What Advantage?

What advantage then has the Jew ...? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles [logion] of God. For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar.
~ Romans 3:1-4 (NKJV)

In the beginning was the Word [logos], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
~ John 1:1,14 (NKJV)

When Paul poses a rhetorical question to ask what advantage there was to being Jewish, he did not first mention things such as covenants, or the Promised Land, or the lineage of David related to the monarchy of God's earthly kingdom. Paul speaks foremost of God's Word.

God's Word was entrusted to the Jews both in the Old Testament Scriptures, and in the person of Jesus Christ—the Word (Greek logos) Who is both God and God become Man. The Word of God is revelation of the plan, promises, and most importantly, the Person of God.

This is also the advantage of the Christian who believes the Bible is not merely a historical or philosophical book of some importance. It is not simply the "Owner's Manual for Life." It is not given to elevate man by the knowledge it imparts. The Bible is God's very Word—His logos—intelligent and eloquent revelation and reasoning from God Himself. It is certainly much more, but if it is anything less, then our religion of forgiveness and charity and selflessness is rightfully seen as on par with other religions.

What advantage then has the Christian? Much in every way! What sets Christianity apart is that to us is entrusted the Word of God in the Old and New Testament Scriptures—and in the relationship with Jesus Christ available to all who confess Him Lord by their testimony, and who believe in their hearts (and not with only head knowledge) that He is raised from the dead, a living God (Romans 10:9).

Living Word, You woo our hearts with your eloquence and beauty. You are all that is good and perfect and wise. You pull back heaven's curtain and reveal to mankind the Person of God, and we'd be blessed to know Him alone if nothing else. Thank You for all else You are to us. Thank You for being the Author and Finisher of our Faith, Who endured the cross on our behalf.

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