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Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).
With the New Testament inspired by Creator God, we should expect it to have a unique brilliance unmatched by any other writing in history. For decades I’ve taken notes on why the New Testament is incomparable. Below I’ve turned my notes into a list.
- Written for us! Most books on philosophy and other important matters delve so deeply that few can understand them. One of the most influential philosophers of all time was Immanuel Kant, and he’s so austerely erudite that universities have classes not on Kant’s philosophy but on understanding Kant himself. Yet the most brilliant Book in history can be plainly read by anyone.
- The “Gospels” Style of Writing. Nowhere in classical history can you find the literary genre of “Gospel Writing,” as it’s a unique blend of historical narrative, Jewish prophecy, theological proclamation, parables, the supernatural, and compassionate works that was either invented by rather uneducated Jews or inspired by the Spirit.
- The Best Short Story Ever. Charles Dickens wrote that “The Return of the Prodigal” is the finest story ever written. Another English poet laureate proclaimed it as a “flawless piece of art.” About 500 words (the size of a typical Interruption), the story fully develops three characters (father, rebellious son, and self-righteous brother) with structural genius by twisting the story from the sin of the rebellious son to the even worse condition of the self-righteous brother.
- The Beatitudes. For thousands of years, many theologians, philosophers, and even more current human rights advocates have proclaimed the Beatitudes as the best, highest, and most revolutionary moral code ever written. Even Mahatma Gandhi said they went straight to his heart and could solve all the world’s problems.
- 1 Corinthians 13. Proclaimed by many as the most beautiful and influential writing on love. It’s not an emotional, frothy love, as this chapter calls us to action, and not just understanding love, but living a life where others are more important than self. Is there a better description of love than…
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends… (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, ESV).
- Incomparable Grace. I saved the best for last. Though grace or the giving of gifts was a known concept in the ancient world (with those gifts given to those who earned them), Jesus upended this concept with grace given freely, even to those without merit. The New Testament lavishes grace on those who don’t deserve it.
That’s it — six reasons. There’s nothing like the New Testament!
Amen! Read it, pray it, meditate on it.
My daily plan.