Separation of Church & State

I was trading emails with a fellow student this past week. Somehow a question regarding weather turned into an email correspondence of John Calvin and a State run Church. I suppose that it “somehow” turned to the State Church thing when I referred to Calvin as “murderous.” So here’s the question this friend of mine brought up: “Would it be wrong for a government, say, the State of New York, to use the Old Testament civil laws as its own laws?”

My knowledge of John Calvin is somewhat limited. But as I understand it, and feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, Calvin helped establish the laws of Geneva during his time there. He believed very strongly that the State and the Church were to work together. Now let me say that I would have no problem with a State run Church just so long as the State was acting in a Biblical manner. However, this will never happen. I’m just being a realist. What were to happen if the State Church decided that water baptism was necessary in order to obtain salvation? In order to follow the Bible, I would have to rebel against the teachings of the State Church. If the State Church then threw its weight around, I might be punished, jailed or even killed by disobeying its mandate (law) to water baptize everyone. One of the great freedoms of America is its separation of Church and State. It must be said that this in no way, shape, or form means that the State has to ban all religious thought from its institutions (as many assume), but rather that it cannot enforce someone to practice a faith or a religion that he/she does not want to participate in.

John Calvin forced his views upon the populous through a State Church that was oppressive and murderous. This cannot be ignored, nor can it be dismissed as “okay.” I have heard it said that this was just the way things were back then, so we must be forgiving of Calvin for the way he dealt with Servetus. (He had him killed for “teaching heresy”) Was murder okay back in the garden when Cain slew Abel? No. Was murder okay when David had Uriah killed in order to marry his wife, Bathsheba? No. Was murder okay when they nailed our precious Savior to the cross? No. Then why would it be okay for Calvin to murder someone just because it was the mandate of the State-run Church? Plain and simple: it is not.

The Church should care for the things of the Church. The State should care for the things of the State. The State SHOULD NOT enforce someone to believe something they do not. Now concerning John Calvin, no Christian I know would ever force another to believe what he believed or be murdered for it. Apparently Calvin is an exception in the eyes of those who idolize him, but he is no exception in my eyes. In fact, I have nowhere read any of Calvin’s words that would even lead me to the conclusion that he was saved. Sorry Calvin idolaters, this is just from what I have read. But please, feel free to post a Calvin quote that would help me change my mind. If he has testified, through the written word, of a Biblical salvation, I have yet to read it…but would love to see it.

As we continued to trade emails, my friend asked me my thoughts concerning Erastus in the Bible. Erastus is mentioned three times in Scripture. He is mentioned in (Acts 19:22) (2 Tim 4:20) and (Rom 16:23). There is no proof that the Erastus mentioned in each verse is the same as the next…but let’s assume that he was. It is mentioned in Romans that Erastus was the Chamberlain of the city. This would mean that he was a public official – perhaps a mayor or governor. The reason I was asked about Erastus was because I had made this comment:

“Here’s my humble opinion, though given time, I think I can back it up Biblically. Role of Govt: Supress Evil. Role of Christians in Govt: Pray for Leaders.”

With that comment, I was asked about Erastus’ position as Chamberlain. The question then is this: Was Erastus the Chamberlain before or after he was saved? The fact alone that Scripture says that he was indeed the Chamberlain does not necessarily mean that Christians should enter politics any more than saying Christians should cut off people’s ears because the Scripture mentions that Peter did it. A statement of fact in the Scripture is not always a command to do – we must understand this if we are to properly interpret Scriptures. The Bible does teach this:

(1Ti 2:1-2) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

This is the role of a Christian in Government according to the Scriptures. This is not just a statement of fact, but is indeed, a God-given command for all Christians.

So to tie this whole thing together, Calvin had no Biblical basis for forcing his beliefs on Geneva (or any other populous) because of his own personal convictions. Even God Almighty does not force a human to believe – though He desires all men to come unto the knowledge of the truth. It is best for the Christian to stay out of politics, but rather to focus his energies on winning others to Christ. If a political leader gets saved, he should not focus his life on changing laws to conform to Old Testament laws – but should spend him time evangelizing the lost and ministering to the saints. After all, why would a government want to adopt the Old Testament Law? It is a curse, Christian…remember? I do not live by the law, but by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. The Government’s role is to protect me from harm. It should protect my right of the freedom of worship from those who would murder me for not believing what they believe. The Government should then have protected a man from being killed by John Calvin, rather than follow Calvin’s orders and do the murdering. Make sense? I sure hope so.

