Scripture, God's Greatest Gift to Mankind
- Thread starter Anthony D'Arienzo
- Start date
-
Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.
You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.
We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!
Without the bible we cannot know the correct Jesus, His person, and work.
God has revealed Himself to us who believe;
COMMENTARY Some catechisms and works on theology begin with God and then reason to the Scriptures as a necessary revelation of and from God. This is a philosophical approach. We must begin with the Scriptures. The Bible alone is objective, inscripturated truth (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
This should ensure that our thinking will remain scriptural rather than philosophical in both consistency and in our approach to Divine realities. The Bible is our sole rule of both faith [belief, doctrine] and practice [life]. The Scripture is our one objective source of truth and knowledge, and our standard for proper living because it is the very Word of God inscripturated [written down].
Jesus taught the value of scriptural revelation as it revealed His person and work.
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Didn't answer my question.
Do you worship the Bible?
If not, then don't put it first.
John Caldwell
Well-Known Member
I agree with the last part of your post. Scripture is often under fire - not only from those outside of the church.
I disagree with the idea, however, that Scripture is greater than anything else God has provided mankind without requiring compensation (i.e., than any other "gift").
There are passages that describe several gifts God has given to man. God gave His Son. God gave us salvation. God gave us love. God has given us the gospel message, which Scripture points to but is not itself the whole of Scripture. And God has given us His Word (both in terms of Scripture and His Son).
But here you suggest Scripture is the greatest (that Scripture is superior than God, than love, than salvation, etc.).
How did you decide which scripture you would follow? Why not the Koran?
The reason I ask is that I believe God Himself is the greatest gift to humanity/ mankind. Not all are saved, but of course not all can understand spiritual truths (not all can understand Scripture). I know Scripture is God's Word because God has shown me that it is. Without God working in my life I am not sure that I would have come to him simply because I read the Bible.
No one comes to God except God draws him. Scripture is not greater than God. Even the gospel itself is foolishness to those who are perishing, but those who are being saved it is the power of God unto salvation.
Members.....let's all take it down a notch
Review the Forum Rules....
Forum Terms & Rules
Please take a moment to review these rules detailed below. If you register at Christianity Board, you are providing your assent to these rules.
You agree, through your use of this service, that you will not use Christianity Board to post any material which is knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise violative of any law.
You agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyright is owned by you or by Christianity Board, or you have the expressed written permission of the author. Otherwise, please properly cite all articles.
Rules Preamble
Christianity Board’s rules are strictly intended to present a guide for participating in this Christian community in the proper manner. The rules are in place because they offer a safe community for members of all ages, creeds, colors, and backgrounds to communicate as the Church, which is defined as the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12) The forum is only open to those who believe in In this spirit, we know that these rules will not be difficult for the majority of our members to follow as they are based in common law which itself is derived from Biblical law. We do respectfully request that any violations of the below rules are reported to the forum staff. Thank you, in advance, for abiding by these rules and helping to keep Christianity Board both scholarly and a place that will edify our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
By posting at or utilizing any of the features of this forum community, you acknowledge your acceptance of the following forum rules.
Community-Wide Rules
[*]Do not state or imply that another member or group of members who have identified themselves as Christian are not Christians. If there is an issue where a member seems to have circumvented the basic tenants of the faith in order to join the community, please privately contact the Christianity Board Team to voice your concern.
[*]If a member requests the cessation of all personal contact, then please respect that member's wish.
[*]Blasphemy will not be tolerated. This forum is intended for a Christian audience. Those who are not of the Christian faith are welcome to sign up but will be relegated to private forum discussion with staff members only. Any derogatory remarks about God (including the Son and Holy Spirit) will be removed. The same goes for remarks about Christianity. Do not hold the Bible to be the Word of God? We are not interested, then.
