Bible Baptist Publications

Fighting Back: A Handy Reference Guide for King James Bible Believers

Booklet, 38 pages

Copyright © 1997 James L. Melton

Suggested Donation: 35 cents each

Introduction

As Bible-believing Christians, we believe that the words of the King James Authorized Version are the pure and preserved words of God for the English speaking people.  This booklet has been written to help fellow Bible-believers defend themselves against the fiery darts of the wicked Laodiceans and Alexandrians who do not believe that any human being should have a printed final authority to guide him through this wicked world of darkness and deceit. 

I realize it is unusual to see such a brief booklet addressing so many subjects, but it is my personal belief that this is what many people need in these last days.  The Bible Believer's Helpful Little Handbook has been well accepted by Christians because of its variety, its brevity, and its scriptural content.  I've tried to stick to that  same basic principle in this booklet. Since this is mainly a reference guide, it isn't necessary for you to read the entire booklet in order to appreciate many of the truths it contains.  Each small section contains valuable truths that the active Bible-believer will find helpful time after time.  However, if you'll take the time to read the entire booklet, you will learn many things that will increase your faith in God's preserved word.  You will also become more equipped to do battle with the Alexandrian apostates who work endlessly in their efforts to replace your  two-edged sword with a toothpick.  These people take great delight in ridiculing and intimidating people like you and I, and far too often they win because we do not know the answers.  With a good knowledge of the information in the forthcoming pages, you CAN know the answers and you can win a few battles of your own.  

I urge you to become familiar with this little booklet.  Mark or highlight the special places that will be most useful  to you and use it frequently in fighting back at the enemy. 

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. (Psa. 12:6-7)

Reasons for Accepting the KJV as God's Preserved Word

1.  God promised to preserve His words (Psa. 12:6-7; Mat. 24:35).  There has to be a preserved copy of God's pure words somewhere.  If it isn't the KJV, then what is it?

2.  It has no copyright.  The text of the KJV may be reproduced by anyone for there is no copyright forbidding its duplication.  This is not true with the modern perversions.

3.  The KJV produces good fruit (Mat. 7:17-20). No modern translation can compare to the KJV when it comes to producing good fruit.  For nearly four hundred years, God has used the preaching and teaching of the KJV to bring hundreds of millions to Christ.  Laodicean Christians might favor the new versions, but the Holy Spirit doesn't. 

4.  The KJV was translated during the Philadelphia church period (Rev. 3:7-13).  The modern perversions began to appear rather late on the scene as the lukewarm Laodicean period got underway (Rev. 3:14-22), but the KJV was produced way back in 1611, just in time for the many great revivals (1700-1880).  The Philadelphia church was the church that "kept" God's word (Rev. 3:8).

5.  The KJV translators were honest in their work.  When the translators had to add certain words, largely due to idiom changes, they placed the added words in italics so we'd know the difference, unlike many new perversions.

6.  All new translations compare themselves to the KJV.  Isn't it strange that the new perversions never compare themselves to one another?  For some strange reason (Mat. 12:26) they all line up against one Book--the A.V. 1611.

7.  The KJV translators believed they were handling the very words of God (I Ths. 2:13).  Just read the King James Dedicatory and compare it to the prefaces in the modern versions.  Immediately, you will see a world of difference in the approach and attitude of the translators.

8. The KJV is supported by far more evidence.  Of over 5,300 pieces of manuscript evidence, ninety-five percent supports the King James Bible.  The changes in the new perversions are based on the remaining five percent of manuscripts, most of which are from Alexandria, Egypt.

9. No one has ever proven that the KJV is not God's word.  The 1611 should be considered innocent until proven guilty with a significant amount of genuine evidence.

10. The KJV exalts the Lord Jesus Christ.  The true scriptures should testify of Jesus Christ (John 5:39).  There is no book on this planet which exalts Christ higher than the King James Bible.  In numerous places the new perversions attack the Deity of Christ, the Blood Atonement, the Resurrection, salvation by grace through faith, and the Second Coming.  The true scriptures will testify of Jesus Christ, not attack Him!

Questions for the KJV Critics

1. Since you're smart enough to find "mistakes" in the KJV, why don't you correct them all and give us a perfect Bible?

2. Do you have a perfect Bible?

3. Since you do believe "the Bible" is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice, could you please show us where Jesus, Peter, James, Paul, or John ever practiced your terminology  ("the Greek text says...the originals say...a better rendering would be...." etc.)?

4. Since you do not profess to have a perfect Bible, why do you refer to it as "God's word"?

5.  Remembering that the Holy Spirit is the greatest Teacher (John 16:12-15; I John 2:27), who taught you that the KJV was not infallible, the Holy Spirit or man?

6. Assuming you believe in the degeneration of man, rather than evolution, why is it that you believe education has somehow "evolved" and that men are more qualified to translate God's word today than in 1611?

7. There is one true God, yet many false gods, so why do you think it's so wrong to teach that there is one true Bible, yet many false "bibles"?

8. Isn't it true that you believe God inspired His holy words in the "originals," but has since lost them, since no one has a perfect Bible today?

9. Isn't it true that when you use the term "the Greek text" you are being deceitful and dishonest since there are many Greek TEXTS (plural), rather than just one?

10.  Before the first new perversion was published in 1881 (the RV), the King James Bible was published, preached, and taught throughout the world.  God blessed these efforts and hundreds of millions were saved.  Today, with the many new translations on the market, very few are truly being saved.  The great revivals are over.  Who has gained the most from the new versions, God or Satan?

Seventy-five Common Sayings

The King James Bible is supposedly written in an "old and archaic language" that people today have trouble understanding,  but please notice how so many of our modern sayings come from between its covers.  Hundreds could be presented, but we'll limit ourselves to seventy-five:

        1.  Genesis 4:2-5: can't get blood from a turnip

        2.  Genesis 7: don't miss the boat

        3.  Genesis 11:7-9: babbling

        4.  Genesis 15:5: teller

        5.  Genesis 43:34: mess (of food)

        6.  Exodus 19:16-18: holy smoke

        7.  Exodus 28:42: britches

        8.  Exodus 32:8: holy cow

        9.  Leviticus 2:14: roast ears

      10.  Leviticus 13:10: the quick (raw flesh)

      11.  Leviticus 14:5-6: running water

      12.  Leviticus 16:8: scapegoat

      13.  Leviticus 25:10: Liberty Bell

      14.  Numbers 21:5: light  bread

      15.  Numbers 35:2-5: suburb

      16.  Deuteronomy 2:14: wasted him

      17.  Deuteronomy 24:5: cheer up

      18.  Deuteronomy 32:10: apple of his eye

      19.  Judges 5:20: star wars

      20.  Judges 7:5-12: under dog

      21.  Judges 8:16: teach a lesson

      22.  Judges 17:10: calling a priest father

      23.  I Samuel 14:12: I'll show you a thing or two

      24.  I Samuel 20:40: artillery

      25.  I Samuel 25:37: petrified

      26.  II Samuel 19:18: ferry boat

      27.  I Kings 3:7: don't know if he's coming or  going

      28.  I Kings 14:3: cracklins

      29.  I Kings 14:6: that's heavy

      30.  I Kings 21:19-23: she's gone to the dogs

      31.  II Chronicles 9:6: you haven't heard half of it

      32.  II Chronicles 30:6: postman

      33.  Nehemiah 13:11: set them in their place

      34.  Esther 7:9: he hung himself

      35.  Job 11:16: It's water under the bridge

      36.  Job 20:6: he has his head in the clouds

      37.  Psalm 4:8: lay me down to sleep

      38.  Psalm 19:3-4: he gave me a line

      39.  Psalm 37:13: his day is coming

      40.  Psalm 58:8: pass away (dying)

      41.  Psalm 64:3-4: shoot off your mouth

      42.  Psalm 78:25: angel's food cake

      43.  Psalm 141:10: give him enough rope and he'll hang himself

      44.  Proverbs 7:22: dumb as an ox

      45.  Proverbs 13:24: spare the rod, spoil the child

      46.  Proverbs 18:6: he is asking for it

      47.  Proverbs 24:16: can't keep a good man down

      48.  Proverbs 25:14: full of hot air

      49.  Proverbs 30:30: king of beasts

      50.  Ecclesiastes 10:19: money talks

      51.  Ecclesiastes 10:20: a little bird told me

      52.  Song Solomon 2:5: lovesick

      53.  Isaiah 52:8: see eye to eye

      54.  Jeremiah 23:25: I have a dream (MLK, Jr)

      55.  Ezekiel 26:9: engines

      56.  Ezekiel 38:9: desert storm or storm troopers

      57.  Daniel 3:21: hose (leg wear)

      58.  Daniel 8:25: foreign policy

      59.  Daniel 11:38: the force be with you (star wars)

      60.  Hosea 7:8: half-baked

      61.  Jonah 4:10-11: can't tell left from right

      62.  Zephaniah 3:8-9: United Nations Assembly

      63.  Matthew 25:1-10: burning the midnight oil

      64.  Matthew 25:33: right or left side of an issue

      65.  Matthew 27:46: for crying out loud

      66.  Mark 5:13: hog wild

      67.  Luke 11:46: won't lift a finger to help

      68.  Luke 15:17: he came to himself

      69.  Romans 2:23: breaking the law

      70.  Philippians 3:2: beware of dog

      71.  Colossians 2:14: they nailed him

      72.  I John 5:11-13: get a life

      73.  Revelation 6:8: hell on earth

      74.  Revelation 16:13: a frog in my throat

      75.  Revelation 20:15: go jump in the lake

If you've checked these references, then you can easily see how our all-wise God has played a beautiful joke on the modern revisionists.  People who do not even believe the KJV quote it every day!  Furthermore, if you'll grab yourself a NIV, a NCV, a TEV, or anything else, you'll find that many of these modern sayings have been destroyed by the "better language" of the Laodiceans. 

For example, I always thought that when I was a young boy my father and I crossed the Mississippi on a ferry boat (II Sam. 19:18), but I guess we must have crossed at the ford instead (NIV). Then there were times when I got out of line and dad would really set me in my place (Neh. 13:11).  Too bad he didn't have a NIV, for he could have stationed me at my post.  I guess there was nothing dad loved more than going out early on Saturday mornings and catching a mess of fish (Gen. 43:34).  It's a good thing we didn't have a NKJV in those days, for he would have only caught a serving.  We usually had hushpuppies with that fish dinner, but sometimes we just had light bread (Num. 21:5).  That is, until the neighbors came over with their New American Bible.  Then we had wretched food.  Then dad would always say, "Cheer up, son, it'll be better next time!" (Deu. 24:5)  Too bad he didn't have a NKJV, for I'm sure he would have said, "Come on, boy, bring happiness to yourself!"

