Psalm 12:6
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in
a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
The King James Bible is not just a book, but a divine
instrument that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has given us. Dating back
to 1611, it has been an essential cornerstone in the lives of faithful Protestants worldwide. It is the wellspring of our faith, the reference for our doctrines,
and the compass guiding our spiritual and moral conduct. It is only fitting,
therefore, for every Christian to show profound reverence to this Holy Book.
Scripture reminds us, "Heaven and earth will pass
away, but my words will never pass away" (Matthew 24:35). This is
not a simple saying; but a promise from our Lord, God Almighty. The promise
extends far beyond seeing us through life's tribulation. It is a divine
guarantee that His Word, our guiding light and source of spiritual sustenance,
will persist through ages, untouched by decay.
In Isaiah 40:8, we're further assured, "The grass
withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever."
Here, God contrasts the transitory nature of worldly things with the immutable
nature of His Word. It is a beautiful metaphor, reminding us that while the
material world is subject to time and decay, God's Word remains unaffected and
we can see this in the King James Bible.
Our faith is not founded on rapidly changing philosophies or
societal norms. Rather, it is rooted in the unchanging Word of God, a Word that
has endured centuries of scrutiny, survived countless attempts of elimination,
and yet, it still stands. This enduring Word is the rock upon which we
establish our faith. As believers, we can take comfort and find confidence in
this – God's Word will not be extinguished or fade away.
Psalms 119:105 declares, "Thy word is a lamp unto my
feet, and a light unto my path." The King James Bible has illuminated
our path over the centuries, guiding us through the veil of darkness that
consumes the world. Its timeless words resonate with wisdom, inspiration, and
guidance, equipping us to live as bearers of Christ's light, extending His
kingdom on earth.
The impact of the King James Bible on the world is
immeasurable. Its contribution to our language is one so profound that even
secular linguists acknowledge it, gracing our English language with phrases
like "the blind leading the blind," "a broken heart," and
"the powers that be." But it is so much more than a cornerstone of
language; it is an anchor for our faith and society.
Look around you, beloved; the principles of justice,
fairness, compassion, love, forgiveness, and respect for life, which underpin
modern society, are rooted in the teachings of this Bible. It is an embodiment
of God's wisdom revealed to humankind - wisdom so profound that it has shaped modern
civilization and given rise to the most cherished principles of humanity.
In the Bible, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we read, "All
scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God
may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." These
verses delineate the importance of God's Word in our daily living. The King
James Bible, I assert, is a beacon of this divine wisdom.
By revering the King James Bible, we align ourselves to the
word of God, submit to His divine authority, and recognize the extensive
spiritual and societal transformation it has initiated. It is a mark of honouring
the wisdom of our forebears who faithfully translated the scriptures, ensuring
we have access to God's Word in its purest form.
Dear brethren, the richness, precision, and poetic elegance of the King James Bible are unparalleled. It is the benchmark of our faith and by which every other doctrine must be measured. It invites us to immerse ourselves into the depth of its wisdom and experience the divine love, forgiveness, and salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us, therefore, honour this holy scripture, cherish its teachings, and apply it to every facet of our lives. It is a book to be read, studied, and internalised. It is a foundation for our faith, a guide for our lives, a defence against the enemy, and a source of comfort in difficult times.
In conclusion, the King James Bible is more than a
historical or literary masterpiece. It is the living Word of God that has transformed
lives, societies, and civilizations. As Christians, let us revere it not just
as a guide for our personal spiritual journey, but as a testament to God's
transformative power in the world. May we devote ourselves to studying,
understanding, and applying its teachings, that we might be bearers of the
Light it illuminates, contributors to the transformation it catalyses, and
witnesses to the hope it proclaims.