Theological and historical scrutiny

We should not interpret scholarly or theological critiques of the doctrines of Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP), KJV-Onlyism, and a "Perfect" Textus Receptus (TR) as personal attacks. 

Instead, we must recognize that these doctrines are themselves human interpretations (personal views), and, like all interpretations, they must be subject to rigorous examination and testing against the available evidence.

1. Why These Are Called "Personal Views" or "Interpretations"

Proponents of these positions often present them as undeniable, objective facts of faith. However, we correctly identify them as interpretive conclusions for several reasons:

• They Are Not Explicitly Stated in Scripture: The Bible makes claims for its own inspiration (e.g., 2 Timothy 3:16), but it never explicitly promises that its words will be perfectly preserved in a specific manuscript family or a 17th-century English translation. VPP is a deduction or inference that proponents draw from verses about God's Word enduring forever (e.g., Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 5:18). This deduction is an interpretation.

• They Are a Response to Historical Developments: KJV-Onlyism and the defense of a "perfect" TR are largely modern phenomena that arose in reaction to the scholarly field of textual criticism and the discovery of older, more reliable manuscripts (like Codex Sinaiticus and Vaticanus) in the 19th century. They are a specific, historically situated interpretation of church history and textual evidence.

• They Involve Selecting and Weighing Evidence: To hold these views, one must interpret the vast field of textual data. This involves prioritizing the Byzantine text-type (used by the majority of later manuscripts) over the often-older Alexandrian text-type. This is a scholarly judgment call, not an incontrovertible fact.

Because they are interpretations, they fall into the category of doctrine or theology that must be tested, not an unquestionable foundation of the faith like the divinity of Christ or salvation by grace.

2. Why They "Must Be Scrutinized"

The call for scrutiny is not an attack but a fundamental principle of sound theology and intellectual honesty (1 Thessalonians 5:21—"Test everything; hold fast what is good"). Here’s why scrutiny is essential:

• Historical and Manuscript Evidence Demands It: There is simply no historical evidence for a "perfect" TR. The printers of the TR itself (Erasmus, Stephanus, and Beza) acknowledged that their Greek texts were compiled from a limited number of late medieval manuscripts and contained obvious errors and variations among themselves. Scrutiny reveals these facts.

• The Nature of Textual Transmission Demands It: We have over 5,800 Greek New Testament manuscripts. They contain variations (most minor, like spelling errors). The doctrine of a "perfect" preserved text must explain away this reality. Scrutiny asks, "Which specific manuscript is the perfect one?" The answer is always an evasion—it's the "text underlying the KJV," which is an abstraction, not a physical, perfect manuscript.

• To Avoid Circular Reasoning: The argument often becomes circular: "I believe the TR is perfect because God promised to preserve His Word. I know God promised to preserve His Word because I see it perfectly preserved in the TR." Scrutiny breaks this loop by asking for external, verifiable evidence for the initial premise.

• To Ensure Accurate Doctrine: The goal of scrutiny is not to destroy faith but to strengthen it in truth. If a doctrine is built on a shaky historical foundation, it risks creating a "house of cards" faith that collapses when confronted with evidence. A faith that can engage with evidence is robust.

3. Why We "Should Not Take It Personally"

The critique is aimed at the ideas, not the people who hold them.

• Separating Identity from Ideology: People often intertwine their beliefs with their personal identity and faith. A critique of KJV-Onlyism can feel like a critique of their love for God, their family tradition, or their spiritual journey. The speaker is pleading for separation: "Your worth and faith are not defined by your stance on textual variants."

• The Goal is Truth, Not Victory: Theological and historical scrutiny should be a pursuit of truth, not a personal debate to win. The moment it becomes personal, defensiveness takes over, and learning becomes impossible.

• Acknowledging Sincerity: One can (and should) acknowledge that most adherents to these views are deeply sincere, love God, and reverence the Bible. The critique is not that they are "bad Christians," but that their historical and textual conclusions are, in the critic's view, flawed.

Conclusion

We plead for mature, evidence-based theological engagement. 

