Archive for the ‘Holy Spirit’ Category
Gift of the Miraculous
The next gift mentioned in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 10 is the gift of miracles.
Miracles and healings are used to affirm the gospel message. God’s message confirmed by signs and wonders is a clear indication of God’s involvement. However, if a miracle occurs and the message is contrary to God’s word then it’s fair to assume that God is not involved. Jesus gave a warning in Matthew chapter 24 verse 24 about the coming of false prophets who would perform miracles and signs.
Acts chapter 2 verse 22 the apostle Peter said, now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this.
In Romans the apostle Paul said:-
Romans chapter 15 verses 17-19 Because of Christ Jesus, I can take pride in my service for God. In fact, all I will talk about is how Christ let me speak and work, so that the Gentiles would obey him. Indeed, I will tell how Christ worked miracles and wonders by the power of the Holy Spirit. I have preached the good news (gospel) about him all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum.
The Bible shows signs and wonders pointing to Jesus Christ and who he is. A miracle is something that defies the laws of nature it is a supernatural act.
Acts chapter 5 verses 12-16 tells that the apostles healed many people. It indicates that some of these were healed just by Peter’s shadow falling on them as he passed by.
The apostle was also used by God to raise a believer from the dead:-
Acts chapter 9 verses 36-42 In Joppa there was a follower named Tabitha. Her Greek name was Dorcas, which means “deer.” She was always doing good things for people and had given much to the poor. But she got sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Joppa wasn’t far from Lydda, and the followers heard that Peter was there. They sent two men to say to him, “Please come with us as quickly as you can!” Right away, Peter went with them. The men took Peter upstairs into the room. Many widows were there crying. They showed him the coats and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was still alive. After Peter had sent everyone out of the room, he knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to the body of Dorcas and said, “Tabitha, get up!” The woman opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Peter called in the widows and the other followers and showed them that Dorcas had been raised from death. Everyone in Joppa heard what had happened, and many of them put their faith in the Lord.
These are just two examples of supernatural acts that defied the laws of nature.
Some believe that the gift of miracles was only for the apostles and prophets who no longer exist. They believe that the gift ended at the passing of the prophets and apostles: The office of a prophet ceased once the Bible was written. Therefore there is no longer a need for the gift because the Bible is the final and complete revelation of God. There is nothing more to add for humanity to discover the way to salvation through Jesus Christ. The following verses are two that are often used as proof texts for the apostles solely having the gift.
2 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 12 when I (Paul) was with you, I was patient and worked all the powerful miracles and signs and wonders of a true apostle.
Acts chapter 2 verse 43 Everyone was amazed by the many miracles and wonders that the apostles worked.
They believe that miracles do still happen today but that it is through God’s personal intervention; primarily in answer to believer’s prayers not because anyone has the gift. There is and will be no new revelation for God to validate with the miraculous.
Other’s would disagree with this stance and believe that the gift is still relevant today. The Bible states that Stephen and Philip both deacons (Acts chapter 6 verse 5) not apostles or prophets had the gift.
Acts chapter 6 verse 8 God gave Stephen the power to work great miracles and wonders among the people.
Acts chapter 8 verses 5-6 Philip went to the city of Samaria and told the people about Christ. They crowded around Philip because they were eager to hear what he was saying and to see him work miracles.
In Acts chapter 14 verse 3 we find that Barnabus also had the gift and he too was not an apostle.
The Spirit (as in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit) gives the gifts.
1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 11 but it is the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us.
The apostle Paul in verse 31 writes to the believers to desire the best gifts. If some of these gifts were to be defunct within a generation would he have written this advice? Or would this particular passage have found its way into the finished Bible? Whatever your beliefs on the gift of miracles (signs and wonders) it’s the Holy Spirit (therefore God) that gives or gave it. Remember, if you see a miracle and it is not a part of witnessing to the Lordship of Jesus Christ then it is not of God.
All Bible quotes taken from The CEV (Contemporary English Version)