Growing to perfection

From a message by a Curious Questioner--
>CQ> Subj: Re: (CURIOUS)

>CQ> The "sign" gifts of the spirit are not in use today (speaking in tongues, the gifts of healing, miracles etc). These gifts were given to the apostles to validate their ministry.

Certainly God granted special signs and wonders to be done by the hands of the apostles. Paul said that tongues are for a sign; but it is plain that other people beside the apostles spake in tongues. So you don't have to be an apostle to have that gift. However, every case of miraculous speaking in tongues in the Bible is connected in some way with the apostles. One or more of the apostles was always present when the gift of tongues was manifestly given. (Act.2,10,19)

>CQ> We have the Bible today, our ministry is validated, the gifts ceased once the canon was complete.

Only the apostolic signs cease when the apostles depart. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance, and the "manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." The choice of who gets what gift(s) is up to the WILL of God. Obviously, even in the days of Paul, all did NOT speak with tongues; so we reject the idea of some that wrongly claim that non-tonguers aren't saved.

>CQ> 1 Corinthians 3:8 (KJV) Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail;

Prophecies only reveal a part of the things of God. Prophecies will fail when all things are fulfilled, and God is all in all.

>CQ> whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease;

Tongues (plural) will cease when God turns the people to a "pure language" (singular) and all will then speak the same tongue.

>CQ> whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away.

We only partly know the Lord, but when we see him face to face, we shall know even as we are known; and our previous knowledge which was like a flashlight in the darkness, will vanish away with the dawn of the brightness of the glory of God in the face of the LORD.

>CQ> 1 Corinthians 13:10 (KJV) But when that [which is perfect] is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

It is a universal principle that a division is done away with by the perfection of unity. And sure, you can take that "principle" out of context and apply it to the canon, since the canon is no longer "in part" but complete. However that is not what Paul had in mind there. Any and all gifts for the perfecting of the saints are still needed until we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man. But NOW, we need to FOLLOW after "charity", (Whole Hearted Love Motivated Giving! :) (Thanks be to God for giving us those "five words" to understand! :)

When Christ's perfect kingdom is come, then the part, the non-unity, shall be done away. Remember that Jesus is the Lord and be wise to receive the love of the truth, for Jesus' sake. Amen. --Richard

(2) Growing to perfection

From a further message by a Curious Questioner--
>CQ> Subj: GROWING TO PERFECTION

>>RC> Tongues (plural) will cease when God turns the people to a "pure language" (singular) and all will then speak the same tongue.

>CQ> Richard, Would you please give the scripture which references your above statement.

Sure thing, [Name], (don't you have a concordance? :)

"In the law it is written, With men of other tongues, and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord." (1Cor.14:21)

"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." (1Cor.13:10)

"For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent." (Zephaniah 3:9)

You will of course recall that back in Genesis 11, the whole earth was of one language, and it became necessary for the LORD to divide that united language into diverse parts. And the people were confounded because they could not understand each other's speech! When the Lord had the apostles speak in other tongues at Pentecost, the people were also confounded, but because they did understand! (My heart rejoices to see how mightily the Lord uses seemingly "foolish things of the world" to confound the worldly wise. :)

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1Cor.1:10)

Obviously there were more divisions in the church at Corinth beside the fact they were not speaking the same language, but the speaking of unknown tongues was not edifying the body and was slowing down the growth toward the perfection of unity, and it was in that context that Paul pointed out that "tongues[plural] shall cease." May God hasten the day when we will all truly speak the same thing! Grace be to your heart in the love of the truth. Amen. --Richard