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Paul Smithson
In our two previous studies we have considered the question,
"Have miracles ceased?" We have learned from the Scriptures
that miracles ceased after the completion and confirmation of
God's New Testament revelation just as the apostle foretold
(1Cor. 13:8-10). We have also seen how this agrees with the
Scripture's teaching as to how miraculous power was bestowed to
first century Christians through the laying on of hands by the
apostles. As the word of God was completed so ended the
generation of those who had received miraculous power. Still
there are those who claim to speak in tongues and prophesy
today.
Those who claim to speak in tongues today cannot speak in
"tongues" as was done in the New Testament times. The speaking
in "tongues" of the New Testament times was not unintelligent
sounds. The apostles preached the gospel to more than 3,000
people from at least fifteen different nations and "every man
heard them speak in his own language" where in he was "born."
When they spoke in "tongues" it was not a conglomeration of
jibber-jabber or babbling, they miraculously spoke words in
languages unknown to themselves which brought conviction to the
hearts of those who heard. (Acts 2). Where is the person today
who can speak in fifteen different languages which they have
never heard or learned?
Some today claim to have the gift of prophecy. To prophesy
is to "speak forth the mind and counsel of God." In other
words, it is God's revelation through men orally. This
miraculous gift was necessary during the time prior to the
completion of the New Testament Scriptures. However, now that
the Scriptures are complete there is no further need for oral
revelation. The Scripture warns not to add to or take away from
its teaching (Gal. 1:8-9: 2Jn. 9; Rev. 22:18). Consider this...
if we have God's complete and perfect revelation in the
Scriptures, what could one prophesy today? If they
prophesy less than what is in the Bible they have not
prophesied enough. If they prophesy more than what is in the
Bible they have prophesied too much. If they speak only what is
in the Bible, that is not prophesying. The miraculous gift of
prophecy ceased when the New Testament was completed, written
down and preserved (1Cor. 13:8-10).
A favorite proof text resorted to by the advocates
of modern miracles is Mk. 16:17-18 "And these signs will follow
those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they
will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if
they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they
will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." The fact is
this passage is simply further proof that miracles have ceased.
Jesus made this statement to His apostles just before His
ascension. Mark goes on to state, "And they went out and
preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming
the word through the accompanying signs" (Mk. 16:20; cf. Heb.
2:3,4). There are many who claim to speak in tongues and to
prophesy, but where are those who can "pick up serpents" and
"drink anything deadly" and not be hurt? Where are those who
can " lay hands on the sick" and see them instantaneously
recover as those in New Testament times? Who like the apostles
will raise someone from the dead?
God is at work today. His hand can be seen in the creation
around us. His work of providence can be seen in answered
prayers. His work in conversion through His powerful Word can be
seen in the lives of Christians. Miracles however, have ceased,
having served the purpose for which they were intended.
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