SINS OF THE TONGUE (1)

1. The "Sins of the Tongue" in Lying About a "Perfect" Greek TR Underlying the KJV

The Textus Receptus (TR) is the Greek New Testament compilation used for the KJV (1611). Claims that it is "perfect" or uniquely inspired are problematic for several reasons:

Historical Reality: The TR is based on late medieval manuscripts (primarily Byzantine text-type) and contains scribal errors, harmonizations, and additions (e.g., the Comma Johanneum in 1 John 5:7–8, which lacks early manuscript support).

Misrepresentation: Asserting the TR’s perfection ignores advances in textual criticism, such as the discovery of older, more reliable manuscripts (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus, Vaticanus).

Sins of the Tongue (Proverbs 6:16–19; Ephesians 4:25):

Deception: Misleading others about the TR’s flaws violates biblical commands to "speak truthfully" (Zechariah 8:16).

Pride/Arrogance: Elevating human traditions (e.g., KJV-Onlyism) over honest scholarship risks idolizing a translation (Colossians 2:8).

Division: Promoting divisive claims (e.g., "all other Bibles are corrupt") sows discord in the body of Christ (Romans 16:17).

2. What Should a Person Do If Their Pastor Lies About KJV-Onlyism?

Biblical Steps (Matthew 18:15–17):

Private Correction: Humbly and respectfully share concerns with the pastor, citing evidence (e.g., modern textual criticism, manuscript discoveries).

Seek Mediation: If unresolved, involve mature, knowledgeable church leaders to evaluate the claims.

Public Accountability: If the pastor persists in false teaching, the church must address it to protect the flock (Titus 1:9–11).

Prayer and Discernment: Pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and consider whether to remain in a church that rejects biblical scholarship.

Key Resources to Share:

1. D.A. Carson’s The King James Version Debate: A Plea for Realism.
2. James White’s The King James Only Controversy.
3. Scholarly consensus on the reliability of modern critical texts (e.g., NA28, UBS5).

3. Consequences of Lying About Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP)

Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP) is the claim that God miraculously preserved every word of Scripture in a specific line of manuscripts (e.g., the TR). This is distinct from the orthodox doctrine of inerrancy (original autographs were without error).

Consequences of Misrepresenting VPP:

Theological Harm:

Undermines trust in Scripture when adherents discover textual variants (e.g., Mark 16:9–20, John 7:53–8:11).

Elevates tradition over biblical truth (Mark 7:8–9).

Spiritual Consequences:

Leaders who "bear false witness" (Exodus 20:16) risk judgment (James 3:1).

Misled congregants may doubt God’s faithfulness or abandon faith entirely.

Ecclesiastical Division:

Splits churches over secondary issues, contrary to Christian unity (Ephesians 4:3).

4. A Biblical Path Forward

Affirm Scripture’s Sufficiency: All mainstream translations (KJV, ESV, NIV, etc.) faithfully convey God’s Word for salvation and discipleship.

Embrace Humility: Acknowledge that no translation or manuscript is "perfect," but God’s truth is preserved in the textual tradition (Proverbs 30:5).

Prioritize Love and Truth: Correct error graciously (2 Timothy 2:24–25) while upholding the Bible’s authority.

Conclusion

Sin of Lying About the TR: Misrepresenting its flaws violates truth and harms the church.

Responding to Pastoral Error: Follow Matthew 18, grounded in love and evidence.

Consequences of False VPP Claims: Erodes trust, divides believers, and dishonors God.

The goal is not to idolize a translation or manuscript but to trust in God’s providential care over His Word, which remains "living and active" (Hebrews 4:12) in every faithful translation.