the greatest gift

There are many blessings and gifts we receive by being united to Christ through faith. Forgiveness of sin, adoption into God's family, answered prayers, family and church, just to name a few. Yet the Scripture consistently presents the greatest gift and blessing of the Christian life to be a Who, and not a what. The blessing is not a thing or any thing, but a Person...

"For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants." (Isaiah 44:3 ESV)

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13 ESV)

And Peter said to them, "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. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." (Acts 2:38-39 ESV)

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree'-- so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:13-14 ESV)

It is our calling to cherish his presence. We are to be led by him, filled with him, and careful not to grieve him.

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clement quotes hebrews

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