----- Here are a few of the problems found in the NIV
----- 1. Gross Mistranslation of Acts 2:27 and 2:31
NIV: 27because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy one see decay. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.
----- "Me" is substituted for "my soul," and "the grave" is substituted for "Hades" by the NIV.

----- Here are the two verses as given in the English Study Bible, with footnotes and references:
----- 27. Because you will not abandon my soul to Hades2, nor allow your Holy One to see corruption.
----- 31. He foresaw the resurrection of Christ, and spoke of it; that he was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh decay. Psalm 132:11; see 2 Sam. 7:12,13
----- Hades is the unseen abode of the departed soul or spirit, not the grave where the dead body lies.
----- There is no Greek text available having what NIV gives in this verse. The false wording is deliberate; evil.
----- God warns against adding to, taking from, or changing his holy word (Deut. 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Rev.22:18,19).

----- 2. NIV Re-words and Paraphrases Romans 10:10
----- to teach "faith only,"
a favorite doctrine of the version.
----- The NIV has: 10"For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
----- According to this false statement from the NIV, when one believes he/she is justified [made righteous]. When one confesses he/she is saved.
----- God does not say that. God says," For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is unto salvation."
----- Here is the ESB on Rom.10:10:
----- 10. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is unto salvation.
----- God says that faith is unto righteousness, and confession is unto salvation. Both faith (belief) and confession are in "the direction of" - "toward" righteousness and salvation.
----- There is no justification for the "salvation at the point of faith" position of the NIV in this passage (and elsewhere).

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-----1.The SOUL (spirit, not the body) returns to God at death (Eccl. 12:7; Luke 16:22,23; 23:43).
-----2.HADES, from hades, the abode of departed spirits awaiting the judgment (Luke 16:22,23; Eccl. 12:7; Luke 23:43). Not "the grave" as some have it (e.g. NIV). See 1 Pet.3:20,21.

----- Beware!
----- One can teach a lot of religious error through the NIV.
Will God hold us accountable for it? This writer believes that he will.

----- 3. The NIV Mistranslates ----- Romans 1:17, Putting in "Faith Only" ----- (See Romans 10:10 above.)
----- NIV: 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
----- A literal translation of the Greek: For in it God's righteousness is revealed out of faith unto faith, as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
----- The ESB & note have:
----- 17. For in it God's righteousness1 is revealed out of faith unto faith2, as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Hab. 2:4
----- Note: The gospel reveals God's righteousness--shows how he can forgive sin through Jesus Christ, and at the same time remain just in condemning sin in the unbelievers. Cf. Romans 3:25,26.
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-----1.GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS is shown in his forgiving past sins through the blood of Christ (Rom. 3:25,26).
-----2.OUT OF FAITH UNTO FAITH - out of "the faith," the gospel, unto faith (belief) which comes by hearing the word (Rom. 10:17).

----- 4. Mistranslation of Romans 3:31 Holding to the Law of Moses
----- The NIV mistranslates and paraphrases Romans 3:31, apparently to preserve the Law of Moses as being valid and established and "upheld".
----- NIV: 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
-----(The main thing wrong with that rendering is that it is not what God said!)

----- The English Study Bible has:
----- 31. Do we then make law null and void by the faith? Let it not be! Instead, we establish law3.
----- The ESB has it exactly as the Greek original - nothing added or taken away - nothing changed even slightly. This is precisely what every version should have.
----- Denominational thought is in favor of keeping the Law of Moses as still valid; and that we are not really under any kind of law now - just grace.
----- The NIV makes it easy to teach such denominational doctrines, with apparent support from their "Bible."

----- The "law we establish" (verse 31) is the law of Christ (1 Cor.9:21). There Paul states that he was under that law.
----- Note: The faith (see Jude 3) is the system of doctrine, the body of doctrine, that makes up God's law in this age.
-----It is obvious that we do not establish the Law of Moses, for it was fulfilled by the death of Christ. It was abolished "in his flesh" on the cross (Ephesians 2:15ff; Colossians 2:14).
-----The law "we establish" is the law of faith.

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-----3.WE ESTABLISH LAW; the law of faith (verse 27). It is the law of liberty (James 1:25; 2:12); the law of God, Christ's law (1 Cor. 9:21).

----- 5.NIV on Rom.3:27
----- NIV: 27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith."
-----(The Greek has, pou oun he kauchesis; exekleisthe. dia poiou nomou; ton ergon; ouchi, alla dia nomon pisteos.)
----- The English Study Bible has:
----- 27. Where is boasting then? It is eliminated. Through what law? The Law of works? No! But through the law of faith1.
----- Note: The law of faith is Christ's doctrine (2 John 9). It is "the faith" of Jude 3. It is the perfect law of liberty of James 1:25. It is the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21).
----- The law of faith is the law "we establish" as indicated in Rom.3:31.
----- No excuse for the NIV
----- The NIV translators and revisers can not blame their mishandling of this verse on the passage being obscure or uncertain. There is no room for misunderstanding what the Greek has.
----- They deliberately changed God's word to read what they wanted it to say.

----- 6. A favorite NIV doctrine:
----- Salvation at the Point of Faith.
----- The NIV mistranslates and changes Ephesians 1:13 radically.
----- NIV: 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. In him, when you believed, you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.

----- The ESB has:
----- 13. In whom also you all, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom, after you believed, you were sealed by2 the Holy Spirit of promise.
----- This is precisely what the Greek has.
-----Note: The NIV has a person saved and sealed with the Holy Spirit at the point of faith. This is their "faith only" position in Romans 1:17 also: "a righteousness that is by faith from first to last."
----- This passage, along with Romans 1:17, should be enough for anyone who loves the Lord and respects his word. The NIV is unreliable at every turn.
----- We should not encourage false doctrine by using and/or recommending the NIV. It is filled with such gross errors.

-----7. The NIV Adds to God's Word in many passages
The NIV adds to the word of God. (See Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22: 18.)
----- NIV on Galatians 4:6: 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, "Abba, Father." The NIV adds, "The Spirit who" to the verse (without warning the reader that it did).
----- This was done, evidently, to be sure that the reader would think that it is the Holy Spirit doing the crying, "Abba, Father." ("We cry Abba, Father" - Romans 8:15.)
----- This same practice (of adding words and capitalizing words), to direct the readers to the same biased conclusions held by the translators and revisers, is evident in Romans 8 also.
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-----1.THE LAW OF FAITH is Christ's law in this age; even as the Law of Moses was God's Law before the cross, but abolished "in his flesh" (Eph. 2:15). See 1 Cor. 9:21 and footnote.
-----2.BY, from the dative case of the phrase. This is common idiom in the Greek of the New Testament. The context usually indicates the preposition to be used. Here either "by" or "in" would do.
----- The NIV's misconduct in this verse should be enough to make anyone stand in doubt about every part of the version, and to shun it as if were a plague - which it is. It does not serve Christ (see Romans 16:17,18). See 2 John 10.

----- 8. More "faith only" doctrine in the NIV
----- In Romans 5:2 NIV has, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand.
----- The Greek and The English Study Bible have:
-----2. Through whom also we have access by the faith unto this grace1 in which we stand and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. ("the faith" = "Christ's doctrine"; "the gospel - see Gal.1:11,23)
----- This is what the Greek of the inspired word says. It is the word of God.
----- There is much difference between "faith" (belief) and "the faith" (Christ's doctrine); yet, the NIV changes "the faith" (Christ's doctrine) into "faith" (belief) regularly.
----- You can be certain that God is not well pleased with such high-handed mis-use of his holy word.
----- One might as well play with a cage full of rattle-snakes as to trust the NIV.
----- Liberalism is the fruit of using the NIV. It destroys one's faith in the word of God if believed and followed.

----- 9. More "Faith Only" in the NIV
----- NIV has, in Philippians 3:9, 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness _ of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
----- Here is how it is in the ESB:
----- 9. And be found in him, not having my righteousness which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is from God based upon the faith2.
-----This is precisely what the Greek has.
----- The righteousness from God is based on the gospel, his power to save the believers (Romans 1:16,17). It is based on (epi) "the faith."
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-----1.BY THE FAITH UNTO THIS GRACE - "The faith" is the gospel, God's power to beget (1 Cor. 4:15; James 1:18; Luke 8:11). It reveals God's grace to all people (Mark 16:15,16; Rom. 1:16,17; Titus 2:11-14). It is "by grace through the faith" (Eph. 2:8). Grace teaches (Titus 2:11,12). It is "the word of his grace" that is able to guide us (Acts 20:32).

-----10. The NIV Teaches Premillennialism
----- The NIV changes the text of Ephesians 1:10, injecting the premillennial theory.
----- (Acts 3:20,21 is perverted also.) See 2 Thess.2:13.
----- Eph.3:10 in the NIV:
----- 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
----- On Eph.1:10 the ESB has:
----- 10. Unto an administration of the fullness of times, to bring together all things under one head, in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth, in him.
----- The NIV "wrests" the word of God - perverts the word of God - to teach that sometime in the future all things shall be put under Christ.
----- That false doctrine is not taught anywhere in the Bible. It is a figment of the imagination of men.
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-----2.BASED UPON THE FAITH - The only way we can be righteous is in Christ Jesus; and we get into Christ where all spiritual blessings are (Eph. 1:3) at the point of immersion into him (Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27). There is no other way into Christ.

----- 11. NIV's Paragraph Heading are Misleading
----- (Using this one to teach their Premillennialism)
----- The NIV is misleading in the paragraph heading of Romans 11:25ff. The NIV heads the paragraph with:
----- "All Israel Will Be Saved."
----- This might be mistakenly deduced from verse 26, "And so all Israel will be saved . . ." - it might be thus deduced by someone who does not know the Greek.
----- But the translators of the NIV present themselves as masters of that language - telling us just what it means.
----- The "so" of this verse is from houtos, "in this manner," "thus."
----- Israel shall be saved, as indicated in v. 23, "If they do not abide in unbelief."
----- The premillennial theory has Christ hindered from establishing his kingdom while here on earth, but coming back to Jerusalem - to gather all the Jews - and reign on David's throne for 1,000 years.
----- So, they would rather pervert the word with such paragraph headings, just to uphold their religious beliefs.
----- The gospel is God's power to save both Jews and non-Jews (Romans 1:16).
----- Everyone, both Jew and non-Jew, must come to God by the same route--by the gospel (Romans 1:16). It is God's power to save every person who believes (the unbeliever is condemned already, John 3:18 - see also John 8:24).
----- God is no respecter of person (Acts 10:34). People are not saved as nations, but as individuals. "He who believes and is immersed shall be saved" (Mark 16:16).
----- Every Jew or non-Jew who believes and obeys the gospel is among the saved. The Lord adds him/her to his church (Acts 2:38-47).
----- How much is enough?
----- Such misleading paragraph headings should be enough to make one distrust the NIV.

