We hear strange reports concerning the use of the Bible today. In spite of many new translations and editions, the Bible Society reports:

'Church going young people are reading the Bible less and less'.

 Could it be that the ease of reading and familiarity of modern versions have lowered respect for what was once regarded as 'the word of God'? Could the many footnotes in modern versions (so often of a critical and uncertain nature) be undermining belief in the preservation of Holy Scripture? Whatever may be the reasons, the rising generation seem to have lost that sense of certainty and authority in God's holy word.

 This brings us to the important point - where is the final authority of the Christian faith now found? Is it found in a Bible, many Bibles, some Bibles - if so which? Is it found in a church, many churches, some churches - if so which? Is it found in the writings of the Church Fathers, the conclusions of philosophers or man's reason? Is it found in creeds, confessions, votes taken at synods, latter-day prophets or the Pope?

 Traditional Protestantism has held the view that the Bible, the whole Bible and the Bible alone is the final and only source of authority. This has been clearly expressed for many years in the following well known article of faith:

"Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the holy Scripture we do understand those canonical Books of the Old and New Testaments of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church."

Articles of Religion No. 6. -  Book of Common Prayer.

We must acknowledge that some have questioned, and do question, this view . Some would maintain there are other authorities beside the Bible. The word 'evangelical' has been used to define the position of those Christians who believe the Bible - the whole Bible and the Bible alone is their final and only authority for the Christian faith. The word 'evangelical', however, has become less definable; like the word 'charismatic' which is used by so many today.

 Whilst some may find new versions of the Bible helpful, there are certain disadvantages in having an increasing number of new Bibles.Some are realising this and reaffirming, or finding a deeper faith in, the Authorised Version. This is also the logical position for those who believe one Bible (source) is their final authority (other language versions being based on the same textual source).

"Actually this is the true Protestant and Evangelical Church of England position. It may appear more clearly in this comment made by a respected New Testament Greek scholar:

'If the scriptures have not been preserved then the doctrine of Inspiration is a purely academic matter with no relevance for today. If we do not have the inspired words or do not know precisely which they be then the doctrine of Inspiration is inapplicable."

Dr. Wilbur Pickering  (Author of 'The Identity of the New Testament Text')

BIBLE CHRISTIAN - AUTHORITY

The term 'Bible Christian' is now being used not only of those who believe final authority is found in the Bible alone, but also that the Bible they use, and have the most confidence in, is the Authorised Version of 1611. They may, or may not, actually refer to modern Bibles, but they clearly judge all modern versions by the content of the A.V.

EXTRA-BIBLICAL AUTHORITIES

Traditionally Roman Catholicism has held that while the Scriptures are a rule of faith, there is also an unwritten word, which is contained in Tradition, and which is of equal authority to the Scriptures. She further recognises the regulative authority of the decrees of Church Councils and of the pronouncements of Popes. The authority for Roman Catholics is the teaching of the Church. The people, it is alleged, cannot know of themselves what books of the Bible are of divine origin, and, in addition to that, they are incompetent to decide on their meaning. But the church has been appointed by Christ an infallible teacher to determine those questions for them, and her testimony is therefore sufficient ground of faith.

 You will notice we have here two faith views of our ultimate authority among those who profess and call themselves 'Christians'. We have the BIBLE CHRISTIAN who uses the Authorised Version only as the word of God and the ROMAN CATHOLIC who uses a Bible as favoured by the Church and also accepts the other authorities: Tradition; the teaching office of the Roman Catholic Church; and ultimate authority of the reigning Pope.

 In discussing the different beliefs between Protestants and Roman Catholics, we trust we do so without recrimination or judgement. We merely point out the important fact that different authorities or rules of faith will inevitably result in different beliefs and practices in Christian lives.

What some Roman documents say:

 Vatican Council 11 Documents No. 58 Dei Verbum 18th November 1995 Vol. 1.
Sec 10, p. 756.

'It is clear, therefore, that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, sacred Scripture and the Magisterium of the [Roman Catholic] Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others.'

'But the task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the [Roman Catholic] Church alone.'

'Thus it comes about that the [Roman Catholic] Church does not draw her certainty about all revealed truth from the holy Scriptures alone. Hence both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honoured with equal feelings of devotion and reverence.'

'The supreme Pontiff, in virtue of his office, possesses infallible teaching authority when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful... he proclaims with a definitive act that a doctrine of faith or morals is to be held as such.' (Sec. 1.)

'There is neither appeal nor recourse against a decision or decree of the Roman Pontiff.' (Sec. 3.)

1) The scriptures must not be added to or removed. This is happening with modern versions.

 2) The Lord commends our searching of His word.

3) The authority of the Pope.
 Matthew 16:18 : Peter = 'pebble'; in contrast to 'boulder' which is Christ, the foundation of the faith. See Isaiah 28:16. Peter in error! - Galatians 2:11, 12.
Peter quoting Isaiah 20:16 - Christ is the head, not man!

4) The works of the law cannot save.

5) Our sincerity does not save us.  -   Romans 10:2.

