such practices.

Scriptures Against Witchcraft

The practice of witchcraft is explicitly condemned in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God commands the Israelites, “There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you.”

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul warns against witchcraft in his letter to the Galatians, listing it among the “works of the flesh” that are contrary to the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-21). Additionally, in Acts 19:18-19, we see an example of those who had practiced witchcraft coming to faith in Jesus Christ and confessing their sins, burning their books of magic in a public display of repentance.

Scriptures Against Fortune Tellers

The practice of fortune-telling, or divination, is also strictly condemned in the Scriptures. In Leviticus 19:26, God commands the Israelites, “You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor shall you practice divination or soothsaying.” Similarly, in Isaiah 47:12-14, the prophet Isaiah warns against the futility of seeking guidance from fortune-tellers and diviners.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul warns against divination in his letter to the Ephesians, stating that those who practice such things are “darkened in their understanding” and “alienated from the life of God” (Ephesians 4:17-19).

Scriptures Against Speaking to the Dead

The practice of speaking to the dead, or necromancy, is also strictly condemned in the Scriptures. In Deuteronomy 18:11, God commands the Israelites not to engage in such practices, stating, “There shall not be found among you anyone who… calls up the dead.” Similarly, in Leviticus 20:6, God declares that those who engage in such practices “shall be cut off from among their people.”

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul warns against the dangers of engaging in practices that seek to communicate with the dead, stating that such practices are rooted in deception and the influence of demonic spirits (1 Timothy 4:1-2). Additionally, in 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, Paul warns the believers not to participate in practices that involve the worship of demons, stating, “Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.”

The Admonitions to the Churches in the Book of Revelation: A Call to Faithfulness and Avoidance of False Doctrines

The Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, contains a series of letters from Jesus Christ to seven churches in Asia Minor. These letters serve as a powerful call to faithfulness and a warning against the dangers of false doctrines and spiritual compromise. As modern-day believers, we can learn much from these admonitions and apply their lessons to our own spiritual lives, guarding against the influences of bad doctrines and false teachings that can lead us astray.

In this article, we will examine each of the seven letters to the churches in the Book of Revelation, exploring their themes and the spiritual lessons they offer. We will also discuss the importance of avoiding bad doctrines and false teachings, and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us in our understanding of the Scriptures.

The Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation

1. Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7)

• Theme: The Church That Left Its First Love
• Admonition: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works” (Revelation 2:5).

The church in Ephesus is commended for its perseverance in the face of persecution and its steadfastness in rejecting false doctrines. However, Jesus also rebukes the church for having left its first love, which is a reference to their love for Him and the gospel. This serves as a warning to modern-day believers to guard against spiritual complacency and to continually nurture our love for Jesus and the gospel.

2. Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11)

• Theme: The Church That Endured Persecution
• Admonition: “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer… Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

The church in Smyrna is commended for its faithfulness in the face of persecution and poverty. Jesus encourages the believers to remain faithful, even unto death, promising them the crown of life as a reward for their perseverance. This serves as a powerful reminder to modern-day believers of the importance of remaining faithful to Jesus, even in the face of opposition and hardship.

3. Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17)

• Theme: The Church That Compromised with the World
• Admonition: “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth” (Revelation 2:16).

The church in Pergamos is commended for its steadfastness in the face of persecution, but Jesus also rebukes the church for its spiritual compromise. The believers had allowed false doctrines and practices to infiltrate the church, leading to spiritual confusion and division. This serves as a warning to modern-day believers to guard against spiritual compromise and to remain faithful to the truth of God’s Word.

4. Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29)

• Theme: The Church That Tolerated False Teachings
• Admonition: “Hold fast what you have till I come” (Revelation 2:25).

The church in Thyatira is commended for its love, service, faith, and patience, but Jesus also rebukes the church for its tolerance of false teachings and practices. The believers had allowed a false prophetess to lead many astray, promoting sexual immorality and the worship of idols. This serves as a powerful reminder to modern-day believers of the importance of guarding against false doctrines and teachers, and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us in our understanding of the Scriptures.

5. Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6)

• Theme: The Church That Had a Reputation for Being Alive, but Was Dead
• Admonition: “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent” (Revelation 3:3).

The church in Sardis is rebuked for its spiritual deadness, even though it had a reputation for being alive. Jesus calls the believers to repentance and to remember the truths they had received and heard, encouraging them to hold fast to the gospel. This serves as a warning to modern-day believers to guard against spiritual complacency and to continually nurture our spiritual lives, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our understanding of the Scriptures.

6. Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)

• Theme: The Church That Endured Persecution and Held Fast to the Gospel
• Admonition: “Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (Revelation 3:11).

The church in Philadelphia is commended for its faithfulness and endurance in the face of persecution. Jesus encourages the believers to hold fast to the gospel, promising them a reward for their faithfulness. This serves as a powerful reminder to modern-day believers of the importance of remaining faithful to Jesus and the gospel, even in the face of opposition and hardship.

7. Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22)

• Theme: The Church That Was Spiritually Lukewarm
• Admonition: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

The church in Laodicea is rebuked for its spiritual lukewarmness, which Jesus describes as being neither hot nor cold. Jesus calls the believers to repentance and to be zealous for the truth of the gospel, warning them of the consequences of remaining spiritually complacent. This serves as a powerful reminder to modern-day believers of the importance of zealously pursuing spiritual growth and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our understanding of the Scriptures.

The Importance of Avoiding Bad Doctrines and False Teachings

The admonitions to the churches in the Book of Revelation serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of avoiding bad doctrines and false teachings. As modern-day believers, we must guard against the influence of spiritual deception and the dangers of spiritual compromise. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding of the Scriptures and guard against any teaching that seeks to add to or detract from the core teachings of the gospel.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Understanding of the Scriptures

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding us in our understanding of the Scriptures and guarding against the influence of bad doctrines and false teachings. As we study the Scriptures and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will be equipped to discern the truth of God’s Word and avoid the spiritual dangers of deception and compromise.

The admonitions to the churches in the Book of Revelation serve as a powerful call to faithfulness and a warning against the dangers of bad doctrines and false teachings. As modern-day believers, we must guard against spiritual complacency and compromise, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our understanding of the Scriptures. By doing so, we will avoid the spiritual dangers of deception and remain faithful to the truth of God’s Word.

As Christians, we must be diligent in our study of the Scriptures and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding. We must guard against the winds of doctrines and false teachings that can lead us astray and remain steadfast in our commitment to the truth of God’s Word. By doing so, we will grow in our understanding of the Scriptures and avoid the spiritual dangers that can hinder our walk with Christ.

Why Tarot Cards Are Not Suitable in a Christian Church Setting or Believers’ Life

As the use of tarot cards continues to grow in popularity, some modern churches have attempted to introduce “Christian-themed tarot cards” as a means of spiritual guidance and direction. However, the use of tarot cards, even in a Christian context, is not compatible with biblical teachings and should be avoided by believers.

1. Divination and Occult Practices

The use of tarot cards is rooted in divination and occult practices, which are explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. The Bible warns against seeking guidance from sources other than God and His Word, and tarot cards fall squarely within this category.

• “There shall not be found among you anyone who… practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead” (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).
• “And do not seek to know the future, for the Lord your God will not tolerate it” (Ecclesiastes 7:14).

2. The Sufficiency of God’s Word

As Christians, we must rely on the sufficiency of God’s Word for spiritual guidance and direction. The Scriptures provide us with all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), and seeking guidance from external sources, such as tarot cards, undermines the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word.

• “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding believers in their spiritual journey, illuminating our understanding of the Scriptures and providing us with wisdom and discernment. Seeking guidance from external sources, such as tarot cards, undermines the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and places our trust in sources that are not rooted in biblical truth.

• “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26).

4. The Dangers of Spiritual Deception

The use of tarot cards opens believers up to the dangers of spiritual deception, as they may be led astray by false teachings and practices that are not rooted in biblical truth. As Christians, we must guard against the influence of spiritual deception and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our understanding of the Scriptures.

