Revelation 22:18-19
What is written? (ESV)
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.
What does it say?
I warn everyone hearing this not to add to or take away anything from it. If anyone adds to these words, God will add to him the plagues described herein. If anyone takes away from them, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city described herein.
What is its immediate context?
The closing verses of John’s apocalyptic visions, testified by Jesus (vs 20).
How Revelation 22:18-19 is applied across Bible answers
Can we answer every Bible question?
We cannot add to God's word (e..g answer questions that are not answered in His word).
Can we interpret Bible prophecy?
We are warned not to add to or take away from God's word. Whether this is specific to just the book of Revelation or the collection of books that are the Bible, the truth remains.
Is instrumental music in worship authorized?
Adding to God's word amounts to spiritual death just as much as taking away does.
Is sola scriptura (scripture alone) enough?
The stern warning not to add to, or take away from, "the words of the prophecy of this book," applies to Revelation, but by extension applies to God's words in general.