So you get the point:  the new versions don't stand a chance when competing with the KJV to use the most "modern" speech!

The Italicized Words

If we are to believe what we hear from the critics, then we must accept the notion that the italicized words in the King James Bible do not belong.  We are told that the words were added by the translators and are not the words of God.   If this is true, then please explain why Luke, Paul, John, Peter, and even the Lord Jesus QUOTE them!  The scripture printed in bold is the Old Testament passage, while the scripture that follows is the New Testament quote of that passage:

I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. (Psa. 16:8)

. . . I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:  (Acts 2:25)

Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. (Deu. 25:4)

. . . Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

(I Cor. 9:9)

. . .  that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. (Deu. 8:3)

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Mat. 4:4)

I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. (Psa. 82:6)

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? (John 10:34)

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (Isa. 28:16)

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. (I Pet. 2:6)

Did you notice that the New Testament writers QUOTE the words in italics?  This means they WERE actually in the originals!  When Jesus said, "It is written..." (Mat. 4:4), he was saying that the word "word" was also written--even if the King James translators didn't have it in the Hebrew Old Testament.   The Holy Spirit led them to use the word anyway.  If He didn't, then why did Jesus quote it?

Also, we have the case of WHO killed Goliath?  II Samuel 21:19 in the KJV says:  "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."  The words "the brother of" are in italics.  If these words were omitted, then the Bible would say that Elhanan slew Goliath, instead of his brother, which would contradict the fact that David killed Goliath. If you'll check I Chronicles 20:5, you'll see that the italics of II Samuel 21:19 are well justified.  Moral: The English sheds light on the English--WITHOUT "the Greek."

Antioch vs. Alexandria

We hear much talk these days about "older" and "more authoritative" manuscripts, but we aren't hearing much about the origin of these manuscripts.  It is a well established fact that there are only two lines of Bibles: one coming from Antioch, Syria (known as the Syrian or Byzantine type text) and one coming from Alexandria, Egypt (known as the Egyptian or Hesycnian type text).  The Syrian text from Antioch is the Majority text from which our King James 1611 comes, and the Egyptian text is the minority text from which the new perversions come.

The manuscripts from Antioch were mostly copied by Bible-believing Christians for the purpose of winning souls and spreading the word of God.  The manuscripts from Alexandria were produced by infidels such as Origen and Clement of Alexandria.  These manuscripts are corrupted with Greek philosophy (Col. 2:8), and allegorical foolishness.  The strange thing is that most Christians aren't paying any attention to what God's word says about these two places.  Notice how the Holy Spirit casts Egypt and Alexandria in a negative light, while His comments on Antioch tend to be very positive:

Egypt and Alexandria

1.  Egypt is first mentioned in connection with Abraham not trusting Egyptians around his wife (Gen. 12:10-13).

2. One of the greatest types of Christ in the Bible was sold into Egypt as a slave (Gen. 37:36).

3. Joseph did not want his bones left in Egypt (Gen. 50:25).

4. God killed all the firstborn of Egypt (Exo. 12:12).

5. God calls Egypt "the house of bondage" (Exo. 20:4).

6. God calls Egypt  an "iron furnace" (Deu. 4:20).

7. The Kings of Israel were even forbidden to get horses from Egypt (Deu. 17:16).

8. The Jews were forbidden to go to Egypt for help (Jer. 42:13-19).

9. God called His Son out of Egypt (Mat. 2:15).

10. Egypt is placed in the same category as Sodom (Rev. 11:8).

11. The first time Alexandria is mentioned in the Bible, it is associated with unbelievers, persecution, and the eventual death of Stephen (Acts 6:9; 7:54-60).

12. The next  mention of Alexandria involves a lost preacher who is messed up doctrinally (Acts 18:24-26).

13. The last two times we read about Alexandria is in Acts 27:6 and Acts 28:11 where Paul was carried to his eventual death in Rome by two ships from Alexandria .

Alexandria was the second largest city of the Roman Empire, with Rome being the first.  It was founded in 332 B.C. by Alexander the Great (a type of the Antichrist in Daniel 8).  Located at the Nile Delta, Alexandria was the home of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world.  Also, during the second and third centuries B.C., it was the home of a massive library containing between 500,000 and 700,000 volumes.  It was also the home of a catechetical school once head-mastered by the great apostate Adamantius Origen (185-254 A.D.). 

QUESTION: In light of what God's word says about higher knowledge and philosophy (I Cor. 1:22; Rom. 1:22; Gen. 3:5; Col. 2:8; I Cor. 8:1), why would a Christian expect to find the true word of God in Alexandrian manuscripts? 

Antioch

1. Upon its first mention, we find that  Antioch is the home of a Spirit-filled deacon (Acts 6:3-5).

2.  Antioch sheltered persecuted saints (Acts 11:19).

3. The first major movement of the Holy Ghost among the Gentiles occurs in Antioch (Acts 11:20-21).

4. Paul and Barnabas taught the Bible in Antioch for a whole year (Acts 11:26).

5. The disciples were first called "Christians" at Antioch (Acts 11:26).

6. The church at Antioch sent relief to the poor saints at  Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30).

7. The first missionary journey is sent out from Antioch (Acts 13:1-3).

8. Antioch remained the home base or headquarters of the early church (Acts 14:19-26; 15:35).

9. The final decision of the Jerusalem council was first sent to Antioch (Acts 15:19-23, 30) because Antioch was the home base.

10.  Antioch was the location of Paul setting Peter straight on his doctrine (Gal. 2:11).

Founded in 300 B.C. by Seleucus Nicator, Antioch was the third largest city of the Roman Empire.  Located in Syria, about twenty miles inland from the Mediterranean on the Orontes River, Antioch had its own sea port and more than its share of travelers and tradesmen.  In His infinite wisdom, God picked this ideal location for a "home base".   Antioch was far  enough away from the culture and traditions of the Jews  and the dominant Gentiles that new Christians could grow in the Lord.  Meanwhile, its geographical location was ideal for taking God's word into all the world. 

Friend, you can get your Bible from Alexandria, or you can get it from Antioch.  Wise Christians choose Antioch.

Sinaiticus and Vaticanus

When someone "corrects" the King James Bible with "more authoritative manuscripts" or "the best authorities," they're usually making some reference to Sinaiticus or Vaticanus.  These are two very corrupt fourth century uncials that are practically worshipped by modern scholars.  These are the primary manuscripts that Westcott and Hort relied so heavily on when constructing their Greek text (1851-1871) on which the new perversions are based.

Vaticanus (B) is the most worshipped.  This manuscript was officially catalogued in the Vatican library in 1475 and is still property of the Vatican today.  Siniaticus (Aleph or ) was discovered in a trash can at St. Catherine's Monastery on the traditional “Mt. Sinai” by Count Tischendorf, a German scholar, in the year 1844.  Both B and  are Roman Catholic manuscripts.  Remember that.  You might also familiarize yourself with the following facts:

1. Both manuscripts contain the Apocrypha as part of the Old Testament.

2. Tischendorf, who had seen both manuscripts, believed they were written by the same man, possibly

Eusebius of Caesarea (260-340 A.D.).

3. Vaticanus was available to the King James translators,  but God gave them sense enough to ignore it.

4. Vaticanus omits Genesis 1:1-46:28, Psalm 106-138, Matthew 16:2-3, Rom. 16:24, I Timothy through Titus, the entire book of Revelation, and it conveniently ends the book of Hebrews at Hebrews 9:14.

5. While adding The Epistle of Barnabas and The Shepherd of Hermas to the New Testament, Siniaticus omits John 5:4, 8:1-11, Matthew 16:2-3, Romans 16:24, Mark 16:9-20, Acts 8:37, and I John 5:7 (just to name a few).

6. It is believed that Siniaticus has been altered by as many as ten different men.  Consequently, it is a very sloppy piece of work (which is probably the reason for it being in a trash can).

7. The Dutch scholar, Erasmus (1469-1536), who produced the world's first printed Greek New Testament,  rejected the readings of Vaticanus and Siniaticus.

8. Vaticanus and Siniaticus not only disagree with the Majority Text from which the KJV came, they also differ from each other (over 3,000 times in the Gospels alone).

9. When someone says that B and Aleph are the oldest available manuscripts, they are lying.  There are many Syriac and Latin translations from as far back as the SECOND CENTURY that agree with the King James readings.  For instance, the Pashitta (145 A.D.), and the Old Syriac (400 A.D.) both contain strong support for the King James readings.   There are about fifty extant copies of the Old Latin from about 157  A.D., which is over two hundred years before Jerome was conveniently chosen by Rome to "revise" it.  Then Ulfilas produced a Gothic version for Europe in A.D. 330.  The Armenian Bible, which agrees with the King James, has over 1,200 extant copies and was translated by Mesrob around the year 400.  Sinaiticus and Vaticanus are clearly not the oldest and  best.

Facts about Westcott and Hort

Brooke Foss Westcott (1825-1901) and Fenton John Anthony Hort (1828-1892) were the two English scholars who produced the corrupt Greek text of the modern perversions.  Their dominating influence on the revision committee of 1871-1881 accounts for most of the corruption that we have today in modern translations.  The Bible believer should keep several points in mind when discussing these two men.  The following information is well documented in Final Authority, by William Grady, and in Riplinger's New Age Bible Versions:

1. Together, the Life and Letters of Brooke Foss Westcott and the Life and Letters of Fenton John Anthony Hort run over 1,800 pages.  A personal salvation testimony is not given once for either man, and the name "Jesus" is found only nine times!

2.  Westcott was a firm believer in Mary worship, and Hort claimed that Mary worship had a lot in common with Jesus worship. 

3. Hort believed in keeping Roman Catholic sacraments.

4. Hort believed in baptismal regeneration as taught in the Catholic church.

5. Hort rejected the infallibility of Scripture.

6. Hort took great interest in the works of Charles Darwin, while both he and Westcott rejected the literal account of Creation.

