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NASB | 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. |
Subject: Am I ignorant |
Bible Note: Greetings John! It should never be difficult to provide Scripture to back up one's doctrine! :-( I can't do an exhaustive review of each link, but allow me to touch upon some of the more serious problems. 1) http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sg1856.htm a) MacArthur says, "There are four temporary sign gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:10: miracles, healings, languages, and the interpretation of languages." Scripture never once calls these gifts temporary. One could perhaps argue that since 1 Cor. 13:8 says that tongues will one day cease, it is temporary. However, the adjective temporary is never used of any gift, and healings and miracles are never once even said to end. b) MacArthur argues that the purpose of sign gifts is to confirm God's revelation. Scripture never says that this is the only purpose of these gifts, nor does Scripture ever call them sign gifts, but let's assume that this is the only purpose for a moment. It does not logically follow that these gifts necessarily (I use this word in the philosophical sense) must cease, and certainly Scripture never once actually says this. This is an assumption, not a fact. c) MacArthur lists a handful of Scripture, but not one of them says that these gifts will cease at the end of the apostolic age. Another assumption! 2) http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/articles/cessgifts.html a) This article was hilarious! The author states that those who believe in modern gifts of the Spirit have to have a Scripture that specifically states that they are actually gifts of the Spirit in order to be Biblical. But, he can claim that they are not without any such verse. :-) b) He also claims that 1 Corinthians proves that the early church was more inclined toward the gifts than against them. 1 Corinthians only speaks about the conditions at Corinth, not everywhere. c) His only evidence that spiritual gifts have ceased is the gaps in history. He argues that the gaps prove that the gifts ceased. This is a logical fallacy. The historical record only proves that there have been times in history when there appear to be no spiritual gifts in action. The gaps prove nothing about God's intentions or the future. 3) http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/1856 This is the same article as link 1! I would have an open mind my friend if any of these sites would actually produce Scripture to back up what they are saying. I will offer you a challenge, ask me about any doctrine that I hold, and see if I can't provide Scripture that actually says what I believe. If anyone holds to a doctrine that cannot be supported by Scripture, than that person needs to re-evalute their thinking on that doctrine. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |