Some say that Bibles are all the same, but some will argue; that’s what your Bible says!  It’s as if each division of Christianity has written its own Bible.  So,…how do I know which Bible I should be using?

The English versions of the Bible basically fall into three categories.  Those categories are word for word translations, thought for thought (dynamic equivalents), and paraphrases. [1]

The word for word translations are regarded by scholars as the most accurate translations of the Bible.  They are translated directly from the original languages of the Bible.  Those languages are Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.  The translations which fall into this category are the King James Version (KJV), the New King James Version (NKJV), the New American Standard Bible (NASB), the English Standard Version (ESV), and the New English Translation (NET).  The NASB95 is generally regarded as the most accurate of the word for word translations. [2]

The thought for thought translations are the result of a translator analyzing a group of words in the original language that express a certain thought.  The translator then translates that thought as carefully as possible into whatever language he is targeting.  This method is also known as Dynamic Equivalence.  The weakness of Dynamic Equivalence is that it leads to more interpretation than translation.[3]

For example, in the NIV words have been dropped out that are clearly in the original language, words have been added that are not in the original language, and changes have been made to key words in the original language.  These changes support an alternate interpretation of the original language where they occur and/or dilute the true meaning of the targeted text.[4]  These things are evidence of a mishandling of the original language and further evidence that interpretation rather than translation rules this version of the Scripture.  

The Dynamic Equivalents are easier to read, but are clearly not as reliable as the word for word versions.  Examples of translations which fall into this category are the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), the New International Version (NIV), and the New Living Translation (NLT). [5]

Many call the paraphrase category a translation, but it is more of a restatement or rewording of the original language.  Paraphrases are an attempt to make the Bible clearer.  Paraphrases use a lot more words in order to make that happen which is not always a good thing.  Examples of versions which fall under this category are Good News for Modern Man, the Living Bible, the New International Reader’s Version (NIRV), the Message (MSG), and the Goods News Translation (GNT). [6]

The danger with paraphrases is that they tend to be subjective and can easily present a doctrinal bent away from the true meaning of Scripture.  I have read paraphrased passages on salvation that are infused with a baptismal requirement that is not even mentioned in those particular verses in the original language.  Support for heretical and liberal theological doctrine can be easily woven into paraphrases.  The ease of reading paraphrases can make a liberal, heretical, or denominational slant more appealing and palatable.  For these reasons, I do not recommend the use of paraphrases.

Why is it important to be discerning about translations?  The Bible claims to be inspired of God or God breathed (II Timothy 3:16).  That means that the very words of Scripture were selected by God the Holy Spirit (II Peter 1:21).  Since God cannot lie, we should pay attention to what those very words mean and teach in the context of Scripture.

 Jesus said that one jot or one tittle of the Law (Scripture) would not fail till all be fulfilled (Matthew 5:18, Luke 16:17).  The jot and tittle refer to the smallest letter and the smallest part of a letter in the Hebrew language.  If parts of words are important, as the Lord Himself indicated, wouldn’t it be wise for Christians to accept Scripture and study it…..word for word?    

So,…which version do you use?

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

[1, 2, 3, 5, & 6] The Five Most Accurate Bible Translations, Copyright 2019 – 2022, www.faithfoundedonfact.com (The use of this article does not imply the endorsement of said website, any other articles posted there, and/or it’s founder and sustaining organization).

[4] Which Translation?  By Stewart Custer, pgs 12-16.  Copyright 1973, 1974  Bob Jones University Press, Greenville, SC

Note: There are many other translations, versions, reversions and perversions of Scripture beyond those mentioned above.  The purpose of this article is to show basic differences in approaches to Scripture that yield so many different versions of the Bible.  The challenge of this article is that Christians become more discerning about which translations are the most accurate and reliable to use.

The difference between believers and unbelievers is that believers have accepted God’s provision for their sin.  Unbelievers have not.

But as many as received him (Jesus Christ), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  John 1:12&13

And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts (desires) of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

For by grace (God’s help or enabling) are ye saved through faith (a firm persuasion or conviction brought about by hearing the Word of God); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works (human activity), lest any man should boast (brag).

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

Does being disrespected make you angry?  Is that anger justified?  Certainly if anyone should have been accorded respect, it would be the Lord of Glory.  His anger would certainly have been justified.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Philippians 2:5-8

The tiny word let implies yielding and/or submitting to the truth (thy word is truth).  Only genuine believers can do this.

Can a man by taking thought add to his stature?  Can a leopard change his spots?  Not at all! But with God, nothing is impossible.  Having the mind of Christ is a supernatural enablement which is the result of regeneration (being born again) and sanctification [letting the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly].

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye 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.  I Thessalonians 2:13

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we (born again ones) have the mind of Christ. I Corinthians 2:16

So, do you need to have respect in order to be effective?  If not, why are you angry?

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.       I Corinthians 15:55-57

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.  For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)  

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  II Corinthians 5:1-8

The second best thing that can happen to the believer in Christ is physical death.  The best thing is that can happen to the believer is The Rapture.  This is when Christ returns to remove all believers from this world.  I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Creation science is an oxymoron.  Not because Bible-believing Christians are anti-science, but because the scientific method requires observation.  And as the Lord once asked His servant Job, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (Job 38:4 )  God is the only One who was there.  Not only was He creation’s only witness, He was its Creator.  Ultimately, His divine revelation is our only trustworthy means for understanding the origin—and the purpose–of the universe.*

*Straight Answers About Creation – Copyright 2020 by John MacArthur

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up it’s life) in you richly…

Things – a word, an account, business matters, matters in general, a work, sayings. [1]

Things – An object or fact, inanimate object, an act, a deed, a work, a thought, notion, utterance, a piece of information, a means, device, recourse. A matter to be dealt with, a characteristic, events, circumstances, a general state of affairs, conditions. [2]

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Phil 1:6

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Phil 1:10

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; Phil 1:12

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Phil 2:14

            For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.                   Phil 2:21

           But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.           Phil 3:7

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  Phil 3:8

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Phil 3:13

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly,               and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)              Phil 3:18&19

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.  Phil 3:20&21

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.       Phil 4:6

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Phil 4:8

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.  Phil 4:9

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  Phil 4:12

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Phil 4:13

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.  Phil 4:18

[1] W.E. Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – copyright 1984, 1996  Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN

[2] American Heritage Dictionary – copyright 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1975 by American Heritage Publishing Co., NY, NY

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

o Refrain:
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

Though sorrows befall us and Satan oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.

George A. Young, 1903 – Copyright Status is Public Domain 

Courtesy of Timeless Truths Publications – Copyright © 2002-2020 Free Online Library

(A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.  Psalm 23

Then I said, I will not make mention of him (God), nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. Jeremiah 20:9

And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he (Jesus) talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? Luke 24:32

Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (the dead in Christ), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 

Christ Returneth!

It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,
When sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking,
That Jesus will come in the fullness of glory
To receive from the world “His own.”

o Refrain:
O Lord Jesus, how long, how long
Ere we shout the glad song—
Christ returneth! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Amen.

It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,
It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnight
Will burst into light in the blaze of His glory,
When Jesus receives “His own.”

Oh, joy! oh, delight! should we go without dying,
No sickness, no sadness, no dread and no crying;
Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory,
When Jesus receives “His own.”

H.L. Turner, Pub. 1878 – Copyright Status is Public Domain
James McGranahan, ca.1906 – Copyright Status is Public Domain

Courtesy of Timeless Truths Publications – Copyright © 2002-2020 Free Online Library

And when He (Jesus) had spoken these things, while they (His disciples) beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.            Acts 1:9-11

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

I Peter 1:1-25

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…