The New Living Translation and Calvinism

The New Living Translation (the most popular English version of the bible) has numerous translation errors that favor Calvinism and oppose standard Arminian or Traditional Baptist interpretation of the texts.  For example, Ephesians 4:30 in the ESV states “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”  However the New Living Translation has “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.”  There's no basis in the Greek for the NLT's additions and it appears to be more of a commentary than a translation.  The attached study documents these errors.

 The New Living Translation and Calvinism

Comments

Pumice said…
I refuse to refer to the NLT as a translation. My pastor has it in the pews and treats it seriously. It is the biggest disagreement I have with him.

Another example of why being popular with the masses is a reason to reject.

Grace and peace.
June 19, 2013 at 9:43 AM
wjcollier3 said…
In the attached article, you refer specifically to the NLT 2007 edition. Is this the NLT 1st edition or 2nd edition?
June 19, 2013 at 1:12 PM
Godismyjudge said…
The 2nd (and current one). The first was 1996.

God be with you,
Dan
June 19, 2013 at 1:16 PM
THEOparadox said…
Calvinists generally seem to favor the NASB and especially the ESV, or any translation that is reasonably accurate and fairly literal. I don't personally know of any Calvinist who likes or uses the NLT, and can't think of an example of one.

I never liked it as an Arminian, from the unfortunate day it arrived, and I certainly haven't warmed up to as a Calvinist. I am amazed that any serious student or teacher of the Bible has ever endorsed it or taken it seriously. In short, I despise it as a "translation" or version or whatever.

Sorry for the rant, but it is a pleasure to agree with you on this topic. The NLT is a terrible excuse for an "accurate" "translation" of God's Holy Word.

Frankly, I think this is a much more serious issue than Calvnism/Arminianism. The Word itself is foundational, and should never be tampered with in this way!
June 19, 2013 at 8:31 PM
Godismyjudge said…
Yep, glad we can agree on that. I wouldn't want a translation that had mistakes in favor of Arminianism either. Just God's word, please!

God be with you,
Dan
June 20, 2013 at 7:06 PM
Mr. Guthrie said…
This may interest you, a video series on Arminius from the Francis Asbury Society: http://www.mattoreilly.net/2013/06/arminian-theology-videos-fasociety.html
June 20, 2013 at 10:23 PM
THEOparadox said…
Mr. Guthrie,

Thanks for the link -- enjoying those lectures today!

Blessings,
Derek
June 22, 2013 at 2:51 PM
Steve Finnell said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
August 2, 2013 at 5:26 AM
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