To Jeffrey Khoo, Quek Suan Yew, Prabhudas Koshy and others in Far Eastern Bible College, Singapore,
As those entrusted with teaching God’s Word, we bear a
sacred responsibility to steward truth with wisdom, grace, and reverence. Yet I
write to you today with urgency, compelled by Scripture and the Spirit, to
address a growing fracture among us: quarrels over words, translations,
and secondary doctrines that have divided the body of Christ. Let us heed
Paul’s warning:
1. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one
approved… correctly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV)
Before we demand perfection in others, we must first be
“approved workers” before God. Approval comes not from rigid adherence to a
single translation (e.g., KJV-onlyism) or textual theory (e.g., “Perfect TR”),
but from humility, integrity, and faithfulness to the gospel. Quarreling over
words (2 Timothy 2:14) distracts from our mission and ruins those
who listen. Are we building up the church or tearing it down?
2. “Avoid foolish controversies” (Titus 3:9, NIV)
Debates over textual variants, translation philosophies, or
speculative genealogies (Titus 3:9) are “unprofitable and useless.” While
textual criticism has its place, elevating it to a test of orthodoxy breeds
pride and division. The Word of God is alive and active (Hebrews
4:12)—whether in NIV, ESV, NASB, or other faithful translations. To insist that
only one version is “God’s preserved Word” risks idolizing human methods over
God’s sovereign power to speak through His living Word.
3. “See to it… that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving
heart” (Hebrews 3:12, NIV)
Brothers and sisters, when we divide churches over secondary
issues like translation preferences, we risk hardening hearts and driving
people away from the “living God.” The New Covenant is not about ink on paper
but God’s law written on hearts (Hebrews 8:10). Let us major
on what unites us: Christ’s redeeming blood, the Spirit’s work, and the call to
holiness.
4. “How much more severely do you think someone deserves
to be punished…?” (Hebrews 10:29, NIV)
To attack fellow believers over translation choices—treating
modern versions as “unholy” or “corrupt”—is to insult the Spirit of grace who
dwells in all God’s children. Such behavior mirrors the Pharisees’ legalism,
not Christ’s compassion. Remember: God judges His people first (Hebrews
10:30). Let us tremble at the thought of harming His flock.
5. “Not many of you should become teachers… we will be
judged more strictly” (James 3:1, NIV)
Teachers, your platform is not a throne but a cross. When
you grumble against those who read NIV (James 5:9), swear by “Dean Burgon Oath” (James 5:12), or demand a “perfect Bible” (1 Peter 1:25), you usurp
God’s role as Judge (James 4:12). We all stumble (James 3:2).
Instead of policing others, examine your own heart: Is it marked by “bitter
envy and selfish ambition” (James 3:14) or “wisdom from heaven” (James 3:17)?
6. “Be doers of the Word” (James 1:22, NIV)
The church needs fewer critics and more doers. A
“perfect law” (James 1:25) is not about flawless manuscripts but the
transformative power of obedience. Does your teaching produce “peacemakers who
sow in peace” (James 3:18) or factions that split churches (James 4:1)? Stop
judging fellow believers (James 4:11) and start loving them (1 Peter 2:17).
7. “Respect everyone… fear God” (1 Peter 2:17, NIV)
God’s Word endures forever (1 Peter 1:25), but our
interpretations are finite. Approach difficult texts (2 Peter 3:16) with
humility, not dogmatism. Teach “the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11), not
personal biases. Lead as examples (1 Peter 5:3), not lords. And flee the spirit
of the “false teachers” (2 Peter 2:1) who peddle division as piety.
A Final Plea
Beloved, the world watches as we bicker over footnotes while
orphans go unfed and souls perish. Let us repent of pride, lay down our swords,
and unite around the gospel. Modern translations are tools, not idols. The
“perfect” Bible is the one that transforms sinners into saints—and that work
belongs to the Spirit, not our polemics.
May we heed James’ warning: “Don’t grumble… The
Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:9). Let us stand before Him
not as Pharisees clutching our preferred texts, but as servants who loved His
sheep, preached His grace, and left the rest to Him.
For the sake of the Bride,
An Ordained Pastor So And So
Scripture quotations taken from the NIV.
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