How Is This Not adding to the Word of God?

Let's put it this way. You have a Bible verse in the O.T. Let's say the verse has 5 words in it. These 5 words all have Strong's numbers and are legitimate words consisting of consonants.

BMI is saying that the vowel points found in these 5 words – let's say 10 vowel points – are also words. This means, according to what they are teaching, that that verse does not have 5 words. But it has 15 words. They also believe these ten extra words have meaning due to the names of the vowel points. And that God gave the vowel points this meaning because their names are taken from Scripture.

You think this is not going to impact Bible study?

When EBF looks at the verse we search out 5 words.

But when BMI looks at the verse they claim to search out 15 words.

If what I'm saying is incorrect why doesn't BMI tell me I'm getting what they are saying all wrong? I've pointed this very thing out to them more than a few times now and I keep hearing BMI saying the vowel points are words.

How is this not adding to the Word of God?

Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things,

There are two issues. The first, and most serious issue is the claim that vowel points are words. This is the big issue because it adds to the Word of God. No matter what else is being said about vowel points this is the thing that cannot be overlooked.

The second issue has to do with whether or not vowel points are inspired by God. Whether or not God originally had prophets write the Hebrew Scriptures down with vowel points or without vowel points. It is clear to me that the Scriptures were given by God without vowel points and I've given reasons why. If people want to continue searching this out. That's up to them. By the way, BMI has been studying this for 5 years. I do not think they have any additional thing to say to support their view regarding the vowel points. My guess is, that over the last 5 years BMI has been building upon a conclusion (an erroneous conclusion) that the vowel points are inspired and are words and have been developing things based on that. EBF is not going to wait for a Bible study from BMI or from anyone else to make our decision.

How are people to know? Psalm 119 is an enormous help. They are no vowel points in the Hebrew alphabet. The only letters are consonants. And you can only make words with letters found in the alphabet. That's it. Simple truth. No need to get into all the other history and reading theologians pro and con. Psalm 119 confirms it. You do not see it. And you wish to continue studying and checking it out as a Berean. Okay. But just because you do not see the truth on this issue does not mean there isn't a truth and that others cannot see that truth. God will lead His people into truth. The Spirit is our safety net. And the receptor God has placed within each elect child of God will direct us as we hear His voice. His voice is speaking in Psalm 119.

Again, two issues. Both serious. But one is deadly serious because it touches upon adding to the Word of God. I wouldn't have come out against this as I have if I didn't think this was a violation of Revelation 22:18. I like the people at BMI. They have helped EBF over the years. As a matter of fact, after May 21, 2011, no one was helping EBF except for BMI. I haven't forgotten that. I still greatly appreciate and will never forget the help given to me and EBF by them. Which is why I do not like having to do this. I have never said anything about the things BMI teaches in the past. But when it comes to the integrity of the Word itself, I cannot be quiet and say nothing because of personal feelings. Especially, when I know numbers of people listening to them also listen to EBF.

I would hope (and pray) that BMI turns back from saying vowel points are words. This is the violation of Revelation 22:18.

On the second issue, okay, they believe the vowel points were given by God. That's their prerogative. I believe this understanding will hinder rather than help Bible study. But at least, they are not saying the vowel points are words.