Why? | Dr. Randy White
Session 8 | Why Are Some People King James Version Only? (Part 1)
Overview of the KJV Only Position
· KJV Onlyism: belief that the King James Version is the only valid English Bible.
· Modern translations seen as corrupted, untrustworthy, and unreliable.
· Rooted in a high view of Scripture and the doctrine of preservation.
What Is the Movement?
· KJV as the Word of God for English speakers, not just one translation among many.
· Rejection of modern versions like NIV, ESV, NASB for altering doctrine and removing vital passages.
The KJV as the Only Valid English Bible
· Belief that the KJV is divinely preserved and free from error.
· Modern translations considered spiritually hazardous.
A High View of Scripture and Preservation
· Conviction that the KJV represents God's preserved Word.
· Abandoning the KJV is seen as compromising the integrity of the Bible.
Commitment to the Authority of Scripture
· KJV serves as the foundation of faith for adherents.
· Evangelism and preaching are fueled by loyalty to the KJV.
The Doctrine of Preservation
God has preserved His Word perfectly through history, culminating in the KJV.
Preservation is not an abstract theological concept, but a tangible reality in the KJV.
Preservation vs. Inspiration
Emphasis on God preserving His Word, not just inspiring it.
KJV seen as the culmination of divine preservation.
Preservation as a Tangible Reality
The KJV is viewed as the embodiment of God's promise to keep His Word intact.
KJV Only vs. KJV Preferred
Overview of the varying levels of loyalty to the KJV within Christian communities.
KJV Only
KJV is the only legitimate Bible.
All other translations seen as dangerous and corrupt.
KJV Superior
KJV preferred for its textual foundation and theological accuracy.
Other translations viewed as inferior but not entirely rejected.
KJV Preferred
KJV respected for historical importance and literary quality.
Modern translations allowed for study, understanding, and teaching.
Historical Context
For nearly 300 years, the KJV was the definitive English Bible.
New translations like the English Revised Version (1881) and American Standard Version (1901) challenged its dominance.
Early Roots of KJV Onlyism in the 19th and Early 20th Century
Emerged in reaction to textual criticism and the discovery of new manuscripts.
Modern translations viewed as a departure from the trusted Textus Receptus.
Emergence of Preservationism
Defense of the KJV as God’s preserved Word, rejecting modern scholarship and translations.
Benjamin G. Wilkinson
Argued that the KJV was the culmination of God’s preserved Word, rejecting modern texts as corrupt.
Edward F. Hills
Theological framework for KJV preservation, aligning it with divinely preserved Scripture.
David Otis Fuller
Popularized the idea that the KJV represents God’s perfectly preserved Word.
Emergence of the Doctrine of Preservation in the Context of KJV Onlyism
Belief that God preserved the KJV as the divinely authorized Bible for English speakers.
Rise of KJV Onlyism in Fundamentalist Circles
During the 1960s and 70s, KJV became a symbol of doctrinal purity, particularly among Independent Baptist churches.
Pastor Jack Hyles
Prominent figure who emphasized the KJV as foundational to faith and separation from liberalism.
Dr. Peter Ruckman
Advocated for "double inspiration," believing the KJV to be re-inspired by God and superior to the original manuscripts.
