Is It Okay to Read A Bible OTHER Than the KJV?

Summary

Pastor Scott Ingram addresses the question of whether it's acceptable to read Bible translations other than the King James Version (KJV). He discusses his personal journey and the importance of trusting the translation one reads. The sermon delves into the history of the Bible, the difference between original writings, copies, and translations, and the significance of preserving God's word accurately. He distinguishes between heretical, paraphrased, and critical text Bibles, advocating for the KJV's accuracy and trustworthiness while encouraging personal study and discernment.

Takeaways

• 📜 The speaker, Pastor Scott Ingram, addresses the question of whether it's acceptable to read Bibles other than the King James Version (KJV), a question frequently asked by his online ministry audience.
• 🤔 He shares his personal journey of studying various Bible translations, including the KJV, NKJV, NIV, ESV, and others, to determine which he could trust.
• 🛐 Pastor Ingram emphasizes the importance of being able to trust the translation of the Bible being read, as the Bible is considered the authority on what God has said.
• 🚫 The script discusses the potential for confusion and misinterpretation of God's word, referencing the first sin in the Bible as an example of the consequences of misunderstanding divine instruction.
• 📖 The pastor explains the difference between the 'original writings,' 'copies,' and 'translations,' and how they relate to the Bible's authenticity and trustworthiness.
• 🔍 He highlights the King James Version as the most used and exact translation of the Hebrew and Greek texts that were believed to be the Bible's text for centuries.
• 🆚 However, he also acknowledges that there are newer translations that some believe to be more accurate, based on more recently discovered manuscripts.
• 🕊️ The sermon touches on the concept of God's promise to preserve His word for every generation, despite variations in copies over time.
• 🌐 The script contrasts the historical use of the Latin Vulgate and Greek texts in the Western and Eastern churches, respectively, and how this influenced the perception of the Bible's authority.
• 📚 Pastor Ingram critiques paraphrased Bibles and those based on the critical text, noting that they may not be as authoritative as the KJV, which he believes to be more faithful to the original texts.
• 📝 He encourages individuals to study the Bible for themselves, comparing different translations to understand the original meanings and to establish their own trust in the translation they choose to read.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed in the script about reading Bible translations other than the King James Version (KJV)?

The main concern is the trustworthiness of various Bible translations and the fear that some translations might not be as accurate or authoritative as the KJV, potentially leading to misunderstandings of God's word.

Why did Pastor Scott Ingram's father trust the KJV and not other translations?

Pastor Scott Ingram's father trusted the KJV because he had always used it, but he didn't claim to know if all translations were the same since he hadn't read them all. He encouraged his son to determine which translation he trusted.

What is the significance of the KJV being the most used and exact translation according to Pastor Scott Ingram?

The significance is that the KJV is believed to be the closest in translation to the original Hebrew and Greek texts, which were accepted as the biblical text for centuries, thus making it a reliable source of God's word.

Why does the script mention the importance of understanding the Bible's authority on what God has said?

The script emphasizes the importance because the Bible is considered the ultimate authority on God's word, and any misinterpretation or deviation from its original meaning could have serious spiritual implications.

What is the script's stance on paraphrases of the Bible?

The script suggests that while paraphrases can be read, they should not be considered the authoritative word of God, as they represent a single author's interpretation rather than a direct translation.

What does the script suggest about the process of translation and its impact on the accuracy of the Bible?

The script suggests that translations can never be as exact as the original language and that different translations may vary in their accuracy and faithfulness to the original texts.

Why does Pastor Scott Ingram believe the KJV is the most exact English translation of the Bible?

Pastor Scott Ingram believes the KJV is the most exact because it is based on the traditional Hebrew and Greek texts that he believes have been supernaturally preserved and are the most faithful to the original writings.

What is the difference between the KJV and the New King James Version (NKJV) according to the script?

The KJV is more exact to the original languages but can be less understandable to modern readers, while the NKJV aims to be more understandable without sacrificing too much accuracy.

How does the script address the issue of heretical Bibles?

The script warns against heretical Bibles, such as the New World Translation, which change the meaning of scripture to align with the beliefs of a particular group or cult, and should not be trusted as authoritative.

What is the script's advice on how to approach different Bible translations?

The script advises readers to study and compare different translations to understand their differences and to form their own conclusions about which translation they trust as the most accurate representation of God's word.