7. Westcott  did not believe in the Second Coming of Christ, the Millennium, or a literal Heaven.

8. Both men rejected the doctrine of a literal Hell, and they supported prayers for the dead in purgatory.

9. Hort  refused to believe in the Trinity.

10. Hort refused to believe in angels.

11.  Westcott confessed that he was a communist by nature.

12. Westcott also did his share of beer drinking.  In fact, only twelve years after the Revised Version was published, Westcott was a spokesman for a brewery.

13.   While working on their Greek text (1851-1871), and while working on the Revision Committee for the Revised Version (1871-1881), Westcott and Hort were also keeping company with "seducing spirits and doctrines of devils" (I Tim. 4:1). Both men took great interest in occult practices and clubs.  They started the Hermes Club in 1845, the Ghostly Guild in 1851, and Hort joined a secret club called The Apostles in the same year.  They also started the Eranus Club in 1872.  These were spiritualists groups which believed in such unscriptural practices as communicating with the dead (necromancy).

14.  The Westcott and Hort Greek text was secretly  given to the Revision Committee.

15.  The members of the Revision Committee of 1881 were sworn to a pledge of secrecy in regard to the new Greek text being used, and they met in silence for ten years.

16. The corrupt Greek text of Westcott and Hort was not released to the public until just five days before the debut  of the Revised Version.  This prevented Bible-believing scholars like Dean Burgon from reviewing and exposing it.

Translating the King James Bible

Unlike Westcott, Hort, and the R.V. Committee, King James went through great efforts to guard the 1611 translation from errors.  Please note the following:

1. In 1604, King James announced that 54 Hebrew and Greek scholars had been appointed to translate a new Bible for English speaking people.  The number was reduced to 47 by the time the work formally began in 1607.

2.  Rather than working together all at one location, these men were divided into six separate groups, which worked at three separate locations. There were two at Westminster, two at Oxford, and two at Cambridge.

3. Each group translated a selected portion of Scripture.

4. Each scholar made his translation of a book and then passed it on to be reviewed by each member of his group.

5.  The whole group then went over the book together.

6. Once a group had completed a book of the Bible, they sent it to be reviewed by the other five groups. 

7. All objectionable and questionable translating was marked and noted, and then it was returned to the original group for consideration.

8. A special committee was formed by selecting one leader from each group.  This committee worked out all of the remaining differences and produced a finished copy.

9. This means that the King James Bible had to pass at least FOURTEEN examinations before going to press. 

10. Throughout this process, any learned individuals of the land could be called upon for their judgment, and the churches were kept informed of the progress.

Let's Compare Bibles

In this section, we have reprinted our Let's Compare Bibles tract.  Here you will see several good examples of how modern Bible versions are attacking God's word.  We have selected eight modern translations for evaluation.  The translations evaluated are as follows:

      NIV...... New International Version

      NASB...New American Standard Bible

      NRSV...New Revised Standard Version

      REB.....Revised English Bible

      LB........Living Bible

      NWT.... New World Translation

      NAB ....New American Bible

      NKJV... New King James Version     

Although we have limited this study to eight  new translations, you will find some of these  attacks manifested in ANY new translation.   You will find that some of the most important doctrines of the Bible are being attacked in the new versions.  Whether you have a Living Bible, a New Century Version, a Revised Standard Version, a Holman Christian Standard Version, or any of the other perversions of Scripture. You are going to see the Devil hard at work on the revision committees of the new translations. The King James reading will appear first, followed by a brief comment, and then the perverted readings of the modern perversions.

Psalm 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.

The above promise from the King James Bible tells us that God intends to preserve His WORDS forever.  Notice how the new versions destroy this promise by making you think the context is God's PEOPLE rather than His WORDS:            

      NIV...... you will keep us safe

      NASB... Thou wilt preserve him

      NRSV.. You, O Lord, will protect us

      REB.....you are our protector

      LB........you will forever preserve your own

      NAB.....You, O Lord, will keep us

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Notice how some new versions attack the Virgin Birth of Christ by robbing Mary of her virginity.  As anyone well knows, a young woman or a maiden is NOT necessarily a virgin:

      NRSV.. young woman

      REB.....young woman

      NWT.....maiden

Luke 2:33

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

Here the new versions attack the Virgin Birth by telling us that Joseph was Christ's father:

      NIV.......The child's father

      NASB...His father

      NRSV...the child's father

      NWT.....its father

I Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Notice how the King James is very clear in telling us WHO was manifest in the flesh: GOD was manifest in the flesh.  Now watch the new perversions throw God clear out of the verse:

      NIV.......He appeared in a body

      NASB...He who was revealed in the flesh

      NRSV...He was revealed in flesh

      REB.....He was manifested in the flesh

      LB........who came to earth as a man

      NWT.... He was made manifest in the flesh

      NAB.....He was manifested in the flesh

Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

This is a prophecy of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the verse tells us that He had no beginning.  As the Second Member of the Trinity, He is ETERNAL, or from everlasting, but not in most modern translations: 

      NIV...... from ancient times

      NRSV.. from ancient days

      REB.... in ancient times

      NWT...  from the days of time indefinite

      NAB.... from ancient times (vs. 1)

Isaiah 14:12

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!

Revelation 22:16 tells us that Jesus Christ is the "Morning Star".  The KJV never gives this title to anyone else.  However,  in some new versions, Jesus Christ and Satan are the same, because some versions have taken the liberty to call Satan the "morning star" in Isaiah 14:12.  Although some versions do not go so far as to call Satan the "morning star," they still throw out the name "Lucifer".

      NIV.......morning star

      NASB...star of the morning

      NRSV...Day Star

      REB.....Bright morning star

      NWT.... you shining one

      NAB..... morning star

Daniel 3:25

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.

This is an excellent Old Testament verse which shows that Jesus Christ existed long before He was born in Bethlehem.  Naturally, the new versions will pervert it with pagan foolishness:

      NIV...... a son of the gods

      NASB.. a son of the gods

      NRSV.. a god

      REB.... a god

      LB....... a god

      NWT...  a son of the gods

      NAB.... a son of God (vs. 92)

Colossians 1:14

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Satan hates the Atoning Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, so we shouldn't be surprised to find the blood missing in modern translations:

      NIV...... redemption, the forgiveness of sins

      NASB.. redemption, the forgiveness of sins

      NRSV.. redemption, the forgiveness of sins

      REB.....our release is secured and our sins are forgiven

      NWT.... we have our release by ransom, the forgiveness of sins

      NAB.....redemption, the forgiveness of our sins

Romans 14:10-12

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.   So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

If you'll read the above verses carefully, you will notice how it magnifies Jesus Christ.  According to verse 10, we will stand before the Judgment Seat of CHRIST, and verse 12 says that when we do we will give account to GOD.   When we stand before Jesus Christ we will be standing before God--an excellent text on the Deity of Christ.  Now watch as the new versions throw Jesus Christ clear out of the passage by replacing the word "Christ" with "God":

      NIV.......God's judgment seat

      NASB...Judgment seat of God

      NRSV...judgment seat of God

      REB.....God's tribunal

      LB........Judgment Seat of God

      NWT.... judgment seat of God

      NAB.....judgment seat of God

Acts 8:37

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.

This verse is very important because it places a definite condition upon water baptism:  one must first BELIEVE ON CHRIST.  Many modern versions throw the entire verse out of the Bible:

      NIV...... entire verse missing

      NRSV.. entire verse missing

      REB.....entire verse missing

      NWT.... entire verse missing

      NAB.....omits entire verse, but re-numbers the verses so you won't miss it

II Corinthians 2:17

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

You can imagine how this verse must be a thorn in the flesh to the modern translators who are busy CORRUPTING the word of God day and night. Naturally, they change it:

      NIV...... peddle

      NASB...peddling

      NRSV.. peddlers

      REB.....adulterating the word of God for profit

      LB........hucksters

      NWT.... peddlers

      NAB.....trade on the word of God

      NKJV... peddling

II Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

      This is the one command in the New Testament to "study" and "rightly divide" God's word, and the Devil does NOT appreciate it:

      NIV...... Do your best...correctly handles

      NASB...Be diligent...handling accurately

      NRSV.. Do your best...rightly explaining

      REB.....Try hard...keep strictly to the true gospel

      LB........Work hard...Know what his word says and means

      NWT.... Do your utmost...handling the word of truth aright

      NAB.....Try hard...following a straight course in preaching the truth

      NKJV....Be diligent...rightly dividing

I Timothy 6:20

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

      Many lies are being propagated today in the name of "science" (evolution for example), but I Timothy 6:20 has been warning us about it all along - except in the new perversions:

      NIV.......knowledge

      NASB...knowledge

      NRSV...knowledge

      REB.....knowledge

      LB........knowledge

      NWT.... knowledge

      NAB.....knowledge

      NKJV... knowledge

NOTE: Our tract Let’s Compare Bibles is available through Bible Baptist Church.  Legal Size, parallel-fold.  Suggested Donation: 10 cents each.

The New King James Version

We will now give some special attention to the New King James Version, first published in 1979, which is NOT a King James Bible at all since the text differs from the KJV.

The following information should be helpful when dealing with Christians who have been swindled by the Laodicean lovers of filthy lucre:

1. The text of the NKJV is copyrighted by Thomas Nelson Publishers, while there is no copyright today on the text of the KJV.  If your KJV has maps or notes, then it may have a copyright, but the text itself does not.

2. There's nothing "new" about the NKJV logo.  It is a "666" symbol of the pagan trinity which was used in the ancient Egyptian mysteries.  It was also used by satanist Aleister Crowley around the turn of this century.  The symbol can be seen on the New King James Bible, on certain rock albums (like Led Zepplin's),  or you can see it on the cover of such New Age books as The Aquarian Conspiracy.  (See Riplinger's tract on the NKJV.)

3. It is estimated that the NKJV makes over 100,000 translation changes, which comes to over eighty changes per page and about three changes per verse! Many of  these changes bring the NKJV in line with the readings of such Alexandrian perversions as the NIV and the RSV.  Where changes are not made in the text, subtle footnotes often give credence to the Westcott and Hort Greek Text.

4. In the NKJV, there are 22 omissions of "hell", 23 omissions of "blood", 44 omissions of "repent", 50 omissions of "heaven", 51 omissions of "God", and 66 omissions of "Lord".  The terms "devils", "damnation", "JEHOVAH", and "new testament" are completely omitted.

