I am totally "against" the use of the term "sinful nature" ever...and this is why...
It it not a term that is in the Bible. It is in some versions...but it is not in the original writing of the Bible.
I am not a KJV-only person. But, I am an NIV-never person. (I use mostly the NASB)
Below, you will see one big reason why. The NIV is a transliteration...not a translation. They took great liberties all through the whole Bible with "translation."
In the NT there is a Greek word, "sarx" which simply means, "flesh" that the NIV has "translated" to mean like 10 different things...in order to suit their doctrinal position which they have promoted throughout their work.
I've used examples from four other translations to show that it's not about a battle about which Bible version is "best" but rather to demonstrate that the NIV is not a reliable source of God's Word.
(This is from a document I did back when I only blogged in ranting essays on my computer.)
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Take note in that the other translations will faithfully translate the one word "sarx" in the NT which means "flesh" as "flesh", but, the NIV uses a variety of different translations to suit their doctrine.
Romans 7:5
NIV For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death.
NASB For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at workinthe members of our body to bear fruit for death.
KJV For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
LITV (Literal) For when we were in the flesh, the passions of sin were working in our members through the Law for the bearing of fruit unto death.
Webster’s For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit to death:
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Romans 7:18
NIV I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.
NASB For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not
KJV For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
LITV (Literal) For I know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwells no good. For to will is present to me, but to work out the good I do not find.
Webster’s For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good, I find not.
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Romans 8:4-6
NIV (and so he condemned sin in sinful man) in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind that natureof sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
NASB (He condemned sin in the flesh,) so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
KJV That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the do mind the things of the fleshflesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
LITV (Literal) so that the righteous demand of the Law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to flesh, but according to Spirit. For the ones that are according to flesh mind the things of the flesh. And the ones according to Spirit mind the things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;
Webster’s That the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For they that are according to the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh: but they that are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace:
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If "sinful nature" was a valid translation of the word "sarx" they would be able to use it here...but it would obviously make no sense so they chose "the body." But, is "sarx" your body...or your mysterious "sinful nature?"
Philippians 1:22
NIV If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.
NASB But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.
KJV But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
LITV (Literal) But if I live in the flesh, this to me is fruit of my labor, and what I shall choose I do not know.
Webster’s But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I know not.
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Again, does the NIV find "the body" to be synonymous with "sinful nature" or not? Obviously, "the body" and "sinful nature" are NOT synonyms, yet, they are derived from the same word, "sarx" (which the Bible says that Jesus had.)
Philippians 1:24
NIV But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
NASB yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
KJV yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
LITV (Literal) but to remain in the flesh is more necessary on account of you.
Webster’s Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
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Here the NIV is forced to use the translation "flesh" because it is the only thing that does make sense here.
Actually, if you were to use "sinful nature" here as the NIV uses other places for the translation of the same word, "sarx" you'll see it would make NO sense at all...because it is not a valid translation of that word.
Philippians 3:3-4
NIV For it is we who are the circumcision we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the – though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the fleshflesh, I have more;
NASB for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God andglory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in theflesh, although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:
KJV For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
LITV (Literal) or we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, and who glory in Christ Jesus, and who do not trust in flesh. Even though I might have trust in flesh; if any other thinks to trust in flesh, I more;
Webster’s For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in theflesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath reason to trust in the flesh, I more:
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Now, the NIV must use "flesh" for the word they use to say, "sinful nature" because again...to translate this with "sinful nature" would be ridiculous...
Colossians 1:24
NIV Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
NASB Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in myflesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.
KJV Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:
LITV (Literal) who now rejoice in my sufferings on your behalf and fill up in my flesh the things lacking of the afflictions of Christ on behalf of His body, which is the assembly,
Webster’s Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
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The word here they translate "the body" is the very same word "sarx" which they have translated in many many previous verses to be "sinful nature"...but oh look who has a "sarx=sinful nature" then??
1 Timothy 3:16
NIV Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations.
NASB By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.
KJV And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
LITV (Literal) And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in flesh, was justified in Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
Webster’s And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
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Philemon 16
NIV No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
NASB no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
KJV Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
LITV (Literal) no longer as a slave, but beyond a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, and how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Webster’s Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to thee, both in theflesh, and in the Lord?
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1 Peter 3:18
NIV For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.
