I’ve appreciated Jason’s ongoing series on the King James Version and I marvel at how the ensuing discussion alternates between a fight between kung-fu masters and schoolboys in a fight. I would like to posit the following as my contribution to this series:

Almost five hundred years ago, a boat set sail from the Continent loaded with a cargo of barrels for England. To the observer, the barrels would seem like any other cargo on the busy Channel route. To the insatiably curious, the barrels contained a book unlike any other seen in England. A pocket-sized English translation of the New Testament for the common man. Produced in Germany by William Tyndale, the pocket-sized Bible would become an axe to the roots of the status quo and the understanding and application of Scripture in England. A 16th century contemporary would not understand God’s greater plan for Tyndale and the translation (especially a witness to Tyndale’s death). A 21st century observer can marvel at how God used this for his glory.

Any ongoing discussion on Biblical preservation has to have the sovereignty of God as its foundational principle. As we earnestly discuss the purity and preservation of the Scriptures, the Scripture is robust and transparent enabling us to have this discussion (try doing this with other ancient documents that we assume to be trustworthy). However, regardless of our understanding and arguments, God will fulfil his purpose with his word.

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from his sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.