----- 12. The NIV rewrites and paraphrases God's word
----- Acts 11:17 is rewritten and paraphrased.
----- The NIV has, 17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think I could oppose God?
----- The ESB has: 17. Therefore if God gave them the same gift1 as to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?"
----- Not, "When we believed"
----- Peter was not talking about "when we believed," but "to us who believed" (Acts 2:1-4; 5:32).
----- The gift the apostles received on Pentecost was that of languages. The Gentiles, in the household of Cornelius, were immersed in the Holy Spirit, and they received the gift of languages, which proved to the Jewish brethren who were with Peter that God had accepted the Gentiles into the kingdom.
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-----1.THE SAME GIFT-that of other languages (Acts 2:4,7,8;10: 10:45,46; See 1 Cor.12:10 "languages of nationalities" given by the Spirit.

NIV is filled with such perversions
----- The NIV is filled with perversions like this. See Galatians 1:6-9.

----- 13. NIV keeps one saved - can't fall
----- NIV has 1 Peter 2:2 like this, 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.
----- The Greek & the ESB have: 2. As newborn babies desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow by it unto salvation.
----- The denominational view that one has "salvation" and can't lose it is NIV's position in this verse, and elsewhere.
-----_ "Growing up unto salvation" and "growing up in your salvation" are two very different concepts.

----- 14. The NIV substitutes.
----- "Sinful Nature" for "flesh" is Calvin's Doctrine of Total Depravity - Inherited Sin
----- The NIV substitutes in many passages.
----- This strongly indicates that the translators believed in "inherited sin"--"Adamic sin." See Romans 7:18; 8:4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13 . . . 13:14; Galatians 5:13, 17, 18, 24.
----- When will we say, "Enough!"
----- This one gross abuse of God's holy word should forever bar the NIV from the use by those who love the Lord and respect his word.

----- 15. Calvinism again Direct Operation of the Holy Spirit
----- The NIV mistranslates 1 Cor. 2:14. ----- NIV: 14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot under-stand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

-----The verse, heading, & note in ESB:
----- The uninspired Man
----- (See 2 Peter 1:20,21)
----- 14. But the uninspired1 man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God; indeed they are foolishness to him; and he cannot know, for they are spiritually judged.
-----Note: The NIV teaches Calvin's doctrine of man's inability to understand or accept God's word without a direct operation and influence of the Holy Spirit.
----- The NIV encourages and favors almost all the denominational doctrines. This makes it quite popular among those who do not respect God's Word.
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-----1.UNINSPIRED, from psuchikos, unspiritual; uninspired; worldly. almost all the major denominational doctrines. This makes is quite popular among those who do not respect God's word.

-----16. NIV "Adds To" God's Word
----- The NIV adds to the word of God without giving any indication that words not in the original language are being used in 1 Corinthians 7:36-38 (and in many other passages).
----- NIV: 36If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting along in years and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. 37But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin--this man also does the right thing. 38So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does even better.
----- Here is the ESB, with footnotes:
----- Such Virgins are to Marry
----- 36. If anyone considers that he is acting in an unsuitable manner toward his virginity2, and such a person is passing the prime of life, and if thus it should be; he is to do what he wishes; it is not a sin; such are to marry.
----- 37. But he who stands firm in his own heart, having no necessity, but having control of his own will; and has decided in his own heart to keep himself3 a virgin, does well.
----- 38. So then the one who is a virgin, who marries, does well; and the one who does not marry does better.
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-----2.His or her state of being a virgin. If, due to age or necessity one decides to marry, such should.
-----3.HIMSELF, from heautou, a reflexive pronoun of the third person; himself, herself, itself. It is used with all the genders. The masculine pronouns are used in the generic sense in this passage.

-----The NIV changes, adds, and subtracts from the sacred text--and that without giving the reader the slightest hint that these things have been done. Such ought not to be! They inject their opinions and sectarian doctrines into the text at will, and remove or becloud words, phrases, and verses that are objectionable to their doctrinal bias.
----- Note Mark 16:9-20 as an example.
----- The NIV inserts, in brackets, before verse 9: [The most reliable early MSS omit Mark 16:9-20].
----- In fact only two manuscripts (of importance) omit the verses--the Aleph and B (the Vaticanus). All the other major manuscripts and most of the minor manuscripts contain the last 12 verses of Mark: A, C, D, K, X Delta, Theta, Pi, f13, 28, 33, 274, 565, etc.
----- Other places where Aleph and B are lacking a part of the text go unnoticed by the NIV and others. For example, all of Hebrews from 9:14 to the end is lacing in the Vaticanus (B). Yet, not a word about it in the NIV and others. It happens that Mark 16:9-20 is a "thorn in the flesh" to some favorite sectarian doctrines. As a result, we have this determined effort to remove it from God's word.

----- 17. "United With" Rather Than "Immersed Into Christ."
-----The NIV injects "faith only" and paraphrases Galatians 3:26,27.
----- NIV: 26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were united with Christ in baptism have been clothed with Christ.
----- Here is the ESB on Gal.3:26,27, with subject headings & footnotes:
----- Children of God in Christ,
----- through The Faith
----- 26. For you are all children of God in Christ Jesus through the faith. Immersed into Christ (See Romans 6:3,4)
-----27. For as many as have been immersed into Christ1 have put on Christ.
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-----1.IMMERSED INTO CHRIST - The Bible shows no other way into Christ. One believes, repents and confesses unto life; salvation, but one is immersed into Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27).

----- The word "baptize" is capable of being understood in more than one way. The Greek does not say what the NIV gives as its version.

----- 18. NIV obscures - hides the true meaning
"Perfection" Rather Than "The Completed Word"
-----The NIV mistranslates and changes the meaning in 1 Corinthians 13:9,10.
----- NIV: 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

----- Here is the ESB with notes:
----- 9. For we know a portion and prophesy a portion. 10. But when the completed revelation comes, that which is by portion will be done away2.
----- Note: When "that which is perfect" (the complete law of faith--the "perfect law of liberty" James 1:25)--came, with the final words of inspiration having been written; the partial things, e.g. tongues, prophecies, knowledge (as gifts of the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:8) ceased. They were no longer needed after the word of God had been confirmed. See Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:1-4.
----- The NIV so changes the meaning of verse 10 that it has no bearing on the gifts of the Spirit ending at the coming of the completed word of inspiration.
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-----2.THE PARTIAL GIFTS would (and did) cease when the Scriptures were finished. The perfect law of liberty (James 1:25) made the gifts unnecessary.

----- 19. NIV Misleads the Readers
----- NIV adds capitals and changes gender in Romans 8:16.
----- NIV: 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
----- A literal translation of the Greek:
----- "That same spirit [or, "that spirit"] bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
-----ESB, text, headings & notes have:
----- As God's Children we have a Spirit of Sonship, In Christ Jesus Gal.4:5-7
----- 16. The same spirit1 of sonship bears witness with our spirit that we are God's children.
----- Note: In verse 15 we are told that the Christian did not receive "a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you received a spirit of sonship, in which we cry, Abba, Father." Compare this with Galatians 4:6. We cry, "Abba, Father," because we have a spirit of sonship. This is the "spirit of God's son." We are not slaves. We are God's children (Galatians 3:26,27).
----- The NIV capitalized spirit and changed the neuter gender of spirit to masculine-from "it" to "him." This forces the reader to the same conclusion as that held by the translators, that it is the Holy Spirit doing the testifying with our spirit.
----- The word that the NIV translated "himself," and that this writer translated "the same" [or "that"] is auto. It may be translated by: "the same," "that," or "itself," depending on the context.
----- An example
----- For example, see Luke 10:21 and 13:1. These verses have the same construction and word order as Romans 8:16.
----- The Greek of Romans 8:16 is "auto (neuter gender) pneuma." That of Luke 10:21 is "aute (feminine gender) te hora," and in Luke 13:1 it is "auto to kairo."
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-----1.THE SAME SPIRIT, from auto to pneuma, means precisely, "the same spirit" here. The phrase has been long mistranslated as,"The Spirit itself" (KJV and many others) and, "The Spirit himself" (ASV and some others). Here it relates to our consciousness of being a child of God rather than a slave. That inner awareness (sense, spirit, feeling) is what the writer is relating. See Luke 2:38; 10:7,21; 12:12; 13:1; 20:19; 23:12; 24:13,33; Acts 16:18 and notes for this use of auto.
----- The NIV translates Luke 10:21 with, "At that time." The KJV has, "in that hour," which is exactly what the Greek says.
----- The NIV translates Luke 13:1 as, "At that time . . ." This is correct for both Luke 10:21 and 13:1.
----- Determined, wilful perversion
----- However, in Romans 8:16, even though the word order (of the phrase) is identical with the Luke passages, and even though the context of Romans 8:16 is dealing with the spirit of sonship which we have as God's children, the NIV translators (and most others) are determined that the readers reach the doctrinal conclusions held by the translators and revisers.
----- See how it looks with verses 15 and 16 together: "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery again to fear, but you received a spirit of sonship, in which we cry, 'Abba, Father;' that same spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
----- Compare Romans 9:1: ". . . my conscience bearing witness with me."
----- The "spirit of sonship"--the attitude and sense of being a son of God--bears witness with us (in the same manner the conscience bears witness) that we are indeed God's children.

----- Even the number of words is inspired
----- See Galatians 3:16

-----20. NIV Misleading as to "Number"
----- The NIV changes the number of words in 1 Timothy 3:12--plural to singular.
----- NIV: 12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.

----- Here is 1 Tim.3:12 in the ESB:
----- 12. Deacons are to be husbands of one wife; managing their children and their own households well;
----- Note: Since the qualifications for elders and deacons are so very important to all who want to do the Lord's will, and to abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9), we should flee from any translation or version that cares so little for the word of the Lord as to change it, even slightly. The "number" is important.
----- Jesus' attitude toward the Law of Moses, while it was still binding, was, "Not one iota or one small part would pass from the Law" until all was fulfilled. We should respect God's word more than we do that of men (1 Corinthians 4:6).
----- This may seem like a very small thing to some, but to God, it is sin. See Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev.22:18,19.