NASB For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
KJV For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
LITV (Literal) Because even Christ once suffered concerning sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God; indeed being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit;
Webster’s For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit:
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According to the NIV...we have a sarx which = "sinful nature" but Jesus who had a sarx...did not. Doesn't it make more sense and require less hoop-jumping to simply say we had a flesh just like Jesus...and that the only difference between our flesh and His is that He never chose to sin and we did.
1 Peter 4:1-2
NIV Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
NASB Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
KJV Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
LITV (Literal) Therefore, Christ having suffered for us in the flesh, also you arm yourselves with the same thought, because he having suffered in the flesh has been made to rest from sin, 2 for him no longer to live in the lusts of men, but to live the remaining time in the flesh in the will of God.
Webster’s Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
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And, try to swap the NIV's synonym for "flesh" and insert, "sinful nature" where they put "flesh." It doesn't work.
1 John 4:2
NIV This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.
NASB By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;
KJV Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
LITV (Literal) By this know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.
Webster’s By this ye know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ hath come in the flesh, is from God:
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They are forced to use the word "flesh" here because to use their synonym "sinful nature" would be ludicrous...and if it is not appropriate here it is not appropriate anywhere. They do it other places because it suits their doctrine...which means they have altered the word of God. They have introduced something to the Bible that is not in it.
2 John 7
NIV Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.
NASB For many deceivers havegone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and theantichrist.
KJV For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
LITV (Literal) Because many deceivers went out into the world, those not confessing Jesus Christ to have come in the flesh, this is the deceiver and the antichrist.
Webster’s For many deceivers have entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver, and an antichrist.
And, could it be that the NIV is denying that Jesus came in the flesh "sarx"...the very SAME same same flesh that we humans are all born with by promoting their doctrine of "original sin". They have separated our "flesh" from Jesus' flesh. This verse says that those who deny that He came in the same "sarx" as you or I did...is an antichrist.
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This is not about the word "sarx" but on the topic of sin and how the NIV has altered the Bible...
Who in this verse is the sinner? If you know your Bible you know that David was the only son to his father via his mom. His mom was not the mom of the other brothers. And, that information confirms what the other 4 versions tell you about who the sinner is who is being referred to...and the NIV isn't even close! They totally just made it up!
Psalm 51:5
NIV Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
NASB Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
KJV Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
LITV (Literal) Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.
Webster’s Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
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Now, first read this...
Ezekiel 18:14-20 (NASB)
Now behold, he has a son who has observed all his father’s sins which he committed, and observing does not do likewise. He does not eat at the mountain shrines or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, or defile his neighbor’s wife, or oppress anyone, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing, he keeps his hand from the poor, does not take interest or increase, but executes My ordinances, and walks in My statutes; he will not die for his father’s iniquity, he will surely live. As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was not good among his people, behold, he will die for his iniquity Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity?’ When the son has practiced justice and righteousness and has observed all My statutes and done them, he shall surely live. The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son’s iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.
And, tell me if God contradicts Himself? What kind of God would punish someone ELSE for someone ELSE'S sin???
Numbers 14:18
NIV The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he doe not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.
NASB The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the childrento the third and the fourth generations.’
KJV The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty,visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
LITV (Literal) Jehovah is slow to anger, and of great mercy, bearing away iniquity and transgression; and by no means will clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the sons, on the third and on the fourth generation .
Webster’s The LORD is long-suffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation.
Are "visiting" and "punishing"...even close to the same thing???
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When do we begin to matter? The NIV was once used by a Methodist PASTOR! to prove that abortion was OK...because he didn't believe that babies got their souls till after birth!
Luke 1:15 (concerning John the Baptist)
NIV for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy spirit even from birth.
NASB “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spiritwhile yet in his mother’s womb.
KJV For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
LITV (Literal) For he shall be great in the eyes of the Lord, and he shall not drink wine or strong drink. And he will be filled of the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.
Webster’s For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.
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If I wrote a letter to my children for them to know me and pass on down to my grand kids and on down the line...and someone got a hold of it and did to my words what the NIV have done with God's words...I would no longer want my kids reading that letter.
These are just the errors I was able to find in my limited time...so it is definitely not a version you should ever use if you REALLY want to know what the Bible says...
If you wanna "hide God's word in your heart so you won't sin against Him" you should really make sure it's His word you're reading.
