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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE

1. Orientation 22. Side-By-Side 53. Inspiration 224. Preservation 275. History of the English Bible 346. History of the Modern Versions 437. History of the King James Bible 56About the Author 73

Author’s Note: The author does not claim great originality in the content of this material, and as much as possible sources have been noted. Nevertheless, it is however an original compilation of research and information, making this an original text. Additionally, this work was not meant to impress but an effort to disseminate the information herein without lengthy publication processes. Therefore, there will be imperfections herein, but when (poor) aesthetics are overlooked and the facts presented received, the reader should find this a valuable tool toward a greater understanding of the focus of this workbook.

NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, all Scripture references and quotes are taken from the King James Bible (KJB).

Send your queries regarding this book to: jfrsmth@gmail.com with “Why King James –Jerry F. Smith” in the subject line.

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1. ORIENTATION

WE SOMETIMES HEAR THAT:

It doesn’t matter which version you use.I like the NIV because it’s easier to understand.We don’t have the original manuscripts so our present text is unreliable.The Bible was inspired only in the original manuscripts.There are translation errors in the King James Bible.We need Greek and Hebrew Bible scholars to help us understand the Word of God.

Psalm 11:3 says, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” What God says is foundational to Christianity. The first thing the Devil did in the Garden of Eden was attack the Word of God.1 Interestingly, in modern times, the veracity of the Bible, the written Word of God is having doubt cast upon it. The King James Bible (KJB) which has been used for over 300 years, during great revivals, and accepted by Christians everywhere, is being questioned because modern Bible publishers promote their “versions” as being more accurate and more understandable. As a result, there seems to be much confusion today over which "Bible" we should be using as Christians.

Have you ever been to a church service where different Bible versions were read from and another altogether preached from? How about those who grew up in a church that used the KJB, went to a Bible college where the NIV is used, and or a seminary where the NKJB is taught from? Which one is the most accurate representation of God’s words? Which one is the inspired and preserved written Word of God?2 Be assured they are not exactly the same in content or wording. As a result, Christians are not sure where to look for absolute truth.

This book is designed to explain why we look to the King James Bible for absolute truth; to advise you to reconsider your use of any other Bible version (if that be the case); and or to encourage your continued use of the KJB. Consequently, you will be provided with enough knowledge to be able to adequately explain your decision to hold to the King James Bible as the inspired and preserved written Word of God – the absolute final authority in all matters of faith, practice, and knowledge of God.

THIS BOOK WILL:

Present the background of the English Bible Discuss the doctrines of Inspiration and Preservation

1 See Genesis 3:1-52 See 2Timothy 3:15; Psalm 12:6-7

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Discuss the current trend and issues of “original” manuscripts and languages Put modern versions and the KJB side-by-side Present the histories of the KJB and modern versions Assist you to make a more informed decision in this urgent matter

THIS BOOK IS NOT . . .

An exhaustive coverage of the subject3

Meant to attack other Bible versions A text on ancient languages, ancient manuscripts, and or textual criticism

The Lord, in John 11:26 says “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” Believing on Christ for salvation; Trusting His Word, is of the utmost importance. In Mark 10:15, the Lord calls us to childlike faith in Christ: “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” The idea here is that God said it, it is true. Little children do not correct their father’s words. They believe what he says, without making it any more complicated than that. So, when God, in Psalm 119:89 says, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven,” and in John 17:17 Jesus prays, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth”– Do you believe with childlike simplicity? If we are, than why do we need so many versions of what God said? Again, it must be pointed out, that the versions do NOT agree in their words across the board. This then begs the question, which Bible is right? Which Bible is the “settled” “truth?”

SOME POPULAR MODERN VERSIONS:

Amplified BibleContemporary English Version (CEV) English Standard Version (ESV) Good News Translation (GNT) Holman Christian Standard (HCSB) International Children's Bible (ICB) Jerusalem BibleLiving Bible Message BibleNew American Bible (NAB) New American Standard (NASB update) New American Standard (NASB) New Century Version (NCV) New English Translation (NET)

3 It is designed to provide you with enough information to satisfactorily defend your use of the KJB

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New International Readers Version (NIRV) New International Version (NIV) New King James Version (NKJB) New Living Translation (NLT) New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)Phillips BibleReina-Valera (RVR) Revised English Bible (REB) Revised Standard Version (RSV) The Voice BibleToday's English Version (TEV) Today's New International Version (TNIV) Version Popular (VP)4

4 A look at a Bible seller on the internet should get you the same results, and perhaps more.

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2. SIDE-BY-SIDE

As we begin a discussion of Bible versions, it is important that we first agree on certain truths, as put forth by the Word of God. It is here where we must begin, internally, inside the Scriptures for matters of faith and doctrine. External evidences must by order be subordinate; for it is quite possible we may not have certain external facts to judge by, whereas the Word of God “standeth sure.” Thus, a childlike faith in, and a realization of these important points will anchor us deeper to the truth from God’s point of view rather than our own finite viewpoint. God speaks about His Word in order for us to trust Him at His word.

First God says in His Word, about His Word that it is MAGNIFIED. Psalm 138:2 says, “thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” God must think His Word is pretty important to magnify it above His very name. That's because His name is only as good as His Word, and it is true of us too. If we are filled with errors, and we are found liars, how will any one believe us? We will have a reputation for being unreliable. Therefore, God takes His Word very seriously because it is a reflection of Him, and His character, and we know from Scripture that God is thrice holy (Isaiah 6:3).If then God is thrice holy, it is thus unthinkable, and even somewhat ludicrous to think that He would permit His words to be cared for by corrupt men without His direct interceding to keep them free from error. As a matter of fact, He does not like it when people meddle with it, and even gave grave warnings about it in Revelation 22:18-19. Clearly, God’s word is very important to Him. Yet, when we examine Bible versions the words are not the same. How then can all of the versions be the “magnified” Word of God?

God also says that His Word is INSPIRED. Second Timothy 3:16 states that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” Notice the word “all” in the verse; this means simply ALL that we possess as Scripture (the Bible), or “plenary” inspiration. God used holy men5 to write EXACTLY, every single word, what He wanted written. We call this "verbal" inspiration (word-for-word). Now, having written exactly, what He wanted to say to us (plenary and verbal inspiration), wouldn't it make sense that God would make sure we got that exact message? Remember, God does things decently and orderly.6Yet, when we examine Bible versions the words are not the same. How then can all of the versions be the “inspired” Word of God?

Thirdly, God says about His Word that it shall be PRESERVED. Psalm 12:6-7 tells us that “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Notice from these verses that He preserved His words (plural); meaning that He preserved every single word, not only the ideas as some

5 See 2Peter 1:21; 2Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; Acts 1:16; Acts 3:186 Compare with 1Corinthians 14:33 and 40.

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would have us to believe. Just as God inspired men to write His Word, He can use men to preserve His words through the centuries and in translation, every “jot” and every “tittle.”7 Yet, when we examine Bible versions the words are not the same. How then can all of the versions be the “preserved” Word of God?

God also says that His Word is SETTLED. Psalm 119:89 says, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” This means His Word is immutable; that is, it's unchangeable. In other words, He spoke it, and His word is final, it does not change, “for ever.”When we say things, so often our words fall to the ground, and nothing becomes of them. But God has said, “I have spoken and it shall come to pass.”8Yet, when we examine Bible versions the words are not the same. How then can all of the versions be the “settled” Word of God? How then can we know which words shall come to pass?

Finally, God says about His Word that it is TRUTH. In John 17:17, the Lord praying to the Father, says in His High-Priestly prayer, “thy word is truth.”Now, how many truths can there be? There can be only ONE truth. There cannot be many truths. Truth is truth, and anything else is false. Didn't the Lord say He is THE truth (John 14:6)? Can there be another Saviour? No, of course not. That is because the Truth is the Truth –there is none other.9 Truth mixed with any amount of error or falsehood is not truth. Yet, when we examine Bible versions the words are not the same. Their words are different between each other, and in some cases, as we shall see later in the pages ahead, the ideas are different. How then can all of the versions be the “truth?” Which Bible is the magnified, inspired, preserved, settled, truth?

VARIOUS SELECTIONS

The following samples were taken from various modern versions and put “side-by-side” so to speak with the KJB. We will discuss in later chapters the legacy of the KJB and the modern versions. At this time, let it be enough to say that they are from separate “lines.” And why the KJB is shown as a baseline for comparison of the modern versions. By simply examining the texts, without great commentary, you may soon see that there is a marked difference in message and doctrine between the KJB and the modern versions (which seem to agree with each other). Where applicable, the relevant words or ideas compared are highlighted in bold type.

7 Matthew 5:18 “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”8 Ezekiel 24:14 “I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent...”9 Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

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Abbreviations used in this section:

(ASV) American Standard Version (BBE) Bible in Basic English(CEV) Contemporary English Version(CSB) Contemporary Standard Bible(ESV) English Standard Version(GNB) Good News Bible(GWT) Good Word Translation(HCSB) Holman Christian Standard Bible(NAS) New American Standard(NASB) New American Standard Bible(NCV) New Century Version(NEB) New English Bible(NIRV) New International Revised Version(NIV) New International Version(NKJB) New King James Version(NRSV) New Revised Standard Version(RSV) Revised Standard Version (TNIV) Today’s New International Version

Psalm 12:6-7 The Doctrine of Preservation of Scripture is in tact in the KJB, while weakened in this popular other version.

(KJB) “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”

(NIV) “And the words of the LORD are flawless: like silver purified in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever.”

2Samuel 21:19 Who killed Goliath?

(KJB) “And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.”

(NIV) “In another battle with the Philistines at Gob, Elhanan son of Jaare-Oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, who had a spear with a shaft like a weaver’s rod.”

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Proverbs 18:24 Say what about friends?

(KJB) “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.”

(NIV) “A man of many companions may come to ruin.”

(NASB) “A man of many friends comes to ruin.”

(HCSB) “A man with many friends may be harmed.”

Proverbs 4:13Which word is right?10

(KJB) “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”

(GNB) “Always remember what you have learned. Your education is your life - guard it well.”

(GWT)“Cling to discipline. Do not relax your grip on it. Keep it because it is your life.”

(Message Bible) “Hold tight to good advice; don't relax your grip. Guard it well - your life is at stake.”

1John 5:7-8 The Doctrine of the Trinity is maintained in the KJB, while diminished from here in other versions.

(KJB) “7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”

(TNIV) “7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.”

(NCV)“7 So there are three witnesses that tell us about Jesus: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three witnesses agree. “

(NAS) “7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.”

10 Remember: God shall preserve His Word, every “jot” and “tittle” (Matthew 5:18)

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(ASV) “7 And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is the truth. 8 For there are three who bear witness, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and the three agree in one.”

Psalm 22:16 We know the Lord was crucified, it is a well-known historical fact, but what did they do to our Lord in these versions?

(KJB) “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.”(NCV) “They have bitten my arms and legs.”

(GNT) “An evil gang is around me; like a pack of dogs they close in on me; they tear at my hands and feet.”

(NEB) “... they hacked off my hands and my feet.”

Proverbs 16:6 Salvation in the KJB is by that which is outside of us; but it appears to be by works here in other versions.11

(KJB) “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”

(NIV) “Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.”

(CEV) “If we truly love God, our sins will be forgiven; if we show him respect, we will keep away from sin.”

(GNT) “Be loyal and faithful, and God will forgive your sin. Obey the Lord and nothing evil will happen to you.”

Colossians 1:14 Where is the effectual blood of the Lord Jesus Christ herein these modern versions? Without the “blood” we cannot be forgiven or clean.

(KJB)“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”

(NAS)“...in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

11 The modern versions use words that indicate some kind of “work” on our part is required to be forgiven. Titus 3:5 speaks very clearly regarding this point: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

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(NCV) “....The Son paid for our sins, and in him we have forgiveness.”

(NIV) “...in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Proverbs 8:22 The KJB maintains the Deity of Jesus Christ, but it is diminished from here in these modern versions.12

(KJB) “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.”

(NLT) “The LORD formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else.”

(GNB) “The Lord created me first of all, the first of his works, long ago.”

(NIRV) “The LORD created me as the first of his works, before his acts of long ago.”

(HCSB) “The Lord made me at the beginning of His creation, before His works of long ago.”

Luke 2:33 The KJB identifies Joseph by name, to arrest any doubts that the Father of Christ is God, but who do they say the father of Christ is in these modern versions?

(KJB) “And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.”

(NIV) “The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.”

(NASB) “And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.”

(GNT) “The child's father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about him.”

(ESV) “And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.”

John 6:69Why is “Christ” removed here in these modern versions?13

12 Proverbs 8:22 is speaking of wisdom. First Corinthians 1:30 is clear that Christ is the wisdom of God: “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” These modern versions reduce Christ to a creation in the verses above.13 This was Peter’s confession of faith, an example for all who believe – proclaiming Jesus Christ to be the Messiah of Scripture. Yet in these modern versions above, Christ, the very heart of our faith, is missing. The Pope is called “holy” by many. Many “religious” men (leaders, priests, shamans, etc.) are called “holy men” today. Is Christ just another

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(KJB) “And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”

(BBE) “And we have faith and are certain that you are the Holy One of God.”

(ASV) “And we have believed and know that thou art the Holy One of God.”

(RSV) “...and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

(NIV) “We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

CHRIST

Meaning: anointed, the Greek translation of the Hebrew for “Messiah.” It is the official title of our Lord.14 Christ was anointed as our Prophet, Priest, and King. He is Jesus the Christ,15the Anointed One. To believe that “Jesus is the Christ” is to believe that:

HE is the Anointed HE is the prophesied Messiah HE is the Savior sent of God HE was, what he claimed to be

This is to believe the gospel. That Jesus is the Christ is the testimony of God, and the faith of this makes us Christians.16 Examine the following verses and see how “Christ” has been removed from modern versions:

Acts 15:11

(KJB) “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved , even as they.”

