MIRACLES HAVE CEASED

        "I see in the Bible where the miraculous gifts were given to man,
    but I cannot see where they ceased." This remark was made by a man who
    believes that he can perform miracles. Like him, many believe that
    miraculous powers are a perpetual part of the Christian Age. But, this
    belief conflicts with the following biblical teaching.
        First, miraculous powers were temporary. Consider this inspired
    prophecy: "for we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that
    which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away" (I
    Corinthians 13:9-10---emp. added). Note the contrast drawn between
    "that which is in part" and "that which is perfect." I Corinthians 12
    shows that miraculous powers were allotted to early Christians "in
    part." So, although no one person had all of the powers, working
    together, the church did.
        Second, keeping the contrast in mind, "that which is perfect" is
    best understood as the perfect (i.e., completed) New Testament
    Scriptures (see II Peter 1:3; II Timothy 3:16,17). As the apostles
    carried out the great commission, they did not have the New Testament
    in a book as we do. Instead, they spoke the Word and confirmed its
    divine origin with miracles (Mark 16:20). Where they preached, they
    conferred miraculous gifts upon individual Christians.  This enabled
    them to teach and confirm the Lord's Will in their communities (see
    Acts 8:14-17). Such confirmation was no longer needed when the Word was
    set down in writing. Now, a preacher's message is confirmed by an
    appeal to the written Word. The need for miracles ceased.
        Third, in the absence of the true apostles (Acts 1:22), it is
    impossible to acquire miraculous gifts (Acts 8:18). If miracles are
    being performed today, there must be apostles living on Earth which are
    nearly two thousand years old! Where are they?


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