----- 21. NIV Changes Words and Adds Words
----- The NIV adds words and changes words in Titus 1:6. NIV: "An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient." The NIV adds "but" and changes "are faithful" to "believe." The ESB, with subject & footnote: Specific Qualifications (See 1 Timothy 3:1-7) 6. If any man is above reproach; husband of one wife; having faithful1 children, not accused of being wild and disobedient. Note: The NIV changes the adjective "faithful" (pista, plural neuter) to the verb, "believe," and adds the word "but." The Lord said, "Having faithful children." God is true, regardless Why not be satisfied with his word? This writer is afraid of translators who presume that they know more than the Lord himself about such matters. 22. The NIV incorrectly says "The Spirit makes you sons" Romans 8:14,15 in the NIV: 14Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit who makes you sons. That is a grossly incorrect rendering of the Greek. The ESB with heading & note has: Children of God Gal.3:26,27 14. For all who are led by the Spirit2 of God are children of God. 15. For you have not received a spirit of slavery to be afraid; but you have received a spirit of sonship in which we cry, Abba, Father. One becomes God's child when he/she follows the Spirit's teaching - when one obeys the gospel. Galatians 3:26,27 shows that we become children of God in Christ Jesus, through the faith (the Spirit's teaching), when we are immersed into Christ. 23. The NIV is misleading, Undependable In Romans 12:6 the NIV has, 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. The NIV misses the point entirely. The NIV substitutes "his faith" (belief) for "the faith" (Christ's word). ___________________________ 1.FAITHFUL, from pistos, faithful, trustworthy. The word may indicate "believers" but at times it simply shows faithfulness in a general sense. See 1 Cor. 4:2. Cf. Tim.3:4,5. 2.LED BY THE SPIRIT in hearing, believing and obeying the Spirit-given word (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Pet. 1:20). Gal. 3:26,27 shows that we are children of God in Christ Jesus, through the faith. The ESB on Romans 12:6: 6. And we have gifts differing according to the grace given us. If it be prophecy, prophesy according to the proportion of the faith. They were to prophesy that portion of "the faith" the Spirit made known to the prophet. In 1 Corinthians 13:9 we read, "For we know a portion and we prophesy a portion." In Romans 12:6 Paul was telling the prophets to prophesy that portion of the faith given them, no more, no less. Special Gifts ceased Those gifts ceased when the completed revelation was available (1 Cor. 13:10; Eph.4:13; 2 Tim.3:16,17): The perfect law of liberty James 1:25; 2:12 24. The NIV substitutes "whose faith" for "the faith" The NIV grossly misses the point in Romans 14:1. The NIV has, "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters." That is not what the Greek says. ESB, with heading & footnotes has: One weak in "the faith" 1. You are to receive one who is weak1 in the faith2, but not to judge3 disputable matters. __________________________ 1.WEAK, from astheneo, to be weak; infirm; deficient. Here: not well-informed in the faith. See Jude 3. The Jewish Christians were the "weak" members in this setting. It appears that they made every effort to get Gentile Christians to keep the works of the Law. 2.THE FAITH is the doctrine of Christ (Jude 3; 2 John 9). 3.JUDGE, from diakrisis, a distinguishing (1 Cor. 12:10 - discerning of spirits); therefore, a judging in certain matters as eating certain foods; observing days. One who is weak in "the faith" is weak in the doctrine of Christ, for they are one and the same. One who is weak in "the faith" is not to be set up to be the judge about the matter of keeping certain days, or not observing them; about eating of certain foods, or eating only herbs. The weak brother or sister is not to be excluded over indifferent matters. Such are to be received, but are not to be placed in a position of imposing their views on others. 25. The NIV has one baptized by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:13 the NIV incorrectly states, 13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. That is not what the Greek says. Here is the ESB, with topic & notes: Immersed into the one body, the church 13. For in one spirit4 we all were immersed5 into the one body6; whether Jews or Greeks; whether servants or free; and of one spirit have we all been made to drink. __________________________ 4.IN ONE SPIRIT (& of one spirit; same verse) - the spirit of faithful obedience (Acts 8:37, "If you believe with all your heart you may." Rom. 6:17,18, "...but have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine, being then made free from sin." Heb. 5:9, Christ became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him." 5.WE ALL WERE IMMERSED - There is no unimmersed Christian. Immersion is the point at which we enter the body (the church, Eph. 1:22,23). 6.ONE BODY, the church (Eph. 1:22,23; 4:4). Every saved person is added by the Lord to his church at immersion (Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 12:13). 7.THE FAITH is Christ's doctrine (Jude 3; 2 John 9). It is the law of faith (Rom. 3:27) that "we establish" (Rom. 3:31). It is the law of God, Christ's law (1 Cor. 9:21). "The faith" is a neglected phrase in the versions. Spirit of faithful obedience In one spirit (of faithful obedience) we were immersed into Christ and into his body the church, and have been made to drink. The passage has nothing to do with the Holy Spirit, except that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write it. Immersed into the one body An important point made by inspiration in this verse is that we get into Christ's one body, the church, at the point of immersion. See Romans 6:3-6,17,18. 26. The NIV changes "the faith" into "faith" In 2 Corinthians 1:24 the NIV has, ...because it is by faith you stand firm. Here is the ESB on verse 24, with note: 24. Not that we are lording over your faith, but we are working together for your joy, for you stand in the faith1. NIV - "You stand by faith" The NIV says that you stand by faith (belief). God - "You stand in the faith" God says that you stand in "the faith" (Christ's doctrine - the gospel). Which will you accept? Will you hear God, or people? As for me and my house, we will choose the Lord's word, and stand ready to defend it earnestly (Jude 3). 27. NIV substitutes "this faith" for "the faith" In Galatians 3:23 NIV says: 23Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. __________________________ 1.THE FAITH is presented as being that which replaces "The Law of Moses." The Law was to guide until "the faith" came. It came with Christ; and with the death of Christ on the cross the Law was "nailed to the cross" and taken out of the way. "The faith" - Christ's law took its place. See Rom. 3:27-31; 1 Cor. 9:21; 2 John 9; Jude 3). The ESB heading & notes have: The Law led to Christ 23. But before the faith came we were kept in restraint under the Law, shut up unto the faith1 which was to be revealed. There is a radical difference between these two versions! The latter is as nearly literal as it can be made. Added words are put in italics to show that they are not in the Greek. "The faith" is in the Greek manuscripts twice in this verse, as indicated in the ESB. The NIV renders the first "the faith" by "this faith" and the second by "faith." God said, in the original Greek, "the faith." Will you be satisfied with a per-version of God's word? "The faith" came after the cross The inspired word says: "Before the faith came." "The faith" is the doctrine of Christ - the gospel. It came after the Law was nailed to the cross (Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14). 28. NIV substitutes "faith" for "the faith" (And does other violence to the passage) In Galatians 3:25-27 the NIV has, 25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. Sons of God 26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were united with Christ in baptism have been clothed with Christ. The English Study Bible headings and note have: Children through The Faith 25. But now that the faith has come we are no longer under the guide. 26. For you are all children of God in Christ Jesus through the faith. Immersed into Christ (See Romans 6:3,4) 27. For as many as have been immersed into Christ1 have put on Christ. The English Study Bible renders it exactly as the original Greek has it. Words that had to be added to make the inspired message fit the English idiom were put it with italics to let the readers know that they were supplied. The "faith Only" bias of the NIV (as most denominations hold) is likely behind that version's unwillingness to put "the faith" in many passages. 29. NIV tries to avoid any hint of "falling from grace" NIV has, in Galatians 5:4, 4You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace." "Away from", to those who believe that you can't fall from grace, means that you were never quite there in the grace of God. You almost attained it, but you fell "away from" grace before you were in it - you were never really a saved person. The ESB text and note have: 4. Whoever of you are seeking to be justified in the Law; you are cut off from Christ. You have fallen from grace2. Paul warns against falling (1 Corinthians 10:11,12), and Peter shows that if __________________________ 1.IMMERSED INTO CHRIST - The Bible shows no other way into Christ. One believes, repents and confessunto life; salvation, but one is immersed into Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27). one does fall, he/she is in worse condition than he/she would have been in if never saved (2 Peter 2:20-22). Peter also shows that Christians are to give all diligence to make their calling and election sure; if they do these things they will never fall (2 Peter 1:5-11). 30. NIV Can't Stand doing "Works" The NIV has Gal.5:5,6 like this: 5For by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. The ESB heading, text and note have: A working faith (See James 2:22-24) 5. For we in a spirit of faith confidently wait for that righteousness. 6. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision3 has meaning, but faith working through4 love. The Lord says, "Faith working through love." The verse is showing that circumcision is nothing - uncircumcision is nothing, but faith working through love [is something]. The doctrine of the "faith only" group (of which the NIV is an advocate) is of that "works" have no place in one's salvation. According to them, one is saved at the point faith, without any kind of works. __________________________ 2.FALLEN FROM GRACE, from ekpipto (ek, out of; pipto, to fall, to fall out of the grace. These have separated themselves from the grace of God by spurning the sacrifice of Christ and going back to the Law which Christ had "taken out of the way, nailing it to his cross" (Col. 2:14). 3.CIRCUMCISION/UNCIRCUMCISION - Neither Jew nor Gentile is of value. In 1 Cor. 7:19 Paul shows that it is "keeping the commandments of God that counts; and in Gal. 6:15 that it is a matter of being a new creature that is of value. 4.FAITH WORKING is the kind James writes about in James, chapters 1 & 2. In James 2:24 James shows that people are justified by "works," and not by "faith only." It must be a working faith, a visible faith (James 2:17,18). 31. More "sinful nature" from Calvinism in the NIV In Galatians 5:15,17 and 19 and 6:8 NIV substitutes sinful nature for "flesh." This agrees more with the doctrine of the total depravity -- Calvinism. 32. NIV changes God's word In Philippians 3:16 NIV has: "Only let us live up to what we have already attained." The ESB text and heading have: Live by the same Rule "Wherefore let us live by the same rule to which we have attained." The same rule is the same doctrine. It is "walking in the light of his word" (1 John 1:7); "abiding in the doctrine of Christ" (2 John 9). 33. More "faith" substituted for "the faith" by the NIV In Ephesians 2:8 the NIV has: 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- The text, heading, & note of the ESB: By grace through "the faith" 8. For in grace you all have been saved, through the faith1; and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God. In this passage only the ESB correctly renders it, "For in grace you all have been saved, through the faith," but that is what the major Greek manuscripts say. It is through "the word of his grace" which is able to build up and give an inheritance with the saints (Acts 20:32). It is the grace that has appeared to all people, teaching us and helping us know and obey (Titus 2:11,12). __________________________ 1.THE FAITH - God's grace is revealed in the gospel (the faith - Gal. 1:11,23). We are saved by grace through the faith. The grace of God teaches (Titus 2:11,2). When we hear the word of his grace (Acts 20:32), and obey it (Rom. 6:17,18), we are his children. We have, at that point, been "saved by grace through the faith." 34. NIV misses it entirely on "works" in Eph.2:10 NIV, on Ephesians 2:10: 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. The English Study Bible, text, headings, and notes have: Created in Christ Jesus "upon" good works God foreordained 10. For we are his workmanship; created in Christ Jesus on the basis of2 good works3 which God foreordained that we should walk in them. The Greek has, "Created in Christ Jesus on the basis of good works which God foreordained." The phrase, "on the basis of," is from epi, the Greek __________________________ 2.ON THE BASIS OF, from epi, on, upon, on the basis of. Translators have generally incorrectly translated epi in this passage as, unto, evidently because they understood that there is no work, of any kind, to be done by a person in order to be saved. Paul is here showing that there are certain "good works" that serve as the basis of his/her being in Christ. 