One of the main doctrinal beliefs in the American church today that I disagree with is the belief that the “sign gifts” are not the role of the church today and that their importance in today’s world has diminished since the time of the Apostles. Essentially, wholeheartedly refute the belief that sign gifts have ceased.
First, let us define what the sign gifts are. All of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (of which there are 9) are outlined clearly in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10:
To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
Thus, the sign gifts of the Apostles in the New Testament Church seen in the Book of Acts are typically considered to be tongues, prophecy, and anything miraculous. Today’s churches probably still believe that wisdom, faith, and knowledge are at work; but, they are skeptics of the hard-to-understand gifts such as miracles, tongues, and prophecy.
It is not right teaching to deny something we simply do not understand. This could lead to people rejecting the Gospel. Essentially, not understanding everything about God can lead to rejecting him and everything he has to show us. Rather, we should ask God, through the Holy Spirit and His Word, to better understand the Gospel until Jesus Christ returns as described in Revelation 19:11-21.
Ironically, people use as evidence of their belief regarding sign gifts no longer being at work today from the very next chapter in 1 Corinthians 13:8-10:
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail, whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
Now, their justification is that “the perfect” mentioned in this passage of scripture is the completion of the Written Word of God. While, I am not denying the power of scripture, the belief that the Word of God is “the perfect” alluded to essentially eliminates the ” sign gifts” of the Holy Spirit for the remainder of history.
In short, Jesus Christ’s Second Coming is what I believe “that which is perfect has come” is referencing (Revelation 19:11-21). While God’s Word is perfect and the Holy Spirit is perfect, it is being in the fullness of the presence of Jesus Christ (fully God and fully man) that will enlighten us to perfect understanding. When we go to be with the full Godhead in heaven, that is when we will no longer have need for prophecy or tongues, for we will have perfect knowledge of what God has for us in the New Heaven and the New Earth.
Allow me to provide you with a few scriptures that will show the double-mindedness of such an exclusionary view on sign gifts:
“[Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” ~Mark 16:15-18
Jesus clearly said “these signs will accompany all who believe” of which he clearly references tongues, driving out demons, and miraculous things: ALL WHO BELIEVE. Not just the apostle or the disciples, but rather the entire Body of Christ. The sign gifts did not die with the last apostle. They continue to this day!
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ~1 Corinthians 1:3-7
“So that you do not lack ANY spiritual gift” is Paul’s exhortation here in the first chapter of 1st Corinthians. This only further strengthens the view that all of the spiritual gifts, including the “sign gifts” are for today. To say that they are not for today is telling believers to disregard certain parts of scripture. God’s Word is the Truth for ALL TIME and for ALL PEOPLE. God does not play favorites but welcomes all to receive His favor.
Lastly, many in the church argue that sign gifts are not for today because they are not specifically mentioned in the final epistles before the book of Revelation. I would ardently argue that they are not mentioned because they were already hashed out in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Also, many of the final epistles were also not written by Paul. Additionally, there is no scriptures that come in conflict with what Paul said because God’s word perfectly builds upon itself. Rather, the following verse cements my argument regarding the sign gifts:
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.” ~1 Corinthians 14:39
For another great resource that aligns with my belief regarding the sign gifts, please check out the following article entitled, “Does the New Testament Teach That the Sign Gifts Have Now Ceased?” by Don Stewart (link).
My final exhortation is this: be wary of those who limit the power of the Holy Spirit or essentially “put God in a box.” It is not that these people are not saved or don’t love Jesus. But they may have certain motives as to why they believe the sign gifts are no longer at work today. They may have never experienced such a thing or have not seen it at work in their personal ministry. Your belief will dictate what you see at work in your life. If you believe the Holy Spirit does not work in ways that scripture clearly outlines, then you yourself are not likely to see these things, or be skeptical to the idea altogether. Be open to everything that Holy Spirit shows you through His Word and by His prompting in your spirit.
May the LORD richly bless you!
Luke 21 Ministries 