THE GREAT CONSPIRACY - Part #6

MODERN TRANSLATIONS and Seventh-day Adventist Doctrine If we are to adopt the New International Version as a standard for use in the pulpit and in our schools, then we might as well give up being Seventh-day Adventists and join the ecumenical movement back to Rome. “Answers to Objections,” Our Authorized Bible Vindicated. rom the beginning of the great second Advent movement, pioneer Seventh-day Adventists have used the proof-text method to establish true doctrine. In this demonstration we will discover the difficulty in proving Seventh-day Adventist doctrines using the New International and Revised Standard Versions of the Bible. The subject titles will be listed in the order of a typical series of Bible studies. All truth in the King James Version is denoted in italic typeface. The truth that has been altered in the New International and Revised Standard Versions is underscored. Statements On The Word Of God The Truth In the King James Version Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Luke 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone. . . .[but by every word of God, omitted].’” (NIV) Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone. . . .[but by every word of God, omitted].’” (RSV) The Truth In the King James Version 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, F Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -88- correcting and training in righteousness. (NIV) 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. (RSV) Notice that the Scriptures are “profitable for Doctrine” is altered to read “useful for teachings.” With this altered reading it becomes possible for the Church to define doctrine. Jesus As the Creator The Truth In the King James Version Ephesians 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. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Ephesians 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 [by Jesus Christ-omitted.] (NIV) Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. [by Jesus Christ-omitted.] (RSV) Two important points of truth in the King James Version are altered in the modern translations. (1) “From the beginning of the world,” altered to read, “from ages past.” (2) “God. . . created all things by Jesus Christ,” altered. The line, “by Jesus Christ” is omitted. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” the apostle John testifies. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1,3, emphasis supplied). The Truth In the King James Version John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (KJV) Truth Altered In Modern Translations John 1:10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. (NIV) John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. (RSV) The truth that “the world was made by him,” is altered to read “the world was made through him.” *The Truth In the King James Version Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. (KJV) Truth Altered In Modern Translations Hebrews 1:2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. (NIV) Hebrews 1:2 But in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. (RSV) The RSV states that God created the worlds “by a Son.” How many Sons does God the Father have in heaven? Again, the modern translations also state that God created the universe “through” His Son, not “by” His Son. What does modern Christendom have against Jesus as the Creator of the earth? Could their aversion to the creation have anything to do with the Seventh Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -89- day Sabbath, the memorial of creation? Salvation In Christ The Truth In the King James Version Matthew 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Matthew 18:11 Omitted entirely. (NIV) Matthew 18:11 Omitted entirely. (RSV) No comment necessary! The Truth In the King James Version John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations John 6:47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. (NIV) John 6:47 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. (RSV) The most important truth, belief in Christ, is omitted from the modern translations. The NIV and RSV simply states “he who believes has everlasting life.” But the question is, What or who are we to believe in? “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life,” Jesus replies in the King James Version. (John 6:47 KJV) The Truth In the King James Version Ephesians 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father. [of our Lord Jesus Christomitted].. (NIV) Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father. [of our Lord Jesus Christ-omitted]. (RSV) Again, Jesus Christ is omitted from the modern translations! Adventist leadership love these modern translations that omit Jesus Christ from the text of Scripture. “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it,” the Lord spoke through Moses, “that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” (Deut. 4:2).. Repentance The Truth In the King James Version Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” [to repentance-omitted]. (NIV) Matthew 9:13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” [to repentance-omitted]. (RSV) Notice that this important truth of repentance is not just altered, but omitted entirely from the Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -90- new translations! With these spurious Scriptures as their guide, Is it any wonder that a “new, free grace, evangelical, theology” has permeated the contemporary Seventh-day Adventist Church? The Truth In the King James Version Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Mark 2:17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” [to repentance-omitted]. (NIV) Mark 2:17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” [to repentance-omitted]. (RSV) Again, in the gospel of Mark, “repentance” is omitted from the modern translations. What does modern Christendom have against “repentance?” Conversion The Truth In the King James Version Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Matthew 18:3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (NIV) Matthew 18:3 And said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (RSV) The words of Jesus, “Except ye be converted,” have been altered to read, “unless you change,” and “unless you turn.” Change or turn from what? Surely not form sin, as the new theology teaches No one can possibly do that! The important truth of conversion has been altered in the new translations. The Truth In the King James Version Matthew 13:15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Matthew 13:15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ (NIV) Matthew 13:15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.’ (RSV) Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -91- Again, in the gospel of Matthew, the important truth of conversion has been altered in the modern translations. Also note how the NIV and RSV harmonize in the rendering of these texts. This proves that the NIV and RSV were translated from the same spurious Greek manuscripts of the Roman Catholic Church. The Truth In the King James Version Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (NIV) Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren.” (RSV) In the gospel of Luke the important truth of conversion is altered in the modern translations. Note in the altering of the text, “And when you have turned back,” NIV, and “when you have turned again,” RSV, implies that Peter had once been converted. But the truth is in the words of Jesus, translated correctly in the King James Version, the Bible of our beloved pioneer Seventhday Adventists, “and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Fulfilled Prophecy Slighted The Truth In the King James Version Matthew 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Matthew 27:35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. [that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet-omitted]. (NIV) Matthew 27:35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. [that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet -- omitted]. (RSV) The truth of a fulfilled prophecy about the death of our Lord is omitted from the modern translations. What does modern Christendom have against fulfilled prophecy? The Truth In the King James Version Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Mark 13:14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong–let the reader understand–then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (NIV) Mark 13:14 “But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (RSV) The instruction of the Lord to consider the prophecies, written by Daniel, are omitted from the modern translations. Could this be the reason why pioneer Adventists understood the books of Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -92- Daniel and the Revelation, and modern Christendom does not? Pioneer Adventists had a pure Bible, modern Christendom and contemporary Seventh-day Adventists do not! The Truth In the King James Version Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.. (v. 28). And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Mark 15:27 They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. [Verse 28, And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors-omitted]. (NIV) Mark 15:27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. [Verse 28, And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors-omitted]. (RSV) The entire verse of Mark 15:28 is omitted from the NIV and RSV. The important truth that our Lord was “numbered with the transgressors” as a fulfillment of prophecy is omitted from the modern translations. The Sanctuary In Heaven The Truth In the King James Version Daniel 8:14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Daniel 8:14 He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.” (NIV) Daniel 8:14 And he said to him, “For two thousand and three hundred evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.” (RSV) This is a most important text used by pioneer Seventh-day Adventists to teach the sanctuary truth. This is the great 2,300 day/year prophecy, which began in 457 B.C., and culminates in the beginning of the “investigative Judgement, the “cleansing” of the sanctuary, in A.D. 1844. This sanctuary truth, based largely on this text, Daniel 8:14, is the very foundation of Seventh-day Adventism. In 1844 Jesus entered the most holy place in the Heavenly Sanctuary to “cleanse” the Sanctuary. The New International Version renders the text “reconsecrated,” while the Revised Standard Version renders the text “restored,” whatever that might mean. Both the NIV and RSV use the term “2,300 evenings and mornings.” This erroneous rendering makes it virtually impossible to teach that, in prophecy, a day stands for a year, (See, Num. 1:3: Eze. 4:6). Using these modern translations of Daniel 8:14, it is impossible to teach the 2,300 days are actually 2,300 years! The Truth In the King James Version Daniel 9:25-27 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. (26) And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -93- sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. (27) And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Daniel 9:25-27 “Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. 