Counterfeit Faith: How Fake Bibles Are Misleading Believers in the Persian-Speaking World
In the heart of the Persian Speaking World (PSW), where religious persecution is rampant and the government exercises tight control over expressions of faith, a new challenge has arisen for Christians. Over the past few years, the country has seen a steady increase in people turning to Christ, despite the risks of doing so in predominantly Islamic territory. As the thirst for God’s Word grows, so do the challenges. In partnership with Smyrna Church, Jubal Band Ministries (JBM), a network with over 1,400 home churches scattered throughout the PSW, has uncovered a disturbing development: the government has begun printing and distributing counterfeit Bibles.
For persecuted Christians in the PSW, the Word of God is more than just a spiritual guide; it is a lifeline, a source of strength, and hope in the midst of oppression. In a nation where obtaining a Bible is already difficult, due to the severe restrictions on religious materials, the circulation of false versions has added to the confusion and struggle of believers.
A Network of Home Churches Amidst Persecution
The church in the PSW operates primarily underground. JBM and Smyrna Church have formed a network of home churches where believers gather in secret to worship, pray, and study the Bible. These gatherings are often small, with just a handful of people, usually family members or close friends, meeting in homes to avoid detection. The government’s harsh stance on Christianity forces these believers to be extremely cautious, and the leadership of JBM remains in close contact with the leaders of these home churches to stay updated on the challenges they face.
By maintaining this close communication, the leaders are able to monitor the situation on the ground, staying aware of any changes in the level of persecution and identifying potential threats. This network allows JBM to respond quickly to the needs of believers, whether it’s providing support, distributing Bibles, or offering guidance.
The Counterfeit Bible: A New Deception
Recently, this vigilant network became aware of a sinister tactic being used by the Iranian government in response to an increasing demand for Bibles. As more people began seeking out Bibles from bookstores and other sources, the government took steps to counter the growth of Christianity. They began printing counterfeit versions of the Bible, distributing them under the guise of being legitimate Christian texts.
This fake Bible is designed to look authentic at first glance, with some pages containing unaltered passages from Scripture. However, upon closer inspection, key doctrines of the Christian faith have been tampered with, altered, or removed entirely. The most deceptive change is the replacement of references to the Holy Spirit and the promise of the Comforter with references to Muhammad. In this version, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a central event in the Christian faith, is also omitted.
The creation of these counterfeit Bibles is a calculated attempt to sow confusion and mislead those who are searching for the truth. The government knows that many Iranians are eager to learn about Christianity, and by distributing these false Bibles, they hope to distort the message of the Gospel and keep people from embracing the true teachings of Jesus Christ.
Confusion Among Believers
For many new believers or those exploring the Christian faith for the first time, the counterfeit Bible can cause significant confusion. JBM’s servant leaders regularly encounter individuals who have been given these fake Bibles without knowing they are not the true Word of God. These individuals are often left disoriented, their understanding of the Gospel muddled by the altered text.
One servant leader shared a story of a young man who had recently converted to Christianity. He had been given a counterfeit Bible and was struggling to reconcile what he read with what he had been taught by fellow believers. “He couldn’t understand why the Bible was talking about Muhammad,” the servant leader explained. “It wasn’t until we sat down and compared his Bible to an authentic one that he realized the deception.”
Such encounters are heartbreaking, but they also highlight the need for continued vigilance and outreach. For many Christians in the PSW, simply finding an authentic Bible is a monumental challenge. The counterfeit Bibles are often distributed through channels that seem legitimate, making it difficult for believers to discern the truth. This makes the work of JBM and other ministries even more critical, as they strive to get accurate copies of the Bible into the hands of those who need them.
The Importance of Accurate Bible Distribution
In light of this new tactic being used by the government, JBM has increased its efforts to distribute accurate Bibles to believers across the country. Through their network of home churches and trusted contacts, they are able to smuggle true copies of the Bible into the PSW, ensuring that those who seek the Word of God receive it in its unaltered form.
However, this work is not without risk. Smuggling Bibles into this area is a dangerous endeavor, and those caught with unauthorized religious materials can face severe punishment, including imprisonment and torture. Despite these risks, JBM’s servant leaders are committed to ensuring that the true Word of God reaches every believer, no matter the cost.
Thwarting the Enemy’s Plans
The enemy’s tactics may be deceptive, but God’s truth remains unshakable. JBM and Smyrna Church remain committed to standing against the lies and deceptions being spread by the government. Their prayer is that the truth of the Gospel will continue to penetrate the hearts and minds of those in the PSW, and that the counterfeit Bibles will be recognized for what they are.
As Christians around the world, we must remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in the PSW who are facing these challenges. May God strengthen and protect them as they navigate the confusion caused by these counterfeit Bibles, and may His true Word reach the homes of the thirsty through the faithful work of evangelists. Together, we can stand in prayer and support to ensure that the light of the Gospel shines even in the darkest of places, thwarting the plans of the enemy and bringing hope to those who seek the truth.
Prayer Points:
- Prayer for the Spread of God’s True Word
Pray that the true and unaltered Word of God reaches every believer in Iran, despite the counterfeit Bibles being distributed by the government. Ask for protection and provision for the ministries and individuals smuggling accurate Bibles into the country, and that the truth of the Gospel penetrates the hearts of those seeking Jesus. - Prayer for Discernment and Clarity
Pray for discernment among Iranian believers and those exploring Christianity, that they may recognize the counterfeit Bibles and not be misled by the alterations and omissions. Ask for clarity of mind and heart for those confused by the fake Bibles, that they would encounter the true teachings of Christ through faithful evangelists and trustworthy sources. - Prayer for Protection and Strength for Persecuted Christians
Pray for the safety, strength, and courage of Christians in Iran who are facing persecution for their faith. Ask God to protect the home churches, the servant leaders, and believers who risk their lives to spread the Gospel. May they remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God’s provision as they navigate these challenges.
