Lesson 8: Transitioning to the NKJV

Fulfilling a Promise

From the inception of Faith Baptist Church, we have used the King James translation of the Bible for preaching and teaching ministry. For a period of time (I’m not sure exactly when), we used the New King James translation in the children’s ministry. Furthermore, previous pastors have supported the choice of members to read and study from a variety of other good English translations. We are thankful for this heritage.Before the church called me to serve them as pastor in July of 2014, the congregation asked me whether I would consider leading the church forward by replacing the King James translation with a more recent and understandable translation as our primary ministry Bible. To this I said yes. Four years later, we are prepared to take this step together, using the New King James Bible as our primary English translation for teaching and preaching. This change will take place throughout our ministry – in children’s ministry, teen ministry, adult classes, and church worship services.To prepare for this important step, we have considered some important teaching about the nature of Bible inspiration, preservation, and translation. These lessons are as follows:

• Lesson 1: Three Purposes, Three Phases, and Inspiration
• Lesson 2: Biblical Evidence for Preservation
• Lesson 3: Bible Translation and Availability
• Lesson 4: Early English Bible Translations
• Lesson 5: The King James Bible
• Lesson 6: The King James Onlyism Problem
• Lesson 7: Form and Meaning in English Bible Translations

Moving forward, we soon will replace our KJV pew Bibles with NKJV ones instead. Once this happens, we will do our responsive Scripture readings on Sunday mornings from the NKJV. Beginning in September, we will begin using the NKJV in our children and teen ministries, teaching from this translation and memorizing Scripture it as well.

Pastoral Encouragements

As we make this change, I encourage you to take the following encouragements to heart:

• If you prefer to use the KJV or another good English translation in your personal Bible study, please continue to do so (Rom 14:1-8).
• Avoid teaching that insists on the King James Bible as the only English Bible for today and that accuses other good English translations of being harmful (Rom 14:10-23).
• If you choose to make the NKJV your personal study Bible, then consider supplementing your study with a second translation with a complementary style. For instance, consider using the KJV or NASB as a more formal alternative. Or consider using the ESV or NIV as a more functional and readable alternative (1 Cor 14:9).
• Respect and appreciate the choice of visiting preachers to teach and preach from another good English translation. Also adopt the same attitude towards one another in shared and group Bible studies. If a preacher reads from a different English translation, or a brother or sister does the same, this should never be a problem at Faith Baptist Church.

Recommended Reading

If you desire to learn more about Bible inspiration, preservation, and translation, then I recommend the following resources to you.

1. Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible, by Mark Ward

Demonstrates how English has changed over the last 400 years. Shows that these changes cause us to easily misunderstand the KJV. Encourages both an appreciation for the KJV and for more recent English translations.

2. One Bible, Many Versions: Are All Translations Created Equal? by Dave Brun

Written by an experienced missionary and Bible translator who provides an insightful look at the of the process of Bible translation. Shows with many examples how a variety of English translations enables us to grasp more fully the meaning of the biblical text.

3. One Bible Only? by Roy Beacham and Kevin Bauder

Examines biblical and historical evidence that corrects the notion that the King James Bible is the only acceptable English translation.

4. The King James Only Controversy, by James White

Traces the development of English Bible translations over time and considers the differences between them. Gives helpful perspective about the King James Only controversy.

5. The New King James Version: In the Great Tradition, by Arthur L. Farstad

Details the background, purpose, and approach which the translators of the NKJV followed in providing this English translation of the Bible.

6. The Preservation of Scripture, by William W. Combs

A free and extensive journal article explaining a proper perspective on what it means to say that God has preserved his Word, focusing on the Greek New Testament manuscripts. Provides a helpful study of Bible verses related to this topic.

Recommended Bible Editions

I encourage you to obtain your own personal copy of a New King James Bible translation. If you would like to benefit from a journaling or studying Bible, then I encourage you to consider the following options.

1. Journal the Word Bible

Provides wide, blank margins for writing personal notes on insights, questions, and applications from your Bible reading.

2. Deluxe Reader’s Bible

Presents the text in a readable, paragraph form, similar to a regular book. Published in a cloth-covered hardbound format, which also resembles a regular book.

3. Faithlife Illustrated Study Bible

Offers a wealth of supplemental Bible study materials, including full-color visuals and valuable information about Greek and Hebrew words and cultural backgrounds.

4. NKJV Word Study Bible

Provides in-depth information about important Hebrew and Greek words for a fuller, richer understanding of the biblical message.

5. Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

Provides abundant cultural and historical background material which helps you to understand the Bible more closely to the perspective of the original audience.