Torch, Spring 1990

--------------------------~- perfectly paired together. In the transla– tion of Scriptures from the Hebrew and Greek into other languages, including English, the translator must seek to keep the two (form and meaning) as close together as possible. Translations We should be thankful that we can use all these English versions for our personal edification. Paul criticized the Corinthian church for its carnal attitude of following one gifted leader and neglecting another (l Corinthians 3 :4). In a similar vein, some believers today have given their allegiance to one English version and have either ignored or criticized the other versions . In effect, some of the Christian world is saying, "I am of the KJV! " And others, "I am of the NASB' " And still others, "l am of the NIY!" In so doing , they are manifesting carnality. Instead, they should rejoice that these translations have been made. In fact , they should purchase a copy of each version , read each one, study each one, and compare them under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We should not permit the usage ofa particular version to become the basis ofpersonal and ecclesiastical fellowship. God hates those who "sow discord among brethren" (Proverbs 6: 19). Rather, He instructs us "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). If a person who uses only the KJV declares as heretical another believer who chooses to use the NIV or the NASB, then that first person is disrupting spiritual unity . Loyalty to Christ and the inspired Word of God should not be measured by the version which a believer chooses to read or to use in public ministry. We can have confulence that the major English versions protect and propagate the evangelical Christian faith. All four major versions (KJV, NKJV, NIV, NASB) forthrightly present the deity of Christ. In fact, all four translate John 1: 1 in the same way: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." In John I: 18, there is a variant reading in the Critical Greek Text which is manifested in the two translations based upon it (NASB and NlY). The KJV has the phrase "the only begotten Son," whereas the NIY has "God the One and Only," and the NASB has "the only begotten God." The Son, of course, is God, and God is the Son. Actually, the two modem versions give a stronger proof for the deity of Christ than the KJV in this passage. The same comparisons can be made in salvation passages, such as John 3: 16. All these versions equally present that faith in Jesus Christ alone saves the trusting sinner. We should read prayerfully and carefully. No matter what translation we use, we never will be able to understand the meaning of God's revealed Word unless we are totally dependent upon the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. The secret in knowing His Word is not in finding a better translation than the one which we presently have. Rather, we will be successful in knowing His revealed will as we spend more time in worshipful study and humble submis– sion. In conclusion, may l "commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified" (Acts 20:32) . Dr. Robert G. Gromacki, professor of Bible and Greek and chairman of the Department of Biblical Education , is completing his 30th year at Cedarville College. He has authored 12 books and is currently writing another. Dr. Gromacki also writes the column , "Bible Questions Answered," in Confident Living magazine.