[Athos]

For those of you who believe in Sola Scriptura how do you distinguish among the various translations? Is one more accurate than the other? Which one? Does language (English, French, Chinese, etc.) make a difference?

Who or what determines for you the correct canon of the books?

(Please don't say the Bible interprets itself because that is a meaningless phrase).

Thank you.

[N0help4u]

Taking the contexts in whole what are some discrepancies you find between versions?

[Sweet_Guy23]

Authorized Version of King James Version of 1611

That's the only bible you should be reading. That's the purest word you can get.

[Triund]

We already had discussion on version of the Bible in anothet thread. You can read the thread at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/christ...on-350818.html

[450donn]

Authorized Version of King James Version of 1611

Thats the only bible you should be reading. Thats the purest word you can get.

That has to be one of the silliest answers I have read in a long time!
No version is worth a hill of beans unless a person can sit down and read and understand what he is reading!

[paraclete]

How do I distinguish.

Basically I think you should get one good translation and stick to it. If you are unsure of meaning then compare it with other translations as in a parallel Bible.

Paul told us all Scripture is useful for instruction so don't get hung up on the translation but gain understanding and wisdom by reading. There really isn't a great deal of difference between many translations but the archaic language in the KJV is hard to understand

[revdrgade]

There are ways to distinguish what translations are correct, but it takes a bit of work.

One way is to study the languages of the Bible and get the books(bound or electronic) which can lead you to the best translation of each word or phrase. To be good at this you will need:
1. a Bible written in Hebrew and Greek

2. studies of the languages of the Bible

3. an exhaustive concordance with definitions for each word(Strong's, Young's)

4. an analytical lexicon which will give you the tense, case, etc for each word in the Bible

5. years of study so that you know the connection between concepts, similarities, phrases in both testaments.

6. and probably a few commentaries to see why certain words/phrases were translated the way they were.

Most "translations" will carry a doctrinal bias from those who did the translating. Most words have more than one or two meanings and the translator has to make a choice unless it gives all the meanings to each word in the footnotes.

English translations are not the best because our language is not even close to the descriptive language it was a couple hundred years ago. Latin would be the best (not the Vulgate) because it is a "dead" language and hasn't changed in many centuries. Russian and German are more scientific languages and so would also be good.

The correctness of the present canon does become apparent after many years of Bible study because a unity of all these books becomes more apparent the longer you study them. That is, you will see the single authorship as all of it ties together. There are some books in the Apochrypha which show some spiritual life too.

I like the NIV because it is a good balance of literal correctness and "ease" of reading and understanding.

[sndbay]

That has to be one of the silliest answers I have read in a long time!
No version is worth a hill of beans unless a person can sit down and read and understand what he is reading!

Perhaps this will explain further as to why someone might consider or preper the 1611 KJV. I have studied with many of the amended translations, and found difference that are sometimes less favorable for connecting the comprehendable knowledge that is possible when related from book to book. And there are the time frames that are shown in difference to each amended translation.

Exampled:

EW Bullinger Companion Bible preface about this site


And I do use the Strong's exhaustive concordance of the bible, that is as revdrgade posted, a good aid for anyone to get to know the langauge of the bible.

Preface The Companion Bible (Page 7) Marginal notes (Page 9 )

http://books.google.com/books?id=_Js...0bible&f=false

For those of you who believe in Sola Scriptura how do you distinguish among the various translations? Is one more accurate than the other? Which one? Does language (English, French, Chinese, etc.) make a difference?

Who or what determines for you the correct canon of the books?

(Please don't say the Bible interprets itself because that is a meaningless phrase).

Thank you.

Check it out for yourself..

The Companion Bible
http://www.companionbiblecondensed.com/

[speechlesstx]

Sola Scriptura in essence means we believe the scriptures to be the only infallible source and rule of faith and practice and that the individual CAN interpret the scriptures as opposed to relying on a formal interpretation and decrees from say, a Pope.

Which version you use has absolutely no bearing on the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. As Tektonics puts it, "Sola Scriptura cannot be believed in a vacuum." We can use resources such as lexicons, we do need to examine context, we do need to consider tradition, history and culture in interpreting the bible. It's just that we as individuals can do these things ourselves as opposed to leaving the thinking and deciding to someone else.

[sndbay]

It's just that we as individuals can do these things ourselves as opposed to leaving the thinking and deciding to someone else.

However scripture says by the Holy Spirit comes all interpretation.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

That say no prophecy, and means we as individuals can only be moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

[speechlesstx]

However scripture says by the Holy Spirit comes all interpretation.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

That say no prophecy, and means we as individuals can only be moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

And this is where you must look at the context, as in contrast to verse 16, "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables," and in relation to verse 19, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed.

The scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit which is why we should heed them as opposed to "cunningly devised fables." The passage in 2 Peter has nothing to do with whether we can interpret or understand the scriptures. In fact Jesus told us to "search the scriptures" and the Bereans were held as noble because "they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

That is to me an example of Sola Scriptura, the Bereans heard the word and searched the scriptures themselves as the authority for verifying what they had heard.

[sndbay]

And this is where you must look at the context, as in contrast to verse 16, "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables," and in relation to verse 19, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed.

The scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit which is why we should heed them as opposed to "cunningly devised fables."

Agree

2 Peter 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

The passage in 2 Peter has nothing to do with whether or not we can interpret or understand the scriptures.

Why would you say such a thing? Whether we see and hear takes a willing heart in doing the will of God. You could search scripture and find the delusion of you own mind if God finds your heart unwilling to do HIS will.

