The U.S. Constitution is a document created by man and is thus subject to change. The men who created this document provided the means and capability to amend it. However, only through these procedures can the U.S. Constitution be amended. Procedures for amending this document are derived from Article 5 of the Constitution. An amendment may be proposed either by the Congress with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the State legislatures. Finally, the proposed amendment becomes part of the Constitution as soon as it is ratified by three-fourths of the States. This is the process that must be used.

Unlike the U. S. Constitution, God's Word does not require changes. As Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Peter joins Paul in stating in 1 Peter 1:25, "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." Does that which is described above, as inspired by God, thoroughly furnishing us to all good works, and enduring forever, sound like something that will ever require amending?

The Word does address those who will attempt to amend God's Word. Jesus addresses those individuals in Matthew 15:7-9 where He states, "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Paul deals with those who seek to "improve" the gospel when he states in Galatians 1:6-8, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." When we seek to amend God's Word, we are accursed.

Finally, I leave with you John's warning that closes out the book of Revelation, where he writes, "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out to the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book," (Revelation 22:18-19). It is clear that we are not authorized to amend God's Word. Adding to or taking away from God's Word leads only to our destruction.

Charles Royal, Decatur, AL