1 Corinthians 1:18

Changed

The KJV Onlyist claim that the translators of the modern English Bibles have willfully changed the scripture in 1 Corinthians 1:18 to fit a heresy, or false doctrine. They charge that by rendering the Greek word σώζω as “being saved” instead of the KJV rendering of “saved” in effect nullifies or weakens the Calvinist theology.

Not Saved?

It is argued that we are “saved”, once and for all. That by saying we are “being saved” denies that we are “saved”. We discuss the doctrinal position on saved and being saved in the below.

Source Document?

As has been pointed out, often times the problem lies with the source document being translated. In this case however the Textus Receptus and the Westtcott-Hort Greek texts are identical. So, the fault is not with the source, but with the actual Greek translation.

Strong’s

Many, in examining this issue, will look up the word “saved” in a Strong‘s Concordance with Hebrew and Greek Dictionary. When they do they find the word “σώζω” listed as the Greek word being translated.

G4982
σώζω
sōzō
sode’-zo

From a primary word σῶς sōs̄ (contraction for the obsolete σάος saos, “safe”); to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): – heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

This on the surface appears to confirm the charge. Strong’s, and if you look up Thayer, shows that the word σώζω is to be translated as “saved”, and therefore not “being saved”.

So, did the translators simply insert “being” into the scripture?-

There is more…

The actual Greek word in both the TR and the WH is σωζομενοις. It contains as a root word σώζω (as σωζο), but also has μενοις as a prefix.

ο λογος γαρ ο του σταυρου τοις μεν απολλυμενοις μωρια εστιν τοις δε σωζομενοις ημιν δυναμις θεου εστιν

1 Corinthians 1:18 TR

ο λογος γαρ ο του σταυρου τοις μεν απολλυμενοις μωρια εστιν τοις δε σωζομενοις ημιν δυναμις θεου εστιν

1 Corinthians 1:18 Westtcott-Hort

More than present tense…

The ending μενοις changes the word into a “present passive participle”. This conveys not only the sense that the event has occurred, but that it is also an on going event. We do not have a verb for in English that parallels this.

If I were to translate this in a way to convey the meaning, I may have written:

…but to us who are saved and continue being saved it is the power of God.

Being Saved

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV

Comfort in a troubling world

Is it not a comfort to know that we have not been saved at one point of time and left to fend for ourselves? We know that Satan, the devil is searching for us.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

We must fight

God has given us the weapons to fight against this evil one. We do not have one tool, but the whole armor of God to defend against what the devil throws at us.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:11-12 NKJV

above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Ephesians 6:16 NKJV

Resistance is NOT futile

When Satan comes we can either submit to him, or we can resist him. When those times of temptation come and we walk by the Spirit, turning to God, we are victors.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 NKJV

Secure

We know that God has promised that the devil, let alone any other being can not take our salvation away from us.

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

John 10:28-29 NKJV

Temptation Beckons

Yet, we know that temptation beckons to us. We see it every day. Satan through his minions puts temptation before us. We all are tempted in one way or another. This is true even after we have received Jesus as our saviour.

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NKJV

Sin is fun

The temptation is, well tempting because it is enjoyable. Sin is fun.

choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,

Hebrews 11:25 NKJV