The greatest gift given to humanity

[JonC]

Another thing to consider is God's own glory.

It seems viewing Scripture as the greatest gift to humanity is too focused on man and not focused enough on God. It views the greatest gift to be whatever suits man the most.

But Christ became man, entered into our world, and glorified God. I cannot see a way that any gift is greater than Christ, not even the salvation of men.

 

[Iconoclast]

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

You are looking in the right direction for this reason;

God can only be known by means of a supernatural revelation of Himself. Apart from the Scriptures, even a theoretical acquaintance with Him is impossible.


It still holds true that "the world by wisdom knew not God" (1 Cor. 1:21).


Where the Scriptures are ignored, God is "the unknown God" (Acts 17:23). But something more than the Scriptures is required before the soul can know God, know him in a real, personal, vital way. This seems to be recognized by few today. The prevailing practice assumes that a knowledge of God can be obtained through studying the Word, in the same way as a knowledge of chemistry may be secured by mastering its textbooks. An intellectual knowledge of God maybe; not so a spiritual one.

A supernatural God can only be known supernaturally (that is, known in a manner above that which mere nature can acquire), by a supernatural revelation of Himself to the heart. "God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6).

The one who has been favored with this supernatural experience has learned that only "in your light shall we see light" (Ps. 36:9).

AW.Pink
Profing from the word.

 

[Iconoclast]

He continues;
God can only be known through a supernatural faculty. Christ made this clear when He said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). The unregenerate have no spiritual knowledge of God. "The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:14).

Water, of itself, never rises above its own level. So the natural man is incapable of perceiving that which transcends mere nature. "This is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God" (John 17:3). Eternal life must be imparted before the "true God" can be known. Plainly is this affirmed in 1 John 5:20, "We know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true." Yes, an "understanding," a spiritual understanding, by new creation, must be given before God can be known in a spiritual way.

A supernatural knowledge of God produces a supernatural experience, and this is something to which multitudes of church members are total strangers. Most of the "religion" of the day is but a touching up of "old Adam." it is merely a garnishing of sepulchers full of corruption. It is an outward "form."

Even where there is a sound creed, only too often it is a dead orthodoxy. Nor should this be wondered at. It has ever been thus. It was so when Christ was here upon earth. The Jews were very orthodox. At that time they were free from idolatry. The temple stood at Jerusalem, the Law was expounded, Jehovah was worshiped. And yet Christ said to them, "He that sent me is true, whom you know not." (John 7:28). "You neither know me, nor my Father: if you had known me, you should have known my Father also" (John 8:19). "It is my Father that honors me; of whom you say, that he is your God. Yet you have not known him" (John 8:54,55). And mark it well, this is said to a people who had the Scriptures, searched them diligently, and venerated them as God’s Word! They were well acquainted with God theoretically, but a spiritual knowledge of Him they had not.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

It might sound that way at first as it did to me. Take a moment and list the questions I have asked Y1, which he did not answer, and now several others.notice the answer for certain is only known by special revelation. This can be explored at length.

I've seen no post biblically establishing your OP claim, an unfounded assertion I am therefore addressing.

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

The Bible is of inestimable worth for those in Christ. No one here is denying that the primary source for what we know of Christ is the witness left by the inspired writers in the form of the Bible, and especially the NT.

But it cannot be shown from that source that any of them thought it or their witness greater than or even on a par with what they were witness to, namely God’s gift of his Son.

Similarly, the Bible does not elevate itself above that, or even place itself on that level, which is why you can find no Scripture to support your view.

Perhaps it may be stated more plainly, in terms more recognizable: to argue otherwise is to appeal to human wisdom, human reason, manmade philosophy.

 

[Iconoclast]

I've seen no post biblically establishing your OP claim, an unfounded assertion I am therefore addressing.
The Bible is of inestimable worth for those in Christ. No one here is denying that the primary source for what we know of Christ is the witness left by the inspired writers in the form of the Bible, and especially the NT.

But it cannot be shown from that source that any of them thought it or their witness greater than or even on a par with what they were witness to, namely God’s gift of his Son.

Similarly, the Bible does not elevate itself above that, or even place itself on that level, which is why you can find no Scripture to support your view.

Perhaps it may be stated more plainly, in terms more recognizable: to argue otherwise is to appeal to human wisdom, human reason, manmade philosophy.

It looks like you're asking is that something greater than God himself that's not the issue the issue is what was the greatest gift. We can know about God we can know about what Jesus has done in the Incarnation only through the scripture. Now you are right to ask for some scriptural support always so being it is the greatest gift because it reveals our God I think that is fitting that there should be more scriptural support offered.
I should be able to make more of a scriptural case this afternoon

 

[Miss E]

I say Jesus, as the living Word and the perfect sacrifice for our sins, is the perfect gift. Without Him all our hope would be in vain.

 

[JonC]

I say Jesus, as the living Word and the perfect sacrifice for our sins, is the perfect gift. Without Him all our hope would be in vain.

