Author: JenniferWilson

I was recently asked to give my thoughts about the NIV version of the Bible and its omission of certain scriptures in the gospels because of some posts that were circulating on Facebook.   So, I thought I would share my thoughts with you.

Up front, I will tell you that I enjoy reading the NIV, and I use it frequently in my studies.

We must first remember that the most important thing is for us to have the word of God in our hearts. We are to hide His word in our hearts so that when we can clearly hear His voice and follow His direction.

 

Regarding the NIV version of the bible, the scriptures mentioned above are not included in that version. But, also please note that in most other versions of the bible those same scriptures are footnoted stating that the verses were not in the original text. The NIV simply did not include the verses but kept the footnote.
The greatest tool used by our spiritual enemy is fear. Fear that a publishing company could overthrow the body of Christ by omitting a few scriptures is quite frankly silly. We cannot allow postings on Facebook or other social media to plant a seed of fear or doubt in our hearts concerning the word of God. For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Remember, a right relationship with God will ensure that you hear Him clearly from His Word (even if you are reading the NIV), in your praise, and during your times of prayer. Holy Spirit is our friend, our counselor, our teacher, our guide, and He will never leave us alone or make us ashamed to follow Him. If you like to read the NIV, keep reading it. Just read the footnotes.
Just my thoughts since you asked

A full and complete understanding of everything Jesus accomplished through His passion is the foundation for our boldness. The finished work of Jesus has given us permission to approach God unreservedly about every aspect of our lives. We have received the greatest gift of all, the ability to enter the holy of holies and fellowship with our Creator. We often lose sight of this fact because we allow what happens around us to take our focus off of who we are in Christ Jesus. Salvation is obtained by receiving and believing that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised him from the dead (Romans10:9). Our works can not achieve salvation.

We must only receive the gift of salvation. Second Corinthians 3:4–5 clearly teaches us to rely on Christ, and not on our works or abilities, to approach God.

 Such is the reliance and confidence that we have through Christ toward and with reference to God. Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God. [It is He] Who has qualified us [making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient] as ministers and dispensers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not [ministers] of the letter (of legally written code) but of the Spirit; for the code [of the Law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit makes alive. 2 Corinthians 3:4–6 (amp, italics mine)

We must rely on His finished work so that we can be fit and worthy to work in the kingdom of God. Paul is teaching us that all of our power and abilities come from God. There is nothing within us that is sufficient enough to earn the right to receive from God. It is all given to us by God. The sufficiency we need to live this life is given to us through our belief and confidence in Christ, enabling us to perform whatever is required.

And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7 (amp, italics mine)

Philippians 4:7 teaches that when our soul is assured of its salvation through Jesus Christ, we will find peace and fear nothing from God. Once our soul is assured of its salvation, we will find ourselves in such a state that we are open to finding contentment. I am not saying that you will automatically find contentment. You are open to finding contentment. This peace begins
with first being sure you are saved, then having a posture of knowing that you have nothing to fear from God. Doubt about whether or not you are saved will prevent you from having deep intimate fellowship with God, and it will be difficult to find contentment with your life.

We learn in Philippians 4:7 is that we must be confident about our salvation through Christ Jesus. In Romans 10:9, we are given the key to salvation.

Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (amp)

If you have never confessed Jesus as your savior and if you have doubts about whether or not there is salvation or freedom found in Him, then it will be difficult to find that real peace that transcends all understanding. We are talking about the peace that originates with God Himself and is transferred to you through fellowship with Him.

Real peace does not make sense because it comes directly from God and is imparted into your life and does not depend on the circumstances around you. True peace will not come when your finances are better, when you finally get married, when the divorce is final, when you receive a promotion, or when you are no longer ill. This peace is beyond human understanding and comprehension. It is a spiritual peace imparted to you by Holy Spirit. He leads us into peace, but we must surrender to His leading. There is a peace that can be received through Christ. Are you bold enough to go after it?