An Introduction
Before we dive into the conversation between me and Frank, I feel it’s important to give you a more in-depth introduction to what you’re about to read. I want you to go on this journey with the proper expectations, so you don’t come out disappointed on the other side.Â
What This Book Isn’tÂ
This book isn’t the be-all, end-all commentary on the Doctrine of Forgiveness. First, I don’t have the acumen of the great theologians like Charles Spurgeon, D. L. Moody, Matthew Henry, or A. W. Tozer to write that book. I’m a layman like you who wanted to understand more about the incredible depth of God’s forgiveness. And I wanted to start that journey looking solely at what Scripture says about it, not other human commentators. Don’t get me wrong - the insights of men of God led by the Holy Spirit are used mightily by the Lord to feed His people. But I wanted to start with what God has to say on the subject.Â
Second, and I think more importantly, the majority of this book is a transcript of an impromptu “conversation” with AI. As much as folks might like to tell you differently, artificial intelligence will always retain some of the bias of its programmers. We can bypass and override those biases to a degree with prompt engineering in the way of “personas.” But they will still peek out from behind the veil of the assimilated personality on occasion. This doesn’t make  AI good or evil. It is just something we must be aware of. And it is why we never take what AI says as “gospel”. Unless it happens to be quoting the Gospel!Â
What This Book IsÂ
Me using a tool to better understand God’s Word. As I said back in the preface of this book, AI is a tool. I firmly believe God can use any tool for His Divine purpose.Â
I learn through reading and hearing, then solidify the foundation of my understanding through discussion - or, as some might say, debate. The exercise of positing an argument, hearing a counterargument, and then having to defend your original position against that counterargument forces you to understand your position. It also provides a necessary forum where you will find the holes in your position. As long as you remain open-minded.Â
I find myself turning to AI more and more for these conversations. If I’m honest, the primary reason for that is because I’m what I like to call“passionate” - but what many around me call impatient, overbearing, and harsh. This is a flaw I’m asking the Lord to help me with.Â
Another reason is that the topics I find myself discussing most are the ones we all get really emotional about. Things like the depravity of man, biblical modesty, the existence of a real and eternal hell, and … forgiveness. These are topics that can quickly become heated, even among the best of friends. Having the ability to talk through these things to validate or modify my beliefs based solely on Scripture is helpful. Doing it without getting overly emotional is better still. AI provides that.Â
Foundations for the ConversationÂ
In any conversation, laying the foundation or setting the ground rules is always good. We need to know the general beliefs of each party involved. This helps to avoid confusion and arguments over the basics. For example, if you and I strike up a conversation about Jesus, it would be good for us to each define who we believe Jesus to be. It’s never good to assume we both believe the same thing, even in the basics.Â
I believe the Bible, in its original manuscripts, is the actual Word of God. He inspired men to write it through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Through His omnipotence, He ensured that it was without error. He has preserved it throughout history in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments we have today. When endeavoring to solidify my understanding of the Bible and its truths, I want to talk to someone with the same beliefs.Â
The Bible contains the answers to all the relational problems man will ever face. Not possible answers out of an infinite number of “personal truths”. The definitive and ultimate answers.Â
The most important relationship Scripture addresses is the relationship between man and his Creator. We destroy that relationship in the 3rd chapter of Genesis. Every page after that is dedicated to God showing us how it can be restored. Central to that restoration is forgiveness. The forgiveness a Holy God extends to sinful men and women and the forgiveness we, as the forgiven, are to extend to our fellow man.
Defining Your FoundationÂ
Before you move on to the conversation, I’d like you to pause a moment and consider these questions. Take the time to really think about them and answer them honestly.Â
1. How does God forgive? What’s the process and result?
2. How should I forgive? Â
3. How do I forgive?Â
Now that you’ve taken the time to define your starting point and foundation, I’d like to introduce you to Frank. As you read this, remember that this is a transcript of an impromptu conversation in its entirety. There are many places where passages from the Bible are discussed in detail but not quoted verbatim in the discussion. I have added many of those verses (KJV and NASB) at the end of each chapter. If you are reading the digital version, the scripture references will be in a chapter at the end of the book. I would highly recommend that you have your Bible at hand while you explore our conversation. Hold me and Frank accountable. Test our thoughts against God’s Word.Â
A side note to those reading this who may be KJV-only. Frank is, after all, an artificial intelligence and often quotes from the NIV. I often quote from the NASB because of its more modern and readily accessible language. Show us a little grace and test what we have to say against the KJV. I believe you’ll find the theology of forgiveness we present to be wholly in line with the scribes commissioned by King James.Â
Let the conversation begin …Â