(NAS) “But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”

(NIV) “No. We believe it is through the grace of our LORD Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

“holy man?”14 Christ. Easton’s Bible Dictionary. <http://eastonsbibledictionary.com/> 15Acts 17:3; 18:5; Matthew 22:42161Corinthians 12:3; 1John 5:1

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Acts 16:31

(KJB) “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

(NAS) “They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

(NIV) “They replied, "Believe in the LORD Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."

1 Thessalonians 3:11

(KJB)“Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.”

(NIV) “Now may our God and Father himself and our LORD Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.”

(NASB) “Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you;”

2 Thessalonians 1:8

(KJB) “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:”

(NIV) “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our LORD Jesus.”

(GNT) “with a flaming fire, to punish those who reject God and who do not obey the Good News about our Lord Jesus.“

Romans 1:3

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(KJB)“Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;”

(NASB) “concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh,”

(NIV) “regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David,”

1 Corinthians 5:4

(KJB)“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(NIV) “When you are assembled in the name of our LORD Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our LORD Jesus is present,”

(NASB) “In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus.”

Revelation 22:16 Blasphemous connotations can be seen in this popular modern version, when compared to the KJB readings.

(KJB) “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”

(NIV) “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

Compare with: Isaiah 14:12

(KJB) “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning. how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations.”

(NIV) “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn. You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations.”17

Compare it with2Peter 1:19also:

17 When a Name of God is given to Satan, that is blasphemous.

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(KJB) “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”

(NIV) “And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

2 Peter 1:21 The doctrine of the “holy” Bible is maintained in the KJB, while diminished, in these modern versions.

(KJB) “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

(NIV) “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Also:

Revelation 22:6

(KJB) “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.”

(CSB) “Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must quickly take place.”

(NASB) And he said to me, "These words are faithful and true "; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place.

(NIV) “The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The LORD, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place."

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Also:

Revelation 18:20

(KJB) “Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.”

(NIV) “Rejoice over her, O heaven. Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets. God has judged her for the way she treated you.”

(NASB) “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her.”

(NRSV) “Rejoice over her, O heaven, you saints and apostles and prophets. For God has given judgment for you against her.”

There is much more as can be seen in the following table:18

(KJB) (NIV) (NASB) (NWT)

Matthew 9:13

For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners

For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners

For I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners.

Matthew 18:11For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

OMITTEDFootnote casts doubt OMITTED

Matthew 19:17Why callest thou me good?

Why do you ask me about what is good?

Why are you asking me about what is good?

Why do you ask me about what is good?

John 10:30I and my Father are one

I and the Father are one.

I and the Father are one.

I and the Father are one.

Acts 2:30

that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

he would place one of his descendants on his throne

to seat one of his descendants upon his throne

he would seat one from the fruitage of his loins upon his throne

John 6:47He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

He who believes has everlasting life.

He who believes has eternal life.

He that believes has everlasting life.

18 Source: www.avpublications.com

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John8:9

And when they heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out

those who heard began to go away.

when they heard it, they began to go out one by one

OMITTED

Acts23:9

Let us not fight against God.

OMITTED OMITTED OMITTED

Romans13:9

Thou shalt not bear false witness.

OMITTED OMITTED OMITTED

1Timothy 3:16God was manifest in the flesh.

He appeared in a body

He who was revealed in the flesh.

He was made manifest in the flesh.

1Timothy 6:5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

“from such withdraw thyself" is omitted

“from such withdraw thyself" is omitted

“from such withdraw thyself" is omitted

1Peter 1:22

Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit.

you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth.

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls.

Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth.

1John 4:3

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.

But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.

And every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.

But every inspired expression that does not confess Jesus does not originate with God.

Revelation 5:14

Four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

the elders fell down and worshipped.

the elders fell down and worshipped.

the elders fell down and worshipped

Revelation 20:9Fire came down from God out of heaven.

Fire came down from heaven.

Fire came down from heaven.

Fire came down out of heaven.

The “household of God” is “built upon the foundation” of “Jesus Christ… the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20)19 but these modern versions call Him the “capstone:”

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NIV KJBCapstone Mark 21:42 head of the cornerCapstone Mark 12:10 head of the cornerCapstone Luke 20:17 head of the cornerCapstone Acts 4:11 head of the cornerCapstone 1 Peter 2:7 head of the corner

What is a cornerstone?

It’s the hardest stone that takes the pressure between two sets of stones. If the cornerstone crumbles, the whole structure collapses. The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire

HOW ABOUT THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION?

What about that mysterious mark which represents the NKJB?

The NKJB logo is the ancient symbol for the pagan trinity, not the Christian Trinity. Use of number symbols like this 666 (above) can be traced back to 582 B.C. and the Egyptian mysteries religions. The symbol was popularized again by Satanist Aleister Crowley (circa 1900) for the Royal Arch (Lucifer) of the 3rd Degree of the York Order of Masonry. The symbol’s shape is duplicated as three initiates join arms and feet, while repeating the names of the ancient pagan trinity. The NKJB’s symbol can be seen on satanic rock group albums like Led Zeppelin, as well as on New Age bestsellers like The Aquarian Conspiracy.20

19 Riplinger, Gail. New Age Bible Versions. c. mid-1990’s. Video Lecture. Prophecy Club. [Open Domain]

20 New King James Omissions. Tract.A.V. Publications, Ararat, VA 24053 USA. <www.avpublications.com>.

Capstone

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The NKJB omits … “Lord” 66 times ● “God” 51 times ● “heaven” 50 times ● “repent” 44 times ● “blood” 23 times ● “hell” 22 times“● JEHOVAH” entirely ● “new testament” entirely ● “damnation” entirely ● “devils” entirely ● And ignored the KJB Textus Receptus over 1,200 times;21 in the New Testament alone the NKJB removes 2.289 words from the KJB; makes over 100,000 word changes; and most will match the (NIV), NASV, RSV, or RSV.22

The NKJB Demotes Jesus Christ23

NKJB KJBActs 3:13 His Servant Jesus his Son JesusActs 3:26 His Servant Jesus his Son JesusActs 4:27 holy Servant Jesus holy child JesusActs 4:30 holy Servant Jesus holy child JesusColossians 1:15 the firstborn the firstborn of

over all creation every creatureMark 2:15 OMIT JesusHebrews 4:8 Joshua JesusActs 7:45 Joshua Jesus2 Thessalonians 3:5 patience of Christ patient waiting for Christ (we are

to be patient waiting for Christ)

Demotes the Holy Spirit24

NKJB KJBJohn 14:16 Helper ComforterJohn 14:26 Helper ComforterJohn 15:26 Helper ComforterJohn 16:7 Helper25 Comforter

Works/Progressive Salvation26

NKJB KJBMatthew 7:14 difficult is the way narrow is the way

21 See Chapter 7 of this text22 Counterfeit New King James Version. Dial-the-Truth Ministries. 1995. The King James Bible Page. <http://www.av1611.org/nKJB.html>23 Riplinger, Gail. New Age Bible Versions. c. mid-1990’s. Video Lecture. Prophecy Club. [Open Domain]24 Riplinger, Gail. New Age Bible Versions. c. mid-1990’s. Video Lecture. Prophecy Club. [Open Domain]25 Anyone can be a “helper,” but it is only the Spirit of God which can bring comfort. They carry two different meanings - Riplinger26 Riplinger, Gail. New Age Bible Versions. c. mid-1990’s. Video Lecture. Prophecy Club. [Open Domain]

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Romans 3:3 faithfulness faithRevelation 19:8 righteous acts of saints righteousness of saints 1Corinthians 1:18 are being saved are saved 2Corinthians 2:15 are being saved are saved Ephesians 2:8 have been saved ye are saved

LANGUAGE OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE: THE BEAUTY OF "THEE"

How often has this author heard the same comments about the KJB being so hard to understand because of the “thee’s and thou’s.” However, the truth of the matter is that those “thee’s and thou’s” actually make the KJB clearer and precise, removing room for questions. Because the translators of the 1611 King James Bible desired an accurate, word-for-word translation of the Hebrew and Greek text, they could not use the one-word "you" throughout. If it begins with "t" (thou, thy, thine) it's SINGULAR, but if it begins with "y" (ye) it's PLURAL.

See for yourself: “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:7).

Modern versions seek to remove those “archaic” words with the more ambiguous word “you.” You can be singular or plural, and can often be misunderstood, as in the case: “Marvel not that I said that to you, you must be born again.” From this sentence, we can only ascertain that Nicodemus is the only one who needs to be born again. But the KJB rendering is specific: “I’m telling you that everyone needs to be born again.” One of those newer Bibles which claims to be more “readable,” is the New King James Version (NKJB). Ads for the NKJB call it "the Accurate One," but the King James, by using "thee," "thou," "ye" is actually much more accurate. Not to mention the fact that the KJB is actually more readable:

Which Version Has a Lower Reading Level?27

Grade Level Grade Level Grade Level Grade Level Grade Level Grade LevelKJB NIV NASB TEV NKJB

Gen 1 4.4 5.1 4.7 5.1 5.2

27 Riplinger, Gail. New Age Bible Versions. c. mid-1990’s. Video Lecture. Prophecy Club. [Open Domain]

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Mal 1 4.6 4.8 5.1 5.4 4.6Matt 1 6.7 16.4 6.8 11.8 10.3Rev 1 7.5 7.1 7.7 6.4 7.7

Grade Level Average

5.8 8.4 6.1 7.2 6.9

THE BIBLE IS A SPIRITUAL BOOK THAT ONLY GOD CAN OPEN

The Bible (KJB) is not difficult to understand, it is impossible unless God opens it up to us. Scripture is clear on this point:

John 10:6“The people…the Pharisees…they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them”

Luke 18:34 “And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them”

Luke 24:45“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures”

1John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding…”

1Chronicles 28:19 “The LORD made me understand"

John 3:6-7 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again”

1Corinthians 2:14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned”

We can read it, glean some good moral lessons, and perhaps even get some religious “pointers,” but at the end of the day, only God in His grace can reveal His Word to us in such a way that it becomes real and personal to us. Therefore, attempts to make the Bible more “understandable” will fail without God doing the work.

MODERN PUBLISHERS

The King James Bible is not copyrighted. It is considered a public domain publication of the Word of God. However, virtually all modern versions are copyrighted which means there must be a minimum percentage of modified text in order to obtain the copyright. The Bible, of course, is the bestselling book of all time, thus it is big money

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for those publishers. The majority of modern Bible publishers are neither religious organizations nor missionary societies deserving our unqualified trust. It may very well be the case from the afore demonstrated comparisons that modern day Bible publishers have given themselves "license" to change Scripture, and get money by showing enough "differences" to obtain a copyright. There are certainly enough differences even in this forum to bring the reader to question the validity of these modern versions.

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3. INSPIRATION

THE DOCTRINE OF INSPIRATION

Inspiration as defined in the Greek means "God-breathed." Inspiration means that God used human authors with their own individual personalities and writing styles to say exactly what He wanted written:

2Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost”

Many Old Testament passages quoted in the New Testament are said to have the Holy Spirit as their author, even though a human prophet spoke the words.

Old Testament Designation

The psalmist said (Psalm 95:7)

The psalmist said (Psalm 45:6)

Isaiah said (Isaiah 7:14)

Hosea said (Hosea 11:1)

Eliphaz's words (Job 5:13)

New Testament Designation

The Holy Spirit said (Hebrews 3:7)

God said (Hebrews 1:8)

The Lord spoke by the prophet (Matthew 1:22-23)

The Lord spoke by the prophet (Matthew 2:15).

God's Word (1Corinthians 3:19)

The New Testament speaks of portions of the Old Testament which were written by men, as being written or spoken by the Holy Spirit:

Mark 12:36 “For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool [Psalms 110]”

Acts 1:16 “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.”

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Acts 4:24-25 “And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? [Psalms 41, 42]”

GOD'S WORDS IN THE MOUTHS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS

Second Samuel 23:2 says, “The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” Also Isaiah 59:21, “As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth...”28

FULFILLED PROPHECY: PROOF OF DIVINE INSPIRATION

From the Book of Genesis to the Book of Malachi, the Old Testament abounds with predictions of the coming Messiah… Fulfilled in the New Testament: His birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and glory. These fulfilled prophecies are a powerful evidence for the inspiration of Scripture.29 The New Testament writers often pointed to how Christ was the specific fulfillment of a Messianic prophecy in the Old Testament…

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES FULFILLED BY JESUS CHRIST

Seed of woman: Genesis 3:15Virgin Birth: Isaiah 7:14Birthplace: Bethlehem: Micah 5:2Forerunner: John: Malachi 3:1Ministry of miracles: Isaiah 35:5-6Sold for 30 shekels: Zechariah 11:12Hands and feet pierced: Psalm 22:16Crucified with thieves: Isaiah 53:12No bones broken: Psalm 22:17Suffered thirst on cross: Psalm 69:21Resurrection: Psalm 16:10; 22:2230

INSPIRATION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

The Lord promised that it would be the work of the Holy Spirit to provide an accuraterecounting of the events of His life . . .

John 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

THE NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS ARE "SCRIPTURE"

28 See also Jeremiah 1:9; Acts 28:25; Zechariah 7:1229 See many more: Smith, J. F. Creation-Education Book 1: Bible & Science. 2010. Creation-Ed Ministry. Unpublished.30 Rhodes, Ron. The Inspiration, Inerrancy, and Authority of the Bible. Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries. <http://home.earthlink.net/~ronrhodes/Inspiration.html>

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The apostle Peter in 2Peter 3:16 uses the word "Scripture" to describe the writings of the apostle Paul:

“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCES WHERE THE WRITERS CLAIM DIVINE AUTHORITY FOR THEIR WRITINGS

In 1Corinthians 2:13, Paul said he spoke, "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

In 1Corinthians 14:37, Paul says, "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.”

In 1Thessalonians 2:13, Paul says, "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."

In 2Corinthians 13:3 “Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.”

