1. There are many translations of the Bible available today. Unfortunately, some of them have been corrupted and are not suitable for serious Bible students, especially young Bible students, who are seeking truth and clear understanding from the word of God. The three basic types of translations and a few examples of each are as follows:

    Literal – King James Version, Revised Standard Version, New King James Version
    Dynamic Equivalent – New International Version, New American Standard Version
    Free (Paraphrased) – The Living Bible, The Amplified Bible

    The King James Version is considered by many to be the most literal translation of the Bible, even though it does have many errors in translation, mostly due to the tight control that King James I exerted over the translation committee. However, in some, if not many cases, the language used is archaic and confusing to the average person and would especially be so to a young person who is interested in understanding what is being said.   

    For new Bible students, three basic translations are recommended. They are the original 1611 King James Version, the Revised Standard Version (1881) and the New King James Version (1982). None of these translations is perfect but the two newer ones are easier to read and understand than the venerable King James Version. Until one has read and studied the Bible seriously every day for at least several years, they should stay away from most other translations of the Bible. Many of the newer translations are filled with New Age thought and are leading many unsuspecting people astray in the movement toward a One World Bible. This is especially true here in the United States and in other developed countries throughout the world.

    The Old Testament starts with the Book of Genesis, part of the first five books (the Law) and ends with the Book of Malachi. The New Testament begins with the four gospels, starting with the Book of Matthew and runs through the end with the Book of Revelation.

    There are many differences between the Old and New Testaments. Please note that the Bible is composed of both parts, old and new. The Bible is not complete without both parts being present. Anyone who says that the Old Testament is done away is preaching heresy and does not have a correct understanding of God’s word. However, some parts of the Old Testament were abolished with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, notably:

    a) The animal sacrifices and ceremonies, including the Old Testament Passover, since Jesus Christ became the perfect sacrifice for sin.

    b) The tithing system of the Old Testament was in effect as long as there was a Levitical priesthood. With the death of Jesus Christ, the Levitical priesthood, the tithing system and the animal sacrifices and ceremonies, including the O.T. Passover, were abolished. Jesus Christ became our perfect sacrifice, once for all time, and also our High Priest, thus eliminating the need for a physical priesthood to receive tithes and offer sacrifices. Since Jesus Christ was human, He now fully understands the weaknesses of living as a human being. There are many good physical laws contained in the Old Testament which have been the basis for various laws of health and hygiene in the world today.

    The main difference between the message of the Old and New Testaments is that the Old was based on physical laws and physical blessings: you obey God’s laws and you will be blessed physically. The New Testament is based on spiritual promises and actions: the spirit of the law which even affects what you think (Matthew 5-7). It also contains the promise of eternal life in God’s coming kingdom which will rule all nations here on this earth after Jesus Christ returns to sit on His throne in Jerusalem.

    With these things in mind, a new Bible student will have a good start in studying the Bible and learning much more about the true God and His way of life.

     

    Copyright © 2010 – Rick Beltz – All Rights Reserved

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