Are the Pentecostal Signs Being Restored?

[nChrist]

Are the Pentecostal Signs Being Restored?
By Cornelius R. Stam
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With convincing "signs and wonders" being wrought all about us in increasing numbers, some are being carried away from the truths so clearly set forth for our day in the epistles of Paul.

Some have concluded from these "supernatural manifestations" that toward the close of this present dispensation we may expect a revival of the divine gifts of tongues, healing, etc.

As to healing, may we first point out that no instructed believer in Pauline truth questions that God can and often does heal the sick and infirm as, for example, in the case of Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25-27). We believe too that God is constantly working miracles. But we deny that healers and miracle workers, or that signs and miraculous demonstrations, have any part in God's program for today.

First, the apostle did not say in I Corinthians 13:8 that the gifts of prophecy, tongues and knowledge would be done away until the closing days of the dispensation. He simply declared that these miraculous manifestations were to be done away (i.e., In this new dispensation), and that "faith, hope and love" would "abide" (Ver. 13). Nor is there any indication in the Pauline epistles that the Pentecostal signs are to be restored at the close of this dispensation.

The apostle does declare, however, that after the close of the dispensation of grace, the "man of sin" will appear "with all power and signs and lying wonders" (II Thes. 2:9). In this the apostle confirms what our Lord says in Matthew 24:24 about the same period of time:

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

During the "tribulation period," then, after the members of the Body of Christ have been "caught up" to be with the Lord, the ministers of Satan, from Antichrist down, will come with "all power and signs and lying wonders," to deceive, if possible, "the very elect."

But now let us see how this affects us today.

In the very same passage about Antichrist and his "power, and signs, and lying wonders," the apostle warns that "...the mystery of iniquity doth already work..." (II Thes. 2:7).

What does all this tell us about the multiplied miraculous manifestations we are seeing all about us as the days grow darker: tongues, healing, prophecies, ESP, witchcraft, spiritism, exorcism, etc., not to mention false doctrine? Obviously it tells us that these are not of God, but of Satan.

A wondrous manifestation is to some the end of all argument. So-and-so must be of God or he could not work these miracles! But the above passages from the Scriptures tell us differently. Satan has power. He can work wonders, but he does so to deceive men and draw them away from the truth of God's glorious purpose and grace.

Indeed, the apostle, in I Timothy 4:1, issues a stern warning to this effect:
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils [demons]."

This is why the apostle rightly urges all believers: "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness [wicked spirits] in high [heavenly] places" (Eph. 6:11,12).

[nChrist]

Are the Pentecostal Signs Being Restored?
By Cornelius R. Stam
=========================================

Be not deceived. Satan is not a grotesque creature with horns, hooves, a tail and a pitchfork. He inspired that caricature to draw attention away from himself, for when the apostle warns of "false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ" (II Cor. 11:13), he adds:

"And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

"Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness..." (Vers. 14,15).

There you have it! If Satan did appear as men portray him, the multitudes would flee from him. But "an angel of light" with "ministers of righteousness"! This attracts the unwary.

But here is one who is stricken with some deadly disease. He is taken to a healing meeting and, seemingly at least, is completely restored. Can this possibly be of Satan?

Why not? Besides all his other powers, is it not he that inflicts sickness and disease? Think of the case of Job. Did not God permit Satan to bring Job to the point of death, physically (Job 2:4-9)? Think of Paul himself. Was it not "a messenger of Satan" who was sent to "buffet" him until he cried again and again for deliverance (II Cor. 12:7,8 )? And is it not clearly stated in Hebrews 2:14 that for the present Satan has "the power of death"?

If it is Satan, then, who inflicts sickness and disease, why cannot Satan stop inflicting them? Why can he not—why would he not, withdraw the illness he has inflicted if this will cause you to center your interest on the wrong thing, and cause you to walk by sight, rather than by faith?

We specially mention bodily healing because most people are attracted and convinced by this sort of supernatural demonstration. But the physical healings under our Lord's earthly ministry and at Pentecost were "signs." Signs of what? They were signs of the Messiahship of Christ. Had He been accepted as King, all those thus healed would have gone into the prophesied kingdom, where sickness and disease would never again overtake them.