[*]No Spam. Christianity Board is a place for thoughtful discussion. This means that we are simply not interested in any product or any other solicitation for that matter, including posting across multiple forums. While ultimately under the staff’s discretion, the following are considered spam:
[*]Do not lie. True Christians will not post rumors or false accusations, one would think that would be a given. However, this is one thing we will not tolerate. Remember that our father hates false balances/scales (Proverbs 11:1). This includes lying about yourself to gain access to forums as well.
[*]No vulgar/obscene language or images. We are mostly adults here, but younger audiences frequent this forum as well. Please refrain from using offensive language in light of this. This is, by far not, just limited to swearing, and includes graphic language or content of sexual nature.
[*]Denominational Posts – Excessive posts either attempting to either push a single denomination (or group) or attacking another denomination are included in this rule.
[*]Respect Privacy. This includes your own. Under no circumstances will you publicly share any correspondences or personal information of any member. On top of that, please do not share your own information publicly on the forum. Aside from attracting spam bots that will inevitably result in inboxes bursting with spam, it is never a good idea to give our personal information. We obviously cannot moderate private messages, but be advised that you never really know who is on the receiving end of that information. Any personal information posted in a topic will be removed.
[*]No illegal activity of any kind. Any kind of illegal activity will not be tolerated. This includes posting porn, roms, warez, stolen music or any other activity which violates United States law.
[*]Respect copyrights. If you draw from others’ work, please cite your sources (reasonably) and provide proper credit.
[*]Do not circumvent forum policies or publicly discuss staff actions. This means that if you are disciplined for violating forum rules, do not circumvent bans or other limitations placed on your account. If you have an issue with action(s) taken by the staff here at Christianity Board, please use the appropriate private channels to conduct your appeal or dissatisfaction. And remember, simply because someone has “Account Disabled” as a tag does not mean that they were banned.
The consequences of a specific result will depend upon the degree of violation as well as the judged intent. They can result as anything from a warning to a suspension period on to a full ban from the community. It pains us as much as anybody to enforce these rules, so here are a few tips to help you not ever worry about breaking them.
I Peter 3:15
...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,...
Review the Forum Rules....
Forum Terms & Rules
Please take a moment to review these rules detailed below. If you register at Christianity Board, you are providing your assent to these rules.
You agree, through your use of this service, that you will not use Christianity Board to post any material which is knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise violative of any law.
You agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyright is owned by you or by Christianity Board, or you have the expressed written permission of the author. Otherwise, please properly cite all articles.
Rules Preamble
Christianity Board’s rules are strictly intended to present a guide for participating in this Christian community in the proper manner. The rules are in place because they offer a safe community for members of all ages, creeds, colors, and backgrounds to communicate as the Church, which is defined as the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12) The forum is only open to those who believe in In this spirit, we know that these rules will not be difficult for the majority of our members to follow as they are based in common law which itself is derived from Biblical law. We do respectfully request that any violations of the below rules are reported to the forum staff. Thank you, in advance, for abiding by these rules and helping to keep Christianity Board both scholarly and a place that will edify our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
By posting at or utilizing any of the features of this forum community, you acknowledge your acceptance of the following forum rules.
Community-Wide Rules
- No Flaming, Goading or Harassment. All members should be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy at all times following the rules of civil discourse.
- No insults are allowed. Included in this are all forms of flaming, harassment, and trolling/goading as determined at the discretion of the Christianity Board Team. Trolling/Goading is defined as repeated attempts through the use of images, cartoons, smileys or text that is designed to be explicitly demeaning, patronizing, embarrassing, or otherwise upsetting to a member or group of members in the community.
- This further includes making false statements or accusations about a member.
- Sarcasm is not included under this rule.
[*]Do not state or imply that another member or group of members who have identified themselves as Christian are not Christians. If there is an issue where a member seems to have circumvented the basic tenants of the faith in order to join the community, please privately contact the Christianity Board Team to voice your concern.
[*]If a member requests the cessation of all personal contact, then please respect that member's wish.
[*]Blasphemy will not be tolerated. This forum is intended for a Christian audience. Those who are not of the Christian faith are welcome to sign up but will be relegated to private forum discussion with staff members only. Any derogatory remarks about God (including the Son and Holy Spirit) will be removed. The same goes for remarks about Christianity. Do not hold the Bible to be the Word of God? We are not interested, then.
