Heed The Watchmen

The Word of God

            “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD.” Romans 10:17

            As you may realize, in this section we will look at the Bible version issue with regard to the importance of God’s Word. Scriptures such as this first one tell us of the absolute necessity of the Word to the believer’s life. There are many who try to downplay the issue, but a Christian’s core beliefs and hope of salvation are all taken from God’s Holy Word.

            Some of you may become offended, as the scripture predicts (Matthew 13:21). Yet if you have truly been redeemed, why would you fear this issue? The light our Lord would bring to you is not a burden (I John 5:3); but it is to provide for your salvation (Hebrews 12:9-11).

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3

            Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Word. Let it sink into your soul. Jesus is the Word! Jesus created the universe. Jesus gave Moses the Ten Commandments.

            Think of the many pastors, teachers, speakers—who routinely tear apart the Word right in front of their congregations; no one even questions if these learned men have the right to do so! These “scholars” will leaf through their Greek/Hebrew lexicons and proceed to tell you what the passage should say, instead of the way it is preserved.

            Every time you refute the Word, you deny Jesus Christ (John 1). In fact, you are in danger of blaspheming the Holy Ghost; which is the one unforgiveable sin. Let’s look at the Word…

            In Mark 3:22-30 we find information on blaspheming the Holy Ghost. Jesus shared this in response to those who accused Him of casting out devils by the power of Beelzebub; really, they were calling Jesus, Satan! The casting out of devils was done by the Holy Ghost under instruction from Jesus the Word. Here we are warned about attributing works of God to the devil. If you have done such things in ignorance, I believe you can still repent and be forgiven. Move quickly and with fear; your immortal soul is in jeopardy.

            We see in this relationship the trinity:  God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

            Listen to Jesus tell us of the Holy Spirit in John 16:13-15;

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 15:13-15

            What the Holy Spirit does comes from the Father and the Son.

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. II Peter 1:20,21

            We know that Jesus is the Word, and that He moved men to write by the Holy Ghost.

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:15-17

            This verse confirms that all scripture is from God, and is our basis for Christ-like living.

            When it comes to the Bible Version issue, does it really make sense that all versions are God’s Word? How can dozens of different readings be the same? Shouldn’t God preserve His Word in one way, so that we will always know what is from Him? The Lord has enabled me to spend a great deal of time looking into this subject, and I consider it a blessing from Him that I was allowed to do so (we all have great demands on our time).

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6

            I would also encourage you to study the topic as best you are able. Yet I think this issue can be understood simply, as well. Remember; I used the New American Standard Version for 17 years. After I was first exposed to the truth about the Bible Versions, it was over 3 years until I went back to the King James Bible. Most of my research in that time was the simple comparison of the King James to the NIV and NASB. If you really love the Lord, you should do this! We should want to know all of what God has for us, in truth; not having to guess at which parts we are to believe.

            The King James Bible came out in 1611, and for some 270 years it was revered as the perfect and complete Word of God. Pastors and teachers could stand on its passages, completely confident that they were God’s own words preserved for us.

            In 1881 the Revised Translation of the New Testament came out; publicly proclaiming to put God’s Word (the King James Bible) into “updated” language for ease in understanding. Sounds good, doesn’t it? The Revision committee in fact did not work to update the language, but they changed the actual Greek and Hebrew text underlying God’s Word!

            It is important to remember that new Bible versions try to justify themselves by claiming that they state exactly the same doctrines as the King James Bible. In fact, they claim that all versions are really alike in their basic teachings. Does this even make sense? Men, changing God’s Holy Word into language that is more comfortable for them? These men are doing what is right in their own eyes, and forcing God to approve of their doings! Remember the Word (Jesus);

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. II Timothy 4:3,4

            My encouragement to you is to daily compare the King James Bible with the version you currently use. You will see the vast changes, and know for yourself that there are doctrinal differences. There are over 60,000 changes in the New International Version (NIV) alone, and it eliminates over 60 pages of God’s Word! Many of these verses become outright lies; some, through their alteration, turn other passages into lies. Some examples will be provided following the question and answer section.

            The falling away of these last days is the direct result of the organized “church” throwing out the King James Bible (KJV or AT; Authorized Translation) in favor of “another gospel” provided through the new versions. The mission God has for me is to expose this truth to the sleeping church:  urging repentance and cleansing, and the return to the pure Word of God before judgment falls. You may not have tomorrow (Revelation 10:6).