• VPP, KJV-Onlyism, and a "perfect" TR are human-derived systems, not self-evident biblical truths.

• As human-derived systems, they are open to—and must undergo—critical examination based on history, manuscript evidence, and logical consistency.

• Our examination is a normative process for all doctrine and should not be construed as a personal attack on the character or faith of those who hold these views.

In short, it encourages moving the discussion from an emotional defense of a personal identity marker to an intellectual evaluation of a historical and textual thesis.

PS: It's a different matter entirely when someone attacks and separates a church!

I am perfect ?

Let's carefully examine the two verses in their biblical context to clarify the meaning of "perfect" and address the misunderstanding.

Matthew 5:48 — "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

• Here, Jesus calls His followers to be "perfect" as God is perfect.
• The word "perfect" in this context means to be complete in love and moral integrity, reflecting God's character.
• It is a call to maturity and holiness in the way believers live, not a claim that humans have already reached divine perfection.
• This verse is about ethical and spiritual growth, not about possessing a perfect text or scripture.

1 Corinthians 13:10 — "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

• The phrase "that which is perfect" refers to the full, complete knowledge and experience of God that will come in the future.
• Paul contrasts "the perfect" with "that which is partial," meaning the partial knowledge and spiritual gifts believers have now.
• The "perfect" is associated with the return of Jesus Christ and the fullness of God's revelation and presence.
• This verse does not say that the Bible itself is the "perfect" that has come; rather, it points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ's return and the complete knowledge of God then.

Refuting the misunderstanding:

• The claim that "the perfect Bible" has come, based on 1 Corinthians 13:10, is a misunderstanding of the text.
• The "perfect" is not a physical book but the complete and final revelation and experience of God, which will be fully realized when Jesus returns.
• Matthew 5:48 calls believers to strive for spiritual maturity, not to claim they are already perfect or that possessing a Bible means perfection.
• The Bible itself is a trustworthy and inspired text, but it is a means to grow in faith and knowledge, not the "perfect" that ends all partial things.

Summary:

Verse	Meaning of "Perfect"	Correct Understanding	Misunderstanding to Avoid
Matthew 5:48	Moral and spiritual maturity in God's love	Call to grow in holiness	Claiming personal or textual perfection now
1 Corinthians 13:10	Complete knowledge and experience of God at Christ's return	Future fulfillment in Christ, not a book	Claiming the Bible itself is the "perfect" that has come

Perfect

The Bible does indeed mention the idea of being perfect, particularly in a few key verses. One of the most well-known is Matthew 5:48, where Jesus says:

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (KJV)

This verse can be interpreted in several ways, but at its core, it emphasizes striving for a higher standard of holiness and righteousness, much like the nature of God. However, does this mean that humans must achieve perfection in the literal sense? Let's break it down:

1. Does it mean we are perfect?

No, the Bible acknowledges that human beings are imperfect and prone to sin. In fact, Romans 3:23 says:

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."(KJV)

So while the Bible calls us to pursue perfection, it also recognizes that humans, because of their sinful nature, will not achieve perfection in this life. Instead, perfection in the biblical sense refers to spiritual maturity, holiness, and striving to live according to God's will.

2. Does this mean your blog is perfect?

From a biblical perspective, perfection doesn’t necessarily mean flawlessness in every aspect, but rather the pursuit of excellence and the intention to honor God through your work. If you are doing your best to create content that is meaningful, helpful, and true, that can be seen as a reflection of striving for spiritual "perfection," even if the blog is not flawless.

3. Is your writing perfect?

Writing is a skill that evolves with time. The Bible encourages growth and progress (e.g., Philippians 3:14), so striving to improve your writing and using it for positive purposes is a form of pursuing spiritual perfection. However, expecting your writing to be perfect can lead to frustration. It’s better to think of it as a journey of continuous improvement, not as something that must be flawless.