Grace & Peace be unto you all.

The King James Bible (Part 5)

Argument # 4: The Italicized words didn’t appear in the originals – so they cannot be inspired.

I had a conversation (not too long ago) with my pastor about the subject of God’s word. In this conversation, we both agreed, that if there is a blatant open mistake that can be found in the Bible, that our faith system would be shattered. To me (and apparently to him as well) Jesus and the Bible are not mutually exclusive. In other words, they are one entity. How could they not be, really? If God wrote the Bible (and hopefully you believe He did, as I do) then His words are His very essence. If there is a flaw in His word (the Bible), then there is a flaw in His Word. (That’s Jesus for those of you who don’t study your Bibles.)

Now for those of you who are using a different “version” of the Bible (I’d rather prefer to it as a perversion) other than the King James Version, I’ve got either some very encouraging news or very discouraging news for you – depending upon your perspective. I am going to prove that the italicized words in the King James Bible are just as inspired as the non-italicized words with one verse of the Bible.

When I have the opportunity to compare Bibles with someone, it is always this verse that gets everyone’s attention. By this verse I will either convince them, or there is absolutely no hope for them. In other words, they have been so brainwashed into thinking “all bibles” are okay that they really do not care what the Bible actually has to say. Again, the Bible’s authority means nothing to them and its impact on their lives has been next to nothing, and likely will remain that way until the day they die.

Have I piqued your interest? Would you like to know what verse I am referring to?

Before I do so, I must ask the readers a question. So as to make this question easy for everyone, I will do it in a silly multiple choice question. Here we go:

Who killed Goliath?
1. David
2. Bathsheba
3. Balaam’s ass
4. Elhanan

This should be a no-brainer if you know your Bibles even a little bit. Yes, the answer is David. Even secular people have heard of the story of David and Goliath and know that little David took down the great, big giant with a slingshot and a stone. That’s great! You all get a 100! That is, of course, all of you but the NIV, NASB, ASV, CEV, ESV, RV translators et al. How might they have answered the above question? They would have circled #4. How do I know? I have all of those translations at my disposal. Let me show you the Bible verse I’m referring to – first in the KJV, then in others to follow.

(2Sa 21:19) And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.
(Notice here in this verse that Elhanan killed the BROTHER of Goliath in another battle with the Philistines. Now watch these other “versions” and their handiwork.)

(2Sa 21:19) There was war with the Philistines again at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. (NASB)

(2Sa 21:19) In another battle with the Philistines at Gob, Elhanan son of Jaare-Oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, who had a spear with a shaft like a weaver's rod. (NIV)

I’d keep quoting the other “versions”, but rest assured, they say the same thing. So what do you do with that, NIV user? Your Bible has a great big mistake in it. By the way, you can find the story of David killing Goliath in your own “versions” in the 17th Chapter of 1st Samuel. So not only is there a mistake, but a contradiction. Oh that’s right, there are two contradictions. (1 Chronicles 20:5) will clear things up for you as well. It is there that you will find the correct answer to the question.

So why is it (Let’s just use the NIV as the example because it is the most popular perversion to date) that the NIV has the story correct in 1 Samuel 17 and in 1 Chronicles 20, but fails to do so in 2 Samuel 21? The simple answer is that the words “the brother of” did not appear in the “originals.” They, therefore, decided to leave it out – even though it made for a glaring contradiction in their “bible.”

So now, NIV user et al, you’re going to tell me that leaving “the brother of” out of the text was the “correct” thing to do because you cannot find it in the originals? (The originals do not exist on earth by the way – they’re in heaven – read your Bibles!) I guess that leaves me in the minority. I will choose the Bible that does not have the mistake. I will choose the King James Bible.

Are the italicized words inspired? You bet they are! So how about it, NIV user – are you willing to put down your flawed “version” for a mistake-free King James Bible, or would you rather go on being willfully ignorant of the truth?

I had the opportunity to “Disciple” someone recently. When he entered our first meeting, he held an NIV under his arm. The first lesson we had was on the word of God. In that lesson, I pointed out this verse along with some others. At first he was angry. It was very visible. But let me tell you, this man was more interested in the truth than he was in his feelings. Though the idea that “his bible” was flawed bothered him, he came back the following week for lesson #2. This time he held a King James Bible under his arm as he entered my apartment. He has grown leaps and bounds and every time we meet I am floored by his passion for the Lord, the lost, and the word of God.