Q:  Should I really be concerned over word differences among the different versions?

A:  YES. Seemingly small word differences often make huge changes in meaning. Satan is extremely cunning and subtle in making these changes. Many times churches continue to teach traditional Biblical doctrines, while using newer Word versions that deny them. This results in a steady deterioration of faith for the believer trying to be dependent on them.

Q:  Among the dozens of Bible Versions, How can only the King James be right?

A:  Other Bible versions will no doubt contain much truth in them, but only the KJV is 100% pure.

                 There really are only two versions. Satan is the author of confusion (I Corinthians 14:33), and uses the smokescreen of many versions to influence us via a “majority is right” mentality. Remember, broad is the path of destruction. (Matthew 7:13) The King James Bible is also known as the Authorized Translation. Every other Bible version (even New King James) comes from the Revised Translation; so it is really the Authorized Translation vs. the Revised Translation.

                 The Revised Translators have encouraged the use of the devilish Dynamic Equivalence method for translating. It may sound intelligent, but it really just means to “put it in your own words.” The King James translators used a literal technique, and kept everything as pure and simple as possible when translating into English.

Q:  What about other languages? Aren’t we being prejudice in favor of our own English language?

A:  God never used multiple languages. First was Hebrew, then Greek and Latin. English tied them all together. By keeping one language, God’s Word was more well preserved in the way He intended. At first the Word was specifically to the Jews, requiring only Hebrew. Greek and Latin were world languages of their time, as the gospel was shared with the Gentiles. English is the world language of today. England once stood for the Word and honored it. God gave them His blessing, so that the British Empire was extended around the globe. Our Lord does not favor English as a language; he has chosen it because of its global influence.

                 As a result, any Bible translated into another language needs to be taken from the KJV, not the Greek and Hebrew words.

Q:  Why can’t we use modern language? Weren’t the KJV translators using the language of their time?

A:  No. The “Old English” of the King James Bible had been declared archaic by 1300 A.D. This language was chosen as the best, most reverent way to express God’s Word.

                 The King James English also uses many terms that have a common Latin base with other languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, etc. So in trying to “update” the English, it really steals away understanding from others. God knows what He’s doing!

Q:  Can a person be saved through one of the new versions?

A:  Initially, yes. There is a seed of truth taken from the King James Bible that can be found in the new versions:  i.e. the message of salvation through Jesus’ blood. Even this truth is tainted by changes promoting an indefinite salvation by good works. Moment by moment our God alone knows the condition of our hearts—whether or not we are in right relationship with Him.

                 If this believer takes a new version as his/her only spiritual authority, over enough time they will tend to fall away, doubt, or be confused concerning true faith in Christ; new Bible versions will turn them to another gospel. (Galatians 1:6).

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time:  afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. Mark 4:16,17

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Matthew 7:24-27

          Sincerity isn’t enough—only God’s truth will endure! Being religious will not save:  Satan is very religious! Remember the famine God warns us of in Amos 8:11,12;

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:  And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. Amos 8:11,12

Examples to help Wake You Up!

            The comparisons made here are primarily between the KJV with the NIV, 1984 copyright. Not every NIV is alike, and not all new versions are the same. This I did for brevity’s sake, with a resource close at hand. The NIV is clearly the popular choice amongst professing Christians today.

            More in depth resources are available through the links and references at the end of the new version comparison section. Many of these books aided me in my studies and awareness of this issue.

Genesis Chapter One:  God created the world and our visible universe in six literal, 24 hour days. Many new versions use a subtle change from the first day to a first day. This cunning, miniscule change makes a world of difference in meaning. “The” day makes it one specific day. “A” is vague, and is often reported to mean a long age, or some indefinite time period.

            Why the change? In 1859, Darwin’s theory of evolution was gaining widespread fame. The revision took place between 1871-1881. Wescott and Hort, leaders of the revision committee, were favorably taken with the notion of evolution—and this is how it was incorporated into their re-working of Genesis 1.

Genesis 39:6b

KJV “And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.”

NIV “Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,”

            Reading this new version account is like a romance novel! Joseph’s description in it is designed to evoke lustful fantasy. God would not do this! There is a clear reason here why God preserved the Word as He did. Also, the NIV here joins verse 6 with 7, when they should be cut-off from each other. This also promotes thoughts of a sexual encounter.

