MIRACLES CEASED

No, we do not deny the miracles of creation, the walls of Jericho falling, the virgin birth of Christ or His resurrection. Miracles confirmed Jesus was God’s son (Jn 20:31). Like scaffolding, a temporary platform for workmen on a new building, miraculous gifts were temporary in the planting and early growth of the church. Support was needed in the absence of a written, confirmed, complete revelation. The New Testament was not delivered until late in the first century. These gifts were to last “TILL” the doctrine and knowledge of “the full grown man,” the Son of God, the Christ was fully revealed (Eph 4:13). Miraculous gifts came through laying on of the apostles’ hands. Others could not pass this power to other men; only the apostles (Acts 6:6; 8:16; 19:6; 2 Tim 1:6; Rom 1:11; I Cor 12:4-11). When the apostles died, this ability to bestow gifts died also. Every Christian receives the gift of the Spirit when baptized (Acts 2:38; 5:32; Rom 8:9; Eph 1:13- 14), but this measured gift does not empower the working of miracles. The miraculous gifts (I Cor 12:8-11) related specifically to the infant church when it did not have the completed New Testament.

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