By the time 2Timothy 3:16 was written, all of the New Testament books had already been written except for 2Peter, Hebrews, Jude, and the Apostle John's writings. Paul was surely including these books in the phrase "all Scripture is inspired…” And since the remaining books were later acknowledged as belonging to the canon of Scripture, we may say that this verse says something about all 66 books of the Bible.31

When we speak of inspiration these days, we are referring now to four aspects of inspiration. The following are terms used today, in reference to the inspired Word of God:

PlenaryConcepts, ideas, and dialogueEverything written in the Bible was given by God (plenary), but not everything is correct (e.g. the advice of Job’s “friends,” etc.)

Verbal

31 Rhodes, Ron. The Inspiration, Inerrancy, and Authority of the Bible. Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries. <http://home.earthlink.net/~ronrhodes/Inspiration.html>

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Every wordThat means the inspiration extends to the very words themselves (verbal), not just concepts or ideas.

InfallibleCertain; correctThis means that it is accurate in matters of faith and doctrine, and does not mislead or deceive.

InerrantFree from error; true; accurateMeaning that in the end, it will not be proven wrong.

Is entirely true and never false in all it affirms, whether that relates to doctrine or ethics, or to the social, physical, historical, or life sciences.

STATISTICS

In the book, Reforming Fundamentalism, author George A. Marsden gives shocking statistics:

85% of the students in one of America's largest evangelical seminaries stated that they do not believe in the inerrancy of Scripture.32

Additionally, in the same book, in a poll of 10,000 U.S.A. pastors were asked if they believed that the Scriptures are the inspired and inerrant Word of God. Again, the response was shocking:

95% of Episcopalians said . . . "No." 87% of Methodists said . . . "No." 82% of Presbyterians said . . . "No." 77% of American Lutherans said . . . "No." 67% of American Baptists said . . . "No.”33

Is it possible that the confusion generated by the many versions has influenced these statistics?

INSPIRATION AS IT APPLIES TO A DISCUSSION OF BIBLE VERSIONS

This four-pronged approach to understanding the Doctrine of Inspiration gives us a relatively complete view of just how perfect the Word of God is; that He gave us not only the ideas, concepts, and dialogues in the Bible; but also His EXACT words, which

32 The Gideon, January, 1994, pp. 12-13. Quoted in Reforming Fundamentalism. Articles on George Marsden. <http://bible.org/illustration/reforming-fundamentalism>33The Gideon, January, 1994, pp. 12-13. Quoted in Reforming Fundamentalism. Articles on George Marsden. <http://bible.org/illustration/reforming-fundamentalism>

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are not only holy, and life changing, but very much certain to have happened, are happening, or will happen as recorded; and certain to be accurate in what they have recorded. And, because it is inspired by God, the Scriptures are therefore authoritative and sufficient. The Bible is not only inspired by God, but it also has the supernatural ability to change us:

Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

“The authority of Scripture cannot be separated from the authority of God. Whatever the Bible affirms, God affirms. And what the Bible affirms (or denies), it affirms (or denies) with the very authority of God."34

This therefore then begs the question, which Bible version contains these plenary-verbal-infallible-inerrant inspired words of God? As we have already seen in the previous chapter, the versions do NOT contain the same words. So, with all of that authority behind it, it is doubtful the Lord would leave His Word to the unreliability of men. Conversely, it also reasonable to believe (with childlike faith) that the Lord is completely able to keep that very inspired Word of His, throughout the ages. This leads us to our next point, the Doctrine of Preservation.

34 Rhodes, Ron. The Inspiration, Inerrancy, and Authority of the Bible. Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries. <http://home.earthlink.net/~ronrhodes/Inspiration.html>

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4. PRESERVATION

Psalm 12:7 in the KJB is one of the most solid internal evidences for the Doctrine of Preservation:

“Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”

First Peter 1:23 also lends support to the same doctrine:

"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1Peter 1:23)

Those who advocate the doctrine of Inspiration so clearly taught in Scripture but maintain that the Bible contains errors, or mistakes in translation neglect, do not know, or refuse to acknowledge, the Doctrine of Preservation also clearly taught in the Bible. The Doctrine of Inspiration cannot be removed from the Doctrine of Preservation. They are two sides of the same coin – that “coin” being the Holy Bible, God’s Holy Word. Why would God write something, then not preserve it? They cannot be removed from each other. Inspiration requires preservation, otherwise, what was the point in God speaking to us?

Here is what some “theologians,” “scholars,” clergy, and churches assert that: The Bible was inspired only in the “original” languages and manuscripts.35 One problem with that ideology, as that those “original manuscripts” are long gone, turned to dust over the centuries – there are NO more originals! So, where does that leave them – without a Bible; without God’s Word; in the dark? God says His Word is a “lamp” to guide us in the way.36Why would God say such a thing then just leave His inspired Word to the feebleness of men? That would make God unreliable.

Another problem with that is that God Said…

Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

35 "Original” Manuscripts. The doctrine found in many church statements says something to the effect of: "We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God, without error AS it was written in the ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS, and of infallible divine authority in matters of faith and life." BUT where are those original manuscripts? They are dust. So, does that mean we do not have the Word of God today?Did the LORD use the “Originals”? "Did ye never read in the scriptures?" (Matthew 21:42). "He expounded unto them in all the scriptures" (Luke 24:27). "And while he opened to us the scriptures" (Luke 24:32). "That they might understand the scriptures" (Luke 24:45). Did that little synagogue in that little town where Jesus taught have the originals? Did others have the originals? No, they had "copies;" God-preserved copies. Christ called them Scripture. Would He have called them the Scriptures if they were not? Did the Ethiopian have the originals? "The place of the scripture which he read" (Acts 8:32). "And began at the same scripture and preached" (Acts 8:35). Did the Thessalonians have the originals? Paul "Reasoned with them out of the scriptures" (Acts 17:2). Did the Bereans have the originals? "They searched the scriptures daily (Acts" 17:11). Did the church in Rome have the originals? "Comfort of the scriptures" (Rom. 15:4).36 Compare with Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

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It would do us well to remember, that in a discussion regarding Bible versions – What is the manner of preservation? Not men, but GOD. It is God who we must trust in, NOT the ability of men to “preserve” His words.37Just as God is able to inspire men to write His Word, so He is able to use men to preserve it through the centuries and through translation. The Westminster Confession of 1646 supports this:

"The Scriptures were immediately inspired of God and under His singular care and providence kept pure in all ages."

WHAT IS PRESERVATION?

Basic Meaning (Webster, 1828)

1. To keep from harm, injury, damage, danger, destruction, evil, etc.2. To keep from spoiling, rotting or decaying3. To keep up, carry on, maintain, uphold, sustain

Doctrinal Definition

1. The act of God by which He keeps and protects the Word of God so that every word is exactly of His choosing and completely without error

2. More simply, the act of keeping scripture inspired (see 2Timothy 3:14-16)

From these definitions we can see that God protects His Word from “going bad.”

“I do not teach a new inspiration for the translation. Rather, I believe that God preserved the inspiration of scripture as He transferred it from one language to another.”38

SCRIPTURAL CONFIRMATION OF PRESERVATION

The following verses confirm that God does indeed preserve His Word:

Psalm 12:6-7 “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”

Psalm 100:5 “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Psalm 111:7-8 “The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.”

Psalm 119:89 “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.”

37 Compare with Psalm 118:8, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”38 Reagan, David. King James Bible Inspired or Preserved? Quoted The Answer Book. 1989. <http://www.seawaves.us/na/web4/answerbook.html>

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Psalm 119:152 “Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded Them for ever.”

Psalm 119:160 “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous Judgments endureth for ever.”

Ecclesiastes 3:14 “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.”

Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

Matthew 5:18 “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”

From these words, it is pretty much an open and shut case: God does preserve His Word. Psalm 110:5 says God’s Word will “endure” to ALL generations. Wouldn’t that apply to our generation in this day and age as well? Wouldn’t that mean that we do indeed have God’s Word available to us today? That being the case, the question is no longer IF God preserved His Word, the question now is, “where is it?” Psalm 119:152 tells us God intends for His words to be around forever. So where are they? We already saw in an earlier chapter that the versions do NOT contain the same words, or even ideas in many cases. Hence, again, ours as believers is to make sure that we have God’s Word in our hands. Ours is to “study” to show ourselves approved unto God” (2Timothy 2:15).

GUARDS39

The Lord placed guards over His Word in the form of warnings:

Deuteronomy 4:2 “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”

Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”

Revelation 22:18-19 “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 of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

God must think highly of His Word if He would give us warnings regarding adding or taking away from it. It also implies that His Word is complete, and suggests that it is among us. If there were no preserved Word of God today, then why give this warning? As it is now, many a Bible

39 Bibliology: The Preservation of God’s Word. LearntheBible.org

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version publisher/writer have good reason to fear these warnings given the many additions and subtractions from God’s Word, as we have already seen in a previous chapter.

METHOD OF PRESERVATION40

The Lord has also established an orderly way that His Word may be preserved, humanly speaking, in both the Old and New Testaments. We see the internal evidences of this preservation design in the following outlines from a source which the author failed to ascertain. Nevertheless, remember as you examine this preservation layout that if God can use even lost and wicked men to bring about His perfect will,41 then He can use saved sinners to preserve His perfect book.

OLD TESTAMENT PRESERVATION42

Preserved by the priests

1. They kept the tables of the Law (Deuteronomy 31:24-26)

2. They taught the words of the lawa. To the courts (Deuteronomy 17:8-13)b. To the people (Deuteronomy 31:9-13)

3. They copied the words of the lawa. Before the king (Deuteronomy 17:18-20)b. By the king’s scribe (2Samuel 8:17)

(1) First mention of “scribe” in the Bible(2) A scribe was a copier of manuscripts

c. By the men of Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1)d. By Baruch, the scribe (Jeremiah 36:4,17-18,32)e. By Ezra, the priest (Ezra 7:6,10-12,21)

As God preserved the Old Testament physically through the Aaronic priesthood, so the manner in which God preserved the New Testament text was by means of the universal priesthood of believers,43 through the leading, of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of individual Christians throughout the centuries. Do NOT however put your confidence in men, but in what God is ABLE to do in and through men. Remember, He can do the impossible.44

40 Bibliology: The Preservation of God’s Word. LearntheBible.org41 Psalm 76:10; Proverbs 16:4; Revelation 4:1142 Bibliology: The Preservation of God’s Word. LearntheBible.org43 In the New Testament every believer is a priest under Christ: 1Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light”44 Mark 10:27 “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

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NEW TESTAMENT PRESERVATION45

A. The New Testament books were immediately accepted as Scripture

1. The claims of the authors a. Apostles (Matthew 10:20; Luke 12:12; 21:15)b. Paul (1Corinthians 2:13; 14:37; 2Corinthians 10:7-13; 13:3; Galatians 1:6-12; Colossians 4:16; 1Thessalonians 2:13; 4:8-9; 2Thessalonians 3:6, 12-14)c. Peter (2Peter 3:1-2)

2. The acceptance of other New Testament authors a. Peter testifies of Paul’s epistles (2Peter 3:15-16)b. Paul quotes Luke 10:7 in 1Timothy 5:18 along with Deuteronomy 25:4 and calls them both Scripture

3. Early Quotations a. Clement (c.96) who may have known the Apostles46 quotes Hebrews as “the holy word.” He also quotes Matthew, Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Titus, James and I Peter.b. Polycarp (c.115) a disciple of the Apostle John47 quotes Matthew, Luke, Acts, Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, I & II Peter and I John. He alludes to Mark, Hebrews, James and II & III John. He speaks of Ephesians 4:26 as “sacred scripture”.

B. Warnings against textual corruptions were made immediately

1. In the Scriptures themselves (2Corinthians 2:17; 4:2; 2Timothy 4:3-4; 2Peter 2:1-2; 3:16; Jude 3-4; Revelation 22:18-19)

2. Polycarp (c.115) said, “Whoever perverts the sayings of the Lord…that one is the firstborn of Satan.”

3. Irenaeus (c.180) who studied under Polycarp and whose ministry was refuting Gnosticism48 said about his own writing:

“I adjure you who shall copy out this book, by out Lord Jesus Christ and by his glorious advent when He comes to judge the living and the dead, that you compare what you transcribe, and correct it carefully against this manuscript from which you copy; and also that you transcribe this adjuration and insert it in the copy.”

45 Bibliology: The Preservation of God’s Word. LearntheBible.org46 http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/tixeront/section1-1.html#1clement 47 http://www.earlychurch.org.uk/polycarp.php

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/tixeront/section1-1.html#polycarp 48 http://www.earlychurch.org.uk/irenaeus.php

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C. The making of good copies spread rapidly

1. The copies were to be circulated (See Colossians 4:16)2. Widespread early quotations prove the existence of numerous copies3. Justin Martyr (100 AD – 165), one of the earliest and ablest Christian apologists49 referred to the weekly practice of reading the Scriptures in the churches; about 150 (See 1Timothy 4:13; Luke 4:16)

D. The rejection of corrupt copies was an early practice

1. New copies were compared with faithful copies

2. Corrupt copies were rejecteda. Some were destroyedb. Some were put aside unused (like Sinaiticus)50

3. Pure copies were useda. Used until they were worn outb. Used to make new copies

However, in the footnotes of some modern versions we read about the “older” and “better” manuscripts. They may very well be older, but they are not “better.”51 There might be a good reason they are “older.” Perhaps they weren’t used.

David Reagan (a popular KJB defender) puts it like this:52

“I see two precepts concerning God's words: (1) He will preserve His words (Psalm 12:6-7); (2) His truth (which is His word - John 17:17) will endure to all generations (Psalm 100:5; 117:2). My job is NOT to determine whether or not God preserved His words. That would be a direct rejection of the information given to me by God. Rather, my duty is to discover that true word and where it is in the world today. My faith ought NOT to be in the translation abilities of man. It is in the providential working of God to preserve His words. God says of man that He "hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end" (Ecclesiastes 3:11). That means that He purposely hides the way He accomplishes His will from our eyes and understanding. His ways are unsearchable (Romans 11:33). In the end, we must come to Him in faith. The truth is, our belief in God, in the preserved canon of Scripture, or in the preserved words of God, all come down to faith. Will you believe God or not?

