Spiritual Gifts

3 QUESTIONS Pneumology before Theology or Theology before Pneumology? Cessationist or Non-Cessationist? Which Charismata? Pneumology before Theology or Theology before Pneumology? Cessationist or Non-Cessationist? Which Charismata?

Pneumology Does our experience of God matter more than what we know of Him from the Word of God? Or does our knowledge of God derived from Scripture, guide & inform our experience of Him? Does our experience of God matter more than what we know of Him from the Word of God? Or does our knowledge of God derived from Scripture, guide & inform our experience of Him?

Pneumology There are 2 good reasons to suggest that in cases of doubt or conflict, our Theology should guide our experience of God

Pneumology The Human Argument:  The Subjectivity of Human Experience  The Partiality of Human Interpretation  The Incomplete Nature of Human Knowledge  The Sinfulness of Man The Human Argument: TThe Subjectivity of Human Experience TThe Partiality of Human Interpretation TThe Incomplete Nature of Human Knowledge TThe Sinfulness of Man

Pneumology The God Argument:  The Immutability of God God cannot change [because He is perfect] God cannot deny Himself  The Immutability of God’s Word God cannot contradict His expressed Word God’s Word has no expiry date The God Argument: TThe Immutability of God God cannot change [because He is perfect] God cannot deny Himself TThe Immutability of God’s Word God cannot contradict His expressed Word God’s Word has no expiry date

??

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Number of the Spiritual Gifts:  There are 3 passages that list spiritual gifts  In all, there are 18 gifts listed The Number of the Spiritual Gifts:  There are 3 passages that list spiritual gifts  In all, there are 18 gifts listed

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  A definite time limit to Spiritual Gifts The Bible seems to suggest in several passages that there is a definite time element to some of the spiritual gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  A definite time limit to Spiritual Gifts The Bible seems to suggest in several passages that there is a definite time element to some of the spiritual gifts

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  A definite time limit to Spiritual Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  A definite time limit to Spiritual Gifts “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 “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

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  A definite time limit to Spiritual Gifts  This seems to suggest that there is a definite END to spiritual gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  A definite time limit to Spiritual Gifts  This seems to suggest that there is a definite END to spiritual gifts “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. 1 Corinthians 13:8 “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. 1 Corinthians 13:8

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  The question then is: WHEN will spiritual gifts cease? Will ALL spiritual gifts cease? The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  The question then is: WHEN will spiritual gifts cease? Will ALL spiritual gifts cease?

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  A definite time limit to Spiritual Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  A definite time limit to Spiritual Gifts “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 “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

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  A definite time limit to Spiritual Gifts  There are 2 suggestions as to what this ‘perfect’ is: Some say: the 2 nd coming of Christ Others say: the completion of the BIBLE The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  A definite time limit to Spiritual Gifts  There are 2 suggestions as to what this ‘perfect’ is: Some say: the 2 nd coming of Christ Others say: the completion of the BIBLE “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 13:9-10 “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 13:9-10

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? PERFECT = 2 ND COMING The time of Spiritual gifts have not yet ended The time of Spiritual gifts have not yet ended NON-CESSATIONIST NON-CESSATIONIST PERFECT = 2 ND COMING The time of Spiritual gifts have not yet ended The time of Spiritual gifts have not yet ended NON-CESSATIONIST NON-CESSATIONIST PERFECT = THE BIBLE The time of Spiritual gifts HAS ended The time of Spiritual gifts HAS ended CESSATIONIST CESSATIONIST PERFECT = THE BIBLE The time of Spiritual gifts HAS ended The time of Spiritual gifts HAS ended CESSATIONIST CESSATIONIST CHARISMATICSCHARISMATICSNON-CHARISMATICSNON-CHARISMATICS

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end?

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end?

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view: The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view: “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.” 2 Corinthians 12:12 “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.” 2 Corinthians 12:12

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view:  Miracles & gifts of healing were given to the apostles as proof of apostleship; with the end of the apostles, so the authenticating gifts of the Spirit ended The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view:  Miracles & gifts of healing were given to the apostles as proof of apostleship; with the end of the apostles, so the authenticating gifts of the Spirit ended “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.” 2 Corinthians 12:12 “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.” 2 Corinthians 12:12

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view: The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view: “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord:” Ephesians 2:19-21 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord:” Ephesians 2:19-21

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view:  The “foundation of the apostles & prophets” upon which we are built has already been laid; as the apostolic line has ceased, so the miraculous & revelatory spiritual gifts have also ceased The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view:  The “foundation of the apostles & prophets” upon which we are built has already been laid; as the apostolic line has ceased, so the miraculous & revelatory spiritual gifts have also ceased “… and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” Ephesians 2:20 “… and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” Ephesians 2:20

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view: The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” Hebrews 2:3-4 “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” Hebrews 2:3-4

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view:  God validated the apostles word with miraculous signs & gifts of the Holy Spirit which ceased with the passing of the apostles The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There are 3 references that support this view:  God validated the apostles word with miraculous signs & gifts of the Holy Spirit which ceased with the passing of the apostles “… and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;,” “… and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost,” Hebrews 2:3-4 “… and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;,” “… and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost,” Hebrews 2:3-4

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? So the event that signaled the end of the miraculous & revelatory gifts of the Spirit was the completion of the apostles teaching & ministry – the Word of God. With the completion of the Bible; the time of the apostles ended; & the miraculous & revelatory signs associated with the apostles ceased. The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? So the event that signaled the end of the miraculous & revelatory gifts of the Spirit was the completion of the apostles teaching & ministry – the Word of God. With the completion of the Bible; the time of the apostles ended; & the miraculous & revelatory signs associated with the apostles ceased.

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? This is a very strong argument & position and very well supported It is very hard to argue that the Apostles & the line of the Apostles have ceased but their authenticating signs continue The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? This is a very strong argument & position and very well supported It is very hard to argue that the Apostles & the line of the Apostles have ceased but their authenticating signs continue

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? It is possible but it will be necessary to suggest that either the authenticating signs take on a new meaning or they are authenticating something else Both are not supported in Scripture The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? It is possible but it will be necessary to suggest that either the authenticating signs take on a new meaning or they are authenticating something else Both are not supported in Scripture

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There is a converse argument that is much weaker but much more dangerous The authenticating signs persist because the line of the Apostles HAS NOT ENDED But this gives tacit agreement to the Roman Catholic doctrine of APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? There is a converse argument that is much weaker but much more dangerous The authenticating signs persist because the line of the Apostles HAS NOT ENDED But this gives tacit agreement to the Roman Catholic doctrine of APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? The non-cessationists view: The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? The non-cessationists view: I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:4-8

The Temporal Nature of the Gifts The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? The non-cessationists view: The Time-Element in Spiritual Gifts:  When will Spiritual Gifts end? The non-cessationists view: I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:4-8

??

Which Gifts Did all Spiritual Gifts end?  Not all Spiritual Gifts were associated with the ministry of the apostles: Some gifts were given to prove or authenticate the special position of the apostles These were spectacular; miraculous; “revelatory” in that they revealed a special message or messenger These were “signifying” or “sign” gifts Did all Spiritual Gifts end?  Not all Spiritual Gifts were associated with the ministry of the apostles: Some gifts were given to prove or authenticate the special position of the apostles These were spectacular; miraculous; “revelatory” in that they revealed a special message or messenger These were “signifying” or “sign” gifts

Which Gifts Did all Spiritual Gifts end?  Not all Spiritual Gifts were associated with the ministry of the apostles: Other gifts facilitated the building up of the body of Christ These were non-miraculous; non-revelatory; permanent; but no less spectacular These were the gifts of “service” to the church Did all Spiritual Gifts end?  Not all Spiritual Gifts were associated with the ministry of the apostles: Other gifts facilitated the building up of the body of Christ These were non-miraculous; non-revelatory; permanent; but no less spectacular These were the gifts of “service” to the church

Which Gifts Did all Spiritual Gifts end?  Not all Spiritual Gifts were associated with the ministry of the apostles There is no evidence to suggest that these “non- revelatory”, “service” gifts of the Spirit have ceased Did all Spiritual Gifts end?  Not all Spiritual Gifts were associated with the ministry of the apostles There is no evidence to suggest that these “non- revelatory”, “service” gifts of the Spirit have ceased

Which Gifts The “Sign” Gifts:  Apostleship  Prophecy  Miracles  Healing  Knowledge  Tongues  Interpretation  Spirit Discernment The “Sign” Gifts:  Apostleship  Prophecy  Miracles  Healing  Knowledge  Tongues  Interpretation  Spirit Discernment

Which Gifts The “Service” Gifts:  Giving  Encouragement  Wisdom  Ministering / helps  Mercy  Ruling / Administration  Faith  Teaching  Evangelism  Pastor/Teacher

Questions