. . . verses 18 and 19 are a warning
that is meant to preserve the integrity of the text. No one must add or take
away from the words of Revelation (cf. Deuteronomy 4:2). The warning is
formulaic in ancient documents and applies specifically to the coping and
transmission of the text itself, not to its interpretation, though it could be
argued that the attempt to insert a rapture into the book of Revelation does
constitute adding to “the words of the prophecy of this book.” The last words
of Jesus in the book of Revelation are the words repeated three times in this
section: “I am coming quickly.” The promise of Jesus’ return at the end of the
age is reiterated, and John responds with, “Amen.” (James L. Papandrea, The
Wedding of the Lamb: A Historical Approach to the Book of Revelation [Eugene,
Oreg.: Pickwick Publications, 2011], 154)
Further Reading:
Not By Scripture Alone: A Latter-day Saint Refutation of Sola Scriptura
