Gift (1435) (doron) is that which is given or granted and stresses the gratuitous character of the gift. Anything given or bestowed. A gift is something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation. Something presented as an act of worship and/or devotion (Mt 2:11). Doron is used of offerings to God except in Eph 2:8 and Rev 11:10. In classical Greek doron referred to a votive (expressing a vow, wish or desire) gift or offering to a god (little g) or a gift from the gods, as well as a present given as a tribute or even as a bribe. Of the 166+ uses of doron in the non-apocryphal Septuagint, most are used in the context of an offering to God (cf Ge 4:4, Lev 1:2, 3, 10, 2:1, Nu 5:15, Dt 12:11, 1Chr 16:29, Jer 33:11, etc). Vine - doron is akin to didomi, “to give,” is used (a) of “gifts” presented as an expression of honor, Matt. 2:11; (b) of “gifts” for the support of the temple and the needs of the poor, Matt. 15:5; Mark 7:11; Luke 21:1, 4; (c) of “gifts” offered to God, Matt. 5:23, 24; 8:4; 23:18, 19; Heb. 5:1; 8:3, 4; 9:9; 11:4; (d) of salvation by grace as the “gift” of God, Eph. 2:8; (e) of “presents” for mutual celebration of an occasion, Rev. 11:10. (Gift, Giving - Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words) Mounce - It is most commonly linked with prospherō (see bring) as its direct object, and this construction likely infers the OT sacrificial system (See also sacrifice, thyō). In Jewish society such gifts were usually given through the priesthood (Heb 5:1; 8:3—4). Although a dōron was offered to God, Jesus questioned its sincerity and integrity when it is offered with a wrong motive or at the expense of proper obedience (Mt 15:5). (Mounce's complete expository dictionary of Old & New Testament word) In the Byzantine Liturgy, doron the offering of consecrated bread in the Communion. Gerald Cowen has a lengthy discussion on doron... Salvation is described as the gift of God in Ephesians 2:8. As such it is in accordance with grace and is totally apart from works: "not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph 2:9). Salvation is a gift that originates with God and comes to humanity complete, with nothing needed to be added. Persons are simply to receive the gift of faith. The Greek word that is used to denote this gift is doron, which means "a gift" or "present." Doron is from the same root as the verb didomi, which occurs 416 times in the New Testament. It has several other kindred terms. The verb form doreomai (present) is an-other derivation of the same word. Also corresponding to it is the older form dorema (present) and dorea (a present or gift). It is interesting that the accusative form dorean is used as an adverb to describe something undeservedly free. In classical Greek literature doron "denotes especially a complimentary gift."' It is also used to denote a gift or a dispensation from the gods. Conversely, it may refer to a gift or offering brought by men to God. Other meanings include a tax, tribute, or bribe. In the secular papyruses of the New Testament period, it is commonly used for a sacrifice to a god or an offering to the temple treasury. Presents from one person to another are also described by doron. Moulton and Milligan mention an interesting example of a thank-you note that says, "It was good of you, you sent me a present, such a beauty just husks!" The Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) uses doron to translate several different Hebrew words. (1) It refers to gifts from one person to another. Jacob gave a present to his brother Esau (Gen. 32:13). (2) In Judges 3:15 and 17 doron de-notes the tribute that Eglon, king of Moab, forced Israel to give to him. (3) In Deuteronomy 16:19, judges were for-bidden to take bribes (gifts) lest justice be perverted. (4) The most common use of doron in the Old Testament is to denote offerings given to the Lord (Lev. 1:2,10,14; 2:1). (5) Finally, it may refer to a gift from God (Gen. 30:20). Leah said that God had endowed her with a good dowry, her six sons. The kindred term dorea occurs only in the adverbial form dorean in the Old Testament. It most often means "without payment" or "without cause." David would not make an offering to the Lord that cost him nothing (2 Sam. 24:24). Saul wanted to slay David without cause (1 Sam. 19:5). In the New Testament doron occurs