So you’re talking to someone and you ask them if you could give them a Book of Mormon. Immediately they jump back as if they just saw a rattlesnake. “I’m not going to read that book because the Bible says that you shouldn’t add to or take away from it. You Mormons are trying to add scripture to the Bible and are cursed for it.”
Whenever I hear this, my eyes light up like I’m standing in a batters box and someone just lobbed me a giant softball. The people that are still using this argument are referring to Revelation 22:18. (Most people don’t really know where the scripture is that they are referring to so its helpful if you know where it is so that you can open up to it for them.) The scripture says “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.
“The Bible (from Koine Greek τὰ βιβλία, tà biblía, “the books”) is a canonical collection of texts considered sacred in Judaism and Christianity. There is no single “Bible” and many Bibles with varying contents exist.” Riches, John (2000). The Bible: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 7–8.
So… each of the books within the Bible are considered separate books. Most Bibles have 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books for a sum total of 66 total books in the Bible. None of them are in chronological order which is a very important thing to know in the context of the argument. See, most people believe that because the Book of Revelation is last, that it must have been the end of the Bible and that John the Revelator is referring to the entire Bible as we now have it. However, John had no idea when he received this revelation that his book was going to be last or that the Bible was even going to contain 66 books. Heck, most scholars believe that he wrote the Gospel According to John after he had written down the Revelation on the isle of Patmos.
The key is to review the wording of the verse. Notice “this book” in bold that pops out at you twice. “This book” is referring to the the prophecy contained within the Book of Revelation. It’s not referring to any other book in what we have today as “The Bible”. Check out Deut 4:2 “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it” and Proverbs 30:6 “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” If we are to apply the same argument from Revelation 22:18, then the entire New Testament could be considered null and void because it is “in addition” to the word of God that was already established in the Old Testament.
The Book of Mormon or latter day scripture does not add to or take away from “the prophecy” in that book, The Book of Revelation, in any way, shape, or form. Most scholars and pastors don’t even use this argument or tell it to their congregations anymore because it is so obvious and easy to explain.
God always has added His voice and additional insight to his “Word” through prophets and it would take a revelation from God to tell the world that He has closed His cannon and we can expect nothing more from Him. I am not aware of that Revelation having taken place. If you are…then comment below with where its located.
Canon, not cannon. Sorry, I get a little OCD, but otherwise its a great article
18 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, 19 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
If John was referring to the book of Revelation only, then why would he mention the tree of life, plagues and the holy city, which are found in, and described in the Old Testament?
I think John was talking about the Bible. All of it.
Revelation 9, 11, 15, 16, 18, and 21 all mention the plagues that accompany the 7th seal.
The Tree of Life is talked about at the beginning of Revelation 22.
Have you actually read the Bible or is this just an attempt to stir the pot?
Also, every translation of the Bible is different and the verbiage of these verses are slightly different. Wouldn’t the curse be on those who have re-translated the words to mean something other than the original intent of John?
I loved this article and found it very straightforward and logical. The one other point is how many councils were held to add and remove different “books” from canonized scripture? In the original Nicaean there were over 1000 texts written by Prophets and Apostles that were whittled down into the narrow view of all the revelations the Children of God have ever received. Dozens of meetings were held periodically to change what was included in the Bible and what was left out moving forward. The Book of Revelation has to stand independent from the collective Bible with reference to these verses because it doesn’t make sense for it otherwise. The Book of Mormon is absolutely true and never have I met a person who’s life has turned out worse for reading it and abiding by the precepts taught inside. All there is to lose is a little bit of time reading and sincerely asking about it, but the best possible outcome is you realize it is true and voids you never realized existed become filled.
Hi Morgan! No pot stirring here. I was just giving my opinion, which is what I think Greg was asking for..our thoughts. I read the Bible everyday. I feel the same way about the Bible as you do the Book of Mormon. The Bible is absolutely true and life changing. I feel that by reading the Bible, you have nothing to “lose” at all. Jesus is my Lord and Savior, and spending time in the Word, blesses me daily. Hebrews 4:12 Shine on!
There is definitely nothing to lose by reading The Bible. I grew up loving (and still do love) the many stories and accounts of righteous individuals who loved God and served him with all their hearts, like Shadrak, Mishak and Abednigo, what extreme faith they must have had when they were thrown into the firey furnace and came out unharmed. It’s the same with The Book Of Mormon, with its accounts of Abainadi defying the wicked king noah and Helamens thousand strippling warriors who went into battle and because of their faith, not a single one of them died, but most of all the account of when Jesus personally visited the early inhabitants of the Americas. I love it equally as much as The Bible. The Book Of Mormon is a companion to The Bible, a second witness of the divinity of Christ as the Messiah and His mission. Together they help strengthen ones faith and testimony in God.
