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THE ATTACK ON THE CANON OF SCRIPTUREThe Dean Burgon Society's 2004 Annual MeetingA Polemic Against Modern Scholars PRESENTED BY H. D. Williams, M. D.AT Definition of polemic (Webster 1828"Definition of polemic (Webster 1828polemical POLEM'ICAL, a. Gr. war. 1. Controversial; disputative; intended to maintain an opinion or system in opposition to others; as a polemic treatise, discourse, essay or book; polemic divinity. 2. Engaged in supporting an opinion or system by controversy; as a polemic writer. Dangerous Books Reviewed
OUR CONCERNDr. D. A. Waite said in 2003: “May He keep the present and FUTURE LEADERS of our DBS faithful to our principles and God’s Words without wavering.” [Message Book, 2003, p. 88] OUR CONCERNDr. Robert J.
Barnett said in 2003: Peter Lopez said in 2001: A young (20’s) unmarried computer expert and member of this author’s church said: “My generation is out of control.” Children ARE out of control. EVERY RESEARCH GROUP REPORTS CHILDREN ARE OUT OF CONTROL (i.e. Barna, Josephson, multiple news report over the last 5 years.) Members of the DBS are worried. SHOULD THE DBS BE WORRIED?CONSIDER
THIS: WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE ATTACK ON THE CANON OF SCRIPTURE?VERY MUCH!! MY PRAYER IS TO SHARE WITH YOU FROM THE SCRIPTURES AND FROM HISTORY THE DEVASTATING ATTACK ON OUR CHILDREN, “DEVOTED THINGS,” [Heb. CHEREM] BY “SCHOLARS” THE ATTACK BY: “CANON CRITICISM”There seems to be a 1. Purposeful shift in the attack on the Traditional Text (TT) or Received Text (RT) 2. The shift is FROM WORDS AND LETTERS TO BOOKS by the advocates of the recently formulated “NEW” DISCIPLINE CALLED “CANON CRITICISM.” THE ATTACK: “CANON CRITCISM” THE SHIFT HAS OCCURRED: 1. Because of the IRREFUTABLE demonstration of the existence of THE TT IN THE EARLY SECOND CENTURY BY DR JACK MOORMAN and 2. Because of the strong defense of its EARLY EXISTANCE by members of the Dean Burgon Society. THE ATTACK: “CANON CRTICISM” = THE NEW DISCIPLINEThe modern critical text advocates and enemies of the TT, recognizing their Antiochan and Lucian recension theories, as well as other critical text theories, have been dispelled, had to find another way to attack the TT in order to salvage their RECONSTRUCTED critical text.
Therefore, their “NEW” method has been to: Attack the very books of the received COS as FRAUDS To insist on an open canon To recommend discarded Gnostic books or spurious pseudonymous books to the COS To claim fraudulent additions and inserts WERE PUT into the text. This redirection of the modernist effort has gathered steam since the early 1990’s
“OK, THE RECEIVED TEXT HAS BEEN PRESENT ALL ALONG, BUT 1. THE BOOKS ARE FRAUDS 2. WE ARE TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN THE TRUTH ABOUT THESE FRAUDULENT BOOKS.”
The Bible defines it for us. God’s inspired canonical Words [2 Tim 3:15-16, 2 Pe. 1:21, Lk. 1:70, 1 Pe. 1: 10-12, Jn. 16:14] inscripturated in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek and arranged in books, recorded by different authors, which were given as the rule of faith [2 Cor. 2:13-15, Gal. 6:16, Philip. 3:16], the rule of truth, [Heb. 13:17, Jn. 17:17], and the rule of practice. [2 John 1:6, 3 John 1:4, 1 John 1:7, Eph. 5:8, 1 Thess. 4:1] Nothing can be added or diminished from the words. [Rev. 22:18, Deut. 4:2]. The “everlasting covenant” commanded that the Canon of Scripture is to be “made known to all nations for the obedience to the faith” [Rom 16:25-26], which means that the original words given in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek as books were to be translated into other languages. Dr. David Cloud’s Encyclopedia says
this about the COS: IMPORTANT VERSES“But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule [Gr. kanon] which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.” [2 Cor. 10:13 ] THE FOLLOWING VERSE COMMANDS TRANSLATIONS INTO OTHER LANGUAGES Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: . IS THE KJB THE ENGLISH CANON OF SCRIPTURE? YES!!! The KJB is the preserved canon, rule, or measure of Scripture in English because it meets the following requirements outlined so well for us by Dr. Robert J. Barnett, Vice-President of the Dean Burgon Society, in 1999. He reports: Turretin said, “The Scriptures are called canonical for a double reason, both with regard to the doctrines (because they are the canon and standard of faith and practice, derived from the Hebrew QNH [qaneh], which signifies a “reed” or surveyor’s pen and is so used in Gal. 6:16 and Phil 3:16) and with respect to the books (because it contains all the canonical books).” Dr. Barnett continued by saying: Dr. Barnett continued:
AND
Dr. Barnett continued: THIS MEANS THAT MODERN VERSIONS BASED ON THE CRITICAL TEXT ARE NOT THE ENGLISH CANON!! SOME DISTRESSING BOOKS BECAUSE OF THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE NEW DISCIPLINE: “CANON CRITICISM” It is distressing to many of us that a recent book, The Canon Debate, released in 2002 spends many pages debating the meaning of the word, canon, and what comprises the Canon of Scripture. [See above] We will examine this book and several others, such as Lost Christianities, which have attacked God’s words AND His canon by suppositions, assumptions, theories, and guesses. MANY DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE MECHANISM FOR PRESERVING THE CANON OF SCRIPTURE. FOR EXAMPLE: HORT SAID: [Where is the Holy Spirit, the Canon, and the priesthood of believers in this statement?] E. C. Colwell said: WHAT DOES SCRIPTURE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS? The inscripturated words of God were recognized as canonical words immediately. [1 Cor. 14:37, 2 Cor. 10:1-16, (v. 13 contains G. Kanon); Gal. 1:6-12; 2 Thess. 3:6-14, 2 Pet. 3:2, 15-16] The Apostles and OT prophets knew when they were receiving words from God that were to be recorded. [2 Pet. 3:1-2] Luke and Deuteronomy were called Scripture by Paul [1 Tim. 5:18]. Paul’s books called Scripture by Peter. [2Pe. 3:16] King David Understood Immediate Inscripturation:King David
affirms this concept in 1 Chron. 28:19 when he says, Modern Adherents to the New Discipline, “Canon Criticism” confuse the issues. They confuse the issues by CONSTANTLY redefining concepts and terms. For example, the editors of the book, The Canon Debate, contend that a canonical book must be able to: “be adapted to new circumstances of life or it ceases to be canonical” This is contrary to all the doctrines of the Scriptures. The “Book” must not be able to adapt to man, but in God’s eyes, man must adapt to, or “hear,” or “obey” the “Book.” OUR CONCERN:It is distressing that most of the authors of these books are professors and teachers of our children [our concern] in this nation and other nations around the world. They have enormous influence on hundreds of thousands of students in universities, Bible colleges, and seminaries. OUR CONCERNOur concern relates to these “FALSE TEACHERS” attacking: The very foundations of our culture AND BELIEFS Weakening the moral fabric of the world Confusing our children by casting doubt on the preserved Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words of Scripture AND THE CANON OF SCRIPTURE. OUR CHILDREN ARE ATTENDING THEIR CLASSES IN MULTIPLE UNIVERSITIES AND IN MULTIPLE NATIONS. [Some of you, like me, were influenced by them] GOD SAYS:Matthew 19:14: But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. THIS IS REPEATED IN MARK 10:14 AND LUKE 18:16 Job 33:14: “For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.” SCHOLARS NEGLECT RESPONSIBILITIES1. The writings of these alleged “scholars,” who have not considered their responsibilities in my opinion, must be answered. 2. Their written pronouncements, based on argumentum ad hominem attacks on the greatest piece of literature to grace this world, which are the very words of a Living God, must be challenged! 3. They must be called to accountability. Their philosophy of life, their traditions, their banal statements, their conjectures, their disregard for the Truth [John 17:17] must not be left to our innocent children to sort out. 4. The seriousness of the attack on the Canon of Scriptures by pedantic modern “scholars” is as serious, IF NOT MORE SO, as the folly of Westcott and Hort. Elihu, the young preacher in Job, asserts a man must be inspired to understand the Almighty, not merely “great,” or “aged.” He says, Praise God we have some great and wise men in the DBS “SCHOLARS” ARE LIKE THE OSTRICH“Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust, [15] And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them. [16] She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear; [17] Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding. [Job 39:14-17] “SCHOLARS” HAVE CROSSED THE LINEPerhaps, in their insatiable desire to uncover something academically startling, astonishing, and new for publishing, they have crossed the line of decency, honor, and respect. They have exalted “self” above the common good, and more seriously above the Scriptures, the very canon of a Living God, given to all for our protection. They have stuck their heads in the ground like the ostrich who is oblivious to the dangers threatening them and their children. HOW?THEY HAVE ASSAULTED, AND ASSAULTED, AND ASSAULTED Like King Jehoiakim’s penknife on Jeremiah’s canonical book. But God said, “TAKE THEE ANOTHER ROLL, AND WRITE IN IT ALL THE FORMER WORDS that were in the first roll which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.” [Jer. 36:28] THE ASSAULT BY APOSTASY, INDIFFERENCE, AND NEGLECTThe story of young King Josiah’s contrite heart over the discovery of the lost, neglected, “book of the law,” in God’s preserved words is very revealing. Modern “scholars” need to take a lesson from Josiah and hear what God “spake.” Then, perhaps, God will hear their prayers, again. Here is what God said to Josiah:“Because THINE HEART WAS TENDER, and thou hast HUMBLED THYSELF before the LORD, WHEN THOU HEARDEST WHAT I SPAKE [His preserved, though neglected words] against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast RENT THY CLOTHES, and WEPT BEFORE ME; “I also have heard thee SAITH THE LORD.” [2 Kings 22:19] GOD SAID HE WOULD PRESERVE HIS WORDS EVERYONE SHOULD READ WHAT DR. WAITE SAYS ABOUT ROBERT DICK WILSON’S ASSURANCE THAT WHAT GOD “SPAKE” IN THE PRESERVED HEBREW, ARAMAIC TEXT IS STILL PRESENT. “IT IS WRITTEN” AS OUR LORD SAID. THE NEW TESTAMENT CANON IS PRESERVED, ALSO.The NT Apostles warned of “many” corrupters AND deceivers; you know the references better than I do, I’m sure. The Apostles alerted their converts to be watchful, and in the first several centuries, they were. They knew when a canonical book was written and received them. Wilbur Pickering’s section is good about the history of the text. They threw (KEPT, GUARDED, PRESERVED) THEM. HERE IS A SAMPLE OF THE ATTACK ON CANON OF SCRIPTURE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS This quote (to follow) is from Lost Christianities by Bart Ehrman, Chairman of the Department of Religious Studies, at the University of North Carolina, where every student is required to take a religion or philosophy course to graduate. The UNC graduates an average of 6,579 students per year per the registrar. Dr. Ehrman has been at UNC 10+ yrs. Dr. Ehrman TEACHES (“OUR CONCERN”) this about the COS: That all early “Christian” (Christian to Dr. Ehrman is anyone who uses the Lord Jesus Christ name) groups such as the Gnostics were struggling for supremacy, and thus he says: “As we will see, these confrontations were waged largely on literary grounds, as members of the proto-orthodox group produced polemical tractates in opposition to other Christian perspectives, FORGED SACRED TEXTS to provide authorization for their own perspectives (FORGERIES, THAT IS, CLAIMING TO BE WRITTEN BY JESUS OWN APOSTLES), AND COLLECTED OTHER EARLY WRITINGS INTO A SACRED CANON OF SCRIPTURE TO ADVANCE THEIR VIEWS and counteract the views of others. It is out of these conflicts that the New Testament came into being, a collection of twenty-seven books TAKEN TO BE SACRED, INSPIRED, and AUTHORITATIVE.” [All of these words are Dr. Ehrman’s] Dr. Ehrman continues by supplying his readers with a list of alleged forged canonical books in the remainder of his book by SUPPOSITIONS, THEORIES, AND FALSE STATEMENTS that can only be ANSWERED by Paul’s statement in Gal. 1:8, “let him be accursed.” HE IS LIKE THE OSTRICH OUR CHILDREN ARE TAUGHT SCHOLAROLARTY [LIKE MARIOLATRY] The remainder of this presentation links the modern “scholar” with the same Gnostic thinking that influenced early post-apostolic times and that has permeated “the seat of authority” in so many institutions of higher learning. FOR EXAMPLE: THE ATTRACTION TO GNOSTICISM “The claim to REVEAL secret lore, explaining otherwise “incomprehensible mysteries” (THE MODERN SCHOLAR CLAIMS HE HAS SECRET INFORMATION ABOUT THE COS BY ARCHAEOLOGICAL, GRAVEYARD, AND CAVE DISCOVERIES) “The assertion that THE SCHOLAR SOCIETY’S secrets are accessible only to the elite.” Ehrman says, The scholars have…”IT” THE TENDENCIES OF GNOSTICISM
A
speculative, philosophical mood. GNOSTIC BELIEFSDualism. Dualism is the belief that the fundamental nature of existence is the ultimate battle between spirit and matter. The opposite is monism, one authoritative God. Docetism. Docetism is the result of dualism. Gnostics could not believe that Jesus Christ was man since they believed that matter was evil. They argued that our Lord Jesus Christ only “seemed” to be human. Knowledge leads to salvation and OFTEN an elaborate “evolution” of a “pleroma” or spirit beings who created and developed the material world; therefore, a rejection of the Biblical account of creation. EVIDENCE OF THE SPECULATIVE PHILOSOPHICAL MOOD IN THE BOOK, LOST CHRISTIANITIES: [250 pages] FREQUENCY
OF OCCURRENCES OF THESE OR SIMILAR WORDS: ALMOST 500 TIMES GAMES PLAYED BY SCHOLARS: THE SCHOLAR’S DILEMMA (TO FOLLOW): AN ALLEGORY Let us propose that the “scholars” at a major university decided to contend with a set of documents establishing the rules (canon) for management of the institution. The administration had published its conditions for employment and administration of students, of the faculty and of the campus many years ago. But the “scholars” on campus had examined the document and decided that much of it was probably fraudulent, or at least had “inserts” that confuse some employees and embarrass others. Rules (such as the dress codes for women and the admonition to not change the document) were significantly different from what is desired in modern times The “staff” in the previous or earlier administration warned that any changes to the wording of the document would bring disasters. No one is quite sure who wrote the document. A scholarly search for old proto-documents was made. Some were found in garbage dumps, some were found on dusty shelves, some were found in former rebellious professor’s files, and some were presented to the “scholars” as “the oldest and best,” but they were obviously corrupted. An evaluation of all the sources showed that PERHAPS there had been many changes in the documents. Previous scholars who were not satisfied with the administration’s rules or canon PROBABLY made the alterations. One small group of professors on campus, called the DBS, maintained the document was correct as written, but all the other groups of scholars scoffed at them However, although no one was quite sure, the scholars recommended removing some parts on the basis that they were fraudulent. Other parts were allegedly inserted by previous mal-contents bent on achieving power. Great controversies arose. Factions became angry over this proposal or that recommendation. The most disconcerting observation, however, was that no one had noticed the significant change in the children attending the university. The students decided that there were PROBABLY no absolute standards or rules ever made because of all the confusion generated by many warring professors. Slowly, but surely the students became rebellious. They decided there was no real foundational document and that, if there ever was one, no one knew what it really said. Sexual misconduct and exposed body parts became the norm on campus. The current administration acquiesced to the request for coed dorms. Venereal diseases soared. Unwanted pregnancies occurred. Abortions soared. Cheating and prevarication became acceptable. Suicides rates and crime stats steadily climbed. Graduates obtained jobs in foundational industries of the nation. Their rejection of authority, morality, and truthfulness caused business failures. Their marriages crumbled. Divorce rates soared. Some of their children became school shooters. Church attendance plummeted. Yet, the “scholars” continued to argue and debate the foundational document for the University. They used scholarly terms such as “perhaps,” “possibly,” and “maybe.” They quibbled over “jots and tittles,” sections, and chapters; all the while oblivious to the deterioration around them, or blaming it on the “families,” or the lack of national and state laws, or too many laws, or technology, or the courts, or the fundamentalists or always on someone or something else, but never on