1689Dave
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Tongues and the Signs and Wonders Ceased, here’s why
“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.” (1 Corinthians 13:8–10)
What is the “Perfect”? It means complete, in Greek.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17) This passage carries with it the definition of perfection and completeness.
How did scripture outperform tongues in the first century? Peter said they heard the Father speak audibly in the mount. But then said scripture is better.
“And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation: for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:18–21 (NCPB)
So we see that Peter preferred scripture to tongues back when they really spoke in tongues. So when did the scriptures become the completed word of God?
The simple answer is: When John finished Revelation, the New Covenant scripture became complete. And from about that time tongues vanishes from Church history. Only one or two questionable sects claimed the gift. But no eyewitness accounts of it remain to date. It’s always hearsay with no first-hand accounts.
If you want more from scripture, consider this.
Many think tongues will end at the end of the world. But this is not the case. Paul says, "for we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when what is perfect [Or "when completion"] comes, the partial will be set aside." 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 (NET)
And after that happens, He says; "and now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NET)
Paul contrasts tongues, interpretation of tongues, and knowledge, which are to end, with love faith and hope which remain. If as some say, prophecy, tongues and interpretation remain until the end of the world, Paul's comparison is meaningless.
Paul also said; “so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation [apocalypse] of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreproveable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:7)
So we were to look for a Revelation [apocalypse] that would also confirm you unto the end. That is, there would be a revelation that would happen to confirm believers to the end, followed by the final revelation, the apocalypse at the end of the world.
John calls his book “The Revelation [apocalypse] of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John;” (Revelation 1:1)
Paul uses the same words. Calling it The Revelation of Jesus Christ that would also confirm us to the end. So was this the revelation Paul said was the cut-off point for seeking the gifts? History confirms the gifts ceased before and around the time of John’s Revelation.
Jesus said the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church. But today’s Charismatics suggest they did. Or all would have remained like the first-century church throughout history. But early on, God removed the gifts as Paul said.
In the times of the Epistles, Paul had many sick friends he did not heal. But gave them medicine instead.
One reason today’s claims of having the gifts are fraudulent is, the gifts came spontaneously in the first-century Church. But today Charismatics learn to mimic the gifts but have no fruit. Today’s “gifts” are powerless when compared to the originals where they raised the dead. Healed twisted limbs, birth defects, etc. The originals would become worldwide news every night if God still provided them. We see no evidence of the gifts in the pandemic.
Another reason today’s claims are fraudulent is, first-century tongue speakers knew what they were saying. Today’s tongue speakers haven’t a clue. The proof is that original tongue speakers edified themselves by speaking in tongues. Paul says the basis for edification is in knowing what is said. So they knew what they were saying. They interpreted tongues the same way a preacher interprets the bible, or the Supreme Court interprets the law. Interpret means they explained the meaning.
A big problem is, only the Apostles could give the gifts through their hands. The only exception was at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles and they spoke with tongues. And 7 years later at Cornelius’ house. The gifts were in fact a sign of Apostleship Hebrews 2:4. All other occurrences of the gifts passed through the Apostle’s hands.
Following is a list of the Holy Spirit Baptism and the effects in Acts. Notice that most did not speak in tongues
The Gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and thereafter
Given directly to the 12 Apostles
They spoke in tongues, prophesied, and performed signs and wonders in Acts
Given to Philip and Stephen by the Apostles.
They worked signs and wonders
Given to the Samaritans by the Apostles
Given directly to Paul being a sign of an Apostle
He worked signs and wonders
Baptism of the Holy Spirit Given to the Ephesians by Paul the Apostle
They spoke in tongues and prophesied
Given directly to the Gentiles at Cornelius' house
they spoke in tongues and magnified God
Apart from these instances, none are said to speak in tongues.
Christianity Haven “Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.” (2 Timothy 4:20) (KJV 1900)
“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” (1 Timothy 5:23) (KJV 1900)
“Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.” (Galatians 4:12–15) (KJV 1900)
(alternate translation of the above passage) “you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a physical illness. You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you. On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.” (Galatians 4:13–14)(HCSB)
“What happened to this sense of being blessed you had? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.” (Galatians 4:15)(HCSB)
“For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” (Philippians 2:26–27) (KJV 1900)
Paul left Trophimus in Miletus when he was sick (II Tim 4:20), and Epaphroditus was sick to the point of death (Phil 2:27). Timothy was encouraged to use wine for his stomach ailments (1 Tim 5:23). God never removed Paul's thorn in the flesh (II Cor 12:1-10).
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