Spiritual Gifts
Continuing through I Corinthians in my Sunday morning sermons has of course led me to chapters 12-14. This is somewhat a tricky area for those who still preach and teach that the spiritual gifts listed are still in effect. The context teaches these miraculous gifts actually worked themselves out of a job. They became less and less useful to the point they were no longer needed when "that which is perfect" came.
However, the question is, what is "that which is perfect"? Well, in the English it is hard to tell. In the Greek however, it is much more clear. The Greek word is neuter and the construction shows it to be something other than Christ's return to the earth (i.e., Second Coming). Therefore, it is the teaching of this blogger that the "perfect" referred to in this passage is the completed Word of God, the Bible. The spiritual gifts would no longer be needed when the full revelation of God was revealed. Furthermore, all of these gifts will fail, except faith, hope, and love. And what need is there for hope when Christ is already returned? Also, considering that present day "miracle workers" are not even following Paul's admonition to edify the body or orderly exhibit the gifts (tongue-speaking with an interpreter), it must be inferred that it is not of God. Obviously, many Christians will find this disturbing, however, the Bible is quite adamant about the usage of such gifts. God gives the gifts as He wills, and His will is to have faith, hope, and love exhibited...along with the full revelation of His will in His Word.
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