A Study of Translations

By Bobby L. Graham

The New English Bible

This product of the 1960’s was to England what the Revised Standard Version was to the United States, a vehicle for modernism. Its producers were not men of faith in the inspiration of the Bible; their product bears out their lack of faith.

The absence of italics to mark additions by the translators is one of the chief weaknesses. A host of passages become unclear as to speaker because of the missing italicized letters. This version throws the word Christian around with abandon, using the word some 32 times; the fact is that it appears only 3 times in the word of God.

Peter receives special emphasis as the rock in Matt. 16:18 through the capitalization of the word Rock. The fact is, of course, that the word did not refer to Peter at all, but to the fact of truth just confessed by Peter, as 1 Cor. 3:11 also indicates.

A serious mistake appears in Matt. 1:18, where the translators rendered “before they came together” (what the text really says) as “before their marriage”. Such inexcusable rendering provides something of a basis for the idea that Jesus was the illegitimate child of Mary and Joseph, an idea held to by many modernists.

The doctrine of justification by grace alone gets some support from this version’s wording of Rom. 3:24, where the word alone was added to the verse.

The miraculous conception of Jesus and his deity come into doubt if one accepts the mistranslations of Isa. 7:14, Luke 1:34 and the six “only-begotten” passages in the writings of John.

The role of the Holy Spirit in creation is denied in Genesis 1:2, where this version has “the wind swept.”

According to this version’s rendering of Matt. 5:17, Jesus did not come to abolish the Law and the prophets. Though the word here can mean abolish, such is not the idea in this passage: Jesus was stressing his respect for the Law so that he might fulfill it. He did abolish the Law, according to Ephesians 2:15.

Acts 20:7 says Saturday night instead of the first day of the week; Mark 1:4 speaks of baptism as a token of repentance; Matt. 16:22 has “Heaven forbid” for Peter’s “Be it far from thee, Lord”; Rom. 11:26 aids premillennialism with “when the whole of Israel shall be saved” instead of showing how Israel could be saved with the word so; 1 Cor. 2:14 offers help to the idea of the miraculous work of the Spirit in conversion when it says “unsaved man can’t understand”; it has Paul stating his opinion in 1 Cor. 7:25, 40; the mystery of godliness in 1 Tim. 3:16 is “our religion”; spirit is breath in Jas. 2:26; “the language of ecstasy” appears in 1 Cor. 14:2; Paul “sponged on no one” in 2 Cor. 11:9; 1 Cor. 16:8 puts Whitsuntide, a religious festival of the Church of England, for Pentecost. 1 Cor. 5:9, 10 speaks of loose livers; and the popular (not true) saying of 1 Tim 3:1 is related to aspiring to leadership.

Such a perversion is not worthy of the name Bible.

Truth Magazine XXII: 27, p. 441
July 13, 1978

Searching The Scriptures An Overview

by Donnie V. Rader

During the Florida College lectures in February, Connie called me to his motel room to tell me about the offer that the Guardian of Truth Foundation had made to buy Searching the Scriptures and put it to rest. I was surprised at first, but saw rather quickly that this would remove part of Connie’s pressing work load. Though he had not decided whether to accept their offer or not, I knew that’s what he would do.

Since that day I have thought many times about the paper, its beginning, its reputation, its editors, its writers, its policy, it accomplishments and those who have worked behind the scenes. In this final issue of STS I want to share with you some of those things that come to mind when I think about Searching the Scriptures.

Continue reading “Searching The Scriptures An Overview”

The Heart of Paul – Interview with Charles Willis



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Charles Willis is the author of The Heart of Paul, a workbook on the life of the Apostle Paul designed to be used in Teenage Bible Classes. The workbook encourages open discussion of relevant issues for the spiritual development of Christian teens.

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TM: Tell us about your background.

Christian parents?
I am the third child of Donald and Marilyn Willis. Both were raised up in Christian homes and served God all their lives. My father preached the gospel full time beginning at age 16 in East Texas and retired from preaching in 2009. During his life he served as an elder and led many individuals to the Lord. My father passed from this life in 2011. In her life, my mother has demonstrated the essence of Christianity in her godly attitudes and heart to serve others. I count myself as fortunate to have been raised in a household that believed in God so strongly.

Siblings?
I have three siblings: Cathy Price, Don Willis, Jr., and Christie Estes.

Where you grew up?
I was raised in and around Houston, Texas. Most of my formative years were spent in Conroe, Texas, just thirty minutes north of Houston. I am a graduate of Willis High School (in Willis, Texas) and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Sam Houston State University.