That can be you too, Christian. You can put down your perversion and pick up the truth. The King James Bible will change your life – I make that promise to you. Before I knew that God had actually perfectly preserved every single word that He wanted to convey to man in an English Bible, I was a sad Christian, tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine. Since finding the truth, I have soared to new heights by the grace of the Lord. God wants the same for you.

I think this will conclude my King James series – unless I am challenged with a new question regarding its inspiration in the future. I pray this has either blessed you or challenged you. If it has angered you – let me say that I understand. After all, the first time someone informed me that I had an “incorrect” bible, they said that I was reading, “Satan’s book.” At least I wasn’t that blunt!

The grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Update

For those of you who do read this blog...please forgive my lack of posting. With school, ministry and work, I have been swamped as others have as well. I plan to post this weekend, Lord willing.

The King James Bible (Part 4)

Argument #3: Hasn’t God preserved His message in all versions of the Bible?

Not too long ago, I sat down with a young man and had a very heated discussion over the King James issue. Of course, I have no issue with the Bible – but the young man did. I also was not heated, but he was. He seemed to honestly believe that ALL “Bibles” are okay; because, after all, it is the message of God we should be interested in rather than the specific words.

I do not have to spend too much time here. It is simple, really. Where in the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation) does God say that He has preserved his message? The word “message” appears in your King James Bible seven times. There are a couple verses that refer to God’s message. Here are a those that this young man might have leaned on – though he quoted me ZERO Bible during this entire conversation.

(Jdg 3:20) And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.

(Hag 1:13) Then spake Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.

(1Jn 1:5) This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

(1Jn 3:11) For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

The other three verses refer to messages from man to man. Okay, there are four verses that deal with God’s message to man. When I am out on the streets preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, I declare God’s message unto the people with words like, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Someone can be saved by hearing God’s message. But they cannot hear God's message without hearing His words. How is someone supposed to know whether I speak truth or not? There must be a source – a final authority – from which I draw my conclusions. The Christian authority is the Bible. The young man I spoke with did not argue this. If the words are not as important as the message (as this young man spent much time arguing) then how can I trust the message? If my message differs from the words of the Bible, am I not in error? If my message agrees with the words of the Bible, do I not speak truth?

There can be no accurate message without the preservation of specific words. Therefore, the words must be preserved in order to preserve the message. The message is dependant upon the words – not the other way around.

The above verses make no claim to the authority of the message (and remember that the word “message” only shows up 7 times in your KJB) but the Bible lets us know that God’s words are both preserved and authoritative. Not every “version” of the Bible carries the same message. So how about these verses?

(Psa 12:6-7) 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.

(Pro 1:23) Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

(Mat 24:35/Mark 13:31/Luke21:33) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

(Jer 23:29) Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

(Psa 19:7-11) The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

So here’s my "message" to you all today: There is no message from God without perfectly preserved words.

The message brings salvation…but the words sanctify. So Christian, please start believing that God has preserved His words for you. They can be trusted. They are without error. You do not need to know Greek or Hebrew in order to understand them. Get the words right, and you will get the message right. Get the words wrong – and your message will be wrong.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses: Wrong words…wrong message.
The Catholics: Wrong words…wrong message.
The Mormons: Wrong words…wrong message.
The Baptists: No faith in God’s words. What do you think comes next?

The Grace & Peace of God be with you all.

The King James Bible (Part 3)

Argument #2: Are you telling me that in order to have God’s perfect word, you must know English?

Once again, this is an argument that has not been thought through. Choosing English to perfect (complete) His word, God did not exclude…but included. When you say that God’s word is preserved perfectly in English, the common response is something to the nature of: “What about people living in China? Are you telling me that unless they learn English, they do not have God’s perfect word?” The natural assumption when presented with this idea that God preserved His word in English is that it is too exclusive for God. But you would be looking at it wrong.

First, God is an exclusive God. You cannot argue that. Those who argue this point are ecumenists. There is one God. His name is Jesus Christ. There is none other name given among men whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) There is one way to salvation: believing on Jesus Christ. Exclusive? Yes, of course. However, God is not exclusive when choosing English to perfect His word.

