Preaching The Grace Of God
From The King James Bible – Dispensationally Delivered
Berean Bible Church – Edgewater, Florida – Doug Dodd s.b.g. - Pastor

Note: These are the notes from a series of sermons I have preached several times this year and in time past. Many people have asked for them and so here they are.

These notes deal with the doctrines of inspiration and preservation of the scriptures as well as the textual issue involved in the modern translations.

Enjoy … Educate … and Edify!

PART ONE…

Satan's Policy Of Evil Against The Word Of God

Genesis 3:1-6 These are the tactics, approach, methods and policy of evil Satan has against God’s Word; This policy is still being used today

Satan QUESTIONS The Word of God

Satan’s positive approach to Eve

Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Eve’s response

Gen 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

God’s Word actually says

Gen 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Eve SUBTRACTS from God’s Word by leaving out the word freely.

Gen 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

What God really said:

Gen 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Freely is an important word!

Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Eve ADDS words to God’s Word:

Neither shall ye touch it

Gen 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

What God really said

Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Eve WATERS DOWN God’s Word,

Genesis 3:2 - "lest ye die.."

Gen 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

God’s Word actually says "thou shalt surely die"

Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die

After Satan has questioned, subtracted, added and watered down, he then DENIED the Word of God

Genesis 3:4 - "serpent said ye shall not surely die"
Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Satan’s used Eve's own desire to have her own human viewpoint and knowledge; He used this plan to cause Eve to justify and deny the Word of God.

This is still going on today, human viewpoint; "what I think and what I feel".

Satanic policy of evil is to deny and destroy God’s Final Authority (English Speaking, King James Version) by coming up with a different and opposing authority along side the Final Authority; and give it equal weight. Then how do you decide which is right, with two competing authorities...? A third authority is needed, or whatever YOU think!

Problem with this is that the Synthesis view becomes a Thesis view and a antithesis view develops from that, thus a need for another Synthesis view.....A vicious circle constantly repeating itself.

God gave us the Bible as an anchor (Final Authority). No matter what your Thesis is or what the antithesis is, God’s Word is the Final Authority.

2 Corinthians 2:17 - You corrupt God’s Word by questioning, subtracting, adding, and watering down.

Amos 8:11-12 - Most people today do not believe the (prophecy of tribulation) Bible is an absolute Authority of God. Satan has a positive program to corrupt God’s book.

There are so many Bibles to choose from.

• which one do you believe?
• how do you decide?
• will you make the decision based on commentaries you heard from someone else?

You need an absolute Authority of God’s Word in order to preach; one that you know and are able to defend. The Bible is the only absolute Moral Authority in the universe without any doubt that is available to all in the form of the King James Version.

God hates religion. He only established one Religious System and that was the Nation of Israel, which he has long ago set aside. Religion is "binding of duty on man", the teaching of commandments. If you don’t have the final authority, that is all you will preach....a religious system!

Romans 10:17 - Power of God’s Word

The Bible is the ultimate proof of your faith. How do I know?...because the Bible tells me so, as opposed to how I feel or how you feel or the next person feels.

PART 2

INSPIRATION

Revelation - God To Man - God Has Spoken!

Revelation means the content of God’s communication to man, Hebrew 1:1 = God has spoken. There are three types of revelations:

Natural Revelation which is the creation of the world clearly seen, i.e. man himself and creation, manifested in them, Romans 1:18-20.

Special Revelation - different times and different ways God has revealed himself i.e., Genesis 18, God spoke to Abraham; Exodus 3, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush; Genesis 32, God wrestled with Jacob. Another example of special revelations is when God spoke through the prophets and through miracles. God has also manifested His will personally, i.e., Matthew 16:17, special revelation from God to Peter. Galatians 1:11-12, God communicated to man (Paul), Ephesians 3:3, revelation of the mystery to Paul.

Written Revelation- things written down, John 20:3-9

Revelation, God communicates and reveals Himself to man

Inspiration, Man to paper (write it down), II Timothy 3:16 - all scripture given by inspiration is always concerned with what is written down, from God to man. The words that the men wrote down were inspired as opposed to the men being inspired.

Illumination - How information comes off of the page of the Bible into the soul of the believer (what is written down), I Corinthians 2:9-13 - revealed by the spirit (teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit).

Preservation - How the things written down go on from generation to generation, Psalms 12:6-7, preserved throughout history via the Church. Instead of one manuscript for all times, God has the Church as the pillar of truth. The Holy Spirit in the believer is illuminated to the truth and is able to identify what is God’s Word or not as he is instructed.

Revelation & Inspiration are a unit. The only way Inspiration is possible is through Revelation. These are completed in the form of the Bible. There is no more Revelation and Inspiration going on today.

Illumination & Preservation are a unit. The only way Preservation is possible is through Illumination. These are continuations processed down through time...ongoing today.

Revelation & Illumination are similar; subjective things in the heart of man (God to man types of communications).

Inspiration & Preservation are similar; objective things that have to do with the production and preservation of the written Word of God.

Churches today have one of the following views on Theories of Inspiration (from human viewpoint):

Natural View - The Bible is inspired in the same way Shakespeare’s writings or Homer’s writings were inspired. The Bible is high level of human achievement; smart men, gifted men, but not God. II Peter 1:20-21 rebukes this thinking, "....no private interpretation...!

Dynamic View - A living document, the words on the page are not static. Thoughts are important. The meaning behind the words are more important than the words. Matthew 5:18 rebukes this thinking; "...every jot and word.."

Partial View - Only certain parts of the Bible are inspired, for example, Love, Brotherhood, etc. II Timothy 3:16 rebukes this thinking, "all scripture is given by inspiration of God....."

Spiritual Rule View - The Bible is used for spiritual values, for example, Ethics, Religion, etc., but not for Scientific things or Historical things. John 17:17, John 3:12 rebukes this thinking, .."God tells you heavenly and earthly things..."

Existential View - Only parts of the Bible that are inspired are the parts that speak to you. In other words, the Bible is true when it speaks to you and builds you up. John 17:17 rebukes this thinking, "...God’s Word is Truth..."

Plenary Verbal View - All of the words are inspired by God. This is the view of True Bible Believers. Matthew 24:35, "...God’s Words shall not pass away....."; I Corinthians 14:37 "...Words written on a page....". Plenary Verbal View is a good and true view, however it is not complete in that it does not reveal:

• how to identify the inspired words,
• how the inspired words are preserved,
• where the inspired words are

Plenary Verbal View must translate literal equivalency, translate every word with some dynamic equivalency. Dynamic Equivalency is something new, which calls itself Plenary Verbal View, but is in reality the Dynamic View (where thought are more important than words) and as a result...."The New International Version Bible or New King James Bible".

The Doctrine Of Inspiration

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary - INSPIRA'TION, n. [L. inspiro.]

1. The act of drawing air into the lungs; the inhaling of air; a branch of respiration, and opposed to expiration.

2 Tim 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

The issue in inspiration is the God breathed - words on the page.

2 Cor 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

The inspired word brings life…

Psa 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Job 33:4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

Paul's attitude towards the old and new testament…

1 Tim 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

Deu 25:4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.

Luke 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Peter's viewpoint of the word over experience…

2 Pet 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

The Holy Spirit uses the WORDS…

1 Cor 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

God put his word & words into Jeremiah's mouth…

Jer 1:4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

Jer 23:9 Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.

God's design in inspiration is to make his word equal with himself… so that when you come to the word of God you are dealing with God himself

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

God places his word above his name…

Neh 9:5 Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

Psa 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

conclusion

This issue in inspiration is the God breathed words on the page of your Bible

God's design in inspiration is to make his word equal with himself, so that when you come to the word of God you are dealing with God himself

Preservation gives us a biblical basis for our faith to rest on. God has pledged to preserve His Word throughout history in a multiplicity of copies.

The following are five important reasons for Written Revelation:

Written text is a way to preserve the original revelation.

NOTE: Can you imagine how confusing and sloppy it would be if we passed on oral communications, i.e. remember "pass the word game".

Written text is gathered together under one cover in one book.
Written text is independent of the speaker and writer

Jer 36:4 Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book. 5 And Jeremiah commanded Baruch, saying, I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of the LORD: 6 Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD'S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.

2 Tim 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

Written text is mobile. It transcends the life and times of the writers and students.