2 Thess 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are told the blind will led the blind
Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

2 Peter 1:9-10 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall

In fact Jesus told us to "search the scriptures" and the Bereans were held as noble because "they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

That is to me an example of Sola Scriptura, the Bereans heard the word and searched the scriptures themselves as the authority for verifying what they had heard.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.


And I would agree that we should beware of deception, and watch carefully. Searching the scripture and in prayer for guidance to be all God created each to be. But again those who teach false teaching are beguiled, and do the will of man, and not the Will of God.

Liberty was given to each of us. That liberty gave each individual their own free will to follow the will of God, or to follow their own will = as in doing the will of man.

[sndbay]

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy

men are considered holy who walk in the spirit, and not after the lust of the flesh.

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Which version you use has absolutely no bearing on the doctrine of Sola Scriptura.

So getting back on the thread question. The version you are using could definite make a difference in obtaining truth of God Word. (That's my opinion)

[speechlesstx]

Why would you say such a thing? Whether we see and hear takes a willing heart in doing the will of God. You could search scripture and find the delusion of you own mind if God finds your heart unwilling to do HIS will.

I think you're missing the point I made earlier, Sola Scriptura is about the scriptures being "the only infallible source and rule of faith and practice and that the individual CAN interpret the scriptures as opposed to relying on a formal interpretation and decrees from say, a Pope."

Sola Scriptura is but one of the Five Solas that came out of the Reformation which distinguish protestantism from Catholicism.

Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone)

This sola expresses the conviction that all teaching of the church for doctrine and practice must be built upon that which is revealed in Scripture or deduced by good and necessary consequence from the Scripture. So the Word of God is the supreme and final authority. It alone has the power to bind the conscience.

Sola gratia (Grace alone)

Salvation comes by the free grace of God. Man cannot—and need not—do any work to earn God’s favor. Salvation is not based in any way upon human merit.

Solus Christus (Christ alone)

Christ is the only mediator between God and man. Thus an individual can go directly to God through Christ.

Sola fide (Faith alone)

Faith in the Person of Christ is the instrumental means of salvation. The Roman Catholic Church taught that, while initial grace was infused at baptism, the person had to cooperate with that grace until God accepted him as righteous.

Soli Deo Gloria (for God’s glory alone)

Salvation is exclusively God’s work, and so He alone is worthy to receive praise and thanksgiving. This sola expresses the highest motive for all the Christian’s deeds—the glory of God alone.

I don't discount the Holy Spirit's role in our understanding of scripture, it's just that this talk about versions is a diversion from the meaning of Sola Scriptura.

[paraclete]

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy

men are considered holy who walk in the spirit, and not after the lust of the flesh.

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

You left out the quote about prophesy being judged and requiring two or more witnesses. Prophesy does not stand in the same place as Scripture and a prophesy that contradicts Scripture is a false prophesy. The Holy Spirit will not contradict Scripture because Scripture is Holy Spirit inspired

[sndbay]

Sola gratia (Grace alone)

Salvation comes by the free grace of God. Man cannot—and need not—do any work to earn God's favor. Salvation is not based in any way upon human merit.

Many are called to the liberty of grace given freely.

Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.


1 Peter 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Doing the will of God as good servants, is the liberty we were given. No longer in bondage to sin, but set free by the blood of Christ. Thus chose the path you are called of in love because that grace is freely given.

Solus Christus (Christ alone)

Christ is the only mediator between God and man. Thus an individual can go directly to God through Christ.

Agree, because Christ is the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Sola fide (Faith alone)

Faith in the Person of Christ is the instrumental means of salvation. .

Faith in One Lord, the shepherd and Bishop of our soul

1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Gal 3:6 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

The Roman Catholic Church taught that, while initial grace was infused at baptism, the person had to cooperate with that grace until God accepted him as righteous

What hinders baptism is that an individual must confess faith in Christ with all their heart.
One Baptism is the new man,(Eph 4:24) being begotten again. (1 Peter 1:3) The putting on of Christ (Gal 3:27) who will dwell within you in righteousness. You are baptized being buried into death with Christ (Romans 6:4)

1 Corinthains 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Connect the parable. why are we washed in pure water, and made new?(Hebrew 10:22) Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

Soli Deo Gloria (for God's glory alone)

Salvation is exclusively God's work, and so He alone is worthy to receive praise and thanksgiving. This sola expresses the highest motive for all the Christian's deeds—the glory of God alone.[/INDENT]

1 Thess 1:2-6 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps


`in Christ

[sndbay]

Prophesy does not stand in the same place as Scripture and a prophesy that contradicts Scripture is a false prophesy. The Holy Spirit will not contradict Scripture because Scripture is Holy Spirit inspired

Agree, and we joy in what is the power of the Holy Spirit.

[arcura]

Athos,
First of all I do not believe in sols Scriptora because that is unbiblical.
I use 8 different bible version to compare translations.
I find that almost all of the versions agree very much with each other and rev gave you a good answer on bible study.
There are some differences in newer versions compared to the old for the old ones have more errors. Even the Church of England admits that its KJV has hundreds of errors.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[speechlesstx]

First of all I do not believe in sols Scriptora because that is unbiblical.

Why is it unbiblical, Fred?

I use 8 different bible version to compare translations.

I use many versions as well and I'm a big fan of Sola Scriptura. What does the question of versions have to do with Sola Scriptura?

[arcura]

speechlesstx,
The bible is the foundation of Christian belief.
However there are teachings Jesus provided to His disciples that are not in the bible.
But they are in taught tradition.
As Paul, in the bible tells us we should follow taught tradition.
If you want to believe that the only word of God is in the bible, fine.
I don't. I believe that God has spoken to many othere than just in the bible.
Peace and kindness,
Fred