Description
This course reveals many more verses of Scripture that are not just updated, as the translators claim, but are clearly changed in meaning: like, the words of people who talk about you are now enjoyable like a tasty desert; the word hell is too hard to understand, so it is changed to a Greek word spelled sound-for-sound in English; and many other problems are shown.
Bible Study Course
Examining The New King James Version
Part 2
Welcome to Book 2 in the Examining Bible Translations series of the Liberty Bible Course. This booklet continues looking at the examination of the New King James Version (NKJV). This study is written to be used with the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, otherwise your answers are going to be incorrect. Please get your Bible, and begin another exciting study in God’s Word, that just might change your life!
Chapter 1
#14 — Proverbs 18:8
KJV (King James Version) – “The words of a talebearer are as ____________, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “The words of a talebearer are like TASTY TRIFLES,[a]And they go down into the inmost body.”
NWT (New World Translation — Jehovah’s Witnesses) – “The words of the slanderer are like THINGS TO BE SWALLOWED GREEDILY, which do go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
Note: Remember what was the stated purpose of the translators? “To update… words whose English meaning has changed.” Has the word wound now changed to tasty trifle? The word wound means, “an injury to the body (as from violence, accident, or surgery) that typically involves laceration or breaking of a membrane (as the skin) and usually damage to underlying tissues; a mental or emotional hurt or blow.” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary). The word trifles means, “a dessert typically consisting of plain or sponge cake often soaked with wine or spirits (as brandy or rum) and topped with layers of preserves, custard, and cream” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary). As you can see, the translators were not honest in their stated purpose. They did not update anything here in this verse — they totally changed the meaning of the verse.
Remember little Joe Moore’s request? “Daddy, you make so many Bibles, why can’t you make a Bible that I can understand?” (The New King James Version, by Arthur L. Farstad, pg. 1). Do you think that this change helped him, or confused him? Do you think that the next time he was hurt, he came crying to his mother, “Mommy, mommy, I got hurt, and I need a bandage!” “What happened, Joey?” “I fell off my bike and got a tasty trifle — right here!” This is clearly not an update of language, but a complete change of words and meanings. Now, what the verse says is not true at all.
NKJV (New King James Version) – “The words of a talebearer are like TASTY TRIFLES,[a]And they go down into the inmost body.”
Do you find it like a tasty dessert to hear that someone has been spreading rumors about you?
Does that settle sweetly in your stomach? No it does not. It takes away your appetite.
It makes you feel tense in your stomach.
Note: Remember one part of the definition of the word wound? “A mental or emotional blow” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary). Who in their right mind enjoys being the target of rumors, like they enjoy eating a tasty dessert? No one.
Note: If they try and change around the person in view here, from the one being talked about in a bad way — to one who is hearing rumors about someone else, then they are contradicting their translation of Proverbs 25:23. Remember how they changed that verse? The Bible (KJV) says, “The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.” They (NKJV) changed it to say, “The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.” They stated that a backbiting tongue will (guaranteed) bring forth an angry countenance. As we have seen, that is not true, because many people love to hear gossip and rumors about other people, and do not get angry at all if you spread such information to them. But are the translators now trying to say that people who hear the words of a talebearer take it all in like a tasty dessert? If that is what they are trying to say here, then they have flat out contradicted what they said in Proverbs 25:23. The honest person looking at this would have to admit that the translators of the NKJV have dug themselves into a hole.
1. Ecclesiastes 10:8 says, “He that diggeth a ______ shall ________ into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.”
2. Psalms 57:6 says, “They have prepared a ______ for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a ______ before me, into the midst whereof ________ are ____________ themselves. Selah.”
3. Proverbs 30:5-6 says, “__________ ________ of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he ______________ thee, and thou be found a ________.”
#15 — Ephesians 5:1
KJV (King James Version) – “Be ye therefore __________________ of God, as dear children.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “Therefore be IMITATORS of God as dear children.”
NWT (New World Translation — Jehovah’s Witnesses) – “Therefore, become IMITATORS of God, as beloved children.”
Note: Once again, it is interesting that the translators of the NKJV chose to make the same exact change as did the Jehovah’s Witnesses. You do not become a Christian by imitating Christ or a Christian. You could imitate Christ on the cross and die and shed your blood in like manner — but that would not make you a Christian. Instead of dying and going to paradise, you would die and go to hell. If imitating Christ could save, then both dying thieves on the crosses would have been saved — but only one was — the one who repented and placed his faith in Jesus Christ.
1. Luke 23:39-43 says, “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering ______________ him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for ____ receive the ______ reward of our __________: but this man hath done ______________ amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, ________________ me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in ________________.”
Note: What we find taught in the Bible is that it is very dangerous to imitate Christ or Christians, if you are not truly born again.
2. Acts 19:11-17 says, “And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Then certain of the ________________ ________, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, ____ adjure you by Jesus whom ________ preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, __________ I know, and ________ I know; but who are ____? And the man in whom the evil spirit was ____________ on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and ______________. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and ________ fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.”
Note: When choosing a word to most accurately convey the meaning intended, which is the better word, follow, or imitate?
The word follow means, “to come after; to engage in as a calling or way of life; to walk or proceed along;
to be or act in accordance with; to accept as authority; to obey” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary)
The word imitate means, “to mimic, to counterfeit, to resemble” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary)
That is not a hard choice at all, is it? The word follow is clearly the best choice of what the Bible teaches.
Translating the Bible is much more that just looking up a word in a Hebrew or Greek dictionary. It is
considering the context of the verse, and taking into account the whole teaching of Scripture.
The word follow has more of the idea of actually obeying the Lord and making that the way of your life. But the word imitate in our day has the heavy suggestion of just playing a part — but not necessarily in sincerity. Many times mimicking someone is done in a mocking fashion. If the NKJV translators were truly stressing up-to-date-accuracy, then they would have left that verse alone the way that it was translated. Sadly, many good imitators are going to wind up in hell, because they were only copying what others were doing, and were not truly born again themselves.
3. Notice how the following verses show the widespread imitation that is going on in the Tongues/Charismatic movement of today. Matthew 7:21-23 says, “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. ________ will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not ____________________ in thy name? and in thy name have cast out ____________? and in thy name done many __________________ works? And then will I profess unto them, I __________ knew ______: ____________ from me, ye that work iniquity.”
God considers it iniquity to be imitating Christ or Christians,
when a person is not even saved; and all such imitators will be cast into hell.
#16 — Luke 16:22, 23
KJV (King James Version) – “22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in ________ he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.
23 And being in torments in HADES, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”
NWT (New World Translation — Jehovah’s Witnesses) – “22 Now in course of time the beggar died and he was carried off by the angels to the bosom [position] of Abraham. Also, the rich man died and was buried. 23 And in HADES he lifted up his eyes, he existing in torments, and he saw Abraham afar off and Laz´a·rus in the bosom [position] with him.”
Note: Notice, once again, how the NKJV translators changed to the exact same word as did the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Did the Jehovah’s Witnesses make their translation, because the KJV was not accurate? No true Christian would say that (that the NWT is more accurate than the KJV). The Jehovah’s Witnesses made the changes to try and prove their false doctrine. Why, then, did the translators of the NKJV follow in their changes?
Note: Do you remember the reason given why the New King James Version was produced? The idea was born out of a conversation between Joe Moore and his dad, who was the president of the Thomas Nelson Publishing Company. He said, “Daddy, you make so many Bibles, why can’t you make a Bible that I can understand?” (The New King James Version, by Arthur L. Farstad, pg. 1)
Do you think that little Joe Moore could understand the word hades better than the word hell?
Not a chance, because the word hades is not even an English word. It is a Greek word
which has been transliterated (brought over into English, sound-for-sound), — not translated.
How many little boys know Greek? Are you beginning to see the dishonesty of the NKJV translators? Their stated purpose was, “To update… words whose English meaning has changed.” They did not update the English here in this verse — they changed it back to Greek.
Do a little test. Ask several children where hades is, and what it is like there. Now ask the children where hell is, and what it is like there. If the word hell is clearly understood, even by the children (and it is), then what was the real purpose in switching it to read hades?
More and more, people do not believe in a literal place called hell. The NKJV accommodates them very well, by taking the word right out and replacing it with a Greek word spelled in English.Chapter 2
#17 — Acts 17:22
KJV (King James Version) – “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are TOO __________________________.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are VERY RELIGIOUS.’”
Note: The word superstition means, “a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception; a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary.” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary)
The word religion means, “the service and worship of God.” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary)
In the Greek, the word superstitious (Strong’s #1174) is deisidaimonesteros (dice-ee-dahee-mon-es’-ter-os) which is the compound of a derivative of the base of 1169 and 1142:
#1169 deilos (di-los)’ = “from deos (dread); timid, i.e. (by implication) faithless: fearful”
#1142 daimon (dah’-ee-mown) = “from daio (to distribute fortunes); a dæmon or supernatural spirit (of a bad nature): devil” (Strong’s Concordance)The Greek word fits much better with the definition of the word superstitious
than it does with the word religious. The context also fits much better with
the word superstitious, than with the word religious.
1. Acts 17:22-23 says, “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too __________________________. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE ______________ GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.”
Note: Remember the definition of the word superstitious? “A belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown.” That fits perfectly with what the verse says. The use of the word religion in the Bible always centers on action — not just beliefs (whether right or wrong). Look at the examples below:
2. James 1:27 says, “Pure ________________ and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To __________ the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
3. Acts 26:5 says, “Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most __________________ sect of our ________________ I __________ a Pharisee.”
4. Galatians 1:13 says, “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ ________________, how that beyond measure I ____________________ the church of God, and wasted it.”
5. Galatians 1:14 says, “And profited in the Jews’ ________________ above many my equals in mine own nation, being more ______________________ ______________ of the traditions of my fathers.”
6. James 1:26 says, “If any man among you seem to be __________________, and bridleth not his ____________, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s ________________ is ________.”#18 — Romans 10:11
KJV (King James Version) – “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not ____ ______________.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be PUT TO SHAME.”
There is a big difference between “being ashamed” or being “put to shame.”
“Being ashamed” is how you feel. Being “put to shame” is what other people are trying to do to you.