2 Tim 4:13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Written text makes everyone responsible.

Mat 12:3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read (they would read a copy by the way ) what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

Mark 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: 11 This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? - NOTE: The Lord Jesus Christ is calling a copy scripture!

Luke 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

There are four views in the minds of most people concerning the Bible.

The Roman Catholic View - Holy Mother Church and tradition define what the scripture is. They teach what is in the scripture, the issue is not the scripture, the issue is what "they" say. They see themselves as the custodians.

Liberal - The Bible is full of myths and fables. This is the view of the unsaved.

Neo-Orthodox - The Bible is supra history. Meaning the Word of God is above history. For example, Adam may or may not have lived, that’s not the issue. It is the meaning behind what is taught about Adam.

Conservative - All the fundamentals of the faith are in the Bible, in spite of all the mistakes in the various translations.

All four of these views have one thing in common....they all agree that they DO NOT possess the Word of God in their hands or the fact that they could ever have the Word of God in their hands. They all believe the books we have contain the Word of God.

The question comes down to this

Is the Bible The Word of God - Literally, No Mistakes, No Changes?
OR
Does the Bible Contain The Word of God - Message Content With Some Mistakes; Its O.K. to Make Some Changes?

BIBLE BELIEVER VIEWPOINT - We do have the inspired word of God in our hands, and God has promised to preserve it throughout history, in the form he wants us to have. For English speaking peoples it is found today in the Authorized King James Version.

2 Tim 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

How to read these verses in regards to Preservation:

"all scripture is God Breathed"

"from a child hast known the holy scriptures"

If Timothy had known the scriptures from his childhood, then his mother and grandmother had copies of the Word of God and taught it to him.

SCRIPTURE THAT SUPPORT PRESERVATION

• Psalms 12:6,7- God will preserve His Words from this generation, forever
• Psalms 33:11 - Counsel of the Lord standeth forever
• Psalms 119:89 - Forever O Lord thy Word is settled
• Psalms 119:152 - Thy testimonies founded forever
• Psalms 119:160 - Thy Word is true; judgment endureth forever
• Matthew 5:18 - Not one jot or tittle shall pass til all be fulfilled
• Luke 16:17 - Easier for Heaven to pass than one title of law to fail
• Luke 21:33 - My words shalt not pass away
• 1 Peter 1:23,25 - Word of God liveth, abideth, endureth forever
• Isaiah 40:8 - Word of God shall stand forever
• Isaiah 30:8 - Go write and note in a book that it may be for the time to come forever
• Isaiah 59:20,21 - Words that God put in the mouth (little flock) at His first coming will last past His second coming and beyond forever ever
• Isaiah 29:18 - In that day (millennium) the deaf shall hear the words of the book. 

IMPORTANT: GOD’S DESIGN IS TO PRESERVE HIS WORDS IN A MULTIPLICITY OF ACCURATE AND RELIABLE COPIES.

THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT WAS INSPIRED (WRITTEN) BY GOD;

Exo 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

HE PRESERVES WHAT WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN A MULTIPLICITY OF COPIES.

The copies are the issue in preservation, not the original autographs or manuscripts.

Moses rewrites a copy (tablets) of the original Ten Commandments; he broke the original!

Exo 34:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. - - Exo 34:27 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel. 28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

God instructs Moses to make an ark in which to put the copies.

Deu 10:1 At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood. 2 And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark. 3 And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand. 4 And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me. 5 And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me

Moses Adds To The Copy

Deu 31:9 And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel. -- Deu 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

The Kings of Israel are to make a Personal Copy of the word of God.

Deu 17:14 When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me; 15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother. 16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. 17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. 18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: 20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

Clearly in verse 18, the King is to write a copy of the Law in a book (taken from the original that is stored in the ark). This will be the King’s own personal copy of the Bible.

NOTE: The copies are just as valid, and also the inerrant Word of God.

David reading from a copy of God’s Word stated that the Bible is right, pure, clean and forever

Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

God has promised to preserve his word in a multiplicity of copies that are as accurate and reliable as the original autographs. 
God Uses Copies To Spread His Word

Daniel has copies of God’s Word that were written prior to Babylon captivity by Jeremiah

Dan 9:1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; 2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

Daniel has Word of God that was written through Moses.

Dan 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. 12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

The Arc Angel Gabriel tells Daniel that the scripture is truth, without error. God is preserving His Word in copies without error!

