Appendix 2.2: Doctrinal Clarification on the Authority of Scripture
The declaration that Scripture is “given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16–17) reflects the Greek term theopneustos, meaning "God-breathed." This affirms that the Bible is divinely sourced, not merely human in origin.
The terms inerrant and infallible are theological affirmations rooted in verses like Proverbs 30:5 ("Every word of God is pure") and Psalm 119:140 ("Thy word is very pure"). These words mean that Scripture contains no error and is incapable of leading into error, respectively.
By stating that the Scriptures are the "only sufficient, certain, and authoritative rule," the bylaws affirm sola scriptura — the doctrine that Scripture alone is the final standard of truth in matters of doctrine and life (cf. 2 Peter 1:3, 1:20–21). This includes all areas of moral and ecclesiastical life, such as doctrine, practice, and church order.
Psalm 19:7–11 extols the perfection, surety, and reliability of God’s Word, reinforcing its role as the definitive guide for all believers. 2 Peter 1:20–21 adds that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation, but came as holy men of God were moved by the Holy Spirit, underscoring divine origin and authority.
Translation Standard – Rationale and Doctrinal Examples
While individual members may use various Bible translations for personal study and devotion, Washington Heights Baptist Church affirms the King James Version (KJV) as its standard and most trusted English translation for all official matters of doctrine, teaching, and governance.
This recognition is based on several considerations:
• The underlying manuscript base (Textus Receptus), which is supported by centuries of faithful usage.
• The scholarly integrity and spiritual character of the translators.
• Its formal equivalence (word-for-word) translation method, which carefully preserves both the meaning and structure of the original languages.
This does not imply that all other translations are necessarily heretical or unusable. However, for the purpose of church-wide consistency and doctrinal protection, a singular, trusted standard must be used for resolving textual questions, interpreting doctrinal points, and maintaining unity in teaching and church governance.
Why This Safeguard Matters – Doctrinal Comparisons
1. Deity of Christ – 1 Timothy 3:16
• KJV: "God was manifest in the flesh..."
• NIV: "He appeared in a body..."
• CSB: "He was manifested in the flesh..."
❗ Concern: The KJV explicitly names God as being manifest in the flesh, affirming the deity of Christ. Many modern versions use vague pronouns or omit "God" altogether due to reliance on different manuscripts, thereby softening or obscuring this critical truth.
2. Virgin Birth – Isaiah 7:14
• KJV: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive..."
• RSV: "Behold, a young woman shall conceive..."
❗ Concern: The RSV (and some others) replace "virgin" with "young woman," undermining the prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ, which is foundational to the Incarnation and the sinlessness of Jesus.
3. Salvation by Grace through Faith – Acts 8:37
• KJV: "...If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
• NIV, ESV, NASB: Omit this verse entirely or footnote it.
❗ Concern: Acts 8:37 contains an explicit confession of faith prior to baptism, reinforcing the doctrine of salvation by grace through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Omitting this verse removes a clear testimony of faith-based conversion before baptism.
The terms inerrant and infallible are theological affirmations rooted in verses like Proverbs 30:5 ("Every word of God is pure") and Psalm 119:140 ("Thy word is very pure"). These words mean that Scripture contains no error and is incapable of leading into error, respectively.
By stating that the Scriptures are the "only sufficient, certain, and authoritative rule," the bylaws affirm sola scriptura — the doctrine that Scripture alone is the final standard of truth in matters of doctrine and life (cf. 2 Peter 1:3, 1:20–21). This includes all areas of moral and ecclesiastical life, such as doctrine, practice, and church order.
Psalm 19:7–11 extols the perfection, surety, and reliability of God’s Word, reinforcing its role as the definitive guide for all believers. 2 Peter 1:20–21 adds that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation, but came as holy men of God were moved by the Holy Spirit, underscoring divine origin and authority.
Translation Standard – Rationale and Doctrinal Examples
While individual members may use various Bible translations for personal study and devotion, Washington Heights Baptist Church affirms the King James Version (KJV) as its standard and most trusted English translation for all official matters of doctrine, teaching, and governance.
This recognition is based on several considerations:
• The underlying manuscript base (Textus Receptus), which is supported by centuries of faithful usage.
• The scholarly integrity and spiritual character of the translators.
• Its formal equivalence (word-for-word) translation method, which carefully preserves both the meaning and structure of the original languages.
This does not imply that all other translations are necessarily heretical or unusable. However, for the purpose of church-wide consistency and doctrinal protection, a singular, trusted standard must be used for resolving textual questions, interpreting doctrinal points, and maintaining unity in teaching and church governance.
Why This Safeguard Matters – Doctrinal Comparisons
1. Deity of Christ – 1 Timothy 3:16
• KJV: "God was manifest in the flesh..."
• NIV: "He appeared in a body..."
• CSB: "He was manifested in the flesh..."
❗ Concern: The KJV explicitly names God as being manifest in the flesh, affirming the deity of Christ. Many modern versions use vague pronouns or omit "God" altogether due to reliance on different manuscripts, thereby softening or obscuring this critical truth.
2. Virgin Birth – Isaiah 7:14
• KJV: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive..."
• RSV: "Behold, a young woman shall conceive..."
❗ Concern: The RSV (and some others) replace "virgin" with "young woman," undermining the prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ, which is foundational to the Incarnation and the sinlessness of Jesus.
3. Salvation by Grace through Faith – Acts 8:37
• KJV: "...If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
• NIV, ESV, NASB: Omit this verse entirely or footnote it.
❗ Concern: Acts 8:37 contains an explicit confession of faith prior to baptism, reinforcing the doctrine of salvation by grace through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Omitting this verse removes a clear testimony of faith-based conversion before baptism.