Note: Is the translation of the NKJV true? If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, will you never be put to shame? No, that is a false statement. Even the Lord Jesus Christ Himself was “put to shame,” but He was “not ashamed” of what He was doing on our behalf.
1. In Isaiah 50:6-7, these two verses alone show that the KJV is correct, and the NKJV has made a false statement. These verses say, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my ________ from __________ and spitting. For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall ______ ____ ______________.”
Note: The Lord Jesus Christ was “put to shame,” but He did not hide His face from it. He was “not ashamed” of what He was doing on our behalf.
2. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the ______ that was set before him endured the cross, despising the __________, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Note: They were trying to “put Him to shame,” But He was “not ashamed” — He looked ahead to the joy set before Him for having given His life for our sins.
The NKJV has given a false statement. The Bible never promises that whoever believes on the
Lord Jesus Christ will not be put to shame. We see the opposite to be true throughout the New Testament.
3. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 says, “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had ________________ before, and were ____________________ entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.”
4. Romans 1:16 says, “For I am ______ ______________ of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
5. Acts 5:40-41 says, “And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to ____________ __________ for his ________.”Note: What we find, once again, is that the translators of the NKJV did not update the language, but changed it to make a totally different meaning — one that contradicts what the Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that when we serve the Lord Jesus Christ, people will try to “put us to shame,” but even while they are doing that, we will not “be ashamed” of Him and what He has done for us.
6. 2 Timothy 1:11-12 says, ?Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also ____________ these things: nevertheless I am ______ ______________: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.?
#19 — 2 Corinthians 10:5
KJV (King James Version) – “Casting down ________________________, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “Casting down ARGUMENTS and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”
Note: Is the word imaginations an Old English word that has now been updated to arguments? Parents used to say, “Children, stop that arguing, or there is going to be some discipline.” Do they now say, “Children, stop that imagining, or I am going to discipline you.”? No.
How many times have we seen in this study that the translators were not honest in what they stated was their purpose? “To update… words whose English meaning has changed.” What the translators have done was follow the newer versions and the critical text many times. We have no problem understanding the word imagination today. Imagination means, “The power of the mind by which it conceives and forms ideas” (Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)
Imagination is defined by another dictionary as, “the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses; creative ability; the thinking or active mind.” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary)1. The very context of the Scripture passage supports the word imagination over the word arguments. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “Casting down ________________________, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every ______________ to the obedience of Christ.”
Note: Thoughts deal with imaginations. The word argument is defined as, “a quarrel or disagreement.” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary) Does man ever have a problem with arguing? Yes he does. But man’s bigger problem has always been his imagination (his wicked imagination). God did not destroy man with a flood because of man’s constant arguing. What did cause Him to destroy them?
2. Genesis 6:5-7 says, “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every ______________________ of the thoughts of his heart was only ________ continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will ______________ man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.”
3. When God had to change one language into many, it was for the same reason — man’s imagination. Genesis 11:1-7 says, “And the whole earth was of ______ language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have ________________ to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may ______ ____________________ one another’s speech.”This change in the NKJV is very important, because Satan wants you to think that
it is okay to let your mind and imagination wander. That is what Satan was
successful in getting Eve to do in the Garden of Eden.
4. Genesis 3:4-6 says, “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was ________ for food, and that it was ________________ to the eyes, and a tree to be ______________ to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
Note: Those were all things that Eve was pondering over in her mind and imagination.
Many people say that wrong thoughts are not sin, as long as you do not
act upon those wrong thoughts, but that is false.
Jesus made it clear that wrong thoughts (imaginations) are sin.
5. Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever ______________ on a woman to ________ after her hath __________________ adultery with her already in his heart.”
6. God says that a person who is having wrong thoughts is an unrighteous person. Isaiah 55:7-9 says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the ______________________ man his ________________: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my ________________ are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my ________________ than your thoughts.”
7. The Bible says that unrighteousness is sin, so wrong thoughts are sin. 1 John 5:17 says, “______ ______________________________ is ______: and there is a sin not unto death.”Note: You may not argue with your wife or children when you come home from work, but if you sit down in front of the TV and watch immodestly dressed people and lust after them, then you are sinning. One of mankind’s biggest problems in uncontrolled, sinful imaginations.
The translators of the NKJV have taken away this most critical verse in dealing
with the matter of the imagination and yielding it fully to the Lord Jesus Christ.
This change has caused many Christians to yield to the philosophy, “It’s okay to think it —
just do not do it.” That is the devil’s lie, because wrong thoughts lead to wrong actions.
8. Joshua 7:20-21 says, “And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have ____________ against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: When I ______ among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I ______________ them, and ________ them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.”
Note: When Christians actually believe that they can think wrong thoughts and it is not sinning (as long as they do not outwardly commit those acts or say those things), that is when they will indeed commit that sin outwardly. The next verse tells why.
9. Jesus said in Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the ___________ indeed is ______________, but the __________ is ________.”
The flesh is weak. When you let your mind and imagination wander through
sin’s enticements, the flesh will surely act out what it has been thinking.
Note: To be successful against temptation, you must obey 2 Corinthians 10:5: “Casting down ________________________, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every ______________ to the obedience of Christ.”
