The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts PDF

Chapter Six: The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts Our purpose in this chapter is not to go into a detailed examination of the spiritual gifts, but to present scriptural proof that the gifts of the Spirit are still in the Church today. It is truly ironic that despite the fac...

Chapter Six: The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts Our purpose in this chapter is not to go into a detailed examination of the spiritual gifts, but to present scriptural proof that the gifts of the Spirit are still in the Church today. It is truly ironic that despite the fact that literally millions will testify to the fact that God has indeed wrought miracles in their lives, miraculous instantaneous healings, blessings that cannot be explained, revelations, and deliverances, there are still critics and skeptics that will try to preach that the Bible says gifts have vanished. While there are indeed many who incorrectly label some occurrences and events “a miracle”, there are still many who correctly understand what a miracle is, understand the use and purpose of spiritual gifts, and as a result of faith, have seen the evidence of the supernatural manifestation of the Spirit in their lives and their congregations. Millions can testify that we have a living, prayer answering God, who does fulfill His Word and His promises which He gave. Some will argue that since there is no Holy Ghost baptism, there are no spiritual gifts. Others will argue that there are no spiritual gifts but God still gives the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Both views are incorrect. All that was promised and given to the first century Church 125 are available in the 21st century Church. The New Covenant has not ended so all of the promises and teachings of the New Testament are for us today. Philippians 1:6 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: God still gives the baptism of the Holy Ghost and there are still gifts of the Spirit. Millions of Christian witnesses are not liars, or deluded fanatics. They are recipients of God’s promises because of faith and belief in His Word. The Spiritual Gifts There are two main verses which describe the spiritual gifts set within the New Testament Church. They are Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.” And 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.” 126 These are called Charismatic gifts, after the Greek word “charisma”. This section will discuss only these “Charisma” or spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are probably among the most controversial of the topics that the modern church world chooses to contend over. There are those who claim that these gifts were never in the New Testament Church but the miracles and healings are symbolic only. Since this idea has very few supporters, we will ignore this position altogether. But the most common argument raised among non-believers, or, at very least, non-experiencers (which is the same thing) is that these gifts were only temporary in nature and were not intended to last beyond the first century, or what some call “the Apostolic Age.” However, even a very superficial examination of scriptures reveals that there is no mention of these gifts being temporary. There is no verse of scripture that in any way suggest a short time for the duration of gifts or suggests that the gifts were only available to the apostles and to those that the apostles laid their hands on. Let’s look at some scriptures that negate this “temporary gift” doctrine. 1 Cor 1:7 tells us, “So that ye come behind in no gift (charisma) waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” How long will this gift (charisma) last in the Corinthian Church? Until the coming of the Lord. However, was this promise limited to just the Corinthian Church, as some kind of spiritually enduring center of Christianity? No, for the introduction to this letter tells us that it was written (1 Corinthians 1:2), 127  “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord…” This letter was written to all Christians in every place that call on Jesus Christ. So, we see that to all Christians, the charisma gifts are until the Lord comes. Paul continues this teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:27-28, “Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” Notice that God has set all of these in the New Testament Church. The context of chapter 12 tells us that each of these are used to strengthen, edify and teach the members of the body of Christ. Therefore, as long as there is a New Testament Church, and as long as there are saints of the Church that need to be strengthened and edified and taught, these will remain. This also explains why people are unable to empty out the hospitals with miraculous healings. Although gifts are sometimes used as a sign to confirm the word, and indeed, as we are told in 1 Cor 14:22, “…tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not…” It must be understood that these are used in conjunction with the preaching, teaching and worship of God today. These gifts are set in the Church; not in the buildings, but among the believers, and are manifested as part of worship. They are to glorify God 128 and promote the Gospel, not serve the immediate needs of the flesh disjointed from faith and salvation. We are told in 1 John 5:7 that, “…there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” The