Deuteronomy 30:11

KJV “For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.”

NIV “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.”

            The change from “is not hidden” to “is not too difficult” is enormous! The NIV implies it is easy to be righteous—which plainly contradicts the rest of scripture which tells of our need for Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Psalms 12:6,7

KJV “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”

NIV “And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.” “O Lord, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever.”

            This passage is one of the most revered, in terms of God perfectly preserving His Word. The NIV not only attacks, but destroys it. Look at the enormous differences in verse seven! How could anyone say it was a language “update?” Further, the NIV separates verses 6 and 7, to make it seem like they don’t belong together. The King James distinguishes each verse; further separation is an attempt to influence how to apply God’s Word, by very fallible human sources!

Psalms 22:3

KJV “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”

NIV “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.”

            This verse is a beautiful promise that God will actually inhabit the praises of His people. As we praise Him, He draws near to us. The NIV steals this promise, and infers that we actually create God with our praise! Satan hates hearing our praises—it only makes sense to attack this small, but wonderful verse.

Also, the NIV’s “as the Holy One” is vastly different than “thou art holy.” The NIV seems reluctant to give God the honor which is due Him!

Psalms 59:9,10

KJV “Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defense. The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.”

NIV “O my strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.”

            This new “interpretation” directly contradicts Proverbs 24:17, when we are told not to rejoice over our enemy’s downfall! Many are the times the new versions create lies within the so-called “Word of God.” Disbelief and faithlessness result, and destroy a believer’s spiritual life. Would the NIV’s “loving God” want me to gloat over those who slander me?

Proverbs 16:31

KJV “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”

NIV “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.”

            It is obvious to all of us that gray hair has nothing to do with righteousness (Hugh Hefner, for example)! The King James puts it in right perspective—the NIV is a lie. How can you believe a book with obvious lies in it? How can you pick it apart and choose what you would like to be true, never being certain? God does not lie, so you should know automatically that the NIV is not God’s Word! In fact, you should know who is behind it (see John 8:44)!

Isaiah 14:12

KJV “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Isaiah 14:12

NIV “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!”

            If no other words had been altered (and there are over 60,000), this one would be enough to convict! This is the only verse in the Bible that gives Satan’s pre-fallen name of Lucifer:  and the NIV drops it! Some new versions place the name in footnotes, but footnotes are not God’s Word! In addition, the NIV changes “son of the morning” to “morning star.” Jesus is the morning star (Revelation 22:16)! By reading the NIV, you could come to believe that it was Jesus cast out of heaven! What a lie! If this one instance doesn’t convince you of the truth, you are in serious eternal jeopardy!

Daniel 3:25

KJV “He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

NIV “He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

             The Old Testament verifies that it was Jesus with His people. The change of this verse from “the Son of God” to “a son of the gods,” is a flat denial of Christ. The spiritual condition of Wescott and Hort shines through in their revision.

Hosea 6:6

KJV “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”

NIV “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings.”

            Obvious again! Acknowledging God is not the same as having the knowledge of God. The KJV’s admonition here is also reflected in Philippians 2:5, which tells us to have “the mind of Christ.” Countless numbers acknowledge God, but are eternally lost.

Matthew 5:22a

KJV “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:”

NIV “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.”

            Do you really think getting angry is a sin? Jesus gets angry. We are made in God’s image, right? This verse from the NIV is another bold-faced lie! The NIV drops the words “without a cause,” which are the key to identifying the fault. I actually know a woman who was feeling condemned because of this verse! God’s Word gives plenty of instruction for “anger management,” but God Himself created us with the emotion of anger!

Mark 9:23

KJV “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

NIV “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”

            This verse is perverted; making Jesus to appear to be angry (responding to the boy’s father in verse 22), rather than encouraging. The reflection here is the incorrect notion of an angry Jesus, which is promoted by the Catholic Church. Such was the viewpoint of the editors.

Mark 9:29

            Here the NIV drops “fasting.” Fasting is a key, God-given tool in spiritual warfare. Many references to fasting are dropped in the new versions. We need every God-given tool to stand up to the devil. The term fasting is dropped seven times in the NIV.

Matthew 27:54

            My NIV footnotes “he was the Son of God,” and says it can read “a son”—taking away the deity and uniqueness of Christ. This casting doubt is directly from Satan, using a technique similar to what he used on Eve in Genesis three.

