Thursday, January 3, 2008

Why is the subject of Bible Translations Important?

Why is the subject of Bible Translations Important?

It's important because all kinds of false doctrine can be built by repeatedly emphasising a false interpretation of just one single word of part of a verse. If every word in the Bible is literally true (including the flawed translations) then one - single - solitary word can be used to support any kind of false doctrine of belief.

For example: Many verses in the Bible refer to healing as some kind of restoration and have nothing to do with physical sickness.

II Chron. 7:14 talks about God healing the land...
Psalms 41:4 talks about God healing the soul.
Psalms 60:2 talks about healing the breach...
Jer. 3:22 and Hosea 14:4 talks about God healing their backsliding...
John 12:39 quotes the prophesy of Isaiah, which talks about spiritual blindness, dead hearts, and talks about the stubborn unbelief of the people and says they won't turn to God so he could heal them. Heal them of what? The same spiritual blindness the church of Laodicia was afflicted with.
Acts 28:27 gives us the same idea.

This doesn't mean that I don't believe in physical healing. Jesus healed many physical sicknesses, and I've personally been healed by God while on the Mission field. I've seen many wonderful healings that came by simple prayer. No, I don't believe we can "make merchandise of healing" by gimmics to raise money. (II Peter 2:1-3)

IMPORTANT RULE TO FOLLOW ABOUT THE BIBLE. Every doctrine and teaching should be based on more than a single word or piece of a verse. If it's important for us and Jesus is really speaking to his church - any doctrine will be supported by many verses of scripture and plainly taught by Jesus and the Apostles.

By requiring that a Quotation of the Bible is documented in several places, we will have a better chance of not being fooled by false teachings. Even in different translations the contradictions will be noticeable.

Tomorrow I'll explain why the Mormons pray and do good works for the dead.



God bless you and keep you strong in the Faith,

Pastor Ken

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