All Scripture

"The Bible is now in thousands of languages ... This is the heart of God."

I HAVE addressed the usage of various Bible translations before but want to reiterate what was said. No translation has been made that the Spirit of God was not involved. All were made by men, which means the interpretation comes from the point-of-view of the translator, from their human knowledge and education. Each had their own voice, just as any writer has his or her style of writing. But God is well able to enable them to translate what is anointed writing into a clearly communicated translation.

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

“For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21 ESV)

Where we anticipate error, these being men, we can lean into the Spirit of God and know truth. Often, when I read a verse in many translations, He points out one as more accurate than the others. This has developed because we are close, He and I. Having a relationship with the Holy Spirit is of utmost importance. We are also not supposed to judge others, and unfortunately, in this area of Scripture translation, there is much judgment. The most mature son or daughter of God sees error and does not react. No condemnation or correction rises within. Instead, they leave the heart of others to God to instruct and fix.

I have learned as much about Christ from the Message Bible as from the Ronald Knox Translation or the Remedy. I choose the King James Bible as my foundation, and the original word definitions in Hebrew and Greek. But, even then, there have been those who over-defined what was a simple statement, and I realized this through the Spirit. A good example of this is the armor of God listed in Ephesians 6. Many, many describe the Roman soldier in their teaching of it and so miss the simplicity of what is presented, as fruits of the Spirit, also listed in Galatians 5. They also miss the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, being God’s weapon used on our behalf. He won the war and bids us to rest. His Word in our mouth is enough to keep us standing upright, which is the purpose of the passage.

There is also a comparison to be made there between what is described and the apostle Paul being a Pharisee in his education. The “breastplate” of God’s sacred holiness is the ephod mentioned in Old Testament Law, and it held an important purpose which must be applied. For we are priests of the Most High according to John’s Revelation 1:6. It is a picture of who we are in Christ and what He has given us in His authority and ability (Exodus 29:5).

Applying this passage to translations, the Message Bible says it simply: “Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them.” I love the truth of that. It goes from being a detailed historical description to being practical. Here is why we need what Paul said.

The various translations do not take away nor add to the Word of God as warned against in John’s Revelation. If that were the case, then it should never have been taken out of Hebrew and Greek. There were those who felt this way in the past, and men died for their efforts in translating it into English. What was right, the persecution of those which ended in death? Or their heart for the everyday man knowing God’s truth? I trust you know the answer and can see past the obvious. The Bible is now in thousands of languages and being put into many others. This is the heart of God and a breadth of the gospel which we must have.

However we can speak or sing or express the Word of God, the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and Resurrection, we must do it and not condemn others for efforts which don’t match our likes and dislikes. Or perceived doctrines. Because, again thinking of the apostle Paul, his travels took him into Gentile cities amongst people deep in idol worship and disgusting practices. Yet he warned about saying things that made them feel condemned. Condemnation is not of God. Love is.

“Let us therefore cease judging one another, but rather make this simple judgement: that no obstacle or stumbling-block be placed in a brother’s way … If your brother is outraged by what you eat, then your conduct is no longer guided by love. Do not by your eating bring disaster to a man for whom Christ died!”(Romans 14:13,15 NEB copyright 1961)

“The right thing to do is to avoid eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that makes your brother stumble, upset, or weak.” (Romans 14:21 ISV)

LISTEN TO:
Adonai by Be’er Sheva
I Need You Lord by Namooen

Bible Images:
Image by Maximilian Ihm from Pixabay
Image by Noelia Demaria from Pixabay
Image by Pixabay


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Suzanne D. Williams, Author
www.suzannedwilliams.com
www.feelgoodromance.com