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NASB | 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] |
Subject: Is sinless perfection possible on earth? |
Bible Note: Perhaps in view of what has been said on this forum we should consider certain facts about the use of Greek in the New Testament The so-called 'historic present' is to my knowledge only used in the Gospels. I have discovered no instance where it is used by Paul or in theological narratives. Examples of its rare use in the Gospels are where it is used to make the historical descriptive narrative vivid (we do the same in English). For example: Matthew 3.1 'In those days comes John --.' John 1.29 'On the next day He sees John and says --.' Mark 11.27; 12.9 'They come to Him --.' (Matthew has 'they came'. In the New Testament its usage is therefore strictly limited. It cannot be taken as a general rule that a present can be used as a past tense. It is limited to historical descriptive narrative. With regard to the aorist it is used as a present in the following examples: 'My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased (aorist)' 'If you love me keep (aorist) my commandments.' 'Praise (aorist) the Lord all the nations and let all the peoples sing praises (aorist) to Him' (Romans 15.11). 'Awake (aorist) to righteousness and sin not' (1 Cor 15.34). 'Draw out (aorist) the water and bear (present) to the governor of the feast' (John 2.8) 'Take (aorist) these things hence -- (john 2.16) These are clear examples and make plain that the aorist can be used of the present, and can be used of continual action. Best wishes to all. I hope this is helpful |