CONTINUOUS REVELATION

by Kevin Rutherford

 

What are we to say those churches which claim to have received revelations from God that are in addition to the Bible?  Should we accept their subjective testimony and follow the latest revelations?  No!  God has completed His revelation to man.  He is no longer revealing His will to mankind.  He does not whisper in peoples’ ears.  He does not put a new revelation on their hearts. He has given no additional will and testament.  He has revealed no other gospel.

How do I know this?  How can I say to someone who claims to have received a latter day revelation from God that they are wrong?  I know they are wrong because of what the Bible says.  Most of those who claim faith in Christ Jesus will say that they believe the Bible comes from God.  That is a good start. However, most will not abide by what is written in the word of God, and all denominations hold to doctrine that contradicts what is found within the scripture. If what they teach contradicts what is found in the Bible then it is not a later revelation from God.

Consider with me a very important verse.  In 1 Corinthians 14:37 Paul said, “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.”  Paul is speaking of those who would claim to have further revelation from God.  Concerning those he said they need to pay attention to that which is written.  In other words, the written commands of God take precedence over anything that comes later.  The New Testament was completed by the end of the first century.  It is the written word of God.  It is the “scriptures.”  The word “scripture” refers to “a writing, thing written….the holy scripture (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon).”  That which is written is scripture. That which was written in the first century takes precedence over anything that would come later.

Now consider this very important point.  If later revelations are from God, then why do they conflict with the scriptures?  Why would God contradict Himself and confuse the whole world?  The scriptures say, “For God is not the author of confusion... (1 Corinthians 14:33).”  The later “revelations” of the Roman Catholic Pope, councils, and traditions more often than not conflict with the scripture.  For example, the Roman Catholic tradition establishes the pope as the head of the church on this earth while the Bible clearly teaches that Christ is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18).  The Bible mentions no pope and establishes no such office.  The later “revelations” of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) more often than not conflict with the scriptures also.  The Book of Mormon is supposed to be another testament, or a later revelation from God.  This book says Jesus was born in Jerusalem (Alma 7:10).  The scriptures say Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7).

Since the completion of the New Testament God has given men no new revelations.  All such claims are arrogantly false.  Men who bring different teaching are bringing another gospel and are accursed (Galatians 1:6-10).  Don’t be accursed along with them.