Scripture has been Tainted (or is Corrupt) Argument

Isn't it interesting the number of religions which at the same time claim the Scriptures are tainted or corrupt in some form BUT then go on to suggest they (in some form... which is often clouded) hold to the Scriptures (in addition to their other "holy" books).

When confronted with this, one should immediately recognize the issue at hand. Those who seek to "add to" or "take from" the Scripture must in some way try to discredit portions of Scripture which stand in stark contrast to their deviations, or otherwise prove inconsistent.

Because of the exclusivity of Christ, of the Gospel, and of the truth, one cannot "add to" or "take from" them without departing from, changing, or opposing them.

These actions should not be taken lightly by those who commit them. The warning of Scripture sounds loud and clear: "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." Because of the exclusivity of the gospel (and the exclusive means of justificaion), by adding to it one actually takes from it and hence disqualifies themselves from it's reward. Likewise, by taking from it, one must add to make up the difference, thereby stripping it of it's power and imposing on it that which keeps it from attaining it's end. Either way, it's a futile effort. Only the gospel, in its pure, biblical, unique, and unaltered form is sufficient and able to provide salvation.

As apologists, anytime one comes across this, one should key in and press the issue on this point. It takes one straight to the gospel, where the wisdom, power, purity, and sufficiency of Christ is seen most clearly, and where the foolishness, weakness, corruption and insuffiencies of false hopes may be exposed through contrast.

For these reasons, it should not surprise us to find that so often those who proclaim they believe in the Bible in addition to their other holy books in practice and when pressed are found in the end in effect attempting to supplant the Bible with their own texts, for you cannot have it both ways. The suggestion and/or presumption that one can has gone unchallenged for too long; however, the Scripture speaks clearly to the issue.