Response to KJV-Only, Perfect TR, and Verbal Plenary Preservation

Response to KJV-Only, Perfect TR, and Verbal Plenary Preservation

Proponents of KJV-Only, Perfect TR, and Verbal Plenary Preservation hold high views on the transmission and accuracy of scripture, particularly favoring the Textus Receptus (TR) underlying the KJV. While they prioritize the wording and preservation of the text, the points we derived from 1 Corinthians actually support focusing on the central message of the Gospel and unity in Christ—themes Paul consistently emphasizes over matters of sophisticated rhetoric or external scholarly approval.

1. Unity and Non-Divisiveness (1 Corinthians 1:10-11)

The strongest counter-argument from this passage against any position that leads to division is Paul's plea for unity:

"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you..." (1 Corinthians 1:10-11, ESV)

• The Argument: The very act of demanding one specific English translation (KJV) or Greek text-type (TR) to the exclusion of others has historically led to significant division and quarreling within the Christian church. Paul's message is that quarreling over human-derived positions (like allegiance to specific biblical scholars or translations) is inherently contradictory to the command for unity in the Lord Jesus Christ.

• The Theological Emphasis: Paul condemns the divisiveness of saying, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas." Similarly, one could argue that saying, "I only follow the King James Version" or "I only follow the Textus Receptus," when done to the point of schism, elevates a human work (the translation or specific textual tradition) above the core unity of Christ's body.

2. Christ Crucified Over Human Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20 and 2:2)

Paul explicitly de-emphasizes human wisdom and knowledge in favor of the simple, potent truth of the Gospel.

• 1 Corinthians 1:20: "Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?"

• 1 Corinthians 2:2: "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."

• The Argument: The highly technical and intricate debates surrounding Verbal Plenary Preservation (the belief that every word was perfectly preserved) and the historical lineage of the TR often rely on specialized knowledge of Greek manuscripts, textual criticism, and historical linguistics. Paul suggests that God did not intend for the Gospel's power to hinge on such technicalities.

• The Theological Emphasis: If the saving power of the Gospel required advanced scholarly ability to discern the "perfect" manuscript line or the "perfect" English phrasing, the majority of believers—the illiterate, the poor, the non-scholarly—would be disqualified. Paul's point is that the essential message is so powerful and simple ("Christ and him crucified") that it transcends the need for human wisdom or scholarly validation. The Truth is preserved in the Person and Work of Christ, not solely in the absolute preservation of a specific version's orthography.

3. Lacking Nothing in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:5)

1 Corinthians 1:5 is often translated:

"...that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge..." (ESV)

• The Argument: Paul tells the Corinthians that they were enriched in Christ with all knowledge and spiritual gifts. They didn't lack spiritual equipment. By implication, a Christian today, being "in Christ," does not lack the fundamental ability to understand the saving Gospel even if they read a modern, well-translated version of the Bible based on a different manuscript tradition.

• The Theological Emphasis: The spiritual lack (or "poverty") that the Corinthians faced was not due to a lack of accurate information or spiritual gifts, but due to their pride and quarrelsomeness. This suggests that the spiritual condition of the reader (humility, unity, love) is more critical for engaging the truth than the technical perfection of the specific biblical text version being read.

In summary, 1 Corinthians primarily argues that unity and the simple message of the Cross must take precedence over scholarly, divisive, and overly-intellectual pursuits.

A Pastoral Response to Divisive Teachings

In Romans 16:17–20, the Apostle Paul writes:
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

Paul’s warning is timeless. In his day, there were men and women who introduced teachings that twisted the gospel and troubled the faith of sincere believers. They sounded persuasive, but their doctrines produced pride, judgment, and division rather than humility, love, and unity in Christ.

In our time, we face similar dangers—not from pagan philosophy, but from religious absolutism dressed in pious clothing. Movements such as KJV-Onlyism, Verbal Plenary Preservation, and Perfect TR teaching often present themselves as defenders of truth. Yet in practice, many of these teachings have led to division, spiritual arrogance, and confusion among the people of God.

They turn secondary matters of Bible translation and textual history into tests of faithfulness, sometimes even claiming that only one human version of Scripture is “perfect.” In doing so, they create the very kind of obstacle Paul warned about—an obstacle “contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught,” for the doctrine of Christ calls us to unity in truth and charity in love.