apostles and disciples went and preached, and God worked with them with signs and wonders following. If the people that refuse to believe in spiritual gifts could understand this and open their hearts to preaching and teaching, then signs and wonders would follow them also. What about the argument that says that the purpose of spiritual gifts was to confirm God’s Word, and now that the word is confirmed, we no longer need spiritual gifts? This is the most common argument used to denounce spiritual gifts, but if people would search the scriptures, they would find that there are many other reasons for the wonderful and mighty words of God. The Bible tells signs, wonders and spiritual gifts are to: 1. Confirm God’s word. Mark 16:20; Heb 2:4 2. Manifest the works of God John 9:1 3. Reward faith and belief Matt 9:29; Mark 16-17 4. Convince unbelievers 1 Cor 14:22 5. A free gift to His Church 1 Cor 1:7 129  6. to profit the members 1 Cor 12:7,28 7. Edify the Church 1 Cor 14:2, 4; 1Peter 4:10 8. Edify the individual 1 Cor 14:3; Romans 8:26 9. Demonstration of the love and grace of God Romans 12:6-8 10. To resist the Devil Mark 16:17-18; James 4:7 Let us notice several things about these verses: While it is indeed true that miracles, signs, and wonders were important in confirming both God’s word and the Deity of Jesus, it is also true the scriptures teach us that this was not the sole purpose of the miracles. Why is it that people who purport themselves to be Bible scholars so frequently overlook all of the other reasons that are given in the Bible for miracles? Has the God of this world blinded their eyes to these other scriptures or are they just so bound down by tradition that they cannot see the truths of the Bible? Mark 16:17 does not say these signs are to convince people, they are to follow those that already believe. We are told in the book of Ephesians that Paul prayed (Ephesians 1:17-19) that, “…the eyes of your understanding being enlightened…and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power…” However, in 1st Corinthians (14:22) we are told that tongues are a sign not for the believer, but for the unbeliever. But prophesying is not for the unbeliever, 130 but for the believer. In other words there are different reasons or purposes for the different gifts. “Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.” Like so many other things given to the New Testament church, gifts operate through faith and belief. “These signs shall follow (accompany, not precede) them that believe.” Mark 16:15-18, Matt 28:18-20 and Luke 24:36-50 all record the Great commission that Jesus gave to the disciples after the resurrection. He told them to Go, Teach, and Baptize. Mark 16:15-20 tells us the words of Jesus: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that belief; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” The critics of spiritual gifts often try to divide these verses in the wrong places and consequently arrive at wrong conclusions as to what the verses teach. They 131 claim that verse 17 applies to the apostles only. But simple English and rules of grammar destroy that argument. An explanation of Mark 16:15-20: “And he (Jesus) said unto them (the apostles), Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized (the one preached to and believes) shall be saved; but he that believeth not (the one preached to but doesn’t believe) shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe (the believers; the Church, 1 Cor 12:28). In my name shall they (the believers) cast out devils; they (the believers) shall speak with new tongues; they (the believers) shall take up serpents; and if they (the believers) drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them (the believers); they (the believers) shall lay hands on the sick and they (those they laid hands on) shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them (the apostles) he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they (the apostles) went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them (the apostles) and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” It is the flimsiest of interpretation to try to make the gifts listed here only for the apostles. In order to do that one must jump backward from verse 17 to verse 15 and completely overlook the middle verse, or jump over verse 16. But some, in order to maintain their false doctrine, do exactly that. There are those who will correctly contend for the necessity of baptism today, but will then try to divide verses 16 and 17 because their doctrine does not allow for spiritual gifts in the Church today. If baptism is required for all that believe 132 today, then the signs listed follow all that believe today. That is what those verses declare. It is also particularly important to note that salvation was promised to individuals, but signs were promised to a group. We need only look in the Bible for an explanation of who the “them” and “they” are. 1 Corinthians 12:28 tells us, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” Paul wrote to the Corinthians to settle their disputes and to answer many of their questions. Chapter 12 of that book starts, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant…” There are quite a few people who need to read chapters 12-14 of the book of Corinthians for that very reason. They are ignorant of spiritual gifts and confuse the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the gifts of the Spirit. It