5. The NKJV demotes the Lord Jesus Christ.  In John 1:3, the KJV says that all things were made "by" Jesus Christ, but in the NKJV, all things were just made "through" Him.  The word "Servant" replaces "Son" in Acts 3:13 and 3:26.   "Servant" replaces "child" in Acts 4:27 and 4:30.  The word "Jesus" is omitted from Mark 2:15, Hebrews 4:8, and Acts 7:45.

6. The NKJV confuses people about salvation.  In Hebrews 10:14 it replaces "are sanctified" with "are being sanctified", and it replaces "are saved" with "are being saved" in I Corinthians 1:18 and II Corinthians 2:15.   The words "may believe" have been replaced with "may continue to believe" in I John 5:13.  The old straight and "narrow" way of Matthew 7:14 has become the "difficult" way in the NKJV.

7.  In II Corinthians 10:5 the KJV reads "casting down imaginations", but the NKJV reads "casting down arguments".  Yet, the word "thought", which occurs later in the verse, matches "imaginations", not "arguments".  This change weakens the verse.

8. The KJV tells us to reject a "heretick" after the second admonition in Titus 3:10.  The NKJV tells us to reject a "divisive man".  How nice!  Now the Alexandrians and Ecumenicals have justification for rejecting anyone they wish to label as "divisive men". 

9. According to the NKJV, no one would stoop so low as to "corrupt" God's word.  No, they just "peddle" it (II Cor. 2:17).  The reading matches the Alexandrian versions.

10. Since the NKJV has "changed the truth of God into a lie", it has also changed Romans 1:25 to read "exchanged the truth of God for the lie".  This reading matches the readings of the new perversions.

11. The NKJV gives us no command to "study" God's word in II Timothy 2:15.

12. The word "science" is replaced with "knowledge" in I Timothy 6:20, although "science" has occurred in every edition of the KJV since 1611!

13. The Jews "require" a sign, according to I Corinthians 1:22 (and according to Jesus Christ - John 4:48), but the NKJV says they only "request" a sign.  They didn't "request" one when signs first appeared in Exodus 4, and there are numerous places throughout the Bible where God gives Israel signs when they haven't requested anything (Exo. 4, Exo. 31:13, Num. 26:10, I Sam. 2:34, Isa. 7:10-14, Luke 2:12, etc).  They "require" a sign, because signs are a part of their heritage. 

14. The King James reading in II Corinthians 5:17 says that if any man is in Christ he is a new "creature", which matches the words of Christ in Mark 16:15.  The cross reference is destroyed in the NKJV, which uses the word "creation."

15. As a final note, we'd like to point out how the NKJV is  very inconsistent in its attempt to update the language of the KJV.  The preface to the NKJV states that previous "revisions" of the KJV have  "sought to keep abreast of changes in English speech", and also that they too are taking a "further step toward this objective".  However, when taking a closer look at the language of the NKJV, we find that oftentimes they are stepping BACKWARDS!  Please note a few examples of how “well” the NKJV has "kept abreast of the changes in the English language":

SCRIPTURE                  KJV                  NKJV

Ezek 31:4                     little rivers          rivulets

Psalms 43:1                 Judge                 Vindicate

Psalms 139:43              thoughts            anxieties

Isaiah 28:1                    fat                     verdant

Amos 5:21                    smell                 savor

Matthew 26:7                box                    flask

Luke 8:31                     the deep             the abyss

John 10:41                    did                     performed

Luke 19:11-27               pounds               minas

John 19:9                      judgment hall      Praetorium

Acts 1:18                     bowels                entrails

Acts 18:12                   deputy                proconsul

Acts 21:38                   uproar                 insurrection

Acts 27:30                   boat                    skiff

Hebrews 12:8               bastard                illegimate

Oh, yes!  That’s so much clearer, isn’t it?

The New Scofield Reference Bible

Another counterfeit "KJV" is the New Scofield Reference Bible (NSRB).  "King James Version" is clearly printed on the cover, but since when has it been safe to judge a book by its cover?  Please note the following:

1. Dr. C.I. Scofield had been dead many years when the NSRB was published in 1967.  He would have never approved of having his name on a "bible" that alters the text of the KJV. The 1909 and 1917 editions of the Scofield Reference Bible  do NOT change the text.  Therefore the NSRB of 1967 is NOT a Scofield Bible and it is NOT a KJV.

2. Dr. Scofield would have never referred to baptism as a "sacrament," but the NSRB takes the liberty to do so in an Acts 8 footnote. 

3. The NSRB changes the KJV with "better readings" in over 6,500 places.

4. In the introduction to the NSRB, 1967 edition, E. Schuyler English tries to justify changing the KJV text on the basis that Scofield saw the need to update his reference Bible after only eight years.  Yes, Scofield did update his Bible, but HE NEVER CHANGED THE TEXT, and he never granted anyone else permission to do so.

5. In many places the NSRB agrees with the readings of the new translations, rather than the KJV, so it cannot possibly be a KJV.  For example,  "a son of the gods" appears in Daniel 3:25, rather than "the Son of God" (KJV).  A great reference to television and magazines is destroyed when the NSRB replaces "pictures" with "stone idols" in Numbers 33:52.  Then, of course, the NSRB lines up right behind the ASV in places like I Timothy 6:20, Acts 4:27, and Romans 1:25. 

6. Dr. William Grady addresses the NSRB in his book, Final Authority.  His research includes the following on page 316: "A random survey of the NSRB margins in Philippians alone revealed a total of 29 changes from the King James Bible.  Of these, twenty-one (72%) were traced to either the RSV or the NASV.  The skeptic can ckeck it out for himself: Philippians 1:7, 8, 23, 27; 2:1, 15, 25, 27, 28; 3:1, 8, 17, 19, 20, 21; 4:3, 6, 14, 15, 21, and 22."

The "New Scofield Reference Bible" in the "King James Version" is NOT new, is NOT a Scofield Bible, and it is certainly NOT a King James Version. 

The Various Editions of the 1611 A.V.

If someone decides to produce a "new Bible version",  then they must also convince Christians that there is a NEED and a justifiable CAUSE for the new version.  One of the deceitful excuses being used today for producing new versions is that the King James Bible has been revised several times since 1611, and that a new revision is needed once again.  While spreading this piece of deceitful misinformation, the KJV critics hold their breath, hoping that no one will be intelligent enough to ask for specific details about these "revisions".  The many revisions that have occurred since 1881 bear NO RESEMBLANCE to the various EDITIONS of the KJV prior to 1881.  The modern revisors are just trying to justify their sins.

There were only FOUR actual EDITIONS of the King James Bible produced after 1611: 1629, 1638, 1762, and 1769.  These were not translations (like the new versions SINCE 1881), and they really weren't even "revisions".  

The 1629 edition was simply an effort to correct printing errors, and two of  the original King James translators assisted in the work.

The 1638 edition of the KJV also dealt with printing errors, especially words and clauses overlooked by the printers.  About 72% of the textual corrections in the KJV were done by 1638, only 27 years after the first printing. 

Please bear in mind the fact that printing was a very laborious task prior to 1800.  Publishing a flawless work was almost impossible.  Even today, with computers and advanced word processors, printing errors are still frequently made.  Imagine what it was like in the 1600's!

Then, in 1762 and 1769, two final editions of the KJV were published.  Both of these involved spelling changes, which became necessary as the English language became more stabilized and spelling rules were established. 

There were no new translations, and there were really no new revisions published in 1629, 1638, 1762, or 1769.  These were simply EDITIONS of the 1611 KJV, which corrected printing errors and spelling.   Those who try to equate these editions with the modern translations are just being deceitful or ignorant--or both. The many other so-called "revisions" of the KJV that occurred in 1613, 1616, 1617, and 1743 are nothing more than running changes and touch-up work at the printers.  The REAL revisions and translations did not start appearing until 1881 (RV) and 1901 (ASV).  So if someone walks up with a smirky grin on his face and asks you, "So which King James Bible do you have, the 1611, the 1629, the 1638, the 1762, or the 1769?", you can simply state that you have a 1769 edition of the King James 1611 Authorized Version.

Why the KJV Translators Did Not Accept the Apocrypha as Scripture

Another favorite lie of the critics is that the original KJV of 1611 included the Apocrypha, which no true Christian today accepts as Scripture.  The Apocrypha is a collection of several pagan writings which the Catholic church accepts as inspired Scripture.  In fact, the Council of Trent (1546) pronounced a CURSE upon anyone who denied that these books were inspired.  The King James translators did NOT consider the books to be inspired Scripture, nor did they include them in the canon as such.  They merely placed the Apocryphal books BETWEEN the Old and New testaments as a historical document, not as Scripture.  Their reasons for not accepting the Apocrypha as Scripture are listed on page 185-186 of the book Translators Revived, by Alexander McClure.  The seven reasons are basically as follows:

1. Not one of them is in the Hebrew language like the rest of the Old Testament books.

2. Not one of the writers lays any claim to inspiration.

3. These books were never acknowledged as sacred Scriptures by the Jewish church, and therefore were never sanctioned by our Lord.

4. They were not allowed a place among the sacred books, during the first four centuries of the Christian church.

5. They contain fabulous statements, and statements which contradict not only the canonical Scriptures, but themselves.  For example, in the Books of Maccabees alone, Antiochus Epiphanes dies three times in three places!

6. It inculcates doctrines at variance with the Bible, such as prayers for the dead and sinless perfection.

7. It teaches immoral practices, such as lying, suicide, assassination and magical incantation.

"Errors" in the King James Bible

Critics of the KJV have a nasty habit of pointing out what they believe to be errors, contradictions, and mistranslations in the Authorized Version.  The sad fact is that they usually point these things out to young men and women in Christian colleges who do not know any better.  Many young Christians, including young preachers, are having their faith in God's word destroyed by the very people they look to for spiritual guidance.

These so-called "errors" that are presented by such infidels have been explained and written about so many times that it's a shame to even have to mention it again.   There isn't enough space in a booklet of this size to deal at length with such claims.  Besides, it has already been done quite well by others.  Nevertheless, for the sake of showing the reader the nature of the so-called "errors" in the AV, we will take the time to briefly deal with just a few:

1.  According to the critics, the word "Easter" in Acts 12:4 is a mistranslation, because the Greek word is"pascha," and it is translated "passover" twenty-eight times in the New Testament, and it should be translated likewise in Acts 12:4.

