“Rev22:18,19 doesn’t address motive/intent.”
That’s your opinion.I disagree. Now what authority will we go to to settle our dispute? Why don’t we found two new churches? The Church of MDLION and the Church of nonsporting. But in all seriousness, we disagree. My interpretation of Revelation 22:18,19 is that it applies to people who deliberately and maliciously add to or distract from the Book of Revelation.
I am sure people change the Bible for what seems to them good and honorable reasons. Jesus Christ didn’t address the reasons. He focused on the act. He said don’t add to or subtract from Rev, period.
Changing “churches” to “church” (in 2:7 and the other referenced places) may seem innocent to you, but Jesus Christ in Rev22:18,19 warns against changing the words of the book of this prophecy—precise acts and precise scope of change. (As to motive—It was done by the author on purpose to presumably conform to Catholic doctrine of the universal church.) Does one need to publish a changed version of Rev or simply misrepresent portions in speech or print (both mean “publish)? It is safest not to go there and rather adhere to the letter of scripture as if one’s eternal destiny depends on it—it does.
What are you trusting in to save you? Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross? Or your own righteous acts? (i.e. to keep you saved).