49 http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/131christians/evangelistsandapologists/martyr.html 50 Chapter 651 Chapter 752 Reagan, David. Do We Have a Preserved Text? <http://www.learnthebible.org/do-we-have-a-preserved-text.html>

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E. L. Bynum, author of “Use The Bible God Uses King James A.V. 1611”53 says,

“If our only hope in the text rests on the labors of man, I would agree that it has been lost. But would God allow His words to be hopelessly lost in errors and corruptions. We must believe that He wants us to have His pure words. Therefore, I believe that He providentially works in the affairs of men, taking their errors and attempts and bringing out at certain times and in certain languages His perfect word and His perfect words… The devil does not want anyone to be able to say, ‘thus saith the Lord.’ He wants people to say, ‘Yea, hath God said?’ And that is just about what he has the modern religious world saying. Many are constantly correcting the Bible, and people are so confused that they do not know what the Lord did say.”

Instead of the word of God correcting us, we arrogantly correct the word of God.54 And the real authority becomes the “scholar” who tells us what the passage really means.

The Lord says:

Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

Notice the use of the word, "words." This is a specific reference to individual words. Jesus did not say "my 'word' shall not pass away;" which would leave open the possible interpretation by some of thoughts or ideas "passing away." He said "words." Not just the Word in general or the ideas have been preserved but EVERY word. It’s not for us to know HOW. God can use anything for His purposes:

Mark 10:15 “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein”

We are called to childlike faith in Christ. God said it, it is true. God created heaven and earth. God opened an animal’s (ass) mouth to speak to Balaam (Numbers 22:28). God held the sun in place for Joshua. He raised Lazarus from the dead, and many more miracles. Why then could He not do one more miracle, and preserve His inspired Word EXACTLY as He spoke it?

53 Bynum, E. L. Use The Bible God Uses King James A.V. 1611. The Baptist Pillar, Brandon Bible Baptist Church. <http://baptistpillar.com/article_102.html > 54 Reagan, David. Attack on the English Bible <http://www.learnthebible.org/attack-on-the-english-bible.html>

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5. HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH BIBLE

CANON

In your personal or public studies, you may have heard the term “canon” from time to time. Canon simply means a collection of books accepted as Holy Scripture, especially the books of the Bible recognized by any Christian church as genuine and inspired.

How was the New Testament Canon determined?

There has never really been much controversy regarding the canonicity of the Old Testament Scriptures, as they were meticulously kept by the Levites on through to the Masoretes.55 Interestingly though, it has been the New Testament (the fulfillment of the Law by Jesus Christ, and grace through faith in Him) which has been primarily targeted for questions regarding Bible versions. The early church had three criteria for determining what books were to be included or excluded from the Canon of the New Testament:

1. The books must have apostolic authority: Either written by the apostles, or written by associates of the apostles (Mark, Luke)

2. There was the criterion of conformity to the "rule of faith." In other words, did the document match the basic Christian tradition of faith and practice

3. Continuous acceptance and usage by the church in general.

The charts on the following page represent the timeline of the development of the English Bible, and provide an overview for the pages to follow with which the reader may refer to.

55 Chapter 7

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WHAT IS THE APOCRYPHA?

The term "apocrypha" refers to 14 biblical books included as part of the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament), and the Vulgate (the Latin version of the Bible), but not included in the Hebrew Bible. The apocrypha are generally not accepted as inspired.

Up until the 1880’s every Protestant Bible (not just Catholic Bibles) had 80 books, not 66.

• The Apocrypha books were part of nearly every Early Bible: Tyndale-Matthews Bible, the Great Bible, the Bishops Bible, the Geneva Bible, and the King James Bible until their removal in the 1880’s.

• The original 1611 King James contained the Apocrypha. It was left in at the King’s request and insisted upon by the Anglican clergy. It was never considered “inspired” by the early church fathers but considered historical.

• The Apocrypha was officially removed from KJB by Archbishop of Canterbury in 1885, but was voted out in 1880 by American Bible Society. The Bible then became 66 books.

These books are useful but are not to be regarded as Scripture for the following reasons:

1. They were never included in the Hebrew Old Testament.2. They were never accepted as canonical by Jesus and His Apostles (not quoted from).3. They were not accepted by early Jewish and Christian writers.4. They do not demonstrate inspiration.

Statements on the Apocrypha from the Days of the Reformation56

Luther Bible (1534). “… not to be esteemed like the Holy Scriptures …”

Coverdale Bible (1535). “… not reckoned to be of like authority with the other books of the Bible …”

Geneva Bible (1560). “… books which were not received by a common consent to be read and expounded publicly in the Church, neither yet served to prove any point of Christian religion …”

56 Lightfoot, Neil R. How We Got The Bible. Excerpt Quoted in Has The Bible Text Been Reliably Transmitted?<http://www.bumby.org/faq/is_the_bible_reliable.html>Lightfoot, Neil R. How We Got The Bible. Excerpt Quoted in Vlach, Mike. How We Got Our Bible. Bible Bulletin Board <http://www.biblebb.com/files/howbible.htm>

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Westminster Confession (1647). Chapter 1 § 3: "The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the Canon of Scripture; and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings."

The apocryphal books therefore have been rightfully rejected from our Bible.

KEY PEOPLE INVOLVED IN PRODUCING THE ENGLISH BIBLE WE HAVE TODAY57

John Wycliffe (c. 1324 – 31 Dec 1384) First hand-written English language Bible manuscripts. Translated out of the Latin Vulgate, which was the only source text available to Wycliffe. Well-known throughout Europe for his opposition to the teaching of the Catholic Church, which he believed to be contrary to the Bible.

Johann Gutenberg (c. 1398 – Feb 3, 1468) Invented the printing press in the 1450's, First book to ever be printed was a Latin Bible. Bibles and books could finally be effectively produced in large

quantities in a short period of time. His invention was essential to the success of the

Reformation.

Erasmus (Oct 28, 1466 – Jul 12, 1536) Published a Greek-Latin Parallel NT Translated from the more accurate and reliable Greek Focused attention on the corrupt and inaccurate Latin Vulgate Gave importance to going back to the original Greek (New Testament) and original Hebrew (Old Testament) languages to maintain accuracy

William Tyndale (c. 1494 – 1536) Captain of the Army of Reformers, and their spiritual leader. First man to ever print the New Testament in the English

language. Fluent in eight languages Referred to as the “Architect of the English Language”

57 Jeffcoat III, John L. English Bible History & Timeline. 2002. <www.greatsite.com> Mr. Jeffcoat has done a fantastic job of putting this reference together which deserves his acknowledgment. However, the author has reduced the commentary to bullets for the sake of space.

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Martin Luther (10 Nov 1483 – 18 Feb 1546) Declared his intolerance for the Roman Church’s corruption on Halloween in 1517 Nailed his 95 Theses of Contention to the Wittenberg Church door Translated the NT into German for the first time from the 1516 Greek-Latin New Testament of Erasmus In the 1530’s he would go on to publish the entire Bible in German

Myles Coverdale (c. 1488 – 20 January 1569) Used Luther's German text and the Latin as sources to print the first complete English Bible on October 4, 1535, known as the Coverdale Bible.

John Rogers (c. 1500 – 4 Feb 1555) Printed the second complete English Bible in 1537. First English Bible translated from the original Biblical languages of Hebrew & Greek. Used the name "Thomas Matthew", Considerable part of this Bible was the translation of Tyndale, Known as the Matthew-Tyndale Bible.

King Henry VIII (28 Jun 1491 – 28 Jan 1547)

Requested the Pope permit him to divorce his wife and marry his mistress. The Pope refused.

Married his mistress anyway, and rejected Roman Catholicism, taking England out from under Rome’s religious control

Declared himself to be the head of the Anglican Church, or the Church of England. Acted as its “Pope”

Funded the printing of the scriptures in English… the first legal English Bible

John Calvin (10 Jul 1509 – 27 May 1564) Credited with (this is questionable based on the author’s research) publishing the Geneva Bible in 1560, which won the hearts of the people because of its excellent scholarship, accuracy, and exhaustive commentary.

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King James I (19 Jun 1566 – 27 Mar 1625) At the request of the Protestant clergy, replaced the

Bishop's Bible with the KJB Was a devout man who loved the Lord and His Word Known for being well-versed in Scripture, knowledgeable of

biblical theology, and morally upright

THE ENGLISH BIBLES

The following is a timeline for the production of the English Bibles. Following this table is brief commentary58 regarding each of the seven Bibles produced during these years.

Tyndale NT (1526)Approximately 90% of this translation was retained all the way to the 1611 King James Bible.

Coverdale Bible (1535) First complete printed English Bible Translated from Latin Vulgate and Martin Luther’s German Bible (based on TR)59

First to include chapter summaries into the text First to separate the Apocrypha from the other Old Testament books and include

them as an appendix to the Old Testament

58 Jeffcoat III, John L. English Bible History & Timeline. 2002. <www.greatsite.com>59 Chapter 7

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Tyndale-Matthews Bible (1537) First complete English Bible translated directly from original Greek & Hebrew John Rogers used William Tyndale’s New Testament, and completed his work on the

Old Testament

Great Bible (1539) Myles Coverdale was hired by Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury, at

the request of King Henry VIII Became the first English Bible authorized for public use... the first legal English

Bible Distributed to every church in England Meant that the illiterate could hear the Word of God in plain English Known as the Great Bible due to its great size

Geneva Bible (1560) Had extensive marginal notes and references Considered the first English "Study Bible" The Bible of choice for over 100 years of English speaking Christians Retains over 90% of William Tyndale's original English translation The “Bible of the Protestant Reformation” Known for its excellent scholarship, accuracy, and exhaustive commentary Controversial marginal notes (proclaiming the Pope an Anti-Christ, etc.)

Bishop’s Bible (1568) Made in response to the controversial marginal notes in the Geneva Bible Made to be less inflammatory in tone Basically a revision of the Great Bible Never really became popular

King James Bible (1611) The result of the combined effort of about fifty scholars and 7 years (1604-1611) Became the most printed book in the history of the world Unrivalled for 250 years until the appearance of the Revised Version of 1881 Only book in the world that can claim one billion copies in print Has been through several “editions” (spelling, font, printer errors), but not

“revisions” since 1611 until 176960

60 Chapter 7

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MODERN VERSIONS

The following is a timeline for the production of the Modern English Bibles. Following this table is brief commentary61 regarding each of the more popular versions produced during these years. The next chapter will get into more detail on the subject of the origin and background of these modern Bible versions.

Doway-Rheims Bible (1609) By the 1580's, the Roman Catholic Church had lost the battle to suppress the will

of God: that His Holy Word be available in the English language In 1582, the Church of Rome surrendered their fight for "Latin only" and decided to

have an official Roman Catholic English translation Used the Latin Vulgate as the only source text NT Translated at the Roman Catholic College in the city of Rheims, and OT

translated by the Church of Rome in 1609 at the College in the city of Douay (also spelled Doway& Douai)

Has obvious errors and distortions

Revised Version (1885) (Supposed) British revision of the King James Version of 1611 NT based on the W-H Greek Manuscripts Only officially authorized and recognized revision of the King James Bible Stated aim was "to adapt King James' version to the present state of the English

language” Regarded as the forerunner of the entire modern translation tradition

61 Jeffcoat III, John L. English Bible History & Timeline. 2002. <www.greatsite.com>

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American Standard Version (1901) Rooted in the work done with the RV Published by Thomas Nelson & Sons, and copyrighted

Revised Standard Version (1952) Considered a comprehensive revision of the King James Version, the Revised

Version of 1881-1885, and the American Standard Version of 1901 Tries to present the Bible in modern English Used the Nestle-Aland Greek text for the New Testament, and the traditional

Hebrew Masoretic Text for the Old TestamentNew International Version (1973) “Dynamic equivalent” translation into modern English Not designed “word-for-word” accuracy but “phrase-for-phrase” accuracy, Aimed for ease of reading even at a Junior High-School level Meant to appeal to the general public Best-selling modern-English translation

New King James Version (1982) Thomas Nelson Publishers Supposed original intent was to keep the basic wording of the King James and only

change the obscure words and “thee, thy, thou” pronouns Never taken seriously by scholars, and is not really popular today

English Standard Version (2001)Made to bridge the gap between the NIV and the NASB

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6. HISTORY OF THE MODERN VERSIONS

MODERN BIBLE VERSIONS

Modern Bible version publishers claim that their versions are more updated and based on “older” manuscripts, thereby more reliable and understandable than the King James Bible. The first “new version” was the English Revised Version (ERV) in 1883, then the American Standard Version (ASV) in 1901. Since the early 1900’s, there has been about one new version a year. Today, we have at least 100 new versions (though there are estimates of 500).

BACKGROUND

In the late 1800’s, two men named B.F. Westcott and F.J.A. Hort put together and translated “older” manuscripts into a Greek Text known as the W-H. Their text was used to make the first “new” Bible version in over 300 years (ERV). The argument was that it was more reliable because of the “older” manuscripts and therefore better than the KJB. Their Greek New Testament text has largely replaced the traditional Textus Receptus in modern seminaries. Oddly however, both men denied Biblical inerrancy and promoted spiritism and racism.

The KJB is translated from the Textus Receptus based on approximately 5,000 manuscripts (Majority Text). Nearly all other modern translations are based on the W-H Text, which is largely based on TWO manuscripts (Sinaiticus and Vaticanus)

THE MEN

Who Were Westcott And Hort?62

B.F. Westcott was born in 1825. F.J.A. Hort 1828. They were friends and members of the Church of England. They worked for over thirty years together on the subject of the Greek text of the New Testament. Westcott went on to become the Bishop of Durham

(England) and served for a while as chaplain to Queen Victoria. Hort is best remembered as a Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University.

Westcott did not accept Genesis 1-3;63 Bodily resurrection of Christ; Miracles and literal coming of Christ. Hort did not accept the infallibility of Scripture. He also

62 Stringer, Phil. The Westcott And Hort Only Controversy. October, 2001. Message given at the 33rd. Annual Meeting and Conference of the GraceWay Bible Society meeting. Brampton Ontario, Canada. <http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/wh-only.htm>63 "Westcott's son writes of his father's lifelong ‘faith’ in what for lack of a better name, one must call Spiritualism"Quoted in: Garrett, Les. Which Bible can we Trust, First Edition. November 1997 <http://www.churchgrowth.cc/Which_Bible_Can_We_Trust.htm>

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favored Darwin's theory of evolution. Both men did not believe in eternal punishment or the substitutional atonement.

