From: Joe
To: The Path of Truth
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2016 7:46 AM
Subject: The Truth
I find your article on the KJV to be interesting, and I understand the inaccuracies and inconsistencies are real. I understand that whenever men get involved that these things happen. I also understand that we need God’s Spirit and Word to lead and guide us. What I don’t seem to discern from your perspective is where does the new believer turn for this guidance.
Do you espouse any translation to be accurate? Or do we all need to become fluent in Greek and Aramaic and Latin to find accuracy? Do we all need to flock to the museums etc. who house the ancient manuscripts so that we can determine for ourselves what is truth? Or do we rely strictly on your interpretation to be “gospel?”
I know quite well that it is only Jesus Christ who has saved me. I know quite well that we have a loving God who desires all to come into obedience and repentance.
I also use the KJV-Thompson Chain as a study instrument, along with numerous sites I have encountered in my search for truth. As an adult Sunday school teacher, I sincerely seek out the truth. I believe the Word when it tells us that many false prophets are in the world. I pray that what comes out of my mouth in front of my congregation be God’s words, not just mine.
So. then, if the KJV is flawed to the extent that it is unreliable, where does the Christian find truth? The Amplified Bible? The NIV? The NKJV? The ESV? Are any of these without flaws? I’m not trying to be sarcastic or demeaning. I just think that when one rebukes one translation, one should offer an alternative. You correctly quote that one is not to add or take away from God’s Word. Do you have a direct line to God that I don’t have?
From: Paul Cohen and Victor Hafichuk
To: Joe
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2016 7:14 AM
Subject: Re: The Truth
You’ve answered your own question about our perspective, Joe (I’ve emphasized your answer):
“I also understand that we need God’s Spirit and Word to lead and guide us. What I don’t seem to discern from your perspective is where does the new believer turn for this guidance.”
We turn to the Lord, Who leads us by His Spirit:
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord Who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV).
“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).
“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His Own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13-14 ESV).
“Do you espouse any translation to be accurate?”
Some are better than others – none are perfectly accurate 100% of the time. We talk about this in How We View and Use the Scriptures.
“Or do we all need to become fluent in Greek and Aramaic and Latin to find accuracy? Do we all need to flock to the museums etc. who house the ancient manuscripts so that we can determine for ourselves what is truth?”
No to all. We aren’t fluent in Greek and Aramaic, but we know the Author of the Scriptures, and it’s He Who enlightens us to their meaning.
“Or do we rely strictly on your interpretation to be ‘gospel?’”
Unless you strictly rely on the Lord Jesus Christ, you can’t receive the truth from any servants of God, whether it’s us or those who were inspired to write the Scriptures. Read In Defense of ExtraBiblical Inspiration of God.
“So. then, if the KJV is flawed to the extent that it is unreliable, where does the Christian find truth?”
We’ve been using the KJV for decades. We’ve never said it’s “unreliable.” It has some flaws, but they’re no obstacle to receiving the truth from God. Indeed, they’re an opportunity for enlightenment by His Spirit while exposing the Bibliolatry of those who are caught up in worshipping the letter and its corruptions by man rather than the Spirit and pure truth from God.
“Do you have a direct line to God that I don’t have?”
You wouldn’t ask that question if it weren’t so. You need to look into the matter as if your life depended on it, because it does. Some writings to help:
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Godhood – The Destiny of Those Born of God
How One Is Saved
The Cross – Only the Death Sentence Will Avail
The Three Degrees
The Big Lie Exposed
Paul and Victor
www.ThePathofTruth.com