“You shall keep them, O LORD, You shall preserve them from this generation for ever.”                                                                                                                                  (Psalm 12) KJV ER

“Thou shall keep them, O LORD, [T]hou shalt preserve them from this generation forever.                                                                                                                                            (Psalm 12:7) AV

“You shall keep them and preserve them, O  LORD; You will guard and keep us from this [evil] generation forever.  (Psalm 12:7) Amplified

“You, LORD, will keep them; You will preserve him from this generation forever.”                                                                                              (Psalm 12:7) New American Standard

“O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever.                                                                                          (Psalm 12:7) New International Version

 

Reader,
There is a controversy today that has existed from the very first (1st) time the Word of God was translated or even doubted. It could be argued that this controversy goes back to the Serpent and Eve, “Hath God said…?”.  With the number of versions in existence, persons will, inevitably ask, “Why does your version read differently from mine?”

An example: Look above at the changes Psalm 12:7 undergoes from the first (1st) version to the last.  In the first (1) version and the second (2nd), the subject is the Word of God and God promising to preserve it forever.  As one moves through the other versions one cannot help but note, the subject changes. In some of the versions above the subject remains the Word of God in the first clause but changes to persons in the next. The last abomination…err…version, the NIV changes the subject altogether from the Word of God to man. The NIV is in keeping with the times where God and His Word has been relegated to second (2nd) place, if He even has the second (2nd) place, and man has taken charge.

Is this controversy important? Is it worth causing discord between the brethren? Is it worth looking into? Is it worth getting angry over? Regardless of the right or logical answers to the above questions, very many of our brethren or brethren so-called, would answer with a resounding and judgmental, and pride-filled “YES!!!  Is it right to be serious, sober, and grave when it comes to God’s Word? Of course, it is one of the most important issues one must have a view upon. However, one can focus on particular corallaries regarding the Word of God that should be considered minor.

In this pastor’s view, in this preacher/teacher’s view, in this veteran believer’s view, let us answer thequestions from above and other questions:

Q. Is this controversy important?  A. Yes, this is important, anything regarding God’s Word is important and worthy of attention.

Q. Is it worth causing discord between believers?  A. NO, NO, NO, not at all. The only reason to break fellowship is false doctrine, specifically, the foundational doctrines of the Christ-ian faith such as, the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, The Life, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, Salvation by Christ Alone through faith alone, by grace alone, The Bible being the Word of God and Only Authority for believers, Christian Liberty vs. Legalism (where liberty is enjoyed, the Spirit is Present and where liberty is bound, He is not.  The letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life).

Q. Is God able to save a person who uses a different version or any version? A. OF COURSE. There exists nothing that hinders God except that which He chooses to hinder Him and hinder us, IE. Faithlessness.

Q. Are tracts inspired by God? A. No, they are written by uninspired men using divine truths.

Q. Has God saved some by the use of tracts?   A. Yes, many testify to “coming to [themselves]”  and coming to Christ through a human authored tract.

Q. Are some versions better for a specific pupose than are others?  A. Yes.  The A.V. is best for details and doctrine.  The A.V. or K.J.V. has the best pedigree os all the versions.  The Ampliphied provides a neat commentary of the A.V. In fact, in the beginning of the Ampliphied, It is written that this version should not be used alone as a Bible, but as a help. The K.J.V.-ER (Easy-Reader) is the King James or A.V. that changes the thees’, thou’s ye’s, and other non-doctrinal list of words and gives a list of these changes. For some this makes reading the A.V. “easier to read.”  I have heard the “Living Bible” is good for reading, but not necessarily for study. It maybe useful to those who have a good working knowledge of God’s Word and enjoys “just” reading the Word for enjoyment and not diligent study.  The N.I.V. to me, is not to be used. I ddo not want to offend, but sometimes, one cannot help it. The N.I.V. changes much, “only begotten Son” becomes “one and only Son.” Therefore, we are not sons of God.  The N.I.V. removes so much content and this removed content is equal to First (1st) Peter.

Q. Will God judge you for using the “wrong” version?  A. No.  To be so dogmatic and strong on a version being correct is to deny God’s power to speak through any vessel.

Q. Does a person have something to gain by insisting upon a specific version?  A. Yes, control, power, and authority, a pride-filled sense of being right. The fundementalist movement is obsessed over this issue. This issue is used to separate their flock (and it is their’s and not God’s) from other denominations. By doing this, the preacher or false prophet sets himself up as pope and the authority, he holds all power and control over his people.  With this power and authority, he is able to commit all manner of gross sin and crime and harm many, many persons and families for the rest of their lives. These personality types are psychopathic/sociopathic and they are not saved. This type of personality takes many forms and has been seen throught human history. This personality is drawn to executives business positions, political positions, AND pastoral position.  This type has no fear, no remorse, no consideration for others, except how others can be useful. This personality type has great charisma and charm, they are able to convince persons of anything. Many of histories leaders such as Caligula, Nero, and in contemporary times, Bernard Madoff, Jim Jones, Jack Hyles (YEP!) Obama (YEP!) Reader, if you disagree, look up traits of psychopathology and sociopathy and see for yourself. Apply the traits to the men I have named. Reader, I’m aware that I beat this dead horse often. Please be patient.

This writer uses the K.J.V. / A.V.  for study and preaching. He uses other versions that may give him another perspective. We use the K.J.V. ER sometimes for reading and not study.  This version capitalizes all pronouns that refer to the Godhead and I love that.  This ER also puts Jehovah’s Words in red in the Old Testament and tells you what Hebrew word for God is being used when the English gives only God or LORD. I also use this in accord with my Thompson Chain K.J.V. during Bible study.

Another something to consider, I have found New Testament writers quoting Old Testament passages and using different words and sometimes only part of the Old Testament passage. I found Paul saying, “..in another Psalm…” Paul doesn’t even give the specific Psalm.  These truths inform my view point and my position on varied versions.

Reader, I know I did not specifically state which version is the best or which one (1) I believe to be the most trustworthy and that is by design. I do think however, it is pretty obvious by what I have written. james says we ministers will offend with the very important truths of Scripture so we need not come up with other points of controversy to offend others or many.

I would imagine that some, on both sides of the controversy, could find reason to be offended by the above, this is a need in them that can be compared to a person needing to relieve him or herself.

Godspeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Psalm 12:7) New International Version