Denials of basic Bible truth by Westcott and Hort64

Westcott and Hort both DENIED:

The doctrine of the inspiration of ScriptureThe Genesis record of the Creation and the Fall of manThe Deity of our Lord Jesus ChristThe substitutionary atonementThe bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus ChristThe Second Coming of ChristThe doctrine of Eternal LifeThe reality of Heaven and HellThe personality of the Devil

Westcott and Hort BELIEVED IN:

The inherent goodness and perfectibility of manThe Darwinian theory of EvolutionThe Universal Fatherhood of GodThe ultimate salvation of all menThe efficacy of water baptism for Regeneration

Hort called the doctrine of the substitutionary atonement "immoral.”65 Westcott denied that Genesis 1-3 were historically true. Hort praised Darwin and his theory of evolution. Neither Westcott nor Hort were known to have ever given an account of their own conversion. Westcott and Hort praised evolutionists, socialists, and modernists, they were bitterly critical of evangelical soul winners.

Westcott and Hort endorsed evolution,66 socialism, globalism, disarmament, spiritism, purgatory and communal living while deprecating the inspiration of Scripture, salvation by grace, a literal Heaven and Hell

Were Westcott and Hort secret practitioners of the occult?

In 1993, Gail Riplinger published the book, New Age Bible Versions. She asserts that Westcott and Hort were practitioners of the occult. It is indicated that they do provide a bridge between apostate Christianity, the occult, and the New Age Movement. She says

64 Kwok, Dennis. The King James Bible And The Doctrine of Verbal Plenary Preservation, Lesson 7. The Bible for Today<www.biblefortoday.org/PDF/dbs_course_on_vpp.pdf>65 Stringer, Phil. The Westcott And Hort Only Controversy. October, 2001. Message given at the 33rd. Annual Meeting and Conference of the GraceWay Bible Society meeting. Brampton Ontario, Canada. <http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/wh-only.htm>66 Grady, William P. Final Authority. Excerpt <http://www.chick.com/catalog/books/0168.asp>

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that along with Bishop Edward White Benson, Westcott and Hort founded the Ghostly Guild. This club was designed to investigate ghosts and supernatural appearances. The club was based upon the idea that such spirits actually exist and appear to men. According to The Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, the members of the Ghostly Club would “relate personal experiences concerned with ghosts.”67

Riplinger also claims that Westcott’s son refers to his father’s life long faith in spiritualism.68 Either Dr. Wescott’s children lied about him or Dr. Wescott was used to meeting with spirits. According to Wescott’s son, Arthur, Dr. Wescott practiced the Communion of the Saints. This was a belief that you can fellowship with the spirits of those who died recently. Wescott and Hort both joined a secret society called, The Apostles, where they were secretly practicing the occult. In 1872 Wescott formed a secret society, the Eranus Club. The Eranus Club would eventually become known as an occult secret society. They were clearly in contact with people who were "familiar" with spirits. There is every reason to suspect that they might also have been in contact with spirits; at the very least, a strong suspicion of occult influence on both Wescott and Hort (especially Dr. Wescott).

Regarding “secrets,” the Lord said:

John 18:20 “Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.”

Spiritualism, Occult, Ghosts, Talking to Spirits of Dead People, Secret Societies?

The Lord also said something about this too:

John 3:20-21 “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

Our Lord’s teaching from the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 7:15–18) applies:

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”

Questions: 67 Ghostly Club. The Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology. Quoted Stringer, Phil. The Westcott And Hort Only Controversy. October, 2001. <http://www.pbministries.org/Parachurch/bible/Westcott_Hort_controversy.htm>Accessed <http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/wh-only.htm>Ghostly Club. The Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology. Quoted Riplinger, Gail. The James White Controversy - Part 4. <http://www.av1611.org/kjv/ripwhit4.html>68 Riplinger, Gail. Westcott’s son refers to his father’s life long faith in spiritualism; though debated: Westcott and Hort Resource Center. Frequently Assaulted Quotes: New Age and Occultism. <http://www.westcotthort.com/quotes_newage.html>

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What were their doctrinal beliefs and persuasion? What sort of “tree” then were Westcott and Hort? What was the result of their work?

Answer:

The W-H text, when compared to the Traditional Text omitted 2,987 Greek words, and added 306; they omitted 2069 (the author has verified only 13) verses.

THE MANUSCRIPTS USED FOR THE MODERN VERSIONS

This Westcott and Hort Greek text was based primarily on two fourth century Roman Catholic manuscripts:70

Codex Vaticanus (discovered in the Pope's library in 1481, in the basement of the Vatican)

Sinaiticus (discovered in 1859 in a trash can at St. Catherine's monastery on Mt. Sinai).

These are usually the "older" and "better" manuscripts that we keep hearing so much about.

The Orthodox monks evidently had long since decided that the numerous omissions and alterations in the Sinaiticus manuscript had rendered it useless and had stored it away in some closet where it had remained unused for centuries. The Vatican manuscript, which had been kept in seclusion (“buried in the belly”) in the Vatican Library since 1480 or earlier, though no one seemingly knows for sure when it was originally written or how it was acquired by the Vatican.

The heart of the Wescott and Hort theory was that the New Testament was preserved in almost perfect condition in these two Greek texts. The two most popular Greek manuscripts today, Nestles-Aland and UBS (United Bible Society), differ very little from the Westcott and Hort text. In fact, the Vaticanus and Sinaiticus are two of the least trustworthy documents in existence ..."71

Both of these have been traced to Alexandria, Egypt, in the second or third century.

69 Fowler, E.W. Evaluating Versions of the N.T. Quoted Antioch Alexandria <www.baptistlink.com/creationists/quadro2cidades.pdf>70 Stringer, Phil. The Westcott And Hort Only Controversy. October, 2001. Message given at the 33rd. Annual Meeting and Conference of the GraceWay Bible Society meeting. Brampton Ontario, Canada. <http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/wh-only.htm>71 Burgon, John W. Revision Revised. Quoted The Oldest and Best Manuscripts. May 1989. <http://www.hissheep.org/kjv/the_oldest_and_best_manuscripts.html>

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Alexandria was a great center of both philosophical and theological scholarship, and intellectualism. Religious corruption and false doctrines were prevalent including Gnosticism, Aryanism, pagan philosophy, etc. The First mention of Alexandria is in the book of Acts, and it is not a favorable portrayal:

Acts 6:9 “Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.”

Why would they be disputing with Stephen, and eventually stone, and kill him when the Lord said of him:

Acts 6:5 “And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost,”

Could it be perhaps because he was preaching and teaching the truth from Scripture?

The Alexandrian manuscripts: are they reliable?

Notorious for their unreliability and general poor quality of transmission. A researcher named Hoskier noted over 3,000 points in the Gospels alone at which Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (the two primary Alexandrian works) differ between themselves.72 One marked feature, characteristic of this copy, is the great number of its omissions.73

ORIGEN

“Origen (184-254 AD), one of the key men in the formation of the Alexandrian texts was a very intelligent man; however he denied the Bible's historicity, eternal punishment, the Holy Spirit's eternality, salvation by grace, and more.”74

Origen was perhaps the most influential man among the Christian community in Alexandria.75 It is believed that he was largely instrumental in developing the so-called "Alexandrian" text of the New Testament. This is the source of the Vatican and Sinai manuscripts, in contrast to the Textus Receptus.

With all his immense learning, Origen's views of theology and Biblical interpretation were heretical in respect to numerous key doctrines.76 Like modern theistic evolutionists, he felt constrained to harmonize Christianity with pagan philosophy, especially that of Plato and the Stoics. This led him into excessive allegorization of

72 Gnostic Corruptions in the Critical Texts: A Case Study On the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament, 21st Edition<http://www.studytoanswer.net/bibleversions/gnostic.html>73 Ibid p. 4574 Grady, William P. Final Authority. Excerpt <http://www.chick.com/catalog/books/0168.asp>75 Gnostic Corruptions in the Critical Texts: A Case Study On the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament, 21st Edition<http://www.studytoanswer.net/bibleversions/gnostic.html>76 Morris, Henry M. A Creationist's Defense of the King James Bible.<http://www.icr.org/home/resources/resources_tracts_kjv/> Dr. Morris is the Founder and President Emeritus of ICR (Institute for Creation Research)

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Scripture, especially Genesis, and into denigrating the actual historical records of the Bible, even that of the bodily resurrection of Christ, as well as the literal creation of the world.

The early church and texts

Corruption (both accidental and purposeful) in the New Testament text was greatest in the first two centuries after the revelation of the New Testament (roughly 80-200 AD). During this period, while many books were still in the process of filtering out to Christian communities all across the Empire, heretical texts would have been easiest to introduce and pass off as legitimate Scripture. But beginning in the 3rd century, it became nearly impossible. For critics of the KJB to claim, on the basis of a few disused ancient texts that they can overturn the vast majority of texts77 is not sensible. Simple reliance on "older" texts is not wise, considering that they may be older because they were unused.

The early manuscripts

Ancient manuscripts had basically two types of media for texts - vellum and papyrus. Neither of these media are especially durable. Vellum78 was more rugged and expensive, and was used in the copies of the Scriptures held for "official" use by the churches, and by more wealthy individuals. Vellum scrolls will wear out over time through use and need to be replaced (just as a well-used Bible today will tend to do). They were destroyed when finished.

Why are such old texts (as the Sinaiticus and Vaticanus) still in existence and in the relatively good condition which they are, since they are over fifteen centuries old? Perhaps these scrolls are in such good condition despite their age because they were never used. They did not endure the repetitious unrolling and rolling back up, the assault of sweaty hands and humid breath, the violence of tears and bends that come from constant use.79 They were probably rejected from use by early Christians who understood them to be flawed, and refrained from relying upon them.

GNOSTIC CORRUPTIONS IN THE CRITICAL TEXTS

There are a number of reasons for the informed Christian to be distrustful of the modern Bible versions. There are indeed some very serious changes, doctrinal changes.80

The Alexandrian manuscripts show evidence of corruption at the hands of Gnostics. The Critical Text, as it is known, demonstrates Gnostic theology which conflicts with other portions of Scripture which can be agreed upon by all. These particular variants

77 Collectively known as the Textus Receptus78 Dried skins of sheep or other animals79 Gnostic Corruptions in the Critical Texts: A Case Study On the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament, 21st Edition<http://www.studytoanswer.net/bibleversions/gnostic.html>80 Gnostic Corruptions in the Critical Texts: A Case Study On the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament, 21st Edition<http://www.studytoanswer.net/bibleversions/gnostic.html>

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in the Alexandrians from the Byzantine majority do not constitute very natural and likely scribal errors and that the variants discussed below quite naturally would fit into Gnostic speculative theology first two hundred years when tampering with the text was so rampant.81

What is Gnosticism?

The term "gnostic" derives from "gnosis," which means "knowledge" in Greek. The Gnostics believed that they were privy to a secret knowledge about the divine,82 hence the name. They believe that we cannot rationally claim to have access to knowledge that is beyond the powers of the intellect. They did not believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ. They believed Him to be only a man while on earth, and some form of deity before and after His earthly ministry, but not God-Man. Gnostics were a constant influence in the early church (1st-2nd Centuries).

Gnostics tried to draw a distinction between the earthly Jesus and the heavenly Christ, and taught that Christ did not have a physical body, but spiritual only. The deletion of Jesus Christ as being "the Son of God" would be acceptable to many Gnostic groups as it would remove a reference to the "Jesus Christ" combination, being "the Son of God." Demonstrating any humanity and physical existence, would be incompatible with the Gnostic view of the pneumatic, heavenly Saviour separated from material creation.83

The Byzantine text-type, represented in the Majority Text and the Textus Receptus, far outweighs and outnumbers the Alexandrian texts and will be considered as the standard by which the readings should be measured. The Nestle-Aland 21st Edition of the Greek New Testament, published by Zondervan Publishing House is the Critical Text edition behind the translation of the New International Version.

A closer look at Gnostic influences on the modern versions

If we examine the following verses, comparing the words found in the Textus Receptus (TR) with those found in the Nestle-Aland Text (Critical Text), we can see some marked influence that cannot be ascribed to scribal errors in transmission, but what appears to be a conscious attempt to inject Gnostic theology into the Scriptures. The unnamed author who created the resource, A Case Study on the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament, 21st Edition,” did a fantastic job of comparing texts in the original manuscripts; and their omissions, changes, and or deviations from the TR. These “changes” are reflected in what we read today in the modern versions.

It is worth some examination to give the reader an insight into the more technical issues of this discussion in order to be more aware that there is certainly something

81 Gnostic Corruptions in the Critical Texts: A Case Study On the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament, 21st Edition<http://www.studytoanswer.net/bibleversions/gnostic.html>82 http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/gnostics.html83 Gnostic Corruptions in the Critical Texts: A Case Study On the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament, 21st Edition<http://www.studytoanswer.net/bibleversions/gnostic.html>

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“different” in what the “older” manuscripts say versus what we know to be true from the Textus Receptus manuscripts (Majority Text). Each verse has two renderings, one from the TR, and one from the Nestle-Aland manuscripts (Critical Text). It is immediate that there are differences from the English readings. Additionally, following each verse set is given the manuscript support for each version. In many or most cases, the majority of the manuscripts agree with the TR. In cases where there is not a majority of manuscript support, it is clear that there is a deviation from solid theology, i.e. Gnostic influence. Following the manuscript support is a brief explanation of the differences between the TR and the NA.

John 1:18

Textus Receptus “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (KJB).

NA 21 “No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known” (NIV).

