Most fictional books that I’ve read are old classics by people like Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. I did wonder if any of these deserve sequels, but I don’t like the notion of adding to something that already seems quite complete. I can’t think of any examples, but if someone were to create a Pride and Prejudice Part 2 book and TV series, I’d imagine that I’d hate it 😀.
And spiritually, the Bible was completed in the first century AD. It doesn’t need a sequel. The next big event is the second coming of Jesus. Over the centuries, people have claimed new revelations and created new books. I personally don’t see any of these as revelations. Perhaps I could see them as hopes and speculations. But I don’t see any of them as Scripture.
For me, I think of the end of the Book of Revelation. The following verses refer to the Book of Revelation, but the fact that it’s the end of the Bible is a little reminder that we shouldn’t tamper with God’s Word by adding or removing parts. And even if we don’t physically add or remove parts, we can undermine it by disregarding parts or holding such a high view of our own traditions and speculations that we place them at the same level of or even above Scripture.
Anyway, here’s are the closing verses of the Bible:
Revelation 22:17-21
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
When Jesus said that He is coming soon, he didn’t say how soon, but we’re clearly expected to anticipate His return. Even in the first century, some wondered why He didn’t return then. And Peter responded with the following verses.
2 Peter 3:8-10
8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Here are some songs about the return of Jesus:
Hibernia Gospel 