Chapter 3
#20 — Colossians 1:13
KJV (King James Version) – “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath ____________________ us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and CONVEYED us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”
NWT (New World Translation — Jehovah’s Witnesses) – “He delivered us from the authority of the darkness and TRANSFERRED us into the kingdom of the Son of his love.”
Note: The NKJV changed to the word convey, meaning, “to bear from one place to another; to transfer or deliver.” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary) The NWT changed to the word transfer, meaning, “to convey from one person, place, or situation to another” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary)
As we can see, the words that the NKJV and the NWT chose are used interchangeably. But, Biblically speaking, the word translated does NOT just mean “to carry or take someone or something from one place to another.”
You can get transferred from one department to another at work, but nothing has
changed about you. You can watch mechanical systems convey parts and boxes from
one part of the factory to another, but nothing has changed in the journey. But that is NOT
at all the case in the matter of being Biblically translated. This matter does require a change.
1. Hebrews 11:5 says, “By faith Enoch was ____________________ that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had ____________________ him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
2. It is not possible to just be transferred or conveyed into God’s kingdom. There must be a change. John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he __________ to ____________ the ________ of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were ________, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of ______.”
3. This change produces a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a ______ ________________: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”Note: When a word is translated it undergoes a change. It is changed from one form to another — from one language to another. If there is no change, then there is no translation. No one is just conveyed or transferred into God’s kingdom — it requires a change — a supernatural change that only God can do.
With these new translations of Scripture, is it any wonder that we are seeing so few changed lives?
They just convey their same old lives and practices right into the church today.
4. There is no change in their music. They just convey or transfer their same old rock sound into the church, despite what the Bible teaches in Ephesians 5:19: “Speaking to yourselves in _____________ and __________ and ________________ songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
5. There is no change in their appearance, despite what the Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15: “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a ______ have long hair, it is a __________ unto him? But if a __________ have long hair, it is a __________ to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.”
6. There is no change in their modesty, despite what the Bible teaches in 1 Peter 1:14: “As obedient children, not ____________________ yourselves according to the ____________ __________ in your ignorance.”Note: These new translations, including the NKJV, fit right in with a Christianity that produces little proof of true repentance and a changed life.
7. 2 Timothy 3:5 says, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the __________ thereof: from such ________ ________.”
#21 — Matthew 7:14
KJV (King James Version) – “Because strait is the gate, and ____________ is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “Because[a] narrow is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Note: Has the word narrow been changed to difficult? No. The word narrow means, “Of little breadth; not wide or broad; having little distance from side to side; as a narrow board; a narrow street; a narrow sea; a narrow hem or border.” (Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary) Try going to a lumber company and asking for a difficult board. Do you think that they will understand that you are asking for a narrow board? Not a chance. The word difficult means, “hard to do, make, or carry out; hard to understand” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary) Maybe if you asked for a difficult board, they would give you one so big that it would be hard for you to carry it out of the store!
Once again, the translators of the NKJV did not stay true to their stated purpose of
“updating words whose English meaning has changed.” By using the word difficult, it gives
the false idea that salvation can only be won by the strongest people, and that is not true at all.
1. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 says, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, ______ many ____________, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the ________ things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”
2. Jeremiah 9:23-24 says, “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, ______________ let the ____________ man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”
Part of the definition of difficult was “hard to understand.” That means that the
translators of the NKJV have also made another error in their translation, then,
because the Bible says that even a child can understand how to be saved.
3. Matthew 19:13-14 says, “Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But __________ said, Suffer ____________ children, and forbid them not, to ________ unto me: for of such is the kingdom of ____________.”
KJV (King James Version) – “Because strait is the gate, and NARROW is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. “
NKJV (New King James Version) – “Because[a] narrow is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
It is narrow — NOT in the sense of being difficult to get saved,
but in the sense that there is ONLY ONE WAY — and ONE PERSON
through whom you can obtain salvation — the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
4. John 14:6 says, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the ______, the truth, and the life: ____ man cometh unto the Father, ______ by ____.”
5. Acts 4:12 says, “Neither is there __________________ in ______ other: for there is ________ other ________ under heaven given among men, whereby we must be __________.”Note: The way of salvation is narrow, but it is NOT difficult.
6. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you ________. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find ________ unto your __________. For my yoke is ________, and my burden is light.”
#22 — Matthew 7:22-23
KJV (King James Version) – “22 Many 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? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that WORK ________________.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS!”
NWT (New World Translation — Jehovah’s Witnesses) – “23 And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, you WORKERS OF LAWLESSNESS.”
Note: It is very interesting, once again, to see that the NKJV translators chose the EXACT same word as did the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Why did they do that? This change makes it harder to witness to people and to get it across to them that they are sinners.
Most people do not consider themselves as being lawless. What they do not
realize is that they have broken many of God’s Laws. Breaking God’s Laws
do not always mean that we have done something bad. Sometimes,
breaking God’s Laws mean that we have not done something good.
1. James 4:17 says, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do ________, and doeth it ______, to him it is ______.”
Note: That thought is totally foreign to the average lost person. They would not consider those things as sin, because they are like the rich young man in the following passage.
