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The emphasis in V. 18 of adding to, and V. 19 of taking away is indeed a dire
warning.
However, when the motive of the writer or reader is pure before God Almighty,
i.e. only to attempt to understand the Truth of God's Words, then there is
nothing to fear. The warning is given because demonic and satanically inspired
people will try to pervert the words, for many and varied purposes, all of which
are anti-God and anti-Christ.
This warning almost
certainly applies to those in the "Book of Life," and those living in the
context of Revelation, (see 22:19.) Having said that, there are many
probably sincere attempts to teach and understand Scripture and Revelation and
prophecies, which do not do justice to the Inspired Word of God, which probably
applies to most human efforts. However, it is the writer's conviction that where
sincere but maybe feeble effort is exerted by a person, the Holy Spirit enables,
and gives energy and understanding. Unfortunately we weak humans tend to
dogmatism, but when our hearts are open and sincere before our Lord and Master,
we can expect reward in the understanding of the Word.
Also to be considered is the reference in 2 Peter 1:20 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scriptures is of any private interpretation." This is badly translated and from the original text means that prophecy did not originate from men, but from the Holy Spirit through men of God, as is made clear in verse 21. Peter's comment in the above quote, has also been used by the Churches through the ages to stop individual people from thinking that they can understand Scripture on their own. The Church of England translators were following the Roman Church pattern, introducing priestly control of the Word, which started under Constantine and Helena, in the 4th century AD. The implication that only the church (English, Roman, or others) could interpret Scripture and particularly prophecy, gave control to them for many centuries, excluding the common man from God's Word. This phenomenon is still active, and many cults and so called "churches," will not allow questioning of their doctrine and teachings! An organisation which will not allow questioning of itself against Scripture, needs to be questioned! The early reformers and Bible translators suffered much martyrdom as they wrested the Bible from the Latin into common English and other European languages, away from the Roman church in Europe. Martin Luther himself was the subject of assassination attempts by the Roman church, but was protected by a rich and powerful sympathiser. The purpose of the following work is as a study aid. It is not intended to assume absolute accuracy, but there may be many similarities.
It is clear from chapter (1,) that the central theme is Jewish, which points to the re-starting of Jewish history, as opposed to human history. This implies that Israel is or soon will be AMMI, (my people) as opposed to LO-AMMI, (not my people,) (Hosea chapters 1 & 2.) Therefore the prophetic context of the early chapters will be the last 7 years (week) of the 70 week prophecy given to Daniel (Dan. 9:24 etc.) Many organisations teach that the early chapters of Revelation are historic, and point to the 7 churches of Asia (i.e. implying that they are the ones of Paul's ministry.) They conveniently omit the fact that 6 of them are of different name! Also, it is obviously apparent at the present time that Satan does not reside at Pergamon!, with the horrific events of the time that he has his throne at Pergamon (Rev. 13.) These events lead to Armageddon, but those who trust Christ for Salvation (John 3:16,) in the opinion of the writer, do not experience this event. Also commonly taught is that the horrific events described in Revelation are allegoric and not actual. That is truly "taking away" and will have its own reward. A third common teaching is that all of Revelation applies to Israel only, again, distortion of the mind and understanding is required to make such fit the text. The title "Revelation," (Greek; apokalupsis) means; the Unveiled Christ. That unveiling is to be for Israel, the nations, and for the vanquishing of Satan; and the setting up by Messiah Christ Jesus of 1000 years of earthly reign by Him from Jerusalem (this is called The Millennial Reign of Christ.) As will be seen later, Christ's work is not completed until the end of the 1000 years Reign.
The main Bible used in this work is the Companion, which is the Authorised
text. For translation from the Greek and Hebrew, the Interlinear from the "TEXTUS
RECEPTUS," or Received Text. Reference is made to various works including
Dr.
Bullinger, Encyclopaedia Britannica etc. The text of the Authorised version
which we are using is corrected to change omissions, mistranslations, and
synonyms, which were done mainly in AD 1611 by Church of England translators
largely to conform to church doctrine, and is our effort to attempt to conform
to the ancient manuscripts.
*Key:
INT. = Interlinear
STR. = Strong's Number
NIV. = New International Version
COMP = Companion Bible
E.B. = Encyclopaedia Britannica
All other references given in full. This work should not
be read, unless the reader is prepared to critically analyse it against
Scripture, from start to finish, as much will be missed by "delving" a
few chapters, and the complete meaning missed.
The purpose of this joyful labour, is the continuing search for TRUTH, and to put on record what we believe are necessary corrections of worldwide teaching error which is prevalent in most churches and groups. With few exceptions, whether church, chapel, old sect or new sect, the truth of personal salvation (Acts 4:12,) and the future of the world is not taught from the Bible; which is the only source of Truth (2Tim. 3:16.) In fact men, and women, (and these include Phds in Theology,) are standing against the Bible, stating that it is "only a book written by men, with many changes over time!" To take that position puts the person concerned against Almighty God and His Holy Spirit (who is the author of the Bible,) and His marvellous Love for humankind, and in direct opposition to Him and His direct statement (Isaiah 45:22,) with the inevitable result described in Revelation! Every human being has the right and privilege to find that Truth, without hindrance from others, no matter what position or title they hold in society. The length of time left to accept the Grace of the Almighty in Christ is undoubtedly short, prior to the events described in Revelation! In our case, Acts 4:12 became a reality in the 1960s. Sorting out Biblical fact and fiction started in earnest in 1986, after the wonderful revealing of Acts. 28:28; "The Key that fits." http://hometown.aol.co.uk/lloydnook/myhomepage/christianity.html This was after many years of Bible study, and living prayerfully with and through various groups teachings; which lead to confusion and perplexity, as they did not hold veracity under scrutiny. In our experience, when teachers or leaders are sincerely questioned, they are usually resistant and defensive, holding their group dogma, rather than turning to the Word in sincerity and prayer. The Ecumenical movement instigated by Rome, has dulled the senses of most denominations to the extent that even Salvation by Grace is no longer taught to the congregations, instead the teaching is "there are many ways to God!" This apostasy negates Acts 4:12, and the Bible. This of course plays into the hands of Satan, and his anti-Christ. The words of Miles Coverdale eventually gave the start of enlightenment, "It will greatly help understanding of Scripture to see what is spoken or written, by whom, to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goes before and what follows." He was supremely qualified to make such comment, having translated from the Latin (Jerome,) to the English. Just at the right moment for us, the Companion Bible was presented. This is a work of biblical scholarship which we feel is without equal, by Dr. E.W. Bullinger, who was a Greek and Hebrew scholar. The text is the King James 1611 Authorised, with large margin for comment on the best manuscript comparison. When the understanding of Israel's prophetic position dawned, the Bible unlocked, and The Almighty's message and meanings unfolded!
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