Have you ever wondered why red letters are used in the Bible? Red ink is used to print the words of Christ in the New Testament.
Bibles were printed in black ink before 1900. Today, there are a few Bibles printed in black ink to appeal to those who like it or who cannot read the color red.
Louis Klopsch (owner and editor of Christian Herald Magazine) was the one who came up with the idea for red letters in Bibles. Klopsch was working on an editorial for Christian Herald Magazine when he came across Luke 22:20. “This cup, which is the new covenant in my blood, is shed for you,” (KJV).
Klopsch realized that these were the words of Jesus during the Last Supper, when He instituted Communion. Knowing that blood is red, Klopsch asked, “Why not a Red Letter Bible with red words, like Jesus?”
Klopsch received encouragement from his minister and sought out the assistance of prominent Bible scholars from America, Europe and Asia to submit passages in red.
A large advertisement in the November 1901 issue Christian Herald offered readers red-letter Bibles. His first printing was 60,000 copies. These copies sold quickly and the presses were required to continue running “day and night” to meet demand.
Klopsch wrote that Modern Christianity strives zealously towards the great Founderof the Faith This Red Letter Bible was prepared in full conviction that it would meet the needs for the student, worker, and all seekers of truth.
He believed that “The Red Letter Bible is more clearly than any other edition of Holy Scriptures” and that Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, was the central figure upon whom all lines of law history poetry and prophecy are converged.
Louis Klopsch was sent a congratulatory note from King of Sweden, and an invitation by President Theodore Roosevelt for him to visit the White House. He accepted. Klopsch died March 28, 1910.
This story is interesting because Klopsch was able to see Jesus’ words. All Scripture is inspired by God (Timothy 3:16), and the red words are as important as any other scripture.
Jesus’ words allow us to know Him and His teachings. Some of his profound teachings still hold true today. Jesus said, “Whoever wants his life to be saved will lose it. But whoever loses his life in my name will find it.” (Matthew 16/25 NIV).
John 1:14 (KJV) says that “the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us.” It’s nice to see how a song writer describes the red words of Christ, and the blood He shed on the Cross. Calvary said, “I love You, I Love You, That’s What Calvary Said.” I love you, I love you, I love you written in red.”
Jan White has collected a selection of her columns in her book “Everyday Faith for Daily Life.”
The Andalusia star-news published the post Why Christ’s words are printed with red letters.