2. Matthew 19:16-22 says, “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is ________ good but ______, that is, ______: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy __________________ as ______________. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and ________ that thou hast, and ________ to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and ____________ me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went ________ sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”
Note: The rich young man did not consider himself as being lawless. He thought that he was pretty good. He had not killed anyone. He had not committed adultery. He had tried to honor his parents. What more could be lacking on his part? Those are the same thoughts that many people echo today. Jesus showed the young man that he was a sinner because he was not truly willing to love his neighbor as himself. If he was, then he would have been willing to allow his neighbor to experience all of his riches, while he then experienced all of the poor neighbor’s needs. It was at that point, that the rich young man realized that he was a sinner; but he was not willing to repent, and sadly walked away from Jesus.
But did Jesus Himself really love His neighbor as Himself? Yes, He did. He left the riches and comfort of heaven for our sakes.3. 2 Corinthians 8:9 says, “For ye know the grace of our Lord __________ Christ, that, though he was _______, yet for your sakes he became ________, that ye through his poverty might be ________.”
Note: Jesus left the glory of His home in heaven for our sakes, so that He could come to earth and pay the price for our sins upon the cross. Because of His great sacrifice in giving His sinless blood for our sins, we have the opportunity to now repent and by faith trust Him as our personal Savior. While Jesus was here upon earth in His public ministry, He had no home of His own, and little, if any, money.
4. Matthew 8:20 says, “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have __________, and the birds of the air have __________; but the Son of man hath not where to ______ his head.”
5. John 6:5-9 says, “When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we ______ bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a ______ here, which hath ________ barley loaves, and ______ small fishes: but what are they among so many?”
6. Matthew 17:24-27 says, “And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master _____ tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the ________ that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his __________, thou shalt find a piece of __________: that take, and give unto them for ____ and ________.”KJV (King James Version) – “22 Many 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? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that WORK INIQUITY.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS!’”
Note: Where was the lawlessness in the sense that most people would consider? To the contrary, these people seemed to be very religious. They were not going around swearing and cursing, but doing everything in the Lord’s name. They were not going around demon-possessed and doing devilish things, but were casting out demons in the Lord’s name. They were not going around doing dirty, deceitful works, but wonderful works in the Lord’s name.
Most people would certainly not look at such a group of people and consider them as being lawless, but we can see their iniquity. They were doing all of these good things in the Lord’s name, but they did not know Him as their personal Saviour. “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work INIQUITY.”
Their sin was in doing all of these good things to try to make themselves fit
for heaven. They were trusting that God would let them into heaven
because of all of the good things that they were doing for Him — instead of
trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and what He had done for them on the cross.
4. Titus 3:4-6 says, “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, ______ by __________ of righteousness which ____ have ________, but according to his mercy he __________ us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
5. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by __________ are ye __________ through faith; and that ______ of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ______ of __________, lest any man should boast.”Note: The translation of the NKJV makes it more difficult to show people that it is NOT just the bad sinners that go to hell, but also those people who appear to be morally good. There is really only one Person who is good.
6. Matthew 19:17 says, “And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is ________ ________ but ______, that is, ______: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Chapter 4
#23 — Romans 5:12
KJV (King James Version) – “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death ____________ ________ all men, for that all have sinned:”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death SPREAD TO all men, because all sinned.”
NWT (New World Translation — Jehovah’s Witnesses) – “That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death SPREAD TO all men because they had all sinned.”
Note: Once again, notice how strangely the NKJV translators changed to the same wording as the Jehovah’s Witnesses translation. We know why the Jehovah’s Witnesses changed the Word of God — to try and justify their false doctrine. Is it not strange that the NKJV followed them so many times?
The KJV makes it very clear that the sin nature is
passed down from parent to child. Death does not
just spread from having contact with other sinners.
You do not catch sin — you are conceived with it.
1. Psalms 51:5 says, “Behold, I was ____________ in ________________; and in ______ did my mother ________________ me.”
Note: This is the reason that everyone must be born again to go to heaven.
2. John 3:3 says, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be ________ __________, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
#24 — 2 John 10, 11
KJV (King James Version) – “10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, NEITHER BID HIM ______ __________:
11 For he that BIDDETH HIM ______ __________ is partaker of his evil deeds.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house NOR GREET HIM;
11 for he who GREETS HIM shares in his evil deeds.”
NWT (New World Translation — Jehovah’s Witnesses) – “10 If anyone comes to YOU and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into YOUR homes OR SAY A GREETING to him. 11 For HE THAT SAYS A GREETING to him is a sharer in his wicked works.”
Note: What happens if you say “Hello” to someone at your door, and then you find out that that person is a Jehovah’s Witness or a Mormon — have you sinned? According to the NKJV and the NWT you have.
1. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 says, “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in ________ one toward another, and toward ______ men, even as we do toward you.”
Note: Most strangers would think it was pretty unloving if you refused to even greet them at your door. The translators of the NKJV have made a grave error here in translation.
Giving someone a greeting is not at all the same thing as wishing someone Godspeed.
Godspeed means wishing someone “a prosperous journey or success.” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary).
Note: We are not to wish the cultists a prosperous journey or success in what they are doing, because they are spreading false doctrine that is going to send people to hell. To wish them success in what they are doing would be to partake in their evil deeds. But to say “Hello” to them at the door is not at all wishing them success.
