It is a pleasure to be here, after lurking in the shadows for a bit. :laugh: I'm a Baptist who adheres to the usual 8 distinctive points of being a Baptist, and I heartily embrace and agree to the fundamentals of the Deity of Jesus Christ, redemption by the blood of Christ, an inerrant and perfect word of God as given, etc. I therefore consider myself fundamental and rather independent. I have one strong distinctive that I think is Baptist, but sad to say I see little of it, even from some Baptists, I am a biblist, not a literalist, but a biblist:
The New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 1993 -
"biblist ... n. a person who makes the Bible the sole rule of faith; a biblical student" Vol. 1, page 223
In an English translation, I hold to the American Standard Version of 1901 as the closest to God's inerrant word. This is my choice and what I appeal to as God's word to me. I will check older versions in study such as the YLT, Weymouth, Williams, literal renderings from the Greek-English Interlinear works, etc. I will consult with known and recognized Greek scholars on word meanings and grammar. But, I hold to the one translation, the ASV, as my 'go to' standard. To embrace several versions is to open up for 'cherry picking' to support a doctrine. For a true believer, the object of Bible study is truth, not supporting preconceived notions or piling up empty debate points by sarcasm and mockery.
I totally reject any translation from the RSV of 1946 thru later translations, be they miracle and supernatural rejecting mainline versions or the culturally reactionary evangelical versions. I rest on the ASV, with the KJV as background of course since most language helps are keyed to the KJV.
I am a Particular Baptist as defined by The New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary -
"Particular Baptist Chr. Ch. a member of a Baptist denomination holding the doctrine of the election and redemption of some but not all people" Vol. 2, page 2110
(My biblist approach finds the best human expression in the 1646 First London Confession of Baptists. It is particularistic.)
Because of my belief system, I am not Reformed, Calvinist, or even Dispensational (though I do hold to biblically defined periods for reasons of interpretation). To show me truth, give me book/chapter/verse with standard and true word definition and context; I care little for opinions. It is a privilege I honor to have this opportunity to participate in some discussions here and I know I will learn as well as contribute.
The New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 1993 -
"biblist ... n. a person who makes the Bible the sole rule of faith; a biblical student" Vol. 1, page 223
In an English translation, I hold to the American Standard Version of 1901 as the closest to God's inerrant word. This is my choice and what I appeal to as God's word to me. I will check older versions in study such as the YLT, Weymouth, Williams, literal renderings from the Greek-English Interlinear works, etc. I will consult with known and recognized Greek scholars on word meanings and grammar. But, I hold to the one translation, the ASV, as my 'go to' standard. To embrace several versions is to open up for 'cherry picking' to support a doctrine. For a true believer, the object of Bible study is truth, not supporting preconceived notions or piling up empty debate points by sarcasm and mockery.
I totally reject any translation from the RSV of 1946 thru later translations, be they miracle and supernatural rejecting mainline versions or the culturally reactionary evangelical versions. I rest on the ASV, with the KJV as background of course since most language helps are keyed to the KJV.
I am a Particular Baptist as defined by The New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary -
"Particular Baptist Chr. Ch. a member of a Baptist denomination holding the doctrine of the election and redemption of some but not all people" Vol. 2, page 2110
(My biblist approach finds the best human expression in the 1646 First London Confession of Baptists. It is particularistic.)
Because of my belief system, I am not Reformed, Calvinist, or even Dispensational (though I do hold to biblically defined periods for reasons of interpretation). To show me truth, give me book/chapter/verse with standard and true word definition and context; I care little for opinions. It is a privilege I honor to have this opportunity to participate in some discussions here and I know I will learn as well as contribute.
