The Great Bible Debate (Part III)


This is part 3 of 4.  Click here to go to part 4.


In the first two lessons we have laid the groundwork exposing the modern bible versions for what they are; a subtle attempt by the enemy to confound and confuse the Body of Christ.  One of the most insidious side-shows that the modern versions has staged is what we call the Prosperity Gospel.  Loosely defined, the Prosperity Gospel is a set of beliefs that attempt to convince people that riches and prosperity are something that can (and should) be a present possession to anyone who “claims” it.


Certainly God has no problem with the accumulation of wealth or material things so long as the wealth doesn’t become an object of worship (that is, an idol) in itself.  It can be seen that God does delight in the prosperity of his people.  However many “Christians” have been led into the false belief that wealth is considered to be a necessary component of a successful Christian life.  This position places an inordinately high priority on wealth accumulation and worldly pursuits.


Let’s have a look at some of the more common verses (taken from a popular bible translation – the NIV) that encourage this idea.


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Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

    Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.


Proverbs 16:3 (AV)

    Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

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Job 6:13 (NIV)

    Do I have any power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me?


Job 6:13 (AV)

    Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?

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Eccl. 10:10 (NIV)

    If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.

 

Eccl. 10:10 (AV)

    If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

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Summary

The only way a believer can truly know how to conduct his life is to study the Word of God so he can understand how to apply it.  Sadly, the modern versions subvert even this idea.  Rather than studying the believer is directed to do something else - I.E. he is told to work his way to God!


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2 Tim. 2:15 (NIV)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.


2 Tim 2:15  (AV)

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

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Not done yet!  Click here for Part 4!