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Enjoying God Blog

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I often hear from my cessationist friends that Hebrews 2:3-4 speaks against the notion that the so-called miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are still operative today. Continue reading . . .

I often hear from my cessationist friends that Hebrews 2:3-4 speaks against the notion that the so-called miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are still operative today. The author of Hebrews says that the gospel message “was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” So let’s look more closely at this important passage.

The urgency of paying close attention to this great salvation and fixing our faith on Jesus alone is of massive importance because of the way God confirmed the truth of the gospel. Notice that there are three stages in this process of confirmation.

(1) Jesus Christ himself declared that he had come to save sinners. His word of forgiveness and redemption for those who trust and treasure him was proclaimed loudly and clearly and with the self-authenticating power of his divine authority.

(2) Those who were eyewitnesses to Jesus while he was on the earth, who saw him and heard him and walked with him, in turn told us about their experience. They bore testimony that all he did and said was real and true. They were present when he cleansed the lepers and drove out demons and walked on water and refuted the Pharisees and raised the dead.

(3) In turn, God the Father also bore witness to the truth of this message of salvation by granting signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Such displays of divine power confirmed and attested to the reality of all that Jesus claimed to be.

Let me say three quick things about this that many misunderstand.

First, there is nothing in this passage that suggests God cannot or does not or will not continue to attest to and confirm the truth of the gospel through supernatural spiritual displays of power. Some try to argue that since we have the Bible we no longer need such miracles or spiritual gifts to confirm the truth of the gospel. But the Bible itself nowhere says that! Nowhere in Scripture are we told that the Bible replaces miracles or that the gospel cannot still be confirmed by supernatural displays of power. Nowhere! If supernatural displays of power and the operation of spiritual gifts confirmed the truth of the gospel of salvation back then, why could they not continue to do so today?

Second, the word translated “bore witness” sounds as if it is in the past tense, as if to suggest that God used to do this, that in the past he formerly bore witness by signs and wonders, but that he no longer does so in the present day. But the participle translated “bore witness” is in the present tense in Greek. Although that doesn’t prove my point, it certainly makes room for it (both grammatically and theologically). It means that it is entirely within the realm of possibility that even in the time during which the recipients of this letter were living God was still bearing witness to the truth of the gospel through signs, wonders, miracles, and spiritual gifts.

Third, even if God no longer uses miraculous events to confirm or attest to the truth of the gospel (although I believe he does), such spiritual gifts have other purposes they serve. Paul clearly teaches that all spiritual gifts, even the more overtly miraculous ones, serve the “common good” or are for the benefit and building up of the body of Christ (see 1 Cor. 12:7-10). The gift of prophecy is designed by God to encourage, console, and edify believers (1 Cor. 14:3). Every spiritual gift is used to strengthen and build up believers in the church. And that is a purpose they serve that will never come to an end until Jesus himself returns in the clouds.

In other words, while acknowledging that supernatural displays of miraculous power served to authenticate and confirm the truth of the gospel, never think that such was their only purpose. Nowhere does the NT reduce the purpose of the miraculous to attestation and confirmation. Nowhere!

Of course, it is always possible for you to doubt the truthfulness of such claims. You may be inclined to say, “Why should I believe anything Jesus said? Maybe he was lying. Or maybe he never even said what the NT says he said; after all, it could have been fabricated by the early church. And why should we believe what his followers said about him? Maybe they made it up. It could all have been a conspiracy on their part to elevate Jesus to the status of God. And maybe all those alleged miracles and spiritual gifts were sleight of hand. I’ve seen magicians in Las Vegas do some incredible things, all of which were just misdirection and deception.”

Sure, there is always the possibility that such is the case. So why do I affirm the high degree of probability that Jesus is who Hebrews says he is and that he accomplished for sinners what it says he accomplished?

I could begin by enumerating for you the countless lines of historical, archaeological, philosophical, and logical evidence for the truth claims of Christ. I could talk about how OT prophecy is so remarkably fulfilled in the NT, how only a bodily resurrection accounts for the empty tomb, how Christian theism alone makes sense of the existence of the universe and its undeniably remarkable design, how we have no other way to explain the emergence of the early Christian movement and its phenomenal growth through the centuries, and so on seemingly without end.

But in the final analysis the only thing that will lead you to embrace the truth of who Jesus Christ claims to be so that you will put your faith in what he has claimed to do is the work of the Holy Spirit in opening your eyes and shining into your heart and soul the knowledge of the glory of God as revealed in Jesus. This is Paul’s word to us in 2 Corinthians 4:6, and it is my prayer as well if you do not yet see in Jesus the Son of God, the heir of all things, the creator of the universe, the radiant expression of God’s glory and exact imprint of his character, the one who is carrying all things to their proper end by the word of his power, the one who has made purification for sins and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6).

We pray, O Father, shine this light into every heart and drive out the darkness of rebellion, skepticism, and unbelief, and grant us sight of your glory as revealed in the face of Jesus.

8 Comments

Should I be like John Piper and pray often that I receive the gift of tongues? Seems rather insulting to God to beg over and over for something that edifies myself if my chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.

Arguing from silence can be a dangerous thing. But you must understand that you're doing the very same thing when you offer no text that supports your belief. In fact, this text disputes it(1 Cor. 14).

Whether Jesus did or did not speak in tongues is immaterial. The Bible doesn't mention He did, so I can accept that as truth until proven otherwise, which won't be on this side of heaven.

However, whether He did or didn't, Jesus, or no one for that matter, gave us a command to not practice them. In fact, I'll say it again, we are commanded to "earnestly desire" the gifts of the Spirit:

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. (‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭1-5‬ ESV)

That is a command to pursue those gifts, not that all will receive them or any of them. We are still commanded to pursue them and subsequently use them if given to us.

And to your question: "Does our Sovereign God give faulty gifts that sometimes work and sometimes don't?"

I gave you an example where the apostles were unable to heal a person. Do you discount that text? Shall we not utilize prayer because we don't always see healing?

And what about a teacher of the Word who clearly has the gift of teaching, who consistently misinterprets Scripture to His flock? Shall we throw out the baby with the bath water? Shall nobody teach?

Are there those that practice the gifts of the Spirit recklessly and selfishly? Absolutely! And it should put a bad taste in our mouths when we experience it and we should thank God for giving us the ability to discern what is good and what is evil.

However, a bad experience doesn't mean that there is a problem with the gift, but rather with the user of the gift. There are churches who exercise gifts correctly. Bridgeway is just one of them. And when used the way God intended, the gifts edify and build up the church. I thank God for these gifts and I hope you're willing to give them another chance.

Arguing from silence can be a dangerous thing. But you must understand that you're doing the very same thing when you offer no text that supports your belief. In fact, this text disputes (1 Cor. 14) your belief.

Whether Jesus did or did not speak in tongues is immaterial. The Bible doesn't mention He did, so I can accept that as truth until proven otherwise, which won't be on this side of heaven.

However, whether He did or didn't, Jesus, or no one for that matter, gave us a command to not practice them. In fact, I'll say it again, we are commanded to "earnestly desire" the gifts of the Spirit:

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. (‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭1-5‬ ESV)

That is a command to pursue those gifts, not that all will receive them or any of them. We are still commanded to pursue them and subsequently use them if given to us.

And to your question: "Does our Sovereign God give faulty gifts that sometimes work and sometimes don't?"

I gave you an example where the apostles were unable to heal a person. Do you discount that text? Shall we not utilize prayer because we don't always see healing?

And what about a teacher of the Word who clearly has the gift of teaching, who consistently misinterprets Scripture to His flock? Shall we throw out the baby with the bath water? Shall nobody teach?

Are there those that practice the gifts of the Spirit recklessly and selfishly? Absolutely! And it should put a bad taste in our mouths when we experience it and we should thank God for giving us the ability to discern what is good and what is evil.

However, a bad experience doesn't mean that there is a problem with the gift, but rather with the user of the gift. There are churches who exercise gifts correctly. Bridgeway is just one of them. And when used the way God intended, the gifts edify and build up the church. I thank God for these gifts and I hope you're willing to give them another chance.

Dwayne, if you want an answer to your question about "known" and "unknown" tongues, go to the blog article posted on October 28, 2013, titled, "When One Speaks in Tongues, Must it Always be in a Human Language?"

Regarding Brad's comments. I personally find arguing from silence to be a week argument. Consider the following scriptures.

John 10:14-15 "I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.

I personally believe in limited atonement as does Sam. When discussing the above scriptures with a highly-skilled bible teacher, he says that the above does not say that Christ did not die for the goats and to assume that because it says that he dies for the sheep is not a correct interpretation. I personally find that very dangerous. You can make the scriptures say anything you want if you are always arguing from silence and can justify any doctrine or behavior that you favor. Does our Sovereign God give faulty gifts that sometimes work and sometimes don't? I have personally never experienced anything positive from the gifts of tongues, healing, and prophesy as used in most charismatic circles. They always are coming up with excuses as to why the gifting failed. I'm not sure how a failed gift would be bringing glory to God. You failed to comment on "unknown" and "known" tongues and I would be interested to hear your scripture basis for your comments. Thanks.

Dwayne, be careful to read Matthew 7:22-23 in light of Matthew 7:15-20. The reason Jesus said what He did in verses 22 and 23 is because of what He said in 15-20.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭15-20‬ ESV)

Verse 20 explains why Jesus detests certain types(hypocritical) of serving. He recognizes us by the fruit we produce. A genuine Christ-follower will consistently, although not exclusively, produce and project the fruit of the Spirit. And if they don't, their serving of or sacrifice to Him, is in vain. "I never knew you," Jesus said.

Amos chapter 5 reflects the same sentiment:

“I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (‭Amos‬ ‭5‬:‭21-24‬ ESV)

These words were said in response to those who were serving God, yet oppressing God's children. As the book of Isaiah says, they "honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from Me."

This is the same reason why Jesus said what He did in 7:22-23. Their hearts for God weren't their catalyst, but rather their hearts for themselves were. We can't say what we want to, but in the end, Jesus, with His "eyes like a flame of fire," will see through our words and look at the condition of our heart.

As for your notion that people were healed ALL THE time and not just some of the time, don't overlook this passage in Matthew 17.

said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭15-20‬ ESV)

The apostles failed to heal the man.

And in regards to speaking in tongues, a thorough and meticulous reading of 1 Corinthians 14-16 tells us the that the lack of interpretation of tongues, and not tongues itself, is damaging to the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 14 commands us to "earnestly desire spiritual gifts."

In regards to Jesus, you're correct, the Bibles doesn't say that Jesus spoke in tongues, but it also doesn't that he didn't. I'm not saying that He did. I have no idea. My point is that the Bible doesn't give a second-by-second blow of Jesus' 33 year life.

On top of that, there is no command from Jesus or anyone else in the Bible to not exercise the gifts of the Spirit. In fact, as I just mentioned, 1 Cor. 14:1 commands that we earnestly desire them.

And lastly, I believe verse 22 doesn't tell us that Jesus doesn't think we should do those things, I believe it implies that he expects we will, but when we do, to do them all for the glory of God in lieu our own.

Matt 7:22-23 Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
Just thought it was interesting that Jesus seems to be addressing those who prophesy, exorcise, and perform miracles. To me, it appears that might apply to those who emphasize the miraculous such as the charismatics. However, he does not appear to condemn those who depend on "sola scriptura" and aren't seeking another "word from God" or extra-biblical revelation that may or may not come to pass.

1 Cor 14:6-7 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching?
1 Cor 14:4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.
1 Cor 14:17-19 For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified. I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

If we are to be "Christ-like", where is the evidence that Christ spoke in tongues? Where is the evidence that tongues were an "unknown" language as opposed to a "known" language?

To me, the above scriptures seem to cast a negative light on tongues and if they are so important, why are Acts and 1 Corinthians the only place in the NT that they are mentioned? Surely, the church at Corinth wasn't the only church that needed instructions on tongues. Great bible teachers such as Jonathan Edwards, S Lewis Johnson, and Russ McKnight were cessationists (I would classify you as a great bible teacher also) but looking for an emotional lift through gifts that work some of the time such as healing and prophesy lead me to the scriptures which work ALL of the time and to a Savior that NEVER fails. Counterfeit gifts are from the enemy and not from God.

John 16:12-13 "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into ALL the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
Only time and eternity will reveal all truth but until then, interaction on doctrinal issues, whether primary or secondary (who determines this?) must be done in love while striving for the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17. My prayer is that my search for truth is based on the leading of the Holy Spirit. I don't fully understand why that which has been revealed to me appears to be so different from what has been revealed to others. Perhaps, my pursuits are misdirected.

“We pray, O Father, shine this light into every heart and drive out the darkness of rebellion, skepticism, and unbelief, and grant us sight of your glory as revealed in the face of Jesus.”

AMEN Lord.

by grace we are saved through faith-gifts of God – and God raises us up with Him, seating us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus; where He is, there His servant will be also for He desires that those whom His Father gave Him, be with Him where He is, so that we may see His glory. Jesus said if we believe, we will see the glory of God.

and Jesus said: this is the will of His Father-that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal; and if we know Him, we will know and see His Father too, for he who sees Jesus, sees the One who sent Him; though the world will not see Him, we will see Him and because He lives, we will live also and He will come to us

Jesus said blessed are they who did not see, and yet believe; faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. The Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb will be the temple and the glory of God will illumine the city and its lamp is the Lamb; the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it and His bond-servants will see His face and His name will be on their foreheads and they will reign with Him forever and ever!

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