• “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).

The use of tarot cards, even in a Christian context, is not compatible with biblical teachings and should be avoided by believers. As Christians, we must rely on the sufficiency of God’s Word, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom and discernment that come from a deep understanding of the Scriptures. By doing so, we will avoid the spiritual dangers of deception and remain faithful to the truth of God’s Word.

Why Tithing Is Acceptable in the Old and New Testament, but the Prosperity Doctrine Is Not

Tithing, the practice of giving a portion of one’s income to support the work of the church, has a long history in both the Old and New Testaments. While the principle of tithing is upheld in the Scriptures, the prosperity doctrine, which claims that God wants to make believers wealthy, is not supported by biblical teachings. In this article, we will explore the biblical basis for tithing and examine why the prosperity doctrine is not compatible with the overall message of the Scriptures.

1. Tithing in the Old Testament

The practice of tithing can be traced back to the Old Testament, where it was instituted as a means of supporting the work of the priests and the maintenance of the temple.

• “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord” (Leviticus 27:30).

2. Tithing in the New Testament

While the specifics of tithing changed with the coming of the New Covenant, the principle of giving to support the work of the church remained an important aspect of Christian discipleship.

• “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made” (1 Corinthians 16:2).

3. The Prosperity Doctrine

The prosperity doctrine, which claims that God wants to make believers wealthy, is not supported by the overall message of the Scriptures. While God does promise to provide for our needs, the pursuit of wealth is not the central focus of the Christian life.

• “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
• “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:10).

4. The Dangers of the Prosperity Doctrine

The prosperity doctrine can lead believers astray, as they may be led to believe that their financial success is a sign of God’s favor and blessing. This can result in a misplaced emphasis on material wealth and the neglect of other important aspects of the Christian life, such as spiritual growth, service to others, and the pursuit of righteousness.

• “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).

While the principle of tithing is upheld in both the Old and New Testaments, the prosperity doctrine, which claims that God wants to make believers wealthy, is not supported by biblical teachings. As Christians, we must avoid the dangers of the prosperity doctrine and focus on the pursuit of spiritual growth, service to others, and the cultivation of a heart that is devoted to God and His righteousness. In doing so, we will avoid the spiritual dangers of materialism and remain faithful to the true message of the Scriptures.

“Not Adding to or Taking Away” from the Bible: A Method for Determining Biblical Teachings

As believers, our primary source of guidance and direction is the Bible, which is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. In order to ensure that our beliefs and practices are grounded in biblical truth, it is essential that we adhere to the principle of “not adding to or taking away” from the Scriptures.

1. The Principle of “Not Adding to or Taking Away”

The principle of “not adding to or taking away” from the Scriptures is rooted in the belief that the Bible is complete and sufficient for our spiritual needs. As such, we must be careful not to add to or take away from the teachings of the Scriptures, as doing so can lead to spiritual deception and confusion.

• “Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:5-6).
• “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19).

2. The Importance of Biblical teaching

In order to ensure that our understanding of the Scriptures is faithful to the original intent of the authors, it is essential that we employ sound principles of biblical hermeneutics, or the science of interpreting the Scriptures. This involves a careful study of the historical, cultural, and literary context of the biblical texts, as well as a commitment to reading and interpreting the Scriptures in light of the overarching message of the Bible as a whole.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit

As we study and interpret the Scriptures, we must rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates our understanding of the biblical texts and helps us to discern the truth of God’s Word.

• “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26).

4. The Dangers of Adding to or Taking Away from the Scriptures

The dangers of adding to or taking away from the Scriptures are numerous, as doing so can lead to spiritual deception, confusion, and division within the body of Christ. By adhering to the principle of “not adding to or taking away” from the Scriptures, we can guard against these dangers and remain faithful to the true message of the Bible.

In conclusion, the principle of “not adding to or taking away” from the Scriptures is essential for ensuring that our beliefs and practices are grounded in biblical truth. By adhering to this principle, employing sound principles of biblical hermeneutics, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can guard against spiritual deception and confusion and remain faithful to the true message of the Scriptures.