3.GOOD WORKS forming the basis of one's being created in Christ include faith (John 6:29 -"...this is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he sent."); repentance (Luke 24:47,48; 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; 11:18); confession (Mt. 10:32; Rom. 10:10); immersion (Mr. 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Pet. 3:21). When one does these works of God's righteousness - works of faith he/she is born again (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5), and is raised to walk the new life (Rom. 6:4,5, 17,18; 2 Cor. 5:17), in Christ (Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27). preposition meaning "on," "upon," "on the basis of." This is its basic meaning. It is used in some other ways, but the context must clearly indicate its use. Here the context leaves no room to render it other than "on," "upon," or "on the basis of." The "good works" are: The "good works" upon which one is created in Christ are: faith (John 6:29), repentance (Luke 13:3,5); confession (Rom.10:10); and immersion (Acts 2:38; 22:16). See footnotes 2 & 3 on page 13. God's power to save in this age is the gospel (Romans 1:16). It is by the gospel one is called (2 Thess. 2:14); made a believer (Rom.10:17; John 20: 30,31); is begotten (1 Cor.4:15; James 1:18; John 3:3-8 ESB). Jesus saves those who obey Heb.5:9 No one can be saved who does not hear, believe, and obey the gospel (Mk. 16:15,16; Rom.10:10-17; 6:3-6,17,18). It is "the faith" through which one becomes a child of God in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26,27). 35. NIV - more "Faith only" In Ephesians 3:17 the NIV has Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith: 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. The Greek has, "That Christ may dwell with your hearts through the faith." ESB text & notes have: 17. That Christ may dwell with1 your hearts through the faith2, that you all, being rooted and grounded in love; The Lord, Jesus Christ, promised to be with his disciples always (Mt.28:20). __________________________ 1.WITH, from en, in. When its object is plural (as here); with, among, in the midst. 2.THE FAITH, Christ's doctrine, is the means or the medium through which Christ dwells with us (2 John 9 - we have both the Father and the Son when we abide in his doctrine). 36. NIV - More biased and slanted doctrine in Eph.4:13 NIV has: 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining the full measure of perfection found in Christ. (Note: This has to do with the purpose of the spiritual gifts. H.L.) On Ephesians 4:13 ESB heading & note have: Oneness of the faith, the completed revelation 13. Until we all attain the oneness of the faith3, unto a mature person, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. The Greek has, "Until we all attain the oneness of the faith." The completed revelation of 1 Corinthians 13:10 is the thought here. The NIV would have the spiritual gifts last until all who believe in Christ have reached "unity in the faith" and "in the full knowledge of the Son of God." The inspired word is showing that the gifts were to last until "the oneness of the faith" - the completed revelation - became available. 37. "Spirit" problems In Ephesians 4:30 NIV has, 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." The ESB text & notes have: 30. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God4, in whom you all were sealed5 unto the day of redemption. __________________________ 3.THE FAITH is the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9; Jude 3). 4.HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD - God is used here of the Godhead. "The Spirit of God" of the Old Testament is from ruach elohim - Spirit of the Godhead. Paul uses it this way. 5.WERE SEALED - upon obeying the word of the Spirit (John 3:3-8; James 1:18; Rom. 6:3-5,17,18). 38. NIV misses the mark NIV has, in Ephesians 5:18, 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Most versions have this error). The ESB text & notes have: 18. And do not get drunk with wine1, in which is reckless dissipation, but fill yourselves in spirit2; The Greek says, "Fill yourselves in spirit," a perfect parallel with Colossians 3:16 - "Have the word of God dwell in you richly." The NIV (and others) pervert the last part of the verse to give support for the "indwelling" of the Holy Spirit. The passage is not dealing with the Holy Spirit, but it is showing how we are to fill ourselves spiritually - have the word of Christ dwell in us richly. 39. NIV - more "sinful nature" Colossians 2:11 has more "sinful nature" instead of "flesh." Calvinism is very prominent in the NIV. 40. NIV has "Your faith" Substituted for "The Faith" NIV has, in Colossians 2:12, 12In baptism you were buried with him and raised with him through your faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead. The ESB, text & notes have: 12. When you were buried3 with him in immersion; in whom also you were raised through the faith4; the power of God who raised him from the dead. __________________________ 1.WITH WINE - fill the spirit instead. 2.FILL SELVES - by having the word dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16). 3.BURIED - "Baptism" (immersion, baptismos) is a burial in water, for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:4 - "buried with him"). 4.THE FAITH - the gospel, God's power to save the believers (Rom. 1:16). The facts of the gospel are: the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4); and when one obeys a form of that gospel in immersion, he/she is raised a new creature, to walk a new life, free from sin (Rom.6:3-5,17,18; 2 Cor. 5:17). The Greek states, "When you were buried with him in immersion; in whom you also were raised through the faith; the power of God who raised him from the dead." 41. NIV Changes Colossians 3:16 NIV has, for Colossians 3:16, 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and counsel one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. The ESB and the Greek have, "All of you are to have the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs; singing with grace in your hearts to God." NIV has "teach and counsel one another" as a separate item, not related to singing. God does not agree with the NIV where and when it changes his word. 42. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Poorly Rendered - Misleading NIV has this: "Avoid every kind of evil." The Lord is requiring more than that. He is saying that we are to avoid everything that even "looks" evil. The ESB and the Greek say: "Keep yourselves from everything that looks evil." 43. NIV - More "faith" substituted for "the faith" 2 Thessalonians 3:2, in the NIV, is, "And pray for us that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith." The Lord is not talking about "faith" - he is teaching (through Paul) about "the faith" - his doctrine. Not all have his doctrine. The English Study Bible and the Greek have: ". . . for not all have the faith." All do not have the gospel. Some pervert it (Galatians 1:6-9). Some wrest it to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). 44. NIV - "their faith" for "the faith" "Their Faith" Instead of "The Faith" In 1 Timothy 1:19 the NIV has, "Holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith." The Greek and the ESB have: "Keeping [the] faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected, and have made shipwreck in regard to the faith." "The faith" is disdained by the NIV (and most of the other versions available). "Faith" (belief) is much preferred, regardless of what the Greek states. 45. NIV - Christ "became" better than the angels? Christ Became Better Than Angels? In Hebrews 1:4 the NIV has, "So he became as much superion to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs." The ESB and the Greek have: "Being so much greater . . ." The NIV's rendering of this verse makes one uneasy about the view of the translators as it relates to the deity of Christ. 46. NIV - More "can't fall The NIV, on Hebrews 6:6, has, "If they fall away . . " The "faith only" - "can't fall" view of the NIV requires the "if" here. It is not in the Greek. The Greek has, "And then have fallen . . ." NIV "alters" the "altar" 47. NIV "adds" to God's word "Golden altar of Incense" is in the NIV, but not in the Greek. The inspired writer said, "golden censer." 48. NIV adds - takes from, and changes God's word The NIV has (Hebrews 11:1), "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." The ESB and the Greek have: "Now faith is the foundation of hopes, the evidence of things not seen." All our Christian hopes and lives are built on faith. We are to add to that faith the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:7-11), so that we may be fruitful, and make our calling and election sure. "Foundation" is from hupostasis, to stand under. 49. NIV - "our faith" for "the faith" (Did God make a mistake?) In Hebrews 12:2 the NIV has, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith." That is not what the Greek has. It has, "Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of the faith." Jesus perfected his doctrine, his law, the faith (2 John 9; Jude 3; 1 Corinthians 9:21). This is the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25). Why shy away from "the faith"? One would get the idea that the New International Version dislikes "the faith" very strongly! In fact, it does! The NIV does not believe God. 50. NIV rewrites God's word In many, many passages! James 2:1 is completely rewritten by the NIV. It has, "My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism." The ESB and the Greek have: "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality." Can you believe anyone would do such a thing? NIV changes "the faith" into "believers." The faith (Christ's doctrine - the gospel) makes or produces believers, but "believers" are not the gospel; they are not "the faith"; they are not the doctrine of Christ! How much (or how little) perversion is required for us to say, "Enough!"? How much false teaching will it take to make the version a threat rather than a blessing? God warned against adding to or taking from his word. The NIV does both, and in so many passages. 51. NIV changes God's word James 5:15, as rendered in the NIV, reads, "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up." NIV completely misses the point of "the faith" as opposed to "faith" in this passage (even as it does in practically every use of "the faith"). James actually stated, "And the prayer of the faith shall heal the sick, and the Lord will raise him up." The prayer of "the faith" is a specific kind of faith - the "spiritual gift" kind. See 1 Corinthians 12:9; 13:2. A look at the NIV 52. NIV - "yourselves" instead of "your souls" (and other problems) In 1 Peter 1:22 the NIV says, "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers. . ." The Greek says, "You have purified your souls in obeying the truth, unto sincere brotherly love . . ." Peter is showing that since they have purified their souls by obeying the gospel (Cf. Romans 6:17,18), now they are to have sincere, fervent love for other Christians. The "brotherly love" is to be added - see 2 Peter 1:5-7. NIV has you with "love for your brothers" already. 53. NIV changes the word "He who does what is right is righteous" is NIV's rendering in 1 John 3:7. The Lord states it quite differently: "He who does righteousness is righteous." Righteousness has to do with keeping God's commandments (Psalm 119:172; Luke 1:6). NIV follows this same thought in verse 10, "Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God." NIV substitutes "right" (a rather vague term) for "righteousness." Just scratched the surface In these few pages we have listed some of the many problems the New International Version of the Bible poses. Every page of that version presents problems of one kind or another. The translators of the NIV were men with little regard for the inspiration of the Scriptures. Denominational thought was more important to them than the Scriptures. "One can learn what to do to be saved from any version," is a statement frequently heard. This statement seems to settle the matter for them. If one can learn what to do to be saved from the NIV, it must be a good version. Can one learn what to do to be saved from the NIV, unaided? Suppose that you distribute 100,000 copies of the NIV in a mission area, and then wait to see the results of that many people learning what God requires them to do to be saved. These 100,000 people are given no help or guidance - just the NIV. Now suppose that 1,000 people become believers through reading and studying the NIV. What will they have learned? They will have been taught that salvation is by faith from first to last - from beginning to end (Romans 1:17; 5:2; 10:10; Ephesians 1:13; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 3:26). Of those 1,000 new believers, possibly 5 or 10 of them would be classified as "New Testament" Christians. All the rest would be liberal, "faith only" believers - members of some denomination that holds the liberal, faith only doctrine. The five or 10 who could be called "just Christians" would be liberal from start to finish. Seed brings forth after its kind We know this is true because the seed sown is liberal, faith only oriented; and the seed always brings forth after its kind. Give out 100,000 copies of the English Study Bible On the other hand, if 100,000 copies of the ESB were given out in a mission area - no help or guidance rendered - just allow the same conditions supposed relating to the NIV. Again suppose that 1,000 people became believers from studying the English Study Bible. It is almost certain that 100% of them would believe that the Bible is true and understandable, and they would likely all be members of the Lord's blood-bought body. All of them who completed their obedience to the gospel would be saved by the Lord, and added by him to his church, the church of Christ (Acts 2:38-47). They would be Christians - only Christians - nothing more or less than Christians. They would not be some "kind" or "faith" of Christians. Brethren, this illustration is not far-fetched! Give people the truth, with the helps provided in the notes of the ESB, and it will produce Christians. No one, after reading it carefully, can say that he does no know that a believer must repent (make up his/her mind to serve the Lord), confess Christ as Lord, and be immersed into Christ, for the forgiveness of sins. However, one could read the NIV from now to the coming of the Lord, and he/she would not likely find those truths presented in such a way as to be understood and obeyed. Instead of 5 or 10, it is more likely that not even one person, unaided would ever learn what to do the be saved just by reading the NIV! 1. Gross Mistranslation of Acts 2:27 and 2:31 NIV: 27because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy one see decay. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. "Me" is substituted for "my soul," and "the grave" is substituted for "Hades" by the NIV. Here are the two verses as given in the English Study Bible, with footnotes and references: 27. Because you will not abandon my soul1 to Hades2, nor allow your Holy One to see corruption. 31. He foresaw the resurrection of Christ, and spoke of it; that he was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh decay. Psalm 132:11; see 2 Sam. 7:12,13 Hades is the unseen abode of the departed soul or spirit, not the grave where the dead body lies. There is no Greek text available having what NIV gives in this verse. The false wording is deliberate; evil. God warns against adding to, taking from, or changing his holy word (Deut. 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Rev.22:18,19). 2. NIV Re-words and Paraphrases Romans 10:10 to teach "faith only," a favorite doctrine of the version. The NIV has: 10"For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." According to this false statement from the NIV, when one believes he/she is justified [made righteous]. When one confesses he/she is saved. ___________________________ 1.The SOUL (spirit, not the body) returns to God at death (Eccl. 12:7; Luke 16:22,23; 23:43). 2.HADES, from hades, the abode of departed spirits awaiting the judgment (Luke 16:22,23; Eccl. 12:7; Luke 23:43). Not "the grave" as some have it (e.g. NIV). See 1 Pet.3:20,21. God does not say that. God says," For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is unto salvation." Here is the ESB on Rom.10:10: 10. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is unto salvation. God says that faith is unto righteousness, and confession is unto salvation. Both faith (belief) and confession are in "the direction of" - "toward" righteousness and salvation. There is no justification for the "salvation at the point of faith" position of the NIV in this passage (and elsewhere). Beware! One can teach a lot of religious error through the NIV. Will God hold us accountable for it? This writer believes that he will. 3. The NIV Mistranslates Romans 1:17, Putting in "Faith Only" (See Romans 10:10 above.) NIV: 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." A literal translation of the Greek: For in it God's righteousness is revealed out of faith unto faith, as it is written, The just shall live by faith. The ESB & note have: 17. For in it God's righteousness1 is revealed out of faith unto faith2, as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Hab. 2:4 Note: The gospel reveals God's righteousness--shows how he can forgive __________________________ 1.GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS is shown in his forgiving past sins through the blood of Christ (Rom. 3:25,26). 2.OUT OF FAITH UNTO FAITH - out of "the faith," the gospel, unto faith (belief) which comes by hearing the word (Rom. 10:17). sin through Jesus Christ, and at the same time remain just in condemning sin in the unbelievers. Cf. Romans 3:25,26. 4. Mistranslation of Romans 3:31 Holding to the Law of Moses The NIV mistranslates and paraphrases Romans 3:31, apparently to preserve the Law of Moses as being valid and established and "upheld". NIV: 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law. (The main thing wrong with that rendering is that it is not what God said!) The English Study Bible has: 31. Do we then make law null and void by the faith? Let it not be! Instead, we establish law3. The ESB has it exactly as the Greek original - nothing added or taken away - nothing changed even slightly. This is precisely what every version should have. Denominational thought is in favor of keeping the Law of Moses as still valid; and that we are not really under any kind of law now - just grace. The NIV makes it easy to teach such denominational doctrines, with apparent support from their "Bible." The "law we establish" (verse 31) is the law of Christ (1 Cor.9:21). There Paul states that he was under that law. Note: The faith (see Jude 3) is the system of doctrine, the body of doctrine, that makes up God's law in this age. It is obvious that we do not establish the Law of Moses, for it was fulfilled by the death of Christ. It was abolished "in his flesh" on the cross (Ephesians 2:15ff; Colossians 2:14). The law "we establish" is the law of faith. __________________________ 3.WE ESTABLISH LAW; the law of faith (verse 27). It is the law of liberty (James 1:25; 2:12); the law of God, Christ's law (1 Cor. 9:21). 5.NIV on Rom.3:27 NIV: 27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith." (The Greek has, pou oun he kauchesis; exekleisthe. dia poiou nomou; ton ergon; ouchi, alla dia nomon pisteos.) The English Study Bible has: 27. Where is boasting then? It is eliminated. Through what law? The Law of works? No! But through the law of faith1. Note: The law of faith is Christ's doctrine (2 John 9). It is "the faith" of Jude 3. It is the perfect law of liberty of James 1:25. It is the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21). The law of faith is the law "we establish" as indicated in Rom.3:31. No excuse for the NIV The NIV translators and revisers can not blame their mishandling of this verse on the passage being obscure or uncertain. There is no room for misunderstanding what the Greek has. They deliberately changed God's word to read what they wanted it to say. 6. A favorite NIV doctrine: Salvation at the Point of Faith. The NIV mistranslates and changes Ephesians 1:13 radically. NIV: 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. In him, when you believed, you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. The ESB has: 13. In whom also you all, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom, after you believed, you were sealed by2 the Holy Spirit of promise. This is precisely what the Greek has. Note: The NIV has a person saved and sealed with the Holy Spirit at the point of faith. This is their "faith only" position in Romans 1:17 also: "a righteousness that is by faith from first to last." This passage, along with Romans 1:17, should be enough for anyone who loves the Lord and respects his word. The NIV is unreliable at every turn. We should not encourage false doctrine by using and/or recommending the NIV. It is filled with such gross errors. 7. The NIV Adds to God's Word in many passages The NIV adds to the word of God. (See Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22: 18.) NIV on Galatians 4:6: 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, "Abba, Father." The NIV adds, "The Spirit who" to the verse (without warning the reader that it did). This was done, evidently, to be sure that the reader would think that it is the Holy Spirit doing the crying, "Abba, Father." ("We cry Abba, Father" - Romans 8:15.) This same practice (of adding words and capitalizing words), to direct the readers to the same biased conclusions held by the translators and revisers, is evident in Romans 8 also. __________________________ 1.THE LAW OF FAITH is Christ's law in this age; even as the Law of Moses was God's Law before the cross, but abolished "in his flesh" (Eph. 2:15). See 1 Cor. 9:21 and footnote. 2.BY, from the dative case of the phrase. This is common idiom in the Greek of the New Testament. The context usually indicates the preposition to be used. Here either "by" or "in" would do. The NIV's misconduct in this verse should be enough to make anyone stand in doubt about every part of the version, and to shun it as if were a plague - which it is. It does not serve Christ (see Romans 16:17,18). See 2 John 10. 8. More "faith only" doctrine in the NIV In Romans 5:2 NIV has, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. The Greek and The English Study Bible have: 2. Through whom also we have access by the faith unto this grace1 in which we stand and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. ("the faith" = "Christ's doctrine"; "the gospel - see Gal.1:11,23) This is what the Greek of the inspired word says. It is the word of God. There is much difference between "faith" (belief) and "the faith" (Christ's doctrine); yet, the NIV changes "the faith" (Christ's doctrine) into "faith" (belief) regularly. You can be certain that God is not well pleased with such high-handed mis-use of his holy word. One might as well play with a cage full of rattle-snakes as to trust the NIV. Liberalism is the fruit of using the NIV. It destroys one's faith in the word of God if believed and followed. 9. More "Faith Only" in the NIV NIV has, in Philippians 3:9, 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness _ of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. Here is how it is in the ESB: 9. And be found in him, not having my righteousness which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is from God based upon the faith2. This is precisely what the Greek has. The righteousness from God is based on the gospel, his power to save the believers (Romans 1:16,17). It is based on (epi) "the faith." _________________________ 1.BY THE FAITH UNTO THIS GRACE - "The faith" is the gospel, God's power to beget (1 Cor. 4:15; James 1:18; Luke 8:11). It reveals God's grace to all people (Mark 16:15,16; Rom. 1:16,17; Titus 2:11-14). It is "by grace through the faith" (Eph. 2:8). Grace teaches (Titus 2:11,12). It is "the word of his grace" that is able to guide us (Acts 20:32). 10. The NIV Teaches Premillennialism The NIV changes the text of Ephesians 1:10, injecting the premillennial theory. (Acts 3:20,21 is perverted also.) See 2 Thess.2:13. Eph.3:10 in the NIV: 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. On Eph.1:10 the ESB has: 10. Unto an administration of the fullness of times, to bring together all things under one head, in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth, in him. The NIV "wrests" the word of God - perverts the word of God - to teach that sometime in the future all things shall be put under Christ. That false doctrine is not taught anywhere in the Bible. It is a figment of the imagination of men. __________________________ 2.BASED UPON THE FAITH - The only way we can be righteous is in Christ Jesus; and we get into Christ where all spiritual blessings are (Eph. 1:3) at the point of immersion into him (Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27). There is no other way into Christ. 11. NIV's Paragraph Heading are Misleading (Using this one to teach their Premillennialism) The NIV is misleading in the paragraph heading of Romans 11:25ff. The NIV heads the paragraph with: "All Israel Will Be Saved." This might be mistakenly deduced from verse 26, "And so all Israel will be saved . . ." - it might be thus deduced by someone who does not know the Greek. But the translators of the NIV present themselves as masters of that language - telling us just what it means. The "so" of this verse is from houtos, "in this manner," "thus." Israel shall be saved, as indicated in v. 23, "If they do not abide in unbelief." The premillennial theory has Christ hindered from establishing his kingdom while here on earth, but coming back to Jerusalem - to gather all the Jews - and reign on David's throne for 1,000 years. So, they would rather pervert the word with such paragraph headings, just to uphold their religious beliefs. The gospel is God's power to save both Jews and non-Jews (Romans 1:16). Everyone, both Jew and non-Jew, must come to God by the same route--by the gospel (Romans 1:16). It is God's power to save every person who believes (the unbeliever is condemned already, John 3:18 - see also John 8:24). God is no respecter of person (Acts 10:34). People are not saved as nations, but as individuals. "He who believes and is immersed shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). Every Jew or non-Jew who believes and obeys the gospel is among the saved. The Lord adds him/her to his church (Acts 2:38-47). How much is enough? Such misleading paragraph headings should be enough to make one distrust the NIV. 12. The NIV rewrites and paraphrases God's word Acts 11:17 is rewritten and paraphrased. The NIV has, 17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think I could oppose God? The ESB has: 17. Therefore if God gave them the same gift1 as to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?" Not, "When we believed" Peter was not talking about "when we believed," but "to us who believed" (Acts 2:1-4; 5:32). The gift the apostles received on Pentecost was that of languages. The Gentiles, in the household of Cornelius, were immersed in the Holy Spirit, and they received the gift of languages, which proved to the Jewish brethren who were with Peter that God had accepted the Gentiles into the kingdom. __________________________ 1.THE SAME GIFT-that of other languages (Acts 2:4,7,8;10: 10:45,46; See 1 Cor.12:10 "languages of nationalities" given by the Spirit. NIV is filled with such perversions The NIV is filled with perversions like this. See Galatians 1:6-9. 