Dynamic Equivalence will often lead to changes in the doctrine, remember it’s thought-for-thought, what the translator thinks the intent of the author is, or the meaning behind what the author is trying to say. Doctrine is a set of beliefs, principles, teachings, or rules that form the basis of a particular philosophy, religion, ideology, or system of thought. Most modern versions will claim there are no doctrinal differences between the translations.
Let’s take a look: These are examples provided by Waite in his book, Defending the King James Bible.
The doctrine of the Godhead.
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. – 1 JO 5:7-8
This is one of the clearest references to the Trinity in the Bible. In many modern versions the verse is either eliminated (relegated to footnote), or the phrases “in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”, in verse 7, and “And there are three that bear witness in earth”, in verse 8, are removed.
For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. – 1 JO 5:7-8, ESV
Why are these verses missing from the modern versions? It’s because they are missing from the underlying Greek Texts, B and ALEPH – this is a pattern we will see with most of the doctrinal changes.
The denial of the return of Christ.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. – MAT 25:13
The phrase, “wherein the Son of man cometh” is missing from many of the modern versions.
The denial of the bodily resurrection of people.
“In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.” – MAR 12:23
The phrase, “therefore, when they shall rise” is missing from many of the modern versions.
At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her? – MAR 12:23, NIV
These words clarify the sort of “resurrection” that is referred to. It is one where people will “rise” in a literal and bodily sense from the dead. The Bible is its own dictionary, what does resurrection mean? It means someone rises from the dead, comes back to life.
The denial of the reality of perishing in hell.
That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. – JOH 3:15
The phrase “should not perish” is removed from many of the modern versions.
That whoever believes in him may have eternal life. – JOH 3:15, ESV
The denial of literal fire in hell.
Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. – MAR 9:44,46.
These verses are just missing.
The denial that salvation is limited only to the saved.
And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. – REV 21:24
The phrase “which are saved” is removed from many of the modern versions, opening the door to universalism, that maybe all mankind is saved.
By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. – REV 21:24 ESV
The denial that justification is by the faith of Christ.
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. – GAL 2:16
The phrase “faith of Jesus Christ” is changed to “faith in Jesus Christ” in many of the modern versions, thus connecting our works, in this case faith, as how we are justified, “made right” with God.
Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ – GAL 2:16a, ESV
The denial of Christ’s substitutionary, vicarious atonement.
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: – 1 CO 5:7
The phrase “for us” is eliminated in many modern versions, which opens the door to doubting the doctrine of penal substitution, where Christ died on the cross for our sins.
Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. – 1 CO 5:7, ESV
The denial of redemption by divinely provided blood.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: – COL 1:14
The phrase “through his blood” is removed from many of the modern versions, which removes the source of our redemption, the blood shed by Jesus Christ on the cross.
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – COL 1:14, ESV
The denial of salvation and redemption only in Christ.
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; – HEB 1:3
The phrase “by Himself” is eliminated in many modern versions. This opens the door to the idea that others might be able to participate in the redemption process, such as, our works, Mary, etc.
After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, – HEB 1:3, ESV
Conclusion
These are just a handful of examples; there are plenty of others. I hope it’s obvious there are differences in the doctrine of the King James Bible, based on the Received Text translated using Formal Equivalence, and the modern versions, based on the Sinaiticus or Vaticanus translated using Dynamic Equivalence.
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. – DEU 4:2
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. – REV 2:18-19
The King James Bible has the best foundation, the best translators, and the best technique, which leads to the best theology, as nothing is added or taken away from God’s word.
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