Rather, God is doing just the opposite. When you even briefly consider the English language and how it spread throughout the world, if you’re an honest person, you either have to believe it to be an unexplained miracle, or you have to give credit to God. When God chose English, it was because He knew it was going to be the world’s language. Yes, there are people who do not read English. Does this mean that the gospel is cut off from them? No. The gospel is found in God’s message. Sanctification is found in God’s word. Anyone can be saved by hearing the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. By faith they receive that which God so freely gives…so they are not refused the gospel.

Most of the world knows English as its primary or secondary language. When they are taught English in Europe and Asia, it is the King’s English – Probably just coincidence. It is not the Text Messaging English we have now in the States. Besides that, much of the English of the King James Bible has roots from other languages, which helps the foreigner pick up on the language that much easier. Even English spelling in other parts of the world lines up with the King’s English rather than modern English. For example, “Music” (modern) is spelled “Musick” in the KJB and is spelled that way everywhere else save America.

So why English? Let me turn that around. Why Hebrew? Why Greek? Can you give an honest answer as to why God chose Koine Greek? It is an insignificant language, no longer in use, of which NO ONE has a complete N.T. manuscript. When you talk about the originals…please understand that they do not exist. So to say that I believe in the Inspiration of the word of God as found in the originals, you are thus saying that you do not believe that God’s inspired word is attainable by any of us. However, if God’s “originals” are inspired…and have been preserved for us today…then you can be sure that you have an INSPIRED King James Bible.

Why did God choose Hebrew? Let’s be honest…it was not the world’s language. If you wanted to become a Jew, you had to enter their country, learn their customs, and learn their language. Was God inclusive or exclusive here? The role of the Jew was to share what he had with the rest of the world. I’m pretty sure that those that argue against the inspiration of the King James Bible would have no problem with the concept that you HAD to learn Hebrew in order to be a practicing Jew. Isn’t that the same thing?

Why did God choose Koine Greek? Let’s be honest again…it is a dead language. However, at the time, it was the world’s language. The gospel was spread to the Greek speaking world of the time through the Greek language.

Why did God choose English? Let’s be honest one more time…IT IS THE WORLD’S LANGUAGE. God saw fit to perfect His word in English so that the entire world might have His perfectly inspired and preserved word today. It is available to you today! Glory to God! Do you believe that Christian? It is not the “best”, it is perfect. To say that God has given us His best, but it is not perfect…well that just doesn’t make sense concerning the character of the Almighty God that I know and serve.

The biggest supporters of the Greek and Hebrew languages seem to be those of a “Reformed” background. Funny thing, really. Aren’t reformers so hung up on the “Sovereignty of God” that they dismiss the free will of man? Well, if their God is so sovereign, how is He not able to preserve His word PERFECTLY for us today?

I do not dismiss the Textus Receptus. It was inspired. Many Greek advocates I know have no problem with that. But, hey…it is not the original! So here’s my take: The OT Masoretic Text was translated from heaven to earth…perfectly inspired and preserved. The NT Koine Greek was translated from heaven to earth…perfectly inspired and preserved. The King James Bible (Old & New Testament completed together) was translated from heaven to earth…perfectly inspired and preserved. God does things in threes and there you have it. I know – I know…this does not sit well with the “Bible Believing” Christians in the mainline Baptist Community. I couldn’t care less. You’ll just have to forgive me for believing God is able to perfect His book in the language of the people just before the return of His Son.

Why English? Why not?

Grace & Peace be unto you all

The King James Bible (Part 2)

Argument #1: The King James translators never admitted to being inspired.

Here’s a simple question: Have you ever been a part of a situation that turned out to be a huge blessing to someone else? When it was all said and done, you consider the situation and think to yourself, “Wow! God was all over that!” But at the time it just seemed like an ordinary average day.

When given the opportunity to preach, I do not claim inspiration of God. But there have been, and Lord willing will continue to be, times in which the hand of God moved across the hearers of a message I delivered. When I look back on the preparation of that message, nothing in particular stands out. I prepared that message like any other, with prayer and meditation on the word and study of the word. Yet God moved.

Now, we’re talking about something very different than the writing of Scriptures in both cases…and I am well aware of that. However, I thought it necessary to give some illustrations as to why the King James translators had no idea that God was guiding their hands. It is also proof positive that the translator’s writings outside of the realms of the Scripture were NOT inspired. These men were not prophets…they were Christians, carrying out the will of God.