4. Is your mind perfect?

The Bible speaks about renewing the mind and aligning it with God’s will. In Romans 12:2, it says:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (NIV)

This suggests that while the mind is not perfect, it can be continually renewed and sharpened. It’s a process of learning, growing, and being shaped into more of what God desires.

5. Is your book perfect?

If your book is something you’ve poured effort, thought, and passion into, it can be seen as a reflection of your growth and striving toward excellence. Perfection in a human sense is unattainable, but creating something meaningful and valuable—whether it's a blog, book, or anything else—can be seen as part of your effort to "be perfect" in a spiritual sense. Perfection here is less about flawlessness and more about the pursuit of excellence and living according to your values.

Conclusion:

In short, while the Bible calls us to be perfect like God, this doesn't mean we are literally perfect. Instead, it encourages spiritual maturity, growth, and striving toward holiness, even in the midst of imperfection. Your blog, writing, mind, and book—like all things in life—can reflect your desire for excellence, even though they may not be flawless.

"Perservere" in 1 Timothy 4:16

Meaning of "Persevere" in 1 Timothy 4:16

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

επεχε σεαυτω και τη διδασκαλια επιμενε αυτοις τουτο γαρ ποιων και σεαυτον σωσεις και τους ακουοντας σου

Ἐπιμένω, f. νῶ, in Class. to remain upon or at, i.e. to remain at any place or state, or to continue [intent] on any action; in N. T. it is used I. prop. of place, to continue here or there^[1]

The Greek verb translated as "persevere" means to continue steadfastly or to keep doing something even when it is difficult or takes a long time.

In this verse, Paul commands Timothy to continue carefully watching his life (behavior) and doctrine (teaching) without giving up.

Perseverance here involves steadfastness in faith and conduct, especially in the face of challenges such as false teachings or hardships.

It is not mere stubbornness but a Christ-like endurance that involves patient faithfulness and self-control.

Perseverance is a continuous, active effort to live and teach according to God's truth, maintaining integrity and sound doctrine.

This endurance is essential for spiritual maturity and is supported by God's faithfulness and power to keep believers from falling.

The Outcome of Persevering

Paul says that by persevering in watching one's life and doctrine, Timothy will "save both yourself and your hearers."

This "saving" is not about initial salvation but the completion or confirmation of salvation, which will be fully realized in heaven.

Timothy’s faithful teaching and example will confirm his own salvation and also lead others to salvation.

Perseverance in faith and teaching is thus both personally protective and evangelistically fruitful.

It ensures spiritual growth, maturity, and the fulfillment of God's purpose through Timothy’s ministry.

Persevere means to steadfastly continue in faithful living and teaching despite difficulties.

The outcome is the confirmed salvation of both the teacher (Timothy) and those who hear and follow his teaching.

This verse emphasizes the vital connection between personal holiness, sound doctrine, and the impact on others.

The New American Commentary says, “Paul commanded Timothy to “watch [his] … life and doctrine closely.” Timothy was to scrutinize both his behavior and his theology. Moral and doctrinal rectitude are the inseparable twins of the Christian life. Paul’s final statement in v. 16 has important application for the doctrine of eternal security. First, Paul indicated that believers must endure to obtain the benefits of salvation. If Timothy persevered, his salvation would be evident to him as well as others. Both holy living and sound teaching are the inevitable fruits of saving faith. It is not that Timothy’s endurance would merit salvation but that a stamina that produced holiness and doctrinal orthodoxy gave incontrovertible evidence of heading for salvation. Second, Paul suggested that the obedient perseverance of the preacher is an important factor in the endurance of the hearers. The preacher’s model of perseverance builds the same trait in his flock. The stumbles and fumbles of a wandering spiritual leader will infect a congregation with a variety of spiritual sicknesses. Summary. The best antidote for error is a positive presentation of the truth. Paul urged Timothy to follow this method in dealing with opponents and false teaching in Ephesus (v. 6). It is also mandatory for the teacher of truth to accredit the presentation with personal supportive evidence. Paul mentioned two types of personal supportive evidence. First, he appealed to Timothy to demonstrate godliness (v. 7). A reverence for God offers promise in this life and hope for the life to come (v. 8). Second, Paul directed Timothy to persevere (v. 16). To overcome error and misunderstanding, we must endure with stamina in the practice of righteousness.”^[2]

