AI Discussion #2 - part 2 ( Differences between the Old and New Testament)

[InChrist4Him]

December 8, 2024 at 10:29 AM

You said:

So, we can see that God's Holy Spirit was at work through humans and animals to have physical manifestations and miracles done in the Old Testament, but it is only in the New Testament that we see the Holy Spirit's invisible miracle work of being born again (Born of God's Holy Spirt) in humans. The love and fruits of the spirit is the proof of what spiritual heart a person has (good or evil). Is this correct?

Copilot said:

Yes, that's a good summary. Here's a breakdown to confirm your understanding:

1. Old Testament: The Holy Spirit was active, empowering individuals for specific tasks and enabling physical manifestations and miracles. The Spirit came upon prophets, judges, and kings to accomplish God's purposes.
2. New Testament: The Holy Spirit's role expands to include the indwelling of believers, enabling them to be "born again" and transformed from within. This spiritual rebirth is a key aspect of the New Testament, made possible through Jesus Christ's sacrifice and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
3. Fruits of the Spirit: The evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in a person's life is seen in the "fruit of the Spirit," which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities reflect a transformed heart and a life aligned with God's will.

In essence, the New Testament emphasizes the internal, invisible work of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers' hearts, leading to a life characterized by the fruits of the Spirit. This transformation is a key indicator of a person's spiritual condition.



December 8, 2024 at 10:41 AM

You said:

Now, if you don't restrict your knowledge base to the King James Version bible only, but add back in other knowledge and other human interpretations, how does this change or corrupt your previous findings in this discussion so far? Please give some examples.

Copilot said:

Expanding the knowledge base to include other Bible translations and human interpretations can provide additional insights and perspectives, but it doesn't necessarily corrupt the core findings. Instead, it can enrich the understanding of the concepts discussed. Here are some examples of how this might play out:

Different Bible Translations

1. Language and Nuance: Different translations might use slightly different language that can affect the nuance of certain passages. For example, the King James Version (KJV) uses "charity" in 1 Corinthians 13, while modern translations like the New International Version (NIV) use "love." This can influence the interpretation of the text, but the core message remains the same.
2. Clarity and Readability: Modern translations often aim for greater clarity and readability. For instance, the English Standard Version (ESV) or the New Living Translation (NLT) might provide clearer explanations of certain passages, making the concepts more accessible without changing the fundamental teachings.

Human Interpretations

1. Theological Perspectives: Different Christian denominations and theologians might interpret certain aspects of the Bible differently. For example, the concept of being "born again" is central to evangelical Christianity, but other traditions might emphasize different aspects of spiritual transformation.
2. Historical and Cultural Context: Scholars often provide historical and cultural context that can deepen understanding. For instance, understanding the Jewish customs and laws during the time of Jesus can enhance the interpretation of His teachings and actions.

Examples

1. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: While the KJV emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, other translations and interpretations might highlight different aspects. For example, the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) might emphasize the communal aspect of the Holy Spirit's work in the church.
2. Fruit of the Spirit: Different translations might use slightly different words for the fruit of the Spirit. For example, "longsuffering" in the KJV is often translated as "patience" in modern versions. This doesn't change the core concept but can affect the emphasis.
3. Born Again: The phrase "born again" in John 3:3 is sometimes translated as "born from above" in other versions, such as the NRSV. This can add a layer of meaning, suggesting both a spiritual rebirth and a divine origin.

In summary, incorporating other translations and interpretations can provide a broader and richer understanding of the Bible's teachings. It doesn't corrupt the core findings but rather offers additional perspectives that can enhance comprehension and application.



December 8, 2024 at 10:50 AM

You said:

So, don't you think that re-interpreting older more reliable bible translations to translations that people can relate to better, because the new interpretation doesn't actually attack the people's selfishness, can actually water down many true concepts of the real Truth of the older bible versions. Isn't it true that if God's Truth is watered down, then it is no longer the real Truth, but now becomes a deception?