Support for TR reading is found in the following manuscripts

Codex Alexandrinus (5th c. uncial, Byz. in Gospels)9th c. correction to Ephraemi Rescriptus (Codex C)Codex K (9th c. uncial)Codex X (10th c. uncial, Alex. in Gospels)Codex W (5th c. uncial, Alex. in John)Delta (9th c. uncial, Alex.)Theta (9th c. uncial, Caes.)Pi (9th c. uncial)Psi (8th/9th c. uncial)f1 (12-14th c. group of mss., Caes.)f13 (11th-13th c. group of mss., Caes.)28 (11th c. miniscule, Caes.)565 (9th c. miniscule, Caes.)700 (11th. c. miniscule, Caes.)892 (9th c. miniscule, Alex.)1010 (12th c. miniscule)1241 (12th c. miniscule, Alex.)The vast majority of the Byzantine text bodyThe majority of Greek lectionariesMost of the Old Latin mss. bodyMost of the Latin Vulgate mss. bodyThe Curetonian Syraic mss. set (4th c.)The Harclean Syraic mss. set (7th c.)The Palestinian Syraic mss. set (5th c.)

Support for the Critical Text reading is found in the following manuscripts

p66 (c. 200 AD)

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p75 (3rd c.)Codex Sinaiticus (4th c. uncial)Codex Vaticanus (4th c. uncial)Ephraemi Rescriptus (5th c. uncial)Codex L (8th c. uncial, Alex.)33 (9th c. miniscule, Alex.)Peshitta Syraic mss. set (5th c.)Northern Coptic mss. set (4th c.)

This change removes from the text the Sonship and pre-existence of the Lord Jesus Christ, basic Christian doctrine. Many Gnostic groups taught that Jesus Christ was a created being. The changing of "Son" to "God" reflects this as it does not necessarily indicate an attempt to strengthen the doctrine of the deity of Christ, but rather an alteration of His eternal Sonship. In the writings of many "Christian" Gnostics and other heretics (such as Tatian, Arius, and the Valentinians), this textual variant appeared. The veritable capital of Gnosticism, Alexandria, would suggest that the Gnostics made their mark in this verse.

John 3:13

Textus Receptus “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven” (KJB)..

NA 21 “No one has ever gone into heaven, except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man” (NIV).

Support for the Textus Receptus reading

Codex Alexandrinus (5th c. uncial)K (9th c. uncial)Delta (9th c. uncial, Alex.)Theta (9th c. uncial, Caes.)Pi (9th c. uncial)Psi (8th-9th c. uncial, Byz. in John)f1 (12th-14th c. family of mss.)f13 (11th-13th c. family of mss.)28 (11th c. miniscule, Caes.)565 (9th c. miniscule, Caes.)700 (11th c. miniscule, Caes.)892 (9th c. miniscule, Alex.)The large majority of the Byzantine textual setThe large majority of the Greek lectionariesMost of the Old Latin mss.The Latin Vulgate mss. setThe Peshitta Syraic mss.set (5th c.)The Harclean Syraic mss. set (7th c.)Possibly in the Palestinian Syraic mss. set (5th c.) - unconfirmed

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Some Northern Coptic mss.(4th c.)

Support for the Critical Text reading

p66 (c. 200 AD)p75 (3rd c.)Codex Sinaiticus (4th c. uncial)Codex Vaticanus (4th c. uncial)L (8th c. uncial, Alex. in Gospels)W (5th c. uncial, Alex. in John)083 (6th-7th c. uncial)086 (6th c. uncial)0113 (5th c. uncial)33 (9th c. miniscule, Alex.)1010 (12th c. miniscule)1241 (12th c. miniscule, Alex.)Most of the Coptic mss. sets (3rd-5th c.)

This alteration involves the removal of a statement of omnipresence concerning the Lord Jesus Christ while He was on the earth. While both affirm that Christ came down from heaven, the Alexandrian reading removes the statement about the Son being concurrently IN heaven. This reflects the general Gnostic view that while the Saviour was in the material world, he was completely separated from His place in Heaven. The Byzantine reading of this verse would suggest just the opposite, that the Saviour was both on earth in His physical body, yet also contemporaneously in heaven

John 9:35

Textus Receptus “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God” (KJB)?

NA 21 “Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man” (NIV)?

Support for the TR reading:

Codex Alexandrinus (5th c. uncial)K (9th c. uncial)L (8th c. uncial, Alex.)X (10th c. uncial, Alex.)Delta (9th c. uncial, Alex.)Theta (9th c. uncial, Caes.)Psi (8th-9th c. uncial, Alex.)0124 (6th c. uncial)f1 (12th-14th c. family of mss.)f13 (11th-13th c. family of mss.)28 (11th c. miniscule, Caes.)

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33 (9th c. miniscule, Alex.)565 (9th c. miniscule, Caes.)700 (11th c. miniscule, Caes.)892 (9th c. miniscule, Alex.)1010 (12th c. miniscule)1241 (12th c. miniscule, Alex.)The large majority of Byzantine mss.The large majority of the Greek lectionariesMost of the Old Latin mss.The Latin Vulgate mss. bodyThe Peshitta Syriac mss. set (5th c.)The Harclean Syriac mss.set (7th c.)The Palestinian Syriac mss.set (5th c.)Most of the Northern Coptic mss.set (4th c.)

Support for the CT reading:

p66 (200 AD)p75 (3rd c.)Codex Sinaiticus (4th c. uncial)Codex Vaticanus (4th c. uncial)Codex Bezae Cantabrigiensis (5th-6th c. uncial)W (5th c. uncial, Alex. in John)The Sinaitic Syriac mss.set (4th c.)One Northern Coptic ms. (4th c.)The Southern Coptic mss.set (3rd c.)

While this change in reading appears more or less innocent to us, to a reader in the early church familiar with Gnostic systems, the particular choice to change "God" to "Man" would bespeak a definite attempt at making the verse more acceptable to Gnosticism.

Acts 2:30

Textus Receptus “Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne” (KJB).

NA 21 “But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne” (NIV).

This deviation diminishes from the doctrine of the Deity of Christ and makes Him to be nothing more than a “descendant” of David, i.e. a man. The only opposition which the reading found in the Textus Receptus has is from Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Alexandrinus, Codex Vaticanus, and Ephraemi Rescriptus. Otherwise, the TR reading is supported by the majority Byzantine text set, as well as other versions, yet the NIV

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publishers decided to go with the “minority.” Could these be the “more accurate” manuscripts they refer to in their footnotes?

I Corinthians 15:47

Textus Receptus The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven” (KJB).

NA 21 The first man was from the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven” (NIV).

Again, the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ is diminished from in the NA. A simple choice of words has tremendous doctrinal implications. In this case, man and Lord are together (the incarnation of the God-Man) from heaven in the KJB, but the NIV has Him only as a “man” from heaven. The only support for the omission of "the Lord" is from Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, and Ephraemi Rescriptus. The vast majority of remaining Greek mss., including Codex Alexandrinus, contain this phrase. This deletion subverts the Christian doctrine of Christ coming in the likeness of sinful humanity to serve as the Saviour for the creature made in God's image.84

Ephesians 3:9

Textus Receptus “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (KJB).

NA 21 “…and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things” (NIV).

The TR rendering demonstrates to the reader that Christ was there at the beginning, in line with John 1:1-3, and that God by Jesus Christ created all things. There is little room for error to creep in here regarding the Deity of the Lord. However, the NA rendering, that chosen by the modern version publishers to put in their Bibles, removes Jesus Christ from the verse. Why would the publishers allow such a sparsely supported doctrinally-diminishing statement like that to be installed in their books? The only opposition to the TR reading here is from p46, Codex Alexandrinus, Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, and Ephraemi Rescriptus.

1John 4:3

Textus Receptus “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in

84 See Romans 8:3, Philippians 2:7, Hebrews 2:14

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the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world” (KJB).

NA 21 “...but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world” (NIV).

The only support for the omission of this clause comes from Codex Vaticanus and Codex Alexandrinus. This is a straightforward example of a change made to support Gnostic beliefs. According to the Majority Texts, if a person refuses to believe that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, they are of the spirit of antichrist. This reading is changed in the Alexandrian texts in two ways which both reflect Gnostic tampering. In Alexandrinus and Vaticanus, the clause is simply deleted. They now say that if one "denies Jesus" (without the stipulation of acknowledging His literal incarnation), they are not of God, which is something that both Gnostic and Christian would agree upon in a general sense, though the Gnostic can still freely reject the fleshly incarnation of the spiritual, heavenly Christ. Furthermore, the very wording of the text in the NA, “…Jesus is not from God,” has subconscious implications for the reader. Which would you rather put in your head, that or, “…Jesus Christ is come in the flesh” (KJB)?

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7. HISTORY OF THE KJB

BACKGROUND

Protestant Reformers with a burden for the common man to be able to read the Scriptures began to translate the Bible into the common language of English; a Bible that was not in the possession of the clergy, the scholars, and the theologians only - but a Bible for everyone. Early Reformer, William Tyndale wanted a Bible that even the ploughboy could buy and read.85

The Bishop's Bible of 1568, the “authorized” English Bible, was still rivaled by the Geneva Bible, and there was great competition between the two. The clergy were legally bound to use the Bishop's Bible, while the common man was using the Geneva Bible. The Puritan president of Corpus Christi College, John Reynolds, urged King James to produce another “Authorized” Bible which would remove this barrier.86

The King James Bible eventually won the people over the Geneva Bible. It was the only English version used for nearly 300 years, before the ERV. The King James Bible dominated the time in history characterized by the greatest Bible preaching and teaching, missionary work, evangelism, church building, and doctrinal development the world has ever known. The King James Bible became the primary influence on the literature, education, government, law, and philosophy of numerous generations of English-speaking people around the globe.87

The King James Bible has been read, studied, quoted, memorized, believed, and loved by more people than any other version of the Bible in any language in history, including that of the original languages. The evidence that God preserved His words in the King James Bible … Briefly, it is the one He has blessed more than any since the founding of Christianity. The Bible says that we know a tree by its fruit (Luke 6:44). The King James Bible has been present for more revivals, more souls being saved, more missionary work, more Bible colleges, and much more, than any other copy of the Bible ever was – including the original Hebrew and Greek.88

ABOUT KING JAMES I (1566-1625)

• King of England • Mother was Mary, Queen of Scots • Cousin Queen Elizabeth I • Ruled both England and Scotland until his death

85 Ireson, David. Ploughboy Notes The Gospel Truth. Quoted Werrell, Ralph S. Ploughboy Group. <http://www.tyndale.org/TSJ/27/ploughboy.html>86 Vance, Laurence M. A Brief History of the King James Bible. Excerpt. <www.av1611.org/kjv/kjvhist.html>87 Vance, Laurence M. A Brief History of the King James Bible. Excerpt. <www.av1611.org/kjv/kjvhist.html>88 Reagan, David. Translators of the King James Bible. <http://www.stateofthechurch.com/Foundational_Issues/Which_Bible_Translations/>

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• Learned in theology • A devout man who loved the Lord and His Word • Well-versed in Scripture • Devout in worship • Morally upright89

The preface to the KJB describes him as a . . .

“… sanctified person, … the zeale … towards the house of GOD … writing in defence of the Trueth, … Religious and learned discourse, … frequenting the house of GOD, … hearing the word preached, … cherishing the teachers therof, … caring for the Church as a most tender and loving nourcing Father.”

KJB TRANSLATORS

From Henry Morris:90

“All the translators were great scholars, deeply fluent in the Biblical languages, the cognate languages, the writings of the church fathers and other relevant materials, as well as accomplished writers in English. It is almost certain that no group of Bible scholars before or since has ever been as thoroughly fit for their task as was the King James Translation Team.”

God uses holy men91

His practice is to use holy men to convey His holy words. God’s words were given to “holy men of God” who “spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter 1:21). Therefore, we may properly look at the spiritual condition of the translators.

In the days of the King James translators: “England became the people of a book, and that book was the Bible.” To an extent hardly ever known in any country at any time, England was saturated with the Bible. This is the England in which the translators lived and learned.

God’s Word was familiar to every Englishman.

It was read both in the church and in the home. The greatest motivation for popular education was to enable the people to read the Bible for themselves. The Bible knowledge of the translators was of those who had from childhood known the Holy

89 Sorenson, David H. "Erasmus, King James, and His Translators (Part 1 of 3)." 2001. The King James Bible Page. <http://av1611.com/kjbp/articles/sorenson-ch10-1.html>.90 Morris, Henry M. A Creationist's Defense of the King James Bible.<http://www.icr.org/home/resources/resources_tracts_kjv/> 91 Reagan, David. Translators of the King James Bible. <http://www.stateofthechurch.com/Foundational_Issues/Which_Bible_Translations/>

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Scriptures (2Timothy 3:15). And, they carried this dedication with them through their lives.

The Preface to the King James Bible refers to deity by a name a total of 72 times.92 The preface includes such descriptive names as the Sun of righteousness, Saviour, the Spirit of grace, the Father of our Lord, and the living God. We can easily see where these translators had their hearts and minds.

However, the prefaces to the Revised Version refer to deity by name (as in God, Lord, Jesus Christ, etc.) for a total of ten (10) times.93 Five of these times are in a discussion on the translation of Jehovah.

Titles for Scripture as a whole are mentioned in the preface to the King James Bible a total of 75 times.94 This includes scriptures (23 times), Scripture (13 times), Bible (11 times), the word of God (9 times), and the word (6 times). Also included are other titles such as the Word of truth, the Word of salvation, the Book of God, the written Word, the Oracles of God, and His holy writ. Titles for Scripture as a whole are mentioned in the prefaces to the Revised Version only ten (10) times.

God uses enabled men95

Paul states, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1Thessalonians 5:24). God backs up His calling with His enabling power. He then supplies the needed sufficiency according to His grace (2Corinthians 9:8). If God called the King James translators to do the work of translation, He would have enabled them. Therefore, we can properly look at their abilities.

Greek was usually taught in the grammar schools alongside Latin. Hebrew was taught in a number of the grammar schools, but was certainly prominent in the universities.96 Translators to the Readers (KJB Preface) says of the translators, “Therefore such were thought upon, as could say modestly with Saint Hierome [Jerome], ‘Both we have learned the Hebrew tongue in part, and in the Latin we have been exercised almost from our very cradle.’”

