Don't Twist the Translation
"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things." — 2 Peter 1:20
Are you building theology on English alone?
Look at Acts Chapter 2: "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:38).
Some of you are saying, "There it is. You have to be baptized in order to have forgiveness of your sins." That teaching is called "baptismal regeneration." That is an error! Why would I say that to you? You might say, "It is in black and white. You have to be baptized to have all your sins forgiven." No!
The majority of the New Testament was written in Koine Greek. The problem is the English language. The Bible was not written in the King James English. That preposition "eis" is used in a particular form. Because it is in this particular form, it does not mean "in order to," but rather "because of."
Many people create theologies based upon an English translation. If I tell you, "I am going to Lincoln for murder," what do I mean by that? It could mean one of several things. "I am going to Lincoln to commit a murder," or "I'm going to Lincoln to stand trial for a murder." Can you see how that word in English can be misconstrued when you don't understand the context?
It is very clear in the original language. Baptism is not added in any other Scripture passage to say you must be baptized in order to receive forgiveness of your sins.
This is why context matters. This is why understanding the original language helps. This is why we can't just grab one English verse and build an entire theology around it.
You need teachers who understand the original languages. You need to study Scripture in context. You need to compare Scripture with Scripture. Let the Bible interpret the Bible.
Don't build your faith on one isolated English translation. Dig deeper. Study harder. Ask questions. Make sure your theology aligns with the full counsel of God's Word.
The truth is in there, but you have to handle it carefully and correctly.
Are you building theology on English alone?
Look at Acts Chapter 2: "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:38).
Some of you are saying, "There it is. You have to be baptized in order to have forgiveness of your sins." That teaching is called "baptismal regeneration." That is an error! Why would I say that to you? You might say, "It is in black and white. You have to be baptized to have all your sins forgiven." No!
The majority of the New Testament was written in Koine Greek. The problem is the English language. The Bible was not written in the King James English. That preposition "eis" is used in a particular form. Because it is in this particular form, it does not mean "in order to," but rather "because of."
Many people create theologies based upon an English translation. If I tell you, "I am going to Lincoln for murder," what do I mean by that? It could mean one of several things. "I am going to Lincoln to commit a murder," or "I'm going to Lincoln to stand trial for a murder." Can you see how that word in English can be misconstrued when you don't understand the context?
It is very clear in the original language. Baptism is not added in any other Scripture passage to say you must be baptized in order to receive forgiveness of your sins.
This is why context matters. This is why understanding the original language helps. This is why we can't just grab one English verse and build an entire theology around it.
You need teachers who understand the original languages. You need to study Scripture in context. You need to compare Scripture with Scripture. Let the Bible interpret the Bible.
Don't build your faith on one isolated English translation. Dig deeper. Study harder. Ask questions. Make sure your theology aligns with the full counsel of God's Word.
The truth is in there, but you have to handle it carefully and correctly.
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5 Comments
Thank you for the insight
It made me wonder as the Bible is now translated in innumerable languages to spread the Good News each will glean its meaning in a different sort of way.I see folks grab a thought based on their interpretation in KJV & to them its THE word .
Many people make the scriptures complicated
Thats why I like Bible studies that the leader has done research. And you ask the Holy Spirit for the interpretation.
I WAS JUST WONDERING IF THE END OF THIS VERSE (AND YOU WILL RECEIVED THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT) MEANS THAT SPEAKING IN TONGUES ISNT POSSIBLE UNTIL AFTER BAPTISM IN WATER?