In a discussion of this topic, manuscript evidence only leads to endless debate (cf. 1 Timothy 1:4). But that's a smokescreen to keep believers from looking at the differences in doctrine between the two versions.
Look at the differences and judge the doctrines for yourself:
Proverbs 16:6
(KJV) By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
(NIV) Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
"Mercy and truth" are external; "love and faithfulness" are things that we have or do. The NIV teaches that forgiveness is attained by working for it. I can use the NIV to cast doubt on salvation by grace.
The KJV teaches that by something outside of ourselves we can find forgiveness—mercy and truth from the LORD. And that is what we understand to be true regarding salvation. The KJV supports the doctrine of 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.
Redemption means salvation from sin and its penalty. The blood of Christ is missing for redemption in the NIV. The doctrine of Christ's atoning blood is detracted from.
In the KJV, the blood is an essential element (cf. Ephesians 2:13, 1 Peter 1:2, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 John 1:7).
Luke 2:33
(KJV) And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
(NIV) The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
Joseph was Mary’s husband in the KJV but not the father of Jesus Christ. The deity of Jesus Christ cannot be attacked.
The "child’s father" in the NIV supports the idea that Jesus Christ had a human father. The doctrine of the deity and sinless perfection of Christ can now be questioned.
John 6:69
(KJV) And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
(NIV) We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.
This was Peter's testimony of Jesus Christ the Anointed One, the Messiah. Where is Christ in the NIV? The doctrine of Christ loses efficacy in the NIV.
Any religious man (such as the Pope) can be called the Holy One of God. I can use the NIV to cast doubt on the need for Christ to be saved. I could argue that the Bible says any holy person is the path to salvation.
In the KJV, there is no doubt who Peter testified of. The doctrine of Christ is supported.
Acts 16:31
(KJV) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
(NIV) They replied, Believe in the LORD Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.
Do we believe on Jesus or Jesus Christ to be saved (2 Corinthians 11:4)? There is a HUGE difference.
The NIV leaves the door open to salvation by believing in a historical Jesus, a good man, a good teacher. The KJB elevates salvation to believing on Jesus the Christ.
There is soooo much more…
In the end, it isn't the endless debates about the genealogies of manuscripts but what these versions teach. Again, the so-called "manuscript evidence" and "original manuscripts" debates are simply distractions. One version teaches the fundamentals of the faith, the other removes them.
As a Christian, which do you feel more comfortable with?
Which one is safer?
Which one makes more sense?
Which supports basic Christian doctrines?
And keep in mind, there can be only ONE magnified (Psalm 138:2), inspired (2 Timothy 3:16), preserved (Psalm 12:6-7), settled (Psalm 119:89), truth (John 17:17).
With the differences in wording and (often) meaning, they can't all fulfill these criteria.
So, which version is it? It’s pretty clear.
What do you think? You're invited to share your comments.
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Written by Jerry Smith
Feature Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/skhoward
Open KJB: https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/crucifixion
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