is only logical to understand that you must receive the Spirit before you can have the gifts of the Spirit. But nevertheless, in this chapter he explains many things about the gifts of the Spirit. He tells them that there are diversities of gifts (v.4) and that the Spirit distributes them (v. 7-11). He explains to them that gifts are for the edification of the members (v. 12-27; 14:5) and then he explains that not all members necessarily exercise the gifts. He told them (! Cor. 12:29-30), “Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all 133  the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” This explains Mark 15:17-18. The individual that believes and is baptized shall be saved. But these signs are to follow them that believe. Not every Christian automatically becomes a miracle worker or an Apostle. But they should belong to a church where these signs are manifested and operating. God put these gifts in the Church and there is not one verse of scriptures that says that God took them out. It must be repeated here, and this cannot be emphasized enough, the baptism of the Holy Ghost is not a confirmation of doctrine. But, after receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost, one should prayerfully study the Word of God and be led into the truths of the Bible and away from the tradition of men. The question that must then be interjected here is, “If this verse says that not all speak with tongues, why would you say that all who receive the Holy Ghost should speak with tongues?” The answer is very simple: The gifts of the Spirit are manifested in the Church as the Spirit wills, through individuals who have already received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The initial evidence of receiving the Spirit is given to all. The sign of tongues is not the same as the gift of tongues. Also, as discussed earlier, (chapter five) tongues are the only scriptural proof that one has received the Holy Ghost. It is necessary to understand that in chapters 12-14 of Corinthians, Paul is not discussing the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the tongues that accompany that event. Remember, Jesus said that the 134 “sound” accompanies ALL who are born of the Spirit (John 3:8), “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” But when writing to the believers in the Church and discussing the gifts of the Spirit in the Church, he says that not all have the gifts (1 Cor. 12:29-30), “Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” The entire text and context of 1st Corinthians 12 is different than the experiences of the believer’s initial indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts. Again, there is a difference between the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the Spirit. Another argument that critics try to present in conjunction with Mark 16:17-18 is that since people speak with tongues then they should be able to pick up snakes and drink deadly things (poison). However, this is not as concrete an argument that critics like to think it is. The problem is not in the drinking of poison, it is with their understanding and application of the scripture. Remember this lesson: The Bible is its own commentary. The Bible explains itself. In order for one to understand Bible language, one must compare it with other Bible verses. Is there any verse in the New Testament that tells of a believer drinking poison and living? Is there any verse about a believer intentionally picking up a serpent without harm? Paul did not pick 135 up a serpent, a serpent attached itself to Paul (Acts 28:3). Since there is no Bible account of such an event, why then would critics suggest such a test as proof of the correctness of this doctrine? Critics must go outside the Bible and contrive situations that would appear detrimental to sound doctrine in order to defend the fact that they do not have faith to believe and that they preach false doctrines. It is amazing that people who do not believe in spiritual gifts and have not received the baptism of the Holy Ghost feel they are the most qualified to teach on these things. The simple answer to this argument is found by reading Luke 10:17-19, “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tred on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” In the Bible, serpent represents several things: Gen. 3:1 This is a type of Satan for he is so described in Revelation 12:9. Num. 21:6 It is a type of sin in all of its terrible effect on the people. Num. 21:8 It is a type of the Lord Jesus when He was made sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21) as He hung on the cross. (See also John 3:14.) Matt. 7:10 (b) This is a symbol of a harmful, injurious thing which the Christian, in his ignorance, thinks is good and profitable. The 136  Lord sees that he is mistaken in his request and so refuses to give it to him because He knows it would harm. God says "no" to the request. Luke 10:17-19 This word is used symbolically of a deadly, subtle, malicious enemy Both John and Jesus called the Pharisees and religious leaders “serpents” and “generation of vipers” (Matt. 3:7; 23:33). “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? “ “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” They were not talking to literal crawling animals. When Jesus said that “nothing shall hurt you” He did not mean that Paul would enjoy his beating or that the martyred apostles would not feel pain. He meant