Bible Question Box
Question #1 I have noticed that the Bible is copy written. How does this affect us as Christians when it comes to study, and writing quotes from the Bible?
Copyright © 1994 Thomas Nelson, Inc Copyright © 1994 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. The New King James Bible, New Testament Copyright © 1979 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. The New King James Bible, New Testament and Psalms Copyright © 1980 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All Rights Reserved Printed in the Republic of Korea
What is a copyright? “A copyright is an exclusive right given to an author of an original created work. It is an asset, a legal interest, protected by law. Included in the exclusive rights given to the copyright owner is the right to copy the work into any form, including in print, on screen, or on tape.” (http://www.ccli.com/Visitors/CopyrightLaws.cfm)
Purpose of copyright law? “The purpose of the copyright law is to promote the use of copyrights and at the same time protect the rights of the copyright owner.” Christian Copyright Licensing International http://www.ccli.com/Visitors/CopyrightLaws.cfm
Copyright seeks to… Protect the integrity of the original document (intellectual property) Prevent the theft of property Protect the commercial value of the author’s original work
Copyright “Fair Use” Doctrine “Section 107 (of the copyright law, jrp) contains a list of the various purposes for which the reproduction of a particular work may be considered “fair,” such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Section 107 also sets out four factors to be considered in determining whether or not a particular use is fair:
Copyright “Fair Use” Doctrine the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; the nature of the copyrighted work; amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.” (U.S. Copyright Office; http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html)
What about the Bible? Translated into over 1,200 languages Word of God was spoken, then written Freely distributed, Isa. 55:1-2; Matt. 10:8; 2 Tim. 3:16; Col. 4:16; 1 Ths. 5:27
What about the Bible? Word of God is the message delivered by God, not the book published by men, Jude 3 The publication of Bibles comes under men’s copyright laws (some published translations are in the “public domain” – free use) The inspired word of God does not
Word of God is not bound (2 Tim. 2:9) Not deprived of its authority, Micah 2:7 (1 Cor. 14:37) Not deprived of its availability, Mk. 16:15; Rev. 1:1-3 Not deprived of referencing & teaching it, 1 Tim. 4:6; 2 Tim. 2:2
Civil government does not establish or define divine law Civil government is ordained by God, Rom. 13:1 Its authority is from God, Jno. 19:10-11 We obey men’s laws unless & until they conflict with God’s law, Acts 4:17-20; 5:29
Question #2 Please explain Matthew 10:28, about fearing God, in light of 1 John 4:18 where it says perfect love casts out fear.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 - Matthew 10:28 1 John 4:18 Context of persecution, 10:16-26: “Do not fear men” (10:28, 31) Proclaim gospel, 10:27 Fear displeasing God Reverential fear, 10:29-30; Heb 12:28-29;10:31 1 John 4:18 Perfect (complete) love Boldness in the day of judgment, 4:17 (3:3-4) No fear (terror)…no torment, 4:18 In sin, Rom. 8:15 In Christ, Heb. 2:14-15 No separation, Ro 8:31ff - 2 Timothy 1:7 -
The Fear of the Lord and the Love of Christ Terror of the Lord awaits the lost, so we try to persuade men, 2 Cor. 5:11 Fear God more than men Compelled by the love of Christ (to urge sinners to be saved), 2 Cor. 5:14 Perfect love that casts out fear