Do you really believe that God expects ordinary people to make their way through fine distinctions? Gift means gift, whether in the NT Greek, or as we understand the ordinary meaning of *gift*. So if you wish to be *honest* then believe honestly that gift means gift.The modern use of the word "gift" has nothing to do with the Scriptural use of the word. When the Scriptures were written the word had a specific meaning and it is as I have pointed out. A gift and an offer are not the same thing. We cannot impose our modern use to words in the Scriptures as though they now mean and are used differently than when the Scriptures were written. We must, if we are going to be honest in our interpretations, understand the words as they were used.
Strong's Concordance (1435)
dóron: a gift, present, spec. a sacrifice
Original Word:δῶρον, ου, τό
Part of Speech:Noun, Neuter
Transliteration:dóron
Phonetic Spelling: do'-ron)
Short Definition:a gift, present
Definition:a gift, present.
So the issue is "Which is the gift -- is it salvation or is it faith?" Well Scripture itself tells us that it is salvation (eternal life), not faith. So where does faith come from? That too is revealed in Scripture. It comes from the Word of God itself.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:23).
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:17).
Upvote
0