6) Observance of sacraments does not save.  -  Romans 3:28; Romans 6:23; .

7) The finality of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

8) Expected response - true repentance - living faith in Christ.

IS THE AUTHORISED VERSION PERFECT?

Some are 'given to believe' the Authorised Version of the Holy Bible is...

'Pure'	Psalm 12:6, Psalm 119:40, Proverbs 13:5
'Preserved'	Psalm 12:7		'Sure'	Psalm 93:5
'Tried'	Psalm 18:30		'True'	Psalm 119:151
'Perfect'	Psalm 19:7		'Eternal'	Psalm 119:152
'Right'	Psalm 33:4		'Enduring'	Psalm 118:160

 ...and can be called the 'word of God' - whilst others are not.

 The differences regarding authority will account for the differences regarding belief and practice. Whatever final authority position we believe it right to hold, is a matter of private judgement. We MUST respect this right of private judgement in others. It has been so sad to see differences in authority result in anger, aggression and even personal violence.

 Three scriptures should be held in mind by all who profess and call themselves 'Christians':

'So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more...' (Romans 14:12, 13)

'Let both grow together until the time of harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, gather ye....'  (Matthew 13:24-30)

'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity...'  (Matthew 7:21-23)

The simple recognition of the above facts should help defuse many present-day, needless, antagonistic encounters.

It does not mean however that we must seek to build a temple of unity upon the grave of truth.

Many years ago an early translator of the English Bible wrote these words:

 'It shall greatly helpe ye to understande Scripture, if thou mark not only what is spoken or wrytten, but of whom, and to who, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goeth before and what followeth.'

This is common sense, but at the same time it reflects the high value in which Myles Coverdale held Scripture. There was something special about it and we need help in the understanding of it.

 Similar reflections of its high value are found in the following:

'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.'  (Colossians 3:16)

'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.'  (2 Timothy 3: 16,17)

'Almighty and most merciful Father, whose word is a lantern unto our feet and a light unto our steps, we most humbly beseech Thee to illuminate our minds, that we may understand the mysteries contained in Thy Holy Law and be virtuously transformed, so that of no part we offend Thy Divine Majesty. Amen.'
 'Give us a pure judgement and a true understanding of Thy word, O Lord, that we be not deceived and carried away by any error: But grant that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.'    (Taken from 'Christian Prayers' A.D. 1566.)

'O Lord, Thy word is before me, give me a reverent and teachable mind while I read and study it. Open to me its sacred truth and enable me to receive it not as the word of men, but as the word of God. (See 1 Thessalonians 2:13) Be thou, O Holy Spirit, my teacher. Enlighten my mind and prepare my heart. Shine O Lord upon Thy sacred page and make it clear to me. Give me present truth for present needs. What I see not, show me; where I am wrong, correct me. Bring home some portion to my soul just now and make me wiser unto Thy salvation - through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour - Amen.'

 Dr. Foakes-Jackson has written: 'One of the profoundest doctrines recovered by the Reformers is the doctrine of the inward witness of the Holy Spirit, by which testimony is borne within the believer's heart to the divine character of Holy Scripture.' The fact is, it is the attitude of heart with which we come to read the Authorised Version, which prepares us for receiving this inward witness. Have you been given to receive the word of God in this way? We must come to it as one of our hymns clearly puts it:

If our love were but more simple,
 we should take Him at His word,
 and our lives would be all sunshine,
 in the sweetness of the Lord...

'O Lord, Thou hast revealed to us more than we can ever know - yet enough to make us happy and Christ to save our souls. Teach us therefore to have a sober knowledge and a contented ignorance. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'

THE MOST INTERESTING VERSION I HAVE EVER READ

'I felt I must write to tell you that the Authorised Version is the most interesting version that I have ever read...' So reads one of our recent letters.

 The Authorised Version the most interesting version? But how can this be? Bible publishers and translators tell us it is old; it contains archaic words; some even say it is incomprehensible! Isn't this why they produce so many new 'Bibles'?

 Have you ever wondered why it is that some Christians actually find a deeper FAITH in the Authorised Version than in other versions? Or why some Christians take time to memorise it, meditate upon it, study it and read it with more diligence than most who use a modern version? Or why some of its earlier translators actually died for it!

 The reason is simple, but comparatively few find it. (Many today of course have never even read it. Yet all can pass negative comments on it!) May I challenge you to read a few verses from it? Will you just now - take time to read these four verses thoughtfully in the Authorised Version?

FINDING BIBLE AUTHORITY TODAY means....
 

• To read the Authorised Version each day, but with a different attitude than that which modern versions have encouraged.
• To believe it is the word of God. To approach the reading with prayer that the God who inspired it and preserved it will speak to you through it.
• To come to it with the high view which is commended as a copy was given to our Queen at her Coronation:-  'Our gracious Queen: we present you with this Book, the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is wisdom, this is the Royal Law, these are the lively (living) Oracles of God.'

'If at any time we are troubled at the small number of those who believe, let us, on the other hand, call to mind, that none comprehend the mysteries of God save those to whom it is given.'(Possibly influenced by Philippians 1:29)