This is what happens when a man is so hung up on "the Greek" that he can't read plain English.  It should NOT be translated "passover" because the Passover had already passed.  The "days of unleavened bread" had already begun (vs. 3), which means the Passover was over (Num. 28:16-18; Exo. 12:13-18).  The Passover was always the fourteenth day of the first month, while the days of unleavened bread ran from the fifteenth through the twenty-first.  Herod could not have been waiting for the Passover.  Besides, why would a Gentile king like Herod be concerned about a Jewish feast day?   "Easter" is from the pagan "Ishtar", the goddess that the pagans worshipped--Rome included.  Herod wanted to wait until his pagan holiday was over before bringing Peter out to the people.

2. I John 5:7 is also the subject of much debate.  It is argued that the verse lacks manuscript evidence and does not belong in the Bible.  Being one of the greatest verses in the Bible on the Trinity, we should be suspicious of any oppositions to it.

The verse should NOT be omitted from the Bible.  It is found in Greek manuscript 61, which probably forced Erasmus to include it in his third edition Greek text of  1522.

I John 5:7 is also found in Codex Ravianus, and in the margins of 88 and 629. It is also found in Old Latin manuscripts r and Speculum. It was quoted by Cyprian around A.D. 250, and two Spanish Bishops quoted it in the fourth century (Priscillkian and Idacius Clarus).  Several African writers quote it in the fifth century, and Cassiodorus quotes it in the sixth century in Italy.

The fact that Siniaticus and Vaticanus do not include the verse means nothing to a true Bible believer.  After all, Vaticanus omits the entire book of Revelation, while keeping the Apocrypha! 

3. Many argue that the KJV is in error with its use of the word "devils" instead of "demons".  Again, this is due to an over emphasis on "the Greek" as well as a lack of faith in God's ability to preserve His words in English.  While protesting that "daimon" should be translated "demon", many have overlooked a great truth which the Holy Spirit has preserved in the King's English.  There is one true "Son of God", but many "sons of God".   There is one true "Church",  the Bride of Christ, but many local "churches".  Likewise, there is one "Devil", but many "devils" under his control. 

The word "demon" itself does not necessarily imply an evil spirit.  Even Webster's 1828 dictionary states that "the ancients believed that there were good and evil demons...", and New Agers of today believe likewise.  Therefore, God led the KJV translators to translate "devils" instead of "demons" because every "daimon" in the Bible IS an evil spirit.  The word "devil" makes that clear.  Every "devil" in the Bible is under the authority of their father "the Devil".

4. Then we have "contradictions" like Exodus 24:10 and John 1:18.  Exodus says the Israelites SAW God, while Jesus said in John that "no man hath seen God at any time".

This is no contradiction, just a matter of rightly dividing the word of truth.  God is a Trinity, just like you.  You have a spirit, a soul, and a body (I Ths. 5:23).  The Israelites saw a physical manifestation of God, but not the SOUL of God, just as no one has ever seen your soul.

5. Numbers 25:9 says that 24,000 people died in a plague, but I Corinthians 10:8 says that only 23,000 died.  Read I Corinthians 10:8 again and notice that 23,000 fell "in one day".  The 24,000 died altogether in a few days.

You see, these are the kind of "errors" in the King James Bible.  These are the reasons given for you to throw away your Bible and buy a new one.  Don't fall for it.  Always give God the benefit of a doubt and always count the critics guilty until proven innocent.  It’s safer that way.

Fifty Stumbling Stones of the Laodicean Translations

In this final section, I'd like to point out one of the best things about the new versions: the fact that we know where they're going to alter God's word before they do it!  We know how to "check'em out" without having to waste our God-given time reading the whole translation.  The following list includes fifty "check points" that anyone can use to expose a new translation.  No translation will be guilty on all fifty counts, but any translation since 1881 will alter God's word enough to prove that the revisionists do not have God's best interest in heart.  For emphasis, I'll present these items from Satan's standpoint, briefly illustrating his purpose for many of the changes:

1. Genesis 1:29.  Omit the word "meat" since there is no real flesh in the verse, only plant life.  This will destroy the cross reference to  the "meat offering" of Leviticus 2, which is really a GRAIN offering with no flesh.  The Bible has its own built in dictionary, but let's not allow people to know it.

2. Genesis 3:5.  Alter the word "gods" and the cross references to Psalm 82, I Corinthians 8:5, and II Corinthians 4:4 will be destroyed. 

3. Genesis 22:1.  The word "tempt" in the verse should be replaced with "try".  Here's another case of the "built-in dictionary".  James 1:2-3 explains the kind of tempting that this was, but let's hide it from as many Christians as possible. 

4. Numbers 33:52.  Someone might use the word "pictures" as a reference to television.  Throw it out!

5. Isaiah 7:14.  Attack the virgin birth by omitting the word  "virgin".  After all, the Hebrew word "almah" can mean a virgin, a damsel, or just a young woman.  Laodicean Christians are too lazy to check Matthew 1:23 to see how Matthew translated it.

6. Daniel 3:25. There's Jesus in the Old Testament!  Can't have that!  Someone might get the idea that He's eternal.  Change "the Son of God" to "a son of the gods."

7. Micah 5:2.  Another chance to attack the eternal existence of Christ.  Throw out "everlasting".

8. Zechariah 9:9.  We're not interested in anyone being SAVED, so omit the words "having salvation".

9. Matthew 1:25.  Omit "firstborn" because it shows the reader that Mary had other children after Jesus and did NOT remain a perpetual virgin.  They'll never think to check Psalm 69:8, Galatians 1:19, or John 7:5.

10. Matthew 5:22.  Let's create a contradiction by omitting the words "without a cause".   This will make Jesus contradict Paul in Ephesians 4:26.

11. Matthew 6:13.  Omit the "kingdom", the "power", and the "glory".

12. Matthew 27:54.  Change "the Son of God" to "a son of God".

13.  Mark 1:1.  This is the only Gospel which refers to Christ as the "Son of God" in the very first verse.  Throw it out.

14. Mark 16:9-20.  Throw out the last twelve verses or raise doubt about them in the margins and footnotes. The less we read of a resurrected Christ the better.

15.  Luke 1:34.  Change Mary's words "I know not a man" to "I have no husband".   This will allow for possible fornication between Mary and Joseph, which could make Joseph the father of Jesus.

16. Luke 2:33.  Attack the virgin birth again by replacing "Joseph" with "father".

17. Luke 4:4.  Omit "by every word of God".  No one will think to check Deuteronomy 8:3.

18. Luke 23:42.  Here's a sinner being saved by calling upon the name of the "Lord", which is in perfect tune with Romans 10:13.  Replace the divine title "Lord" with the human name "Jesus".

19. Luke 24:51.  Raise doubt about the ascension of Christ by omitting the words "carried up into heaven".  No one will check Luke's later comments in Acts 1:1-2.

20. John 1:14.  Omit the word "begotten", just like in John 1:18, 3:16, and 3:18.

21. Acts 1:3.  Omit the word "infallible".

22. Acts 4:27.  Jesus wasn't God's "child".  He was only His "servant".

23.  Acts 8:37.  Either omit the entire verse or raise doubt about it, because this verse states that scriptural water baptism is conditional upon BELIEF.

24. Acts 12:4.  Change "Easter" to "passover".  No one will ever read Exodus and Numbers to find the truth.

25. Acts 17:22.  Change "superstitious" to "religious".

26. Romans 1:18. Let's change "hold the truth in unrighteousness" to "suppress the truth", which is a much weaker reading.

27. Romans 1:25.  Say they "exchanged the truth of God for a lie" instead of "changed the truth of God into a lie".

28. Romans 1:29.  Throw out "fornication".

29. Romans 10:17.  Replace the word "God" with "Christ".  This will teach that faith comes by rallying around the person of Jesus alone and not by feeding on every word of God (Luke 4:4). 

30. Romans 14:10.  Change the word "Christ" to "God".  This will prevent anyone from realizing that Jesus Christ is God when they read verse twelve.

31.  I Corinthians 1:22.  Change "require" to "request",  and destroy the great truth about signs being for Israel. 

32. II Corinthians 2:17.  Replace the word "corrupt" with "peddle" since the verse slaps us right between the eyes.

33. II Corinthians 5:17.  Replace the word "creature" with "creation", although Mark 16:15 says "creature".

34. Ephesians 1:7.  Throw out the "blood".

35. Philippians 3:21.  People don't have "vile" bodies.  They just have "lowly" bodies.

36. Colossians 1:14.  Throw out the "blood".

37. I Thessalonians 5:22.  Omit the word "appearance" so Christians will not be as concerned about their testimony.

38. I Timothy 3:16.  The verse says that "God was manifest in the flesh".  Attack the Deity of Christ and the Incarnation by throwing "God" clear out of the verse.

39. I Timothy 6:10.  Change "all evil" to "all kinds of evil".

40. I Timothy 6:20.  Since many heresies are taught today in the name of "science", and this verse gives a strong warning against "science falsely so-called", change the word "science" to "knowledge". 

41. II Timothy 2:15.  This is the only command in the Bible to "study" the word of God.  Omit the word "study".

42. James 5:16.  Let's justify Roman Catholic confessionals by changing the word "faults" to "sins".

43.  I Peter 5:11.  Omit "glory" and "dominion".

44. I John 1:7.  Omit the word "Christ".   

45.  I John 4:3.  Omit "Christ is come in the flesh".

46. I John 5:7.  There's the Trinity!  Throw out the whole verse or insert marginal notes to raise doubt about it.

47.  Revelation 1:5.  Omit the word "blood".

48.  Revelation 5:9.  Omit the word "blood".

49.  Revelation 11:15.  Change the many "kingdoms" that Jesus Christ will receive to one singular "kingdom".

50.  Revelation 11:17.  Attack the Second Coming of Christ by omitting the words "art to come".

Recommended Reading

The following are a few books well worth reading.  Some of the ministries that publish them carry other good materials relevant to the King James Bible debate.

Which Bible?, David Otis Fuller, Which Bible? Society, P.O. Box 7096, Grand Rapids, Michigan  49507.

An Understandable History of the Bible, Dr. Samuel C. Gipp, Bible Believer's Baptist Bookstore, 1252 E. Aurora Road, Macedonia, Ohio  44056.

The Answer Book, Gipp.

Final Authority, Dr. William P. Grady,  Grady Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 5217, Knoxville, TN 37928.

The King James Version Defended, Dr. Edward F. Hills, The Christian Research Press, P.O. Box 2013, Des Moines, Iowa  50310.

A Tale of Three Cities, Dr. David Reagan, Trinity Baptist Temple Bookstore, 5709 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37918.

Translators Revived, Alexander McClure, R. E. Publications, P.O. Box 66212, Mobile, Alabama  36606.

The Men Behind The King James Version, Gustavus Paine, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516.

God Only Wrote One Bible, Jasper James Ray, Eye Opener Publishers, P.O. Box 7944, Eugene, Orgeon  97401.

New Age Bible Versions, G. A. Riplinger,  A.V. Publications, P.O. Box 280, Ararat, VA   24053.  Web: avpublications.com 

The Christian's Handbook of Manuscript Evidence, Dr. Peter S. Ruckman, Pensacola Bible Institute, P.O. Box 7135, Pensacola, FL  32504.

The Christian's Handbook of Biblical Scholarship, Ruckman.

NOTE: Some of these books can be purchased used at web sites like amazon.com and others.

Fables and Facts about the King James Bible

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Copyright © 1996 James L. Melton

Suggested Donation: 8 cents each

Over the past few decades, new Bible translations have been popping up like popcorn.  Many strong Christians have stood their ground and continued to believe, read, and study only the Authorized King James Bible.  Many others, however, have forsaken the Book that God has used for centuries.  Such people have fallen for smooth advertising schemes and have actually started believing that the modern versions are superior to the King James Bible.  It's very sad that most Christians today have not taken time to study the subject thoroughly enough to see what is really happening.

Originally we published only one tract about the King James Bible.  The tract is  titled How I Know The King James Bible Is The Word Of God, and it presents some rather strong arguments for the KJV.  Then we offered a second tract, titled Let's Compare Bibles.  This tract shows how the modern Bible translations are literally attacking God's word!  Both of these tracts are still available, and are free upon request. 

Now, by the grace of God, we are able to offer a third tract on the King James issue.  We call it Fables and Facts about the King James Bible.  Its purpose is to better educate Christians about the KJV by clearing up some of the fables that have been spread by the critics.  Far too many Christians are accepting the Authorized Version by faith alone, rather than working and studying to become more grounded in some of the basic FACTS about this important issue.  The following information should be helpful to the believer who desires to be readily armed with TRUTH.

FABLE: The King James Bible was revised several times  before 1800, so modern translations are just additional revisions of the original King James Bible of 1611.

FACT:  The so-called "revisions" of the King James Bible prior to 1800 were to correct typographical errors, add notes, and omit the Apocrypha from between the Testaments. There were no changes in the actual TEXT of the King James Bible.   The REAL changes (over 36,000 of them) didn't start until the modern revisionists came on the scene.

FABLE: The modern translations are more accurate because they have been  translated from older and better manuscripts.

FACT:  It is truly amazing how so many Christians have bought into this lie without ever checking to see WHAT these manuscripts are,  WHERE they came from, and WHO wrote them.  It's also strange that no one seems to be asking the question, "Has God honored these 'older' and 'better' manuscripts throughout Church History?"

The modern translations are based on the work of  two nineteenth century Greek scholars from England--B. F. Westcott and F. J. A. Hort.  Westcott and Hort, who were deeply involved in the occult,  hated the Textus Receptus Greek text, from which the King James Bible was translated, so they conjured up THEIR OWN Greek text.  This Westcott and Hort Greek text  was based primarily on two very corrupt fourth century ROMAN CATHOLIC manuscripts: Codex Vaticanus (discovered in the Pope's library in 1481) and  Sinaiticus (discovered in 1859 in a trash can at St. Catherine's monastery on Mt. Sinai).  These are usually the "older" and "better" manuscripts that we keep hearing so much about.  These manuscripts support most of the attacks in the new versions.   

The Vaticanus is considered to be the most authoritative, although it is responsible for over thirty-six thousand changes that appear today in the new versions.  This perverted manuscript contains the books of the pagan Apocrypha, which are not scripture; it omits the pastoral epistles (I Timothy through Titus), the Book of Revelation, and it cuts off the Book of Hebrews at Hebrews 9:14 (a very convenient stopping point for the Catholic Church, since God forbids their priesthood in Hebrews 10!).  The attacks on the word of God found in these manuscripts originated in Alexandria, Egypt with the deceitful work of such pagan Greek "scholars" as Origen and Clement of Alexandria.  Then in 313 A.D. the Roman emperor Constantine ordered fifty copies of "the Bible" from Eusebius, the Bishop of Caesaria.  Eusebius, being a devout student of Origen's work, chose to send him manuscripts filled with  Alexandrian corruption,  rather than sending him the true word of God in the SYRIAN text from Antioch, Syria.  So the corrupt Alexandrian text (also called the "Egyptian" or "Hesychian" type text) found its way into the Vatican manuscript, then eventually into the Westcott and Hort Greek Text, and finally into the new "Bible" versions in your local "Christian" bookstore.  Therefore, when you hear or read of someone "correcting"  the King James Bible with "older" or "more authoritative" manuscripts, you are simply hearing   someone  trying  to  use  a  ROMAN CATHOLIC text to overthrow the God-honored text of the Protestant Reformation and the great revivals.  God has never honored this corrupt text and He never will.

FABLE: New translations are needed to correct the errors and contradictions in the King James Bible.

FACT:  No one has ever proven that there are errors and contradictions in the KJV.  Many "Christian" colleges and preachers have a nasty habit of pointing out APPARENT contradictions to their people, but these arguments have been disproved so many times that it is nothing less than disgusting to hear them still being used. 

FABLE:  New Translations are needed to bring the archaic Old English language up to date.  People have trouble understanding the language of the King James Bible.

FACT:  The King James language is NOT hard to understand.  Most of the so-called "archaic" words are explained by the context of the passage or by comparing the passage with other passages in the Bible where the same word is used.            Heady and high-minded people resent the King James language because it is plain and simple, and it isn't in tune with their high-minded  vocabulary.  In fact, the Grade Level Indicator of the Flesch-Kincaid research company says the King James language is EASIER to understand than the new versions.

We certainly agree that the language of the King James Bible is a unique language, but why shouldn't it be?  It's the WORD OF GOD! 

FABLE:  The King James Bible cannot be infallible because the translators were only men, and all men are sinners.  The human element prevents the KJV from being infallible.

FACT: If this is true, then even the ORIGINAL AUTOGRAPHS in Hebrew and Greek were not infallible, because they too were penned by men!

The fact of the matter is that the King James translators were only INSTRUMENTS of preservation (which is exactly what they called themselves in the Dedicatory to the A.V. 1611).  God has always been the Divine Preserver of His word (Psa. 12:6-7), but He has used men as tools and instruments of preservation, just as He uses men to teach and preach His words.  When men humbly yield themselves to the will of God, God can use them to accomplish His will (Rom. 12:1-2), and this is precisely what happened between 1604 and 1611.

FABLE: The King James translators added to the word of God, because the italicized words in the KJV were not in the originals.

FACT:  The italics in the KJV prove that the translators were HONEST in their work.  They set the words in italics so we'd know they were not in the manuscripts they were using. 

Besides, no one has a copy of the original manuscripts today, so no one knows for certain that the italicized words aren't in them.  In fact, there are many cases where we know that the italicized words are justified. For example, notice in Deuteronomy 8:3 that the word "word" is in italics.  However, when Jesus quotes this verse in Matthew 4:4 he INCLUDES the italicized word!  If the italicized word does not belong in the Bible, why did the Lord Jesus quote it?

FABLE:  The original King James Bible included the Apocrypha in the Old Testament.

FACT:  The King James translators knew the Apocrypha was not scripture, so they placed it BETWEEN the Old and New Testament as a HISTORICAL DOCUMENT, not as scripture. 

Friend, don't be deceived by the crafty critics of God's word.  LEARN THE FACTS!  If you haven't read our other tracts on the KJV, order them soon and read them.  Arm yourself with the facts! 

If you've never received Jesus Christ as your Savior, please send for a free copy of Understanding God's Salvation Plan.

The Italicized Words in the King James Bible

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Copyright © 2001 James L. Melton

Suggested Donation: 8 cents each

The italicized  words in the King James Bible  are words that were added by the translators to help the reader.  This is usually necessary when translating from one language to another because word meanings and idioms change.  So, to produce a more readable translation, the King James translators (1604-1611) added certain words to the Bible text.  However, to make sure that everyone understood that these words were not in the available manuscripts they set them in italics. 

Imagine the confusion which would arise if the translators had not used the italicized words:

“Salvation unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.”  This is Psalm 3:8 with one italicized word omitted.  As you can see, the reading implies that the Lord needs to be saved!  The correct reading is: “Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.”

Here is Psalm 7:11 with three italicized words omitted: “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry every day.”  Is God angry with the righteous every day?  No, the correct reading is as the King James has it: “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.”

Consider Psalm 12:5 without the italics: “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set  in safety puffeth at him.”  The verse makes no sense without the italics: “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.”

If we subtract the italics from Psalm 18:3, we have God commanding men to call upon Him to be praised:

“I will call upon the LORD, to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Yet, if we leave the italics in place, the verse makes perfect sense and gives the praise to God: “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”

Note Psalm 34:16-17 without the italicized words: “The face of the LORD against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.  Cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” This reading allows those that do evil to be delivered from all their troubles, but the italics give a whole new meaning: “The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.  The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”

Just from these few examples in Psalms alone, it is clear that the italics are essential.  Hundreds of such examples could be presented.

Someone might suggest that some of the italics could be omitted, which may be true, but who makes that choice, and where do we draw the line?  The moment we agree to changing any italicized words, we open the door for Satan.  This we cannot do, so the best option is to leave the Authorized Version as it stands.

Not only does confusion arise when the italicized words are omitted, contradictions can also arise.  For example, omitting the italicized words from II Samuel 21:19 would give Elhanan credit for slaying Goliath, yet everyone knows that it was David who slew Goliath.  II Samuel 21:19 says, “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.”  If we omit the words “the brother of” then we make II Samuel 21:19 contradict I Chronicles 20:5: “And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam.”  (No italics!)

