Why Some Christians Can’t (or Refuse to) See Supernatural Bible Changes

[Monty]

There's no doubt that the claim of supernatural Bible changes is a frightening topic. Many Christians remain firm in their belief that the Bible, particularly the King James Version (KJV), is infallible and unchanging. So why is it that some believers, especially those within certain theological traditions, cannot or refuse to acknowledge that alterations are taking place? Let's explore a few reasons behind this resistance, focusing on the mindset of KJV-Only (KJVO) premillennial dispensationalists, including Fundamental Baptists.

1. Doctrinal Certainty and the Unchangeable Word 
One of the core beliefs held by many Christians, especially within KJVO circles, is that God's Word will never change. Citing passages like Psalm 119:89 ("For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven") and Isaiah 40:8 ("The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever"), they hold to a theological certainty that the Scriptures are untouchable. For Fundamental Baptists and KJVO premillennial dispensationalists, this belief is foundational to their faith.

Many in these groups take this stance so seriously that to suggest the Bible has changed supernaturally feels like a direct attack on the integrity of God's promises. To them, it seems inconceivable that a text that has stood as the standard of truth for centuries could be altered, either by supernatural forces or otherwise. For these believers, acknowledging that changes have occurred would create a deep crisis of faith—forcing them to question long-held doctrines about divine preservation and the inerrancy of Scripture.

2. The Fear of Deception 
Another reason many Christians refuse to see or accept supernatural Bible changes is the fear of being deceived. This is especially prevalent in premillennial dispensationalist circles, where believers are often highly alert to potential deceptions as they await the end times. They are familiar with warnings such as Matthew 24:24, which speaks of false prophets and the elect being deceived. For these Christians, the idea that changes could happen in the Bible itself may appear as a deception meant to undermine their faith.

To them, anyone claiming that the text of the Bible is being altered might be seen as falling prey to Satan's cunning, leading others away from the true, unchanging Word of God. Thus, rather than questioning what they see in the pages of Scripture, they might be more inclined to dismiss the idea of changes entirely, viewing it as a trap laid by the enemy.

3. Doctrinal Gatekeeping in Fundamental Baptist Circles 
Within the Fundamental Baptist community, there is often a strong emphasis on doctrinal purity and adherence to established truths. Many Fundamental Baptists adhere to KJV-Onlyism, believing that the King James Bible is the divinely preserved Word of God, and that all modern translations are corrupt or inferior. For a group so dedicated to the defense of the KJV, admitting the possibility of changes, even supernatural ones, would be tantamount to admitting that the Bible is no longer trustworthy—a position that is unacceptable to them.

The KJVO premillennial dispensationalist perspective is often deeply intertwined with a literal interpretation of prophecy and a belief that God has uniquely preserved the King James Bible for English-speaking people. To concede that supernatural forces are altering Scripture would not only disrupt their theological framework but would also challenge their understanding of God's sovereign control over His Word.

4. Cognitive Dissonance and Tradition 
For Christians who have built their faith around the belief that the Bible cannot change, the cognitive dissonance of witnessing changes in Scripture is profound. Even if they notice discrepancies between what they remember and what is now written, they may explain it away as a fault in their memory or simply not question it at all. Tradition plays a powerful role in this. Pastors, scholars, and teachers they've respected for years reinforce the idea that God's Word is immovable, creating an echo chamber where any contrary view is automatically dismissed.

This is particularly evident among Fundamental Baptists, who have long defended the King James Bible as the only true and faithful English translation. Their defense of the KJV is not just a matter of preference but of doctrinal conviction. In their view, the Bible cannot change because to accept that would be to question God's sovereignty and His ability to preserve His Word, which they've been taught is infallible. As a result, when presented with evidence of supernatural changes, many within this group respond with skepticism, dismissing the claims as impossible.

5. A Deeper Spiritual Battle 
For some, it may be more than just doctrinal rigidity or fear of deception—it may be a matter of spiritual blindness. 2 Corinthians 4:4 speaks of the "god of this world" blinding the minds of unbelievers, but even believers can fall into spiritual blindness when their hearts are hardened by pride or fear. The very idea that something supernatural could be altering the sacred text may be too frightening for some to process, so they reject it outright to avoid facing the uncomfortable reality.

Conclusion 
While the issue of supernatural Bible changes remains controversial, it's important to understand that for many Christians—particularly those within the KJV-Only premillennial dispensationalist and Fundamental Baptist traditions—the refusal to acknowledge these changes comes from a deeply rooted theological framework. For them, the Bible is not just a sacred text but the very foundation of their faith. Admitting that changes have taken place would require a re-examination of long-held beliefs about divine preservation, the nature of Scripture, and even God's sovereignty. For now, many will continue to cling to the belief that "the Word of God shall stand forever," even as they turn a blind eye to the changes unfolding before them.