I agree.

The difference in the discussion here is the difference between knowing about God, or a knowledge of God, and truly knowing God. Scripture does not save us. A man could be saved with a simple explanation of the gospel using a poorly written tract. But a man can remain condemned having memorized the entirety of Scripture. The Jews were experts in Scripture. The rabbis would have committed to memory more than most Christians ever deeply study. Yet they did not recognize Christ and handed Him over to be killed at the hands of godless men.

If there were no Scripture and the only people ever saved was the early church, those thousands saved by God giving of Himself would alone constitute Christ as the greatest Gift given to humanity.

 

[Iconoclast]

In chapter 1 of 1peter 1:23-25 we are told we are born again through the word of God,which lives and abides forever.,it endures forever.
Then we are told
Now THIS IS THE WORD WHICH BY THE GOSPEL WAS PREACHED TO YOU.

Mankind only has true and accurate knowledge of God and His truth, as the Spirit quickened it at regeneration.
Isa8:20
Jesus answered the ideas and false philosophy of Satan In mt 4:4 saying
It is written, a man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
So God incarnate,the creator,sustainer,redeemer and judge, the living word ,and law giver....instructs us to live by the word of God...it is essential.
Again in verse 7...it is written.vs10 away from me satan, it is written
Satan the oppose sought to place doubt in mans mind since the Garden, Jesus the second Adam tells us the necessary antidote.
Some have pointed out the the Christ rejecting Jews had scripture but it did not help them. That is because of Spiritual death which we only know about by having the gift of the scripture.
In reality it is more of a combination of word and Spirit that God has wed together . The fact remains however the the word of God is the essential plumbline.Amos7:7-9.
Peter continues in2:2-3 saying desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow.
Jesus had already taught that the scripture was the main means and core of our sanctification.jn17:17..sanctify them through thy word,thy word is truth.
The Spirit uses the word of God written
If scripture was not given it would not be happening, That is why 1 cor2 is written.
As AWPink pointed out above,new birth, Spirit essential for us to welcome scripture. Natural men Cannot.
All the sign gifts in Acts were done to promote and credential the scriptures as the word of God. Acts 2:22-47,3:11-26,acts4:3-4 4:16-33

Ac5:1-14
6:7...and the word of God spread
14:3..the Lordwho was bearing witness to the word.
There will be much more,this is just a scriptural introduction.

 

[Yeshua1]

Great.....how do you know that?
One time I was having a conversation with a woman from India and she told me that can Genash is alive also ganesha's half elephant half woman and she claimed that ganesh was God so on what basis would I tell that woman that Ganesh is not the true and living God ?

The Holy Spirit reveals to the children of God that Jesus is Lord!

 

[Yeshua1]

You listed Jesus as a choice. You are arguing against those of us who chose Jesus. Greatest gift would mean all other gifts are inferior. You have been arguing The Bible is the greatest gift. Since you included Jesus and Holy Spirit as choices, you are arguing The Bible is greater than both of them. Dont start trying to move the goal posts.


(The poll was added after the thread had been posted with several responses)
Salty

Wouldn't that be a grave sin to elevate anything above the Trinity Themselves?

 

[Yeshua1]

Another thing to consider is God's own glory.

It seems viewing Scripture as the greatest gift to humanity is too focused on man and not focused enough on God. It views the greatest gift to be whatever suits man the most.

But Christ became man, entered into our world, and glorified God. I cannot see a way that any gift is greater than Christ, not even the salvation of men.

I am surprised that the Holy Spirit Himself is not votes, as both He and Jesus are God!

 

[Yeshua1]

I've seen no post biblically establishing your OP claim, an unfounded assertion I am therefore addressing.
The Bible is of inestimable worth for those in Christ. No one here is denying that the primary source for what we know of Christ is the witness left by the inspired writers in the form of the Bible, and especially the NT.

But it cannot be shown from that source that any of them thought it or their witness greater than or even on a par with what they were witness to, namely God’s gift of his Son.

Similarly, the Bible does not elevate itself above that, or even place itself on that level, which is why you can find no Scripture to support your view.

Perhaps it may be stated more plainly, in terms more recognizable: to argue otherwise is to appeal to human wisdom, human reason, manmade philosophy.

How can anything be worth more than the Truine God?

 

[Yeshua1]

In chapter 1 of 1peter 1:23-25 we are told we are born again through the word of God,which lives and abides forever.,it endures forever.
Then we are told
Now THIS IS THE WORD WHICH BY THE GOSPEL WAS PREACHED TO YOU.

