Don Stewart :: Has God Revealed Anything Further to Humanity since the First Century?

Jesus gave His approval to the thirty-nine books that make up our Old Testament. He also promised that His apostles would be guided into all truth. The twenty-seven books that make up the New Testament all give testimony to their authority. The question then arises, "Has God, since that time, revealed anything that is to be added to Holy Scripture?"

The Claims Do Not Make It True

The mere claim that God spoke to an individual does not make it true. There has to be evidence to back up the claim. The question is, "Does the evidence support the claim that God spoke through them?" The Bible instructs us to test the spirits.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

When we test the claims of those who have brought forth a "new Scripture" we find them to be untrue. The downfall of all the books that have had authority claimed for them is that they present a different revelation from what has previously been recorded. They contradict the Bible.

No Book Qualifies As Authoritative

Every book written since the completion of the Bible that claims to be further revelation from God fails on the same ground. They all deny that Jesus Christ is God Himself, Second Person of the Trinity. These works also deny salvation by grace through faith. They preached a different gospel. The Apostle Paul warned the church at Galatia about such people.

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel . . . But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:6,8).

There Is No Objective Evidence Of Divine Revelation

Furthermore, there is no substantiating evidence such as fulfilled prophecy to demonstrate the books are of divine inspiration. Thus, as we examine the various books that have been written since the completion of the New Testament that have claimed to be further revelation from God, we find them coming short of the mark. The Bible warns.

Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who put their trust in him. Do not add to his words, lest he reprove you and you be found a liar (Proverbs 30:5,6).

Moses wrote.

You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you (Deuteronomy 4:2).

The Lord told Jeremiah.

This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the LORD's house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the LORD. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word (Jeremiah 26:2).

No Other Book Has Ever Been Accepted

It must also be recognized that Bible-believing Christians have never, in any large number, argued for the inclusion of any new authoritative book to be added to Scripture. There are no candidates.

The Proper Perspective Must Be Understood

The writer to the Hebrews gives the proper perspective on this matter.

God, after he spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the world. (Hebrews 1:1,2).

He contrasts the former things that the prophets spoke with that which was revealed in the last days. The fact that God has now spoken to humanity by means of His Son indicates a finality of divine revelation. Nothing more is necessary.

Summary

There is no evidence that God has revealed any thing to humanity since the first century. Although books have made the claim to be given by God these claims do not make them true. As these works are examined we find no evidence of divine authority. There is no such thing as fulfilled prophecy as is found in Scripture. Furthermore there are teachings found in all of these so-called holy books that are at odds with what the Bible says. Finally Scripture warns believers about false writings from those who claim divine authority.