Gifts of the Holy Ghost - PART 85

When we discuss the gifts of the Holy Ghost, we need to consider I Corinthians 13:10-12. Here the scriptures state "when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But when I became a man, I put away childish things. 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." If we add the often cited verse 13, we recognize that among faith, hope, and charity, the greatest of these is charity. There is a reason for this. 

However, opponents of the gifts of the Spirit look at this verse from a different lens. Instead of accepting that God will make everything clear when we see Him face to face, religious leaders interpret these scriptures to mean that since the scriptures have now come, there is no further requirement for the application of the temporary gifts of the Holy Ghost. But how is it possible? How can someone misconstrue the written Word to conjure up such a diametrically opposed rendition of that which these scriptures endeavour to present?

The truths contained in the scriptures is the end to all spiritual debates.  As stated, let God be true. If every man opposing God’s Word needs to be classified as being in error of the Word of God, then so be it. God’s Word did not originate in us. It comes to us so that we might read the gospel and adhere to the message. It is never intended that man would recreate the original meaning of the text. 

Indeed, as the scriptures state, when I became a man I put away childish things. Admittedly, it may have the childish things that enabled me to become whatever and whoever I am. In this context, one should never deprive children of childish things, nor rob a child of his or her childhood by forcing adult things upon childish minds prematurely. In the same fashion, Paul did not deprive the church of their God given holy spirit ministerial gifts. He just informed the church that God is not the author of confusion. All that Paul advised was that all things pertaining to the functioning of Holy Spirit gifts, should be done decently and in order.

For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face. Even when one reads the Bible, they do not profess to know it all. If we were know it all, then why would it be necessary that we receive another comforter? The Holy Spirit, who leads and guides us into all truth is all we need. It is necessary for the Lord to open our understanding of His Word. It also explains why, at this moment, we do see through a glass darkly even while we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.

Of course, if one has never received the Holy Spirit of Jesus, it is difficult to understand Biblical truths, or to have an informed ability to discern between the truths and tradition. The scriptures use the analogy that it allows people to swallow a camel because of their lack of knowledge in scriptures. But it doesn't have to be this way. Have you received of His holy spirit since you believed? If your answer is no, then you ought to be baptised (by immersion) into the name of the Lord Jesus the Christ. Jesus is the door into the kingdom of God and upon entering in you will receive the gift of His Holy Spirit. God bless all believers who are in Jesus.