“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” – Proverbs 30:5-6
NO BIBLE PERVERSION VIOLATES my text verse so shamelessly and stupidly as that contemptible heap of rubbish known as “The Message Bible.” Many titles of dishonor could be applied to this pathetic work. It could be regarded as the single stupidest piece of literature in existence. It could be considered the worst translation of an ancient text known to man. It could be thought of as a book with which even the most intellectually challenged could find fault. Yet though all these charges are true, The Message’s detestable distortions of the holy scriptures excel the sheer stupidity of its imbecilic contents. I intend briefly, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to demonstrate some of the many ways by which The Message adds to God’s word. As I have previously done in these pages, I will list the King James Bible’s pure rendering first, followed by The Message’s depraved idiocy so you may readily compare the vast differences thereof.
EXAMPLE #1: MARK 1:15
Mark 1:15 (KJB): “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Mark 1:15 (Message): ““Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.”
Why do these modern perversions always insist that a man must change his life before he can be saved? The Greek term for “repent” in this verse is metanoeo, which simply means “to change one’s mind”, or “to think differently.” There is nothing in that definition about changing one’s life, yet the modern perversions, without fail, demand that men first change how they live before they can believe on Christ. Turning from one’s sins would be works (Jonah 3:10), and we know that salvation is not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
And why does The Message refuse to call the gospel by its proper name? Christ’s death, burial, and bodily resurrection constitute the gospel, not “the message.” Why assign a vague and weak term in place of the powerful, unmistakable term “the gospel”?
EXAMPLE #2: JOHN 3:3
John 3:3 (KJB): “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3 (Message): “Jesus said, “You’re absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it’s not possible to see what I’m pointing to—to God’s kingdom.”
The term “born again” refers to regeneration – that of a second birth, wherein a man is indwelt with the Holy Spirit of God and saved forever from the Lake of Fire. It derives from the concept that all mankind is born into trespass and sin, and that if he wishes to escape the damnation of hell, he must be born a second time. All the good works and religious convictions in the world cannot save a man; he must be born again.
But what The Message’s moronic text indicates is that one must be “born from above.” This idiocy is at odds with both scripture and logic. If a man cannot see the kingdom of God unless he is born again, why would he likewise need to be “born from above?” I do not know of anyone who was “born from above” the first time. Do you, dear reader? The Message would be better suited classifying itself as mythology – and insipid, imbecilic mythology, at that.
EXAMPLE #3: ROMANS 16:17
Romans 16:17 (KJB): “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
Romans 16:17 (Message): “One final word of counsel, friends. Keep a sharp eye out for those who take bits and pieces of the teaching that you learned and then use them to make trouble. Give these people a wide berth.”
How can these be even considered the same thing? The King James Bible rightfully warns against those who contradict the doctrine of Christ; the Message makes a moronic and obscure reference to meaningless doubletalk. Nothing more need be said.
EXAMPLE #5: PROVERBS 30:5-6
Proverbs 30:5-6 (KJB): “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”
Proverbs 30:5-6 (Message): “The believer replied, “Every promise of God proves true; he protects everyone who runs to him for help. So don’t second-guess him; he might take you to task and show up your lies.”
I need not explain the difference between “pure” and “proves true.” Neither need I explain the difference between “Add thou not unto his words” and “So don’t second-guess him.” Little wonder The Message’s translators would remove a scripture which damns their pathetic additions to the word of God.
CONCLUSION
The Message “Bible” is a combination of heresy, watered-down half-truths, and pure imbecility. How anyone could claim this contemptible work of the flesh is superior to the blissful King James Bible is indicative of how decadent and ignorant a society we inhabit. I hope, dear reader, that you see the obvious reasons why The Message is utter garbage, and cast far from you this despicable perversion of the holy scriptures. By adding to God’s word, the translators of The Message have been found liars; by reading The Message, you will be found a fool.