"There existed believers in the Old Testament period who were also only saved through faith in Him. They did not have the New Testament Gospels, however, the crimson thread of redemption runs throughout each of books of the major and minor prophets."
There are people who go to heaven without ever having read a lick of Scripture at all, and who have only the simplest comprehension of what's in them. My point was merely that IF we take Scripture seriously and IF we use it to try and understand what God wants of us, the logical place one must begin is with what God said and did when he himself came to earth in the flesh. It doesn't make sense to have four books about what God himself said and did in person and not use that as the core reference.
Romans 16:25-26
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith—
Hebrew 11, culminating in verse 39
39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
Those of the OT who were saved, were saved by faith in God's promise of a plan for salvation. A plan He kept hidden until after it had been accomplished.
There are people who go to heaven without ever having read a lick of Scripture at all,
Romans 1:19-21
19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
EVERYONE is aware of God simply by the world around them. The bare minimum requirement for all men is to glorify Him and thank Him. From there, our responsibility increases based upon the level of enlightenment we receive.
It doesn't make sense to have four books about what God himself said and did in person and not use that as the core reference.
2 Timothy 3:16
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
John 14:26
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
The operative word in both passages is ALL. It doesn't say, "the gospels are a better source of teaching than the epistles", nor does it say "the Holy Spirit will guide you in better truth through your historical writings than in your letters".
Ranking Scripture is unacceptable and ungodly. It is All inspired by the Holy Spirit, and equally authoritative!
Agreed, in that by all mean's we have been blessed and graced with direct revelation from God the Son. He also is directly quoted in Acts.