Category: Bible versions debate

Joshua and Jesus

Thursday, May 29, 2014

“For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day” (Hebrews 4:8 KJV).

Why did our scholarly King James translators render this verse in such an oft-derided manner?

Emulating countless others, an arrogant seminary professor once wrote a scathing article about so-called “King James Bible errors.” The wayward professor included today’s Scripture in his list of flaws: he criticized our 1611 translators by arguing that the Greek word they rendered “Jesus” should actually be “Joshua” to fit the context (the modern Bible publishers were thrilled to receive publicity and backing!).

Before we grow angry with God’s Word for being right 100 percent of the time, and before we attack the 400-year-old King James Bible, we would do well to let God teach us instead of us “correcting” Him. A quick lesson in anthroponomastics will cause us to appreciate why our King James Bible says “Jesus” not “Joshua” in Hebrews 4:8 (and Acts 7:45); the related anti-KJB remark will also be manifested as pointless.

“Joshua” is the contracted version of the Hebrew “Jehoshua” (which is pronounced “yahowshuwa”)—Hebrew is the language of most of the Old Testament Scriptures. In Greek, the language of the New Testament, “Joshua” is “Iesous” (ee-ay-sooce), and in English, “Jesus” (meaning “saviour, deliverer;” see Matthew 1:21). Interestingly,  “Jehoshua”/“Joshua”/“Iesous”/“Jesus” means “Jehovah-Saviour” (in English, we pronounce “JEHOVAH,” the name of Israel’s God, as “jahovah,” but in Hebrew, it is pronounced “yahovah”).

Today’s Scripture refers to Israel entering the Promised Land under Joshua, Moses’ successor (recorded in the Old Testament book of Joshua). According to Numbers 27:15-23, which see, Moses said Joshua was to be Israel’s “shepherd,” the man to lead Israel into God’s Holy Land to possess it (God would have then established His earthly kingdom). Historically, Israel rebelled against God by following pagan idols, thereby delaying God’s earthly kingdom. Jesus Christ—Israel’s true Shepherd (John 10:1-30) whom Joshua pictured/typified (see Acts 7:45)—will lead God’s people Israel into her Promised Land to establish His earthly kingdom (see Isaiah 35:1-10; Ezekiel 37:1-28; Hebrews 4:1-11).

Basically, our King James translators alerted us in Hebrews 4:8 that Joshua’s leadership represented Jesus Christ’s future headship of Israel. Our Authorized Version translators are hereby vindicated, and their critics still puzzled! 🙂

Holding Fast the Faithful Word

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9 KJV).

What does “holding fast” mean in the Scriptures?

Let us briefly survey other Bible passages that shed light on the concept:

  • The Lord Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24; cf. Luke 16:13).
  • Paul instructed us to “support the weak” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
  • God speaks to Satan of Job’s “holding fast his integrity” (Job 2:3), and Job said, “My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go” (Job 27:6a).
  • Before Jerusalem’s destruction, the LORD asked through the Prophet Jeremiah, “Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return” (Jeremiah 8:5).

As we see, God’s definitions for “holding fast” are “refuse to return,” “hold to,” “support,” “not let it go.”

Satan, as his Hebrew name suggests, is “adversary,” and he has an arsenal of weapons he uses against God and His people. God the Holy Ghost wrote the Holy Bible with the intention of educating us at to what He is doing in the heaven and the earth, and what Satan is doing to frustrate His purpose and plans.

Therefore, in today’s Scripture, one of the characteristics of the bishop (frequently called “pastor”) is that he should not relinquish the rightly divided Word of God that he was first taught in his earlier years as a Christian. He should hold firm God’s Word, dispensationally studied, understood, and believed, that he may save others from Satan’s policy of evil and its deception (1 Timothy 4:16). The bishop will face intense opposition and criticism (today’s Scripture), but he must not surrender his rightly-divided Holy King James Bible for “easy-to-read” perversions and denominational systems.