26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. (27) He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” (NIV) Daniel 9:25-27 Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. (26) And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off, and shall have nothing; and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war; desolations are decreed. (27) And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week; and for half of the week he shall cause sacrifice and offering to cease; and upon the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.” (RSV) These important passages on the sanctuary truth have been completely mutilated by modern translations. The truth about Jesus Christ, the Messiah who was to come, is stated to be merely an earthly ruler. He is stated to be simply “an anointed one.” The truth of how Jesus would confirm “the covenant,” is stated that He would confirm “a covenant”. The King James Version prophecies of the crucifixion of Christ, that after sixty-two weeks “shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself,” and that “he [Christ] shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” Jesus Christ would cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease, because he would die on the cross. After the crucifixion the earthly sanctuary services would cease. That is why at the very moment Jesus died on the cross, “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” (Mark 15:37,38). It would be impossible to teach this truth from these texts as they are translated in the New International and Revised Standard Versions. Also in these erroneous translations it is stated that “on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination.” The King James Version states nothing about “a wing of the temple,” or that He, Jesus, would set up an abomination. The Latter Rain and the Blotting Out Of Sins Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -94- The Truth In the King James Version Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. (NIV) Acts 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. (RSV) This was a most important text used by pioneer Seventh-day Adventists to prove the aspect of the sanctuary truth that sins will be blotted out “when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” or, when Jesus Christ entered the most holy place in the Heavenly sanctuary in 1844. The modern translations simply state “that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” In other words, if your sins are blotted out now (the final atonement was finished and completed on the cross), then, times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. The truth is that we should; “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Do you see, dear Adventist friend, how Satan can lead men to change a word here and a word there, and totally change the “Present Truth” that Seventh-day Adventists are to give to a perishing world? The Commandments Of God The Truth In the King James Version Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. (NIV) Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. (RSV) The truth of obedience to God’s ten commandments is omitted from the modern translations! The NIV and RSV simply state “wash their robes.” Anyone who washes their robes will be saved. Notice the rendering of the text is exactly the same in the NIV and RSV, again proving that they were translated from the same spurious Greek sources. Although it does read “in the blood of the Lamb,” in the Seventh-day Adventist paraphrase, The Clear Word Bible follows the NIV and RSV by rendering the text, “washed their robes.” The Faith “Of” Jesus The Truth In the King James Version Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (KJV) The Altered Truth In the New International Version Revelation 14:12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. (NIV) The “flag” of pioneer Seventh-day Adventists was “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” This banner of truth has been omitted from the New International Version. Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -95- God has placed in our hands a banner on which is inscribed the words “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ,” He declares. At all times and in all places we are to hold the banner firmly aloft. God’s denominated people [the SDA Church] are to take a firm stand under the banner of truth. . .. (Letter 95, 1905, pp. 2, 3; To Dr. and Mrs. D. H. Kress, March 14, 1905.) Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, Vol. 2, pages 246, 247. (emphasis supplied). The remnant people of God in these last days “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12). The modern translations state that these remnant people have “faith in Jesus,” rather than “the faith of Jesus.” The new theology in the Seventh-day Adventist Church teaches that “we must only believe in Him.” Only believe, and you will be saved. The truth is we must have saving faith–the faith of Jesus – faith like Jesus had. The truth is that if we have the faith of Jesus we will walk as Jesus walked. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk,” Jesus said, “even as he walked.” (I John 2:6, emphasis supplied). In contrast to this truth, the new theology teaches that if we have faith in Jesus, He will do the walking for you. Everything is done for you. What is the new theology? In brief it is: “Dear Lord, forgive me for my past sins and forgive me for the sins I am planning to commit in the future.” The Seventh Day Sabbath The Truth In the King James Version Exodus 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. (NIV) Exodus 20:10 But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. (RSV) Notice that the NIV and RSV state the Sabbath to be only “a Sabbath,” and that this Sabbath is “to the Lord,” not the Sabbath “of the Lord.” This implies that the Lord has many Sabbaths. With this reading Sunday could also be a Sabbath to the Lord. However, God said “the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God.” In Isaiah the Lord calls the seventh day Sabbath, “my holy day.” (Isaiah 58:13). The Truth In the King James Version Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Colossians 2:16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. (NIV) Colossians 2:16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. (RSV) Note that in the King James Version the text reads “Sabbath days,” plural, meaning the ceremonial sabbaths and religious festivals were abolished at the cross. However, the NIV and RSV render the text “Sabbath day,” singular, suggesting that the seventh-day Sabbath of the Lord was abolished at the cross. In these modern translations, the meaning of the two texts, Colossians 2:16, and Exodus 20:10, is reversed from that of the King James Version. Satan, through the modern translators, inspired by the Jesuits of the Papacy, applied reverse psychology in the translation of these two texts by Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -96- stating, “do not let anyone judge you. . . with regard to a religious festival. . . or a Sabbath day,” singular (Colossians 2:16), and, “the seventh day is a Sabbath,” plural. (Exodus. 