You want some Bible? No problem. Search the Scriptures…did Peter ever claim inspiration? Nope. Does that mean first and second Peter is not inspired? Did Luke ever claim inspiration? Nope. Does that mean that the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are not inspired? Chew on this one:

(Dan 4:1-3) Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

I could have continued to quote from Daniel…but I am trying to make a point. Here is a pagan leader of a heathen nation writing a letter. In the end, the very words that he spoke (by the way, likely translated from ancient Babylonian unto Hebrew at the time…something else to ponder) became SCRIPTURE. Did Nebuchadnezzar ever claim inspiration of God? Nope. But sure enough, the words that came out of his mouth and ended up on paper eventually became Scripture.

I’m sorry, but the argument that “the King James translators never claimed inspiration” is a VERY WEAK ONE. There are other human authors involved in the writing of the word of God who never claimed inspiration. Should we assume that they are not therefore? How sad to have to throw out all of the Psalms because each Psalmist never claimed inspiration. I guess we’ll just have to doubt the validity of their writings. I guess we should throw out the creation story along with the book of Genesis…after all, Moses never claimed inspiration when penning that book either.

Okay…enough of the sarcasm, I know it is not becoming. Inspiration is not inspiration when man makes the claim, but rather when GOD MAKES THE CLAIM. When I read my King James Bible, I believe I hold Scripture. Therefore, I deduce that my King James Bible is inspired based on:

(2Ti 3:16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

If I didn’t believe that I was holding Scripture, then I would NOT believe it to be inspired. For instance, I do not believe the NIV to be Scripture. I do not believe the NASB to be Scripture. I do not believe the CEV to be Scripture. Why? Well, because two or more things that are different are not the same. They read very differently from the King James Bible and are therefore not the same thing. Hopefully I’ve been clear enough so that everyone understands what I am getting at here.

One argument down…I suppose more to come. My prayer is that every Christian will stop messing around with Greek and Hebrew when God made His word available to us in English. This blog might not get you there…but hopefully more to come will. Be patient…I will get them up as time permits.

Until next time, may the Grace & Peace of God be with you all!

The King James Bible (Part 1)

Okay, I have had way too many disturbing conversations with other “Christians” now concerning the word of God that I will need to address this within a few postings.

I am a King James Bible Believer. This means that I not only believe in the inspiration of the Masoretic Texts and the Greek Textus Receptus, but I BELIEVE IN THE INSPIRATION OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE! For some reason, this is a great mystery to modern Christians.

Modern Christians cling to the FACT that there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 2:5) But when it comes to the idea of there being only one Bible, they freak right out. If God would provide one exclusive way to heaven, why is it so difficult to believe that God also provided one exclusive Bible?

Listen, Christans: There was one Hebrew Old Testament. There was one Greek New Testament. And there is one English Bible…The Authorized Version, given to us by the Author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. (Heb 12:2)

The Authorized Bible is not the “best” Bible available, it is the “only” Bible available. All others are perversions. That’s right, they are PERVERSIONS of the Truth given by the Perverter of Truth, the Father of Lies: the Devil. (John 8:44)

I will attempt to take some time over the next few blogs to explain away some of the “silly” and “often quoted” arguments against the INSPIRATION of the King James Bible. Listen, I’ve heard them all before. I know where you get those arguments. You get them from evil men, professors in colleges and institutes and Seminaries claiming to know more about God’s word than God Himself. I am not fooled. They are evil men, seducers…waxing worse and worse. (2 Tim 3:13)

Here is what I think of professors:
(Rom 1:22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Do I sound mad? I sure hope so, because I’m smoldering as I type this blog. Is there a Christian out there who still believes God is capable of preserving His word? Is there a Christian out there who still believes God is able?

So go ahead and throw some arguments out there if you’d like. I will answer some that I have already come across and more as they come.

Christians, why think ye in your heart such an unimaginable thing; that God did not leave a perfect Bible for us to read? You know that there is one Lord. You know that there is one faith. You know that there is one baptism. But there are Bibles, many? What?!

Shame on you Institute teacher: For spreading your doctrine of doubt.

Shame on you Bible College teacher: For spreading your doctrine of mistrust.

Shame of you Seminary Professor: For claiming to know more about Greek, Hebrew and English than God Himself.

The Day of Judgment is at hand:
(Amo 8:11) 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:

This day is that Judgment fulfilled in our eyes…shame on this generation!