Recently, I had a casual chat with ChatGPT on how we should read the bible.
I gave an example from the book of Isaiah.
Please find the conversation below.
My view is to read the bible straightforwardly, as I do not want to interpret the bible the way I want to see it.
ChatGPT is so polite that it dances on the head of a pin, as you can see.
But, I want to know what your opinions are.
Kind regards,
James
Q. Prophet Isaiah talks about a peaceful time when lions and lambs graze grass together and the spears of war are used as farming equipment. What is the consensus on this picture among Christians? Do they take this literally or figuratively
A. The passage you are referring to is from Isaiah 11:6-9, which says:
"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze;
Their young ones shall lie down together;
And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole,
And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den.
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,
For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea."
Theologians have different opinions on whether this passage should be interpreted literally or figuratively. Some believe that it is a literal description of a future time when peace will reign over the earth, while others see it as a symbolic representation of the peace and harmony that will exist in the spiritual realm.
Those who interpret this passage literally usually believe that it refers to the millennial reign of Christ, a period of 1,000 years when Christ will rule the earth in righteousness and peace. During this time, the animal kingdom will be transformed, and even natural enemies like the lion and the lamb will live together in harmony.
On the other hand, those who interpret this passage figuratively see it as a metaphorical description of the spiritual transformation that will occur when the knowledge of the Lord fills the earth. They believe that the lion and lamb represent different aspects of human nature and that the peace described in this passage will come as a result of the transformation of the human heart.
Overall, there is no consensus among theologians on the interpretation of this passage, and it is ultimately up to each individual to study the text and come to their own conclusion.
Q. Some believe we are already living in the millennium. I don't see wolf and lamb dwelling together. do they believe the passage to be a metaphor?
A. Yes, some Christians believe that we are already living in the millennium, a period of time that began with the resurrection of Christ and will continue until his second coming. This view is known as amillennialism.
Amillennialists typically interpret the passage from Isaiah figuratively, seeing it as a symbolic representation of the peace that believers can experience in their hearts through faith in Christ. They believe that the prophecy is not meant to be understood literally, but rather as a poetic and prophetic expression of the coming age of peace and harmony.
In this view, the wolf and lamb dwelling together represent the reconciliation between God and humanity, and between people of different backgrounds and cultures. It is seen as a metaphorical representation of the peace that comes when people turn away from sin and turn toward God, and the love and compassion that flows from that transformation.
Overall, the interpretation of this passage depends on the theological perspective of the individual. While some Christians interpret it literally, others see it as a metaphorical expression of spiritual truths.
Well, if we where living in the millennium period, then Jesus would be here and the Great Tribulation would had already happen.
Let's take a look at something that would already had when if we in that period. Let's go to Revelation 19: 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was
clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it
he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND Lord OF LORDS.
This would of been in history books, but none the less, this is future, haven't happen yet.
Reading and learning the Bible and actually being a hearer of the word and a doer of the word, make the world of difference. Jesus says in John 6: 63
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Surely most Christian loves God the Father Almighty! Surely most Christians love their Savior, Jesus Christ! But does every Christian wants to live by what Jesus says in (Luke:4:4) And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Many fail to understand that the `New Covenant' includes a better way to implement the same set of laws that were given on Mt. Sinai, the Ten Commandments: (Jer.31:31-33) (v.31)
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: (v.32)
Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: (v.33)
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
In, (Is. 42:21) we find another prophecy concerning Christ and the law. It reads, (v.21)
The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he (Jesus)
will magnify the law, and make it honourable. When you magnify something you enlarge it and bring it out more of its detail and richness. Jesus revealed the fulfillment of this prophecy when he explained, (Mat.5:27-28) (v.27)
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: (v.28)
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart
By magnifying the law and making it honorable, the spiritual intent of the law is now emphasized which goes far beyond the mere the physical intent. God has raised His standards, not lowered them! All God ever wanted was what was best for us! He designed us to be His children. We are happiest when we love and obey Him. He is a God who is totally righteous and holy. God cannot sin. And He wants us to follow in His footsteps. The person that says, (1 John:2:6) “that saith
he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
1
