Things That Are Different Are Not the Same Part 5

In this final post on Bible versions we need to understand that God wrote only one Bible. Our difficulty takes place when we realize that God's one Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek - languages not known to most. Therefore we have need of a reliable translation in the English language for English speaking people. God promised to preserve His Word for all, for all time.

So how are we to know which version to use? With literally hundreds if not thousands of versions to choose from, where do we begin? I have shown you how satan has corrupted the Word of God even to usurping His very name in certain versions. I have shown you how satan has reworded the "Lord's Prayer" in many versions to make it a prayer to himself. I have shown you outright lies in some of the versions. I have shown you how the addition and/deletion of words in Scripture changes the whole meaning of a verse.

The fact is that all new translations have been translated from corrupt texts. It follows that if the root is corrupt, then the fruit is corrupt. The last Bible to be translated from the original manuscripts (the Masoretic Text and the Textus Receptus) was and is the King James Bible.

Do not be fooled by the new versions. Although there is a measure of truth in the new versions, they sadly lack the power of God's Word in His Holy Bible. Be aware that just because something is called "new" does not necessarily mean it is as good or better than the original. Case in point - The New King James Bible.

This book is more closely aligned to the NIV than to the KJV. Remember that things that are different are not the same. I have not mentioned every (per)version. We have dealt mainly with four that set the standard for the others, but the NKJV is worth taking a look at.

The precious doctrine of salvation is savagely attacted in the NKJV just as it is in the other versions.God's Word is meant to be a Light for the salvation of mankind. If satan can subtly destroy this great doctrine, then he has accomplished much.

Consider carefully I Corinthians 1:18, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."

Now look at the NKJV translation of the same verse: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Do you see the difference in the verb tenses of these two verses? The correct Bible doctrine is that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8, 9). The NKJV changes salvation into a salvation by works as we "are being saved" over a period of time.That ought to annoy someone. Jesus bought my salvation on the cross with His own blood. It is a done deal. I am saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. I am not being saved. Salvation is not a process. I do not know about you, but that is offensive to me. I am sure it is offensive to Christ as it cheapens the very work that He accomplished by the outpouring of Himself on Calvary.

In a study of Bible omissions a partial list of 40 Bible omissions lists the New King James as omitting all but 11. Compare the NKJV and the KJV in Acts 4:27, "For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed . . ." (KJV)"; "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom you anointed . . ." (NKJV). Yes, Jesus came to serve, but there were many servants in New Testament times. Jesus is the Child - the Son of God - Emmanuel, God with us who sits at the right hand of God the Father. Please do not let satan relegate your Saviour to mere human level.

There is much more that we could discuss on the perversion of God's Word; maybe at another time. Please be open to what God wants to show you. I know it is hard to deal with things when our personal preferences have been exposed, but for the sake of the God that you love, consider the truth. In this short series I have done nothing but give you indisputable facts. Let the Holy Spirit of God guide you as you seek to please Him.