The four closing verses include a warning
to those who may have the tendency to change the message by additions or subtractions.
Latter Day Saints have been unjustly accused by those who do not understand
these verses of “adding” to the word of God. Latter Day Saints have brought no
changes into “the book of this prophecy.” We justly claim a revelation from God
which this book proves. When we came to “the mystery of God” we saw that this
mystery had found its fulfillment in the three earthbound angels (14:6-9). But
this is not an addition. It is a fulfillment of predictions.
Those, however, who point the accusing
finger have in mind any revelation that may come from God. John was not
condemning continued revelation. Had he had this in mind, his book would be
false in spite of all the witnessing and authority he is claiming for it. Moses
said the same thing before (Deut. 4:1, 2; 12:32), and if we are to interpret
these words to mean the cessation of all revelation, then the books of the
Bible following Deuteronomy are all false. John means that no addition or subtraction
be introduced by any man in the “prophecy of this book” of which he is the
author under the direction of God. (George A. Njeim, Insights into the Book
of Revelation: As Illuminated by the Book of Mormon [Lawrence, Kans.:
George A. Njeim, 1970], 243-44)
Further
Reading:
Not
By Scripture Alone: A Latter-day Saint Refutation of Sola Scriptura