Dan 10:21 But I will show thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

Jesus is saying in this verse (30 AD) that what Daniel said (550 BC) will be the same thing you can read about and understand in "AGES TO COME" (2000 +) through the Tribulation

Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Jesus read from a preserved copy of God’s Word and He stated this scripture was fulfilled. What God wrote down in the past, stands today in the present and future tense.

Luke 4:17 And there was delivered unto him the book (copy) of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Ethiopia eunuch sits in chariot reading copy of Esaias’s writings.

Philip begins to preach Jesus from the scripture. In verse 37, the eunuch is asked if he believes with all his heart. He answers that he believes Jesus Christ is Son of God.

IMPORTANT: Faith cometh by hearing and in this case a COPY of the Word of God. Most "bibles" today leave verse 37 out or put brackets around it indicating that the commentator doesn’t believe it should be there.

Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

There are copies of Moses writings scattered over every city and being read every Sabbath.

Acts 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Paul reasons from a copy of the scripture

Acts 17:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

There are copies in Alexandria and everywhere.

Acts 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Conclusion

God has promised to preserve his word in a multiplicity of copies that are as accurate and reliable as the original autographs and he has

PART 4

Preservation Of A Specific Book

In this lesson we will see references on how a specific the "BOOK" was preserved and runs throughout the Old Testament, from Moses onward, which is being copied and added to and distributed to the people. This book is the BIBLE, an authoritative book.

Exodus 17:14 - In this verse is the birth of the Bible as a book to be collected together commanded by God to Moses.

Exo 17:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

Exodus 24:3,4,7- Moses tells the people what God says; they agree to do; he then writes all the words in the "BOOK". This is further development of the "BOOK".

Exo 24:3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do. 4 And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD. 6 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.

Exodus 34:27- Moses continues to write in the "BOOK".

Exo 34:27 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel.

Numbers 33:1-2- This is where Moses completed his writings; gathered together and gave them to the Levites to put into the Ark. Here is where the Kings would come and make their own personal copies (Deuteronomy 17) When Moses dies the "BOOK" is passed on to Joshua. Important to remember at this time copies are being made and being distributed to the people by the Levite Priests and Scribes.

Num 33:1 These are the journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron. 2 And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the LORD: and these are their journeys according to their goings out.

Joshua 1:1-8 - God instructs Joshua to study and meditate on the "BOOK".

Josh 1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. 5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Joshua 23:6 -7- Here, before Joshua dies he tells the elders to keep the "BOOK" and do all that is written. This is one book that has five parts (Genesis-Deuteronomy). Today, one book and sixty-six parts.

Josh 23:6 Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; 7 That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:

Joshua 24:25-26 - Joshua wrote the Book of Joshua and it was added to the books of Moses in the one "BOOK". Now there is one book with six parts. IMPORTANT: Joshua did not think his book was to be something separate from the writings of Moses, in fact he just added to the "BOOK". One book, multiple copies. EDITORIAL: Human viewpoint thinks all the books of the Bible were scattered everywhere and some smart scholar gathered them together ...this is not true.

Josh 24:25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.

1 Samuel 10:25 - Here Samuel writes his book about the setup of the Kingdom, then presents his writings before the Lord. Again, this writing is added to the "BOOK". One book and seven parts.

1 Sam 10:25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.

Esther 3:8 - Here Haman tells the King that "their (Israel) laws are diverse from all people..." This lets us know that copies of the "BOOK" were everywhere and people knew what they contained.

Est 3:8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.

Jeremiah 40:1-3 - The heathen Babylonian guard tells Jeremiah what the Word of God said. He obviously had knowledge of the "BOOK" also.

Jer 40:1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all that were carried away captive of Jerusalem and Judah, which were carried away captive unto Babylon. 2 And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, The LORD thy God hath pronounced this evil upon this place. 3 Now the LORD hath brought it, and done according as he hath said: because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed his voice, therefore this thing is come upon you.