What Should We Do?

Paul’s instruction is both clear and pastoral:

“Watch out for them… and avoid them.”

This does not mean we respond with anger or hostility. It means we must be discerning, refuse to be drawn into needless controversy, and guard the flock from teachings that elevate human tradition above the Word and Spirit of God.

We can do this in several ways:

1. Stand firm in sound doctrine.
   Continue to teach the Word faithfully, using accurate and responsible translations. Affirm the inspiration and authority of Scripture without idolizing one textual form.

2. Avoid fruitless arguments.
   Paul elsewhere warns against quarrels about words and genealogies that produce strife (2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9). Do not waste energy debating those who are entrenched in divisive dogma.

3. Protect the flock with grace and truth.
   Gently warn believers who are confused. Show them that the power of God’s Word is not limited by language or translation. The same Spirit who inspired the Word also illuminates it in every faithful rendering.

4. Pray for the deceived and the deceivers.
   Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Behind every false teaching is the subtle work of the enemy. But Paul reminds us, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” We trust that the victory belongs to Christ, not to controversy.

5. Keep the focus on Christ Himself.
   The true test of any teaching is this: does it lead us to love Jesus more deeply, to trust Him more completely, and to serve His church more humbly? Any doctrine that shifts our gaze from Christ to human pride or exclusivity must be rejected.

Closing Encouragement

So, brothers and sisters, let us heed Paul’s words with both courage and compassion.
We must stand firm against teachings that divide the body of Christ, yet remain gracious toward those who have been misled. Let us live out the truth in love, confident that God Himself will preserve His Word and His church.

And as Paul ended his exhortation, so may we say together:

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

 

The True Purpose of Scripture

The True Purpose of Scripture: To Teach, Unite, and Give Hope

Romans 15:4–6 (KJV) says:

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1. Scripture Was Given for Our Learning and Hope

The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Holy Scriptures were given not as a tool for pride or controversy, but for learning, patience, comfort, and hope. Every word of God is inspired and profitable (2 Timothy 3:16), but its divine purpose is not to exalt human understanding—it is to shape humble hearts that trust in the God of truth.

The Bible was never meant to be used as a sword to wound fellow believers, but as a light to guide all of us closer to Christ. Through the Scriptures, we learn endurance in trials, find comfort in God’s promises, and grow in the hope that anchors our souls.

2. One Heart, One Mind, One Body in Christ

Paul’s prayer in verse 5 and 6 is deeply moving: “that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God.” The true work of the Word is to produce unity in the Spirit—a shared devotion to Christ that transcends personal preferences and human traditions.

When believers insist that only one translation or one textual tradition is “perfect,” and condemn others who differ, they contradict the very purpose of the Scriptures they claim to defend. The Bible calls us to oneness in Christ, not uniformity in textual opinion. The church is a body, not a battleground.

3. The Illusion of Perfection and the Sin of Pride

Throughout history, even in the days of Jesus and Paul, God’s people did not all possess or agree upon a single, identical copy of Scripture. Yet the Lord Jesus and His apostles still called it “the Scriptures” and “the Word of God.” The Word of God was alive and powerful—not because of one perfect manuscript, but because of the perfect Spirit who inspired and preserved it.

Those who now divide the body of Christ over claims of a “perfect Bible text” fall into a dangerous delusion. In their zeal, they have mistaken human certainty for divine truth. The very Scriptures they use to justify their arguments were given to teach humility, patience, and love—never to foster pride or strife.

Paul warns us against being “wise in our own conceits” (Romans 12:16). To claim exclusive possession of the “only true Bible” is to exalt self over the Spirit, and to cause division where Christ commands unity. Such teachers must be lovingly but firmly rebuked. Their pride is not piety; it is blindness masquerading as zeal.

4. A Call Back to the Heart of Scripture

If we truly believe the Bible is God’s Word, we must submit not only to its text, but to its purpose. Scripture was given to teach, not to boast; to comfort, not to condemn; to unite, not to divide.

The mark of spiritual maturity is not how perfectly one can argue about textual variants, but how faithfully one lives out the Word in humility and love. Let us, then, return to the heart of the gospel—the unity of believers in Christ. Let us open our Bibles not to prove ourselves right, but to be made righteous in spirit.