Mark 16:9-21

KJV “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

            The NIV separates these verses, preceding them with these words:  “The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20” THIS IS AN OUTRIGHT LIE! 618 out of 620 manuscripts contain these verses, and the two that don’t are among the most unreliable in existence! See the book Answers to your Bible Version Questions by David W. Daniels.

            Why attack these verses? They contain the great commission; instruction to believe then be baptized; the promise of spiritual gifts; and Christ’s ascension to heaven. These are all important doctrinal issues, and the enemy again wants you to doubt the infallible Word of God.

Luke 4:4

KJV “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”

NIV “Jesus answered, “It is written:  Man does not live on bread alone.” Note the dropping of “but by every Word of God.”

            The NIV writers casually left out or altered vast portions of God’s Word. They do so here, as well. Jesus is the Word; and He directly gave this scripture to Moses in Deuteronomy 8:3. As it is recorded in the NIV, there is no profound truth in it—everyone already knows we do not live by bread alone!

Acts 8:37

KJV “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

            In my NIV, this verse is dropped from the text of scripture. It is included in the footnotes, but footnotes are men’s thoughts. This verse removes the powerful testimony, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Romans 1:25a

KJV “Who changed the truth of God into a lie,”

NIV “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie,”

            This re-translation attempts to disguise the new versions’ attack on the Word. Clearly it should read “they changed the truth of God,” just like the NIV changes it! Yes, “truth” means the Word! Remember John 14:6; Jesus is the truth;

       Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17

Romans 10:17

KJV “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

NIV “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”

            Of course a verse like this must be tampered with! Changing it to “hearing the message…the message through the word of Christ”, sounds like you will find faith in one of Jesus’ teachings (while on earth). Jesus is God’s Word! We need to hear it all, and Jesus is the embodiment of the Word. The NIV here again denies Christ, by denying God’s Word.

Romans 11:21

KJV “For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.”

NIV “For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either.”

            To write it this way directly contradicts verse 22; and is trying to promote an angry God, once again. The correct reading; “…Take Heed, lest he spare not you either”; is a stern warning, rather than a condemnation.

I Corinthians 9:27

KJV “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

NIV “No, I beat my body and make it my slave…”

            Self abuse is not promoted in God’s Word! Believers are to care for their bodies, because after salvation they become the temple of the Holy Spirit. There are some who actually physically pummel themselves because of this verse. The KJV is telling us only to use self control in not yielding to the hurtful drives of our physical bodies.

I Corinthians 13

            The NIV has changed the word charity to love, thus negating any benefits to the reader. “Love” is an overused adjective with many applications! Hence, everyone can say that they love something. Charity describes God’s love for humanity, and suggests unselfish motives and self-sacrificing concern. Love is an improper word substitution, as it could refer to romance, or preference for some material item (examples:  I love pizza, I love baseball, I love my car, favorite outfit, etc.).

II Corinthians 2:17a

KJV “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God:”

NIV “unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit…”

            What a lie! First, corrupting is not the same as “to peddle for profit”—another attempt to cover what the revised translators were doing. Second, every revised translation is for profit! There is no copyright on the Authorized Translation, as God’s Words are no man’s property.

Galatians 1:8 last phrase

KJV “…let him be accursed.”

NIV “…let him be eternally condemned!”

            There is a harshness displayed in many of the NIV alterations. While bringing another gospel is blasphemous, only God knows if there remains any hope for repentance. Since not all cases are alike, God does not give the automatic “to be eternally condemned,” as the NIV indicates.

Philippians 4:13

KJV “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

NIV “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

            Who is “him?” It could be anyone, or any number of individuals. The NIV drops “Jesus”, or “Christ”, from dozens of verses! Is Jesus really your Lord?

Colossians 3:6

KJV “For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:”

NIV “Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”

            What are they trying to say here? The KJV limits God’s wrath to “the children of disobedience”; the NIV implies it will come upon everyone. This also reflects the unbiblical Catholic doctrine of purgatory:  a place which all must go to for a time, to suffer for their sins. God’s Word, however, declares Jesus’ sacrifice once for all to be the only atonement that matters. As with the Passover lamb, when God looks at a believer’s spiritual “house,” He sees Jesus’ blood and “passes over” us for punishment. Praise God through Christ for this unfathomable gift!

