New Age Versions?

 An Attempt to Corrupt God's Written Word

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1. The Basis of New Testament Translations

• Many newer translations, like the NIV, ESV, and NASB, rely on the Alexandrian text family (e.g., Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus) rather than the Textus Receptus or Byzantine text, which underpins the King James Version (KJV).
• Critics argue that the Alexandrian texts omit or alter key doctrinal verses, leading to accusations of intentional watering down.

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2. Examples of Doctrinal Omissions

• Matthew 18:11

  • KJV: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
  • Omitted or footnoted in many modern versions like the NIV or ESV, citing lack of support in early manuscripts.
  • Critics argue this undermines the centrality of Jesus' mission.

• Colossians 1:14

  • KJV: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."
  • Modern versions like the NIV: "In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
  • The omission of "through his blood" raises concerns about downplaying the importance of Christ's sacrificial atonement.

• Mark 16:9–20

  • The longer ending of Mark, which includes references to the Great Commission and signs following believers, is either bracketed or omitted in modern translations.
  • Critics see this as a deliberate attack on the miraculous and supernatural aspects of the gospel.

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3. Changes in Key Terminology

• Isaiah 14:12

  • KJV: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!"
  • NIV: "How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn!"
  • Critics argue that referring to Lucifer as the "morning star," a title also used for Jesus in Revelation 22:16, causes confusion and diminishes the clear distinction between Christ and Satan.

• John 3:16

  • KJV: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..."
  • NIV: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..."
  • The change from "begotten" to "one and only" is seen by some as undermining the theological doctrine of Jesus' eternal generation.

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4. Doctrinal Dilution in Language

• Words like repentance and hell are sometimes softened or replaced:

  • Acts 17:30
    • KJV: "God... now commandeth all men every where to repent."
    • NIV: "God... commands all people everywhere to repent."
    • Some argue that modern translations may interpret repentance more as a change of mind than a turning away from sin.

• Hell

  • Often replaced with "Hades" or "Sheol" in newer translations, reducing the immediate understanding of eternal punishment.

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5. New Age Philosophy and Influence

• Some critics, like Gail Riplinger in New Age Bible Versions, argue that modern translations incorporate New Age ideas by downplaying exclusivity and the deity of Christ.
  • E.g., 1 Timothy 3:16
    • KJV: "God was manifest in the flesh..."
    • NIV: "He appeared in the flesh..."
    • The omission of "God" is seen as a subtle denial of the deity of Christ.

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References and Resources

• New Age Bible Versions by Gail Riplinger.
• The King James Version Defended by Edward F. Hills.
• Which Bible? by David Otis Fuller.
• Textual comparisons available through tools like the Blue Letter Bible or BibleHub.

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Counterpoints to Consider

• Many modern translations aim to be faithful to earlier manuscripts considered more accurate by scholars. Differences are often a result of textual criticism, not a deliberate agenda.
• Accusations of "watering down" are debated among scholars and believers, with many finding value in modern translations for clarity and readability.

By examining these examples and sources, you can assess whether the textual changes in modern translations represent an intentional dilution or a legitimate attempt to reflect the earliest biblical manuscripts.

Certain dilutions and omissions in modern Bible versions attack the major doctrines of scripture, we must examine how these changes affect key teachings about salvation, the deity of Christ, and other core doctrines. Here are solid examples where these changes could have theological implications:

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1. The Deity of Christ

• 1 Timothy 3:16

  • KJV: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
  • NIV: "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."
  • Key Issue: The KJV explicitly states that God was manifest in the flesh, affirming the deity of Christ. By replacing "God" with "He," modern translations are accused of weakening the clear declaration of Christ's divinity.

• John 1:18

  • KJV: "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him."
  • NIV: "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known."
  • Key Issue: The phrase "only begotten Son" (which emphasizes Christ's unique, eternal relationship with the Father) is replaced with "one and only Son," which some argue is less precise and diminishes the theological richness of "begotten."

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2. The Doctrine of Salvation

• Acts 8:37

  • KJV: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
  • Omitted in many modern versions like the NIV, ESV, and NASB.
  • Key Issue: The confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God is removed, which some argue diminishes the necessity of faith for salvation.

• Colossians 1:14

  • KJV: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."
  • NIV: "In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
  • Key Issue: Omitting "through his blood" reduces the emphasis on the atoning power of Christ's sacrifice, which is central to the doctrine of salvation.

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3. The Trinity

• 1 John 5:7
  • KJV: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
  • Omitted or relegated to a footnote in modern versions, such as the NIV, citing lack of manuscript support.
  • Key Issue: This verse is a strong textual basis for the doctrine of the Trinity. Its removal is seen as an attack on the explicit biblical affirmation of the triune nature of God.

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4. The Person of Satan

• Isaiah 14:12
  • KJV: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!"
  • NIV: "How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn!"
  • Key Issue: By referring to Lucifer as the "morning star" (a title also used for Christ in Revelation 22:16), modern versions blur the distinction between Satan and Christ, potentially leading to confusion about the identity of Satan and his fall.

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5. Eternal Punishment

• Mark 9:44, 46

  • KJV: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
  • Omitted in modern translations like the NIV and ESV.
  • Key Issue: Omitting repeated affirmations of eternal punishment weakens the warning about hell, which is a significant aspect of biblical teaching on judgment.