92 Reagan, David. Translators of the King James Bible. <http://www.stateofthechurch.com/Foundational_Issues/Which_Bible_Translations/>93 Reagan, David. Translators of the King James Bible. <http://www.stateofthechurch.com/Foundational_Issues/Which_Bible_Translations/>94 Reagan, David. Translators of the King James Bible. <http://www.stateofthechurch.com/Foundational_Issues/Which_Bible_Translations/><http://www.stateofthechurch.com/Foundational_Issues/Which_Bible_Translations/>95 Reagan, David. Translators of the King James Bible. <http://www.stateofthechurch.com/Foundational_Issues/Which_Bible_Translations/>96 Reagan, David. Translators of the King James Bible. <http://www.stateofthechurch.com/Foundational_Issues/Which_Bible_Translations/>

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Proficiency in the English Language:

At the time of the King James Bible, the English language was at a point of great maturity. English literature was at its peak with writers like William Shakespeare, Francis Bacon, John Donne, Ben Jonson, and others in their prime. The King James translators were accomplished students of the English language and were authors of a number of books.97 Their work on the Bible was certainly enabled by God.

Individually – a brief look at a few individual King James translators98

Lancelot Andrews was recognized as the master of 15 languages. Each year, during a month-long summer vacation, he made it a practice to learn a new language.

John Bois had read the Bible in Hebrew by the age of five. It was said that he could at any time turn to any word in the Greek New Testament.

Miles Smith found Hebrew, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic almost as familiar as his native tongue. He was called “a very walking library” because of his extensive knowledge of history and literature. He authored the King James Preface, The Translators to the Readers.

This kind of knowledge in the languages could be repeated in other translators. We can believe that it was the same for other translators of which we know little of their personal lives

METHOD OF TRANSLATION

There were fifty-seven translators (which eventually whittled down to 47), divided into six teams. They met in three cities, namely, Cambridge, Westminster and Oxford. They began their work in 1604 and completed it in 1611. In both Westminster and Oxford, the translators focused on the Old Testament and New Testament. In Cambridge, they had a team working with the Old Testament and Apocrypha (even though the translators included the Apocrypha in the original King James Bible, they did not believe it was inspired). Dr. John Bois, chairman of the Old Testament committee at Cambridge, was reading and writing Hebrew at age six. At each place, the groups were further divided by two so that there were six companies of translators:99

One team ~ 6-7 Translators. One Translator – one book (of the Bible); checked by other six translators, then all together ~ 7 checks each book; sent to other 5 teams, then a

97 Reagan, David. Translators of the King James Bible. <http://www.stateofthechurch.com/Foundational_Issues/Which_Bible_Translations/>98 Reagan, David. Translators of the King James Bible. <http://www.stateofthechurch.com/Foundational_Issues/Which_Bible_Translations/>99 Sorenson, David H. "Erasmus, King James, and His Translators (Part 1 of 3)." 2001. The King James Bible Page. <http://av1611.com/kjbp/articles/sorenson-ch10-1.html>.

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joint-meeting of 12 men (two from each team) = 7 checks; a total of 14 times (2 x 7) each book from Genesis to Revelation. The number seven is seen throughout the translation of the King James Bible.100 From the commission of the translation in 1604 until the completion of the translation in 1611, seven years expired.

The King James Bible was the seventh popular modern English translation:

1. Tyndale’s Bible (1526)2. Coverdale’s Bible (1535)3. Matthew’s Bible (1537)4. Great Bible (1539)5. Geneva Bible (1560)6. Bishop’s Bible (1568)7. King James Bible (1611)

The translation was completed by seven different companies: Six original companies, and the general committee of revision.101

REFERENCES USED

They would translate the Hebrew and Greek texts, and compare them with the English Bibles of the time: Tyndale NT, Coverdale Bible, Matthews Bible, Geneva Bible, Bishop's Bible. The Greek editions of Erasmus, Stephanus, and Beza were all accessible as can be seen in the Preface:

"THE HOLY BIBLE, Conteyning the Old Testament, and the New: Newly Translated out of the Originall tongues: & with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Majesties Special Commandment. Appointed to be read in Churches. Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majestie. ANNO DOM. 1611."

The KJB translators used a strict word for word translation method called the “formal equivalence” or “verbal equivalence” method. This method is the translation of Hebrew and Greek words as closely as possible into English. Every noun, adjective, preposition, participle and so on in the Hebrew and Greek text is brought into the English in the same way. That includes the structure and form as well. In addition, the translators used italics to identify any words that they added for clarity. This word-for-word method ensures that the KJB conveys God’s message with literal and grammatical fidelity unrivalled by any other modern English version. Furthermore, the NT MSS the KJB translators used were copies of the original, known as the Received Text (TR) or the Majority Text. Thus we may confidently believe that the KJB or AV (Authorized Version) is God’s Word kept intact in English.

100 Compare with Psalm 12:6 “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”101 Reagan, David. Translators of the King James Bible. <http://www.stateofthechurch.com/Foundational_Issues/Which_Bible_Translations/>

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Many modern translations use a “dynamically equivalent” method which is directly opposite the verbal and formal equivalence technique of the KJB translators. It is not a word-for-word translation. The words were added, changed or subtracted in the English. This is also known as “paraphrasing.” In essence the reader is not reading the Word of God, but instead the translators’ interpretation of what God has said. This is why you find such an extreme variance of interpretation between the different translations as well as from the KJB.

TRANSLATION

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "translation" means simply going from one language to another. The primary meaning of "to translate" is not "to turn one language into another" but rather “to convey, or remove from one person, place, or condition to another; to transfer, to transport.” Thus, when speaking of translation, it is simply taking the words from one language to another. As surely as God inspired His Word, He could preserve it through the process of translation. God, through men, gave us His Word, and through men translated it into English using the exact words He wanted us to know. The Bible (KJB) says, "With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak ... saith the Lord” (1Corinthians 14:21). We must remember that the Bible is not just literature, nor is it ordinary.102 God can communicate in any language, "clearly and precisely," because He is God.

Let us remember the words of John 16:13 upon the translation and preservation process: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth." God has promised to guide His people into all truth. He also could have easily guided them into all truth as to the text of Scripture (which were and were not the correct readings).103 And in order to make this relevant and practical He must also guide them into all truth concerning the translation of Scripture.

"The translators of the king James’s time took an excellent way. The part of the Bible was given to him who was most excellent in such a tongue (as the Apocrypha to Andrew Downs) and then they met together, and one read the translation, the rest holding in their hands some Bible, either of the learned tongues, or French, Spanish, Italian, etc. If they found any fault they spoke; if not, he read on (Selden. Table-Talk. Preface)”104

One may argue that the King James Bible cannot be infallible because the translators were only men, and all men are sinners. The human element prevents the KJB from

102 Coats, Daryl R. "The Two Lies." The Bible Believer's Bulletin. September 1988. The King James Bible Page. <http://av1611.com/kjbp/articles/coats-twolies.html>.103 Moorman, Jack. "Principles Of Bible Preservation." O Timothy Magazine, Volume 9, Issue 8, 1992. The King James Bible Page. <http://av1611.com/kjbp/articles/moorman-preservation.html>.104 Pollard, Alfred W. Holy Bible, King James 1611 Version. 2008. Bibliogical Introduction (p. 6). Hendrickson Publishers Inc. Peabody, MA. USA

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being infallible. But, if this is true, then even the original autographs in Hebrew and Greek were not infallible, because they too were penned by men.

The King James translators were only instruments of preservation.105 God has always been the Divine Preserver of His word (Psalm 12:6-7), but He has used men as tools and instruments of preservation, just as He uses men to teach and preach His words. When men humbly yield themselves to the will of God, God can use them to accomplish His will (Romans 12:1-2), and this is precisely what happened between 1604 and 1611.106

ITALICIZED WORDS

Some people wonder about or even attack the italicized words in the KJB as evidence of error. But a number of Old Testament italicized words are quoted in the New Testament without the italics. This demonstrates the confidence that God places in the italicized words. When He quotes Himself in the New Testament, these words are not italicized.

If God treats the italicized words as scripture, then so should we

a. Compare Exodus 3:6 (am) with Matthew 22:32 b. Compare Deuteronomy 8:3 (word) with Matthew 4:4 c. Compare Deuteronomy 30:14 (is) with Romans 10:8 d. Compare Psalm 16:8 (he is) with Acts 2:25 e. Compare Psalm 82:6 (are) with John 10:34 f. Compare Psalm 118:22 (which) with Matthew 21:42 g. Compare Psalm 118:23 (is) with Matthew 21:42

Although they were not the first to do so, the italics in the KJB prove that the translators were honest in their work. They set the words in italics so we would know they were not in the manuscripts they were using. Besides, no one has a copy of the original manuscripts today, so no one knows for certain that the italicized words aren't in them. In fact, there are many cases where we know that the italicized words are justified. For example, notice in Deuteronomy 8:3 that the word "word" is in italics. However, when the Lord quotes this verse in Matthew 4:4 He includes the italicized word. If the italicized word does not belong in the Bible, why did the Lord quote it? 107

105 Which is exactly what they called themselves in the Dedicatory to the A.V. 1611106 Melton, James L. Fables And Facts About The King James Bible. 1996. <http://www.av1611.org/jmelton/fables.html>107 Melton, James L. The Italicized Words in the King James Bible. 2001.<http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/italicized.htm>

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MANUSCRIPTS USED FOR THE BIBLE

The Old Testament Masoretic Text

The Masoretic text is the Old Testament from the Masorete. It is accepted as the most accurately preserved Old Testament portion of the Bible. The Masoretes were groups of Hebrew scholars dedicated to guarding and standardizing the traditional Hebrew text as "handed down" (the basic meaning of "Masoretic"). They meticulously copied the ancient Hebrew manuscripts, scrupulously guarding against error. We have no good reason to doubt the Masoretic Text preserved and codified in its present form by about 600 A.D. and served as the basis for the King James translation.

The New Testament Textus Receptus (from the Majority Text)

The King James Bible is also based on the Greek New Testament, called the Textus Receptus or the Majority Text. It has been around for over 400 years and is compiled from about 95% of the surviving manuscript copies. The Minority Text, discovered a little over 100 years ago is made up from only 5% of the known manuscript copies, although many are dated earlier in history.

A brief description of the progression from the originals to what we have today is appropriate here: Soon after the Apostles wrote the Scriptures (the originals) many true and faithful copies were made by born again believers and believing scribes. These trustworthy copies were read and shared amongst believers and copied and re-copied over and over again.108 Untrustworthy or perverted copies were not used or read much. Not many untrustworthy copies in existence, because of the little use and small demand for them. That is the major reason why very few manuscripts when found, are in such good physical shape, because no one bothered to read or use them. Case in point: Have you ever seen a believer’s Bible? They are pretty well used. The chart below gives a visual representation of this progression:

108 "What Is God’s Word," Lesson No. 5. (The Necessary Materials). 2008. The King James Bible Page. <http://www.thywordistruthKJB.com/LESSON%205KJB_a.htm>

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In the early years of the church, before the NT canon was compiled, between the 1st - 2nd centuries AD, manuscripts were circulating among the churches. During this early period, there were opportunities for heresy to be introduced (Judaism and Gnosticism). A look at nearly all of the epistles gives some indication or direct addressing of heretical teachings infiltrating the churches. Later, in the 3rd Century, when churches were established in good doctrine, they were able to spot bad doctrine. Manuscripts which were questionable were put aside or destroyed. They were not used. Those that were used, the good doctrines, wore out from constant use. Therefore, in this particular instance, older is not better. One need only examine the omissions and attacks on doctrine to know that they are corrupt. Older does not mean better. A book that is used a lot will get worn out.

What is the Textus Receptus?

It comes from the Latin for “Received Text” and refers to a Greek New Testament. It was based on Erasmus’ Greek New Testament, created in the 15th century, which was created because of numerous mistranslations or outright errors in the Vulgate. Erasmus published two other editions in 1527 and 1535. Other editors and printers continued the work after his death in 1536. In 1633, another edition was published; from that publisher’s notation has come the words “Received Text.” It was not questioned until the publication of the Westcott and Hort Greek New Testament in 1881, then the Textus Receptus came under attack. Critics of the TR say, "it is far from

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the original text," meaning that it is not as old as the W-H MSS, but both Luther and Tyndale used the same basic Greek text. Luther used the second edition of the Erasmus New Testament, and Tyndale utilized the third edition. The chart below is a basic representation of the sequence of how we got our Bible:

It is because of the antiquity of the Minority Text that most modern translators believe it to be more accurate. All of the newer translations are based on this text instead of the Textus Receptus which was used when the KJB was translated. One problem is that the Minority Text leaves out many words, verses and even whole passages that are in the KJB.109 The chart below presents a visualization of the process:

109 Refer to chapter 2, “Side-by-Side”

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Satan’s strategy has always been to get man to question the accuracy and validity of God’s Word.110 God not only inspired His Word (II Timothy 3:16) He also promised to preserve it111 in its entirety.112 Therefore it is a dangerous thing to add to or take away from the Word of God.113

REVISIONS?

Some who support the modern versions raise the argument that the KJB has been revised. Has the King James really been revised? The Authorized Version, as it came to be called, went through several editions. Two notable editions were that of 1629, the first ever printed at Cambridge, and that of 1638, also at Cambridge, which was assisted by John Bois and Samuel Ward, two of the original translators. In 1657, the Parliament considered another revision, but it came to naught. The most important editions were those of the 1762 Cambridge revision by Thomas Paris, and the 1769 Oxford revision by Benjamin Blayney.