that nothing would detract them or deter them. We are told in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, not things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is Christ Jesus our Lord.” The word “poison” is mentioned eight times in the Bible (Dt. 32:24,33; Job 6:4;20:16; Psalms 58:4; 140:3; Romans 3:13; James 3:8) Deuteronomy 32:24 They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and 137  with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. Deuteronomy 32:33 Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps. Job 6:4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me. Job 20:16 He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's tongue shall slay him. Psalm 58:4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; Psalm 140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah. Romans 3:13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. In six of these references’ “poison” is used in connection with serpents and one time with dragons. One time it is used in conjunction with the tongue, and once in conjunction with the arrows of God. We understand then, in this context, that the Bible teaches that “serpents” refers to opponents of God’s Word and that “any deadly thing” refers to false doctrine. Another argument that is frequently presented is “If the first thing the Lord put in the Church has been done away with (Apostles) then the last thing (tongues) must 138 also be done away with.” However, this argument has two major weaknesses. One, if that were true, then also teachers, helps, and governments must also be done away with. No preacher will contend that teachers are not in the church today. Two, this argument assumes that this is a list in order of importance. There is nothing in the text or language that can support this view. However, even if this were so, the Bible tells us that it is appointed unto men to die once (Heb. 9:27). But the Bible tells us that the Gifts are without repentance (Rom 11:29) and to last until the coming of the Lord (1 Cor 1:7). So, the critics are actually trying to compare two different things; the office of apostle and gifts of the Spirit. There are further arguments that could be made to refute this teaching, but these two are sufficient within the scope of this work. Moving along… If indeed the Great Commission is still to be obeyed by the Church today, then who can be saved? Those that believe and are baptized. And the Lord went on to say, “And, these signs shall follow them that believe.” The same people who are to be baptized (believers) will also have the signs following them. How can anyone claiming to be a preacher or a teacher, with a good and clear conscience, separate verse 16 and 17 explaining that verse 16 is still applicable to us today, but verses 17 and 18 is not? The word “and” is a joining conjunction. It is used to connect two thoughts or ideas. How then can a person try to argue that Baptism is still commanded but that Spiritual gifts are no longer promised? Also, we notice from these scriptures that Spiritual gifts are for the edification of the Church and of the 139 individual. If indeed the devil or Satan has power in the world today, doesn’t it seem logical that the Lord would give to His people a way and means to overcome that power? Of course, it does. In fact, “speaking with tongues” and “casting out devils” are exclusively New Testament promises. In the Old Testament, the prophets of God could perform miracles, heal the sick and even raise the dead; but there was not a prophet that spoke in tongues or cast out demons in the Old Testament. That promise and power was not given in the Old Testament. But that power is in the Church today. The Bible promises signs and gifts today. And it is admitted that there are frauds and charlatans seeking to deceive people and profit from their lying ways, but that does not do away with true signs and gifts. Ask yourself this, if there are indeed lying signs and wonders in the world today (2 Thes. 2:9), doesn’t it seem logical that there must be honest or legitimate signs and wonders today? You cannot have a counterfeit dollar without a real one. You cannot have false prophets without true prophets. You cannot have false doctrines in the absence of true doctrines. Yet people think that there are false signs and wonders without the existence of true signs and wonders. When Moses went before Pharaoh, he was able to cast down his rod so that it became a serpent, but so were the Pharaoh’s magicians (Exodus 8:11-12). Shall we then put Moses in the same category as the magicians? Of course not. We understand then, that not only is it logical that there are still true gifts in the Church today, but that it is also scriptural. There is no verse of Scripture that says the gifts will cease to be given in the 140 Church. If the gifts are set in the Church, then the gifts will be manifested as long as there is a Church. Consider again these scriptures: Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe… As long as there are believers there are gifts. 1 Corinthians 1:17 So that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ… Gifts will endure until the coming of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal… As long as members of the Church need help there will be gifts. 1 Corinthians 12;28 And God hath set some in the Church…miracles then gifts of healings, helps. etc.