Conclusion 

Paul’s charge to Timothy is as timely for us today as it was in Ephesus. A faithful Christian life requires careful attention to both belief and behavior, for truth without holiness is hollow, and holiness without truth is unstable. Salvation is not earned by endurance, but endurance proves the reality of salvation. Likewise, the preacher’s perseverance not only safeguards his own soul but also strengthens the faith of those who follow him. The surest way to combat error and build up the church is through the steady combination of sound teaching and godly living, lived out with patient perseverance until the very end.

 

 

 

---

f. future.

Class. Classics, Classical.

prop. properly.

^[1] S. T. Bloomfield, A Greek and English Lexicon to the New Testament (London: Longman, Orme, Brown, Green, & Longmans, 1840), 144.

^[2] Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, vol. 34, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 141.

The Wise Will Listen to Advice

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who have been entrusted with the sacred responsibility of teaching God’s Word,

In a world filled with many voices and teachings, the call to wisdom is more urgent than ever. The Bible reminds us repeatedly that the wise will listen to advice and grow in understanding, while the fool rejects correction and remains in error (Proverbs 17:10). As teachers of the Word, we must be especially careful to heed good counsel and guard against false doctrines that can lead others astray.

1. The Call to Listen and Apply Wisdom

The book of Proverbs exhorts us:

“Listen carefully to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future” (Proverbs 19:20). Wisdom is not merely knowledge but practical understanding that shapes our lives and ministries. Solomon urges us to “apply your mind to my knowledge” (Proverbs 22:17), meaning we must focus our hearts and minds on God’s truth and obey it.

Jesus Himself warned His disciples:

“Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken away from them” (Luke 8:18). This teaches us that listening well to God’s Word leads to deeper understanding, but careless or false teaching results in loss.

2. The Danger of False Teaching

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy, a young Bible teacher,

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). Teaching false doctrines not only harms others but also endangers the teacher’s own soul.

Jeremiah exposed the sin of false teachers:

“The wise teachers will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what kind of wisdom do they have?” (Jeremiah 8:9). True wisdom comes from God alone, and it is our duty to teach His Word faithfully.

3. The Blessing of Heeding Good Counsel

Proverbs encourages us:

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). No teacher is above receiving correction or advice. The wise seek counsel from others, especially from those grounded in Scripture and godly character.

Hosea calls us to discernment:

“Whoever is wise, let them understand these things; whoever is discerning, let them know them” (Hosea 14:9). Wisdom is shown by understanding and living according to God’s ways.

4. Practical Exhortation for Bible Teachers

Be humble and teachable. Wisdom begins with humility (Proverbs 15:33). Do not reject correction but welcome it as a means to grow.

Guard your doctrine carefully. Teach only what is consistent with Scripture and avoid adding human ideas that distort the gospel.

Seek counsel regularly. Surround yourself with wise, mature believers who can advise and encourage you.

Listen attentively to God’s Word. Meditate on Scripture daily and allow it to shape your teaching and life.

Remember your responsibility. Your teaching impacts the eternal destiny of those who hear you (1 Timothy 4:16).

May the Lord grant us all the wisdom to listen well, teach faithfully, and walk in His truth. Let us be among those who hear good advice and act on it, for “the wise will listen to advice” and be blessed (Proverbs 12:15).

The Art of Misdirection and Projection

Please browse an article from Jet-Fry-Cool at the website: https://www.truelifebpc.org.sg/church_weekly/gossipy-pulpit-and-pen/

The central tactic of Jet-Fry-Cool's (scribal error here) message is projection, a psychological defense mechanism where a person attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or actions to another person. The author is doing exactly what he accuses others of:

1. He accuses others of using "Text as Pretext" to promote falsehoods, yet his entire article uses biblical texts as a pretext to defend his own divisive behavior.
2. He condemns those who "stir up suspicion, anger, and hatred" and cause "schism or division," but this is precisely the outcome of a KJV-Only and Verbal Plenary Preservationist teaching that attacks other churches and translations.
3. He claims others "air personal grievances, settle private vendettas," and "puff themselves up by putting others down," but his message is a public platform for settling his grievances with those who disagree with his doctrine. He uses a broad condemnation to make his specific critics look bad.