2 Chronicles 17:1-9 - Here Jehoshaphat, a faithful servant, sent our princes and Levite Priest to teach all the people throughout the cities of Judah the Word of God from the "BOOK". NOTE: This is an example of a Bible Teaching Ministry, See Nehemiah 8:8

2 Chr 17:1 And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. 3 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; 4 But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. 6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. 7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. 8 And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. 9 And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. 10 And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

We will now look at God’s Divine Program to preserve His Word through the New Testament. In the Old Testament He used a special group of people, namely the Nation of Israel (Romans 3:1-2) but more specifically the Levites. However when the Nation of Israel was set aside, God changed the "who" in His Divine Program, but not the "how".

2 Peter 3:15 -16 -This is Peter’s explanation as to what Paul wrote. Note that Peter had a copy of all of Paul’s epistles.

2 Pet 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

1 Timothy 4:13 -16 - Paul explains to Timothy to read scripture; teach doctrine from the scripture; take heed unto thyself. In other words, STUDY. With all of this Timothy and those around him must have copies of the scriptures.

1 Tim 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1 Timothy 5:17 -18 - To labour in the Word and doctrine...is to study the scriptures and then teach. In verse 18 is a quote from the Old Testament. Again this confirms that the scripture is still being preserved.

1 Tim 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

Acts 1:1 -The former treatise is the Book of Luke. NOTE: The point is that the word "former" book connects with the Book of Acts. Again these are copies of New Testament scriptures that were collected, gathered, copied and distributed.

Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, & Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

2 Timothy 2:15 -Tells you to rightly divide, well in order to accomplish this you would have to have a copy of the BOOK which contains prophecy and mystery.

2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 4:1 -2 - The reference here is that the word should be preached; most particularly the Message of Grace.

2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Ephesians 3:1 - 4 - In these verses Paul had written something about the Mystery before his current writing in Ephesians; and when you read more, your understanding will grow. Once again, this infers that the folks in Ephesus had copies of Paul’s other writings in the form of copies.

Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

• 1 Thessalonians 5:27-This epistle should be read unto all Holy brethren.
• 1 Th 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
• Galatians 1:2 - Notice that the book of Galatians was written to all the "churches".
• Gal 1:2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

Colossians 4:15 -16 - When you read this epistle (Colossians) and read also in all the other churches of Laodiceans. NOTE: There were many writings from Paul and the other Apostles that did not end up in the Bible and that is because God did not inspire these writings, I Corinthians 5:9, "I wrote you in an epistle, before 1 Corinthians was written.

Col 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. 16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

GOD HAS A DIVINE PLAN TO PRESERVE HIS WORD
HOW: THROUGH MULTIPLICITY OF COPIES
WHO: OLD TESTAMENT=LEVITE PRIESTS
NEW TESTAMENT=PROPHETS
TODAY=BIBLE BELIEVERS

PART 5 OF 5
Text - NOT - Translation

We have already established the fact that God promised to inspire and preserve his word in a multiplicity of accurate, reliable copies.

The Old Testament canon was fixed at the time of Christ by the Lord Jesus Christ .

Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Law Of Moses = Genesis - Deuteronomy
The Prophets = Major & Minor Prophets
The Psalms = Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song Of Solomon
The Old Testament Canon Is Fixed And In Place

Luke 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

From The Blood Of Able = Genesis
The Blood Of Zacharias = 2Chronicles (the last book in a Hebrew Bible)
The Old Testament Canon Is Fixed And In Place

In addition the New Testament quoted and confirmed much of what was written or spoken in the Old Testament.

The New Testament Text

There is a line through history, down to the present time (2000) where God has preserved His Word. It looks like this:

HISTORY AFTER THE CRUCIFIXTION

100 AD	500-1000 AD	1000-1500 AD	1500-2000 AD
Original Text Written	Dark Ages	Dark Ages	Reformation

The history of the Bible through God’s preservation has a straight line flow through history:

1. The original text is written and collected
2. The Bible is copied and sent out
3. Bible Believers preach and teach from it

This LINE of TEXT is called the Textus Receptus (TR), a Latin expression that is used around 1624 AD for this Greek Text, that goes back to 100 AD.

TR means received text that is used commonly among the people. This text is written in Greek which is the trade language of the world at this time.

Not everyone spoke Greek however, therefore there are copies being made:

• Syria there is a Syriac Bible Version made (150 AD)
• Egypt there is a Coptic Bible Version made
• Rome there is an Old Latin Bible Version made

This process has continued on throughout history whereby Bible versions were translated into the language of the various countries from the Greek Text, for the people.

Around 1522 AD Luther translates from the TR into German for the people he ministered to. After this came:

Tyndale 1525 - William Tyndale’s Translation is the first NT to be published. He was England’s first Protestant martyr as a Bible Believing, Bible Preaching, Bible Defender and translator. He said, "If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause a boy that driveth the plow to know more of the Scriptures than thou dost." His translation was from Erasmus' Text. His lifetime goal was to get the Bible to the people in their language.

Coverdale 1535 - Miles Coverdale translated in 1535 from Luther’s German Bible which is really a revision of Tyndale’s Bible.

Matthews 1537 - John Rodgers translates the Matthew Bible; he used both Tyndale’s and Coverdale

Great Bible 1539 - Great Bible was translated by Coverdale which is a revision of the Matthew Bible between 1553 -1558 when "Bloody Mary" was persecuting Protestants.

Geneva Bible 1560 - Geneva Bible A man name Whitingham was an exile in Geneva who produced a translation using the Matthews Bible and Stephaus Greek Text. He was the 1st to use Roman style printing, numbered verses and italics. John Calvin wrote the prolog on this translation. This became the Bible of the people. This is the Bible that came to America on the Mayflower

Bishop Bible 1568 - was based on the Great Bible

King James 1611 - Tyndale ® Coverdale ® Matthew ® Great Bible ® Geneva ® Bishop Bible - In 1603 King James takes the throne. In 1604 King James appointed 54 scholars to translate the Bible into English based on the Majority of Bible Texts that were then in use. Only 47 scholars ended up doing the work.

NOTE: Many of the translators were persecuted by the Roman Church; this is the period just coming out of the Dark Ages.

For over 390 years this King James Text went out through the world and people were saved just like it was during the Apostle Paul’s day.

NOTE: During this same period of time, the RCC produces their own translations;

From a different set of manuscripts to counter the Protestant Movement.

The Protestants reject the Catholic translations and label them wrong.

The Minority Or Corrupt Text Line Produces The Following:

• In 1881 a Revised Version was published.
• In 1901 the American Standard was published
• In 1913 the Moffet Translation.
• In 1923 the Goodspeed.
• In 1951 the Revised Standard Version
• In 1963 the New American Standard Version.
• In 1973 the New International Version

The above Bibles were translations from basicaly 2 manuscripts that were dated during the 4th and 5th Century.

These are two different lines or types of Bible manuscripts

Greek Text Manuscripts from 900-1500 AD were translated and in 1611 produced the KJV.

Greek Text Manuscripts from 400-500 AD were translated and in 1881 produced the ASV, RV, RSV, NASV & NIV And ALL other modern versions. 

Which Text Is The Right Text?

Now we will do some comparisons between the modern text type and the Textus Receptus.

There are 5,000+ differences between the Textus Receptus and the Minority text. This passage is on deity.

NIV Luke 2:33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

KJV Luke 2:33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

These passages in the NIV has the Lord Jesus Christ condemning himself out of his own mouth.

NIV - Mat 5:22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca, ' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

KJV - Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Mark 3:5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

This one is tragically funny…

NIV - Rom 13:9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

KJV - Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

This one leaves out somebody important…

NIV - Eph 3:9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

KJV - Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

This one leaves out something important…

NIV - Col 1:14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

KJV - Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

This one leaves out God…

NIV - 1 Tim 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

KJV - 1 Tim 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

This one leaves out everything…

NIV - Blank

KJV - Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

This one, no matter how you look at it, is an error!

NIV - Mark 1:2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"--

KJV - Mark 1:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Conclusion

God promised to inspire his word and he did.

The issue in inspiration is the God breathed words on the page.

God's design in inspiration is to make his word equal with himself so that when you deal with the word of God you are dealing with God himself.

God has promised to preserve his word in a multiplicity of copies that are as accurate and reliable as the original autographs. He is not interested in the original manuscripts.

The issue in preservation is text not translation.

So we can now safely ask, "Which Bible Is The Right Bible?" The Bible that comes from an inspired and preserved text of the Protestant reformation. For English speaking peoples it is the King James Bible.

Preach it…. Teach it… Rightly divide it… and Live it… this is how you defend it!

 

~ FINIS ~