Saints, let us always be mindful of the faithfulness of our King James Bible rightly divided, that it is worthy of our trust. May we “not let it go!” 🙂

Heart Service #14

Friday, May 9, 2014

“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you” (Romans 6:17 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is the key to being delivered from and guarded against today’s apostate Christendom.

Romans chapter 8 begins, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (verses 1-4).

While verse 1 is controversial and confusing (modern Bible versions and their manuscripts omit the underlined clause!), the context clearly indicates this is condemnation of lifestyle, not damnation to hellfire. We must “walk after the Spirit” if our Christian lives are to be acceptable and honoring to God.

Verses 5 and 6 explain: “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Lost people think like lost people, so they act like lost people. It makes just as much sense for us Christians to think like lost people, as it does for us to act like lost people. Verses 13 and 14 continue: “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

If we want God’s life and God’s peace in our Christian lives, we must think like He does (Galatians 2:16-21, Galatians 3:1-3, Galatians 5:1-5, Ephesians 4:17-32, and Colossians 3:1-11 are excellent verses you should read for yourself). It starts by learning sound Bible doctrine….

Counseled by the Only Wise Counselor

Friday, March 21, 2014

“The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:11 KJV).

His advice will literally last forever, but do you prefer the “experts?”

After convicted by one of our Bible studies, an atheist emailed me to complain. Following his few words (not even one full sentence) and a large quote from me, he concluded his email with a link to an article about King James Bible “errors.” While the atheist did not write that article—no, a “Bible-believing, Bible-defending, Jesus-Christ-honoring” seminary professor did that!—I read it with an open mind anyway. Once the seminary professor reassured his readers that he believed in Biblical inspiration, inerrancy (?!), and authority, he proceeded to explain six reasons why he rejected the King James Bible as the best translation. (Even lost people have more respect for God’s Word!) Superficially, he seemed to present a “death-blow” to the King James—I smiled, for, in reality, he actually defeated himself!

Without any reservation, the general Christian public believes every word from Bible “experts:” it is trained not to question this seminary professor’s claims and “facts.” It is trained not to discover that the “pompous Ph.D.” neither knew his history nor his Bible (or, was willfully withholding facts and fabricating “evidence!”). Moreover, while the professor “advised” his readers to disbelieve King James Bible inerrancy, he never bothered to “counsel” as to which Bible translation he thought was inerrant! (This is particularly interesting, since he chaired a modern Bible translation—never making a single reference to its “inerrancy” either!).

After I thought about what I read, today’s Scripture and its context came to mind. Man’s “wisdom” is but foolishness at best. In the context of today’s Scripture, we read, “The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices [schemes] of the people of none effect” (verse 10). No matter what sinful man does, in the end, it will come to nothing. However, our Lord Jesus Christ’s counsel will stand forever (today’s Scripture), and without question, that will, perfectly preserved for us in the King James Bible, shall outlast each and every critic, including the professing “counselors.” 🙂

Bible Study 102 #3

Saturday, March 8, 2014

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

The only verse that tells you to study the Bible also tells you how to understand the Bible!

Many professing Christians spend their whole earthly lives struggling to discern God’s will. They observe their circumstances and attempt to “read between the lines and discern road signs,” they listen for instruction from “still, small voices” in their heads, they ask preachers and teachers (who rarely understand God’s will themselves), they purchase “Christian” literature and “easy-to-read” modern “bible” versions, they attend retreats and Bible conferences, they pray, and it is truly unfortunate that, despite all the effort, they often leave this life without ever getting a solid grasp of God’s Word to them. Most tragically, many not only die without understanding the Bible, but they even die in their trespasses and sins, having never realized they could have had those sins forgiven in and through Jesus Christ!

God’s will for each and every person is clearly delineated in 1 Timothy 2:4: “[God our Saviour; verse 3] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” There are two specific phrases to note: “Who will have all men to be saved” and “Who will have all men… to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (Remember, “men” is a generic term that includes all people—man, woman, boy, and girl.)

Firstly, God wants all people to be saved from their sins and eternal hellfire. The Apostle Peter elaborated on the Apostle Paul’s words: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Secondly, God wants all Christians to be saved from false teaching. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Let us now briefly examine the first aspect of God’s two-fold plan for man….

