BTC Phase 1: Lesson 3
Why KJV?
Read why the use of the King James Version of the Bible is recommended, along with a few examples of what can happen when verses are re-interpreted instead of translated.
It is true that various interpretations of the Bible offer different insights; however, in some cases these “translations” have become “re-translations” of Scripture. Though the intentions of the writers may have been to “simplify” content in order to make Scriptures easier to understand, the end result has been that, in some instances, the original meaning of certain verses has been altered, changing the focus and meaning of a given directive.
Therefore, to support the vital messages taught in the BTC Guided Study Experience, you will see Scriptures from the Authorized King James Version (KJV). Of course, even this version may not be a perfect translation from the original documents (as thought by some biblical scholars). Nonetheless, for the purposes of this BTC Study Experience, the KJV has retained the content needed. It may seem a bit tedious at first, to get used to the formal “Old European” language found in the pages, but certain fine points which remain in the contents contain vital distinctions, especially helpful to us who travel the spiritual path. (Please continue reading for examples of this.)
“Faith of Jesus” vs. “Faith in Jesus”: For instance, in the King James Version (KJV), all references to the “Faith of Jesus” have been left intact, whereas in other translations you might typically find the word “of” in this equation replaced with “in,” changing this phrase to “Faith in Jesus.” At first glance, this may seem like a fairly insignificant point; but in looking closer, we see that this is an example of the translators, having changed the meaning entirely.
While it is true that “our faith” plays an important part in the spiritual path as we reach towards God… His Faith (the Faith of Jesus) is nonetheless that which is proven. The Faith of Jesus (His Faith) is what carries the Resurrection Power and therefore is that which can ultimately facilitate a “nature change” from carnal-minded to spiritual. The Resurrection power can also show us who Jesus is from our own personal experience and show us as well, exactly how we can grow as souls. (See Romans 1:3-5 KJV.) Christ within, as the New Man/Grace/Seed of the Spirit, is what produces the total transformation of the soul, easily recognizable by the evidence of the “Fruit of the Spirit.”
This point regarding the “Faith of Jesus” is made clear when reading Hebrews 11; one can see that all of the Old Testament legends were known as people of great personal faith and love for God and yet in Hebrew 11:39 (KJV) we see, “and these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the Promise.”
So if our personal faith alone could grant a nature change from flesh-motivated to spiritual, then we would not need the perspective or power of the Spirit in this growth process; for that matter the Cross, Resurrection, and Ascension would have been unnecessary.
Thus, no matter where we are in our understanding of the process of Spiritual growth, we can likely agree that the Spirit is that which gives our soul a “point of reference” by which we can become spiritual beings, since everything reproduces after its own kind. (See Genesis 1 KJV.)
So, based on “everything being created after its own kind,” we can safely assume that it takes the Spirit itself, as well as ongoing exposure or relationship with the Holy Spirit, to help us become spiritual or “spiritual in nature,” especially knowing that the “flesh nature” is restricted in ability to the realm of the flesh; “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3: 6 (KJV)
“Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”: Another example of liberties taken by some translators is found when comparing KJV Romans 8:1 with other translations: In the KJV we see, “There is therefore now, no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” The same verse in NIV for instance, states only, “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” leaving off the additional distinction Paul makes in the KJV when he defines two groups in the Body, “those who still walk after the flesh” and “those who walk after the Spirit.”
Why is this even important? Well, to begin with, this is not the only place in Scripture (KJV) where Paul suggests to the Body that there are those of us who still struggle with resisting the urge to run back to habits of the flesh-nature when confronted with a difficult person or challenging situation. He reminds us of this issue throughout his letters at various points.
For instance, in 1 Corinthians 3:3 (KJV) we see, “For ye are yet carnal,” suggesting that some of us still try and use the wiles (ways) of the “old-man” in spite of having the Seed of the Spirit. Habits such as rage (temper fits), gossip, slander, manipulation, passive-aggressive behaviors, pride, religious conceit, or religious effete-ism, etc., are hard patterns to break. If such knee-jerk actions or reactions have helped us maintain control in the past, it can be difficult to put these “toys of a child” away, in favor of spiritually mature responses to life’s events. Here is what we read in 1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV):
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
Though we are “considered” dead to the old or “imputed” dead to the old when we come to the Cross, we still must learn how to walk in this new identity. So, as we continue on through life, even if we are “Spirit-filled,” we will be confronted daily with the choice to “react” through one of the ways/wiles of the old-nature or to deny the urges of this “self-nature” in favor of using the Armor of God.
Let’s look at the all important, Ephesians 6:11-18 (KJV):
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Thus, we find in Scriptures, Paul’s numerous efforts to remind us to make the right choices; he urges us over and over in many of his letters, to be among those who “walk after the Spirit.” He “taught the truth in love,” and his hope was that we might learn to discern our own motives when facing our transformational challenges, thereby seeking the “Ways of the Spirit” rather than the wiles of the “old man.”
In so doing we fulfill the purpose of “having come through the Cross and having received Grace,” as we “put off the old man to put on the new,” becoming those “whose tree will be known by its Fruit.”