• Matthew 25:46

  • KJV: "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."
  • Modern translations often replace "everlasting punishment" with "eternal punishment," which some argue is less emphatic.
  • Key Issue: Although the change is subtle, critics contend that modern translations may reduce the gravity of hell as eternal separation from God.

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6. Repentance and Faith

• Matthew 9:13

  • KJV: "...I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
  • NIV: "...I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
  • Key Issue: Removing "to repentance" reduces the emphasis on the need for sinners to turn from sin, which is central to salvation.

• Mark 1:15

  • KJV: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
  • NIV: "The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"
  • Key Issue: The phrase "repent ye" in KJV has a stronger, more direct call for individual accountability.

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7. The Great Commission

• Mark 16:15–20
  • KJV: This passage contains Jesus’ command to preach the gospel to all nations and mentions signs that follow believers.
  • Modern translations often bracket or omit it, claiming lack of support in earlier manuscripts.
  • Key Issue: The removal undermines the authority of the Great Commission and the supernatural signs accompanying the gospel.

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Conclusion

These omissions and changes in modern versions, while often justified by textual criticism, are seen by some as attacks on the core doctrines of Christianity. Critics argue that they dilute the clarity of teachings on salvation, the deity of Christ, the Trinity, eternal punishment, and repentance, thereby weakening the full counsel of God.

Suggested References for Further Study:

• New Age Bible Versions by Gail Riplinger.
• The King James Only Controversy by James R. White (for a balanced critique).
• Comparative Bible studies using tools like Blue Letter Bible and BibleHub.

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EXAMINING THE SOURCES

The Textus Receptus (TR) and Byzantine Text families are often compared to the Alexandrian Text family to determine which textual tradition provides a more faithful representation of the original New Testament manuscripts. Here, I'll provide a statistical breakdown based on manuscript evidence, textual variations, and omitted verses to support the claim of significant differences between these traditions.

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1. Manuscript Support by Textual Families

Byzantine Text (Majority Text) and Textus Receptus

• Represents 90–95% of all existing New Testament manuscripts.
• Over 5,300 manuscripts align more closely with the Byzantine tradition.
• The Byzantine text is the basis for the Textus Receptus, which underpins the KJV and other Reformation-era Bibles.
• Dates: Most extant Byzantine manuscripts come from the 5th to 15th centuries.

Alexandrian Text Family

• Represents approximately 5–10% of extant New Testament manuscripts.
• Includes key manuscripts such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus.
• Total manuscript support: About 45–50 manuscripts.
• Dates: Most Alexandrian manuscripts are earlier (2nd to 4th century).

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2. Number of Variants in Key Passages

Omitted or Altered Verses

The Alexandrian tradition tends to omit or modify certain verses found in the Textus Receptus/Byzantine text. These omissions affect doctrinally significant passages:

Verse	KJV (Textus Receptus)	Modern Versions (Alexandrian Text)
Matthew 17:21	"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."	Omitted entirely.
Matthew 18:11	"For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."	Omitted entirely.
Mark 16:9–20	Includes the long ending of Mark with resurrection details and the Great Commission.	Omitted or bracketed with a disclaimer.
Luke 4:4	"...man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."	"...man shall not live by bread alone."
John 5:4	"For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water..."	Omitted entirely.
Acts 8:37	"...If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered, I believe that Jesus is the Son of God."	Omitted entirely.
Romans 8:1	"...who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."	"...there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
1 John 5:7	"...the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."	Omitted or reduced to a minimalist rendering.

Quantitative Summary

• Textus Receptus/Byzantine Text: Includes more than 30 additional verses compared to the Alexandrian text.
• Alexandrian Text: Omits over 2,800 words found in the Byzantine tradition.

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3. Doctrinally Significant Omissions

Key Doctrines Affected by Variants

• Deity of Christ: Reduced emphasis in passages such as 1 Timothy 3:16, John 1:18.
• Trinity: Omission of 1 John 5:7.
• Atonement: "Through His blood" in Colossians 1:14.
• Repentance: Phrases explicitly commanding repentance (e.g., Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17).

Statistical Breakdown of Omissions

According to textual critics such as Dean Burgon:

• Alexandrian Text omits 2,886 words compared to the Byzantine text.
• This is equivalent to removing the entire content of 1 and 2 Peter from the Bible.

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4. Textual Agreement in Manuscripts

Agreement Rates

• Byzantine Text Manuscripts: Over 90% agreement across thousands of manuscripts.
• Alexandrian Text Manuscripts: Agreement rates among Alexandrian witnesses are significantly lower (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus differ from each other in over 3,000 places in the Gospels alone).

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5. Historical Usage

• The Textus Receptus and Byzantine Text were widely used in the Greek-speaking world and preserved by the Eastern Orthodox Church.
• Early Church Fathers (e.g., Chrysostom, Basil) quoted from texts aligning with the Byzantine tradition.
• The Alexandrian Text was largely confined to Egypt and North Africa and fell out of use until rediscovered in the 19th century.

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Conclusion

The Textus Receptus and Byzantine Text families have far greater manuscript support and exhibit fewer omissions compared to the Alexandrian Text. Critics argue that the omissions in the Alexandrian text often weaken or obscure major doctrines, which explains the preference for the Byzantine tradition by proponents of the KJV and related translations. For those who uphold the inspiration and preservation of scripture, the broader textual and doctrinal integrity of the Byzantine tradition is a compelling argument against the Alexandrian text.