… As long as the Church exists, there will be gifts. Romans 11:29 The gifts and calling of God are without repentance… Although Paul is in this case talking about the future restoration of Israel, he tells us that the gifts (charisma) and the calling of God are without repentance. Although it is true that due to unbelief and lack of faith it may seem to some, that the gifts are no longer in operation, history and testimony will prove that God has always had a people who believed in His word and that throughout history, there has always been a Church where the Lord gave gifts and worked miracles. Above are presented several scriptures that promise 141 and define the gifts to God’s people. There is even a promise given that the gifts are without repentance. And yet, despite the fact that there is not one clearly stated verse of scripture that says God has removed the gifts from His Church, there are those who would still contend that the gifts have ceased. This conclusion is not reached by the inspired, stated word of God, but rather this conclusion is reached by a misapplication of scripture and a lack of understanding and faith. Jesus told us in Matthew 22:29, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God.” There are many people who believe in Jesus Christ and the redemption He brings, but have never felt or experienced the power of God in their lives. This also is predicted in the Bible. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, we are given warnings concerning the last days. “This know also, that in the last days, perilous times shall come…for men shall be…having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” The Greek word for “power” in this verse is “dunamis”. The Bible says that some will deny the “dunamis” or “power” of God. In Acts 1:8, we are told “But ye shall receive power (dunamis) after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…” How can men deny this power if the Bible does not teach that men will receive it in the first place? It then seems very clear from the scriptures that there is a purpose and plan in God’s giving gifts to His people and that these gifts are not to be taken lightly. 142 Let us also consider the argument that a message once confirmed need never be confirmed again. The major weakness of this argument is that people do not distinguish between a promise and a confirmation. Critics overlook all of the other reasons for spiritual gifts and focus their doctrine on the gifts confirming the message. We have already shown many other reasons for the spiritual gifts. But careful examination of the “once confirmed, always confirmed” argument, reveals other shortcomings. Critics maintain that since Jude 3 which says that, “…ye should earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints…” The implication from the word “once” means “once, for all times, or forever. So, they contend that since the word has already and forever been confirmed, there is no reason for Spiritual gifts to be operating today. But, clearly, the Bible refutes that argument. In the book of 1 Kings 18”17-40, Elijah was disappointed that there were so many people who had forsaken the true God of Israel and followed after Baalim or Baal. So he decided to prove once and for all who the true God was. He said in verse 24, “…and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God.” Now, why would Elijah try to prove that Jehovah was God by using a miracle? If he had read Deuteronomy 4; 32-35 to the people they should have been convinced. “Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the Lord he is God; there is none else beside him.” Why did Elijah need to have God demonstrate his power since the message had been confirmed once 143 and for all time by the writings of Moses? Because in every age there are unbelievers and critics. Paul said that tongues were a sign to convince the unbelievers (1 Cor 14:22). He did not say that tongues were a sign to convince the unbelievers until the New Testament was finished. Along the same lines, examine 1 Corinthians 1:6-8 which tells us, “Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Why would they continue to have gifts once the testimony of Christ was confirmed? Why didn’t the gifts cease as soon as the people believed and were saved? Again, how long were these gifts to exist? Until the end. Until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Why would Paul write that the gift would remain until the coming of the Lord if he knew that they would actually cease in just a few years? Why would he tell the saints to “covet earnestly the best gifts” (1Cor 12:31) and to “desire spiritual gifts” (1 Cor 14:1) and to “forbid not to speak with tongues” (1 Cor 14:39) if he knew that these gifts would soon be taken out of the Church. In light of all of these admonitions, it seems a bit ludicrous to imagine that the spiritual gifts were intended to be only temporary. We must ask this, “Was the Bible inspired by God to be an everlasting covenant, a living Word, applicable to all generations and all people until Jesus returns, or was it written by men who did not know that the gifts would cease shortly, and thus wrote long 144 chapters explaining the use of the gifts needlessly?” The Bible tells us Hebrews 1:1-2, “God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken into us by his Son…” We know that these are the “last days”; from the Ascension to the Return, and we know that His Word is the binding covenant until His return. The writers wrote what God commanded them and God meant for His word to