Scripture, God's Greatest Gift to Mankind

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Anthony D'Arienzo

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We would not know anything about the person and work of The Lord Jesus Christ without the God-given scriptures which are quickened to believers.
We would have no true knowledge that could be used to save us without scripture.

18 Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.


jn.17;17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
 
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Anthony D'Arienzo

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The bible is without question the greatest gift given to mankind.
Psalm119:33-35

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.


16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
 
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Anthony D'Arienzo

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5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.


11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
 

Anthony D'Arienzo

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psalm119
105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

We would have no true knowledge of who Jesus is, what is sin, How all men were rendered spiritual dead in the fall into sin and death.

We would not have any idea that eternal life was possible in our Great High Priest.

We would not know of second death or the work of the Triune God in saving an elect multitude in union with Jesus.

We would not understand why God's law is Holy, just, and good.

We would not understand the basis of mercy.

We would still be in the language of Eph2:12;
Strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.
 
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Anthony D'Arienzo

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3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.


God given scripture quickened by God and welcomed by the sinner leads to saving knowledge.

For the most part,without scripture humanity does not know God.
but are like the heathen;


115 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?

3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:

6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:

7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.

8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.



God can have special mercy on His elect,infants,mentally challenged, etc. But for the vast majority the true knowledge is the greatest gift.
 
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Jane_Doe22

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*sigh*
This thread boils down to "scripture is all we need!... well, that + the tradition that defines which books are scripture + the traditions I think correctly interpret scripture + the traditions of how I misconstrue other people's beliefs.".
 

Anthony D'Arienzo

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Some might say eternal life is the greatest gift to humanity;

Yes indeed...it is a great. Eternal life is a great gift, in fact a promise to every believing one.

Where do we learn of such a promise?

How do we know it is a certain promise that cannot fail?

Who has made this promise sure?

How was it secured?

How is it attained?

Is a Great High Priest and mediator involved?
 

Anthony D'Arienzo

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*sigh*
This thread boils down to "scripture is all we need!... well, that + the tradition that defines which books are scripture + the traditions I think correctly interpret scripture + the traditions of how I misconstrue other people's beliefs.".
I think you have missed the point of the thread.

What do you believe is the greatest gift God has given to Humanity?
 

John Caldwell

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I agree, @Jane_Doe22 . I believe this is the obvious conclusion as Scripture presents not only Christ as a "Gift" to mankind but also repeatedly declares his preeminence in all things (Colossians 1)

It seems that God giving of Himself would be the greatest gift God has given mankind.

I believe this is true for a few of reasons.

First, let's consider the gift. Paul teaches that love is the greatest gift (1 Corinthians 13). Christ said that there is no love greater than laying down one's life for a friend (John 15:13). Christ said that He lays down His own life (John 10:18). John said that God loved us by sending Christ to the world to save those in the world who would believe (John 3). God is love (1 John 4).

Second, let's consider the recipient - mankind (or humanity). In 2 Corinthians and Ephesians Paul tells us that the cross was God reconciling mankind to Himself. Not all men will be saved. Some will. But this does not change the fact that God gave Christ to mankind. John 1 tells us this (those to whom Christ came rejected Him, but those who believed to them He gave the right to be called children of God).

Third, the word "greatest" is the superlative of "great". It indicates that whatever is the greatest is superior to anything else in that category. That is what a superlative means. To say that the gift is greater than the giver is problematic in this case because it implies that Scripture is greater than God Himself (because God has given not only of Himself but He has given Himself according to the Scriptures).
 
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DPMartin

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NT scripture does not say Jesus is a gift, the closes statement is where Paul states
Eph_4:7  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
but this verse in context speaks of gifts unto His of Christ.

so, as Jesus says:


Joh_4:10  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

the apostles explain:

Peter:
Act_2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Paul:
Rom_6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

the Holy Spirit which is the seal unto eternal Life or "salvation", is the gift of God, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son but its only through and in the Son Jesus Christ a man can be loved by God. note Jesus is at the Right Hand of Power you don't see Him in the world, yet. hence it is the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and all that is therein.


interesting how he who praises scripture, knows not the truth therein. one can be found by God and know God the Father through the Son without scripture. but the many who are aware of scripture don't know God.
 

John Caldwell

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NT scripture does not say Jesus is a gift, the closes statement is where Paul states
Eph_4:7  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
but this verse in context speaks of gifts unto His of Christ.

so, as Jesus says:


Joh_4:10  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

the apostles explain:

Peter:
Act_2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Paul:
Rom_6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

the Holy Spirit which is the seal unto eternal Life or "salvation", is the gift of God, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son but its only through and in the Son Jesus Christ a man can be loved by God. note Jesus is at the Right Hand of Power you don't see Him in the world, yet. hence it is the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and all that is therein.


interesting how he who praises scripture, knows not the truth therein. one can be found by God and know God the Father through the Son without scripture. but the many who are aware of scripture don't know God.
A "gift" (as a noun) means "something that is given". God gave His Son, Christ gave His life. But I think for me to argue with you over this distinction would probably be straining a gnat. The reason is Christ Himself is this Life that is given. Christ is this Truth.

