This is a followup to my post on leaving Dispensationalism.

The following verse is used to imply that the gifts are now done away with. I am writing this post to give you scriptural reasons why this is wrong; however it is also important to know that on many occasions I have been impacted by the Holy Spirit directed gifts in my life and to me through others. Having made that clear what does God’s word say?

1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (KJV)

This verse is used in conjunction with the Dispensational seven church age theory. Where the church of the Ephesians in Ephesus is to represent the Apostolic church era within the church age (Rev. 2:1). So they say that the vanishing away of these gifts occurred at the end of the apostolic age. So then how do the following verses apply to this theory.

1 Corinthians 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (KJV)

In order to make this theory credible one must also believe that that which is perfect has come at the end of the apostolic era at around 100 AD. Some would say much later when the scriptures were actually authenticated. So the scriptures then is considered “that which is perfect”.

“Which books constituted the Christian biblical canons of both the Old and New Testament was generally established by the 5th century, despite some scholarly disagreements, for the ancient undivided Church (the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, before the East–West Schism).”

Some say it was 325 at the council of Nicaea that the scripture was established.

So Dispensationalists teach that the scriptures are complete by the end of that disputed era, and therefore the scriptures are that which is perfect. And bring about the cessation of the Spiritual gifts. But there are obvious problems with this teaching due to Paul’s conclusion. Listen:

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV)

This verse contains the explanation for that which is perfect. And although an argument can be made for the scriptures to be that which is perfect, still the scriptures have definitely not brought about this conclusion in us, and therefore there must be a better answer.

The church is still not seeing things clearly, if we were we would all be in agreement. So what is that which is perfect, and when will it come?

Galatians 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (KJV)

Here we learn that our perfection will be a Spiritual one, yet we still have much to learn, and we know that our perfection will not come in this mortal flesh. Paul has this to say concerning this:

Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (KJV)

So, we are not the perfect. I think we know who is, and He had already come, first as the Christ and savior, and secondly as the Holy Spirit, to lead us into all truth, but He is coming again to make Paul’s conclusion true. Listen again:

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV)

That which is perfect will come when Jesus returns, and this mortal puts on immortality.

As for now and more so into our future we believers need all the gifting that God has for us:

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (KJV)

Just how important are some of these gifts for the health of the body?

1 Corinthians 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. (KJV)

He tells us that we are to covet the better gifts, but he goes on to tell us that without love for one another none of our gifting, what ever it might be, would mean anything to the body. And obviously to God the gifts without love is a waste of our talents. And with that abuse, even what gifting that we have will be taken away.

Though the gifts given us by God are important, our love for one another is more important, for in our imperfect day if we lack love then we will have aught against our brother, and that will put a damper on the operation of our prayers, with obvious adverse effects on the operation of our gifts.