themselves. Eventually the foundations of the nation were destroyed and the nation crumbled from within. Finally, an “Ancient of Days” returned and affirmed the document was right all along. The scholars had simply woven a tale from a few facts into an imaginary scenario. However, it was too late. The end had come. The “Ancient of Days” said, “Have you not read?” “It is written,” 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. [2Tim. 3:16-17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. [Romans 16:17-18] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. [2 Cor. 11:13-15 ] The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? [Jeremiah 17:9] The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. [Psalm 12:6-7] Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. [Matthew 24:35] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. [Mat. 5:18] For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. [1 Peter 1:24-25] My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. [Psalm 89:34 ] Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; [Deut. 7:9] The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. [Psalm 33:11] For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. [Psalm 119:89] The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. [Isaiah 24:5] I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. [Psalm 138:2] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. [Romans 15:4] For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. [Rev. 22:18-19] Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. [Eccles. 8:11] God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. [Romans 3:4] And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. [John 12:47-48] AMEN CONCLUSIONExamine closely the following verses: Malachi 4:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. [cherem = “a devoted thing” as in Lev. 27:28, Nu. 18:14] Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. THE CURSE IN MALACHI: “CHEREM” VERSES USING [CHEREM] [Lev. 27:28] Notwithstanding no devoted thing, [cherem] that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing [cherem] is most holy unto the LORD. And in Num. 18:14 Every thing devoted [cherem] in Israel shall be thine. WHAT IS THE DEVOTED THING THAT GOD
WILL USE TO SMITE GOD WAS SPEAKING ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS FAILING BETWEEN FATHERS AND CHILDREN IN MAL. ALL RELATIONSHIPS TOWARD THE END OF THIS DISPENSATION ARE FAILING. “OUR CONCERN,” OUR CHILDREN, OUR DEVOTED THINGS, ARE THE MOST AFFECTED, AND THEY ARE BECOMING A CURSE. REMEMBER Romans 15:4a “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,” Hosea 4:1-12 says, [Please note that my comments are in brackets] Hear the word of the Lord [today it is the inscripturated words, the canon], ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land [because the textual critics have destroyed the foundations, and the apostates have infiltrated our schools.] Hosea continued: Hosea continued: Hosea Continued: Hosea continued: Hosea continued: Hosea continued: Jeremiah has the answer to all these problems, and this most serious curse that has come upon the earth. Jer 3:19 But I [God] said, How shall I put thee AMONG THE CHILDREN, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I [God] said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me. [shalt not turn away from His words, laws, commandments, judgments.] What happens when God “forgets” a nation? When God forgets our children? [Hosea 6:4]. The enemy comes in like a flood. [Psa 90:3-8; Isa 59:19] Without a doubt the enemy now influences our children. When God hides His face [Psa 104:29] from our children, the blessings of a nation are withdrawn. When the bread from heaven, the manna, which man shall not live without, [Mat. 4:4, Lk. 4:4] is not RECEIVED daily, when man does not trust that he will be provided bread daily, when man collects corrupted manna from far and wide, from monasteries, from caves, and from Vatican shelves, then man’s entire supply of bread becomes corrupt. [Gal. 5:9] God has provided America with water, manna, and land, “That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws.” [Psalm 105:45] Rather, “Yea, they despised the pleasant land, THEY BELIEVED NOT HIS WORD:” [Psalm 106:24] They have “murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.” [Psalm 106:25] They have murmured with joy about manuscripts found in graves, garbage dumps, and on the shelves of the enemy, and when a nation acts so unrighteous, the Palmists says, “Therefore he [God] lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:” [Psalm 106:26]. But what is IGNORED by so many of us is the next verse,
To
overthrow THEIR SEED [CHILDREN, OUR CONCERN, OUR DEVOTED THINGS] also
among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.
[Psalm 106:27] |
