No. 69 OFFICIAL NEWS ORGAN OF THE DEAN BURGON SOCIETY
July, 2003 - February 2004
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"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)
HERITAGE BAPTIST UNIVERSITY, GREENWOOD, IN
for DBS--July 14-15, 2004
The Dean Burgon Society's 26th Anniversary
Place on your calendars July 14 and 15, 2004 for the 26th annual DBS
meeting at Heritage Baptist University in Greenwood, Indiana. Our
host is HBU President, Rev. Russell Dennis, Jr.
The DBS has made arrangements for a block of rooms at The Lees Inn
in Greenwood at a special rate of $59 a night from July 13th
through the 15th. A continental breakfast will be available. The block
of rooms will be set aside until one month before the meeting or until
June 14, 2004. Suites are available at a different rate for families
needing additional space. Cancellations may be made up to 6 PM of the
day of arrival. Please make your arrangements with the
Lees Inn by calling 317-865-0100 as soon as possible. For a map
and other information visit their Website--www. leesinn.com/greenwood.htm.
There are many restaurants in the area. A large shop- ping mall is 2 miles
from the school.
Heritage Baptist University has dorm rooms available for men traveling
alone who might like to stay in the dorm at no charge. Please make your
arrangements with their secretary by calling 317-882-2345. The
cafeteria will be available for meals for all attendees. A link to a map
for HBU's location and other information is www.hbuon line.
edu/map1.htm
The speakers and their topics will appear in future editions of the
DBS News and will be located on our Website: www.DeanBurgonSociety.org/ Other accommodations and restaurants are also listed
on the DBS Web- site already.
The 25th annual meeting of the DBS at Emmanuel Baptist Church and
Seminary last year was an excellent time of sharing and presenting
thoughts and papers prepared by members of the society since the last DBS
meeting. Be certain to obtain the Message Book prepared and edited
by Dr. D. A. Waite at Bible For Today, B.F.T. # 3147-P. The book is
excellent. We are certain that this year’s meeting will be as successful.
So please schedule your time and make arrangements for this year’s
meeting at Heritage Baptist University.
This year the DBS News will be
changing. The DBS News committee has decided to be more
aggressive in several areas and to add additional sections to the News.
The areas affected are the following: 1. Information disseminated to
members of the society. 2. Editor's comments. 3. A pastor's section. 4. A
Bible college and/or seminary professor's column. 5. A question and answer
section. 6. Book reviews. 7. A student section. 8. Materials
available through the DBS with a thumbnail description, and 9. Readers
comments on articles appearing in the News.
We will need your help in several ways. One way is to help us build up
the membership of the DBS. Another way to help is to respond positively
to requests to write articles for the News. You will be given a
certain number of words to write because of space. Another
way is to suggest topics for articles that you would like to see in the
News. Yet another way is for you to tell us how we can help you as a
pastor, teacher, or church member to defend the traditional texts of the
Bible. Let us know what areas or topics you are having difficulties with
de- fending the preserved Words of God. We will do our best to get the
expert in that area to present an apologetic answer.
We hope you might be able to lend a hand in this vital ministry of
truth regarding the Words of our God. Call 856-854-4452 if you can
help us. We have increased the size of our DBS News in order to fit
in all of these columns. It is hoped that these needed truths will be well
received.
Editor’s Corner
Founder & President of DBS, Pastor D. A. Waite, Th.D.
Ph.D.
As you can see, if you read this DBS News
clear through to the end, we have a NEW LOOK. There are a few
reasons for this NEW LOOK.
1. Reason #1: The Vision of Pastor J. Paul Reno.
Some time ago, Pastor and Mrs. J. Paul Reno came for a visit to
Collingswood at the headquarters of our Dean Burgon Society. Pastor Reno
outlined a number of suggestions for our DBS News which made sense.
I implemented these.
2. Reason #2: Funds Were Released from our Book Fund
If Needed. With the increased cost of printing and mailing, there has
been a reluctance to spend the necessary funds for larger and more
frequent issues of our DBS News. But, when Pastor Reno saw no
problem with using book funds (as needed) to make this NEW LOOK
possible, this made it possible.
3. Reason #3: Dr. H. D. Williams Agreed to be our
Assistant Editor. Dr. Williams is one of our newer members of our DBS
Advisory Council. He was asked to help in this venture, and after prayer,
decided to undertake it. He secured the articles from the various men
which are found in this first NEW LOOK issue and put them in a
first draft state. I put this issue in final form and sent it to our
printer. Daniel Waite, our DBS assistant, put the labels on, sorted it,
and took it to the post office.
