
Originally Posted by
alfalfa
Thus, taking your point, it would be prudent to specifically quote the teachings and works of Jesus. But Jesus himself didn't write his very Gospel. and how many gospels do we have now? and going back to my previous point, who decided that we would only consider four gospels? how about the other writings about Jesus? are they not "inspired"?
Unusual man tingali sa leaders, president, or anybody nga mo bisita sa usa ka lugar and at the same time writing chronicles about his visit other than his followers.
Regarding gnostic text............
The Gnostic Gospels preached what Paul would describe as another Gospel. Some Gnostic teachers taught that Jesus was Divine but not human, others the exact opposite and some that He never actually died on the cross but another died in His place. Really? Apparently so, but the problem is that an imperfect sacrifice would not atone for our sins and would also contradict prophecy from the established canon of Scripture!
Some of the Gnostic beliefs were part and parcel of the Greek philosophy of that time. The Gnostic Gospels preached a kind of two tier system of Christianity where knowledge is esteemed above faith. These were essentially gospels of so called hidden knowledge rather than grace! What did Paul write to the Galatians?
'BUT EVEN IF WE, OR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, PREACH ANY OTHER GOSPEL TO YOU THAN WHAT WE HAVE PREACHED TO YOU, LET HIM BE ACCURSED. AS WE HAVE SAID BEFORE, SO I NOW SAY AGAIN, IF ANYONE PREACHES ANY OTHER GOSPEL TO YOU THAN WHAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED, LET HIM BE ACCURSED.' (Galatians 1v8-9)
And what did Paul write to the Ephesians about grace through faith?
'FOR BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH, AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES; IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD, NOT OF WORKS LEST ANYONE SHOULD BOAST.' (Ephesians 2v8-9)
Gnostic beliefs were in circulation when John was writing his epistles also and he wrote.
'Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they be of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.' (1 John 4v2)
In reality, since from the start there is already a contest between true and false beliefs. Mao sad ni gusto nakong masabtan pag-ayo.