II Timothy 1:7

KJV “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

NIV “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.”

            The first change is in what spirit we don’t have—the change is from fear to timidity. These are not synonymous, and here the NIV takes away from our spiritual discernment. It is one thing to be fearful, and quite another to be timid. The NIV’s rendering tends to imply that all believers should preach like bold evangelists!

            Secondly the NIV changes “sound mind” to “self-discipline.” The promise of a sound mind is a wonderful gift God gives His children. It gives us confidence in discernment, and decision-making. Plenty of people have self-discipline without a sound mind! Just follow the news for a time, and you will see them. A sound mind can produce self-discipline; but this (self-discipline) takes work; as such it would only be an extension of a sound mind.

II Timothy 4:2,3

KJV “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”

NIV “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

            This is another direct attack on God’s Word! Verse 2 changes “longsuffering and doctrine” to “great patience and careful instruction.” Doctrine is the important term, for it is a reference to the Word! “Careful instruction” is not holy or authoritative! Plus, doctrine is consistent with verse 3. “Careful instruction” and “sound doctrine” are not comparable!

            Verse 3 dumbs down the stronger term “lust,” replacing it with the not-necessarily-evil term “desires.” Observe the great weakness of the NIV terminology. This supposedly updated and simplified language shows true betrayal here in II Timothy 4:3, extending the numbers of words from 26 in the KJV to 39 in the NIV! A 50% increase, which says far less!

Ephesians 5:25-27

            In these verses, NIV changes the church reference pronoun “it” into “she.” Why? Because Catholicism is referred to as “mother church.” This seed planted hopes to continue growing in the ecumenical movement, gathering all churches into one, under the pope. “Take heed that no man deceive you.”

II Timothy 3:16,17

KJV “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

NIV “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness:  So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

a)     Scripture is inspired by God, not God-breathed. God dictated the word using the personalities of the individuals.

b)     Profitable is a strong word—“useful” is not! Paper towels are useful—once! The NIV writers did not like the term “profitable” here, since it did not conform to their own ideas of profit!

c)     This scripture is a major one in promoting God’s Word as our powerful authority! The powerful term doctrine is removed, and replaced with “teaching.”

d)     Verse 17 drops “perfect.” Yet this is what God wants (Matthew 5:48)! Such teaching is not popular. We would rather be excused for our sin, than stop sinning!

Titus 3:5

KJV “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

NIV “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saves us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

            Did you catch the change? KJV “According to his mercy he saved us” vs. “He saved us through the washing of rebirth”:  This is the Catholic teaching of being born again through baptism! God’s Word says we believe, and then are baptized. It is the spiritual regeneration symbolized in water baptism, correctly confirmed here in the KJV in Titus 3:5.

Titus 3:10

KJV “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;”

NIV “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.”

            What a change this is! The King James calls for rejecting a heretic; the NIV, a divisive person. The NIV not only completely alters this verse, but turns many other verses into lies because of it. Holiness, not unity, is a believer’s primary goal. We are in fact not to be yoked with unbelief at all! (II Corinthians 6:14-17, Matthew 10:34-36) Also, the NIV result is “have nothing to do with him.” The KJV says to reject the heretick; not have nothing to do with him! It is different, and suggests there may yet remain a chance for salvation. More severity again from the NIV, and it reflects the Catholic Church’s regard for heretics. Also, the NIV again uses 20 words to the KJV’s 13.

Hebrews 12:5-8

KJV “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”

NIV “And you have forgotten the word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:  ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.’ Endure hardship as disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.”

a)     Changes “exhortation” to “word of encouragement.” Exhortation is not always positive encouragement! In this context, it is deceiving.

b)     Changes “children” to “sons”—in the beginning of this passage, the KJV is showing application both to men and women.

c)     Changes chastening to discipline. Chastening is clearly difficult punishment. Discipline can be light, and not terribly unpleasant.

d)     Changes “scourgeth” to “punishes.” The scourge is the brutal beating Christ took en route to the cross. Believers’ sufferings will be like Christ’s (II Corinthians 4:11).

e)     Changes “bastards” to “illegitimate children.” Making 2 syllables into 7! Bastard is a negative description, and should be taken as stern warning. The NIV makes it (yawn) not seem so bad!