endure. It will take more than men’s philosophies, false doctrines, and feeble excuses to alter the Word of God. Also, let’s look at the example that the Lord gave us. Did Jesus believe the “once confirmed, always confirmed” message? Evidently not. Jesus knew that the law required two or three witnesses (Dt. 19:15, John 5:31-32). And he did miracles to confirm that he was the Son of God. But John tells us that he recorded those miracles that Jesus did so that we could believe that He was the Son of God (John 20:31) but then went on to tell us that (John 21:25), “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” Once again, God has always involved Himself supernaturally with his people, and we know Jesus repeatedly did miracles, signs and wonders to confirm Himself to the people of Israel. He did not convince just a small group and then quit, and leave the testimony to 145 them He did not say, “I have confirmed myself once, and therefore, need not do it again.” He did not say it then, and it is not true now. That Which is Perfect (1 Corinthians 13:8-12) While there is no verse of scripture that tells us that the gifts have ceased, and no verse of scripture that tells that the gifts will cease at the end of the “Apostolic Age”, there is one that tells us that the gifts will cease and tells us when. That passage is 1 Cor 13:8-13. “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know, even as I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; is the greatest of these is charity.” Does this passage teach that the spiritual gifts have now ceased with the completion of the New Testament? Although there are some who would try to interpret these verses of scripture to support their lack of faith, a careful reading of these verses show that Paul could not have been talking about the completed New Testament. First of all, we know and understand by the reading of verse 8 that Spiritual gifts will cease. Notice also, that 146 all three references to the gifts ceasing are in the future tense. So, we know that at the time Paul was writing this epistle, the gifts were still in operation in the Church. (The Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible has the date of the book about 59 AD. The Open Bible places the writing about 55 AD. The Wycliff Bible Encyclopedia has the date of the book as either 55 or 56 AD). So, about this time, we know that “That which is Perfect” has not yet come. The word “perfect” is from the Greek word “Te Telios” which means, “Brought to its end; complete; or finished.” So, we know that gifts will cease when that which is “complete or finished” is come. Now can “that which is perfect” refer to the completed New Testament? No. Observe: James 1:25, “But whosoever looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed indeed…” Here, James uses the word “perfect” to describe the Scriptures. He calls them “perfect” at that time. And yet, James did not have the completed New Testament to refer to, nor was James the last book of the New Testament to be written, it was among the first. Also, James wrote in 5:14, “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up:” If the power to lay hands had been removed, why did James include it in his writings; or actually it would be better to ask, “Why did God inspire James to write 147 those verses?” Nevertheless, it is significant to know that James described the scriptures as “perfect” even though his was one of the earliest books written. In Romans 12:2 we are told, “And be ye not transformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Here Paul uses the word “perfect” to describe the will of God. If the “perfect” will of God was already made known, why didn’t the gifts cease? Why is it that in the same chapter, verse 6, Paul talks about the gifts that were given? Why did Paul start the Epistle (Romans 1:11) saying that he wanted to come and impart some Spiritual gift to them if they were not needed? Another verse that can be used to refute this doctrine is II Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God… That the Man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” The scriptures were complete enough to make a man perfect when Paul wrote this Epistle, and yet he advised Timothy to “Stir up the gift” that was in him. Why didn’t that gift cease when Timothy read that perfect work? The critics of spiritual gifts say that the gift lasted until the last person the apostles laid hands on was dead because they had already been given the gift before the completed New Testament. But what they fail to realize is that the Church was given spiritual gifts before the completed New Testament, and that the Church would have these gifts until the Lord returns. There is no mention in the Bible of a coming 148 “completed Canon”. Also, there is no writing or letter from the time of the early Church stating that the gifts have ceased. Therefore, in the absence of any evidence, all arguments that teach that the gifts have already ceased are unscriptural and man-made. Therefore, in light of these scriptures, can we say that, “that which is perfect” or that which is “complete” is the New Testament? No. James told us that a man then could look into the “perfect law of liberty.” Paul told us that the scriptures could already make a man perfect. Paul also told us that we could prove the perfect will of God. So, it just doesn’t make any sense to try to say that “that which is perfect” could refer to the completed Bible. There was enough of the word of God around to be saved, know the will of God and be furnished to all good works. What then was lacking? Let’s consider another argument: Paul had an abundance of knowledge; Paul had been taken up into the third Heaven and seen things that he was forbidden to speak of…And yet he said, “Now we see through a glass darkly.” He said in Phil 3:12-14, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Paul knew the mysteries of God, and yet, he claimed that he “knew in part.” Can anybody alive today say, “Thanks to the completed Bible I know more than Paul?” I think not. Therefore, the completed Bible is not “that which is perfect.” 