My thanks to all who helped in this project for God’s
Words. DAW
Pastors’ Corner
The following comments are by
Pastor J. Paul Reno
DBS Executive Committee
Missionary Martyr
Rev. 1:9b "For the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."
This double-pronged passion is why the Apostle John was exiled on the Isle
of Patmos. Even in old age he would not compromise for comfort.
The Dean Burgon Society likewise re- fuses to compromise on the issue of
the Word of God. While we are a single-issue society we believe that this
issue is foundational, essential and worthy of sacrifice and suffering.
For this, Stephen was stoned, James was beheaded, Paul was stoned, beaten
and imprisoned, and martyrs slain (Rev. 6:9b).
On December 30, 2003, one of our church members, Paul A. Ritchey, was
martyred in Malaba, Kenya. His death was a result of his strong preaching
as well as his Scripture and tract distribution. He stood firmly with the
DBS in our convictions and practice. He had a full confidence in his
Bible. He defended verbal plenary inspiration, divine preservation,
accurate translation and literal interpretation. He regularly instructed
both young and old to read their Bibles and then to obey what they read.
His attackers had heard him preach the Word and decided he must be killed.
Bro. Paul Ritchey was not an ordained minister nor was he an
intellectual. He worked in a factory making truck engines, had a high
school education and had raised six children. He had been converted in
Turkey as a private in the U.S. Army, while reading a Bible. His zeal for
souls came from reading his Bible. His understanding of the issues of the
DBS came from reading his Bible. His leaving a church over their distribution of the N.I.V. was the result of reading his Bible. His love for the
K.J.V. and its foundation of the Masoretic and Received Texts came from
his study of the Bible itself. His 12+ mission trips were the result of
reading his Bible. His statement, just days before he was martyred, "I
would rather die than compromise!" was a result of reading his Bible.
He lived and died for his convictions. May we also live and be willing
to die for the precious Word of God.
The following comments are by
Pastor Doug Sherrill,
A Member of the DBS
"The Pillar and Ground of the Truth"
We read much of the Waldensians, the Albigensians, the Lollards, the
Paulicians, and many others in past history who were used of God to
providentially preserve the very Words of God. Concerning the providential preservation of the Text Received among believers, Dr. Gary La
More wrote on the subject of our Bible’s Preservation as follows:
"The Holy Spirit providentially guided churches to preserve His
Words during the manuscript period. First, faithful scribes produced many
trustworthy copies of the original New Testament manuscripts. Second,
these trustworthy copies were read and recopied by true believers down
through the centuries. Third, untrustworthy copies were not so generally
read or so frequently re- copied. Although they enjoyed some popularity
for a time, yet in the long run they were laid aside and consigned to
oblivion. Thus, as a result of this special providential guidance, the
true text won out in the end, and today the believer may be sure that the
text found in the vast majority of the Greek New Testament manuscripts,
preserved by the God-guided usage of the Greek churches, is a trustworthy
reproduction of the Divinely inspired original."
Scripture gives clear direction for the responsibility placed upon the
local churches to preserve the text handed down through the priesthood
of believers (1 Timothy 3:15; Rev. 3:8, 10; 1 Cor. 4:1-2). As we seek to
understand the transmission of the preserved Words of God, may we find
direction and exhortation concerning our duty. As those before us gave
their lives for the Scriptures, may we commit our lives for this same
cause.
The critic of our day promotes himself as a Goliath of Gath. He is
arrogant and proud. He finds his strength in numbers. His pride teaches
him to flaunt his Philistine education. He defies those who stand with the
small fundamental remnant. What must we do? "Is there not a cause?"
(1 Samuel 17:29) We will not bow nor fall before the Giant. Those who deny
the inspiration and the preservation of God’s Words must know, "that
the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S."
(1 Samuel 17:47)
As we "exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith
which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 3), may we apply the
principles of Biblical preservation within our homes and our churches.
What will it be like for our children should the rapture happen 20 years
from now? Will they be able to purchase copies of the Word of God? Will
they be able to take a stand for the Received Text? Paul told the Romans,
"For whatsoever things were written afore- time were written for
our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might
have hope" (Romans 15:4). We, too, must learn from our predecessors
and their faithfulness to the Scriptures. We have the Word of God today
because faithful Christians obeyed the Lord and were used to preserve His
Words. May we not fail the Lord and our children suffer the dreadful
consequences.
The Apologetic Section
"The Issue, Preservation of Scripture"
By H. D. Williams, M.D.
Assistant Editor,
DBS News
The modern issue concerning the preservation of Scripture is not
so modern. The issue has been present since the Garden of Eden when the
serpent questioned the Words of God. (Genesis 3:1, 4). The in-depth study
of the theological issues concerning preservation, inerrancy,
inspiration, and infallibility of Scripture begins to reveal several
interesting findings. The issue is not really those topics. The problem
boils down to some other very fundamental questions that are not
unique because they are addressed in the Scriptures over and over again.
The fundamental questions become obvious as an individual reads dozens of
books concerning the theological matters listed above.
Not surprisingly, the most important book is not those listed at the
end of this article and other books on your list, but it turns out to be
The Bible. Some authors have recognized this important fact, but
many others have not. If someone reads many of the books listed below (not
all of them), an important discovery stands out. Most authors begin with
their argument, their position, their tradition,
their textual criticism, their "scientific" method,
their favorite manuscript(s), their favorite higher or lower
textual critic, their thoughts, their way, their
deductive reasoning, their university, their church,
their denomination, their definitions, their
argumentum ad hominem, their prima facie evidence, their
favorite language, etc. and etc.
The Bible calls "their" favorites "iniquity" when their
opinion does not agree with the Scriptures. Anyone can understand the
clear definition of iniquity given to us by our Lord in chapter 7 of
Matthew.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which
is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, 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? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never
knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. [Matthew
7:21-23]
This is one of the most frightening passages in all of the Scriptures.
Therefore, it is imperative that we notice the definition of iniquity the
Lord gave in this passage. Iniquity is defined in this passage as the
opposite of those who "doeth the will of my Father" or, in other
words, iniquity is self-will. We need to get the "their" or "our"
will out of the way when dealing with issues pertaining to the Scriptures.
Therefore, the basic issue for all of us concerning the question of
preservation of the Scripture becomes, "Have we or are we committing
iniquity?" We must examine our position. If we say that we believe the
Words of Scripture have been preserved, we must examine God’s will,
not our opinion, concerning the matter or we are committing
iniquity. If we say that we do not believe all the Words of
Scripture have been preserved, we must examine God’s will, not
our opinion concerning the matter or we are committing iniquity. We must
get our "self" out of the way and let the Scripture speak. It truly
is that simple.
Whether someone uses the Greek critical text of Westcott and Hort or
the Greek received (Traditional) text, both texts address the question of preservation in so many places that an individual would be hard
pressed on either side of the question to deny the meaning of the words.
[However, there are many passages that are significantly affected by the
change in words between the texts.]
For example, Matthew 4:4 is the same in both texts except the critical
Greek text adds an article, "the," before "man.
Matthew 4:4
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by
bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of
God.
This passage is a critical passage that needs to be clearly understood,
because this is Jesus’ Bibliology. Dr. Thomas Strouse, Dean of Emmanuel
Baptist Seminary has explained this verse in a recently released work,
Thou Shalt Keep Them on pages 35-39. He states that the verse,
"summarizes the Lord’s Bibliology.
1) He affirmed the doctrine of the verbal, plenary inspiration
of the autographa by stating the source of Scripture–"proceedeth
out of the mouth of God."
2) He affirmed the authority of the written Scripture, and
consequently its infallibility and inerrancy, by upholding it as a
standard by which "man shall …live."
3) He affirmed the avail- ability of Scripture since He declared
His personal access and implied mankind’s general
access to God’s Words – "by every word."
4) He affirmed the doctrine of the verbal plenary preservation of Scripture by the expression "It is written."
The perfect tense…."
Another passage from dozens that express God’s will,
not man’s will, is found in chapter 24 of Matthew. The critical text and
the received (traditional) text are exactly the same.
Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass
away.
There is no exegesis of this verse needed. It plainly states "words
shall not pass away." Therefore, if a particular route or path a Greek
text took, which showed thousands of differences in words between a
very few manuscripts, compared with a route or path, which showed few
differences except for primarily spelling errors between thousands of
manuscripts, which path do you believe demonstrates God’s will?
Finally, we must ask again, "Are you in God’s will?" If you
are not and are proclaiming their argument, their position,
their tradition, their textual criticism, their "scientific"
method, their favorite manuscript(s), their favorite
higher or lower textual critic, their thoughts, their way,
their deductive reasoning, their university, their
church, their denomination, their definitions, their argumentum ad hominem, their prima facie evidence, their
favorite language, etc. and etc. instead of God’s will, you have a problem
based on:
Matthew 7:23
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew
you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
We love all because Christ did. We love you who read
this presentation. We want you to love Christ and His Words and the Words
of His Father and the Holy Spirit. We pray always for you to love the will
of God re- corded in His precious preserved, inerrant, infallible,
inspired Words.
1 Peter 1:22-25
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the
Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one
another with a pure heart fervently: 23Being born again, not of
corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God,
which liveth and abideth for ever. 24For 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: 25But
the word of the
Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel
is preached unto you.
Endnotes:
i. Consider Dean John William Buron’s books such as The
Causes of Corruption Of The Traditional Text, The Traditional Text Of The
Holy Scriptures, The Revised Revision, Inspiration and Interpretation, and The Last Twelve Verses Of Mark; Dr. D. A.
Waite’s books Defending The King James Bible, and Heresies Of
Westcott and Hort; F. F. Bruce’s books The Canon Of Scripture,
and Tradition Old And New; D. A. Carson’s book The King James
Version Debate; David W. Cloud’s book For Love Of The Bible, The
Battle For The King James Version And The Received Text From 1800 To
Present; David Otis Fuller’s books True or False?, and Which
Bible?; Edward W. Glenny’s book The Bible Version De- bate;
Bruce M. Metzger’s book The Text Of The New Testament, Its
Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration; Jack A. Moorrman’s
books Forever Settled; Early Manuscripts and the Authorized
Version, A Closer Look!; and When The KJV Departs >From The
"Majority" Text, A New Twist In The Continuing Attack On The Authorized
Version; Wilbur Pickering’s books The Identity Of The New Testament
Text; James Sightler’s book Tabernacle Essays On Bible Translation;
Kent Brandenburg et al’s Thou Shalt Keep Them; and dozens of others
and; The Father, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit’s book, THE BIBLE.
ii. D. A. Waite, Jr., M.A., M.L.A. The Doctored New Testament;
Bible For To- day, Collingswood, N.J.; 2003 ($25); Dr. Jack
Moorman, Modern Bibles--The Dark Secret, new reprint, 60 pages,
$5.00
iii. Thou Shalt Keep Them, A Biblical Theology Of The Perfect
Preservation Of Scripture; Kent Brandenburg, Editor, Pillar and Ground
Publishing, El Sobrante, CA
iv. For confirmation of these facts see Revision Revised
by Dean John Burgon available from the Dean Burgon Society and the Bible
For Today. ($25.00)
The Professor’s Corner
Book Review
By Dr. Thomas M. Strouse, Dean
Emmanuel Baptist Theological Seminary
296 New Britain Ave.,
Newington, CT 06111
From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man.
By
James B. Williams, Editor. Greenville, SC: Ambassador-Emerald Inter-
national, 1999. 231 pp. $14.99.
This recent volume entitled From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man
is the product of James B. Williams and his eleven authors. These writers
and their book appear to represent Bob Jones University (BJU) and the
Fundamental Baptist Fellowship (FBF). This inference is established by the
connection of the authors to BJU and the endorsements by the leadership
of the FBF. Williams states that his purpose is "to provide accurate,
understandable information that will serve as a guide for laymen when
selecting a translation" (p. 10). Al- though this may be a commendable
goal and many may therefore read the book, it should be received with
extreme caution for two reasons: (1) first, it falls short of its
stated goal; and (2) second, it points toward a dangerous trend.
1. From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man
should be received with extreme caution in the first place because the
book falls short of the editor's stated task. It does so due to the
following eight factors.
1. It is of questionable literary quality. There are glaring
spelling, grammatical, and format gaffes. For in- stance, Westcott is
regularly misspelled (e.g., pp. 172-178). Typos and misquotes (e.g., p. 3)
and noun-verb disagreement (e.g., p. 170, footnote 2) appear, and font
sizes vary (e.g., pp. 2-3). It appears that the rush to publish
jeopardized the literary quality of the book. While some may excuse
literary errors as inconsequential, they do reflect on the arguments
raised by the writers. Careless literary preparation may suggest careless
scholarship as well. More significant, though, are the seven additional
factors that cause the book to fail in the editor's purpose.
2. It has a curious approval of apostasy. This is a substantial
reason for the book's failure. The cover of the book pictures a copy of
the Revised Standard Version. Since its publication in 1952, this version
has been identified with apostate liberalism (p. 198) through the National
Council of Churches because of its anti-supernatural renderings of Isaiah
7:14 and II Timothy 3:16. Why would those purporting to advance
fundamentalism use the liberal's version of the Bible on their cover?
Furthermore, Williams accurately outlines the theological battles
fundamentalists have had with liberals, neo-evangelicals and charismatics,
yet the editor and authors, in toto, commend the textual works of
liberals, neo-evangelicals and charismatics. They give absolutely no
warning or condemnation about the men or their heresies (cf. footnote 5,
p. 71). Is the uniting of fundamentalists with liberals in the
text/translation issue a new way to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ?
3. It has misstatement of facts. Several authors declare that
the variants between the modern texts or translations and the Textus
Receptus (TR) and the Authorized Version are so small ("less than one
page of my entire Testament" p. 86) that no concern should be taken
(pp. 97, 183). The fact of the matter is that the Critical Text of
Westcott-Hort differs from the TR, mostly by deletions, in 9,970 words out
of 140,521, giving a total of 7% difference. In the 480-page edition of
the Trinitarian Bible Society Textus Receptus this would amount to almost
34 pages, the equivalent of the final two books of the New Testament, Jude
and Revelation. This certainly does not sound like "no cause for
concern." Furthermore, no fundamentalist would deny that the 93%
common text is the very inspired and preserved wording of the autographa.
What one does with the remaining 7% is the crux of the issue. Does one
receive the preserved Words of God as found in the Received Bible, or does
one attempt to restore or reconstruct what God allegedly has not
preserved?
Another misstatement of fact is that Textual Criticism is a pure,
objective, and untainted discipline. Shaylor states, "textual
criticism, not to be confused with other types of criticism, is not a
negative attitude toward the inspiration of the Bible. It is in reality an
effort to assure us that we have the inspired Word of God" (p. 24, cf.
p. 61). This statement is insensitive to historical fact and oblivious to
Biblical teaching. Historically, Biblical Criticism as a movement (17-19th
Century) and all its spawned criticisms (higher, lower [textual], form,
literary, historical, etc.) are permeated with anti-supernatural,
evolutionary rationalism. The tenets of Textual
Criticism, such as the oldest is best and the shorter is probable, bespeak
the evolutionary principle of simple to complex. The Received Text is
not the product of evolution and conflation, whereas the Critical Text not
only is the product of rationalism but also manifests textual "deflation."
Man cannot restore what God allegedly has not chosen to preserve.
Biblically, the Lord Jesus Christ promised to preserve all of His Words
(logoi, Mt. 24:35) for every generation (Jn. 12:48). Assurance in God's
having inspired and preserved His Words does not come through Textual
Criticism but through "faith [which] cometh by hearing, and
hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). This is the historical faith
of those of whom Jesus declared, "My sheep hear my voice" (Jn.
10:27).
4. It has extreme defense of fallible mortals such as Westcott and
Hort. Williams assures the readers that "these men are now with the
Lord" (p. 4). This is a gratuitous assumption that cannot possibly be
proved and shows the "hero-worship" mentality of the Critical Text
proponents (pp. 6, 212). The proponents of the Received Text position do
not, on their part, magnify the men involved. The originator of the
Received Text is not Erasmus, Stephens, Beza, Burgon, Wilkinson, Hills, or
Fuller, but the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He it was Who promised to
preserve all of His words perfectly and requires believers to receive them
(Jn. 17:8, 20). He is the sovereign One alone worthy of exaltation, Who
both promised verbal plenary preservation and used fallible men to achieve
it.
5. It has an unbiblical major premise of the Westcott-Hort position. The very title of the book suggests that God gave His concepts
to man so man could translate His concepts into translations.
Fundamentalists have rejected the liberal Conceptual Inspiration View of
Scripture and presently defend Verbal Plenary Inspiration. It is very
difficult to understand why fundamentalists resist the Biblical and
theological teaching of the Verbal Plenary Preservation View and yet
default to the dangerous Conceptual Preservation View. Westcott and Hort
wanted to restore the 4th Century text, based on Catholic (B) and Egyptian
(papyri) MSS, arguing that there was no textual tampering and utilizing
inapplicable Genealogies, assumed Text-types, and the supposed Lucianic
Recension to dispose of the Textus Receptus. The goal of modern Textual
Criticism is to restore or reconstruct the Biblical text (p. 106) that God
apparently chose not to preserve. The liberals' humanistic approach
seems obvious, but why do some fundamentalists fail to see that the Lord
does not need man's help? It is strange indeed for fundamentalists to
countenance liberal views, either deliberately or by default.
6. It has an acrimonious spirit towards other fundamentalists.
This bitterness was not towards liberals, modernists, neo-evangelicals, or
charismatics, but towards other fundamentalists. The very attitude
Pickering denounces in his Preface runs rampant throughout the essays. He
bemoans that some KJV proponents have practiced "vilification of
character, personal attacks, and a generally unchristian spirit." He
assures the reader that "the authors of this work have presented
their information objectively and without attacks on the character of their
opponents" (p. ix). But such is not the case. The author who betrays
the most glaring example of an acrimonious spirit is Williams, the editor.
He deliberately lumps all that use the KJV into one of the five categories
of King James Version Onlyism concocted by James White (who is no expert
in the field of bibliology). Williams labels all of these who are lumped
together (where do fundamentalists of his stripe fit in?) as extreme (pp.
2-3). Without any evident distinction, Williams attacks representatives
from the various categories of the whole spectrum as "misguided" "misinformers,"
whose heresies are a "cancerous sore" (p. 7). The book thus gives
evidence of a double standard.
7. It has hypocrisy. Both Minnick and Gephart argue that the
text/translation issue may be a "rabbit trail." They argue that no
one should be beating their drums for or against the KJV but rather be
preaching Christ. Gephart questions the worth of the issue, asking, "can
we afford to spend so much time on this issue?" (p. 218; cf. 97-98).
Is not their hypocrisy apparent that they can spend time and money writing
this 231-page book, using twelve authors and the input of eight
academicians, and yet the defenders of the KJV have no right to do the
same? They evidently feel that the time spent to produce their book is
well spent, but time spent by their opponents is ill spent. Such an
attitude is partisan hypocrisy. It shows a Catholic-like lordliness of
silencing the opposition and has no place among fundamental Baptists.
8. It has an unscriptural call for unity at the expense of doc-
trine (pp. xii, 2, 98). Since verbal plenary preservation is a
teaching of Scripture (Psalm. 12:6,7; 119:111, 160; Lk . 21:33, et al.),
it is a doctrine. Those who hold to differing doctrinal views concerning
pre- servation or any other doctrine cannot and should not unite. Paul
taught the Thessalonians to separate from those who held to a different
eschatological doctrine and its resultant practice (II Thess. 3:6, 14).
Should not fundamentalists follow this Pauline principle with regard to
all biblical doctrines? Theological compromise is far worse than the lack
of unity.
2. This dangerous call to com- promise for the sake of unity
is the second reason that From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man
should be received with extreme caution. Historically, Bible-believing
people have not hesitated to part from those taking a differing view of
biblical doctrine. Now, however, the reader is being told that this issue,
doctrinally significant though it may be, is nothing to separate over.
Unity is more important. This is certainly an alarming trend among those
who would call themselves fundamentalists.
In contrast to the opinion of the book's contributors, God has revealed
both His intention to preserve perfectly all of His words for every
generation and His means of doing so through the local churches (Mt. 4:4;
5:17 and Mt. 28:20; 1 Tim. 3:15, respectively). Liberals hold to Dynamic
Inspiration. This leads to Dynamic Preservation, as manifested in the
Critical Text, translated with Dynamic Equivalence to produce the Modern
Versions. Historic fundamentalists hold to Verbal Plenary Inspiration
which demands Verbal Plenary Preservation, manifested in the Textus
Receptus, and translated with Formal Equivalence to produce the KJV.
Strangely and dangerously, neo-fundamentalists hold mixed views
regarding Verbal Plenary Inspiration, Dynamic Preservation, the Critical
Text, Dynamic Equivalence, and Modern Versions. This mixed and fluid
position moves in only one direction: away from fundamentalism and into
liberalism. For one to take the initial step into this moving stream,
either deliberately or by default, may lead to drowning in the ocean of
apostasy.
The Lord Jesus Christ has required believers of all ages to receive
His preserved words (Jn. 17:8, 20; Acts 2:41; 8:14; 11:1; 17:11; I Thess.
1:6; 2:13). Since man cannot restore what God allegedly has not pre-
served, it is folly for fundamentalists to embrace any of the modern
translations. Fundamentalists must return to the centuries-old confidence
of God's people in the Traditional Text. They must not be swept away with
the relatively recent, rationalistic theories of Westcott, Hort,
and others. Fundamentalists must realize that we have the Lord's
preserved words in the received texts of the Bible (Masoretic Text and
Texistians believe that the WORDS OF GOD have been
given to the HEART OF MAN.
Student’s Corner
[Daniel C. Herr is a student at Emmanuel Baptist Theological Seminary]
Thank you for the opportunity to write about what I have learned regarding
the preservation of God’s Words as a student of Emmanuel Baptist
Theological Seminary, Newington, CT.
