Subject: is the NIV a good bible to read? |
Bible Note: Hello Ray! I have visited the website that you have mentioned, "Theomatics", and I completely agree with and stand by Tim Moran, kalos, and charis in their conclusion here, my friend. Kalos, charis, and Tim are all dear friends of mine and have proven so both on and off of the Forum. But that is not the only reason why I am taking their "side" here, my friend, and I will strongly support them in this matter with my own voice. We have dealt with "Bible Codes" and these types of things on the Forum before, and I am convinced that by looking up or seeking these numerical values, we are grossly misusing the Bible! The Bible was not designed or purposed for looking up codes like this. Will the codes work in a different language? Will they work in every translation, since every reliable translation of the Bible says essentially the same thing? The Bible is the Word of God. It's purpose is for READING, learning, and revealing God's revelation to us. We are comissioned to spread this Gospel MESSAGE to all peoples everywhere, so that they may be saved! (Matt. 28:19) We are grossly misusing the Bible and wasting the precious time that God has given us by looking for these codes and numerology. By even analyzing these codes, we are not practicing good stewardship with our time or with our Bibles. We must not become "statisticians" by reading the Bible! We must become edified, convicted and Spirit filled by reading it! And in this way, the message of the Bible can accomplish its true purpose, which is expressed in Hebrews 4:12-13.. How dare we misuse God's Holy Word in this way during the brief time that we have been blessed with on this earth! Ray, please do not take this as a rebuke, but please consider this spiritually and in love without resorting to your uncanny fetish of capitalization. I do not want to sound so "condescending" here, but if my opinion carries any weight at all on this Forum, then I suggest that we abandon these codes. As a "well balanced" Christian, I am sure that you would agree, my friend, that the 'gains' and importance of spreading the MESSAGE of the Gospel far outweighs any other usage or method of studying Scripture (including our ongoing study of capitalization and your personal study of sharpening your arithmetic by reading the Bible). Ray, you remain my Brother in Christ even though I will actively take a stance against you on this issue. Nolan |