#25 — Matthew 6:34
KJV (King James Version) – “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient ________ THE DAY IS THE EVIL THEREOF.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient FOR THE DAY IS ITS OWN TROUBLE.”
NWT (New World Translation — Jehovah’s Witnesses) – “So, never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Sufficient FOR EACH DAY IS ITS OWN BADNESS.”
The NKJV and the NWT are looking at a different day than the KJV.
The NKJV and the NWT are looking at the trouble that each day brings.
The KJV is looking at the trouble that comes with trying to be sufficient until the day
(trying to be sufficient for the rest of your life until the last day that you live).
Note: The context of this chapter is laying up treasure in heaven.
1. Matthew 6:19-20 says, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon __________, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in ____________, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
2. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your ________________ is, there will your __________ be also.”
Note: What hinders people from laying up treasure in heaven? They never know how much money they need to be sufficient for the rest of their lives.
Ask a person who is 65 years old how much he needs to be sufficient for the rest of his life. He will not know for sure. It will depend upon the price of gas for his vehicle. It will depend upon the price of home-heating fuel. It will depend upon the cost of medical care. Will he need surgery? How much will it cost? Will he need to take an expensive medicine every day for the rest of his life? What will it cost him to buy his next vehicle? What might repairs to his house cost? What if he has to go into an assisted-living situation? How much will that cost him a month? None of us know how much it would take for us to really be sufficient until the day. None of us know what costs we will face, and what prices will be just to pay for the basic needs that we have.
If we lay up treasures upon earth to the point of
making sure that we are sufficient for the day,
then we will never stop hoarding.
3. Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, “He that loveth silver shall not be __________________ with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with ________________: this is also vanity.”
Note: Herein lies another faulty translation in the NKJV that does not fit the context.
NKJV (New King James Version)
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient FOR THE DAY IS ITS OWN TROUBLE.”
Yes, tomorrow may hold many cares and trials for us, but many people are sufficient financially for tomorrow, and they know it. They can fill the gas tank; fill the home-heating tank; get the prescriptions filled; etc. They could then give God much, and lay up treasures in heaven. What is stopping them? Not just tomorrow, but another morrow — a future morrow.
KJV (King James Version)
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient UNTO THE DAY IS THE EVIL THEREOF.”
#26 — Ephesians 5:11
KJV (King James Version) – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather ______________ them.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather EXPOSE them.”
Note: Once again, this is not updating Old English words, but totally changing the word and thus changing the whole meaning of the verse. The word reprove means, “to scold or correct, usually gently or with kindly intent” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary). The word expose means, “to make known; to bring to light; to disclose the faults or crimes of; to cause to be visible or open to view” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary).
You could expose someone with a tattoo, without necessarily reproving him. You may see a man with a tattoo and say, “Hey, everyone — look! This guy has a tattoo!” That would be exposing the person, but what have you done to actually reprove him? This would be reproving him. (The word reprove means, “to scold or correct, usually gently or with kindly intent” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary).) “Sir, did you know that God tells us not to place marks upon our bodies? ‘Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, NOR PRINT ANY MARKS UPON YOU: I am the LORD’” (Leviticus 19:28).
#27 — Matthew 1:19
KJV (King James Version)
“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away ______________.”
NKJV (New King James Version)
“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away SECRETLY.”
Chapter 5
#27 — Matthew 1:19
KJV (King James Version) – “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away ______________.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away SECRETLY.”
NWT (New World Translation — Jehovah’s Witnesses) – “However, Joseph her husband, because he was righteous and did not want to make her a public spectacle, intended to divorce her SECRETLY.”
Note: Once again, the translators of the New King James Version chose the same exact word as the Jehovah’s Witnesses did. The word privately means, “unsuitable for public use or display” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary). The word secretly means, “kept from knowledge or view, hidden; SECRET implies concealment on any grounds for any motive” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary). You can have a private ceremony at the cemetery where only the immediate family members are invited. But that is far from a secret ceremony at the grave site at 12 midnight so no one will know.
You can do something privately without doing it secretly.
A private wedding is one in which only certain people are invited.
But a secret wedding would not even be valid, because there must be witnesses present.
If Joseph would have tried to divorce Mary secretly, it would not have been legal or binding. There must be witnesses of it, and there must be official records of it.
Joseph wanted to divorce Mary privately because he loved her, and did not want to make a public spectacle of her.
1. Matthew 1:18-19 says, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with __________ of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and ______ willing to make her a ______________ example, was minded to put her away ______________.”
2. Matthew 1:20-21 says, “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear ______ to take unto thee Mary thy ________: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name __________: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
#28 — Daniel 3:3
KJV (King James Version) – “Then the ______________, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.”
NKJV (New King James Version) – “And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the SATRAPS, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.”
Note: The NKJV translators changed the word princes to satraps. Does that make the word easier to understand, or harder? Remember what the NKJV translators stated was their purpose? To update “words whose English meaning has changed.” Remember the reason for the translation? (The idea to produce the New King James Version of the Bible was born out of a conversation between Joe Moore and his dad, who was the president of the Thomas Nelson Publishing Company. He said, “Daddy, you make so many Bibles, why can’t you make a Bible that I can understand?” (The New King James Version, by Arthur L. Farstad, pg. 1)). Do you think that little Joe Moore knew what a satrap is?