Bible Study 102 #2

Friday, March 7, 2014

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

The only verse that tells you to study the Bible also tells you how to understand the Bible!

Understandably, people get confused when reading the Bible. The primary reasons are: (1) they do not have God’s indwelling Holy Spirit teaching them, (2) they are using a counterfeit Bible version translated from faulty manuscripts predicated upon unsound [critical] textual theories, all of which are further polluted by additional fallible human viewpoint, and (3) neither they nor their Bible translators nor their pastors and teachers have any appreciation for the dispensational nature of God’s Word (“rightly dividing the word of truth;” today’s Scripture).

Textual critics, “experts” (?) who study and evaluate ancient Bible manuscripts, are usually unsaved, spiritually un-regenerated. Rather than allowing God’s Word say what He means and mean what He says to whom and when He says it, they dare not submit to a mere Book that contradicts their human “wisdom” (1 Corinthians 2:4-16; 1 Corinthians 3:18-20). Having nothing more than the “spirit of man,” they irreverently assume the role of the “Spirit of God.” Attempting to smooth over Bible “contradictions,” they “correct” the Bible text by retranslating so it makes sense in their sinful minds, thereby discarding God’s wisdom (Isaiah 55:8,9).

For the last 2,000 years, Christendom’s leadership has done a great disservice to us all. Even today, pastors and teachers who are filled with and led by the Holy Spirit (although men often lacking a degree from “seminary”—Bible cemetery) are seen as “know-nothings” when it comes to Bible study. Today, oddly enough, anyone who is skilled in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin is considered a Bible “expert,” whether or not they believe the Bible! (Applying that same line of thought, should we therefore seek Greek-literate, Hebrew-literate, and Latin-literate atheists and agnostics to tell us what the Bible really says?!)

Having God the Holy Ghost is necessary to understand the Bible, for He is the Author of Scripture. Before one can be a dispensational Bible student approved unto God, he or she must first be a Gospel believer….

Bible Study 102 #1

Thursday, March 6, 2014

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

The only verse that tells you to study the Bible also tells you how to understand the Bible!

You can only enjoy what you understand. If you do not understand something, then it becomes burdensome and you tend to avoid it. This describes the attitude many have toward the Bible, lost and saved alike. While most professing Christians usually know that the Bible is an important Book, they often really do not know what to do with it, so they usually do not expose themselves to its contents unless at church when a preacher or priest “explains” (read that, complicates) it for them. Even then, familiar Bible passages are read over and over and over, and then the Bible becomes boring and even despised.

The goal of dispensational Bible study is to make the Bible understandable—it is the way to understand and enjoy the Bible. When considered dispensationally, the Bible literally becomes an open Book. Its “contradictory” verses are no longer bothersome because it is understood that these opposing verses are written to different peoples living in different time periods under different circumstances. However, if somebody discourages you from dispensational Bible study (and many denominations and churches do in order to keep you coming, giving, and supporting their program!), then they are taking from you the key God gave you to understand His Word! It is that serious, dear friend.

While many theologians and preachers never even partially grasp its meaning, today’s Scripture is very simple. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Of course, you have to have a King James Bible for it to read in this manner, for modern English “bible” translators demonstrate they have no regard for the dispensational layout of Scripture, and by retranslating the verse (which you will then read and believe), they encourage you to join them in their unbelieving scholarship.

Let us proceed to advanced right division….

The Living Words of the Living God

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

“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” (1 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV).

May you have the world’s most marvelous Book—not only in your hand and head, but in your heart, too!

I recently ministered to a depressed Christian brother experiencing dire circumstances. He told me that, for many years, he had read and studied particular Bible verses. Yet, they did not fully impact him until just recently when he began to re-study them. It was not until he needed those comforting verses that they began to come to his memory, and those living words of the living God soothed his vexed soul. While they did not remove those troubles, the verses encouraged him in those troubles, and they reminded him of what really mattered. It was then that I told him today’s Scripture: God’s Word “effectually worketh also in you that believe.” God’s Word will work inside of us believers, so that is why personal Bible study is critical.