            The book of James was been horribly mutilated in the Revised Translation. Please compare all verses on your own; I can only take time for a few, the list is so vast.

James 1:17

 KJV “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

NIV “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

            The NIV change of “endureth temptation” to “perseveres under trial” is a big change. It actually suggests a works salvation, not at all like “enduring temptation!”We are to be like Job—not persevering, but enduring. The time is difficult, unpleasant. And we cannot save ourselves, or even resist without Christ! The NIV’s “when he has stood the test” furthers that notion of works over grace.

James 1:17

KJV “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

NIV “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

a)     Change to “every good and perfect gift.” Makes God’s gifts harder to come by! KJV’s “every good gift and every perfect gift” greatly broadens the category.

b)     God is the Father of lights, not only heavenly lights!

c)     “With whom is no variableness” is dropped in the NIV! This bashes God’s unchanging faithfulness and constancy—dropping those words was no accident!

d)     Also “with whom is…neither shadow of turning” is changed to “does not change like shifting shadows.” This implies that God may change! It qualifies how He doesn’t change, but never tells us that God doesn’t change at all! Another promise is destroyed, and true faith keeps slipping away…

James 5:11

KJV “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”

NIV “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance, and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

            “Endurance” and “patience” are often changed to “perseverance” in the NIV. It is a pushing of works salvation, and the playing down of more “negative” wording in the Bible. Wouldn’t you rather have the truth? As believers we must often patiently endure, rather than to seemingly triumphantly overcome.

            If you have read Job, you know that he was patient, and endured. How did it turn about? When Job prayed for his friends. Obedient endurance, not victorious perseverance! How about the last part? The NIV states “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” Kind of flat, isn’t it? The KJV, “the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” Which would you rather have? Which really depicts the deep and true love of God?

I John 5:7

KJV “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

NIV The meat of the verse is removed; though mine lists it in footnotes, saying that it really shouldn’t be there!

            This verse is a huge one in direct support of the trinity. Many religions stumble over this doctrine. Satan wanted it removed to aid in formation of a world religion. David W. Daniels addresses this question directly in his book, Answers to Your Bible Version Questions. Yet simple discernment makes it easy to see why this verse was attacked (and has been for almost 2,000 years!).

The Wealth Factor

            The new bible versions promote wealth in many areas—leading to numerous false ministries that state, “God wants you rich.” But what about John 12:25?

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:25

            Here are only a few of the verses that have been changed toward that end. Deuteronomy 5:33 changes “that it may be well with you” to “prosper.” 28:63 goes from “to do you good” to “make you prosper.” 30:15 changes “life and good” to “life and prosperity.” Jeremiah 29:11 is also very popular and often quoted. The NIV changes “thoughts of peace” into “plans to prosper you.” So how about the New Testament? In Luke 17:10, God’s Words “say, we are unprofitable servants” are changed in the NIV to the adjective “unworthy.” Wescott and Hort found no appeal in being called unprofitable! Also changed is I Timothy 6:10’s “the love of money is the root of all evil” into “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” God’s Word is true, and no lie! In recent years, I am just starting to see just how true this verse really is!

Sure Salvation

            Within the Catholic Church, anyone who claims to have assurance of salvation is guilty of the sin of presumption. God’s Word, however, gives us assurance! Check out these two brief examples of how the new versions have changed God’s Words to favor the Catholic viewpoint.

Acts 2:47

KJV “Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

NIV “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” This changes the meaning of salvation and implies it is an incomplete work!

I Corinthians 1:18b

KJV “but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

NIV “but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

            Same thing! The KJV shows salvation to be sure and complete; the NIV pushes works and instills doubt!

Prophecies destroyed

            As you have seen already, the altering of a word or two in one passage greatly effects other parts of the Word; causing them to be lies, or in great doubt. Be aware, and look for it. I will mention one key prophecy here. NIV “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the magi, he was furious and gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Matthew 2:16-18

            The key words here are in bold. The prophecy being fulfilled here is found in Jeremiah 31:15, and it clearly indicates children, not only boys. This small change makes the prophecy a lie! The NIV alters the scripture in Matthew 2:16, then claims it was fulfilled in verse 18! This rebellion is reminiscent of King Saul in I Samuel 15. You may try to shrug it off, but doubt and confusion are sewn within you. Relocate your spiritual house to the solid rock of God’s Word—the King James Bible.