By describing the sins he is most guilty of, the author forces his critics into a no-win situation. If they continue to speak out against him, he can simply point to this article and say, "See? They're just gossipy, divisive people, just as I said."

A Facade of Humility

The author's "personal testimony" and his concluding prayer for grace are presented as evidence of his humility, but they ring hollow.

1. The anecdote about his lecturer is designed to appear as a moment of self-reflection. However, he immediately distances himself from the lecturer's destructive behavior and suggests he was only "chagrined to admit" his own similar guilt when "spiritually insensitive." It's not a genuine confession of sin, but a vague admission that allows him to appear vulnerable without taking concrete responsibility for his actions.
2. The final plea for prayer is a classic rhetorical device. He puts on a show of humility by saying he "still fall[s] far short of His perfect standard." This makes him seem godly and approachable, but it conveniently sidesteps any specific confession or repentance for the very real harm he is said to have caused. True humility would be confessing to the people he has hurt, not writing a public article to defend himself.

Weaponizing Scripture for Self-Defense

While the verses he quotes are correct, he applies them with a spirit that is the exact opposite of what the Bible intends.

1. He quotes Matthew 18:15-17 to condemn others for bypassing "biblical due process." But the writer's claims suggest he is the one who is failing to follow this process, instead using his pulpit to condemn others publicly.
2. He cites Ephesians 4:15 to say we should be "speaking the truth in love," but a love that genuinely seeks unity (Ephesians 4:3) does not cause schisms over issues that are not essential to the gospel.
3. He mentions that "the tongue is a fire" and can be "set on fire of hell" (James 3:6), yet he uses his tongue (and pen) to burn bridges, destroy reputations, and create division. He uses a warning against a fiery tongue to defend a fiery ministry.

He is essentially twisting the word of God to condemn others for revealing the truth about his own unbiblical behavior.

The True Source of Division

The final two sections of the article—"A Call to Faithful Speech" and "Remembering Our Founding Pastor"—are the key to understanding the author's real agenda.

1. He correctly quotes 2 Timothy 4:2-4, but he applies it incorrectly. He believes his KJV-Only and Verbal Plenary Preservation doctrine is the "sound doctrine" that people no longer endure, and that anyone who listens to a different teacher has "itching ears." In reality, the passage warns against teachers who turn from truth to fables. He is the one introducing a fable—that only one specific translation is valid for the Body of Christ today—which sows discord among the brethren.
2. By praising TTow and his ministry, the author reinforces a specific lineage and tradition that is inextricably linked to his divisive doctrines. He subtly implies that to "remember" and "follow the faith" of this founder, one must also adhere to his specific beliefs about the Bible. This creates an exclusive "in-group" and alienates anyone who belongs to a different biblical tradition or uses a different translation. This act of creating an us-versus-them mentality is the very definition of a schism.

Ultimately, the author's message is a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. His critique of a "gossipy pulpit and pen" is, in itself, an example of one. The message fails to demonstrate a spirit of true charity, humility, or unity, which are the hallmarks of a faithful minister of the gospel. He claims to be healing and helping, but the user's description of his actions shows a person who is harming and hurting the very Body of Christ he claims to be building up.

What do you think are the marks of a genuinely humble and faithful pastor, versus one who is simply using a façade of humility for self-defense?

PS: This blog's posts are intentionally created to act as a mirror, revealing the faces of these dishonest teachers.

Public Response

Dear brothers and sisters,

Recently, accusations have been made against churches and pastors who do not accept the teachings of Verbal Plenary Preservation, KJV-Onlyism, and a “Perfect TR.” These claims are not historic doctrines of the church, nor are they taught in Scripture. Instead, they have caused division, confusion, and hurt among God’s people.