The doctrine of
the preservation of God’s Words is clearly taught in Scripture. Under
inspiration, the Psalmist David said, “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” (Ps. 12:6-7). The Lord Jesus Christ stated, “It is written, Man
shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of
the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4). Through the process of inspiration, God
recorded His Divine Revelation (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21), and
intended man to receive “the things that are freely given to us of God” (1
Cor. 2:12). Apart from the doc- trine of preservation, the doctrine of inspiration fails to retain its effectiveness. That God has inspired all
Scripture and preserved every word to this very day is evident based upon
the Bible’s own declarations.
It is the responsibility
of believers, specifically local church believers, to receive and observe
God’s Words. Christ said, “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came
out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me” (Jn. 17:8).
Christ commanded His local church to observe (keep, guard) God’s words
in the Great Commission, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever
I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:20a). Thus, Christ commissioned His local
church, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15), to be the
guardians of Scripture. Furthermore, the book of Revelation, written to
local churches (Rev. 1:4; 22:16) promises blessing to those who keep the
sayings (words) of the prophecy of Scripture (Rev. 22:7, 9), and cursing
to those who add to/take away from the words of Scripture (Rev.
22:18-19). The Lord’s true churches have received and guarded the very
words of Scripture, and have passed them down to us in the Received
Texts (Hebrew-Masoretic
Text; Greek —Textus Receptus), from which our English Bible, the King
James Version (KJV), has been accurately translated. The KJV has been and
continues to be the preserved Word of God in the English language.
The doctrine of the preservation of God’s Words is currently under
attack. The attack originated with Satan in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3),
continued into the New Testament (Mt. 4), and is manifested today through
Biblical scholars who try to do justice by restoring God’s Words rather
than receiving His Words. God’s Words do not need to be restored; they
have been preserved, and will not pass away. Speaking of His own Words,
Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass
away” (Lk. 21:33). He demonstrated this message in an even greater way
when He said, “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in
no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Mt. 5:18).
The Bible believing Christian does not need to be confused about Biblical
preservation. Based upon the authority of Scripture, the promise of God,
and the testimony of Jesus Christ, every inspired Word of God has been
preserved to this very day – to the glory of God!
Message Summary From the
2003 DBS Meeting
Dr. Robert J. Barnett presented “Keep The
Faith?" He spoke of his burden for the future generations of DBS members
who "hold the same firm stand on the inspiration of the Bible." His
concern was for those "facing a 'coming Antichrist Christianity.'" He gave
examples of secular humanists and their belief that Jesus presented to man
how to be "humanists." Dr. Barnett stumbled across several books whose
theses he presented to the DBS. The books were Adam Nicolson's God's
Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible, Alister McGrath's The
Story of the King James Bible and How It Changed a Nation, a Language, and
a Culture, and I. Benson Bobrick's Wide as the Waters The Story of the
English Bible and the Revolution It Inspired. He was encouraged that they
proposed many of the same points Fundamentalists have used to defend the KJB.
However, he concluded their approach was "a more
secular, historical, or humanistic rather than a Bible-believing perspective." After presenting facts and influences of or about the King James
Bible, Dr. Barnett concluded his presentation with the application of
the information presented. He stated unabashedly his acceptance of the
providential oversight of the KJB by God.
He states, "I
personally believe that we can possess and know the real thing or body
of truth which God inspired. I believe it was extended undiminished, not
by inspiration, but by divine providential preservation into our King
James Bible." [Editor's emphasis] He concludes by stating that "liberals
reading this paper will brand us with bibliolatry. Yet, they will honor those
who use the same terms to praise the 'noblest monument of English prose'
or 'the greatest English Bible ever produced' exalting it [the KJB] as a
utopian form of English literature." [The editor would add to those
crying, "bibliolatry," that they need to read the recently released book
by Pillar & Ground Publishing, Thou Shalt Keep Them; particularly Dr.
Thomas Strouse's chapter, Every Word, which presents Jesus' bibliology.]