nineteen times. Once it is used to describe gifts exchanged between human beings. In another case it describes the gift of adoration that the wise men brought to Jesus (Matt. 2:11). Generally, it is used to denote a sacrifice or offering given to God. Matthew 5:23; Luke 21:1; and Hebrews 5:1 are examples of this use. Only once is it used to refer to the di-vine gift of salvation (Eph. 2:8). The usual word for a di-vine gift to humans is dorea. Jesus spoke of the "gift of God" in His encounter with the Samaritan woman (John 4:10). Dorea describes the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38); the gift of righteousness (Rom. 5:15,17; 5:16 uses dorema); the unspeakable gift, which is probably Christ Himself (2 Cor. 9:15); grace gifts (Eph. 4:7); and the heavenly gift (Heb. 6:4). Thayer makes a distinction between these two phrases: dorean theou (gift of God) refers to an expression of His favor; doron theou (gift of God) refers to something that be-comes the recipient's abiding possession. Whether this distinction can always be made between the two is open to question; however, it does appear to be generally the case. The word that most clearly underlines the free and unmerited nature of God's gifts is the adverb dorean. Eight times it occurs in the New Testament. Six times it means that something is given "for nothing" or "gratis." Jesus instructed the Twelve as they went out on their mission: "freely you have received, freely give" (Matt. 10:8). Paul said that we are "justified freely by his grace" (Rom. 3:24). Twice Paul said he labored with his own hands so that the gospel might be without charge (2 Cor. 11:7; 2 Thess. 3:8). Twice Jesus said in Revelation that whoever is thirsty may take the "water of life freely" (Rev. 21:6; 22:17). In John 15:25 dorean means "without cause," and in Galatians 2:21 it means "for nothing" or "in vain." God's gifts to us are prominent in the New Testament. He has given us eternal life (John 10:28). He has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). He has given spiritual gifts for the carrying on of the work of the church (Eph. 4:8,11-12). But the greatest gift is the Unspeakable One Himself (2Cor. 9:15). He has given His "only begotten Son" for us (John 3:16). All He wants of us who have received the gift of eternal life is that we offer ourselves to Him (Ro. 12:1-2; 2Cor. 8:5). This is the "only legitimate `offering' which can and should be brought by men to God." (Salvation- Word Studies from the Greek New Testament) See Thayer's Greek- dóron See Bible Dictionary discussions of "Gift" And all of it is the gift of God, even the faith that lays hold of God’s grace. Even our faith is not of us. It too is part of God’s gift. As Martin Luther said, our situation is so hopeless that salvation must come from "another place." That’s why the Reformers talked about "alien righteousness." That means a righteousness that comes from outside ourselves. We are not saved by what we do but by what Jesus Christ has done for us and makes freely available to us by faith. Doron - 19x in 17v - NAS = gift(1), gifts(8), given(2), offering(8). Matthew 2:11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 5:23 "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Matthew 8:4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." Matthew 15:5 "But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God," Matthew 23:18 "And, 'Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering on it, he is obligated.' 19 "You blind men, which is more important, the offering, or the altar that sanctifies the offering? Mark 7:11 but you say, 'If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),' Easton's Dictionary - Corban is a Hebrew word adopted into the Greek of the New Testament and left untranslated. It occurs only once (Mark 7:11). It means a gift or offering consecrated to God. Anything over which this word was once pronounced was irrevocably dedicated to the temple. Land, however, so dedicated might be redeemed before the year of jubilee (Lev. 27:16-24). Our Lord condemns the Pharisees for their false doctrine, inasmuch as by their traditions they had destroyed the commandment which requires children to honour their father and mother, teaching them to find excuse from helping their parents by the device of pronouncing "Corban" over their goods, thus reserving them to their own selfish use. (See discussions of Corban) Luke 21:1 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. Luke 21:4 for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on." Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. 4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; Hebrews 9:9 which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. Revelation 11:10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. Doron - 166 verses in non-apocryphal Septuagint - Ge 4:4 (first use describes Abel's "offering"); Ge 24:53; 30:20; 32:13, 18, 20f; 33:10; 43:11, 15, 25f; Exod 23:7f; Lev 1:2f, 10, 14; 2:1, 4f, 7, 12f; 3:1f, 6ff, 12; 4:23, 32; 5:11; 6:20; 7:13f, 16, 29, 38; 9:7, 15; 17:4; 21:6, 8, 17, 21f; 22:18, 25, 27; 23:14; 27:9, 11; Num 5:15; 6:14, 21; 7:3, 10ff, 17, 19, 23, 25, 29, 31, 35, 37, 41, 43, 47, 49, 53, 55, 59, 61, 65, 67, 71, 73, 77, 79, 83; 9:7, 13; 15:4, 25; 18:9; 28:2, 24; 31:50; Deut 10:17; 12:11; 16:19; 27:25; Judg 3:15, 17f; 5:19; 1 Sam 8:3; 10:27; 1 Kgs 3:1; 4:20; 10:25; 15:19; 2 Kgs 16:8; 1 Chr 16:29; 18:2, 6; 2 Chr 9:24; 17:5, 11; 19:7; 26:8; 32:23; Neh 13:31; Job 8:20; 20:6; 31:7; 36:18; Ps 15:5; 26:10; 45:11; 68:29; 72:10; 76:11; Prov 4:2; 6:35; 15:27; 17:23; 21:14; 22:9; Isa 1:23; 5:23; 8:20; 18:7; 33:15; 39:1; 45:13; 66:20; Jer 33:11; 40:4; 51:59; Ezek 20:39; 22:12; Dan 11:39; Hos 8:9; Amos 5:11; Mic 3:11:10 Of God - the genitive (possessive) is emphasized by its position before the noun and stands in emphatic contrast with the personal pronoun "yourselves". Salvation is all of God! Wayne Grudem explains salvation is by grace alone and not on account of any merit in ourselves... After Paul explains in Romans 1:18-3:20 that no one will ever be able to make himself righteous before God (“For no human being will be justified in his sight by works of the law,” Ro 3:20-note), then Paul goes on to explain that “since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Ro 3:23, 24). God’s “grace” means his “unmerited favor.” Because we are completely unable to earn favor with God, the only way we could be declared righteous is if God freely provides salvation for us by grace, totally apart from our work. Paul explains, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9; cf. Titus 3:7-note). Grace is clearly put in contrast to works or merit as the reason why God is willing to justify us. God did not have any obligation to impute our sin to Christ or to impute Christ’s righteousness to us; it was only because of his unmerited favor that he did this. (Grudem, W: Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. IVP; Zondervan, 1994 or computer format) Rock of Ages Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling; Naked, come to thee for dress, Helpless, look to thee for grace; Foul, I to the Fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee. (play) ><> ><> ><> "It's Too Easy" - I read about an instant cake mix that was a big flop. The instructions said all you had to do was add water and bake. The company couldn't understand why it didn't sell—until their research discovered that the buying public felt uneasy about a mix that required only water. People thought it was too easy. So the company altered the formula and changed the recipe to call for adding water and an egg to the mix. The idea worked, and sales jumped dramatically. That story reminds me of how some people react to the plan of salvation. To them it sounds too easy and simple to be true, even though the Bible says, "By grace you have been saved through faith, . . . it is the gift of God, not of works" (Ephesians 2:8, 9). They feel that there is something more they must do, something they must add to God's "recipe" for salvation. They think they must perform good works to gain God's favor and earn eternal life. But the Bible is clear—we are saved "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy" (Titus 3:5-note). Unlike the cake-mix manufacturer, God has not changed His "formula" to make salvation more marketable. The gospel we proclaim must be free of works, even though it may sound too easy. —Richard De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved) Salvation is a gift of God, Not something earned or won; He freely gives eternal life To all who trust His Son. —Sper We are saved by God's mercy, not by our merit— by Christ's