Jonah 1:17 and Matthew 12:40

            In brief, Jonah records being swallowed by “a great fish.” Jesus claims Jonah was in the whale’s belly.” The NIV changes Jesus’ words to say fish. Of course, to alter God’s Word is blasphemous. But when making the change, they targeted Jesus rather than Jonah! Not surprising, for these editors.

            The obvious struggle here is that we have been programmed to not think of a whale as a fish, but a mammal. Much of this has come about through evolution theory programming. Suffice it to say, distinguishing a whale as a mammal instead of a fish is a man-made idea that only came about in more modern times. In times of old they were interchangeable; large fish being called whales, and whales being called “great fish.” The new bible versions seem to feel it is a crisis point, and so they change the words of our creator!

Methods of Deceit

            Two techniques in deception are; (1) separating “sections” of scripture, making it then easier to… (2)  by eliminating verses. The KJV gives every verse equal importance; indenting as if a new paragraph, numbering it, and capitalizing the first letter. This method allows the Holy Spirit to guide each individual in reading, without favoring one verse over another.

            The NIV groups sections together, giving men’s interpretations sway over the Holy Word of God. Then by grouping in paragraphs (instead of denoting each verse), they occasionally drop verses altogether—and it draws no attention! There is usually some mention in the footnotes as to the “good reasons” for leaving out the verse.

            Another technique I see is in “dumbing down.” I am uncertain where I first heard this phrase, but it is pointedly accurate.

            KJV language that is sharp and authoritative is altered to make the readings more soothing. So even when the meaning is arguably synonymous, it says far less in authority. You will find no shortage of these examples in any personal study you may do.

Addressing the New King James Bible (NKJV)

            NKJV is more subtle than many new versions. There are still thousands of changes, and it follows the revised manuscripts like all the others. It tries to deceive those few remaining KJV holdouts into compromising their stand. The NKJV is not patterned from the real KJV, and it is not the pure Word of God. David Daniels also addresses this issue in his book; testifying that he himself had used the NKJV for ten years.

The Loss of Mercy

            This study began because I was noticing the replacement of the word mercy with other adjectives, but most often with “love.” The long list will follow after sharing the results.

            So why attack the word mercy? Why replace it often with love? Simple reason, actually; “love” shows a favorable disposition of God toward us. Mercy indicates that we are not good enough for God (on our own), no matter what. Please consider the differences carefully; love and mercy are far from the same concept! We are saved by grace, because of God’s mercy through Jesus Christ. His mercy comes as an extension of the charity (agape love) He has toward us. Promoting God’s love is a very new age doctrine; one that does not believe in sin, the need for atonement, or even Hell. Let’s look at this a bit more closely. My study is separated as follows; Genesis to Job, Psalms, Proverbs to Malachi, and the New Testament.

Genesis to Job

            Mercy is used 65 times in these books, and is changed 60 times (92%). 26 times this involves the mercy seat changing to atonement cover, cover, or it is eliminated. It is changed to kindness 8 times, favor 2 times, “treated well” once, and to love 23 times.

       Genesis 19:19; 24:27; 39:21 Exodus 15:13; 20:6; 25:17,18,19,20,21,22; 26:34; 30:6; 31:7; 34:7; 35:12; 37:6,7,8,9; 39:35; 40:20 Leviticus 16:2,13,14,15 Numbers 7:89;14:18,19 Deuteronomy 5:10;7:9,12 Judges 1:24 II Samuel 7:15; 15:20; 22:51 I Kings 3:6; 8:23 I Chronicles 16:34,41; 17:13; 28:11 II Chronicles 1:8; 5:13; 6:14; 7:3,6; 20:21 Ezra 3:11; 7:28; 9:9 Nehemiah 1:5,11; 9:32; 13:22 Job 37:13 Note:  some verses have 2 changes

Psalms

            Mercy is used 99 times in Psalms, and changed 74 times (almost 75%). 68 of those times it is changed to love; 3 times to kindness; generous, gracious, and compassion one time each.