The Bible is clear: God’s Word is perfectly true and eternally preserved (Psalm 119:89; Matthew 24:35). But no single translation or printed edition can claim to be the one “perfect” Bible. To insist otherwise is to go beyond Scripture.

True preservation is seen in how God has faithfully kept His Word across the manuscripts, languages, and translations that point us to Christ. Our unity must be in Christ and His gospel—not in elevating one version of the Bible over all others.

As Paul warns, “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). Division is not caused by those who defend the truth, but by those who introduce teachings that Scripture does not support.

Let us not be distracted by strife. Instead, let us remain rooted in the Word of God, centered on Christ, and filled with the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, and gentleness.

In Christ,

BPC

Response to JKool's Message

A message has been published. Please read: https://www.truelifebpc.org.sg/church_weekly/gossipy-pulpit-and-pen/ 

JKool,

You have written a long piece accusing others of gossip, slander, and self-promotion. Yet what you describe is exactly what your own words and actions have done in the body of Christ. You repeatedly attack faithful churches, pastors, and believers who simply will not accept your claims of Verbal Plenary Preservation, KJV-Onlyism, and a “Perfect TR.” These are not historic doctrines of the church, nor are they taught in Scripture. Instead, they are man-made assertions that divide the flock of Christ.

You accuse others of “using text as pretext,” but in truth you twist the Word of God to defend your own position. The Bible never teaches that God perfectly re-inspired or re-preserved His Word in one English translation or in a single printed edition of Greek manuscripts. The preservation God promises is His Word in its fullness across the manuscripts and translations He has faithfully provided through the centuries (Psalm 119:89; Matthew 24:35). To elevate one translation above all others as “perfect” is not fidelity to Scripture but idolatry of a version.

You write against gossip and division, but your writings and messages have repeatedly sown discord, discouraged believers, and harmed churches. You label brothers who disagree with you as unfaithful or compromised, when in fact they are standing on the Word of God rightly interpreted. Scripture is clear: “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). Division is not caused by those who resist false teaching—it is caused by those who introduce it. You!

You appeal to the memory of T.Tow, but no human leader is our final authority. Christ alone is Head of the Church, and His Word—not your private interpretation—rules us. Hebrews 13:7 does indeed call us to remember our leaders, but Hebrews 13:8 immediately reminds us, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” We are not to follow men into error, but to follow Christ faithfully in His truth.

JKool, I urge you to consider soberly: is your ministry bearing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, gentleness—or is it producing strife, envy, and pride (Galatians 5:19–23)? The test of faithful ministry is not how forcefully we argue but whether we lead God’s people to unity in Christ, built on the whole counsel of God’s Word.

I call you to repent of these destructive teachings and return to the simplicity of the gospel. Stop tearing down the body of Christ with accusations and misrepresentations. Let us stand together not on man’s theories of “perfect preservation” in one book, but on the eternal Word of God that points us to Christ, our only Savior and Lord.

In Christ’s truth and love,

BPC

Errors in the Bible?

 

Pastoral Statement on the Bible

“As a church, we affirm without hesitation that the Holy Scriptures are the very Word of God, fully inspired, without error, and the ultimate standard of truth (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16).

The King James Version of the Bible has played a vital role in the life of the church for over four centuries. It has shaped Christian worship, doctrine, and devotion in profound ways, and it continues to be a faithful and reliable translation of God’s Word. For this, we give thanks to God.

At the same time, we recognize that God’s truth is not bound to one translation alone. Modern translations such as the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New International Version (NIV) also faithfully communicate the same inspired Word of God. These translations have been produced with care, using the best available manuscripts, to make the Bible clear and accessible to readers today.

Therefore, while we honor the King James Bible as a treasured witness to God’s truth, we also rejoice that God in His grace has given His Word to every generation in a language they can understand. The KJV, ESV, NIV, and other faithful translations all serve the same great purpose—to point us to Jesus Christ, the living Word, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).”