149 Let’s consider the verses of this passage individually: Verse 8 says that the gifts will cease at some future point of time. There is no disputing this. But, is what is being contrasted in this verse the gifts as partial compared to that which is complete? No. What is being compared is Charity (Love) and the gifts. That is the comparison. We see, “Charity never faileth, but…” this verse starts off contrasting charity and the gifts, not the gifts and something else. And indeed, Love will abide forever, but gifts won’t. When God’s plan is fulfilled, and He has forever conquered death and the grave, we will not need healing, miracles, tongues, discernment of spirits and the other gifts. But we will always have Love. We will always have Faith in the truth of God’s Word. And we will always have our Hope because He will always be with us. Verse 9 says that we know in part and we prophesy in part. Does any person alive know more than Paul about the will and plan of God?” Surely there is no person who would ever try to make that claim. Also, even with the completed Bible, there is not one person alive who can thoroughly exhaust any given subject in the Bible while preaching or writing. We still only know in part and prophesy in part. Verse 10 says when that which is “perfect” or “complete” is come then these gifts will vanish. My question is “does the Bible tell us that which is perfect is the completed New Testament?” The answer is “no”. James called God’s word complete before the last book was written. My next question then is “does the Bible tell us when all things will be completed?” Yes. Acts 3:20-21 tells us, 150  “And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” Also, 1 Corinthians 15:24 tells us, “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.” The entire plan of God must be completed before we can say it is completed. Thayer concurs with this understanding. In Thayer’s Lexicon, page 618, referring to 1 Cor. 13:10, he comments, “…the perfect state of all things ushered in by the return of Christ from heaven.” Also, not once are the words “come”, “comes”, or “coming” used to refer to the Scriptures, yet about 125 times these words are used in conjunction with the return of Jesus Christ. Also, in the Greek language “Te Telios” is a neuter singular word (a word that is neither masculine or feminine and not in the plural.) There is no neuter singular word in the Bible referring the Scriptures, book, letter, or completed work. The phrase “the Holy Scriptures” found in 1 Tim 3:15 is translated from the Greek “to hieron grammata” which is in the Greek a third declension neuter plural word. Even though this argument is based on knowledge of the principles of the Greek language and grammar, and most of us have no idea what this means, this means that the attempt to make “te telios” mean “the Bible” cannot be done according to the rules of translation. However, about 68 times Jesus is referred to with a neuter singular word. 151 Verse 11 says that when Paul became a man he put away childish things. What did Paul put away? He said that he thanked God that he spoke in tongues more than the others (14:18). This verse refers to the wrong conceptions he had about the things he once believed or did not know. For the very next verse tells us, (vs 12), “…for now we see through a glass darkly.” What is the glass that we see through darkly?” James 1:23 calls the Word of God a “glass.” Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:18 refers to the Word of God as a “glass”. But Paul says that looking into this “glass” (mirror) we see darkly… But then face to face. This phrase does not suggest that Paul is looking into a book. Ex 33:11 uses this phrase, “And the Lord spoke unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” It is a very far stretch of any language to suggest that face to face refers to looking into a book, especially in light of how that phrase is used in the Bible: Read these verses: Gen 32:30 “I have seen God face to face…” Ex 33:11 “…Lord spoke to Moses face to face…” Deut 5:4 “…talked with you face to face…” Exe 20:35 “…I will plead face to face…” 2 John 12: “come…and speak face to face…” 3 John 14: “and we shall speak face to face…” These and several other verses prove that the Bible uses face to face in a literal sense and not in a figurative, introspection sense. (This author has read several articles and debates concerning spiritual gifts in the church, and has yet to see a critic of spiritual gifts explain 1 Cor. 13:12.) This verse goes on to say, “Now 152 I know in part, but then I shall know even as also I am known.” What did Paul know in part that he later knew? What did Paul mean by “then”? When is the “then” of this verse? He died before the final book of the Bible was written, so it could not be the completed