Subject: speaking in tongues |
Bible Note: Greetings Ken John! 1 Cor. 13:8 certainly does talk about 'tongues' ceasing at some point. But, it is a matter of intepretation to claim that they have 'already' ceased. Verse 10 clearly describes the 'timing' of these gift's ceasing as when the perfect has come. There are several possible views of what the 'perfect' means. a) One views sees v. 10 as a reference to the completion of the New Testament. However, v. 12 makes this very unlikely. We don't have perfect knowledge now, or perfect understanding. In fact, from your arguement, 'tongues' ceased even before Scripture was completed. b) The most likely view ties the ceasation of tongues to the end times, at the second coming of Christ. Once we are resurrected or raptured, we will have perfect knowledge of God and know Him even as we are known. Further, nothing in Scripture indicates that God was no longer 'healing' through Paul and others. Most of your post is an arguement from silence, which is very dangerous. 'Tongues' is really one talked about in two New Testament books anyway. They are occasional documents. Acts mentions tongues because it was a part of the historical events surrounding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and 1 Cor. mentions it because the gift was misunderstood and being abused. However, one cannot argue that the failure to mention it in other books means that it no longer existed. :-) Just a personal note if I may! I believe that one of the problems facing the church today is that we no longer yield to God's Spirit and allow Him to work through us supernaturally by gifting us for ministry. Far too often, we try to program growth! :-( Anyway, I just thought I would add my two cents my friend! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |