Why KJV? Why Baptist?
God’s Holy Word—the King James Version
The first question to answer is why the King James Bible (KJV). My wife and I certainly didn’t start out reading the KJV. In fact, we purchased a variety of different versions over the years. We’d been told that these other translations were “easier to read” and came from a source text that was older (and better) than what was used for the KJV Bible. In addition, we’d been assured, nobody uses the KJV anymore except for small splinter churches that are not “in touch” with the rest of society.
Many of those statements hit on what many still believe today.
Since there are numerous websites that have answered these concerns (and others) already, I’ll make sure to link them below. However, to answer some of the objections as best I can, the best way is to show the stark differences between the KJV and today’s modern translations is to show a few examples.
God’s promise to preserve His word:
“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, emphasis added (KJV)
God’s promise to preserve His word–removed:
“And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. You, LORD, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked,” Psalm 12:6-7, emphasis added (NIV)
Those verses are vastly different from each other. The KJV talks about God preserving His word. The NIV talks about two entirely different things!
Here’s another:
“Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.” Hosea 11:12, emphasis added (KJV)
“Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, Israel with deceit. And Judah is unruly against God, even against the faithful Holy One.” Hosea 11:12, emphasis added (NIV)
“Ephraim surrounds Me with lies
And the house of Israel with deceit; Judah is still unruly against God,
Even against the Holy One who is faithful.” Hosea 11:12, emphasis added (NASB20)
One difference alone should raise red flags, but the fact is that there are numerous differences between the KJV and the newer translations, and I’m not talking about a word here or there so that a translation can be “new” enough to not break copyright infringement.
For example, the ESV removes 17 verses from their Bible, the Revised Standard Version takes out 25! The Bible has a clear warning for those that add or take away words from His word (Revelation 22:18-19).
Finally, once one accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, the Bible says that they are saved (Romans 10:9-13)! Modern translations disagree, and make it more of a process, going directly against the Word of God.
Act 2:47
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV)
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (KJV)
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 15:2
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. (KJV)
and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. (ESV)
2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: (KJV)
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, (ESV)
This is a clear contradiction. How after all, according to the new translations, can a person even know when they are saved? The short answer, if they read their newer version, is they can’t.
Therefore, without even going into the many reasons why the KJV is easier to remember, more poetic, or has produced more revivals across the globe than any other version, the choice is clear: the KJV is the Bible, and it is God’s preserved word.
Data Supports It: The KJV Bible Is Easier to Read Than Modern Translations
Key Biblical Words Added or Taken Away from Modern Translations
The importance of being Baptist
This leads to the next question, why Baptist? Certainly there are Baptist distinctives that separate this denomination from all other denominations. Our beliefs are detailed here.
But to give a shorter rundown, here is what we believe as Baptists and why we are Baptists. This acronym is quoted as found from the following website.
Biblical Authority in all matters of faith and practice. We believe the Bible is inspired and infallible and is the final authority. It is from God’s Word that we understand and teach the fundamental doctrines of our faith as well as pattern our church polity. (See 2 Timothy 3:16; John 17:17; Acts 17:11; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20–21.)
Autonomy or self governing power of the local church. We believe that every local church should be independent of a hierarchical framework or outside governmental structure. (See Colossians 1:18; Acts 13–14, 20:19–30; Ephesians 1:22–23.)
Priesthood of believers. God’s Word assures believers that we have direct access to God through our relationship with Christ. We believe and teach that the priesthood of the believer is the unspeakably precious privilege of every child of God. (See Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 Timothy 2:5–6; 1 Peter 2:5–10.)
Two offices within the church. Scripture only mentions two church offices—pastor (also referred to as elder or bishop) and deacon. These two offices are to be filled by godly men of integrity in each local church. (See Philippians 1:1; Acts 6:1–7; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:6–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4.)
Individual soul liberty. We believe that each person must make a personal decision of repentance and faith in Christ. (See Romans 10:9–17, 14:1–23.)
Separation of church and state. The state should have no power to intervene in the free expression of religious liberty. (See Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29–31; Romans 13:1–4.)
Two ordinances—baptism and the Lord’s Table (also called communion). These ordinances have no part in salvation and only serve as pictures of what Christ did for us. (See Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Acts 2:38–43, 8:36–38; Romans 6:1–6)
Separation and personal holiness. We believe that Christ’s ultimate sacrifice demands our complete consecration, and we desire that our daily living would reflect the holiness of our great God. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Peter 1:16.)