[*]No Spam. Christianity Board is a place for thoughtful discussion. This means that we are simply not interested in any product or any other solicitation for that matter, including posting across multiple forums. While ultimately under the staff’s discretion, the following are considered spam:
- Any solicitation for any product or service outside of a member making a post in the IT Christian forum with the required minimum of ten (10) posts achieved.
- The act of posting multiple topics on the same issue, otherwise known as cross-posting, is not allowed.
- Posting rather excessive, meaningless short replies outside of the Games Forum. Examples would be posts that simply say “Yes.” Or “I agree” and do not contribute to the actual discussion in meaningful form. It is absolutely fine to acknowledge your agreement, but please refrain from posting single-word replies. If multiple members do this, it begins to take up space and increases clutter.
- Off-topic posts clearly and deliberately placed in the wrong forum(s) are included.
- Members who join this forum to solicit/recruit others to boost their own forums either though public posts or private messaging. This is considered as spam and will be removed. Warnings will be given but ultimately that member will be banned if those warnings are not complied with under the "spamming" rules
[*]Do not lie. True Christians will not post rumors or false accusations, one would think that would be a given. However, this is one thing we will not tolerate. Remember that our father hates false balances/scales (Proverbs 11:1). This includes lying about yourself to gain access to forums as well.
[*]No vulgar/obscene language or images. We are mostly adults here, but younger audiences frequent this forum as well. Please refrain from using offensive language in light of this. This is, by far not, just limited to swearing, and includes graphic language or content of sexual nature.
[*]Denominational Posts – Excessive posts either attempting to either push a single denomination (or group) or attacking another denomination are included in this rule.
[*]Respect Privacy. This includes your own. Under no circumstances will you publicly share any correspondences or personal information of any member. On top of that, please do not share your own information publicly on the forum. Aside from attracting spam bots that will inevitably result in inboxes bursting with spam, it is never a good idea to give our personal information. We obviously cannot moderate private messages, but be advised that you never really know who is on the receiving end of that information. Any personal information posted in a topic will be removed.
[*]No illegal activity of any kind. Any kind of illegal activity will not be tolerated. This includes posting porn, roms, warez, stolen music or any other activity which violates United States law.
[*]Respect copyrights. If you draw from others’ work, please cite your sources (reasonably) and provide proper credit.
[*]Do not circumvent forum policies or publicly discuss staff actions. This means that if you are disciplined for violating forum rules, do not circumvent bans or other limitations placed on your account. If you have an issue with action(s) taken by the staff here at Christianity Board, please use the appropriate private channels to conduct your appeal or dissatisfaction. And remember, simply because someone has “Account Disabled” as a tag does not mean that they were banned.
The consequences of a specific result will depend upon the degree of violation as well as the judged intent. They can result as anything from a warning to a suspension period on to a full ban from the community. It pains us as much as anybody to enforce these rules, so here are a few tips to help you not ever worry about breaking them.
- Cool it! Christ himself told us that he came to divide (Luke 12:51) because Christianity is such and important and powerful issue. Most all of us want to ultimately do what is right. Keep that in mind and if a topic or person makes you mad, step away from the computer for a bit and pray. Cool down before you post a reply or rebuttal.
- Demonstrate why you are a Christian. WWJD (What would Jesus do?) is more than just a good catch phrase. What does the Word say? Are you acting like a true Christian? Ask yourself these questions. Christ tore down, but he rebuilt afterward with Truth.
- It’s not about the last word. A forum is unique in that the entire discussion is arrayed before an audience. There are times when your message is far more powerful when you walk away instead of forcing the issue or trying to get the last jab in for the judges.
I Peter 3:15
...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,...
Most everyone worldwide has never seen or heard the Lord Jesus Christ alive on earth in the first century.
I do not know of anyone who is 2000 years old
God himself has progressively revealed Himself to us in scripture. (The word of God written).
