Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 2/25/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Greg

Can you tell me what is your insight on those two scriptures please.

I.E. There are so MANY BIBLES OUT THERE. And the scriptures says not to CHANGE or ADD to the scriptures.

What's your imput on this please.
I also am a Born Again Christian too.

GOD Bless
Mr.Ray Monaco

ANSWER: Brother Ray,

Good to hear from you my brother in Christ. I believe that you have asked me questions before, correct? Just curious.

Now as to your question, I am assuming that you mean Revelation 22:18 ,19 correct? I will address your question as if this were correct, and if it is not, feel free to write back.

Let's look at these verse's say...

Revelation 22:18
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  
22:19
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

First of all, John by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was warning everyone who would ever read the book of Revelation not to tamper with it at all. And though it is specifically addressing Revelations, it is also a relevant warning to not tamper with any of Gods Holy Word. God, in the strongest of words, warns us to leave His Word alone! Every part and parcel of it! As I like to say, "From Genesis to the maps"! God declares specifily and clearly that anyone who tampers with it will receive the most severest of punishments.

However, this does not mean that when people translated the original text's to different languages that they were guilty of tampering with the Bible. As long as they "translated" the Word. This means that any version of the Bible that is paraphrase instead of a translation, should be rejected as heiricy. To paraphrase it to put  the Bible into your own words. Now I do this quite often when I am explaining the Bible. The difference is that when I do this, I am not writing it down, puting it in book form, and promoting my own words as the Word of God. This is exactly what Rev. 21:18 & 19 was warning about.

FYI, a few of these "paraphrased" Bibles that should be avoided are "The Message" Bible (this is quite popular now, it is has many inquiries and several vulgar words), "Good News for Modern Man", and "The Living Bible" (also very popular) to name a few. Here is a good link that may help...

http://www.christianbiblereference.org/faq_kjv.htm

Please let me know if this helps, or if you have any further questions.

Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Greg

First things First. Yes I've asked you questions before and your ans. have helped me a great deal.

And YES again in answering my questions about those two Rev. question about CHANGING GOD'S WORDS.

I totally agree with you answers. Futhermore, I like to ask two (2) more question concerning GOD'S words in the Bible and what's the correct or closest true words of the LORD concerning the BIBLE.

I'm presently reading from: New King James Bible.
1- What do you thing of that Bible?
2- Have you ever heard of: The Authorized King James Bible?

If so, what do you think of it?

Thank You Greg
GOD BLESS

Ray Monaco
And

ANSWER: Bro Ray,

Hope you had a great weekend! Our's was wonderfully. Busy, but good.

As to the New King James Version Bible, I think that it is pretty good. It does replace the antiquated words of the old Elizabethan language with the easier words of our modern English. I do suggest it for those who may be having difficulties with the KJV. Especially youth. I have read some who have had consirns with certain words it uses, but for the most part I have no problem with it. Though the KJV is the translation I suggest that everyone use, or at the very least, reference back to when studying out of the NKJV.

As to Authorized King James Bible, it is my understanding that this is the same as the KJV.

Also Bro Ray, I want to be clear that though I read, and I suggest that every Believer read the KJV, I am not of those who say that the KJV is the only "true" translation to use. These folks are the "King James Only" crowd. They are so dogmatic on the use of the KJV that they claim it alone is the truth. Yes, the KJV is the Word of God. Yes, we should be leery of any modern translation. But no, that does not mean we are limited to the KJV only. This is just my opinion.

God bless!

Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Bro. Greg

THANK YOU first of all 4 your impute. Yes, I agree like I said before. All those other translations are not 4 me.
I like you read the NKJV 4 backup study and read firstly the KING JAMES VERSION.

And with that my dear brother I thank you and bless you and your family in the Holy Name Of JESUS OUR CHRIST.
Bro. Ray

Answer
Thank you Bro Ray for your prayers, and for the friendship you've shown through our Lord Jesus.

I pray that you and your family would be blessed. I hope that you would stay in touch, and be sure and contact me if you have any further questions.

God bless!

Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1