Galatians 5: 22-23 (KJV) tells us: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
As for the latter example taken from KJV vs. NIV version of Romans 8:1, can you see at this point, how certain critical and relevant messages have gotten lost “in translation” that could have provided guidance to greatly benefit the Body?
So though most believe that ultimately, the Holy Ghost will guide the sincere seekers no matter which translation of Bible is used, nonetheless, I thank you for bearing with me here, as I continue with use of the King James Version (KJV) throughout the course of the BTC Journey; and it may happen for you as it happened for me, that after studying these specialized articles, your passion may deepen for the good old-fashioned KJV, as these important distinctions are explained.
It was quite a revelation to me when I first learned of the differences between versions of the Bible; and with Rev. Newmyer’s help, it has become easier and easier to read and understand the King James Bible, even with the “Old English” present. (Rev. Newmyer’s articles are included in the content available at MOTL Online Library.)
Holy Ghost vs. Holy Spirit: There is one more example of mis-translation, that comes to mind, but worth mentioning here. In the original, authorized King James Version (KJV), you will find the term “Holy Ghost” mentioned over 80 times, while the term “Holy Spirit” is only mentioned about 7 times. However, many of the newer translations of the Bible have eliminated the term “Holy Ghost” altogether and instead we only find references to the “Holy Spirit.”
OK, if we all know that there are three elements to the Trinity often mentioned to describe “One God,” then, does it matter which name we give the “Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit? Well, if we understand that the Spirit was not “given” until Pentecost, then the very mention of the Holy Spirit in King James is special indeed, referring to the presence of the Resurrection Power within us, which came as “Grace,” “Greater He,” “The New Man,” etc.
“Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh: And declared to be the Son of God with Power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name.”
When we read this verse of Romans 1:3-5 (KJV), we see that the Spirit (Spirit of Holiness) and the Resurrection Power are linked.
Understanding what “the Spirit is” allows us to also grasp what Jesus “brought about” with His sacrifice and glorification. What is even more critical to our growth is the point when we realize that the Spirit is the element which helps our souls transform, taking us beyond the limits of the flesh-bound nature.
Jesus was the “First Born” of the Spirit and now, we can also “enter” this process and follow in His footsteps. Though the Holy Ghost is the “guiding element” of God and therefore has always been the “Wisdom” behind prophecy from ancient times, the prophets and sages, including John the Baptist, did not always know “of what” they spoke as “led by the Holy Ghost,” nor did any of these earlier prophets experience being “born again” by the Spirit/The Promise, which came later (at Pentecost). However, these early Prophets were at times, used by God to proclaim what was coming; and though it is clear that they all loved God greatly, according to Hebrews 11:39 (KJV), their experience did not include elements of “The Promise,” as we see here….. “and these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.”
The Seal of the Holy Spirit of Promise: For another example, we see in Ephesians 1:13 (KJV), “After that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.”
This indicates that “something” was added “to us” in the form of a “Seal/Spirit” after we committed ourselves to a relationship with Jesus. The Holy Ghost, or guiding & empowering element of God, led us to the Cross; but it is the Spirit which we encounter with the second aspect of Baptism (Spirit) which “seals us” and empowers us to undergo a “nature change,” after the commitment is made. (We will cover the three aspects of Baptism which are Water, Spirit & Fire in our next BTC Phase.)
The Record in Heaven and the Witness on Earth: One of the easiest places in Scripture to see the distinction between Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit is in This indicates that “something” was added “to us” in the form of a “Seal/Spirit” after we committed ourselves to a relationship with Jesus. The Holy Ghost, or guiding element of God led us to the Cross; but it is the Spirit which we encounter with the second aspect of Baptism (Spirit) which “seals us” and empowers us to undergo a “nature change,” after the commitment is made. (We will cover the three aspects of Baptism which are Water, Spirit & Fire in our next BTC Phase.)
The Record in Heaven and the Witness on Earth: One of the easiest places in Scripture to see the distinction between Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit, is in 1 John 5: 7-8 (KJV):
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”
With this Scripture we see that The Holy Ghost exists and functions among the three “In Heaven.” But the “Gift of the Holy Ghost,” which is The Spirit, is what manifests within us or shall we say, “through us” on earth. This is also confirmed just prior in verse six with, “it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.”
We also see references to the Spirit being “The Gift of the Holy Ghost,” in Acts 2:38 (KJV): “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Also, another reference to “The Promise” is found in the next verse (Acts 2:39), “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
Conclusion – Bearing Good Fruit: So, regardless of which translation of the Bible that you customarily use, to help you better understand the BTC Lessons, I encourage you to at least reference the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, along with your other study aids, then seek the Holy Spirit for confirmation as to the meaning and appropriate application of the principles being shared.
If, as a result of your study time, you experience a deeper relationship with The Spirit and are able to walk more fully in the path of Mercy and Grace as given by the Master, then we thank God and also pray, that as you continue to grow in Grace, you will experience more and more ways to share your love and heart for God with others, everywhere you go. May the Lord Bless and guide you in your studies.
“Why KJV?” is written by Ann M. Wolf © 2016, All rights reserved.