Books Available From the DBS
Books may be ordered from the DBS or the
Bible For Today, 856-854-4452, from the DBS Website www.DeanBurgonSociety.
org/ click on the DBS Press "button"
1. Inspiration and Interpretation
by Dean John Burgon. There is an excellent summary of this book by Pastor
D. A. Waite, Th.D., Ph. D. at www.deanburgonsociety.org/dbs2925d.htm.
This is a "must have" book for anyone interested in the preservation of
the Scriptures. Dean Burgon remarks on "Essays and Reviews" concerning
inspiration and interpretation of Scripture. The book includes sermons on
"The Study Of The Bible Recommended; And A Method Of Studying It
Described," "Natural Science and Theological Science," "Inspiration of
Scripture.--Gospel Difficulties--The Word Of God Infallible.--Other
Sciences Subordinate To Theological Science," "The Plenary Inspiration of
Every Part of the Bible, Vindicated and Explained--Nature Of
Inspiration--The Text Of Scripture," and much much more. Order now for a
gift of $25, (DBS #1220) plus $4 shipping and handling. Hardback book,
over 300 pages.
2. A Guide to the Textual Criticism of the New Testament.
This book is by Edward Miller who was a close friend and fellow worker
with Dean John W. Burgon. In this volume, Miller condenses and sums up
Dean Burgon's methodology for textual criticism. In it, he refutes the
false system used by Bishop Westcott and Professor Hort (#DB743). This is
for a gift of $11.00 + $4 shipping and handling It is a hardback book of
168 pages.
3. The Last Twelve Verses of Mark by Dean John William Burgon.
Dean Burgon vindicates and establishes Mark 16:9-20 as genuine. In his day
the only manuscripts (with few exceptions) that omitted these verses
were the false Vatican & Sinai manuscripts. (#DB1139) Gift of $15 + $4
S&H. Hardback book, over 300 pages.
4. Revision Revised by Dean John
William Burgon. In this volume Burgon does the following four things:
(1) He attacks the false Greek text of Westcott and Hort; (2) He
demolishes the theory behind the text; (3) He refutes the English Revised
Version of 1881 and (4) He defends the King James Bible! (#DB611) gift of
$25 + $4 S&H, Hardback book, over 500 pages
5. Traditional Text Of The
Holy Gospels by Dean John William Burgon. A careful survey of the
historical supremacy of the New Testament Greek Text that has been
preserved from the first century until the present. Dean Burgon shows the
superiority of this text and the inferiority of B and Aleph and others
(#DB1159). A gift of $16 + $4 S&H. Hardback book, over 300 pages
6. The
Cause of Corruption Of The Traditional Text by Dean John William Burgon
Dean Burgon gives detailed illustrations of five accidental causes and ten
intentional causes of the corruption of the original traditional text.
The book is replete with condemnation of the B & Aleph, Vatican & Sinai, and
the Westcott and Hort New Testament Greek Text. (#DB1160) A gift of $15
+$4 S&H. Hardback book, almost 300 pages.
7. Forever Settled by Jack Moor-
man. A survey of the documents and history of the Bible, illustrated with
pictures of various Hebrew and Greek texts. An excellent text book for
those interested in the background of the current textual battle
(#DB1428). A gift of $20 + $4 S&H. Hard- back book, over 300 pages. Why
not get ALL of these excellent books!
DBS Beliefs
To find out what the
Dean Burgon Society believes, you can go to our Website at
www.DeanBurgonSociety.org and then click on Official Positions and then
click on Articles of Faith. There are twelve headings in our doctrines
listed from "A" through "L." The main area is under section "A" which is
entitled "The Bible."
In summary, the DBS believes in (1)
infallible, inerrant, inspired, God-breathed original Hebrew and Greek
Words. (2) preservation of those inspired Hebrew and Greek Words in the
Hebrew and Greek Words underlying our King James Bible. (3) the King James
Bible is the only accurate English translation of those inspired pre-
served Hebrew and Greek Words. (4) the King James Bible is not
God-breathed (inspired)--only the preserved Hebrew and Greek Words that
underlie it.
A Plea For Help
The Dean Burgon Society is a nonprofit
organization without any paid employees. We need your help with donations,
and with enrolling members who support and defend the preservation of the
traditional language texts of the Scripture. Please pray about this matter
and if you are led to help in this very serious matter of defending the
traditional texts of Scripture, please join and/or send a gift to:
THE
DEAN BURGON SOCIETY
Box 354
Collingswood, New Jersey 08108
Phone:
856-854-4452
If you wish to become a member of the Dean Burgon Society,
please print out and complete this form and mail it to the Society.
Membership and Subscription Form
THE DEAN BURGON NEWS
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Dr. H.
D. Williams, Assistant Editor
Box 354
Collingswood, NJ 08108
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What do YOU think of this
NEW LOOK in or Dean Burgon Society News?
1. Have you read it from cover to
cover?
2. Did you learn some new things in your reading?
3. Do you agree
with our emphasis and positions?
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