1. Can we deny the present perfection of the Holy Scriptures?
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We must not deny the inspiration and authority of God’s Word (2 Tim 3:16–17).
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But “perfection” needs clarity: The Bible teaches that God’s Word is perfect, pure, eternal in its divine origin (Ps 19:7; Ps 119:89, 160).
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However, the physical copies and translations we possess are subject to human transmission, and that’s where textual differences and scribal errors come in.
In other words: God’s Word is perfect; our copies are faithful but not flawless.
2. Is the KJV perfect without error?
The KJV is a majestic and faithful translation. But it is not free from issues. Here are two clear examples:
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Acts 12:4 — KJV says “Easter” instead of “Passover.” The Greek is Pascha, always meaning Passover. “Easter” was an interpretive choice, not a faithful rendering.
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1 John 5:7 (the Comma Johanneum) — The KJV includes “in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” This phrase is missing from all early Greek manuscripts before the 14th century. It is almost certainly a later addition, not part of John’s original text.
These do not destroy the trustworthiness of the KJV. But they show it cannot be claimed as “perfect without error.”
3. Do we have a perfect Bible in our hands now?
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We have an essentially perfect Bible in the sense that nothing of God’s truth has been lost. Every doctrine is preserved, no truth has disappeared.
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But we do not have a single translation or edition without any human imperfection.
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God’s providence preserved His Word through a rich manuscript tradition, so that through textual study and faithful translation, the church continues to have access to God’s Word in its fullness.
4. Do heretics have freedom of faith and speech?
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In civil society: Yes. Scripture recognizes that wheat and tares grow together until judgment (Matt 13:30). God allows even error to exist until His appointed time. That is why modern societies uphold freedom of conscience.
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In the church: No. False teachers should not be given teaching authority (Titus 1:9–11). The church must guard sound doctrine (1 Tim 6:3–5).
5. Should we tolerate and live in peace with heretics?
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As neighbors: Yes, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom 12:18). We show love even to enemies.
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In fellowship: No, we cannot embrace heresy as if it were truth (Gal 1:8–9). The church must protect the flock from wolves.
6. If God is powerful, why not preserve His Word perfectly in TR and KJV?
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God did preserve His Word—across thousands of manuscripts and translations.
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But He never promised a single, flawless edition in one language.
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The Westminster Confession says God preserved His Word “pure in all ages” (WCF 1.8), not “perfect in one text or translation.”
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The TR itself has multiple editions (Erasmus, Stephanus, Beza, Elzevir), with differences between them. Which one is “the perfect TR”? KJV translators themselves admitted they were making revisions, not producing a flawless text.
God’s power is not in doubt. But His method was not to drop a “perfect English Bible” from heaven. His method was preservation through the whole witness of the church.
Summary
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God’s Word is perfect in origin, sufficient in preservation.
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The KJV is excellent but not error-free.
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No single printed edition today is flawless, but God’s truth has been perfectly preserved in the total manuscript tradition.
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Heretics have freedom in society, but not in the church.
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We should love all people, guard truth in the church, and rest assured: God’s Word has not failed.
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