Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 8/8/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Priscilla
I'm a newly born again Christain and I'm somewhat confused about what really is JESUS' true words.
I'm presently using the NKJV. However, with some many other Bible versions. Which is the true words of JESUS?

I believe the first written version was in Aramaic and then Greek. Should I get a Bible that was translated from Aramaic to English?

So many words have be changed in some many Bibles. In Revaltions its said that anyone who adds or takes away from the word will be punished.

Please tell me your view about this confusing matter to me.
THANK YOU
GOD BLESS YOU

Mr. Ray Monaco

ANSWER: Dear Mr. Monaco,
   Thank you for writing and for caring about the actual words of Jesus, or better yet, the Words of God, His communication with us.  Jesus Himself is God's Word, His ultimate communication. (John 1:1-5, Hebrews 1:1-3)
   There are some English Bibles that are paraphrases, not actual translations from the Bible, but, aside from that, the major thoughts of God (doctrines) are pretty consistent in the different translations.  I believe that God supernaturally PRESERVED His communication for us as well as supernaturally PROVIDED it for us.  
   Yes, people can misapply verses, and some versions have minor translation problems, but the best way for us to know God's exact communication is to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and protect our understanding as we read or hear the Bible.  Because of John 6:57-63, I read a few verses every day as I eat breakfast.  The analogy Jesus is making is that as I eat physical food daily for my physical health, I need spiritual food daily for my spiritual health.  When I entrust my thinking and actions to the Holy Spirit to guide me according to what He has communicated to me through the Bible, then I am protected from sinning. Psalm 119:11
   While Aramaic was spoken during Jesus' lifetime on earth, the New Testament was written in Greek.  The Old Testament was written in Hebrew.  I've read enough about the history of the Bible to prefer the King James version, which was what everyone used when I was growing up.  I've read the Bible through several times in the Good News, NIV, and the NKJV, and the different phrasing sometimes caught my attention to something important, but God will honor your desire to know and follow His Word in different translations. "Seek and you shall find" Matthew 7:7 Matthew 6:33  
   I think adding or taking away from God's Word shows the human ego-elevating habit of trying to fit God under our authority or understanding, instead of surrendering to the exact revelation God has given us, no more, nor no less.  
   May you continue to grow spiritually through God's Word, and lead others to know Jesus also.
   Sincerely,
   Priscilla Lyons

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

QUESTION: Dear Sister Priscilla

Thank you for your comments on my question. However, I would like you take on what my pastor said at one Sunday service.

The church I attend is Green Valley Calvary Chapel here in Las Vegas.

My pastor was talking about the tomb of JESUS and what was found in it. He said that the WRAPPINGS of JESUS were left in the shape of His body.
Of which I found astonishing and I was amazed that he would say something like that. I'm researching the scriptures to see if I missed anything pertaining to that statement my pastor said to us.

The Bible uses the word LINENS not WRAPPINGS. I quote from one of the books of: NKJV LUKE 24:12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb, and stooping down, he saw the LINEN CLOTHS LYING BY THEMSELVES; and he departed marveling to himself at what had happed "

Now, Sister Priscilla maybe I'm nit picking but my church is based on the WORD of GOD. And my other books such as: John 20: 4-7 also doesn't mention anything about JESUS' burial lines being left in the hollow shape of the LORDS body.

That is not going by the word of the LORD. " IF ITS NOT IN THE BIBLE IT AIN'T SO." I'm sure you've heard of that saying?

Well, Sister Priscilla that my story and I'm sticking too it ...lol
All kidding aside, my Pastor did call me today and we have a meeting next Monday at: 3:30pm.
He said we'll get together and discuss the e-mail I sent him two weeks ago about the WRAPPINS. He mention it would be a philosophical conversation.

Sorry for such a long novel Sister Priscilla, but I would very much look forward to your comments on the above topic: JESUS' LINEN CLOTHS PLEASE.

GOD BLESS YOU
Ray Monaco

Answer
I totally agree with you, Ray.  The Bible account sounds more like the linens were perhaps folded, with the head part separate from the rest.  KJV Luke 24:12 "linen clothes LAID by themselves" and John 20:7 "wrapped together in a place by itself."  
   I think people sometimes get what's in the Bible mixed up with movie portrayals of Bible stories, which is why I don't like to watch them.  I doubt any movie could be 100% accurate, and I'd rather have the real thing in my mind instead.
   Catholics tend to worship artifacts like the Shroud which is supposed to bear the imprint of Jesus' physical body.  It is our lives that were created to reflect the image of God (Genesis 1:26), not some inanimate, religious symbol.  We can only mirror God's image when we humbly allow God to get all the glory.
   While I wouldn't get on anyone's case for getting things in the Bible confused, I wouldn't want a pastor who would deliberately misrepresent details in the Bible or who didn't believe in the physical accuracy of the Bible.  "philosophical conversation" sounds a little ominous, like as if God is only an authority on spiritual things, not physical, concrete truth such as science, math, etc.  But Jesus is Creator of all and a trustworthy authority on every aspect of physical and spiritual life.    
   I hope it's just a misunderstanding with your pastor, but please keep him in prayer because Christian leaders need our prayer protection from Satan's efforts to neutralize the truth.
   Sincerely,
   Priscilla Lyons