The Bible Says – or Does it?

The practice of mis-quoting the Word of God in various ways is a practice that is, perhaps, more common than some realise. On account of this, it is very important that we learn to read exactly what it says on the pages of the scriptures and then, exercise a good deal of care in any “amplified” version of the text or passage that we then give. The omission of just one word can make all the difference, as the King’s Printers in 1631 found to their cost, when they failed to insert the wee word “not!” in the seventh commandment relating to adultery. The resulting edition of the Bible became known as the “Wicked Bible.”

We must be careful in reading not to over-emphasise words – where no emphasis is meant – not to add words, omit words, or reverse the order of words in some passages of scripture. A few examples of this that we have come across.

On the question of over-emphasis, we knew an evangelist once who had a sermon on the man sick of the palsy. It was a favourite sermon with this evangelist and received manys an airing wherever he went. One of the “main points” that he made in this sermon revolved around the fact that “the Holy Spirit had purposely retained the word ‘sick”; the man was sick of the palsy”, he said, “absolutely sick of it!” He was “fed up” with it!

Now, we have no doubt that the poor man was “sick” of his palsy; but it’s hardly the point that the word is making. There is no “malice aforethought,” of course, in the particular overemphasis of that word, but there are other times when words or phrases can be made to say more than was really intended, and we need to try and be diligent readers with regards to these.

There is innocent intention, and sincere desire, no doubt, also, when folk sometimes pray and claim the promise that “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them – and that to bless them.”

Now, it doesn’t actually say that. Who could possibly doubt that where Christ is in the midst of His people, then, He dos “bless them?” But Matthew 18:20 doesn’t make any mention of that. And, in fact, the issue that Matthew 18:20 is dealing with is Church discipline, not prayer. And the danger, of course, is that the real issue becomes blurred in people’s minds and they miss out on that particular passage of scripture relating to a very real aspect of the Church’s life.

Again, we emphasise the innocent intent that lies behind such usage, or mis-usage, of the words of the Bible, but there can be many far-reaching and dangerous examples of the practice, as well. For Example: -

We often hear 2nd Peter 3:9 quoted as a great “proof text” against the doctrine of election; the quotation normally runs like this: - “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” There you are, say those who would oppose the truth of election – the Bible says that God is “longsuffering, not willing that any should perish.” But does it? Does the Bible at 2nd Peter 3:9 really say that? Well, it doesn’t.

Here is the actual quotation: - “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” “To usward.” And so, in the former quotation there has been an omission. When we ask who Peter means by “us” in his “usward,” we then see that far from the text being a case against the truth of election, it is rather a bastion in its favour.

Verse 1 of chapter three of 2nd Peter reads, “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you ...” So, the Second epistle of Peter was written to the same people as the First epistle; and when we read who they were – in First Peter 1:1 forward, we find that they are called “the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ ....” The “us” – to whom God really exercises His longsuffering and is not willing that any should perish, are the “elect” of God. Watch out for wee words omitted.

Have you ever come across that hymn – “There is a Book, who runs may read”?

The general impression is that the Bible is so simple, and so simplistic, that even a man running past – even on horseback – could clearly read its message. It is based on Habakkuk 2:2. But, the word of the Lord to Habakkuk doesn’t say that the “vision” that he is to write is such a one that “he who runs may read,” but such and one that, “he who reads may run.” It is a call for clear reading of the Word of the Lord, that he who reads clearly may then “run” into action. In this case, run to that great strong tower in the coming day of trouble, that “the justified shall live by faith.” Is it not ironical that a piece of scripture calling us to read the Word of God clearly ends up with its words reversed to read the very opposite! Indeed, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

And now, what shall we say to these things? Surely this, first and foremost: - if we are the Lord’s then, even a few misreadings of the Will and Testament relating to the inheritance laid up for us, will not rob us of that inheritance. Nevertheless, if God has granted us such a written revelation of Himself, let us give all diligence to read that revelation aright.