dying, not by our doing. ><> ><> ><> "No Fair!" - Suppose a non-Christian murders another unbeliever. The victim would go to hell (Ro 6:23-note; Re 20:11-15-notes). If the killer later receives Christ as his Savior, he would go to heaven. Is that fair? From a purely human standpoint, we respond, "No, it isn't!" But God's ways are far higher than our ways (Isa. 55:9), and He does not deal with us according to our sins (Ps 103:10-Spurgeon's note). If God were to execute justice without mercy and grace, we would all be lost. In His mercy He does not give us what we deserve, and by His grace He gives us what we don't deserve. Even though God demands perfection, He doesn't leave us without hope. God has designed a plan of redemption in which He can both "be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (Ro 3:26-note). His perfect standard is satisfied by the perfect sacrifice--His own Son Jesus Christ. The result? "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Ro 8:1-note). No one can rightly accuse God of being unfair. His free offer of salvation is open to everyone. If we do not receive His gift of mercy, we will surely face His judgment. God's grace makes it fair. --R W De Haan (Ibid) Favor to the undeserving, Love, when from God we have turned, Mercy, when His love we've spurned-- That's God's grace! --Anon. Grace: Getting what we don't deserve. Mercy: Not getting what we do deserve ><> ><> ><> A Remarkable Life -This is the story of a man with whom I worked. David was a remarkable man. Remarkable in his steady demeanor through 33 years of service with the same ministry. Remarkable in his gentle, caring love for his wife of 30 years. Remarkable in his unwavering dedication to his children--through triumph and trouble. Remarkable in the respect he earned from co-workers and acquaintances. Remarkable in that when he died too suddenly and too soon at age 56, no one had anything bad to say about him. Remarkable! Yet as friends and family sat in solemn silence at the funeral, David's pastor put his life in perspective. Family members had extolled David's character and comforted everyone with the assurance that he was in heaven. Then the pastor said, "None of the good things David did earned him one second in heaven. He is there because he accepted God's salvation through Christ." It's true. No matter how remarkable our lives are, we cannot earn heaven. It's a gift. Examine your life. As religious and well-loved as you may be, you won't go to heaven unless you accept God's gift of eternal life. Ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins. That will make your life truly remarkable. --J D Branon (Ibid) The ABCs Of Salvation Admit you're a sinner (Ro 3:23-note). Believe in Christ who died for you (Jn. 3:16). Confess Him as Savior and Lord (Ro 10:9, 10-notes 10:9; 10). The most exemplary life is nothing without Christ. ><> ><> ><> Not of yourselves - A marshal in Napoleon's army -- a man who was devotedly and enthusiastically attached to him -- was mortally wounded in battle. As the last struggle drew near and he lay dying in his tent, he sent for his chief. Napoleon came. The poor man thought his emperor could do anything. Perhaps he even sought to put him in the place of God. So he earnestly pleaded with his leader to save his life. The emperor sadly shook his head and turned away. But as the dying man felt the cold, merciless hand of death drawing him irresistibly behind the curtain of the unseen world, he was still heard to shriek out, "Save me, Napoleon! Save me!" In the hour of death, that soldier discovered that even the powerful Napoleon could not give him physical life. (Ibid) ><> ><> ><> The Gift of God - During the Spanish-American War, Clara Barton was overseeing the work of the Red Cross in Cuba. One day Colonel Theodore Roosevelt came to her, wanted to buy food for his sick and wounded Rough Riders. But she refused to sell him any. Roosevelt was perplexed. His men needed the help and he was prepared to pay out of his own funds. When he asked someone why he could not buy the supplies, he was told, "Colonel, just ask for it!" A smile broke over Roosevelt's face. Now he understood--the provisions were not for sale. All he had to do was simply ask and they would be given freely. (Ibid) "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/ephesians_28-9.htm#g