Becca, the tree of life, plagues, and the holy city (Zion, or New Jerusalem) are all talked about in Revelation, as referenced by “which are described in this book.” Therefore, “this book” could still just as easily be talking about the Book of Revelation–which is more likely than referring to the whole Bible for the reasons stated in the article.
The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead and as such has the power and authority to tell us what is right and wrong. I do not ask anyone to simply believe the Book of Mormon is true, but to read it and pray about it, sincerely and with real intent. I know that if you do this, you will receive an answer from the Holy Ghost. For me, doing that felt peaceful, but also like a turning on of a light switch, where what once was dark and hard to make out is now clear. I was suddenly more sure of it’s truth than anything else in my life. I know this came from God, because as it says in Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” Also, the peace I felt was not like that of the world, which is fleeting, but it has sustained me through all of my life’s hardships and trials. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Don’t be afraid to read the Book of Mormon. I know it’s from God, and I know that it testifies that Jesus Christ lives and loves us. I know Christ is my Savior and has shown us the way to true and lasting happiness. Read more of His words in the Book of Mormon
Galatians 1:8. In any translation.
What he said in Galatians means unless An Apostle or an Angel comes to you, don’t change it. An angel came to Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon does not add to the Bible. It adds to the Witness of God’s Love for us, however.
Me again. 🙂
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. Hebrews 1:1-4.
There is nothing left to be said. Jesus IS God’s final word.
Hope this helps answer your question, Greg!
I would like to point out one thing concerning your comment about God speaking through the prophets and then through His Son. First off, the old testament prophet Amos said that God will do nothing, surely He revealeth His secrets through His servants, the Prophets. He didn’t put a time stamp on that, he said will do nothing. Secondly, there was a prophet after Christ. Acts, chapter 21, verse 10: And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judæa a certain prophet, named Agabus. So, here is a Prophet, Agabus, who comes down after Christ has already ascended back up to Heaven. Jesus was not God’s final word, however, He was, and IS, our Saviour and our Redeemer.
Hi Elder B!
Hebrews was written after the Book of Acts, but that is beside the point. Everything God wanted us to know is in the Bible!
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. John 1:1-2.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
It has always been about Jesus. The scriptures are God’s Word, and Jesus IS the Word. After Jesus, there was, and is, no need for prophets. I’ll say it again…There is nothing left to be said. Jesus IS God’s final word. And for you to say that He is not? Wow, Elder.
Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I came to know this truth, and believe it with my whole heart, through the Bible, the living word of God. Shine on!
“One of the reasons why it needs no special education to be a Christian is that Christianity is an education itself.” C.S. Lewis
Let’s just agree to disagree, and to keep on shining on! John 8:12
Hey E! Thanks for the response!
I would just like to point out, in verse 8 he says; But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach…” To me, that is saying, Unless we, or an angel….; you are right, he does not outright say unless, but to me he does 🙂
you’re stupid
That revelation has taken place. It was stated in the Qur’an, actually. I am not saying God said he is done contributing etc, but he did say there would be no more prophets after Mohammed. So, how can Joseph Smith be a prophet? He came after Mohammed, correct? Listen, I am not trying to be rude or to just disagree for the fun of it. I am just not educated enough on Mormonism. I have been close to many fine Mormans in my life, and I would never discriminate just because I don’t see how they can believe something that sounds so very fabricated to my ignorant ears. With all due respect, I am hoping to learn.
I just wanted to state that I agree with your last statement. It is so easy to get lost in the arguments of religion that we sometimes fail to allow ourselves to worship Christ all together, despite our religion. But I did want to also point one more thing out. Referring to the scripture reference you gave above, The Book of Mormon is not preaching another gospel. It is simply another witness of Jesus Christ that is to be paired with the Bible in order to testify of the Savior. The Book of Mormon falls in complete harmony with the Bible and teaches the same gospel. That gospel being the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ. 🙂
The scriptures do warn us about other gospels (Gal. 1:8-9) and as a former LDS I know the mormon gospel is another gospel as it contradicts the bible many times and teaches of a different God and multiple gods.
Andrea; I think that the Protestant community had best resolve their own doctrinal differences with the Bible and with Gal. 1:8-9 before coming across the street to remind us “Mormons” how deluded
we are.
The divergence in belief concerning Baptism, is it necessary or not, does it matter if it follows the New Testament or not is one item. Salvation of man via grace or works is another.
Get “your” own house in order before using Gal. as an attack on the LDS church.
Or, more to the point, good luck in pulling out that spiritual beam out of your eye, before worrying about the dust spoke in mine.
John, if you are going to stick to Rev.22:18 then please tell me which of the plagues mentioned in the New Testament did Joseph Smith die from? I don’t seem to recall John and company writing about musket ball and gunshot wounds in the Bible.
It’s in proverbs 30:5-6.