       Psalms 13:5; 21:7; 23:6; 25:7,10; 31:7; 32:10; 33:18,22; 36:5; 52:8; 57:3,10; 59:10,16,17; 61:7; 62:12; 66:20; 69:13; 77:8; 85:7,10; 86:5,13,15; 89:2,14,24,28; 90:14; 94:18; 101:1; 103:8,11,17; 106:1; 107:1; 108:4; 109:21,26; 118:1,2,3,4,29; 119:64,124; 130:7; 136 (all 26 verses); 138:8; 143:12; 145:8; 147:11

Proverbs to Malachi

            This section deserves special attention. The actual word is changed 31 of 49 times (still 63%); but I noticed a different use in numerous places where it was retained. In Jeremiah 6:23; 13:14; 21:7; 50:42 and Zechariah 1:12 and 7:9; the word mercy is left in as negative; as in, the removal of mercy! Also referenced are enemies who show “no mercy.”

       Proverbs 3:3; 14:21,22; 16:6; 20:28 (2x); 21:21 Isaiah 9:17; 14:1; 16:5; 27:11; 30:18; 49:10,13; 54:8,10; 60:10 Jeremiah 30:18; 31:20; 33:11,26; 42:12 Ezekiel 39:25 Daniel 4:27; 9:4 Hosea 1:6,7; 2:4,23 (2x); 4:1; 10:12; 12:6; 14:3 Jonah 2:8

Final Old Testament total; 165 changed out of 213 (77%)

The New Testament

            Upon arriving here, I was startled to find that the word mercy is left in nearly all verses! Other changes around that word might have occurred, such as in James 5:11. There, “tender mercy” is changed to “mercy.”

            So why the nearly universal changing of mercy in the Old Testament, and none in the New Testament? The answer again lies with creating confusion and doubt.

            Believers know that Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday, today, and forever.” They also know and believe that the New Testament revelation is from that same God of the Old Testament. Satan wants us to be unconvinced that they are the same!

            In my studies, I found a remarkable consistency within God’s Word. The number one truth is that salvation has always been through God’s grace and mercy. Good works never produced righteousness, nor did the blood of animals. Good works and sacrifices were always, only, to be outer signs of an inner change! Some scriptural evidence is listed here;

            First, God had relationships with non-Jews before the book of Acts! Check out:  II Kings 5:17,18; II Chronicles 35:21; Ezra 1:1,2 Jeremiah 25:9; 27:6; 40:8 Daniel 6:26,27 and Matthew chapter 2 (wise men). It was always about grace. II Chronicles 30:18-20; Psalms 51:16,17, Isaiah 1:11-17; Hebrews 10:4

            So what is my conclusion? These changes were made to create a huge disparity between Old and New Testaments, and has led to many unbiblical dispensations. By replacing the term mercy with love, it is subtly replacing our truly hopeless spiritual state (Mark 10:26,27) with a more favorable position. This provides a basis to say that our good works can achieve the righteousness of God! Did you know that the true Word of God never tells us that God’s love endures forever? So what does? God’s Word, His mercy, His truth, His righteousness, and His judgment. To quote only “God is love” from I John 4:8, is to ignore the many other key aspects of God’s character. The NIV states over and over again that His love endures forever! Lies stated over and over lend toward the brainwashing of the reader. This goes hand in hand with the next extended attack…

Favor Replaces Grace in the Old Testament, 32 out of 39 times. Genesis 6:8; 19:19; 32:5; 33:8,10, 15; 34:11; 47:25,29; 50:4 Exodus 33:12,13 (2x); 34:9 Numbers 32:5 Judges 6:17 Ruth 2:2,10 I Samuel 1:18; 20:3; 27:5 II Samuel 14:22; 16:4 Ezra 9:8 Esther 2:17 Psalms 84:11 Jeremiah 31:2 Zechariah 4:7; 12:10 (2x). Again, I found it had hardly been tampered with in the New Testament, although 31 times (my count) I found it to be used in a greeting or closing (It is still very important, though not part of a teaching in doctrine). These eight I found changed: Romans 4:4; 16:24, I Corinthians 10:30, II Corinthians 8:19, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 12:28, James 1:11 Every time you change grace to favor, you “favor” another gospel! Grace is given (James 1:17, Romans 6:23); favor is earned.

            The greater changes in the Old Testament are consistent with the NIV’s handling of mercy:  promoting division in God’s Word, and the thinking that you can earn your salvation.

Web site and book references:

Chick.com

EAEC.org

Biblefortoday.org

New Age Versions—G.A. Riplinger

Defending the King James—D.A. Waite

If the Foundations be Destroyed—Chick Salliby

The Answer Book—Samuel Gipp