Many professing Christians read books about the Bible, but they never actually read the Bible. The Holy Bible alone has God’s power, not books about it. This is why we need God’s Word in our hearts—if we do not put it there, the indwelling Holy Spirit cannot re-surface it in our minds and hearts when we need its guidance.

There are far too many false books about the Bible and even false “bibles,” and so many professing Christians are relying on them. Thus, God’s power is not operating in their lives; consequently, they are miserable in works-religion, confused about what the Bible really says. If you want God’s power, to think like He thinks in your circumstances (how He would have you to think), you need to get into His Word, the King James Bible, and study and believe it “rightly divided” (2 Timothy 2:15), so that when you need His living words, you will have them in your heart. 🙂

On the Holy Bible

Friday, February 28, 2014

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4 KJV).

If you are seeking God’s words today, you can find them today!

Where are God’s words? In non-existent original manuscripts? In a preacher’s inner impressions? In our emotions or circumstances? In a prayer closet? In a denominational handbook, hymnal, Bible commentary, or Hebrew or Greek grammar? In an “angelic visitation?” In Bible study footnotes? In the latest, best-selling modern translation? These are usually the places where people look for God’s words, but despite all that reading and praying, they rarely find them. Very few ever actually find those precious words of God because of the confusion as to where to find them and because nearly all of the places that are presumed to have God’s words have everything but them!

In today’s Scripture, the Lord Jesus Christ affirmed that mankind needed spiritual food just as much as he needed physical food. To be physically alive but spiritually dead is not God’s original plan for man! Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, where Moses taught Israel the same principle: Israel had 40 years of physical manna to eat but they were starving spiritually, experiencing “leanness [of] soul” because of their unbelief (Psalm 106:15)!

The prophet Isaiah foretold how God the Father “wakeneth [Jesus Christ] morning by morning, [his] ear to hear as the learned” (50:4). Every morning during His earthly ministry, Jesus studied the Old Testament scrolls, and He learned God the Father’s will (cf. Luke 2:40,52; John 8:26-29). Even Jesus Christ depended on the Holy Bible for wisdom, and He knew today’s Scripture firsthand. Jesus lived completely reliant on God’s Word—living the life God originally wanted mankind to live!

Jesus Christ reassured us, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33). We have those preserved words of God in English, the King James Bible. May we never, ever take them for granted and may we never, ever abandon them. May we study them and believe them, lest we spiritually starve!

Bible Study 101 #13

Friday, January 17, 2014

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

The only verse that tells you to study the Bible also tells you how to study the Bible!

Religious tradition has completely destroyed the clarity of the rightly divided Word of God. Hence, many apostasies and heresies (denominations, sects, cults, et cetera) afflict Christendom. By following what God did in the past, we are not doing what God is doing today, and if we are not doing God’s will today, then Satan’s work is accomplished. Thus, dispensational Bible study is critical to understanding God’s plan of salvation for today as well as recognizing his plan for the Christian today.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). All of the Bible is God’s Word, so we study all 66 books of the King James Bible (Genesis to Revelation). But, unlike most churches and professing Christians, we study the entire Bible according to the “revelation of the mystery” (in light of Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon; Romans 16:25,26).

We must stop grabbing and claiming Israel’s verses (Genesis through Malachi, Matthew through John, early Acts, and Hebrews through Revelation), and we must get into the meat of the Scriptures written to us (Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon). All of the Bible is for us, but not all of the Bible is to us or about us (remember, most of Scripture is written to and is about the nation Israel, not us). We follow God’s design for Christian edification, and we seek God’s approval, not man’s approval (today’s Scripture).

When studying a particular Bible passage, you first need to establish the following, in this order:

  1. who is writing/speaking,
  2. to whom are they writing, and
  3. what are they writing.

Again, remember that Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, are what God has to say to you, and the rest of the Bible deals with another program, Israel’s program. If Paul does not instruct you to do it, then God does not expect you to practice it in your life. This is the key to doing God’s will for you….