Eis, Eis, Baby!

Possibly my favorite theologean is Dr. Jack Cottrell of Cincinatti Christian University Seminary.  We have become friends on facebook recently.  I stand amazed at the understanding and perception this man has of interpreting the Bible’s original texts (or at least the earliest copies).  Today he speaks of one of the most intentional mis-interpretations by the International Bible Society in their progression (in time, not accuracy) of their best selling New International Version of the Bible.  Here’s Dr. Cottrell:

In the original version of the NIV (1973), Acts 2:38a was translated thus: "Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that [eis] your sins may be forgiven.’" Here the Greek word "eis" is given its natural meaning, "so that, in order that, for the purpose of." In the next edition of the NIV (1978) this was changed without notice: "Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for [eis] the forgiveness of your sins.’" Here "eis" is translated with the more "neutral" word "for." This has made me wonder. I have often wondered (in the sense of marveled) that the original translators had the courage to do it right! Then I have often wondered (in the sense of "I wish I knew") HOW MANY CALLS AND LETTERS the translators and publisher received from the "sola fidei" folks complaining about the original version and demanding a change.

Of course, "sola fidei" means "faith only."  The contention for hundreds of years between Calvinist, (such as the Southern Baptist Convention) has been the appropriate application of this small Greek term "eis."  (Pronounced like frozen water… "ice".)  The Campbellites, those who fall in fellowship with the latter writings of Alexander Campbell, realized that the connection between salvation and baptism is strong!  In fact, as Dr. Cottrell has shown, has now  become political…even a matter of marketability of the NIV Bible!

I, as many brothers in the Restoration movement, from the denominational Disciples of Christ, to the Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, as well as our brothers of the capella Churches of Christ continue to hold tight to the original meanings of scripture, we pray those from around the world who see this blog, will PLEASE consider the accuracy of the simple interpretation and application of the Acts 2:38 passage.  Baptism IS associated with salvation.
 

Note: Dr. Jack Cottrell, Professor of Theology. BA, ThB, Cincinnati Christian University; BA, University of Cincinnati; MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary; PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary.