Naturally one would have questions if the context of verses is not taken into consideration. I would definitely have questions if I had not read the entirety of the book to see both it”s progressivity and it”s unity. This may help but we also know that it will be foolishness to those whom the Holy Spirit has yet to take up residence in (see 1 Cor 1:18ff). We also know that blessed is the man who takes up not with mockers (Ps 1:1).
As to the verses quoted in the letter “Reading King James” they are in the context of the Law of Moses given to Israel, not to us. Explicitly we are told in Hebrews 8 that system has ended. However we can learn from it an important lesson or application: sin leads to death (Rom 6:23)
As to Jesus Himself, His message, aka His Word, is described as a two-edged sword: one side of which cuts and leads to rest (see Heb 4 in context) and the other leads to judgment (see Rev 2 in context). He preached in Mt 10 to national Israel, that is the context, warning them that to reject Him would be costly – they would be held responsible. We know of course the leadership did reject Him and paid a heavy price in 70 AD. We also know that When He comes again He will bring peace as He stated because all the unbelievers will be dealt with, as is just.
It is sad and unfortunate that the Christian friends you asked were ignorant because they have not been taught and taken the time to learn how to study the Holy Bible. A sad commentary on the state of Christendom.
The problem isn”t one of updating, although many newer translation than the King James exist and are very excellent, but one of being a disciple – Latin for pupil. Few do so of course because in the context of discipleship Jesus also said in Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters … and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” 27 “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” 28 “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
So you see the road is narrow and very few enter by the gate that leads through death to life. Besides, it takes a lot of work to study properly. Did the 49ers win this week?
Doug Del Bosco, Lakeport