13. NIV keeps one saved - can't fall NIV has 1 Peter 2:2 like this, 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. The Greek & the ESB have: 2. As newborn babies desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow by it unto salvation. The denominational view that one has "salvation" and can't lose it is NIV's position in this verse, and elsewhere. _ "Growing up unto salvation" and "growing up in your salvation" are two very different concepts. 14. The NIV substitutes. "Sinful Nature" for "flesh" is Calvin's Doctrine of Total Depravity - Inherited Sin The NIV substitutes in many passages. This strongly indicates that the translators believed in "inherited sin"--"Adamic sin." See Romans 7:18; 8:4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13 . . . 13:14; Galatians 5:13, 17, 18, 24. When will we say, "Enough!" This one gross abuse of God's holy word should forever bar the NIV from the use by those who love the Lord and respect his word. 15. Calvinism again Direct Operation of the Holy Spirit The NIV mistranslates 1 Cor. 2:14. NIV: 14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot under-stand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The verse, heading, & note in ESB: The uninspired Man (See 2 Peter 1:20,21) 14. But the uninspired1 man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God; indeed they are foolishness to him; and he cannot know, for they are spiritually judged. Note: The NIV teaches Calvin's doctrine of man's inability to understand or accept God's word without a direct operation and influence of the Holy Spirit. The NIV encourages and favors __________________________ 1.UNINSPIRED, from psuchikos, unspiritual; uninspired; worldly. almost all the major denominational doctrines. This makes is quite popular among those who do not respect God's word. 16. NIV "Adds To" God's Word The NIV adds to the word of God without giving any indication that words not in the original language are being used in 1 Corinthians 7:36-38 (and in many other passages). NIV: 36If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting along in years and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. 37But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin--this man also does the right thing. 38So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does even better. Here is the ESB, with footnotes: Such Virgins are to Marry 36. If anyone considers that he is acting in an unsuitable manner toward his virginity2, and such a person is passing the prime of life, and if thus it should be; he is to do what he wishes; it is not a sin; such are to marry. 37. But he who stands firm in his own heart, having no necessity, but having control of his own will; and has decided in his own heart to keep himself3 a virgin, does well. 38. So then the one who is a virgin, who marries, does well; and the one who does not marry does better. __________________________ 2.His or her state of being a virgin. If, due to age or necessity one decides to marry, such should. 3.HIMSELF, from heautou, a reflexive pronoun of the third person; himself, herself, itself. It is used with all the genders. The masculine pronouns are used in the generic sense in this passage. The NIV changes, adds, and subtracts from the sacred text--and that without giving the reader the slightest hint that these things have been done. Such ought not to be! They inject their opinions and sectarian doctrines into the text at will, and remove or becloud words, phrases, and verses that are objectionable to their doctrinal bias. Note Mark 16:9-20 as an example. The NIV inserts, in brackets, before verse 9: [The most reliable early MSS omit Mark 16:9-20]. In fact only two manuscripts (of importance) omit the verses--the Aleph and B (the Vaticanus). All the other major manuscripts and most of the minor manuscripts contain the last 12 verses of Mark: A, C, D, K, X Delta, Theta, Pi, f13, 28, 33, 274, 565, etc. Other places where Aleph and B are lacking a part of the text go unnoticed by the NIV and others. For example, all of Hebrews from 9:14 to the end is lacing in the Vaticanus (B). Yet, not a word about it in the NIV and others. It happens that Mark 16:9-20 is a "thorn in the flesh" to some favorite sectarian doctrines. As a result, we have this determined effort to remove it from God's word. 17. "United With" Rather Than "Immersed Into Christ." The NIV injects "faith only" and paraphrases Galatians 3:26,27. NIV: 26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were united with Christ in baptism have been clothed with Christ. Here is the ESB on Gal.3:26,27, with subject headings & footnotes: Children of God in Christ, through The Faith 26. For you are all children of God in Christ Jesus through the faith. Immersed into Christ (See Romans 6:3,4) 27. For as many as have been immersed into Christ1 have put on Christ. __________________________ 1.IMMERSED INTO CHRIST - The Bible shows no other way into Christ. One believes, repents and confesses unto life; salvation, but one is immersed into Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27). A look at the NIV The word "baptize" is capable of being understood in more than one way. The Greek does not say what the NIV gives as its version. 18. NIV obscures - hides the true meaning "Perfection" Rather Than "The Completed Word" The NIV mistranslates and changes the meaning in 1 Corinthians 13:9,10. NIV: 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. Here is the ESB with notes: 9. For we know a portion and prophesy a portion. 10. But when the completed revelation comes, that which is by portion will be done away2. Note: When "that which is perfect" (the complete law of faith--the "perfect law of liberty" James 1:25)--came, with the final words of inspiration having been written; the partial things, e.g. tongues, prophecies, knowledge (as gifts of the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:8) ceased. They were no longer needed after the word of God had been confirmed. See Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:1-4. The NIV so changes the meaning of verse 10 that it has no bearing on the gifts of the Spirit ending at the coming of the completed word of inspiration. 19. NIV Misleads the Readers NIV adds capitals and changes gender in Romans 8:16. NIV: 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. A literal translation of the Greek: "That same spirit [or, "that spirit"] bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." _________________________ 2.THE PARTIAL GIFTS would (and did) cease when the Scriptures were finished. The perfect law of liberty (James 1:25) made the gifts unnecessary. A look at the NIV ESB, text, headings & notes have: As God's Children we have a Spirit of Sonship, In Christ Jesus Gal.4:5-7 16. The same spirit1 of sonship bears witness with our spirit that we are God's children. Note: In verse 15 we are told that the Christian did not receive "a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you received a spirit of sonship, in which we cry, Abba, Father." Compare this with Galatians 4:6. We cry, "Abba, Father," because we have a spirit of sonship. This is the "spirit of God's son." We are not slaves. We are God's children (Galatians 3:26,27). The NIV capitalized spirit and changed the neuter gender of spirit to masculine-from "it" to "him." This forces the reader to the same conclusion as that held by the translators, that it is the Holy Spirit doing the testifying with our spirit. The word that the NIV translated "himself," and that this writer translated "the same" [or "that"] is auto. It may be translated by: "the same," "that," or "itself," depending on the context. An example For example, see Luke 10:21 and 13:1. These verses have the same construction and word order as Romans 8:16. The Greek of Romans 8:16 is "auto (neuter gender) pneuma." That of Luke 10:21 is "aute (feminine gender) te hora," and in Luke 13:1 it is "auto to kairo." __________________________ 1.THE SAME SPIRIT, from auto to pneuma, means precisely, "the same spirit" here. The phrase has been long mistranslated as,"The Spirit itself" (KJV and many others) and, "The Spirit himself" (ASV and some others). Here it relates to our consciousness of being a child of God rather than a slave. That inner awareness (sense, spirit, feeling) is what the writer is relating. See Luke 2:38; 10:7,21; 12:12; 13:1; 20:19; 23:12; 24:13,33; Acts 16:18 and notes for this use of auto. The NIV translates Luke 10:21 with, "At that time." The KJV has, "in that hour," which is exactly what the Greek says. The NIV translates Luke 13:1 as, "At that time . . ." This is correct for both Luke 10:21 and 13:1. Determined, wilful perversion However, in Romans 8:16, even though the word order (of the phrase) is identical with the Luke passages, and even though the context of Romans 8:16 is dealing with the spirit of sonship which we have as God's children, the NIV translators (and most others) are determined that the readers reach the doctrinal conclusions held by the translators and revisers. See how it looks with verses 15 and 16 together: "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery again to fear, but you received a spirit of sonship, in which we cry, 'Abba, Father;' that same spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." Compare Romans 9:1: ". . . my conscience bearing witness with me." The "spirit of sonship"--the attitude and sense of being a son of God--bears witness with us (in the same manner the conscience bears witness) that we are indeed God's children. Even the number of words is inspired See Galatians 3:16 20. NIV Misleading as to "Number" The NIV changes the number of words in 1 Timothy 3:12--plural to singular. NIV: 12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Here is 1 Tim.3:12 in the ESB: 12. Deacons are to be husbands of one wife; managing their children and their own households well; Note: Since the qualifications for elders and deacons are so very important to all who want to do the Lord's will, and to abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9), we should flee from any translation or version that cares so little for the word of the Lord as to change it, even slightly. The "number" is important. Jesus' attitude toward the Law of Moses, while it was still binding, was, "Not one iota or one small part would pass from the Law" until all was fulfilled. We should respect God's word more than we do that of men (1 Corinthians 4:6). This may seem like a very small thing to some, but to God, it is sin. See Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev.22:18,19. 21. NIV Changes Words and Adds Words The NIV adds words and changes words in Titus 1:6. NIV: "An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient." The NIV adds "but" and changes "are faithful" to "believe." The ESB, with subject & footnote: Specific Qualifications (See 1 Timothy 3:1-7) 6. If any man is above reproach; husband of one wife; having faithful1 children, not accused of being wild and disobedient. Note: The NIV changes the adjective "faithful" (pista, plural neuter) to the verb, "believe," and adds the word "but." The Lord said, "Having faithful children." God is true, regardless Why not be satisfied with his word? This writer is afraid of translators who presume that they know more than the Lord himself about such matters. 22. The NIV incorrectly says "The Spirit makes you sons" Romans 8:14,15 in the NIV: 14Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit who makes you sons. That is a grossly incorrect rendering of the Greek. The ESB with heading & note has: Children of God Gal.3:26,27 14. For all who are led by the Spirit2 of God are children of God. 15. For you have not received a spirit of slavery to be afraid; but you have received a spirit of sonship in which we cry, Abba, Father. One becomes God's child when he/she follows the Spirit's teaching - when one obeys the gospel. Galatians 3:26,27 shows that we become children of God in Christ Jesus, through the faith (the Spirit's teaching), when we are immersed into Christ. 23. The NIV is misleading, Undependable In Romans 12:6 the NIV has, 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. The NIV misses the point entirely. The NIV substitutes "his faith" (belief) for "the faith" (Christ's word). ___________________________ 1.FAITHFUL, from pistos, faithful, trustworthy. The word may indicate "believers" but at times it simply shows faithfulness in a general sense. See 1 Cor. 4:2. Cf. Tim.3:4,5. 2.LED BY THE SPIRIT in hearing, believing and obeying the Spirit-given word (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Pet. 1:20). Gal. 3:26,27 shows that we are children of God in Christ Jesus, through the faith. The ESB on Romans 12:6: 6. And we have gifts differing according to the grace given us. If it be prophecy, prophesy according to the proportion of the faith. They were to prophesy that portion of "the faith" the Spirit made known to the prophet. In 1 Corinthians 13:9 we read, "For we know a portion and we prophesy a portion." In Romans 12:6 Paul was telling the prophets to prophesy that portion of the faith given them, no more, no less. Special Gifts ceased Those gifts ceased when the completed revelation was available (1 Cor. 13:10; Eph.4:13; 2 Tim.3:16,17): The perfect law of liberty James 1:25; 2:12 24. The NIV substitutes "whose faith" for "the faith" The NIV grossly misses the point in Romans 14:1. The NIV has, "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters." That is not what the Greek says. ESB, with heading & footnotes has: One weak in "the faith" 1. You are to receive one who is weak1 in the faith2, but not to judge3 disputable matters. __________________________ 1.WEAK, from astheneo, to be weak; infirm; deficient. Here: not well-informed in the faith. See Jude 3. The Jewish Christians were the "weak" members in this setting. It appears that they made every effort to get Gentile Christians to keep the works of the Law. 2.THE FAITH is the doctrine of Christ (Jude 3; 2 John 9). 3.JUDGE, from diakrisis, a distinguishing (1 Cor. 12:10 - discerning of spirits); therefore, a judging in certain matters as eating certain foods; observing days. One who is weak in "the faith" is weak in the doctrine of Christ, for they are one and the same. One who is weak in "the faith" is not to be set up to be the judge about the matter of keeping certain days, or not observing them; about eating of certain foods, or eating only herbs. The weak brother or sister is not to be excluded over indifferent matters. Such are to be received, but are not to be placed in a position of imposing their views on others. 25. The NIV has one baptized by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:13 the NIV incorrectly states, 13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. That is not what the Greek says. Here is the ESB, with topic & notes: Immersed into the one body, the church 13. For in one spirit4 we all were immersed5 into the one body6; whether Jews or Greeks; whether servants or free; and of one spirit have we all been made to drink. __________________________ 4.IN ONE SPIRIT (& of one spirit; same verse) - the spirit of faithful obedience (Acts 8:37, "If you believe with all your heart you may." Rom. 6:17,18, "...but have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine, being then made free from sin." Heb. 5:9, Christ became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him." 5.WE ALL WERE IMMERSED - There is no unimmersed Christian. Immersion is the point at which we enter the body (the church, Eph. 1:22,23). 6.ONE BODY, the church (Eph. 1:22,23; 4:4). Every saved person is added by the Lord to his church at immersion (Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 12:13). 7.THE FAITH is Christ's doctrine (Jude 3; 2 John 9). It is the law of faith (Rom. 3:27) that "we establish" (Rom. 3:31). It is the law of God, Christ's law (1 Cor. 9:21). "The faith" is a neglected phrase in the versions. Spirit of faithful obedience In one spirit (of faithful obedience) we were immersed into Christ and into his body the church, and have been made to drink. The passage has nothing to do with the Holy Spirit, except that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write it. Immersed into the one body An important point made by inspiration in this verse is that we get into Christ's one body, the church, at the point of immersion. See Romans 6:3-6,17,18. 26. The NIV changes "the faith" into "faith" In 2 Corinthians 1:24 the NIV has, ...because it is by faith you stand firm. Here is the ESB on verse 24, with note: 24. Not that we are lording over your faith, but we are working together for your joy, for you stand in the faith1. NIV - "You stand by faith" The NIV says that you stand by faith (belief). God - "You stand in the faith" God says that you stand in "the faith" (Christ's doctrine - the gospel). Which will you accept? Will you hear God, or people? As for me and my house, we will choose the Lord's word, and stand ready to defend it earnestly (Jude 3). 27. NIV substitutes "this faith" for "the faith" In Galatians 3:23 NIV says: 23Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. __________________________ 1.THE FAITH is presented as being that which replaces "The Law of Moses." The Law was to guide until "the faith" came. It came with Christ; and with the death of Christ on the cross the Law was "nailed to the cross" and taken out of the way. "The faith" - Christ's law took its place. See Rom. 3:27-31; 1 Cor. 9:21; 2 John 9; Jude 3). The ESB heading & notes have: The Law led to Christ 23. But before the faith came we were kept in restraint under the Law, shut up unto the faith1 which was to be revealed. There is a radical difference between these two versions! The latter is as nearly literal as it can be made. Added words are put in italics to show that they are not in the Greek. "The faith" is in the Greek manuscripts twice in this verse, as indicated in the ESB. The NIV renders the first "the faith" by "this faith" and the second by "faith." God said, in the original Greek, "the faith." Will you be satisfied with a per-version of God's word? "The faith" came after the cross The inspired word says: "Before the faith came." "The faith" is the doctrine of Christ - the gospel. It came after the Law was nailed to the cross (Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14). 28. NIV substitutes "faith" for "the faith" (And does other violence to the passage) In Galatians 3:25-27 the NIV has, 25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. Sons of God 26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were united with Christ in baptism have been clothed with Christ. The English Study Bible headings and note have: Children through The Faith 25. But now that the faith has come we are no longer under the guide. 26. For you are all children of God in Christ Jesus through the faith. Immersed into Christ (See Romans 6:3,4) 27. For as many as have been immersed into Christ1 have put on Christ. The English Study Bible renders it exactly as the original Greek has it. Words that had to be added to make the inspired message fit the English idiom were put it with italics to let the readers know that they were supplied. The "faith Only" bias of the NIV (as most denominations hold) is likely behind that version's unwillingness to put "the faith" in many passages. 29. NIV tries to avoid any hint of "falling from grace" NIV has, in Galatians 5:4, 4You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace." "Away from", to those who believe that you can't fall from grace, means that you were never quite there in the grace of God. You almost attained it, but you fell "away from" grace before you were in it - you were never really a saved person. The ESB text and note have: 4. Whoever of you are seeking to be justified in the Law; you are cut off from Christ. You have fallen from grace2. Paul warns against falling (1 Corinthians 10:11,12), and Peter shows that if __________________________ 1.IMMERSED INTO CHRIST - The Bible shows no other way into Christ. One believes, repents and confessunto life; salvation, but one is immersed into Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27). one does fall, he/she is in worse condition than he/she would have been in if never saved (2 Peter 2:20-22). Peter also shows that Christians are to give all diligence to make their calling and election sure; if they do these things they will never fall (2 Peter 1:5-11). 30. NIV Can't Stand doing "Works" The NIV has Gal.5:5,6 like this: 5For by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. The ESB heading, text and note have: A working faith (See James 2:22-24) 5. For we in a spirit of faith confidently wait for that righteousness. 6. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision3 has meaning, but faith working through4 love. The Lord says, "Faith working through love." The verse is showing that circumcision is nothing - uncircumcision is nothing, but faith working through love [is something]. The doctrine of the "faith only" group (of which the NIV is an advocate) is of that "works" have no place in one's salvation. According to them, one is saved at the point faith, without any kind of works. __________________________ 2.FALLEN FROM GRACE, from ekpipto (ek, out of; pipto, to fall, to fall out of the grace. These have separated themselves from the grace of God by spurning the sacrifice of Christ and going back to the Law which Christ had "taken out of the way, nailing it to his cross" (Col. 2:14). 3.CIRCUMCISION/UNCIRCUMCISION - Neither Jew nor Gentile is of value. In 1 Cor. 7:19 Paul shows that it is "keeping the commandments of God that counts; and in Gal. 6:15 that it is a matter of being a new creature that is of value. 4.FAITH WORKING is the kind James writes about in James, chapters 1 & 2. In James 2:24 James shows that people are justified by "works," and not by "faith only." It must be a working faith, a visible faith (James 2:17,18). 31. More "sinful nature" from Calvinism in the NIV In Galatians 5:15,17 and 19 and 6:8 NIV substitutes sinful nature for "flesh." This agrees more with the doctrine of the total depravity -- Calvinism. 32. NIV changes God's word In Philippians 3:16 NIV has: "Only let us live up to what we have already attained." The ESB text and heading have: Live by the same Rule "Wherefore let us live by the same rule to which we have attained." The same rule is the same doctrine. It is "walking in the light of his word" (1 John 1:7); "abiding in the doctrine of Christ" (2 John 9). 33. More "faith" substituted for "the faith" by the NIV In Ephesians 2:8 the NIV has: 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- The text, heading, & note of the ESB: By grace through "the faith" 8. For in grace you all have been saved, through the faith1; and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God. In this passage only the ESB correctly renders it, "For in grace you all have been saved, through the faith," but that is what the major Greek manuscripts say. It is through "the word of his grace" which is able to build up and give an inheritance with the saints (Acts 20:32). It is the grace that has appeared to all people, teaching us and helping us know and obey (Titus 2:11,12). __________________________ 1.THE FAITH - God's grace is revealed in the gospel (the faith - Gal. 1:11,23). We are saved by grace through the faith. The grace of God teaches (Titus 2:11,2). When we hear the word of his grace (Acts 20:32), and obey it (Rom. 6:17,18), we are his children. We have, at that point, been "saved by grace through the faith." 34. NIV misses it entirely on "works" in Eph.2:10 NIV, on Ephesians 2:10: 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. The English Study Bible, text, headings, and notes have: Created in Christ Jesus "upon" good works God foreordained 10. For we are his workmanship; created in Christ Jesus on the basis of2 good works3 which God foreordained that we should walk in them. The Greek has, "Created in Christ Jesus on the basis of good works which God foreordained." The phrase, "on the basis of," is from epi, the Greek __________________________ 2.ON THE BASIS OF, from epi, on, upon, on the basis of. Translators have generally incorrectly translated epi in this passage as, unto, evidently because they understood that there is no work, of any kind, to be done by a person in order to be saved. Paul is here showing that there are certain "good works" that serve as the basis of his/her being in Christ. 3.GOOD WORKS forming the basis of one's being created in Christ include faith (John 6:29 -"...this is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he sent."); repentance (Luke 24:47,48; 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; 11:18); confession (Mt. 10:32; Rom. 10:10); immersion (Mr. 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Pet. 3:21). When one does these works of God's righteousness - works of faith he/she is born again (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5), and is raised to walk the new life (Rom. 6:4,5, 17,18; 2 Cor. 5:17), in Christ (Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27). preposition meaning "on," "upon," "on the basis of." This is its basic meaning. It is used in some other ways, but the context must clearly indicate its use. Here the context leaves no room to render it other than "on," "upon," or "on the basis of." The "good works" are: The "good works" upon which one is created in Christ are: faith (John 6:29), repentance (Luke 13:3,5); confession (Rom.10:10); and immersion (Acts 2:38; 22:16). See footnotes 2 & 3 on page 13. God's power to save in this age is the gospel (Romans 1:16). It is by the gospel one is called (2 Thess. 