It is interesting to note the Forward in a book authored by Arthur L. Farstad, who was the chairman of the NKJV project. The book was published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, and the Forward is written by Michael Cocoris. Thomas Nelson used Cocoris in a DVD designed to answer questions about the NKJV, and hopefully to sell people on the idea of “making the NKJV their primary Bible.” This is a statement that Cocoris made in the Forward which he wrote for Farstad’s book, “You can even find out what version of the Bible was used at the wedding of PRINCE Charles and Lady Diana! Dr. Farstad covers the New King James from A to Z.”
So while Cocoris is trying to make a case for the NKJV over the KJV, he makes a terrible
blunder. He refers to Charles as PRINCE CHARLES instead of as SATRAP CHARLES.
1. Proverbs 19:20-21 says, “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be ________ in thy ____________ end. There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the ________, that shall __________.”
2. Proverbs 21:23 says, “Whoso keepeth his __________ and his ____________ keepeth his soul from ________________.”
Note: What we find here is that the truth comes out in the end. Farstad and Cocoris knew that there were serious changes in the NKJV (not just the updating of Old English words), but for whatever reasons that they had, they were trying to push the NKJV as simply the latest revision in the line of the KJV. Cocoris calls Charles a Prince — not a Satrap. How could he make such a blunder, when the NKJV uses the word satrap?
According to Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate
Dictionary, the word satrap is a 14th CENTURY WORD.
Wait a minute — something is wrong here. Farstad, Cocoris, and the NKJV translators said that the KJV was in need of updating the Old English words whose meaning had changed. So what did they do? They took the KJV and its 17th century words (translated in 1611, about 400 years ago), and replaced one of those words with a 14th century word (one that was used in the 1300’s, about 700 years ago).
So they took a word that was 400 years old, and
replaced it with a word that was 700 years old.
Is that what you call updating the language?
What that is called is deceit. Beware of the NKJV. It is not an update of the KJV — it is a corruption of God’s Holy Word.
3. Psalms 119:104 says, “Through thy precepts I get ________________________: therefore I hate every __________ way.”
Examining The New King James Version
Part 2
Final Test
When you are finished with this test, please return the entire booklet back to us for grading. When it is graded, this booklet will be returned to you, along with the next booklet. May God richly guide you and give you wisdom from your study of this subject!
1. Proverbs 18:8 says, “The words of a talebearer are as ____________, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” The NKJV changed that to “tasty trifles.” Do you find it sweet and enjoyable to hear that someone is spreading rumors about you?
2. Ephesians 5:1 says, “Be ye therefore __________________ of God, as dear children.” The NKJV says to be “imitators.” Even the lost can sometimes imitate Christians, but that does not save them.
3. The word imitate in our day has the heavy suggestion of just playing a part — but not necessarily in __________________.
4. Luke 16:23 says, “And in ________ he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” The NKJV says “in hades.”
5. Do you think that little Joe Moore could understand the word hades better than the word hell? Not a chance, because the word hades is not even an English word. It is a __________ word which has been transliterated (brought over into English, sound-for-sound) — not translated.
6. Acts 17:22 says, “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too __________________________.” The NKJV says, “very religious.”
7. The word superstition means, “a belief or practice resulting from __________________, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception; a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary.” (Merriam-Webster?s 11th Collegiate Dictionary)
8. Romans 10:11 says, “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not ____ ______________.” The NKJV says, “put to shame.”
9. Is the translation of the NKJV true? If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, will you never be put to shame? No, that is a false statement. Even the Lord Jesus Christ Himself was “put to __________,” but He was “not ashamed” of what He was doing on our behalf.
10. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “Casting down ________________________, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” The NKJV says, “casting down arguments.”
11. Does man ever have a problem with arguing? Yes he does. But man’s bigger problem has always been his ______________________ (his wicked imagination). God did not destroy man with a flood because of man’s constant arguing.
12. Many people say that wrong thoughts are not sin, as long as you do not ______ upon those wrong thoughts. But that is false. Jesus made it clear that wrong thoughts (imaginations) are sin.
13. Colossians 1:13 says, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath ____________________ us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” The NKJV says, “conveyed.”
14. No one is just conveyed or transferred into God’s kingdom — it requires a ____________ — a supernatural change that only God can do.
15. Matthew 7:14 says, “Because strait is the gate, and ____________ is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” The NKJV says, “difficult.”
16. Once again, the translators of the NKJV did not stay true to their stated purpose of “updating words whose English meaning has changed.” By using the word difficult, it gives the __________ idea that salvation can only be won by the strongest people, and that is not true at all.
17. Part of the definition of difficult was “hard to understand.” That means that the translators of the NKJV have also made another error in their translation, then, because the Bible says that even a __________ can understand how to be saved.
18. Matthew 7:23 says, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work ________________.” The NKJV says, “practice lawlessness.”