Copilot said:

You raise an important point about the potential risks of reinterpreting biblical texts. Here are some key considerations:

Potential Risks of Modern Translations

1. Loss of Nuance: Modern translations might simplify language to make it more accessible, which can sometimes lead to a loss of nuance or depth found in older translations like the King James Version (KJV).
2. Cultural Adaptation: Translators might adapt texts to fit contemporary cultural contexts, which can sometimes dilute the original message. This can be particularly concerning if it leads to a softer stance on issues like sin and repentance.
3. Interpretive Bias: Every translation involves some level of interpretation. Translators' theological perspectives can influence how certain passages are rendered, potentially leading to biases that reflect contemporary values rather than the original intent.

Balancing Accessibility and Faithfulness

1. Faithfulness to Original Texts: Reliable translations strive to remain faithful to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. Versions like the New American Standard Bible (NASB) and the English Standard Version (ESV) aim for a balance between readability and accuracy.
2. Study and Context: Using multiple translations and consulting scholarly resources can help mitigate the risk of misunderstanding or diluting the message. Study Bibles and commentaries often provide valuable context and explanations.
3. Personal Discernment: Believers are encouraged to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and engage in personal study and prayer to discern the truth of God's Word.

Truth and Deception

• Core Message: The core message of the Bible—God's love, salvation through Jesus Christ, and the call to live a holy life—remains consistent across reliable translations. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential for misinterpretation or dilution.
• Deception: If a translation or interpretation significantly alters the fundamental truths of the Bible, it can indeed lead to deception. This is why careful study and discernment are essential.

In summary, while modern translations can make the Bible more accessible, it's important to ensure they remain faithful to the original texts. Using a variety of translations and seeking deeper understanding through study can help maintain the integrity of God's Word.



December 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM

You said:

Newer translation versions of the bible indicate that a person born again can and will continue to sin, but the KJV and ASV very clearly indicate that a person born of God no longer sins and cannot sin after being born again. This is a very big difference. The newer translations and teachings let people believe they are born again when they are still sinning and a slave to sin, but older/reliable versions of the bible would strongly indicate these same people are not yet born again. This is a big deception by the newer bible interpretations.

Copilot said:

You've highlighted a significant and often debated issue regarding biblical translations and interpretations. Let's delve into this topic:

Key Verses

The verses in question often come from 1 John 3:6-9. Here's a comparison:

• King James Version (KJV):
  • 1 John 3:6: "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."
  • 1 John 3:9: "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
• American Standard Version (ASV):
  • 1 John 3:6: "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither knoweth him."
  • 1 John 3:9: "Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God."
• New International Version (NIV):
  • 1 John 3:6: "No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him."
  • 1 John 3:9: "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God."

Interpretation Differences

1. KJV and ASV: These translations suggest a more absolute stance, indicating that those born of God do not and cannot sin. This interpretation emphasizes a complete transformation and a break from sin.
2. NIV and Other Modern Translations: These translations often use phrases like "keeps on sinning" or "continues to sin," which imply a habitual practice of sin rather than occasional lapses. This can be interpreted as acknowledging the ongoing struggle with sin even after being born again, but not living in a state of continuous sin.

Theological Implications

• Older Translations: The KJV and ASV suggest that a true transformation results in a life free from sin, aligning with the idea of complete sanctification.
• Modern Translations: These suggest that while believers are transformed and empowered to overcome sin, they may still struggle with it. The emphasis is on not living in a habitual state of sin.

Potential for Deception

• Risk of Misinterpretation: If modern translations are interpreted to mean that ongoing sin is acceptable, this can indeed lead to a misunderstanding of what it means to be born again. It might give a false assurance to those who continue in sin without striving for holiness.
• Importance of Context: Understanding the original Greek text and the context in which these verses were written is crucial. The Greek verb tense used in these passages often implies a continuous action, which supports the interpretation of not continuing in habitual sin.

Conclusion

While modern translations aim to make the text more accessible, it's essential to approach them with discernment and a thorough understanding of the original language and context. The core message remains that being born again involves a significant transformation and a call to live a holy life, free from the bondage of sin.