ESV vs NIV (1 John 2:2)

 (1 John 2:2)"He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." (ESV) 

(1 John 2:2)"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (NIV) 

The major difference between these two translations in this verse is one word or phrase.  The ESV has "propitiation" while the NIV has "atoning sacrifice."  The phrase "atoning sacrifice" has the meaning to make amends, to pay for sins.  The term "propitiation" has a fuller meaning.  It means the payment for sins, but also includes turning away the wrath of God and turning it to favor.  

The NIV rendering of "atoning sacrifice" does not provide the reader with the full meaning. While the ESV rendering of "propitiation" does provide the full meaning for the reader.  Christ is the propitiation for our sins, for all believers in the whole world.  Our sins incur the wrath of a holy God.  The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross turns away the wrath of God from us and turns it to favor for us.  Because God's wrath has been propitiated or satisfied we can now have forgiveness.  

The more literal translations such as the ESV, NASB, and NKJV all have propitiation.  The less literal translations such as the NIV, CSB, and NLT have atoning sacrifice or something similar.     

What do Muslims Believe About The Qur'an?

 Muslims believe that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah.  Qur'an means the recitation while the terms Islam and Muslim refer to submission.  The Qur'an is believed to be perfect and eternal.  

Islam teaches that the Qur'an is a series of revelations given by Allah to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.  The Qur'an is interpreted through the sayings of Muhammad known as the Hadith.  Muslims believe the Bible has been corrupted and has been superseded by the Qur'an.  

The Qur'an is divided into surahs or chapters and it is shorter than the New Testament.  While translations can be used the Qur'an as the Word of Allah is tied to the Arabic language.  Muslims believe the Qur'an should be placed on the highest shelf in the house and that it is disrespectful to write in it. 

Is Profanity Okay?

 In our modern culture profanity is common and considered normal.  Even some professing Christians regularly use bad language and act as if it is okay.  So is it all right to cuss?  For the truth about profanity we must turn to the Bible. 

(Ephesians 5:4)"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." (ESV)

Filthy talk, foolish talk, and crude joking are wrong and should be replaced with expressions of thanks to God.  

(Colossians 3:8)"But now you must put them all away:  anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth."  (ESV)

Here we see that obscene talk among other vices should be put away from your mouth. 

(Exodus 20:7)"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain." (ESV) 

The worst form of profanity is taking the name of the Lord in vain.  The commandment forbids using God's name as a cuss word as well as using it in a careless or empty way.  

(Matthew 12:36)"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak," (ESV)

People will be judged even for every careless word they speak.  The words spoken by a person show what is in the heart of that person (see also Luke 6:45).  

Profanity or being profane is the very opposite of being holy.  God is holy (see Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8).  Therefore when someone is using profanity he is opposing God. Profanity is simply rebellion against God with your speech.  

(1 Peter 1:15-16)"but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy." (ESV) 

John 3:16 (In Context)

 (John 3:16) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."  (ESV)  

This verse if often used to promote the view that God has simply made salvation possible for all people.  In reality Jesus has actually accomplished salvation for his people.  

The term "world" does not refer to every single person in the world (See John 17:9) but to people from all nations not just Israel.  God has chosen to save people from different groups and of different ethnicity.  Jesus is the only unique Son of God.  The Father and the Son are of the same essence and nature.  Christ died on the cross to save his people from their sins.  Jesus lays down his life for the sheep (See John 10:11).  

'Whoever believes" refers not only to Jews but to Gentiles as well.  "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37,ESV).  Those who believe are God's elect who were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (See Ephesians 1:4).  

Those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life.  They will enjoy eternal blessings in God's presence in heaven.  Those who do not believe in Jesus will perish by suffering eternal judgment in hell. 

Ranking Bible Translations

 All Bible translations are not equal, some are better than others.  Unfortunately some modern translations are even politically correct.  We will rank ten of the most popular and significant modern translations of the Bible in English.  

Rankings

1. ESV

2. NASB95

3. NKJV

4. NASB2020

5. CSB

6. NIV

7. NLT

8. NET

9. NRSV

10. The Message 

The ESV and the NASB95 are the two best translations.  They are more literal translations that are accurate and not politically correct.  The NKJV is good and not politically correct, but it does not use some of the more recently discovered manuscripts. The NASB2020 and the CSB are pretty good but they are slightly politically correct.  The NIV, NLT, and NET are fair but somewhat politically correct.  The NRSV is more liberal and also politically correct.  With The Message one hardly knows if he is even reading the Bible.  

One final note, the LSB (Legacy Standard Bible) is due to be published in 2021 and it looks to be another good translation. 

Who Wrote Hebrews?

 The author of the book of Hebrews is not named in the epistle, so there is a mystery as to who actually wrote it.  Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians somewhere around A.D. 67.  

The earliest tradition from the late second century has Hebrews associated with the Apostle Paul.  Many have pointed out that the style of Hebrews differs from Paul's other epistles.  In Hebrews 2:3 the author says the message of salvation was attested to us by those who heard.  This would seem to rule out Paul.  The Muratorian fragment which may date back to the second century lists thirteen epistles written by the Apostle Paul and it does not include Hebrews among them.  

Other possible candidates for authorship of Hebrews include:  Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, and Clement of Rome.  The Greek in Hebrews 11:32 suggests that the author was male.  One plausible theory is that Luke wrote down the teaching of Paul.  This could account for the early church tradition that associated Hebrews with the Apostle Paul.  It also could explain the difference in style from the other Pauline epistles and the reference in Hebrews 2:3.  If it was written by Luke this theory could explain why Hebrews was associated with Paul even if he was not the author.  But as Origen said, only God knows who wrote Hebrews. 

A Bible Verse That Refutes Islam And Judaism

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are all monotheistic religions, that is they all believe in one transcendent God.  Many people believe that all three religions worship the same God, but this is wrong.  

(1 John 2:23) "No one who denies the Son has the Father.  Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also."  (ESV) 

Islam rejects the very notion that God could have a son.  It is considered to be blasphemy by Muslims.  In Islam Allah is not a father.  Muslims consider Jesus to be a prophet but not the Son of God or Messiah.  The Qur'an seems to be confused about the Christian doctrine of the Trinity referring to it as God, Jesus, and Mary.  One wonders how Allah could get this wrong.  

Judaism also does not believe Jesus is the Messiah or Son of God.  They believe Christians are worshiping more than one God.  Unfortunately many Jewish people believe Christianity is not a Jewish thing, thinking instead that Judaism must be their religion.  Orthodox Judaism expects a messiah who is not divine.  Judaism worships the same God as Christianity in name only.  

Since Islam and Judaism deny the Son they do not have the Father.  They do not truly know or worship God.  The correct doctrine of God is trinitarian monotheism.  There is one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).  There are three persons of one essence.  All three members of the Trinity are co-equal, co-eternal, and equally divine.  In order to be right with God and get to heaven one must confess Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God. Islam and Judaism are false religions that lead people to hell.