19. Most people do not consider themselves as being lawless. What they do not realize is that they have broken many of God’s Laws. Breaking God’s Laws do not always mean that we have done something bad. Sometimes, breaking God’s Laws mean that we have not done something ________.
20. Romans 5:12 says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death ____________ ________ all men, for that all have sinned:” The NKJV says, “spread to.”
21. The KJV makes it very clear that the sin nature is passed down from parent to child. Death does not just spread from having contact with other sinners. You do not catch sin — you are __________________ with it.
22. 2 John 10-11 says, “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him ______ __________: For he that biddeth him ______ __________ is partaker of his evil deeds.” The NKJV says, “he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”
23. Giving someone a greeting is not at all the same thing as wishing someone Godspeed. Godspeed means wishing someone “a prosperous journey or ______________.” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary).
24. Matthew 6:34 says, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient ________ the day is the evil thereof.”
25. The NKJV and the NWT are looking at a different day than the KJV. The NKJV and the NWT are looking at the trouble that each day brings. The KJV is looking at the trouble that comes with trying to be sufficient until the day (trying to be sufficient for the rest of your life until the ________ day that you live).
26. Ephesians 5:11 says, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather ______________ them.” The NKJV says, “expose them.”
27. You could expose someone with a tattoo, without necessarily reproving him. You may see a man with a tattoo and say, “Hey, everyone — look! This guy has a tattoo!” That would be exposing the person, but what have you done to actually reprove him? This would be reproving him. (The word reprove means, “to scold or correct, usually gently or with kindly intent” (Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary).) “Sir, did you know that God tells us not to place __________ upon our bodies?” (Leviticus 19:28).
28. Matthew 1:19 says, “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away ______________.” The NKJV says, “secretly.”
29. You can do something privately without doing it secretly. A ______________ wedding is one in which only certain people are invited. But a secret wedding would not even be valid, because there must be witnesses present.
30. Daniel 3:3 says, “Then the ______________, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.” The NKJV says, “satraps.”
31. Something is wrong here. Farstad, Cocoris, and the NKJV translators said that the KJV was in need of updating the Old English words whose meaning had changed. So what did they do? They took the KJV and its 17th century words (translated in 1611, about 400 years ago), and replaced one of those words with a 14th century word (one that was used in the 1300’s, about ______ years ago).
32. What that is called is deceit. Beware of the NKJV. It is not an update of the KJV — it is a ____________________ of God’s Holy Word.
Are you certain that if you died today, you would go to heaven?
1. Do you realize that you have sinned?
(Romans 3:23) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
(1 John 1:8) “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
(Ecclesiastes 7:20) “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”
2. Do you realize the penalty for your sin?
(Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
3. Do you realize that if you die in your sin, you will go to hell?
(Psalms 9:17) “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
(Proverbs 15:24) “The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.”
(Luke 12:4-5) “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.”
4. Do you realize that the Lord Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, paid that death penalty for you?
(Matthew 1:21-23) “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
(John 14:6-7) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.”
(John 3:16) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
(Romans 5:8) “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
(1 Peter 3:18) “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”
(1 Peter 2:24) “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
5. Do you realize that it is only through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ that you can be saved, and not through any good works of your own?
(1 John 1:7) “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
(1 Peter 1:18-19) “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
(Ephesians 2:8-9) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
(Titus 3:5-7) “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
6. Do you realize that after Jesus died for your sins, He arose victorious from the grave the third day, proving that His sacrifice was sufficient to pay for all of the sins of the whole world?
(1 Corinthians 15:1-4) “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
7. Do you realize that to be saved you must repent (you must have the desire to turn from your sin and false beliefs, and have the desire for God to transform your life)?
(Luke 13:3) “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
(Acts 3:19) “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
(Acts 26:20) “But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”
(Mark 9:43-48) “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”
8. Do you realize that after you get saved, God’s first command for you is to get baptized and then to live for Him?
(Acts 2:41) “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
(Romans 6:1-4) “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
(2 Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
(Titus 3:3-8) “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
(Titus 2:11-14) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11) “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
(Galatians 5:19-26) “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
(1 Corinthians 11:14-15) “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.”
(Deuteronomy 22:5) “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
(Ephesians 4:22-32) “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
9. Are you ready to now ask the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you of all your sins, and to save you?
(John 1:12) “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
(Romans 10:9-11) “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
(Romans 10:13) “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
(1 John 5:13) “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”
ATTENTION: If you die before you make this decision, then you will spend eternity in the torment of hell fire. Turn from your wickedness and sin, and humble yourself before Almighty God right now.
Bow your head right now and confess to God that you are a sinner deserving judgment. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you of all your sins, and to save you. Tell Him that you now repent, and ask Him to cleanse your life, and to give you the power to live for Him. Tell Him that you are trusting in His shed blood alone to cleanse you from all your sin. Ask Him to lead you to a good, Bible-preaching church, where you can follow the first command after salvation — that of getting baptized and publicly confessing your faith in Him. Ask Him to help you find some good Christian friends to encourage you in the faith and to help you grow.
If you have just asked the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, please copy this into an email with your name, so we can rejoice with you.
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#BC-E-125 @ 2007 LIBERTY GOSPEL TRACTS
This Bible Study Course may be printed off for personal study, but cannot be printed in quantity
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