Paul calls the Corinthians UN-spiritual babes (1 Cor. 3:1) and sternly rebuked them for their carnality, for their "envying, and strife and divisions" (1 Cor. 3:3), for the immorality (1 Cor. 5:1), for their dishonesty and oppression of each other (1 Cor. 6:7,8), for their unfaithfulness in giving (1 Cor. 9:11-14), for the selfishness and pride (1 Cor. 11:21,22), and said to them: "And YE are puffed up, and have not rather mourned!" (1 Cor. 5:2, cf. 4:18).
YET this SAME Corinthian church, at this SAME time, ABOUNDED in miraculous gifts (1 Cor. 1:7, 12:8-11, 14:12,18,26).
This alone is proof that the miracles, signs and wonders had a reason for existence that had to do with another explanation than "proper Christian behavior in the Christian groups and meeting for the entire Church Era".
The offer of the kingdom, made at Pentecost by Peter, was not OFFICIALLY withdrawn until Acts 28:28. This means it was normal that miracles, signs and wonders would exist until that time. They were miraculous confirmations of Christ's kingdom rights and were given to confirm these rights.
When Israel was set aside, there was no longer any need of this, and the later epistles of Paul do not even recognize such gifts as being in order. He tells the Corinthians in his first letter to them that their miraculous powers were to be withdrawn: 1 Cor. 13:8. It was the GIFTS of prophecy, tongues and knowledge that were to be "done away." NOT that supernatural predictions would fail to come true, nor that men would stop talking or knowing.
It is the supernatural GIFTS and DEMONSTRATIONS that were to be done away. Miracles are being performed all about us constantly. But while God may miraculously heal the sick, according to HIS WILL, He does NOT use "divine healers" to accomplish this.
If a person is determined to go down that road, what about the Roman Catholic Church and her exorcisms and miracles signs and wonders? Or the Unity Movement? Or the Christian Scientists, and others who claim healing powers can present "evidences" as fully convincing. Are their powers, then, also God-given? And where do you go in Scripture to PROVE that yours is and theirs is not?
There is something better than these gifts that were bestowed on the early church. We are "blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places" (Eph. 1:3). Sometimes it is through our INFIRMITIES that we are drawn closer to God. 2 Cor. 12:9,10.
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9).
We are all on equal standing now before God. He chooses WHAT HE will do as He WILLS. Not because of "divine healers" or "being slayed in the spirit" or any of a number of things meant for a reason, but no longer needed as confirmation.
Sorry, but
that’s a wholesale pile of irrational Unbiblical assertions, to me.
It shocks me that anyone would ascribe to it.
MARK 16:17-18:
17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.[e] 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”
I didn’t write that.
John Wimber didn’t write that.
GOD DID.