DEUTERONOMY 4:1-2: “Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers is giving you. You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: What is the pathway to life? What is the difference between struggling through life and walking in the abundant life that Jesus promised? Why do we see so many falling away from their faith in this present day?

Why do so many miss the pathway of life?

The answer to these questions is as simple as the principles of addition and subtraction. If we add to God’s Word or if we subtract from God’s Word – we will fall short of the life He has given us. We will either walk in a state of spiritual anemia or we will fall away from the faith altogether.

Every week it seems like another high-profile Christian leader falls away from the faith. Just today a well-known pastor of another mega church turned away from his faith to follow Islam. How can someone turn from the Light of the World to the darkness that prevails? How can one who has professed Jesus Christ walk away from His love and provision?

It is a matter of addition and subtraction!

This is not merely an Old Testament principle. Some would object to using an Old Testament text to make a point. However, as we read the pages of Scripture, and as we listen to the teachings of Jesus, we find that this is a spiritual principle that we cannot ignore. Jesus proclaims this truth in many of His teachings. Here are just a few.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Joh 1:1 NKJV)

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one title will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mat 5:17-20 NKJV)

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (Joh 8:31-32 NKJV)

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (Joh 10:9-10 NKJV)

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (Joh 15:7-11 NKJV)

And, finally, Jesus speaks to us in the closing words of the book of Revelation.

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev 22:16-20 NKJV)

The Children of Israel ultimately did not heed these words. Instead of flourishing in the promised land, they ended up being conquered and dispersed by both the Assyrian and Babylonian kingdoms. Today, many in the church are forsaking these words. We see the results in many turning away from the faith and whole denominations leaving the faith once and for all delivered to the saints.

It is not easy to remain faithful to God’s Word – yet it is crucial if we desire to fulfill the call and mission of God in our day. Every force in this world both within and without our lives is trying to get us to compromise the teachings of Scripture and create a God after our own likeness and choosing.

The cross calls us to die to these influences. The empty tomb calls us to embrace the power of His resurrection and the presence of the Holy Spirit to stand strong in these days of compromise. As we approach God’s Word we do so reverently and in humility. We know that fullness of God’s light and life are found only in the perfect Word of God. If we struggle with God’s Word the answer is repentance and surrender.

As I surrender to God’s Word in humility, repentance, and faith, I receive the grace and faith to stand against the conventional wisdom of the day. I see through the deceptive lies of this world and the enemy of our souls. I stand in the power of God’s truth and the Light of His life. As I walk in His Word I meet the Good Shepherd of my soul who leads me, protects me, and renews my soul.

There has never been a day in my life that I need God’s Word more than today. With a 24/7 barrage of worldly wisdom coming at me from all angles I need an anchor that can keep me steady and a light that can lead me forward. That anchor and that light is the unchanging, unfailing, unalterable Word of God!

“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”

Lord, help me to abide in You as I abide in Your Word!

In Jesus’ Name!