Thanks, and I agree that the gifts (including speaking in tongues) are still active today because the need is still here. In support of that idea I would point to Ephesians 4:11-13... verse 11 listing gifts (including prophecy), verse 12 stating the reason they are needed, and verse 13 stating how long they need to be here.
Because verse 13 hasn't been met, the purpose of verse 12 is still valid and the gifts of verse 11 are still needed. (as is also supported by anyone claiming teachers and preachers still exist).
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; <--("what" is given.)
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: <--(why they are needed)
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: <--(how long they will be here)
BTW, verse 13 clarifies that what is lacking is not a perfect WORD, but a perfect MAN (perfection in US, US perfect in him)
That's what I see about it.
-Kelby
Hi I would offer.
The perfect is debatable. it not as clear as what the sign of tongues represents or what it confirms. I suggest there are no laws missing in the book of the law, the Bible by which we could known God more adequately . No parts missing. Yet many say much is missing, the skies the limit have a experience etc. In the end the last chapter called a book Revelation remains the perfect. With the same warning of things being sealed till the end of time
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.1 Corinthians13:9-10
What part missing? A noise (prophecy) without meaning? or is that what the sign is against, confirming unbelief?
Yet for all that they still will not hear me Christ said. For all what other than prophecy I would ask?
Experience is not the validator of the unseen spiritual things .Prophecy (as it is written) alone is . Christ proved that in Mathew 4.
Today from my experiences it would seem to be the new age old age (from the garden of Eden) looking for an opportunity to make a appearance and draw men away from faith.
Like the question asks in Luke . When Christ comes in Spirit on the last day will he find faith or men with the experience of the imaginations of their own hearts as Genesis 6 typified as evil all the time (no faith) . Jesus says it is an evil generation that does seek after the things seen the temporal and not the eternal things not seen, the faith principle, called the law of faith
But if we look to the law pertaining to the sign usage through the scriptures as to how it apposes prophecy (walking by faith) we can decide what was the purpose of the sign what and it confirms, then looking at the perfect gives us a beginning place.
In the
law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 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.1 Corinthians
Why turn things upside down and walk by sight as if a our struggle was against flesh and blood the things seen???if its not against flesh and blood then flesh and blood cannot be a tool for defending the faith of Christ which does defend us.
Seems clear to me what is confirms. Looking to foundation of tongues in Isiah 28 gives us the reason why. Why those who seek after a signs and wonders gospel avoiding to look at the foundation seems to indicate something?
According to the law in respect to the "sign of tongues" and not the outcome of tongue "prophecy " as two different things .One blesses the other show a curse what does the sign confirm and who is the sign in respect to?
Signs appose faith that alone comes from hearing God through the scriptures. Jesus says it a evil generation that does seek after one but none were given but the sign of Jonas which has been fulfilled . Why seek after one before one will believe. Is experiencing a work we perform the new gospel? Or do all die not receiving the promise so we continue to walk by faith till the end.( Hebrews 11:38)
Again no one said prophecy in respect to the whole bible has ceased and neither has the sign against those who refuse to believe God . it is still a sign against those who will not believe prophecy but will do whatsoever their own mouth says . God mocking the Jew who mocked him by bringing new revelation in other languages of other nations.
The possibility of adding to the scriptures with some idea that tongues confirm a person believes God shows they turn things upside down and take away the understanding what the sign represents.