A different question about Bible versions

Only the extreme radical element of those whom, as you say, "feels the KJV is the only true inspired Word of God," would say that the Modern Versions have no value whatsoever. A Christian would not be "doing wrong" for using another version, although those who defend the KJV would say that they are using a less accurate translation. That being said, any Christian, who knows their Bible, can lead a person to the Lord using any English translation that I am aware of.

 

I asked the same question some time ago and was told by some BB members that I would have to explain it to God at the judgement.

It's not a sin to read other versions. Even the KJV is a 'version'.

 

You can find the message of salvation even in the New World Translation.

That being said, my Greek professor suggests that the best thing for a saved person to do is read along in the Greek text to see if what the preacher is saying is true. (And the Hebrew, if you can become fluent in both.)

Since that's not possible in most cases, then use a translation that sticks most closely to the original manuscripts, and uses correct modern words, instead of correct ancient words that have changed meanings in modern times. (The three he suggests are Rotherham's, CLV, and because it's readily available, the NASB, but I still prefer the KJV for reading because I like the way it is written and I am most familiar with it.)

I recommend reading an English etymology dictionary, and looking at the history and timescale of English words and how and when they changed, and I also recommend getting the BDAG.

Edited to add: Now, I guess I'm really headed the wrong direction and will have a lot to answer for in the future, not to mention being attacked in the present.

 

I am "King James only"--for me at least. I searched a long time when I moved to Florida from Michigan for a church that uses the King James. Up north the Baptist churches use King James. Down here most of them use everything except the King James. I refuse to buy another version of the Bible that I wouldn't use at home just so I can have it to use at church. I can't follow other versions [snipped] that read entirely different. I particularly don't like [snipped]versions that remove key words like "begotten" in John 3:16, or change the meaning by changing the words just to make it easier for people who are too lazy to study to be able to understand it. I have no problem with "thee", "thou", "thine", and "thy". There are a few archaic words I have difficulty with, but then they aren't all that important. In an effort to make the Bible more understandable, too many translations have changed the meanings of verses.

 

First of all, it's against the rules of the BB to call other versions "perversions". Second, this post shows your ignorance of the facts.
Third, it's not worth commenting on.

 

Again, only the extremists of this group would consider it a sin to read another version. I have not personally read or heard this position stated, so I have to conclude that it would be a very small faction indeed that would hold to this opinion.

 

double..................

 

jon-marc.. it is against the rules of BB to call any version a perversion...

Just a friendly notice...

 

Amy, I believe if you read the Posting Rules and the User Agreement of the Baptist Board, you'll see that our brother did not violate the rules. You are referring to the rules which govern the Bible Versions/Translation Forum here on the Baptist Board. Those guidelines are specific to that forum alone and do not govern the board as a whole.

 

I have personally been told this right here on the BB. I know for a fact some people believe reading other versions is a sin. When they tell you that you're going to have to answer to God for it at the judgement, that pretty much sums it up. I find that attitude extremely offensive and judgemental and definitely un-Christian.
Just go back and read some of the many threads on this subject and you will see for yourself. It's not pretty. :tear:

 

I did not go back and read all the rules of the BB, but it seems strange there would be a rule against it in only one forum. I won't argue it, but calling other versions 'perversions' should be avoided in any forum.

Jon marc, a personal request. Please do not call my version of choice (NKJV) perverted. It is God's word as much as the KJV.

 

Amy, I am sorry that you have encountered the radical element of the version issue. Be assured that this faction does not represent the whole. The Baptist Board is, in part, a debate forum. As such, you will encounter people and beliefs that will leave you bewildered, even among those who would claim the title "Baptist." My advice would be to take nothing personal and simply glean what you find informative and helpful and ignore and discard the rest. If you do, the Baptist Board can be a very enjoyable place to fellowship.

 

Thank you, Pastor. That is good advice. I admit that it's hard to take such insulting comments from the KJVO 's and not get my feelings hurt. It hits me really hard when anyone questions my salvation. But, you are correct. I should discard such comments. They are not worth getting so upset over.

 

Nicholas, these are very good questions. I'll try to answer it without writing a book. I'm going to go backwards.

Can't any version lead someone to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
Maybe, but then again, so can a gospel tract. Why do we have a bible in the first place?
2 Timothy 3
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Don't many God fearing, God loving Christians use different versions?
Absolutely, and there are many who use the KJV only that seem to have no fear of God. Are we to fear God? Absolutely!
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
What does it mean to love God?
John 14
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
This goes back to the question of why we have a bible in the first place. We have to know what God commands in order to keep His commandments. I believe that it is so important to know what God commands that He would not leave it up in the air, but would make a way for a common man like myself to read and find out.

Is a Christian wrong for using other versions?
Ultimately I think that will depend on their motive, as is the case with just about anything we do in life. If I do the right thing for the wrong motive, it is sin. If I do the wrong thing for the right motive, is it still sin? To whatever degree God reveals light to us, we will be accountable for that light. There is no commandment that I can find that says 'thou shalt only read the KJV.' But I think it would be foolish to believe that God doesn't care what bible version we use.
Luke 12
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Most people would agree that there are better bibles and there are worse bibles. Would it not stand to reason that there would be a best bible?

 

I think the sin is not reading whatever version God has lead you to...
If it is the KJV, then read it. If it is the NIV, read it... same with NLT, or NASB, or ESV... Just read it...

Here is a for instance:
My wife grew up in a KJVO church.. she also has a reading disability... as a result, she could not fully understand what she was reading... her bible knowledge is limited now. Her mom drilled it in to her head that if she is spiritual enough, she should be able to understand the KJV. This left here feeling frustrated and guilty.

After I came out of the kJVO movement. I suggested to her to try reading a NLT. We got her a copy, and the scriptures opened up to her.

Now we are trying to move her from the NLT to the NIV, or even NKJV... one that is more word for word.. she uses both side by side...

But the point is, she is using it...
And has learned that the teaching of her home church damaged her spirituality by saying that she was not spiritual because she could not understand the KJV.

I am KJVP, but I would rather someone read the NLT and understand it enough to have an ongoing relationship with God, than someone only sticking with the KJV because they think it somehow has some magical properties...

 

I didn't mention any particular version, but I still say there are versions that ARE perversions. If I can't express that opinion, then perhaps I'm wasting my time here since you apparently only want people here who agree with you on everything. It must be wonderful to always be right. Goodbye, I won't bother you people with my unwanted opinions again. I certainly don't want to offend you Bible experts who apparently know everything.

 

John 13
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

-------

I don't think I'm seeing the love.

 

Several here have similar opinions but choose to express those opinions by simply stating the facts. If you expect all of your posts to be meet with agreement, then you are going to be very disappointed. This is, after all, a debate forum.