I hope I can phrase my questions the way I intend them, because finding the right words is hard for me.

I have read quite a few articles on topics like 'the sufficiency of Scripture' ; 'verbal plenary inspiration' and related issues.
What I am looking for is information and comments on the aspect of translating difficulties from the original writings, into our various languages.

I have a few issues in mind. Such as were the original manuscripts inerrant and inspired in such a way that every jot and tittle were inerrant, spelling misstates included?

I have read quite a few Reformed Churches web sites who state that they believe as originally given, they believe the Bible is inspired and inerrant.
Is this an accurate description of this doctrine?

If so, would it not conclude that seeing we now don't have the inspired texts, we have copies into various language that bring translation problems and therefore are no longer inerrant and inspired the way the originals were?
This isn't saying that what we have isn't trustworthy.

Tom

Has anyone read the recent report? If so, any thoughts? From what I am hearing which is fairly sparse, those Calvinists in the SBC are pleased with the report. Those Calvinists outside the SBC mostly see the report as being weak as it tries to placate the opposing views.

Just a question, does the belief that faith precedes regeneration puts someone in the Arminian camp?

Does the following article accurately reflect the issue of homosexuality and the proclamation of the Gospel?
http://stallberry.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/a-hundredfold/
Tom

"I have my own private opinion, that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and him crucified, unless you preach what now-a-days is called Calvinism. I have my own ideas, and those I always state boldly. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism. Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else. I do not believe we can preach the gospel, if we do not preach justification by faith without works; not unless we preach the sovereignty of God in his dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah; nor, I think, can we preach the gospel, unless we base it upon the peculiar redemption which Christ made for his elect and chosen people; nor can I comprehend a gospel which lets saints fall away after they are called, and suffers the children of God to be burned in the fires of damnation, after having believed. Such a gospel I abhor. The gospel of the Bible is not such a gospel as that. We preach Christ and him crucified in a different fashion, and to all gainsayers we reply, 'We have not so learned Christ.'" - Charles Haddon Spurgeon in his sermon on 1 Cor. 1:23,24

The preceding chapter dealt with conversion in general, and also gave a brief description of the negative element of conversion, namely, repentance. The present chapter will be devoted to a discussion of the positive element, which is faith. This is of such central significance in soteriology that it calls for separate treatment. It is best taken up at this point, not only because faith is a part of conversion, but also because it is instrumentally related to justification. Its discussion forms a natural transition to the doctrine of justification by faith.

This month's Article of the Month deals with the subject of "FAITH"... in quite some detail. Everyone believes in some thing or some one. Not long ago, the rage was putting bumper stickers on cars that said, "We Believe in Country Music", or "We Believe in Obama", or "We Believe in ...". And some individuals who wanted to express their professed faith in Jesus Christ put bumper stickers on their cars with lots of varied slogans, e.g., "Honk if You Love Jesus" ironically, a violation of the 3rd Commandment.

The point is, most people would profess to have faith, whether undefined, weak or strong, even Atheists "believe" there is no god. What is most important and that which is the subject of the article by Louis Berkhof is: What is TRUE BIBLICAL faith; that faith which unites a sinner to Christ and which results in justification by God?

Believing in the wrong thing is a tragedy. Having a spurious 'faith' in the right thing is more tragic. Do you have true saving faith; that faith which is wrought by the regenerating work of God the Holy Spirit? Berkhof will help you discern what kind of faith, if any, you profess to have and set forth what true faith really is, according to God's inspired, written and infallible Word.

You can read this month's article here FAITH.

For later reading, go to the main page of The Highway and click on the "Article of the Month" logo.

In His service and grace,