No one alive today has the gift of prophecy, nor healing, nor speaking in tounges. Focus on the Word of God that comes from His mouth. Paul has alot of good ideas/interpretations but when Paul speaks, it is not the same as God or Jesus speaking. Matthew 4:4 "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (KJV)
So here we have the view that the sign gifts have passed away.
I know this promotes a strong gut reaction in alot of Christians.. but consider scripture.. just put your emotions to the side a little.. or at least simmer down
SO
1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 4.. both have points at which sign and ministry gifts cease. It isn't a matter of if they will cease.. but only WHEN.
OKAY SO
1 Corinthians 13 points to a time when the supernatural gifts of knowledge, prophecy and tongues will be done away with by something coming to perfection.. maturity or completeness.
What is this something?
1. It is referred to as a thing.. an object.. 'that' or the perfect 'thing'.. an inanimate object
2. It completes the purpose of prophecy and tongues and knowledge
3. After the point that these cease.. faith hope and love remain.
4. It allows people to be able to have a clear reflection of themselves
5. It is something that is in part.. that becomes whole.
Now.. none of these point meshes well with the second coming of Christ
Jesus in not an object or thing.. He is a real being an 'it' if you will
If it were the second coming there would be no need for faith hope and love.. because all saved would be perfected in heaven.
Jesus was never in part.. this is about something that is in part that becomes whole.
So what does mesh well with this? The Word of God.. complete.. matured.. fulfills the purposes of prophecy, tongues and knowledge gifts to speak forth God's Word. After the point that the bible is complete, faith hope and love remain. It does allow people to see a complete reflection of themselves.. it was in part in terms of not all the books were written.. but is now complete.. as the canon of scripture.
SO
Epheisans 4
(Eph 4:11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
(Eph 4:12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
(Eph 4:13) Till we
all come in the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the
measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
(Eph 4:14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
(Eph 4:15) But speaking
the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
unity of
the faith
knowledge of the Son of God
a
measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ
relating to
doctrine
allowing to speak
the truth
Well ummm what does this sound like? Hmmm.. oh yes.. the Word of God!