May the God of patience and comfort grant us one mind and one heart, that together we may glorify the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ—not with divided voices, but with one mouth, one love, and one hope.

Living in Harmony: A Reflection on Romans 12:16

 Living in Harmony: A Reflection on Romans 12:16

Romans 12:16 (KJV) says:
“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”

This verse calls all believers to humility, unity, and peace within the body of Christ. It warns us against pride and intellectual arrogance—especially in matters where believers may hold differing convictions. In today’s church, few issues illustrate this better than the ongoing debates about Bible versions, textual preservation, and the “perfect text” of Scripture.

1. The Call to Be of the Same Mind
Paul begins by urging believers to “be of the same mind one toward another.” This does not mean every Christian will think identically about every doctrine or interpretation. Rather, it calls us to a shared spirit of love, mutual respect, and cooperation in Christ.
When disagreements arise—such as over whether the King James Version alone represents the perfectly preserved Word of God—we must remember that unity in Christ is greater than uniformity in opinion. God’s truth does not depend on our preferences or traditions, but on His revealed Word and His Spirit’s illumination.

2. Avoiding Pride and Conceit
Paul continues, “Be not wise in your own conceits.” This phrase strikes directly at the heart of spiritual pride—the belief that our understanding of Scripture is final and flawless, while others who differ must be in error.
In the context of textual debates, this serves as a sober warning. While defending the doctrine of preservation is noble, it becomes dangerous when mixed with arrogance or hostility. When believers attack, condemn, or ostracize others who do not share their precise textual view, they violate the very humility Paul commands here.
Even if we sincerely believe that God has perfectly preserved His Word in a specific text or translation, our conviction must be marked by gentleness and grace—not by pride or division. As Paul reminded Timothy, “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient” (2 Timothy 2:24).

3. Giving Space for Growth and Study
Every believer is on a journey of learning and sanctification. The church is not strengthened when we impose conclusions, but when we patiently teach, discuss, and pray together in love. Truth never fears honest study.
If our position is biblical, it will withstand careful examination. But if our zeal leads us to silence or shame others, we risk turning the truth into a weapon rather than a lamp (Psalm 119:105). Paul’s exhortation encourages us to “condescend to men of low estate”—that is, to walk humbly with those who may not yet see as we do, or who approach Scripture differently.

4. Living Peaceably with All Men
Just a few verses later, Paul adds: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). This verse complements verse 16 perfectly. Our goal is not to win arguments, but to win hearts.
The peace of the church should never be sacrificed on the altar of intellectual pride. Even in passionate defense of truth, our tone, spirit, and conduct must reflect Christ Himself—who was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

5. Conclusion: Truth with Humility
Romans 12:16 reminds us that the way we hold truth is as important as the truth we hold. The preservation of Scripture is indeed a precious doctrine, but so is the unity of Christ’s body. We must never let our confidence in God’s Word become arrogance in our own understanding.
In the end, the greatest testimony to the truth of Scripture is not our ability to debate, but our willingness to love one another—even when we disagree. Let us then seek wisdom not from pride, but from humility before God, striving always to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

Zeal without knowledge

A Pastoral Message Based on Romans 10:2

“For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” — Romans 10:2

 

A Word to Those Who Divide the Church over the “Perfect Bible”

Beloved brothers and sisters,
Many of you are passionate about the Word of God. Your zeal is not in question — like Paul said of Israel, “I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God.” But, as the apostle warned, zeal without true knowledge can lead people astray. It can turn devotion into division, and faith into pride.

There are some among us who claim that only one Bible translation — the King James Version — or one textual tradition — the Textus Receptus — is perfectly preserved. You teach that every other translation is corrupt or inferior, and in doing so, you have wounded the Body of Christ.

This is not the fruit of the Spirit. It is not the wisdom from above. It is the fruit of pride and human reasoning — what Paul called “zeal without knowledge.”

The Tragic Result of Zeal Without Knowledge

When zeal is not guided by the Spirit’s wisdom, it produces:

• Division instead of unity

• Pride instead of humility

• Suspicion instead of love

• Argument instead of prayer

• Idolatry of words instead of worship of the Living Word

The pursuit of a “perfect Bible” has led some to forget the Perfect Savior.
In trying to defend the letter, they have wounded the Body.
In chasing precision, they have lost compassion.