Another important point is that New Testament writers QUOTE from the italicized words in the Old Testament.  Note the following:

Psalm 16:8 says, “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”  The words “he is” are in italics.  When Peter quotes this verse in Acts 2:25 he also quotes the italicized words, but Luke doesn’t write them in italics: “For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.”  Why did Peter quote these words and why did Luke write these words if they weren’t in the original manuscripts?  Should we omit the italics?  Not according to Peter and Luke!

In Deuteronomy 25:4, the word of God says, ““Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.”  The words “the corn” are in italics, which the sceptics claim should be omitted.  However, we find Paul quoting these words in I Corinthians 9:9:  “For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?”  If these words do not belong in Deuteronomy 25:4, why did Paul quote them?

It is easy to claim that the italicized words do not belong in the King James Bible, but proving it is altogether a different story.  May God help us to spend more time reading and believing our King James Bible and less time speaking critically of it.

How I Know the King James Bible Is the Word of God

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Copyright © 1994 James L. Melton

Suggested Donation: 10 cents each

There are many good works that one can read on the authority of the King James Bible, and this particular effort offers nothing really new.  However, it does attempt to explain the issue in a simple and brief manner for all to understand.  Over the years I have learned a great deal about this issue, and I believe that a truth worth learning is a truth worth telling.

Many preachers and teachers across our land talk about "preferring" and "using" the KJV, but I haven't heard them speak much about BELIEVING it.  Many prefer it and use it, because that's what their congregations prefer and use, but they do not BELIEVE it to be the infallible words of God.  They are taught in college to USE, PREFER, and RECOMMEND the KJV, but they are NOT taught to BELIEVE it.  Most "Christian colleges" teach that the King James Bible is only a translation, and that NO translation is infallible.   Consequently, the average minister today uses a Book which he doesn't even believe.

Now, I thank God that I don't have that problem.  I don't have to play make-believe with anyone about the word of God.  I believe it.  I believe the King James Bible is the preserved and infallible words of God.  It doesn't merely "contain" the word of God: it IS the word of God. I'm absolutely sure of it, and I'd like to give a few reasons why.  Here are twelve reasons how I know that the KJV is the word of God:

God Promised to Preserve His Words

Psalm 12:6-7 says, "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."  Then we read in Psalm 100:5 that ". . . . his truth endureth to all generations," and Jesus said in John 17:17 that God's WORD is truth.

These words state very clearly that God's preserved word MUST be available to us today, because God PROMISED to preserve it for us.  There MUST be an infallible Book somewhere.

You say, "But ALL translations are God's word, not just one."  That's impossible, because the various translations contain different readings, and God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33).  Besides, if all of the versions are the word of God, then where are the "corrupt" and "perverted" versions that we are warned about in II Corinthians 2:17 and Jeremiah 23:36?  If everyone is innocent, then where are those who are said to be GUILTY of subtracting from and adding to the word of God (Rev. 22:18-19)?  God wouldn't have warned us about Bible perversion if it wasn't going to be a reality.  According to the scriptures, there must be a single Book that is the word of God, and there must be MANY which are involved in CORRUPTING the word of God. 

Now, if the Authorized Version isn't the infallible word of God, then WHAT IS?  There has to be a Book somewhere in "all generations" which is God's word; so what book is it? Those who "use" the new versions believe that these are good and reliable translations, but they do NOT believe these to be INFALLIBLE translations.  However, I know MANY people who believe the King James Bible to be an infallible Book.  Why?  Because they know that the One True God has ONE TRUE BOOK.  He promised to preserve His words, and we believe that He has done just that.  Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35).  If His words didn't pass away, then where are they?  I want to read them.  There has to be a perfect volume somewhere. I know the King James Bible is the word of God because God promised to preserve His words.

The Authorized Version Was Translated Under A God-Ordained English King

The main subject of the Bible is the kingdom which God intends to give to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who will be crowned "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS,"  according to Revelation 19:16.  Ecclesiastes 8:4 says, "Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?"  Unlike the modern versions, the KJV was translated under a king.  In fact, the king's name was "James," which is the English word for "Jacob," whom God renamed "Israel," because he had power with God and with men (Gen. 32:28).

The new versions have been translated in America, which is not a monarchy.  God's form of government is a theocratic monarchy, not a democracy.  Therefore, it makes perfect sense that His word would be translated for the English speaking people under a monarchy with an English king.  I know the King James Bible is the word of God because it was translated under a king.

Because It Has No Copyright

The original crown copyright of 1611 does not forbid anyone today from reprinting the Authorized Version.  It was only copyrighted then for the purpose of allowing the printer to finance the publication.  For nearly four hundred years now we have been printing millions of copies of KJV's without requesting permission from anyone.  Over eight-hundred million copies of the Authorized Version have been printed without anyone paying royalties.  This cannot be said of any of the new translations. 

The new "bibles" are the work of MEN, but the KJV is a divine work of the Holy Spirit.  The term "Authorized" has traditionally been applied to the King James Version alone, for this is the one Book which the Holy Spirit has blessed and used for so long.  The fact that it bears no copyright allows printing ministries throughout the world to print millions of copies each year for the mission field.  I know the King James Bible is the word of God because it has no copyright.

Because God Always Translates Perfectly

The words "translate" and "translated" occur three times in the Bible, and GOD is the Translator each time.  The scholars insist that the KJV cannot be infallible, because it is "only a translation." Do you suppose that such scholars have checked II Samuel 3:10, Colossians 1:13, and Hebrews 11:5 to see what GOD has to say about translating?

In II Samuel 3:10 we are told that it was God Who translated Saul's kingdom to David.  We are told in Colossians 1:13 that Christians have been translated into the kingdom of Jesus Christ, and Hebrews 11:5 tells us that God translated Enoch that he should not see death.  God was the One doing the translating each time.  What's the point?  The point is that a translation CAN be perfect, if God is involved in the translating.

When the New Testament writers would quote the Old Testament (Mt. 1:23; Mk. 1:2; Lk. 4:4; Jn. 15:25; Acts 1:20; 7:42; I Cor. 2:9; Gal. 3:13, etc.), they had to TRANSLATE from Hebrew to Greek, because the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, but THEY wrote in Greek.  So, if a translation cannot be infallible, then EVEN THE NEW TESTAMENT IN THE "ORIGINAL GREEK" ISN'T INFALLIBLE, because it contains translations from the Hebrew text! 

Obviously God assisted them in their translating by the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and He assisted the King James translators as well.  The scholars will never understand this, for most of them have QUENCHED the Holy Spirit in their own lives by looking to higher education for truth, rather than seeking the Lord's leadership (Jn. 16:13).

The Holy Spirit Who inspired the word of God through "holy men of God" (II Pet. 1:21) is quite capable of guiding His servants to KEEP the words which Jesus told us to keep (Jn. 14:23). In essence, the KJV translators were merely INSTRUMENTS which God used in translating and preserving His word.  In fact, they said this themselves in the Dedicatory to the Authorized Version:  ". . . . because we are poor instruments to make God's holy truth to be yet more and more known to the people. . . " 

I know the King James Bible is the word of God, because God is very capable of using anyone He pleases as His very own instruments of righteousness in order to preserve His word.

Because It Produces Good Fruit

The Lord Jesus said that every good tree will bring forth good fruit, and we can know them BY their fruits (Mt. 7:17-20).

God had the KJV translated for the purpose of bringing forth fruit, and it has been very obedient to the call.  The greatest preachers of the past four centuries have been King James Bible believers.  Billy Sunday is said to have led over one million people to Christ, and he was a KJV believer.  Spurgeon, Moody, Whitfield, and Wesley were all KJV men, and the list goes on.  God has richly blessed the ministries of such men as these because they stayed busy OBEYING His word rather than questioning its authority. 

The KJV produces good fruit.  I was led to Christ with a King James Bible.  Nearly every Christian I know was led to Christ with a KJV.  Why?  Because it produces good fruit.

The new translations produce EVIL fruit.  The modern perversions of scripture are producing infidels who do not even know what the word of God is, much less where to find it.  The new translations produce spiritual babies who are totally incapable of discussing Bible doctrine.  The new versions produce NEWER versions, which produce MONEY for the publishers, and I Timothy 6:10 tells us that the love of MONEY is the root of all EVIL.

The Holy Spirit doesn't bear witness to the modern translations, but He DOES bear witness to the King James.  I've always believed the KJV to be God's word, even before I was saved.  No one ever told me to believe this, but the Holy Spirit just bore witness to the King James--not the others.  After being saved, I spent several years of my Christian life not being aware of the big debate going on these days between King James Bible believers and New Age Version believers.  The whole time I believed only ONE BOOK to be God's word, and even then I was suspicious of the new versions, although no one had told me to be.  When I discovered that over eighty percent of the "Christian" schools in our nation do not believe the KJV to be the word of God, I was shocked.

How is it that one comes to believe the KJV naturally, but must be EDUCATED OUT of his belief in it?  Why is it that King James believers are accused of following men when GOD is the One Who led them to believe it?  Why do opponents of the KJV accuse us of following men, when THEY are the ones who allowed MEN to talk them out of believing the KJV? 

The KJV produces good fruit, because the Holy Spirit bears witness to it like no other book in the world.  It's easier to memorize than any new version, and the beautiful old English language gives the reader the impression that he is reading a Book very different and far superior to the rest.  It reads different because it IS different, and it IS different because it has a different Author.  We shall know them "by their fruit", and I know the King James Bible is the word of God, because it produces GOOD fruit.

Because the King James   Translators Believed They Were Handling the Very Words of God

One can see this truth by reading the Prefatory and Dedicatory remarks in the Authorized Version.  These men didn't believe they were handling "God's message" or "reliable manuscripts."  They believed they were handling the very words of God Himself.  As I Thessalonians 2:13 says, they ". . . . received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." 

Like the serpent of Genesis 3:1, modern translators approach the scriptures in skepticism, saying, "Yea, hath God said?"   This was the first recorded sin in the Bible, and it still runs rapid through the hearts and minds of most scholars and new version promoters.

God has always allowed such people to be DECEIVED because of the IDOLS  in their hearts (Ezek. 14:1-9; II Thess. 2:10-12; I Kings 22). A man who lacks faith in God's word is in no condition to translate it.  This eliminates every revision committee in the past one hundred years, because these committees have consisted mostly of highly educated men who were heady, high-minded, and proud, thinking that their intelligence qualified them to tamper with the pure words of God.