I can see the possibilities in both of our responses. God loved the world by giving His only Son that whosoever believes would have everlasting life. That said, I lean towards the understanding that Christ giving His life, God giving His Son, is greater than my own salvation (greater than the gift of salvation itself). But I admit these two things pretty much go together.
 
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Anthony D'Arienzo

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DPMartin,
NT scripture does not say Jesus is a gift, the closes statement is where Paul states
Eph_4:7  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
but this verse in context speaks of gifts unto His of Christ.

so, as Jesus says:


Joh_4:10  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

the apostles explain:

Peter:
Act_2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Paul:
Rom_6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

the Holy Spirit which is the seal unto eternal Life or "salvation", is the gift of God, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son but its only through and in the Son Jesus Christ a man can be loved by God. note Jesus is at the Right Hand of Power you don't see Him in the world, yet. hence it is the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and all that is therein.


interesting how he who praises scripture, knows not the truth therein. one can be found by God and know God the Father through the Son without scripture. but the many who are aware of scripture don't know God.[/QUOTE]
Hello Dp,
you quote 4 passages of scripture in your response.
You indicate people can know God the Father without scripture.
Explain what you mean by that if you could.
You suggest someone who praises scripture does not know the truth therein who would that be?.
Tell me what you know about God that you did. not learn from scripture, or someone preaching and teaching scripture?
 

Jane_Doe22

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Which Jesus is that?
How do you know which Jesus it is how do you determine which Jesus is the one that can save?
Going to be blunt here:
God's greatest gift is His Son Jesus Christ. He alone saves.
We worship the Almighty God and nothing else.
Scripture is super super important, but we shouldn't worship it or try to place it above God Himself.
Additionally, scripture is only properly understood through the power of God, testifying through His Spirit. Without God and His Spirit, scripture is just a frequently printed paper weight.
God is the almighty. He is as He is. He is not defined by our flawed understandings of Him.
 

John Caldwell

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You suggest someone who praises scripture does not know the truth therein who would that be?.
Tell me what you know about God that you did. not learn from scripture, or someone preaching and teaching scripture?
Anthony,

You have asked people how they could know about Jesus, indicating that Scripture is necessary and therefore the greater gift.

BUT how do you know that the scripture you reference is the Word of God? Why not choose the Avesta as your scripture? Why the Bible?

My answer would affirm God Himself as the greatest Gift, but I would not force that view on you.

Why do you choose the Bible as your scripture?


In Christ,

John
 

Anthony D'Arienzo

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Going to be blunt here:
God's greatest gift is His Son Jesus Christ. He alone saves.
We worship the Almighty God and nothing else.
Scripture is super super important, but we shouldn't worship it or try to place it above God Himself.
Additionally, scripture is only properly understood through the power of God, testifying through His Spirit. Without God and His Spirit, scripture is just a frequently printed paper weight.
God is the almighty. He is as He is. He is not defined by our flawed understandings of Him.
I didn't see anyone suggest any of those things.of So I don't know what you're talking about
 

Jane_Doe22

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I didn't see anyone suggest any of those things.of So I don't know what you're talking about
God's greatest gift is His Son. Not scripture.
A person is saved by Jesus Christ. Not scripture. Scripture only comes to life by the power of God's Spirit testifying in a persons' heart.
Never place your human understanding of scripture above God Himself. He majesty and wonders are way more than you can comprehend (or me or anyone else).
A person's theological understanding of God does not define Him. A person whom loves God (be they Calvinist, or Catholic, or LDS, or modulist, or JW, or whatever), loves God. And there is only one God. Despite how all of those people misunderstand Him and His wonders.
 

Anthony D'Arienzo

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"Jane_Doe22,

{God's greatest gift is His Son. Not scripture.}

Does God have a Son? How do you know that?
[A person is saved by Jesus Christ. Not scripture.]


Why does a person need to be saved? Saved from what? How does that happen?
[Scripture only comes to life by the power of God's Spirit testifying in a persons' heart. ]

What gives you that idea? what do you mean Gods Spirit?


[Never place your human understanding of scripture above God Himself.]
Are you suggesting someone has done this?
Could you show where any person posted this?


[He majesty and wonders are way more than you can comprehend (or me or anyone else).
Where do you get such an idea? How would we know?


[A person's theological understanding of God does not define Him.]

Where do we get an understanding, a true understanding of God?...could it be SCRIPTURE?

[A person whom loves God]

The true and living God? or a god of their own imagination, an idol;
115 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?

3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:

6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:

7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.

8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.

Here you list 6 DIFFERENT GODS;
1](be they Calvinist,

2]or Catholic,

3]or LDS,

4] or modulist,

5]or JW,
or whatever),
[loves God.]


And there is only one God.
One true God, many false Gods