20:10). The truth is that in Colossians 2:16 the word “Sabbath days” is plural, and is referring to the ceremonial Sabbath “days.” In the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath commandment, recorded in Exodus 20:10, states that “the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God,” singular, not “the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord.” The State Of Man In Death The Truth In the King James Version Psalms 146:4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Psalms 146:4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. (NIV) Psalms 146:4 When his breath departs he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish. (RSV) The modern translations state that when a man dies “their plans come to nothing.” This erroneous translation implies that man’s earthly plans come to nothing at death, but his thoughts do not perish because he went to heaven or hell at death! The truth is, as the King James Version states, that when a man dies “his thoughts perish.” The Truth In the King James Version Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Job 14:14 If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come. (NIV) Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my service I would wait, till my release should come. (RSV) Job stated the truth when he said that he would wait until his change came. That will be at the second coming of Christ. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed,” the apostle Paul wrote. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” (I Corinthians 15:52 ,53, emphasis supplied). The Mark Of the Beast The Truth In the King James Version Luke 23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (KJV) The Altered Truth In Modern Translations Luke 23:38 There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (NIV) Luke 23:38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” (RSV) The NIV and RSV omit: “in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew.” Pioneer Seventh-day Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -97- Adventists have used this text for years to prove that, VICARIOUS FILII DEI (the title given to the Pope of Rome, and inscribed on his triple crown) adds up to 666 in the three ancient languages of the world – “in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew.” Modern Protestant versions, revisions and paraphrases have omitted this important fact from the Scriptures. It is interesting to note that these were the most prevalent languages at the time of Christ. At the time of the crucifixion there were many different nationalities gathered at Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. That is why the sign in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, was placed over the cross. These are just a few texts (many more could be used if time or space, or reams of paper would allow) used as an example of how it is difficult, indeed, virtually impossible, to prove pioneer Seventh-day Adventist truth from these modern translations. Notice that I said “pioneer” Adventist truth. The “new theology” permeating the contemporary Seventh-day Adventist Church is easy to prove from modern translations. The New International Version Serendipity New Testament Garrie Williams, at the time Oregon Conference ministerial secretary, developed a system of home Bible studies entitled, “Homes of Hope.” These lessons used a new NIV version called, The Serendipity New Testament for Work Groups as the textbook for the lessons. One only has to examine this publication to see that it is one of the most subtle heretical tools of the “new” theology so prevalent throughout contemporary Adventism. The leadership of the Oregon Conference considered the lessons a great success. The leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church invited Garrie Williams to teach this method throughout the North American Division, of course, using The Serendipity New Testament for Work Groups, New International Version, as the text book. Garrie Williams, Oregon Conference, has been asked by the North American Division to be its consultant on Small Group Ministries. Williams, who continues to serve as Oregon’s ministerial director, will also be available to work with other conferences and unions in the U.S. and Canada at their expense. Creator of Oregon’s “Homes of Hope” small group nurture and evangelism concept, Williams has also developed companion ministries that focus on prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. The integration of small groups, the focus on the Holy Spirit, and the prayer emphasis have thrust Williams into international prominence. “People in Transition,” North Pacific Union Gleaner, March 4, 1991, page 21. (emphasis supplied). The New Seventh-day Adventist Bible In the spring of 1994 the Review and Herald published a new paraphrase of the Scriptures, written by Dr. Jack J. Blanco, a professor at Southern Union College. This paraphrase is endorsed on the back cover by the highest ranking leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Among them, Robert S. Folkenberg, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Richard M. Davidson, chairman, Old Testament Department, Theological Seminary, Andrews University; Emilio B. Knechtle, revivalist; Malcolm D. Gordon, president, Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Randy Fisher, associate editor, Guide Magazine, and Miriam Wood, author of the “Dear Miriam” column in the Adventist Review, to name a few. We now have a Seventh-day