Torch, Spring 1990

Which Translation by Dr. Robert G. Gromacki M ultiple English versions of the Bible-their abundance, their availability, and their low cost-should be causes for great rejoicing. And many believers do thank God for them. However, a cloud of suspicion and mistrust hangs over the world of English Christendom. Today, unfortunately, the measure of a person's loyalty to God, to Christ, and to the Scriptures is being determined by his choice and usage of one English version over that of another. Much confusion and harm to the cause of Christ have been the results. Truth and love must form the guiding principles for a proper understanding of translations (see Ephesians 4: 15). The NIV Stu<Jy Bible D New International Version Words of 01ris1 in red letter ZONDERVAN Explanation of Inspiration First, only the Bible is inspired ofGod. The word "inspiration" occurs only once in the text of the New Testament. The Apostle Paul wrote, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine , for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteous– ness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Those six words, "is given by inspira– tion of God," are the translation of one Greek word, theopneustos. Literally, it means "God-breathed." The Scripture thus has been breathed out by God. What is written is just as much the Word of God as what God would speak orally. Technically, inspiration refers to the writings, not to the human authors nor to the responses of readers. Of course, the Holy Spirit constrained, burdened, and guided the authors to write what they did (2 Peter 1:21). Second, the Bible is the inspired truth. Jesus prayed to the Father, "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth" (John 17:17). God is truth, thus WU -I ~ z IJJ r- ~ 5 z EERDM