2:14); made a believer (Rom.10:17; John 20: 30,31); is begotten (1 Cor.4:15; James 1:18; John 3:3-8 ESB). Jesus saves those who obey Heb.5:9 No one can be saved who does not hear, believe, and obey the gospel (Mk. 16:15,16; Rom.10:10-17; 6:3-6,17,18). It is "the faith" through which one becomes a child of God in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26,27). 35. NIV - more "Faith only" In Ephesians 3:17 the NIV has Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith: 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. The Greek has, "That Christ may dwell with your hearts through the faith." ESB text & notes have: 17. That Christ may dwell with1 your hearts through the faith2, that you all, being rooted and grounded in love; The Lord, Jesus Christ, promised to be with his disciples always (Mt.28:20). __________________________ 1.WITH, from en, in. When its object is plural (as here); with, among, in the midst. 2.THE FAITH, Christ's doctrine, is the means or the medium through which Christ dwells with us (2 John 9 - we have both the Father and the Son when we abide in his doctrine). 36. NIV - More biased and slanted doctrine in Eph.4:13 NIV has: 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining the full measure of perfection found in Christ. (Note: This has to do with the purpose of the spiritual gifts. H.L.) On Ephesians 4:13 ESB heading & note have: Oneness of the faith, the completed revelation 13. Until we all attain the oneness of the faith3, unto a mature person, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. The Greek has, "Until we all attain the oneness of the faith." The completed revelation of 1 Corinthians 13:10 is the thought here. The NIV would have the spiritual gifts last until all who believe in Christ have reached "unity in the faith" and "in the full knowledge of the Son of God." The inspired word is showing that the gifts were to last until "the oneness of the faith" - the completed revelation - became available. 37. "Spirit" problems In Ephesians 4:30 NIV has, 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." The ESB text & notes have: 30. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God4, in whom you all were sealed5 unto the day of redemption. __________________________ 3.THE FAITH is the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9; Jude 3). 4.HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD - God is used here of the Godhead. "The Spirit of God" of the Old Testament is from ruach elohim - Spirit of the Godhead. Paul uses it this way. 5.WERE SEALED - upon obeying the word of the Spirit (John 3:3-8; James 1:18; Rom. 6:3-5,17,18). 38. NIV misses the mark NIV has, in Ephesians 5:18, 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Most versions have this error). The ESB text & notes have: 18. And do not get drunk with wine1, in which is reckless dissipation, but fill yourselves in spirit2; The Greek says, "Fill yourselves in spirit," a perfect parallel with Colossians 3:16 - "Have the word of God dwell in you richly." The NIV (and others) pervert the last part of the verse to give support for the "indwelling" of the Holy Spirit. The passage is not dealing with the Holy Spirit, but it is showing how we are to fill ourselves spiritually - have the word of Christ dwell in us richly. 39. NIV - more "sinful nature" Colossians 2:11 has more "sinful nature" instead of "flesh." Calvinism is very prominent in the NIV. 40. NIV has "Your faith" Substituted for "The Faith" NIV has, in Colossians 2:12, 12In baptism you were buried with him and raised with him through your faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead. The ESB, text & notes have: 12. When you were buried3 with him in immersion; in whom also you were raised through the faith4; the power of God who raised him from the dead. __________________________ 1.WITH WINE - fill the spirit instead. 2.FILL SELVES - by having the word dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16). 3.BURIED - "Baptism" (immersion, baptismos) is a burial in water, for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:4 - "buried with him"). 4.THE FAITH - the gospel, God's power to save the believers (Rom. 1:16). The facts of the gospel are: the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4); and when one obeys a form of that gospel in immersion, he/she is raised a new creature, to walk a new life, free from sin (Rom.6:3-5,17,18; 2 Cor. 5:17). The Greek states, "When you were buried with him in immersion; in whom you also were raised through the faith; the power of God who raised him from the dead." 41. NIV Changes Colossians 3:16 NIV has, for Colossians 3:16, 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and counsel one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. The ESB and the Greek have, "All of you are to have the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs; singing with grace in your hearts to God." NIV has "teach and counsel one another" as a separate item, not related to singing. God does not agree with the NIV where and when it changes his word. 42. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Poorly Rendered - Misleading NIV has this: "Avoid every kind of evil." The Lord is requiring more than that. He is saying that we are to avoid everything that even "looks" evil. The ESB and the Greek say: "Keep yourselves from everything that looks evil." 43. NIV - More "faith" substituted for "the faith" 2 Thessalonians 3:2, in the NIV, is, "And pray for us that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith." The Lord is not talking about "faith" - he is teaching (through Paul) about "the faith" - his doctrine. Not all have his doctrine. The English Study Bible and the Greek have: ". . . for not all have the faith." All do not have the gospel. Some pervert it (Galatians 1:6-9). Some wrest it to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). 44. NIV - "their faith" for "the faith" "Their Faith" Instead of "The Faith" In 1 Timothy 1:19 the NIV has, "Holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith." The Greek and the ESB have: "Keeping [the] faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected, and have made shipwreck in regard to the faith." "The faith" is disdained by the NIV (and most of the other versions available). "Faith" (belief) is much preferred, regardless of what the Greek states. 45. NIV - Christ "became" better than the angels? Christ Became Better Than Angels? In Hebrews 1:4 the NIV has, "So he became as much superion to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs." The ESB and the Greek have: "Being so much greater . . ." The NIV's rendering of this verse makes one uneasy about the view of the translators as it relates to the deity of Christ. 46. NIV - More "can't fall The NIV, on Hebrews 6:6, has, "If they fall away . . " The "faith only" - "can't fall" view of the NIV requires the "if" here. It is not in the Greek. The Greek has, "And then have fallen . . ." NIV "alters" the "altar" 47. NIV "adds" to God's word "Golden altar of Incense" is in the NIV, but not in the Greek. The inspired writer said, "golden censer." 48. NIV adds - takes from, and changes God's word The NIV has (Hebrews 11:1), "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." The ESB and the Greek have: "Now faith is the foundation of hopes, the evidence of things not seen." All our Christian hopes and lives are built on faith. We are to add to that faith the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:7-11), so that we may be fruitful, and make our calling and election sure. "Foundation" is from hupostasis, to stand under. 49. NIV - "our faith" for "the faith" (Did God make a mistake?) In Hebrews 12:2 the NIV has, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith." That is not what the Greek has. It has, "Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of the faith." Jesus perfected his doctrine, his law, the faith (2 John 9; Jude 3; 1 Corinthians 9:21). This is the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25). Why shy away from "the faith"? One would get the idea that the New International Version dislikes "the faith" very strongly! In fact, it does! The NIV does not believe God. 50. NIV rewrites God's word In many, many passages! James 2:1 is completely rewritten by the NIV. It has, "My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism." The ESB and the Greek have: "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality." Can you believe anyone would do such a thing? NIV changes "the faith" into "believers." The faith (Christ's doctrine - the gospel) makes or produces believers, but "believers" are not the gospel; they are not "the faith"; they are not the doctrine of Christ! How much (or how little) perversion is required for us to say, "Enough!"? How much false teaching will it take to make the version a threat rather than a blessing? God warned against adding to or taking from his word. The NIV does both, and in so many passages. 51. NIV changes God's word James 5:15, as rendered in the NIV, reads, "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up." NIV completely misses the point of "the faith" as opposed to "faith" in this passage (even as it does in practically every use of "the faith"). James actually stated, "And the prayer of the faith shall heal the sick, and the Lord will raise him up." The prayer of "the faith" is a specific kind of faith - the "spiritual gift" kind. See 1 Corinthians 12:9; 13:2. A look at the NIV 52. NIV - "yourselves" instead of "your souls" (and other problems) In 1 Peter 1:22 the NIV says, "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers. . ." The Greek says, "You have purified your souls in obeying the truth, unto sincere brotherly love . . ." Peter is showing that since they have purified their souls by obeying the gospel (Cf. Romans 6:17,18), now they are to have sincere, fervent love for other Christians. The "brotherly love" is to be added - see 2 Peter 1:5-7. NIV has you with "love for your brothers" already. 53. NIV changes the word "He who does what is right is righteous" is NIV's rendering in 1 John 3:7. The Lord states it quite differently: "He who does righteousness is righteous." Righteousness has to do with keeping God's commandments (Psalm 119:172; Luke 1:6). NIV follows this same thought in verse 10, "Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God." NIV substitutes "right" (a rather vague term) for "righteousness." Just scratched the surface In these few pages we have listed some of the many problems the New International Version of the Bible poses. Every page of that version presents problems of one kind or another. The translators of the NIV were men with little regard for the inspiration of the Scriptures. Denominational thought was more important to them than the Scriptures. "One can learn what to do to be saved from any version," is a statement frequently heard. This statement seems to settle the matter for them. If one can learn what to do to be saved from the NIV, it must be a good version. Can one learn what to do to be saved from the NIV, unaided? Suppose that you distribute 100,000 copies of the NIV in a mission area, and then wait to see the results of that many people learning what God requires them to do to be saved. These 100,000 people are given no help or guidance - just the NIV. Now suppose that 1,000 people become believers through reading and studying the NIV. What will they have learned? They will have been taught that salvation is by faith from first to last - from beginning to end (Romans 1:17; 5:2; 10:10; Ephesians 1:13; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 3:26). Of those 1,000 new believers, possibly 5 or 10 of them would be classified as "New Testament" Christians. All the rest would be liberal, "faith only" believers - members of some denomination that holds the liberal, faith only doctrine. The five or 10 who could be called "just Christians" would be liberal from start to finish. Seed brings forth after its kind We know this is true because the seed sown is liberal, faith only oriented; and the seed always brings forth after its kind. Give out 100,000 copies of the English Study Bible On the other hand, if 100,000 copies of the ESB were given out in a mission area - no help or guidance rendered - just allow the same conditions supposed relating to the NIV. Again suppose that 1,000 people became believers from studying the English Study Bible. It is almost certain that 100% of them would believe that the Bible is true and understandable, and they would likely all be members of the Lord's blood-bought body. All of them who completed their obedience to the gospel would be saved by the Lord, and added by him to his church, the church of Christ (Acts 2:38-47). They would be Christians - only Christians - nothing more or less than Christians. They would not be some "kind" or "faith" of Christians. Brethren, this illustration is not far-fetched! Give people the truth, with the helps provided in the notes of the ESB, and it will produce Christians. No one, after reading it carefully, can say that he does no know that a believer must repent (make up his/her mind to serve the Lord), confess Christ as Lord, and be immersed into Christ, for the forgiveness of sins. However, one could read the NIV from now to the coming of the Lord, and he/she would not likely find those truths presented in such a way as to be understood and obeyed. Instead of 5 or 10, it is more likely that not even one person, unaided would ever learn what to do the be saved just by reading the NIV!