New Testament Miracles
The value and place of biblical miracles have been muddied by so called latter-day faith healers and tongue speakers.
The Scriptures tell that the signs, miracles and wonders were accomplished to confirm the Word of God (Mark 16:20; 1 Corinthians 12: 12; Hebrews 2:3-4); showing that what was being taught was indeed from God. They also confirmed the claim of divinity and authority by Jesus Christ (John 20:30-31;2:11; 4:54; Mark 1:21-28).
The miraculous gifts were given in part (that is, bit by bit) until "the perfect" (literally: "the complete") came. This was the completion of divine revelation, the New Testament as a finished product. Once confirmed, the miracles were no longer needed and therefor ceased (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). When the apostles and those whom they had given power to perform miracles (Romans 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:6) died, the ability to perform miracles also died. 'That which is perfect" is in the neuter tense - an "it." Thus it cannot be (as some suggest) the Lord's second coming as He is not an "it."
We are told that the "miracles" of today show that one is filled with the Holy Spirit. But please note this: John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit yet "did no sign" (Luke 1:15; John. 10:41). Not all Christians had miraculous powers. In 1 Corinthians 14;16, 23-24, the word "unlearned" means "without gifts" or ungifted" (NASV; ASV margin note). Scripture tells us that the gifts were given as the Holy Spirit willed (1 Cor. 12:11; Heb. 2:4). But all baptized believers do possess the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).
These present day miracle workers are all of different religious beliefs and teach not only what is contrary to the Word of God, but also that which is contrary to the doctrines of one another. Our Heavenly Father is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). He has given us only ONE faith (Ephesians 4:5) not many.
Read what the apostle Paul writes about perversions of the one and only Gospel, and of those who would teach such perversions (Galatians 1:6-9). The good news was completed during the first century (Jude 3). We have no need for further revelation or confirmation.
Friends, what we hear claimed and proclaimed today by these individuals is not of God.
—Jack Zieser,
Rogue River church of Christ
