Chapter 1

In writing this book I feel that it is here necessary to explain a few things. First this book is not written by a biblical scholar that has spent years in the study of Greek or Hebrew. It is not intended to address the minds of those of great learning. It is written by a layperson and is intended for the layperson. It is based on the idea of taking the Bible as it reads and comparing the doctrine found in the translations to see if there is reason to reject or accept a translation based on how it compares with the KJV. As a Seventh-day Adventist that believes that the doctrines we hold are found in the Bible, including what constitutes a true prophet, I will refer to the writings of Ellen White. As I have done this comparative study my understanding of what is in the Bible and just how strongly Ellen White’s writings agree with the Bible has been greatly strengthened. I will therefore refer to her in the same way that I would refer to the writings of Paul or James or Matthew or any other prophet. But I wish to let the Bible speak for itself and allow the compared verses to speak for themselves.

I would like to mention here that I whole heartily agree that some words in the KJV are very difficult to understand, and I agree that a translation using words that are more common would be very helpful, but I reject any bible that has doctrinal changes. If I cannot find a bible in modern English that maintains the doctrines of the KJV then I will find the meanings of those old English words.

Perhaps the reader of this thesis has even at this early stage felt that the author’s position is extreme and that she has an unbalanced view of the Bible. However, I hope that you will consider a couple of facts. One is that this author had for about 10 years used and studied from the NIV and trusted that all Bibles were basically the same, and that God’s word was without counterfeit. Second I have written to several Seventh-day Adventist pastors and scholars and, to date, none have answered my inquiries based on the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. Some of the subject matter which I here present I used to pass over as of little consequence. When I read my NIV I thought that the text I was reading was different because I found the wrong text and that the one I had memorized as a child was somewhere else. I hope that the reader will consider what is here presented with an open mind.

I have been on both sides of the issue as one who trusted the other translations and one who now feels the old KJV is our safest guide and I feel I have faced the subject with an open mind. I have based my conclusions on Gods Word, comparing the versions side by side.

I have received many conflicting stories about the example of Ellen White but what I have as yet been shown would in a court of law be considered hearsay. I’m not here to argue what someone said they saw her do or what theologians think. I wish to here discuss the merits (or lack of merits) of the Bible translations and how the doctrine found in them compare with Seventh-day Adventist beliefs. I want God’s word to be the basis for my doctrine. I am well aware of the fact that Ellen White used the ARV on occasion (about 5%). However, I can find no place where she accepted doctrine that was contrary to the KJV in that Bible or that she used the description of Biblical events found in our modern versions which contradict the KJV account. Also, the quotes I have seen where she used it reveal that that version did not have the problems I will here present. Or if it did she did not refer to it when quoting a text. I ask that you carefully and prayerfully consider my position. I pray that the reader will search out these things for themselves and know the Bible and its Author.

My only credentials I humbly confess are the many hours I have spent following along with another version of the Bible while listening to the KJV on audio tapes and the God given powers of reason.

I am not saying here there are no good translations (other that the KJV), or the old English used in the KJV is in some way sacred. What I am saying is doctrine is changed in most of the new translations the surface reader may be unaware of. These doctrinal changes are some the prophet of God, Ellen White, prophesied would be used by Satan to lead the world astray. What I want to do here is to make the reader aware that we need to look beyond the proof texts when choosing a Bible and carefully consider what the texts are saying. I also think we need to ask ourselves, ‘If this were the only version of the Bible I had what could I prove about my beliefs?’.

I am a lay person and I have no education in the fields of the biblical languages or theology. My educational background is in the area of Occupational Therapy. One may say since I am no scholar of the ancient languages I cannot possibly have an understanding of what the Bible really says. Some may say since I have a very limited knowledge of Greek or Hebrew, and since I don’t have access to the ancient manuscripts I can’t know the truth in this matter. But I would like to point the reader to a few references:

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little and there a little... Isaiah 28:10

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

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalm 119:130

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matt. 4:4

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. 2 Cor. 2:17

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105

The Holy Ghost is the author of the Scriptures and of the Spirit of Prophecy. These are not to be twisted and turned to mean what man may want them to mean, to carry out man's ideas and sentiments, to carry forward man's schemes at all hazards. Letter 92, 1900. Selected Messages Book 3 p. 30

I take the Bible just as it is, as the Inspired Word. I believe its utterances in an entire Bible. Men arise who think they find something to criticize in God's Word. They lay it bare before others as evidence of superior wisdom. These men are, many of them, smart men, learned men, they have eloquence and talent, the whole lifework [of whom] is to unsettle minds in regard to the inspiration of the Scriptures. They influence many to see as they do. And the same work is passed on from one to another, just as Satan designed it should be, until we may see the full meaning of the words of Christ, "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8). Selected Messages Book 1 p.7

I am intensely in earnest that our people shall realize that the only true education lies in walking humbly with God. The teachings of the Word of God are opposed to the ideas of those who think that our students must receive the mold of an education that is according to human ideas. Some are departing from the faith, as a result of receiving from the world what they regard as a "higher education." The word of God, just as it reads, contains the very essence of truth. The highest education is the keeping of the Law of God. Medical Evangelist 10-01-09

The arm of the Lord is not shortened that it cannot save. His ear is not heavy that it cannot hear. God can and will work through human agencies. He can sanctify the heart, and make the human agent a vessel unto honor. Take the word; read it, consider, pray over it; let it enter into your understanding; let the light flood the soul temple, that you may testify of these things in the churches. The word of God is infallible; accept it as it reads; look with confidence to God; trust him to qualify you for his service. We are not authorized to trust in ourselves; Christ is our helper, our sufficiency. It is his to give us the victory. Christ has brought life and immortality to light, and we are to look unto him, and take this great salvation which he has won for us through his own death. Only believe; walk by faith, not by sight. Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 02-11-96

The Word of God, just as it reads, is the ground of our faith. That Word is the sure word of prophecy, and it demands implicit faith from all who claim to believe it. It is authoritative, containing in itself the proof of its divine origin. "We have not followed cunningly-devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty." "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Signs of the Times 06-02-98

Will you take the Word of God just as it reads? Will you as a responsible agent seek to realize your accountability to God? God is the sovereign of the world. He has entrusted human beings with sacred gifts and endowed them with precious faculties. They are responsible to Him for the right use of these endowments. . . . Upward Look p.4

Satan is a cunning worker, and he will bring in subtle fallacies to darken and confuse the mind and root out the doctrines of salvation. Those who do not accept the Word of God just as it reads, will be snared in his trap. Maranatha p.56

"The words that I speak unto you," said Christ, "they are spirit, and they are life." Jeremiah testifies to the word of God, saying, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." There is divine healing in God's word, which the so-called wise and prudent cannot experience, but which is revealed to babes. "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." If this word is enshrined in the heart, it becomes the treasure-house of the mind, from which we bring forth things new and old. We no longer find pleasure in thinking of the common things of earth, but say, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 05-04-97

The word of God is light and truth--a lamp to the feet and a light to the path. It is able to guide every step of the way to the city of God. For this reason, Satan has made desperate efforts to obscure the light, that men may not find and keep the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students p. 461

Those who believe the Word of God as it reads are walking in the light; for the Bible is its own interpreter. Manuscript Releases Vol. 18 p. 145