Mankind only has true and accurate knowledge of God and His truth, as the Spirit quickened it at regeneration.
Isa8:20
Jesus answered the ideas and false philosophy of Satan In mt 4:4 saying
It is written, a man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
So God incarnate,the creator,sustainer,redeemer and judge, the living word ,and law giver....instructs us to live by the word of God...it is essential.
Again in verse 7...it is written.vs10 away from me satan, it is written
Satan the oppose sought to place doubt in mans mind since the Garden, Jesus the second Adam tells us the necessary antidote.
Some have pointed out the the Christ rejecting Jews had scripture but it did not help them. That is because of Spiritual death which we only know about by having the gift of the scripture.
In reality it is more of a combination of word and Spirit that God has wed together . The fact remains however the the word of God is the essential plumbline.Amos7:7-9.
Peter continues in2:2-3 saying desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow.
Jesus had already taught that the scripture was the main means and core of our sanctification.jn17:17..sanctify them through thy word,thy word is truth.
The Spirit uses the word of God written
If scripture was not given it would not be happening, That is why 1 cor2 is written.
As AWPink pointed out above,new birth, Spirit essential for us to welcome scripture. Natural men Cannot.
All the sign gifts in Acts were done to promote and credential the scriptures as the word of God. Acts 2:22-47,3:11-26,acts4:3-4 4:16-33

Ac5:1-14
6:7...and the word of God spread
14:3..the Lordwho was bearing witness to the word.
There will be much more,this is just a scriptural introduction.

No Jesus coming into world, Bible would be worthless!

 

[Revmitchell]

Icon you made a clear declaration and then have worked hard to defend it. The title of the op is a partial declaration but not a question. The poll you added is the only thing that gives room for options but even that is in direct opposition to your title and your op. If you intended it to be a question that is not clear from your title nor your op.

Iconclast I am still waiting for a response to my post.

 

[JonShaff]

I do not have much to say, but i will say this...

The Pharisees had the written word, and treasured it, and then nailed the Son of God to a cross. @Iconoclast, you are repeating the same mistake as the Pharisees.

And, can i just be honest here? This thread is dumb.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

In chapter 1 of 1peter 1:23-25 we are told we are born again through the word of God,which lives and abides forever.,it endures forever. Then we are told Now THIS IS THE WORD WHICH BY THE GOSPEL WAS PREACHED TO YOU. Mankind only has true and accurate knowledge of God and His truth, as the Spirit quickened it at regeneration....

Yes, that word is not the Bible but the Gospel, which is the Good News of God’s giving us His Son.
The message is not about itself but about Christ.

It is at least on the right track to say that the Holy Spirit and not Scripture makes the difference. Now add that Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit, that the Holy Spirit is also given to us, and that this is all made possible through God’s giving us His Son, and too that “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” (2 Cor 3:17).

This brings us back to the original point, namely that having given us His Son, God will graciously give us all things, including a greater understanding of His word through His Spirit. As I said before…

Without a doubt the greatest gift of the giver is himself, but with God this goes deeper than I can fathom.

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” –Romans 8:32.

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” –1 John 5:11.

“If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation: The old has gone, the new is here!” –1 Corinthians 5:17.

The emphasis must be on being in Christ, for it is from this all else comes. The blessings of the word are made manifest in Christ, are found in Christ.

 

[Yeshua1]

Yes, that word is not the Bible but the Gospel, which is the Good News of God’s giving us His Son.
The message is not about itself but about Christ.

It is at least on the right track to say that the Holy Spirit and not Scripture makes the difference. Now add that Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit, that the Holy Spirit is also given to us, and that this is all made possible through God’s giving us His Son, and too that “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” (2 Cor 3:17).

This brings us back to the original point, namely that having given us His Son, God will graciously give us all things, including a greater understanding of His word through His Spirit. As I said before…

The Trinity themselves are greater then the Bible....

 

[Iconoclast]

Icon you made a clear declaration and then have worked hard to defend it. The title of the op is a partial declaration but not a question. The poll you added is the only thing that gives room for options but even that is in direct opposition to your title and your op. If you intended it to be a question that is not clear from your title nor your op.

Did you read post number 90?

 

[Revmitchell]

Yes..
Originally I posted it as a statement,

Then why did you imply that the op was only a question rather than a declaration?

I myself violently protested this idea when it was first proposed to me over 35 years ago.
I argued that Jesus, the cross, the shed blood were superior.
As he engaged me head on, I had to adjust my thoughts to the scriptural revelation.
As the scriptural arguments progressed it came
down to what has God given us as a more sure word of prophecy.
Has he left us with hearsay, gossip,fables, not what he could have done, but what indeed has God done.
When we speak with a Roman' Catholic and they offer traditions, what do we tell them?
We say scripture says....
We do not say...someone told me!

Which has nothing to do with which is superior. Christ and His salvation is superior. There is no room for question on this.

The testimony (scripture) cannot be greater than that of which it testifies about.

Scripture is Gods own testimony of who He is. It cannot be greater than Him and that is what you are suggesting here.

 

[Iconoclast]

The Holy Spirit reveals to the children of God that Jesus is Lord!

How does he do that Y1.?
Did you hear an audible voice?
How do you know the Holy Spirit reveals things?
How do you know there is a Holy Spirit?
..how about answering what you have been asked before more mindless tweets.