Bible. However, 1 John 3:2 tells us, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” Paul said, “Then shall I know even as also I am known.” God knows all about us, but we do not know all about Him. We do not even know what He looks like… But then we shall know. It would be a far stretch to say that I shall know even as I am known refers to the Bible. This exposition of 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 clearly explains the verses in context using clear book, chapter, and verse Bible references to explain what they mean. As stated before, it is possible to prove anything if one does not confine themselves to Bible answers to Bible questions. Is there one verse of scripture that talks about or has reference to a completed, written Bible? Is there one verse in the Bible that talks about the end of the “Apostolic age?” Is there one verse that talks about gifts being limited to the early church? No. Why then would some people preach these false doctrines? They do so to hide their own lack of faith or their lack of knowledge. Also, the theory that “te telios” refers to the completed scriptures falls when viewed in light of other scriptures. The critics that try to say that in the early church they did not have the full revelation of God’s will, and still 153 only knew in part, cannot claim that with the completed Bible we now know all things. Consider these scriptures: Daniel 12:9. “And he said, go thy way Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” 1Cor 4:5. “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart: and then shall every man have praise of God.” Rev 10:7 “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall began to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” We see then, that even with the completed New Testament, there are still things that we do not know. And, of course, no one knows more or sees clearer that Paul. Commission versus Gifts In the book of Matthew, the commission given to the twelve apostles is recorded. The language is very specific as to who these verses refer to. There is a specific group and a specific message, thus limiting this commission (Matt 10:1-8): “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are…These twelve Jesus sent forth… saying, As you go, 154  preach… heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils…” The language is very specific here. The Lord called the twelve and commissioned them to go forth and do miracles. Many people make the mistake of taking a historical event in the Bible and making it a doctrine in the New Testament Church. The Apostles had a commission to go and do miracles. Gifts in the Church do not reside in men, but operate as the Spirit wills. In the book of Luke, we read of another specific commission (Luke 10:1), “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city… And heal the sick…” These were direct commissions, referred to by scholars as the “Limited Commission”, given to the apostles and disciples to go and preach saying that the Kingdom of God is at hand This “Limited Commission” differs from what is referred to as the “Great Commission” of Matthew 28, which was given after the resurrection of Jesus. That commission was not limited to a certain number and was to be an age-lasting commission. In this commission, the command to go into all the world, teach, baptize and make disciples was given. A miraculous commission was not promised to individuals. Instead, a promise that signs would accompany believers (plural) was given. Along the same lines, Paul, writing to the Corinthian Church, spoke about “gifts set in the Church” not about “commissions given to every man”. It is true that the spiritual gifts promised to the Church are no less miraculous and wonderful than the ones 155 exercised by the apostles and disciples, but the nature of the conferral is different. To the eighty-two, a specific commission was given. To the Church, the promise of gifts was given. These are not synonymous terms, and this distinction must be understood to avoid wrong conclusions and false teachings. We must understand that several times in the Bible specific commissions and promises are given. We understand there are differences between specific commissions and universal ones by the use of other scriptures that confirm and extend specific instructions and promises to all believers. For example, Peter said (Acts 2:39) “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” By “rightly dividing the Word” we can learn and understand what is applicable to the believer today and what is not. Concerning spiritual gifts, we know that they are for the believer today because God has put them in the Church. A Final Thought We would conclude with these two thoughts from scripture: Judges 6:13. “And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? And where be all his miracles which our father told us of…” 156 Must the modern Church constantly cry like Gideon of old? Is it really possible that the God of all the universe, who has constantly demonstrated His power and influence over and for His people, in all ages, would in the final days, cease to do so? Gideon’s people had the written Word of God that was given to Moses, and yet they were grieved at the lack of miracles among them. And what about all the people who still refuse to believe or accept miracles in the Church? Paul said (1 Corinthians 14:37,38), “If any man think himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” 157