God never called His people to worship a translation, but to worship the God who speaks through His Word — in every faithful tongue and version.

A Call to Repentance and Renewal

My brothers and sisters, return from the path of pride and division.
Stop calling others evildoer or heretics because they read from a different Bible version.
Stop fighting the very Body Christ died to save.

Instead, kneel before the Lord who gives wisdom to the humble and grace to the lowly.
Pray as James exhorts:

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” — James 3:17

Let this be your new pursuit — not the perfection of a manuscript, but the perfection of Christ’s love in your heart. Seek not to prove others wrong, but to show others Christ.

A Closing Prayer

Lord, forgive us when our zeal outruns our wisdom.
Forgive us for the pride that divides, and for the arguments that dishonor Your name.
Teach us to love truth in humility, to handle Your Word with grace,
and to rejoice that Your gospel is proclaimed in every faithful tongue.
Give us hearts of peace, lips of gentleness, and minds renewed by Your Spirit.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Final Exhortation

Zeal without knowledge divides.
Knowledge without love destroys.
But love guided by truth unites the church and glorifies Christ.

 

The love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord

Romans 8:37–39 (ESV)

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

Exposition

Paul’s message in Romans 8:37–39 is a declaration of the absolute security of believers in the love of God. His point is that nothing in all creation can sever us from the love God has revealed and given to us in Jesus Christ.
This includes:

• Physical realities (death, life)

• Spiritual forces (angels, demons, powers)

• Temporal realities (things present or future)

• Cosmic dimensions (height, depth)

• Anything else in all creation

That last phrase—“nor anything else in all creation”—is sweeping. It includes all human-made distinctions, including our denominational differences, translation preferences, and textual traditions.

Paul’s assurance transcends debates about manuscripts, translation philosophies, and traditions because the love of God is not contained or confined to one human expression of His Word—it is revealed through His Word and embodied in Christ Himself, the Living Word (John 1:1, 14).

Application to the “KJV Only” / Verbal Plenary Preservation / Perfect TR Movements

Those who affirm that only one Bible version (such as the King James Version) or one textual tradition (such as the Textus Receptus) is perfectly preserved often do so out of a sincere desire to honor God’s Word. That zeal for the Bible should be appreciated.
However, the danger arises when that zeal crosses into exclusivity—when it implies that others who read or teach from a different faithful translation are somehow less faithful, less spiritual, or further from the truth.

Romans 8:37–39 reminds us that God’s love is not chained to one version of the Bible.
The Spirit of God is not bound by translation; He speaks through any faithful rendering of Scripture to reveal Christ and draw people into His love.

Key Reminders for All Believers and Teachers

1. God’s love precedes our translations.
   The manuscripts, languages, and translations are human instruments through which the eternal message of divine love is communicated. The instruments vary, but the music of God’s grace remains the same.

2. Faithful translations share one purpose.
   Whether it’s KJV, ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, or others, all faithful translations seek to point readers to the same Christ and the same gospel that saves.

3. Division over versions can distract from the gospel.
   When we make a translation or textual theory the test of faithfulness, we risk replacing the centrality of Christ with the centrality of a human product. This divides the Body rather than unites it in the love of Christ.

4. God’s love is what transforms hearts, not linguistic purity.
   People across the world have come to faith through many different translations, in many languages. What matters most is that the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection is clearly proclaimed and received by faith.

A Loving Exhortation

To our brothers and sisters who hold to KJV-Only or Perfect TR views:
Your passion for Scripture is commendable. But remember — the God who inspired the Word also works through all who faithfully translate and teach it. The same love that conquered death and hell is greater than our differences in translation.

Let us not use the Word of God to separate those whom the love of God has united.
Instead, let’s rejoice that God’s Word — in every faithful translation — continues to reveal His unbreakable love in Christ.

Summary Thought

The unshakable truth of Romans 8:37–39 assures us that nothing — not even our differing Bible versions — can separate us from God’s love in Christ.
The purpose of every faithful translation is not to compete for perfection but to proclaim the perfect love of God revealed in Jesus.

 

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