Wife & children?
While in college I met Dee Hopper whom I married in 1988. She has been a Christian since not long after we met and it has been a great joy to see her faith grow. She is a wonderful example to me and has been of tremendous support both when I taught school and even more as I labor as an evangelist.  God has blessed us with two wonderful children. Our son, Joshua, has just completed his first year of studies at Florida College. Our daughter, Rachel, is completing her Junior year of High School. Both have obeyed the gospel and have a rich faith of their own.

How you decided to preach?
I decided to preach after teaching Jr. High Band for ten years. I had done some preaching on the side and was feeling guilty as I drove to work every morning. I felt there was something better I could be doing with my time. I love teaching music, but I was teaching the wrong subject. I determined, with my wife, that if we were ever going to desire to preach, we were going to have to take a leap of faith. If I was not successful at preaching we felt I could easily return to teaching music.

TM: Where are some places you have lived and labored as a preacher?

One week after school dismissed in 1998, I moved to Knoxville, Tennessee and began laboring as the evangelist for the Northside Church of Christ where I remained for four and a half years. The brethren there were very helpful and encouraging to me and allowed me the opportunity to study deeply and engage in a lot of one-on-one teaching opportunities. In January of 2003 I moved to New Caney, Texas where I continue to labor today. In many ways it was like coming home. New Caney is located about thirty minutes East of Conroe. My father started the work in New Caney while I was in High School and my wife was baptized that church building while we were in college. Some of the individuals were still in New Caney and it has been a great blessing to labor among them. Many individuals have obeyed the gospel in my ten years in New Caney, in part because of the tremendous loving attitude that exists in the congregation – a love for each other and a love for the truth. I am continuously thankful to God that I am allowed to count as brethren such wonderful people of faith.

TM: What is an enjoyable aspect of preaching for you?

The teacher in me loves "the light bulb moment" when someone learns something new or suddenly grasps a concept. I love seeing people get excited about God’s word. This is most often seen in private studies and is an enjoyable aspect of my efforts as an evangelist. The question is about an enjoyable aspect of "preaching." I like to think my efforts make a difference in the lives of people. There is a satisfaction to my efforts that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. This remains a motivation that drives me to do my very best in everything I do as an evangelist. My words (written or spoken) may just touch someone’s heart so that they are encouraged to serve God. I don’t know that I would say this is "enjoyable," but it is a very important aspect of my work. I would have to say the most "enjoyable" aspect of "preaching" is the time available to study Scripture for myself and the association with God’s people.

TM: What is a challenging part of preaching?

A challenge for me is to keep the message meaningful. I was not always a preacher. I "sat in the pews" until I was almost thirty years of age and I heard some excellent preaching, and I heard some that was not very good. I strongly remember some of my thoughts during the weaker lessons about "why is this being presented," "what am I to take away from this," "what does this mean for me." I work very hard to bring applications that are meaningful, relevant and pointed. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time, but more importantly I view every opportunity to preach as a moment in time afforded me by God to speak His truth. I don’t want to waste His time with meaningless words or sermon points with no "meat." This is a constant challenge for all preachers, but one which is very personal to me.

TM: What was the motivation behind writing this workbook?

My book was conceived as an effort to examine the attitudes which Paul expresses about himself. We have so much information about Paul, it is well worth our time to examine what is revealed about his heart. Everyone agrees he possessed a faith which many believe is personally unattainable. Everyone agrees his heart pleased God. We should by all means learn what we can from what has been revealed. The workbook is a topical examination of twelve principles ranging from submission, to the conscience, and  prayer, but in each topic the main Scriptures examined are statements Paul makes about himself. The book is a study of his example. My motivation for writing the book was two-fold. 1) I wanted to examine these things for myself and determined to lead others in that journey with me. So I have taught this material as I was studying. 2) I believe a class environment is an excellent place for brethren to be encouraged as we hear each other speak of our faith and belief in Scripture. I am a strong proponent for on-topic discussions in our Bible class environment. I created these materials to purposefully generate good biblical discussions. A question that can be answered "yes" or "no" has it’s place, but generally does not force a contemplation of God’s word. Through an open discussion format I have found I often am shown things in a text I had not seen, though I had studied deeply. For me, it is a class format that works very well in my local work. Over the years, I’ve heard from some who also state good Biblical discussion was experienced when they used my materials. It is hoped through publishing this book a larger number of people will benefit.

TM: Was there one aspect of this project that was especially hard?

The first three lessons have many similarities, and some may want to argue it is one lesson covering three weeks worth of material. The topics are inter-related, but can be profitably studied in the way I have divided the material in three lessons on "An Obedient Heart," "A Submissive Heart," and "An Humble Heart." That division of material was the hardest to separate. The remainder of the topics were much easier to arrange.

TM: What was the most enjoyable part of the project?

Finishing it. Bringing my efforts to the point of bearing fruit. Not in publishing a book, but in seeing the book used and lives being impacted in that way. When we finished our study of this material in New Caney, it marked the end of long effort and I felt as if I had accomplished a good thing. Bringing this book to more readers is similarly fulfilling.

TM: Did you teach through the material as you were developing it?

No. My process is to write the material in advance. I write a lot of material for our local use and am generally writing three months or more before it will be used. I prefer to hand out a finished workbook rather than individual lessons as we go through the quarter. So the material was completely developed before I taught it. After I taught the study, I made corrections (not just grammar, but concepts and additional references that were brought up in the course of the study). So these lessons have been used profitably before I ever submit them to publication.

TM: Is there anything else you would like to address?

I love feedback. If you work through any of my books, I would welcome a comment about what you thought. I also want folks to know I am available for questions about the study, or about any of my books. I can be contacted at CLW@NCTV.com.

Destructive, Damnable, Deceit of the Devil (3)

There are many ways in which the devil seeks to deceive men. He tries to get those who are forgiven of their sins to forsake the Lord by promising them freedom. This is very often pushed on us in the area of morality (2 Pet. 2:18-22). Instead of freedom, we get slavery.

Another way Satan subtly sneaks up on us is through false doctrine. He is especially successful at getting men to think they are saved, when in fact they are not. Among the denominations it is popular to believe in faith-only salvation. This is contrary to God’s word (Jas. 2:24; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 10:9-13). Frequently there is a “twin” doctrine of demons accompanying this, perseverance of the saints; more commonly known as once saved always saved.

This destructive doctrine is like others, built on half-truths and outright lies. Its popularity stems from its delusional comfort.

There are several passages used to prop up once saved always saved. Ephesians 1:13 is used to show that a Christian is “sealed” by the Holy Spirit. The interpretation is that “sealed” is the same idea of having a sealed vault or sealed jar. However, “sealed” can carry other meanings. For instance, Jesus had the seal of God the Father (Jn. 6:27). Jesus was approved by God. He did what God willed and therefore had His seal. When a Christian does what the Holy Spirit directs, the Christian has the seal of the Holy Spirit; spiritually stamped, if you will.

The same truth is conveyed in Romans 8:16, 17 where Paul said, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with your spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” How does the Spirit bear witness? Simply look at the work of the Holy Spirit; revelation and confirmation of the truth (Jn. 16:13; Mk. 16:20). The miracles of the Holy Spirit were secondary to the revelation of the gospel. His work, in this context, is chiefly the New Testament. In it He bears witness of what it takes and who it is to be a Christian. When we do what He says, our spirit is giving testimony that we believe and accept the way to be God’s child. Hence, His Spirit bears testimony with our spirit.

Another passage often cited to support the deceit of once saved always saved is John 10:27-29. The argument goes that a Christian will never lose salvation because the Father prevents it. That is not what the passage says. Rather, Jesus said His followers are those who “hear” His voice and “follow” Him. One can quit hearing the truth (2 Tim. 4:2-5). One can also quit following the Lord (Jn. 6:66). If those who “hear” and “follow” Jesus are His sheep, then those who do not hear or follow Him are not His sheep. Besides, John 10:27-29, says that “no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” This is a far cry from that person voluntarily leaving the Father. As long as a Christian is faithful, walking in truth, it is true that no one, even Satan, can take him away from the Father. However, if a Christian buys into the deceit of the devil he has left the safety of the Father’s hand. One cannot walk in darkness and be in fellowship with God (1 Jn. 1:5-10).

Further, there are many passages that explicitly teach saints can fall from grace. Those who seek to be justified by a means other than the gospel will fall and be severed from Christ (Gal. 5:1-4). Paul warns Christians to beware lest they fall (1 Cor. 10:12). How can he warn against what is not possible? The warning is because it is possible. In 2 Peter 2:18-22, the whole point is that some who were saved are no longer saved; they returned to sin and Satan.

Finally, consider these two scriptures. “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Pet. 1:10). “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). What on earth do these passages mean if not that a Christian’s salvation is not irrevocably given? We are plainly told to keep working, stay at it, don’t give up or walk away. If we do, we will go to hell.

The destructive, damnable deceit of the devil is powerful. He allures people away from the Lord by making them feel secure in Him. This is some of the most difficult error to overcome because people think they are saved and do not want to consider they are lost. We need to do what we can to counteract this lie with the truth of God.

— Steven F. Deaton