Does Revelation 22:18 Condemn the Book of Mormon?

"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." - Revelation 22:18

Many Christians wonder if this passage speaks directly to the extra biblical books of Mormonism, specifically the Book of Mormon. In our opinion it does not. The context of verse 18 seems to speak directly to the book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible written by the apostle John while he was in exile on the island of Patmos.

In the November 20, 1999 issue of the LDS Church News (p.14), an article entitled "Warning applies to the book of Revelation" quotes LDS president Howard Hunter, who, while serving as an apostle for the LDS Church, responded to this query by saying, "A careful reading of the words makes it clear that the warning against adding or taking away does not refer to the whole Bible or even to the New Testament, but to use John's words, on the words of the 'book of this prophecy.' That is, the prophecy contained in the book of Revelation."

We would agree. Still, confining this warning to just the book of Revelation does not get Joseph Smith off the hook entirely. Actually, the Bible contains other warnings regarding those who would attempt to put words in God's mouth. These include Deuteronomy 4:2; "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." And Proverbs 30:6 states "Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."

If both passages were strictly speaking to the problem of adding scripture to the canon, it could be argued that nothing should have been written (or accepted) after Moses penned Deuteronomy since it contains the first of such admonitions. In both cases these passages address the temptation for anyone to presumptuously speak for God. God does not take lightly those who would pretend to speak for Him when they were not authorized to do so. In fact, to be found guilty of speaking for God when God did not speak warranted the death penalty according to Deuteronomy 18:20, "But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die."

The real issue lies in whether or not Joseph Smith was really acting as a mouthpiece for the Almighty. Did he truly reflect the mind and will of God by his teachings? Or did he inject his own views into what is today referred to as the "restored gospel"? Since it is obvious that his teachings conflict in many respects with those of the Bible, we must choose the latter.

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[myrevelations2012]

The books were a great read but not one mention of baptism which Jesus actually went through with his mentioned "one before him" I have never read changes in the the King James version of the Bible which Mormons use with Faith

[myrevelations2012]

My response is this "If any man shall add to these things" it is completely referring to the Book of Revelations not the whole bible. John was and has been the only one that has been shown these things. I worry about one thing with all the evangelicals right now that in all their movies which I enjoy watching like Left Behind etc..

[jferristube]

@GmaM11

All their learning and knowledge of the scripture at the time and they "Missed" it.

Got it All wrong Then and still get it wrong today as a people.In fact they will only finally "get it" when He does return to save them from complete annhialation when the whole world will be united against them.When the resurrected Christ will return showing them he Is/Was the Christ who their ancestors had slain.

[jferristube]

@GmaM11

Hebrew roots???

not tryin to be flippant or condescending here but if the Hebrew were on the "ball" then how come they Didnt "get it" when their god showed up. Didnt "Know" understand or Believe He was who He said He was.

The Literal Son of God and put Him to death.

[jferristube]

I have learned from the words of Prophets of Old and modern day prophets of today but most of all. I have learned truth from God through the teacher of All truth.The Holy Ghost as promised us by Christ himself.

I say this Not to offend but as a clear statement of truth.

I know that statement will offend. many

[jferristube]

@GmaM11 God would become the son of a man, in the physical sense.

God here is reference to Jesus in the flesh.Right?

You said it.A Man! His Father is God the Father who Is A Man.

What you mean he walked the earth as a man according to our "Perception?"He Was a man.Nothin But.

He gained Immortality from His Father( God the Father) and Mortality from His Mother.Certainly He was the

Son of God in the Flesh as He testified of Himself

A christian Jewish Rabbi?

Cont...

[GmaM11]

@jferristube Son of Man is an Hebrew idiom for the tetragrammaton (YHWH) It is one of many names, indicating their understanding that God would become the son of a man, in the physical sense. They also call Him YHWH Yirah (provider), Adonai and so on. Yes, He walked the earth as a man according to our perception, but He was not a man, but God in the flesh. I have been fortunate to study with a great Christian teacher who is also a Jewish Rabbi. Hebrew Roots clears up much misunderstanding..

[jferristube]

@hammerogod If they disagree on anything god has said then one perhaps evn both have the wrong interpretation.Christ said man must live by Every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of god.You cannot say that agreeing to only "parts" of His Gospel is all Honkeydorie mate..To say that about basic gospel principles Is indeed heresy.We believe that God will Yet reveal many more great and important things partaining to His Kingdom.The Bible does Not contain all He desires us to know of Him..

[jferristube]

@hammerogod Waite a minute.God was never a Man?Did Jesus not walk the earth as a Man?Genesis says we are created in His image.Did Christ not refer to Himself as 'The Son of Man"?Thereyago.From the lips of the Savior Himself declaring the nature of God the Father along with the testimony of Moses Peter Steven and many others who testify to Gods attributes.So where does god live then?Where does Christ reside now.If he dosnt have his physical resurrected body then he must have died again

[badgarcia]

1)your jesus is brother to lucifer. Christian's Jesus is his creator. 2)your jesus is exalted man. Christian's Jesus is God Himself 3)your jesus born of virgin birth but impregnated by immortal man. Christian's Jesus - God incarnate begotten of the Holy Spirit 4)your god attained his "godhood" Christian's God has always been God. 5)your jesus' blood doesn't cover all sins. Christian's Jesus' blood covers ALL sin. - Your beliefs are in direct contradiction with the Word of God