Adventist Bible, not unlike Jehovah’s Witnesses’ with their New World Translation, and Mormons with their Book of Mormon. THE CLEAR WORD BIBLE [Contemporary Seventh-day Adventist Paraphrase] has a way of making you Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -98- feel more aware of the thoughts and feelings of the inspired authors of Scripture. That is because every text is phrased to make its original meaning as plain as possible to a modern reader. The following comparisons between common translations and THE CLEAR WORD BIBLE illustrate how the message of a text becomes more fully transparent. (emphasis theirs). From the jacket flyleaf of The Clear Word Bible. Is this statement from the jacket flyleaf of The Clear Word Bible true? Does the new contemporary Seventh-day Adventist Bible paraphrase really “illustrate how the message of a text becomes more fully transparent?” We will compare several key Bible texts from the King James Version of Scripture to The Clear Word Bible. We will select key texts used by pioneer Adventists to prove “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” – and let the reader decide the answer to this question. Let us begin with Daniel 12:1, a most important text to Seventh-day Adventists indeed. This text was used by pioneer Adventists to illustrate the close of human probation and the beginning of the time of trouble – the seven last plagues. And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1) Authorized King James Version. (emphasis supplied). Gabriel continued, “At that time, Michael, the Great Prince who watches over God’s people, will stand up to announce the verdict of the judgement and bring all things to an end. But before this, a time of trouble will come upon the whole world, such as has never happened since there first were nations. That’s when God’s people will be delivered, everyone whose name is written in His book. (Daniel 12:1). The Clear Word Bible. (emphasis supplied). Notice that in the new contemporary Seventh-day Adventist paraphrase, the time of trouble the seven last plagues) comes before Michael stands up. Pioneer Adventists taught that when Michael stands up that would be the close of probation, then the seven last plagues would follow. The close of probation comes before the seven last plagues, not after! “When Christ stands up, and leaves the most holy place,” Ellen White stated, then the time of trouble commences.” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, page 134, emphasis supplied). I saw that the anger of the nations, the wrath of God, and the time to judge the dead were separate and distinct, one following the other, also that Michael had not stood up, and that the time of trouble, such as never was, had not yet commenced. The nations are now getting angry, but when our High Priest has finished His work in the sanctuary, He will stand up, put on the garments of vengeance, and then the seven last plagues will be poured out. Ellen G. White, Early Writings, p. 36. (emphasis supplied) “Do His Commandments” Or “Washed Their Robes?” An important text used by pioneer Seventh-day Adventists to prove the validity of the ten commandments is found in Revelation 22:14 The Clear Word Bible, paraphrase of the SDA Church, follows the erroneous rendering of the NIV and RSV. Notice that the new SDA paraphrase follows the modern translations perfectly by stating that the blessed are those that have “washed their robes,” instead of those who “do his commandments.” This rendering fits perfectly with the “new theology” of the Church. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14. Authorized King James Version. (emphasis supplied). I, John, understood that those who are blessed are those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -99- Lamb. This is what gives the right to the Tree of Life and to enter through the gates into the City. Revelation 22:14. The Clear Word Bible. (emphasis supplied). “The Faith OF Jesus” Or “Faith IN Jesus?” At the General Conference held in Battle Creek, October 5 and 6, 1861, it was, “Resolved, That this Conference recommend the following church covenant: “We, the undersigned, hereby associate ourselves together, as a church, taking the name, Seventh-day Adventists, covenanting to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus Christ.” (Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich. October. 8, 1861, emphasis supplied). The document was “Seconded by Bro. Hull and Adopted.” The document was then signed by James White, John N. Loughborough, Uriah Smith, Merritt E. Cornell, and Moses Hull. (ibid., R&H, Oct. 8, 1861). “Unfurling the banner on which is inscribed the message of the third angel,” Ellen White declared, “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (General Conference Daily Bulletin, April 13, 1891, emphasis supplied). The byword of pioneer Seventh-day Adventists was, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” What has happened to our banner of truth in the new SDA Clear Word Bible? Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:12). Authorized King James Version. (emphasis supplied). Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:12). Revised Standard Version It is very important to note that the Revised Standard Version agrees completely with the King James Version on this text, “the faith OF Jesus.” However, the New International Version and the Seventh-day Adventist Clear Word Bible do not! This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. (Revelation 14:12). The New International Version. (emphasis supplied). Now note carefully how The Clear Word Bible (SDA paraphrase) agrees totally with the erroneous New International Version on this passage. They both erroneously render the text “faith IN Jesus,” rather than “the faith OF Jesus.” These things that I saw will call for special endurance on the part of God’s people who keep the commandments of God and are faithful to Jesus. (Revelation 14:12). The Clear Word Bible. (emphasis supplied). The Revised Standard, New International, and indeed most contemporary versions of the Bible, were translated from the Vaticanus and Sinaiticus Greek manuscripts. The Roman Catholic Latin Vulgate was also strongly considered by the contemporary translators. Yet the Revised Standard Version agrees with the King James Version on Revelation 14:12! The New International Version disagrees. Now, this most important question must be asked:– If the scholars of contemporary Seventh-day Adventism believe so strongly in these spurious Greek and Hebrew manuscripts, and the Latin Vulgate, why do they follow the New International Version on this rendering of Revelation 14:12? Why did Blanco follow the New International Version instead of the Revised Standard Version in his Clear Word Bible? Why not accept the Revised Standard Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -100- Version? The RSV rendering is more “Adventist” is it not? The answer can only be that the New International Version supports the contemporary Seventh-day Adventist “new theology” position on the doctrine of “free grace.” The New International Version and the Seventh-day Adventist Church The New International Version seems to be preferred more than four to one by contemporary Seventh-day Adventist leadership, scholars, writers, and the ministry. It is the one quoted most often from the SDA pulpits of the day. One has only to note the Bible credits in recent theological books published by the Pacific Press and Review and Herald to see that this conclusion is correct. These two are the official publishing houses of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. In the back of the “New” Seventh-day Adventist Church Hymnal are “Responsive Bible Readings” numbered in correspondence with the hymns. In these quotations the New International Version is quoted 68 times, and the Revised Standard Version 28 times. The “New” Revised Standard Version was not yet published at the time the “New” SDA Church Hymnal was prepared. However, it is certain that the “New” RSV would have been quoted instead of the RSV had it been available. As noted before, the “New” Revised Standard Version has the IMPRIMATUR of the Roman Catholic Church inside the front cover, and comes complete with the Apocrypha books approved by the Council of Trent. The Authorized King James version, in which pioneer Seventh-day Adventists searched out the great Advent truth, is quoted only 14 times. Interestingly, the Jerusalem Bible, the new Roman Catholic edition, is quoted 38 times, second only to the New International Version! The Only Conclusion Possible In our study of modern translations we discovered that 16 texts are completely omitted from the New Testament in the contemporary versions of the Bible. In another study it can be shown that portions of 35 texts are omitted, many times changing the meaning of the text. Because there are 16 “omitted,” 35 “partially omitted,” and 69 “altered” texts in the New Testament of modern translations, it should be obvious to the reader that the only version of the Word of God that is reliable for study is the Authorized King James Bible, translated from the Received Greek manuscripts. It was the Bible of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and it is the only true Word of God for these last days! A Warning Against Altering the Scriptures “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.” (Deuteronomy 4:2, KJV, emphasis supplied). “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.” (Revelation 22:19, KJV, emphasis supplied) The Pure Holy Scriptures A Safeguard “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,” the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all Chapter 6 Modern Translations and SDA Doctrine -101- good works.” II Timothy 3:15-17, King James Version, emphasis supplied). Dear Adventist brother and sister – do not be deceived. Dr. Benjamin Wilkinson was right to boldly denounce the English Revised and American Revised Versions of the Bible, and defend the Authorized Version back in 1928-1930. Again, the proof is in the history. (1) The American Revised Version became the Revised Standard Version, official Bible of the National Council of Churches of America. (2) In 1991, the Revised Standard Version became the “New” Revised Standard Version, with the IMPRIMATUR of the Roman Catholic Church written boldly on the inside cover. Should not Adventists be alarmed? Wilkinson told the truth – Walcott and Hort’s Revised translation was indeed inspired by the Jesuits of Rome, and now has been officially endorsed by the Papacy! What more proof is needed? Today, leadership, scholars and ministry of the contemporary Seventh-day Adventist Church openly accept the “New” Revised Standard Version, the official translation of the National Council of Churches and the Papacy. It is recognized as the “common Bible” between Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church. The New International Version, which reads almost word for word like the “New” Revised Standard Version, is read freely from Adventist pulpits. Why should we as Protestants desire a corrupted Bible inspired by Satan through the so-called “church fathers,” scribes of the Papacy, and the Jesuits of Rome? Why cannot contemporary Adventist scholars be content with the translation of the Bible in which the Lord led our pioneers into the great Present Truth of our Advent message? Was not the translation of the King James Version inspired by God through the true Protestants of the reformation? We hear much today from contemporary theologians about “reformation theology.” Is it not strange that they are unwilling to accept the Reformation Scriptures? Thus we see how a mutilated New Testament has come to be recognized by the majority of Christendom today, including the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Why, we ask? Why desire a new Bible? Could the answer be ecumenical? [The worse Bible translation ever, besides the Catholic Bibles, is the NIV !]