God had over 40 men write all we need that pertains to life and Godliness.
This was not accidentally done, but rather the design of the triune God.
Not one of us would have true and accurate knowledge of God the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit unless God Himself makes Himself known to us.
Without the scripture we would be adrift like all the world religions the Romans 1 declares have changed the truth of God for a lie.
We would have no true knowledge of any biblical topic.
Why are men spiritually dead?
What happened at creation? Who is the creator?
Who determines right from wrong?
Who gives us a moral law?
Why was a sacrificial system put in place?
Why was shed blood required?
What is regeneration, new birth, grace, mercy, justification, sanctification, glorification, election, predestination, reprobation, glorification, Heaven, Hell?
These are unknown apart from scripture revealing and sealing the true knowledge to mankind.
Missionaries do not go with word of mouth hearsay.
They go with the authoritative God-given truth that is essential for the Holy Spirit to quicken dead sinners to life.
Everyone firsts says....It is Jesus!
Without scripture we would not know which one is the true Jesus as we are not Apostolic eyewitnesses.
Without scripture we are heathen in rebellion, having no hope, and without God in the world.
I do not know of anyone who is 2000 years old
God himself has progressively revealed Himself to us in scripture. (The word of God written).
God had over 40 men write all we need that pertains to life and Godliness.
This was not accidentally done, but rather the design of the triune God.
Not one of us would have true and accurate knowledge of God the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit unless God Himself makes Himself known to us.
Without the scripture we would be adrift like all the world religions the Romans 1 declares have changed the truth of God for a lie.
We would have no true knowledge of any biblical topic.
Why are men spiritually dead?
What happened at creation? Who is the creator?
Who determines right from wrong?
Who gives us a moral law?
Why was a sacrificial system put in place?
Why was shed blood required?
What is regeneration, new birth, grace, mercy, justification, sanctification, glorification, election, predestination, reprobation, glorification, Heaven, Hell?
These are unknown apart from scripture revealing and sealing the true knowledge to mankind.
Missionaries do not go with word of mouth hearsay.
They go with the authoritative God-given truth that is essential for the Holy Spirit to quicken dead sinners to life.
Everyone firsts says....It is Jesus!
Without scripture we would not know which one is the true Jesus as we are not Apostolic eyewitnesses.
Without scripture we are heathen in rebellion, having no hope, and without God in the world.
Jesus is God's greatest gift to mankind.
Anthony, no one here is doubting that scripture is super-super important.
However, there is disagreement on the following topics:
- That scripture is the #1 most important thing. John and I both point to Christ being the most important thing & the center point of our devotion. Scripture is a messager that can deliver that message, but the messenge itself is always more important than the messenger. Furthermore, the message is only validated & understood through God Himself.
- The fact that there all also other messengers as well (good and bad). Those roles cannot be down played, and every person's view of the Gospel is also impacted by mortal teachers. Not just scripture alone.
- The idea that a person's academic understanding of God somehow alters the one Alimighty God in any way.
Last edited:
John Caldwell
Well-Known Member
Believe it or not, I have heard the Lord Jesus Christ alive here on Earth....but not in the first century because I'm not that old.
As Paul said (Paul was saved after Jesus was crucified) the good that I do is Christ in me. If it were not for God working in me, I probably would never have believed that Scripture was the Word of God (at least not any more than other religions hold to their scriptures).
Without Jesus we would not know Scripture is true. Without God working in our lives we would believe Scripture nothing but moral mythology (or hold it as a legalistic text, never seeing the Truth).
To the world the gospel is foolishness. But to those who are believe, it is the power of God unto salvation.
No, @Anthony D'Arienzo , Scripture is simply foolishness to those who are perishing. It takes spiritual life to understand spiritual things. God must first work in the life of a person. God must draw men, not men read a passage and go themselves.
Hello Pearl,
Which Jesus?
the scripture speaks of another jesus.
How do we know who Jesus is?
How do we know His attributes?
What did He do on our behalf?
Without scripture can you have a true knowledge of who He is and What He has done?
Jesus taught that people will be judged by the word,jn12;
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Jesus himself established the word of God as authoritative. How are unsaved people going to be saved apart from a biblical view of scripture?
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Jesus himself established the word of God as authoritative. How are unsaved people going to be saved apart from a biblical view of scripture?
Through that word we learn about all Spiritual truth,and how God brings new birth;
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.
24 For all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25 But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Now when it comes to what is termed Soul-winning, many many people have used and continued to use biblical tracts that have scripture all over them.
One of the more successful tracts is known as the Romans Road.
Most of us have given it out, read it, or seen others use it.
The reason it gets used is because it's an attempt to use Paul's writings as he goes over scripture to unfold the problem of man sin, the God-given solution in the Lord Jesus Christ and the expectant hope or result of a person who sees their sin and sees the need of the Lord Jesus Christ save them from their sins. Now does the Romans road show the complete Road well that's another question that's Up For Debate?
Of course, any track has maybe positives a lot of them have a lot of negatives but that's not what we talking about here.
We are talking about is the person who came up with the Romans road knew enough from studying their Bible to see that Paul had a certain method and way he presented gospel truth and presented the message that leads to Salvation,the message of the Gospel According to the scriptures.
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.
24 For all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25 But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Now when it comes to what is termed Soul-winning, many many people have used and continued to use biblical tracts that have scripture all over them.
One of the more successful tracts is known as the Romans Road.
Most of us have given it out, read it, or seen others use it.
The reason it gets used is because it's an attempt to use Paul's writings as he goes over scripture to unfold the problem of man sin, the God-given solution in the Lord Jesus Christ and the expectant hope or result of a person who sees their sin and sees the need of the Lord Jesus Christ save them from their sins. Now does the Romans road show the complete Road well that's another question that's Up For Debate?
Of course, any track has maybe positives a lot of them have a lot of negatives but that's not what we talking about here.
We are talking about is the person who came up with the Romans road knew enough from studying their Bible to see that Paul had a certain method and way he presented gospel truth and presented the message that leads to Salvation,the message of the Gospel According to the scriptures.
There's no need to create a straw man argument. No Christian will make such outrageous claims. The title is related to all the other gifts that God has given mankind. But the gift of eternal life is offered through the Gospel, and that is the Word of God (Scripture, the Bible).
1 PETER 1
22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: [Note: Peter is referring to the truth of the Gospel, and that the Gospel must be obeyed in order to be saved]
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. [Here the Gospel is both the Word of God and the incorruptible seed of the New Birth]
24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: [Note: everything that is of the earth will pass away]
25 But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you. [Note: here the Word of the Lord is eternal and it is also the Gospel of our salvation]
Daniel 9:24 "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy."
1 Corinthians 13:8 "Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away."
Literally, prophecies and knowledge will be made of no effect (same word used). Tongues will stop.
John 17:1-3
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
I think these speak for themselves.
Much love!
1 Corinthians 13:8 "Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away."
Literally, prophecies and knowledge will be made of no effect (same word used). Tongues will stop.
John 17:1-3
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
I think these speak for themselves.
Much love!
Philip James
Well-Known Member
When a member says the scripture speaks of another jesus without supplying that scripture it doesn't give your argument much strength...I want to know where it speaks of another jesus...are you referring to false messiahs?
There is an idea taught by "anti-cult" ministers that Christ is defined by a person's academic knowledge of Him. The typical debate platform is then to say that a person whom as a different theological understanding of some part of the Gospel is then worshiping a "different Jesus" due to these theological differences and say that such a person is not a "real" Christian or saved. Typical verses thrown in to this debating platform are 2 Corin 11:4 and Galatians 1:8-9.
However, the one Almighty God of the universe is not defined by what a person academically understands about Him. We all have flawed understandings of Him. Yes, some are more flawed then others (some very very flawed), but that doesn't mean we should flame them-- no! We need to give these brothers & sisters in Christ a hug and help them come to understand and follow Him better.