The KJV translators were not like this.  Their scholarship FAR EXCEEDED that of modern translators, yet they remained humble and allowed God to use them in order to produce an infallible masterpiece.  They didn't set out to "judge" and "correct" the word of God.  Their purpose was to translate God's word for the English speaking people, as they were told to do by their appointed king.  I know the King James Bible is the word of God because the KJV translators believed it themselves.

Because the King James Translators Were Honest In Their Work

The critics of the KJV enjoy making a fuss about the words in italics, which were added by the translators, but the argument is entirely unnecessary and unfair.

The italic words in the KJV actually PROVE that the translators were honest in their work.  When translating from one language to another, the idioms change, thus making it necessary to add certain words to help the reader grasp the full meaning of the text.  When the KJV translators added such words they set them in italics so that we'd know these words were added, UNLIKE we find it in so many new versions today, which do NOT use the italics. 

Besides, no one has ever PROVEN that the italic words are not the words of God, because no one has "the originals" to check them with.  In fact, we know for sure that the translators were led by the Holy Spirit to add at least some of the italicized words.

One good example of this is found in II Samuel 21:19.  When the translators came to this verse in the Hebrew text, they noticed that an exact translation would give Elhanan credit for slaying Goliath, but we know from I Chronicles 20:5 that he actually slew THE BROTHER OF Goliath.  So the KJV translators added the words "the brother of" to II Samuel 21:19.  If the Lord had not led them to do so, then II Samuel 21:19 would contradict I Chronicles 20:5 (as it DOES in the New World Translation!).

Another fine example is I John 2:23.  The last half of the verse was missing at the time, but the KJV translators inserted it anyhow (in italics), feeling that it was necessary.  This naturally disturbed many people, but since that time new manuscripts have been found which CONTAIN the last half of I John 2:23.  The translators were RIGHT in adding the italicized words.

One last example of the Holy Spirit's guiding influence on the KJV translators is found in Psalm 16:8, which says, "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."  As you can see, the words "he is"  are in italics.  According to many scholars they should be omitted, but according to the Apostle Peter they should NOT be omitted.  Peter quotes Psalm 16:8 in Acts 2:25, and he USES the italicized words!  How did the translators know this if the Lord didn't lead them?

The italics in the King James Bible are the marks of an HONEST translation, for no one added these words to mislead us, or to change the word of God.  They added the words to help us, and they set the words in italics so we'd know they were added.  That's honesty.  I know the KJV is the word of God, because the translators were more honest in their work than any of the modern Bible translators.

Because All New Translations Compare Themselves to the KJV

The new versions do not compare themselves with each other, because they're too busy comparing themselves with one Book--the King James Bible.  This fact alone proves that there is something very special and unique about the KJV.

Why does everyone line up in opposition AGAINST the King James Bible?  Why not attack one another?  That's easy: Satan has no desire to divide his own kingdom (Mt. 12:26).  His desire is to discredit the word of GOD, not himself; so he attacks only one Book, God's Book, the KJV.

Those who oppose the KJV are unsure of themselves, for they have no Final Authority; so they despise those of us who DO have an Authority.  They're unstable, insecure, dishonest, and very inconsistent.  They're all TERRIFIED of One Book, the KJV, and they'll stop short of nothing in their efforts to rid the Body of Christ of that Book.

I know the KJV is the word of God, because it's the standard which all others use for comparison.

Because of the Time in History in Which It Was Translated

The King James Bible was not translated during the apostate and lukewarm Laodicean church period, like the new translations.  The Laodicean period is the last church period before the Second Coming of Christ.  It is the last of the seven church periods in Revelation chapters two and  three.  One can clearly see that we are living in the Laodicean period today by simply comparing modern churches to the church of Revelation 3:14-22.  This lukewarm period began toward the end of the 1800's and will continue until Christ returns.  The new versions fit well into the lukewarm churches, because they are lukewarm "bibles."

The Authorized Version, however, was translated LONG BEFORE the Laodicean churches appeared.  It was translated during the Philadelphia church period, which is the best church period of all.  It was this church that the Lord Jesus COMMENDED for KEEPING HIS WORD( Rev. 3:8-10)!

In 1611, when the King James Bible was completed, the scourge of lukewarm Laodicea had not yet swept over the world.  There was no "scientific" crowd around in 1611 to put pressure on the translators.  There was no civil rights movement going on at this time to influence the work of these men.  The women were not screaming for "equal rights," and the humanists and socialists had not yet taken control.  The massive army of liberal and modernistic preachers had not yet been assembled.  The open public denial of God's word and the Deity of Christ was practically unheard of among ministers.  It wasn't until the twentieth century that professing Christianity became flooded with lukewarm preachers who would be willing to compromise the word of God for self gain.

The greatest missionary work in church history occurred between 1700 and 1900, so it makes perfect sense that God would have a Bible ready for this great work, and He did - the KJV.  Unfortunately, the new translations appeared a bit LATE on the scene!  Think about that.  I know the KJV is the word of God because of the time in history in which it was translated.

Because No One Has Ever Proven That the KJV is Not God's Word

Any honest American should know that innocence is supposed to prevail in our land until guilt is proven.  The KJV should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.  Has anyone proven it guilty?  No.  Has any scholar actually PROVEN that there are errors in the King James Bible?  No.  Enemies of the KJV delight in IGNORING the facts about the Authorized Version, while never PROVING anything.  All apparent "errors" in the KJV can be explained through prayer and a careful study of the scriptures, but the opponents of the KJV aren't interested in looking for TRUTH; they're interested attacking God's word, while never proving anything.  I know the KJV is the word of God, because, over nearly four hundred years, no one has proven otherwise.

Because of the Manuscript Evidence

Only a very deceived individual could believe that the new versions are equal to the King James Bible.  Ninety-five percent of all evidence SUPPORTS the text of the King James Authorized Version.  The new versions are supported by the remaining five percent evidence.

The new "bibles" are supported by two very corrupt fourth century manuscripts, known as the "Vaticanus" and the "Siniaticus."  These manuscripts are filled with many text alterations to meet the demands of Roman Catholic tradition.  They also include the Apocrypha, which the Lord Jesus Christ EXCLUDED from the Old Testament  in Luke 24:44.  All new versions contain readings from these corrupt manuscripts, and  all new versions use their tiny five percent evidence to attack the ninety-five percent majority text of the King James Bible.

The Textus Receptus (received text) from which the King James Bible came can be traced clear back to Antioch, Syria, where the disciples were first called Christians and where Paul and Barnabas taught the word of God for a whole year (Acts 11:26).  The other "bibles" do not come from Antioch.  They come from Alexandria, Egypt, and from Rome. We don't need an Egyptian version, for Egypt  is a type of the WORLD in the Bible.  God called His people OUT of Egypt (Exod. 3-14), and God called His Son out of Egypt (Hos. 11:1 with Matt. 2:13-15).  Why, the Bible says that "every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians" in Gen. 46:34, and the Lord Jesus Christ is called a SHEPHERD in John chapter ten.  Alexandria, Egypt, is associated with SUPERSTITION in Acts 28:11, and Aquilla and Pricilla had to set an Egyptian straight on his doctrine in Acts chapter 18.  Alexandrians are also found DISPUTING WITH STEPHEN in Acts 6:9.  So we don't  need a "bible" from Alexandria, Egypt.

Then there's the Roman text, also called the "Western Text."  We can also do without a Roman "bible", because it was ROMAN soldiers who nailed our Lord to the cross.  The harlot of Revelation 17 is a perfect description of the Roman Catholic Church, which has persecuted Christians for thousands of years.  Romans persecuted the Christians in Acts18:2, and in 70 A.D. the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.  Rome is the "dreadful and terrible" beast of Daniel chapter  seven, and Christ will destroy the "Revised Roman Empire" at the Second Coming (Dan. 2; 7; and Rev. 13).  It has been estimated that Rome is guilty of the blood of some 200 million people who have rejected her corrupt system.  A "bible" from Rome is another thing we can live without.

There's only one line of manuscripts that we can trust, and this is the line from Antioch, called the "Syrian" or "Byzantine" type text.  The word of God speaks POSITIVELY of Antioch, and NEGATIVELY of  Rome and Egypt.  We should TAKE THE BEST AND DUMP THE REST!  I know the King James Bible is the word of God because of the manuscript evidence.

Because It Exalts the Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life:  And they are they which testify of me." John  5:39. 

A REAL Bible will testify of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The true word of God will always EXALT Jesus Christ, and it will NEVER attack Hid Deity, His Virgin Birth, His Blood Atonement, His Bodily Resurrection, His Glorious Second Coming, or any other doctrines concerning His Person.  However, the new versions attack ALL of the fundamental doctrines concerning the Lord Jesus Christ at one time or another.

By perverting the many important verses of scripture which deal with the fundamental doctrines of Christ, the new "bibles" have a CONTINUOUS ATTACK launched against our beloved Savior, and this is NOT an overstatement!  His Virgin Birth is under attack in Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:34, and Luke 2:33.  His Blood Atonement is under attack in Colossians 1:14, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 1:7, and Revelation 1:5.  The Bodily Resurrection is under attack in Acts 1:3, Luke chapter 24, and the last twelve verses of Mark.  His Deity is under attack in Acts 10:28, John 9:35, and I Timothy 3:16.  The new versions attack the Second Coming in Revelation 11:15, and Titus 2:13, and the list goes on, because the new versions have an extreme bitter HATRED toward the Authorized Version and the way it gives the Lord Jesus Christ the preeminent place.

If the reader doubts this, we challenge you to take whatever version you want and compare the above verses in it to the same verses in the King James Bible.  If you still doubt it, after checking the verses, then write us and we will send you a great many more references to check.  The new "bibles" have a very consistent record of attacking the Lord Jesus Christ; so they cannot possibly be "the scriptures" that He said would testify of Him in John 5:39.  They testify AGAINST him.

The King James Bible NEVER attacks our Lord.  More than any book in the world, the Authorized Version of the Protestant Reformation EXALTS the Lord Jesus Christ.  If we had no other reason for receiving the Authorized Version as the word of God, this reason alone should be enough to convince any true believer, for how could we not become suspicious of the new versions for making such changes?  I know the King James Bible is the word of God because it always exalts the Lord Jesus Christ.