Topical Bible: Gods Gifts

◄ Gods Gifts ►

Jump to: Topical • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of God's gifts is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the benevolence and grace of God towards humanity. These gifts are diverse, encompassing spiritual, physical, and eternal blessings bestowed upon individuals and communities.

Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the Church and serving others. The Apostle Paul provides a detailed discussion of these gifts in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 , Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).

The Gift of Salvation

The most significant gift from God is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This gift is central to Christian faith and is described as a manifestation of God's grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Salvation is offered freely to all who believe in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that it is not earned by human effort but is a divine gift.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is another profound gift from God, promised by Jesus to His followers. In Acts 2:38 , Peter declares, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit empowers believers, guiding them in truth, providing comfort, and enabling them to live a life that honors God.

The Gift of Eternal Life

Eternal life is a gift that transcends the temporal nature of human existence. Romans 6:23 contrasts the consequences of sin with the hope found in Christ: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This gift assures believers of a future with God, free from the suffering and limitations of earthly life.

Material and Temporal Gifts

While spiritual gifts are emphasized, the Bible also acknowledges material and temporal gifts from God. James 1:17 reminds believers, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." This verse highlights that all good things, including material blessings, are ultimately from God.

The Purpose of God's Gifts

God's gifts are given for the edification of the Church, the advancement of His kingdom, and the benefit of others. Believers are encouraged to use their gifts responsibly and generously. In 1 Peter 4:10 , it is written, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This stewardship reflects the call to live in a manner that glorifies God and serves the community.

Conclusion

The gifts of God, whether spiritual, physical, or eternal, are expressions of His love and grace. They are intended to draw believers closer to Him, equip them for service, and assure them of His eternal promises.

Topical Bible Verses

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Topicalbible.org

Acts 2:1-47
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Topicalbible.org

Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Topicalbible.org

Library

But Perhaps Some one Will Say, we Give to the Gods Sacrifices and ...
... Book VII. 10 But perhaps some one will say, We give to the gods sacrifices
and other gifts? But perhaps some one will say, We ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/10 but perhaps some one.htm

The Reasons by which the Pagans Attempt to Defend their ...
... Book IV. Chapter 24."The Reasons by Which the Pagans Attempt to Defend Their
Worshipping Among the Gods the Divine Gifts Themselves. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 the reasons by which.htm

But this Crime is not Enough: the Persons of the Most Sacred Gods ...
... And to the debauched scoffers [4265] at the gods gifts and presents are ordained,
ease, freedom from public burdens, exemption and relief, together with ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/36 but this crime is.htm

That Although not Understanding them to be the Gifts of God, they ...
... what necessity was there on account of these gifts, either of soul, or body, or
outward estate, to worship and invoke so great a crowd of gods, all of whom I ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 21 that although not understanding.htm

History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2
... Egyptian feudalism: the status of the lords, their rights, their amusements, their
obligations to the sovereign -- The influence of the gods: gifts to the ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 2/title page.htm

How There is no Reason which Can be Shown for the Selection of ...
... Yet these select gifts are not given by select gods, but by certain unknown,
and, considering their dignity, neglected gods. But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 3 how there is no.htm

Concerning Felicity, whom the Romans, who Venerate Many Gods, for ...
... it, and that hurtful multitude of false gods must be abandoned which the vain multitude
of foolish men follows after, making gods to itself of the gifts of God ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 23 concerning felicity whom the.htm

Letter v. --For 333. Easter-Day , Coss. Dalmatius and Zenophilus ...
... Maii, xx Pharmuthi; xv Moon; vii Gods; ??ra Dioclet. ... received from Him, this being
especially of His grace, that He should require, as from us, His own gifts. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter v for 333 easter-day.htm

Porphyry's Account of the Responses Given by the Oracles of the ...
... And the soul you inquire about has been the fatal cause of error to other souls
which were not fated to receive the gifts of the gods, and to have the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 23 porphyrys account of the.htm

Of those who Maintain that they Worship the Gods not for the Sake ...
... which it acknowledges to be vain and ridiculous with respect to those very temporal
and swiftly passing gifts, over each of which one of these gods is said to ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 1 of those who maintain.htm