Definition: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a pretty significant one, and it speaks about the importance of following God’s word. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if someone starts to ignore or reject the teachings and promises given in the Bible, they will lose their place in God’s plan and be removed from the book of life – which is a special, holy part of Scripture. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Revelation 22:19” : This refers to a vision or prophecy described in the Book of Revelation. It's a message about the end times. “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy…” : This is the key part. It’s saying that anyone who starts reading and following God's instructions without understanding them will be causing problems. “…from the words of the book of life…” : The "book of life" refers to a special, eternal part of Scripture – the Bible itself. It’s a record of God’s relationship with humanity and promises of reward for those who follow His plan. “…and out of the holy city…” : The “holy city” is often interpreted as representing God's church or community – a place where believers are guided and protected. “…and [from] the things which are written in this book.” : This means that if someone ignores the Bible, they’ll be removed from the specific instructions and promises that are given to them. It’s like being banished from a special area of Scripture. What does it mean for us ? This verse is a warning and an encouragement. It tells us: Don't ignore God's message: We must always listen to, and follow, the teachings of the Bible. Respect the promises: Following God’s word means honoring His plans and keeping His commandments. Be warned: If we don't understand what the Bible is telling us, we risk losing our way and being excluded from the blessings of God. In short, this verse emphasizes that obedience to God’s Word is crucial for eternal life and belonging to God’s kingdom. Does that make sense? Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how to understand the message better?