Background

Revisions, as they are called, began immediately upon the first publication of the KJB in 1611. The final revision took place in 1769 under Dr. Blayney of Oxford. These revisions have cleared numerous antique spellings, such as Hierusalem, Marie, assoone, foorth, shalbe, fet, creeple, fift, sixt, ioy, middes, charet and the like. Numerous misprints (printing errors) have also been corrected so that it is now of the most accurately printed books in the world. The translators did not believe themselves to be inspired, and it is difficult to see how it can be held to the contrary by anyone who will read their Preface.114

“Revisions” to the KJB

Modern versions change:

"God was manifest in the flesh" to "He appeared in a body" (1Tmothyi 3:16, NIV) or change "only begotten Son" to "only begotten God" (John 1:18, NASB), Critics say that the KJB also made changes, but as we can see, they were not of this sort.115

Editions are being confused with revisions.116 There have been several editions of the KJB. The last was in 1769, and is the one commonly used today.117 Such editions

110 See Genesis 3:1-5, Matthew 4:3-11111 Psalms 12:6-7; 119:89112 Matthew 5:18, 12:26113 Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19114 Goodspeed, Edgar J. The Translators to The Reader: Preface to the King James Version 1611. Thesis. Meredith Publications. [Open Domain]115 Reagan, David. Haven't there been several revisions of the King James Bible since 1611? Duplicated Gipp, Samuel. The Answer Book, A Helpbook for Christians. <http://www.av1611.org/kjv/kjvupdt.html From >

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corrected pinter errors (see, there’s one right there). These editions did not alter or omit entire verses as the modern versions have. The first attempted revision of the KJB was the English Revised Version in the late 1800s. It was based on the Westcott and Hort Greek manuscripts, which altered and omitted entire verses.

Printing was still very slow and difficult in 1611. All type was set by hand, one piece at a time. Errors were an expected part of any completed book.118 The 1629 edition of the Bible printed in Cambridge is said to have been the first revision. It was not a revision, but simply a careful correction of earlier printing errors.

The first two revisions were purification of early printing errors. The last two revisions were standardization of the spelling.119

The so-called thousands of changes to the KJB

Critics try to say that there have been “thousands” of changes to the KJB over the years, but that just isn’t true. Let’s examine those changes:

The type style used in 1611 by the KJB translators was the Gothic type style, a very difficult-to-read font.120 Another form of change found in the history of the Authorized Version is changes of spelling. In the 1600s spelling was according to whim. There was no such thing as correct spelling. Only in the 18th Century spelling began to stabilize. Therefore, in the last half of the eighteenth century, the spelling of the King James Version of 1611 was standardized.

Additional "e"'s were often found at the end of the words such as feare, darke, and beare. Also, double vowels were much more common than they are today. You would find mee, bee, and mooued instead of me, be, and moved. Double consonants were also much more common. Example: ranne, euill, and ftarres. The present-day spellings would be ran, evil, and stars. They are NOT textual changes made to alter the reading. In the first printing, words were sometimes inverted. Sometimes a plural was written as singular or vice versa. At times a word was miswritten for one that was similar. A few times a word or even a phrase was omitted. The omissions were obvious and did not have the doctrinal implications of those found in modern translations.121

116 Defined: RE·VI·SION 1. an act of revising b : a result of revising : alteration 2. a revised version. revision. (2010). Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revision. EDI'TION 1. The publication of any book or writing; as the first edition of a new work. 2. Republication, sometimes with revision and correction; as the second edition of a work. 3. Any publication of a book before published; also, one impression or the whole number of copies published at once; as the tenth edition. edition. (1828) Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from http://www.1828-dictionary.com/d/search/word,edition117 Reagan, David. Haven't there been several revisions of the King James Bible since 1611? Duplicated Gipp, Samuel. The Answer Book, A Helpbook for Christians. <http://www.av1611.org/kjv/kjvupdt.html From >118 Reagan, David. Haven't there been several revisions of the King James Bible since 1611? Duplicated Gipp, Samuel. The Answer Book, A Helpbook for Christians. <http://www.av1611.org/kjv/kjvupdt.html From >119 Reagan, David. Haven't there been several revisions of the King James Bible since 1611? Duplicated Gipp, Samuel. The Answer Book, A Helpbook for Christians. <http://www.av1611.org/kjv/kjvupdt.html From >120 Reagan, David. Haven't there been several revisions of the King James Bible since 1611? Duplicated Gipp, Samuel. The Answer Book, A Helpbook for Christians. <http://www.av1611.org/kjv/kjvupdt.html From >

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Some “Revisions”

The 1611 reading is given first; then the present reading; and finally, the date the correction was first made:

this thing . . . this thing also (1638)shalt have remained . . . ye shall have remained (1762)Achzib, nor Helbath, nor Aphik . . . of Achzib, nor of Helbath, nor of Aphik (1762)requite good . . . requite me good (1629)this book of the Covenant . . . the book of this covenant (1629)chief rulers . . . chief ruler (1629)And Parbar . . . At Parbar (1638)For this cause . . . And for this cause (1638)For the king had appointed . . . for so the king had appointed (1629)Seek good . . . seek God (1617)

The character of the changes shows them to be printing errors, not doctrinal changes. The fact that they were corrected shows the desire to keep the text pure. Maybe now you see that the King James Version of 1611 has not been revised but only corrected (purified).

Compare to Revisions Made by the NKJB

Below are some of the more obvious alterations made in the book of Ecclesiastes.122 The reference is given first; then the reading as found in the King James Bible; and last, the reading as found in the New King James Version:

1:13 sore travail / grievous task1:14 vexation of spirit / grasping for the wind1:16 my heart had great experience of wisdom / My heart has understood great wisdom2:3 to give myself unto / to gratify my flesh with2:3 acquainting / guiding2:21 equity / skill3:10 the travail, which God hath given / the God-given task3:11 the world / eternity3:18 that might manifest them / God tests them3:18 they themselves are beasts / they themselves are like beasts3:22 portion / heritage4:4 right work / skillful work5:1 Keep thy foot / Walk prudently5:6 the angel / the messenger of God

121 Reagan, David. Haven't there been several revisions of the King James Bible since 1611? Duplicated Gipp, Samuel. The Answer Book, A Helpbook for Christians. <http://www.av1611.org/kjv/kjvupdt.html From >122 Reagan, David. Haven't there been several revisions of the King James Bible since 1611? Duplicated Gipp, Samuel. The Answer Book, A Helpbook for Christians. <http://www.av1611.org/kjv/kjvupdt.html From >

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5:8 he that is higher than the highest / high official5:20 God answereth him / God keeps him busy6:3 untimely birth / stillborn child7:29 inventions / schemes8:1 boldness / sternness8:10 the place of the holy / the place of holiness10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour / Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment10:10 If the iron be blunt / If the ax is dull10:10 wisdom is profitable to direct / wisdom brings success12:9 gave good heed / pondered12:11 the masters of assemblies / scholars

The King James Version we have today has not been necessarily been revised but rather purified. The authority for its veracity lies not in the first printing of the King James Version in 1611, or in the character of King James I, or in the scholarship of the 1611 translators, or in the literary accomplishments of Elizabethan England, or even in the Greek Received Text. Our authority for the infallible words of the English Bible lies in the power and promise of God to preserve His Word.

PREFACE TO THE KJB

The KJB originally had a Preface which discussed the mind of the translators. It consisted of the Dedicatory, to King James, and “to the Readers.” In our modern era, it seems to no longer be a part of the KJB, and it has given critics ammunition for their arguments. Though there are some points made by the translators that may seem troubling to some at first reading, careful consideration of the context and the times can settle these critical points.

TRANSLATORS TO THE READERS

The following, in bullet form presents a synopsis of some of the pertinent elements of the message from the KJB translators to those who would read it. To pursue a study of this topic, a good reading of the text in its entirety is recommended. Nevertheless, the lines below give background:

• His majesty's constancy, notwithstanding culmination, for the survey of the English translations

• The praise of the holy Scriptures• Translation necessary• The translation of the old testament out of the Hebrew into Greek • Translation out of Hebrew and Greek into Latin• The translating of the scripture into the vulgar tongues• The unwillingness of our chief adversaries, that the scriptures should be

divulged in the mother tongue, etc.

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• The speeches and reasons, both of our brethren, and of our adversaries against this work

• A satisfaction to our brethren • An answer to the imputations of our adversaries• The purpose of the translators, with their number, furniture, care, etc.• Reasons moving us to set diversity of senses in the margin, where there is great

probability for each• Reasons inducing us not to stand curiously upon an identity of phrasing

“KJB-ONLYISTS”

A note is appropriate here, regarding “KJB-onlyists.” These people demand that only the KJB be used, and or condemn everyone who doesn’t use the KJB. Some even suggest that a person cannot be saved outside of the KJB renderings. These people do not often speak with grace, and have some wrong assumptions about the KJB.

“KJB-Onlyist” Erroneous Beliefs:

The King James Bible is "the original." But, if we examine the Preface, we see that it is not the case:

"Truly (good Christian Reader) we never thought from the beginning, that we should need to make a new Translation, nor yet to make of a bad one a good one, ...but to make a good one better, or out of many good ones, one principal good one, not justly to be excepted against."

Another “KJB-Onlyist” belief is that the KJB is the only "Authorized" Bible.

They understand it to mean DIVINELY AUTHORIZED; but, what that term means is that it is actually the third Authorized Bible of the English Church. The first was the Great Bible of 1539, which was intended for church use. The second was the Bishops' Bible of 1568, and the third was the King James of 1611.

There are more arguments to be made but you can see from these brief samples that the tenets they hold fast to are erroneous.

CONCLUSIONS

The Byzantine text has great continuity, while the Alexandrian examples disagree with each other. The Byzantine readings more often "make sense" than do their competitors in the contexts in which the passages exist, and there are certain theologically "impossible" changes in the Alexandrian stream, preferred for the modern Bible versions. Their location (Sinaiticus and Vaticanus), coupled with the apparent disdain which early Christians held them in, opens up the possibility of

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influence upon these texts from the various heresies which so permeated Egypt for the first four centuries of Christianity, which may have been recognized by early orthodox Christians. The Alexandrian textual set, and thus the Critical Text editions, were used pretty much in Egypt on only a very small number of texts in their support.123

Modern versions attack Jesus' Deity and sinlessness, the Godhead, etc. The NIV translators claim that we are all at the mercy of imperfect men to give us a reliable Bible; but what about a sovereign and omnipotent God? The King James Bible is loyal to the Lord. The King James Bible is faithful to strongly proclaim the great foundational doctrines of the Christian faith, and it's uncompromisingly stand against sin. For example: The NIV completely removes the self-explanatory word "sodomite," thus disassociating homosexuals from the wicked city of Sodom which God destroyed with fire and brimstone. The NIV removes the name of Jesus, the name above every other name (Philippians 2:9-10) in 38 places in the New Testament.124

Final analysis: Thoughts from the author

It is not so much the manuscript evidence, but rather “what saith” these modern versions that convinces me. The subtle message we find in many, most, if not all of them is one which draws us away from the foundations of the faith. Clearly, upon comparison, there is cause for concern as the Doctrine of Christ, the Trinity, Salvation (by grace through faith), and others, are subtly being weakened and being given room to doubt in these modern versions which diminish from the texts. The Christian faith is based on Christ, yet Christ is being removed. Why would a “Bible” (version) reword passages in such a way as to erode and dilute fundamental doctrines, when they have been the pillars of the Christian faith since the beginning of the church? It is certainly my conclusion that the KJB is the one we ought to be using as Christians, in large part due to the comparisons alone. And although I am NOT a fist-pounding, railing, “KJB-onlyist,”. . . I am a Christian, and the Lord tells me in my Bible to “prove all things” and “hold fast that which is good” (1Thessalonians 5:21). What I see in the KJB is “good,” and what I see in the modern versions is not.

The KJB was the Bible standard for over 300 years until it was challenged by the RV which is based on questionable manuscripts. And yes, by the way, we ought to compare others to this standard, for it is the Bible which God has given us, which has a history of changed lives and revivals. Surely, that alone is food for thought. My faith does not lie with men and what they can do, but in God who is able to preserve His inspired Word (plenary) and words (verbal) throughout the ages and translation: trusting God at face value, in childlike faith that what He hath said (Psalm 12:6-7), He is able to do. There can be only ONE magnified, inspired, preserved, settled, truth. We have seen the comparisons, sometimes completely opposite each other in wording or meaning. So which one is right? We cannot sit on the fence or be tossed to and fro by

123 Gnostic Corruptions in the Critical Texts: A Case Study On the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament, 21st Edition<http://www.studytoanswer.net/bibleversions/gnostic.html>

124 Stewart, David J. http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/NIV/worship.htm

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every wind of change (version). I have answered that question by God’s grace, and pray you will too.

THE END

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerry Smith is a missionary and pastor of Our Lord's Bible Church, Dasmarinas, Cavite, Philippines; evangelist and founder of Creation-Ed Ministry. He has been an educator since 1994, and is currently residing in Dasmarinas; but has also lived in Japan, Korea, and Saudi Arabia. He is a preacher; guest speaker in churches and educational institutions; and a guest lecturer in local universities, seminaries, and Bible College. He spent nearly ten years in the United States Air Force from 1989-1998, serving as a technical school instructor then as correctional custody superintendent in the Security Forces Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, before being honorably discharged as a non-commissioned officer (TSgt – select) in 1998.

As a self-supporting, bi-vocational minister, he has distinguished himself in the field of English language education as an English language teacher, and teacher-trainer for ten years; where he has taught children and professionals from all walks of life. Two of his notable assignments include teaching English in Korea at Samsung Electro-Mechanics and teaching Korean Supreme Court judges. He has also developed curricula for accent reduction, and English speech courses; as well as successful IELTS, and TOEFL Speaking Test training modules for all levels; and has written two English language books for publication.

He has completed a bachelor degree in occupational education (BSOE) from Wayland Baptist University, USA; a master degree in teaching English (MA Teaching-English) from De La Salle University, Philippines; a post-graduate ministerial degree in Christian education (DMin CE) from Faith Missionary Bible Institute, USA; and a doctoral degree in theology (ThD) from Trinity Graduate School of Apologetics & Theology, India. He is at this time pursuing a PhD in language education at De La Salle University, Dasmarinas. He also has three creation-science books which are in the works and a devotional, “Where Is the Beauty That We Should Desire Him?” now available.

For more information, please visit:

http://lordsbiblechurch.blogspot.com

http://c-ed.blogspot.com

Contact information:

jfrsmth@gmail.com