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What Bible translations should I avoid?

 

John 17:17

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

 

The last blog about Bible translations and manuscripts sparked another question: What translations should I avoid?

As mentioned last time, any legitimate translation is fine. However, there are some to avoid. Beside the Passion translation, one to avoid would include the Mirror Bible.

The Mirror Bible is a paraphrase written by a South African universalist, Francois du Toit. It is a “me first, self-serving” bible. It skews many passages and puts the human as the focal point, instead of Christ. It also removes condemning statements, so as to sound less offensive. The problem is, people need to know that without Jesus they are condemned, but that God loves them enough to save them if they come to Him. The Mirror Bible does not portray this message.

Faith healers and word-faith pastors have begun using it recently. It goes hand-in-hand with health, wealth, and prosperity doctrine. The Mirror Bible does not glorify God. It glorifies humans’ obtaining fleshly desires, distorting the gospel. Below is one example:

John 14:6

Mainstream translations

Jesus said… “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.


Mirror Bible

Jesus said, My I-am-ness (mirrored in you) is your way; this is your truth and also your life… Every single person is now brought face-to-face with the Father entirely of my doing.


Francois du Toit believes that every person will be saved, no matter what, even if they reject Christ. According to him, there is no need for repentance or receiving Christ. John 14:6 above highlights his attempt to infiltrate scripture with that dangerous theology. 

The Mirror Bible does not say that Jesus is the only way to the Father, either. It very subtly states that we have the power within and THAT is our way and our truth, which is another universalist teaching.

The Mirror Bible distorts scripture in many places. If you ever come across it, do so with cynicism. Pray for wisdom and discernment, realizing that it is not God’s word. It is a product of the enemy.

Universal salvation (automatic salvation for all) is dangerous. If people believe they are automatically saved, they will see no need to repent or come to Christ. Sin cannot enter heaven. It has to be forgiven. God will not force anyone to repent, believe, and accept His forgiveness. Anyone who says that all will be saved and that humans don’t have to repent or believe is a false teacher, sharing a false gospel. In the case above, he is sharing a false bible, too. Sadly, few who will find salvation. It is difficult for humans to repent and submit to Jesus. That’s why He commissioned us to tell of God’s love and His true gospel.


Matthew 7:13-15

13 …broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.