Category: Pentecostalism

Some people today believe that they have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues and to prophecy, to perform miracles, to heal the sick and cast out demons. Regardless of the sincerity of these individuals, these claims do not harmonize with the Bible’s teaching regarding the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit. The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit were real. They were given to believers through the laying on of the hands of an apostle. These gifts were the means of equipping the church and confirming the word to unbelievers. When the last apostle died, these gifts were no longer available to mankind.

The purpose of this study will be to consider that view in the light of divine scripture; the “sword of the [Holy] Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). In addition, this study does not in any way deny the Holy Spirit’s divinity nor His power. He is God (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). He does have the power to work miracles (Acts 2). Thus this study is designed to consider His method of operation as it is laid out in the Bible, and as it pertains to followers of Christ.

Sincerity does not make one right. One may be sincere, but be wrong before God. Jesus said so. “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service” (Jn. 16:2–Saul of Tarsus is a good example of this prophecy–Acts 8:3; 9:1; 26:9-11). “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:22, 23). They were sincere in their service. Like you, they believed that they were doing “many wonderful works,” but, like Mr. Long, the dead snake handler, their sincerity will not save them.

We have shown that: (1) the promise of Jesus in Mark 16:17, 18, did not extend to all believers, even in the first century; (2) the promise of Jesus includes more than tongues and healing; (3) the word was preached, and the signs confirming that word followed; (4) the word, the gospel, is to be separated or distinguished from the signs; (5) the signs have ceased, consequently no man today possesses any of them.

We take no joy in recounting the death of yet another Pentecostal preacher, Dwayne Long, who died while handling a rattlesnake during Easter Sunday church services.

Moses, Elijah, and the apostles had their word confirmed by signs that clearly and powerfully showed that God was the author and finisher of their faith (Exodus 4:1-5; 1 Kings 18:21-40; Hebrews 2:1-4). However, we see no such things from Pentecostal preachers who claim similar gifts and powers today.