This is not so today, for the King and His kingdom have been rejected, and the reign of Christ on earth now awaits a future day. Thus it is that those who are "healed," all finally die like the rest. Though "healed" again and again, there always comes that last time when nothing avails.

One of the saddest aspects of the modern healing campaign is the long, sad trail of disillusionment and shaken faith it leaves behind. Some are not healed at all, and even those who are "healed" finally come to "that last time" when Hebrews 9:27 is fulfilled, for "it is appointed unto men once to die."

What a list could be made of all those who once sincerely preached that it was a lack of faith, a sin, not to claim and expect from God a strong, sound body, yet they themselves all died. After the long list of the greatest of all these "healers" could be copied those familiar words from Genesis 5: "and he died ... and he died ...and he died"!

Pastor J. C. O'Hair rightly said that despite the claims of all the Christian Scientists, the Roman Catholics, the Pentecostalists, and all the other "healing" folk, the death rate still remains one apiece.

How much better, then, to walk by faith and leave ourselves in His loving hands to do as He sees is best for us?

Thus we beg our Christian readers not to be carried away with amazing demonstrations that can only beguile us to take our eyes off Him. Rather let us heed the Spirit's exhortation through Paul:

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6,7).

[islandboy]

Some churches in our area are trying to run "Healing Missions", that promote healing by God. I attended one of the meetings out of curiosity and while on the surface things appear to be on the up & up, the general underlining was not Christian based. They introduced the "Healing of Memories", use of "Eastern Religious Prayer" tactics, and etc.... which was not proclaiming God, but had a much different non-Christian based source feeling about it. Instead of feeling joyful, I left feeling sad about the whole affair.

[Greg F]

I have an in-law that is Pentacostal and believes that she has the gift of interpreting tongues.  I have never attended her Church, my wife has and calls them "pew hoppers."  But I can't argue with the in-laws sincerity.  She goes on regular missions with the Campus Crusade for Christ and has been all over the world, has smuggled Bibles into China when they were barred, and has done some amazing things that most of us wouldn't have the funds for (and she's not rich) or the commitment to do.

[Royo]

I posted a reply, but it did not show up, so I will reply again....

I do not believe that they are "being restored", because I don't think they ever left, to have to be restored.
I DO BELIEVE what you say about the signs and wonders that the antichrist will use, but I know that people like Smith Wigglesworth were truly "in the Spirit", and manifested the power of the Holy Spirit when he touched so many, and healed so many, and raised at least 10 from the dead. Yes, that was 80 to 100 years ago, but it is because he "believed".

I firmly believe this scripture applies to us now, as much as it did Peter, John, etc.
"And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will recieve."

And also, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."

So to me, I do not doubt that God is still working this way in His children.
When I worked at the Bread Of Life Mission in Seattle, God told me to pray for the healing of a brother, and I saw him instantly healed. All I could say was WOW.

God bless you all....Roy.

[nChrist]

Hello Brother Roy,

GOD does as HE pleases in Heaven and on Earth. No power will ever be able to stop HIM. As an example, I firmly believe that I am only alive right now because of GOD. Any doubts I have are in men - BUT never the absolute power and Will of GOD.

Love in Christ,
Tom

Romans 15:5-7 NASB  Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.

[Royo]

Amen brother Tom.
I especially liked your "example", because I definately am alive because of God, as I tried to kill myself 30 years ago, and it is only by His most glorious grace that I am alive, AND a Christian.....many, many times I have praised Him, knowing that I would have spent eternity in hell had it not been for His love and grace toward me.

Praise be to the One who died for us, while we were yet sinners.
[Romans 5:8].

[Shammu]

Amen brother Tom.
I especially liked your "example", because I definately am alive because of God, as I tried to kill myself 30 years ago, and it is only by His most glorious grace that I am alive, AND a Christian.....many, many times I have praised Him, knowing that I would have spent eternity in hell had it not been for His love and grace toward me.

Praise be to the One who died for us, while we were yet sinners.
[Romans 5:8].

AMEN Royo, that is the beauty, and power of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

[nChrist]

Brothers,

I just prayed that GOD would let me live long enough to finish raising my children, but HE gave me much more than that. I have three grandsons now, and the oldest one is 6. I have very simple thoughts about the physical life of a Christian now. If we are physically alive in this short life, GOD still has a use for us. Prayer for guidance and yielding to HIS Will brings a wonderful joy and peace that many sweet Christians know about. I do know for sure that one does NOT need to be young, strong, healthy, and wealthy to serve GOD.

   OK - I'll add one more just for me. You don't have to be pretty either.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Hebrews 10:23-25 NASB  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

[Royo]

Oh, come on Tom.
I have never seen your face, and I think you are gorgeous.
(spiritually, that is).

[nChrist]

    Thanks Brother Roy. I feel the same way about you and many other sweet Christians. Fellowship is a priceless gift that GOD has given us.

 

[Soldier4Christ]

Fellowship is a priceless gift that GOD has given us. 

AMEN!

[Maryjane]

I am praying for evangelism to be restored....laborers are few...many are waiting for signs and wonders for prosperity...

[nChrist]

Hello MaryJane,

I think that the world is ripe for EASY DECEPTION!

In fact, I know it is because the Holy Bible tells us that the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST will be with a SWORD IN GREAT WRATH, and it will be too late.

It's really amazing to me how well the world has ignored the Holy Bible for 2,000 years. The Holy Bible proves itself, but many other external sources also prove that the Holy Bible is completely true. It's sad that much of the world considers Christians who believe the Holy Bible to be simpletons who need someone else to do thinking for us. The world appears to be getting worse in rejecting the plain and simple TRUTH of the Holy Bible. BUT, we should remember that the Bible tells us how things will be in the last days of this Age of GRACE.

BUT, there is no hint that Christians should slow down or stop until CHRIST takes us home. In terms of effort and Evangelism, I don't think that has ever stopped. In fact, there are almost daily examples of Christians giving their very lives around the world to share the GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL OF GOD'S GRACE - JESUS CHRIST AND THE CROSS!

If we are looking at a preview or the actual end days of the Age of GRACE, the world and the lost won't have prosperity to look forward to, rather horrible times of terror, pain, and destruction. Any times of peace and prosperity will be false, short, and a prelude to absolute horror for evil. GOD will finally pour out HIS RIGHTEOUS AND HOLY WRATH on evil. The world will first be deceived by the devil and suffer greatly at his hands, but JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF will lead HOLY HOSTS to defeat and confine evil for final JUDGMENT. Real Peace and Prosperity won't happen again until JESUS CHRIST takes the Throne of David in Jerusalem and rules and reigns over the earth for 1,000 years. Until then, this sad and evil world is going to get worse and worse.

The 7 Year Tribulation Period right before the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST will be the worst time of terror, death, and destruction this world has ever seen. By comparison, World War II would be like a birthday party. ONE will come offering peace, and the world will be deceived into believing that he can deliver that peace. In fact, he will for a short time, but it will be false and all HELL will break loose. The one offering peace will be the Anti-Christ, and he will have a big bag full of tricks to deceive the entire world. The many signs were foretold thousands of years ago in Bible Prophecy that will be fulfilled completely and perfectly at GOD'S Appointed time. YES - I think that time grows near.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Revelation 3:20 NASB  'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

2 Peter 3:3-13 NASB  Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

[Kathy]

I wonder why it is that people of other "religious" beliefs feel the need to blast others for their beliefs. Pew hoppers or Holy rollers, I wonder how many of you have read the verse that says we are one in Christ. Is it right to call those of the Pentecostal belief names that I am sure Christ himself would frown upon? What a way to show Christ's love! I am thinking that maybe we should get our eyes off of the name of the church that people go to and look at what is in their heart. I also am challenging each one of you that are not "pew hoppers, Holy rollers" to seek God with every that is in you. I challenge you to ask God to reveal Himself to you in a way He has never done before. Keep an open heart and mind and God may just reveal Himself in a way you have never expected. God's isn't just a Sunday God. He is a God of all days that should be praised and worshipped everyday of our lives. Let's get out of the mindset that one's beliefs is better then another and let's considerate on showing God's love to one another and to those who really need it.  
I don't come here and comment very much but I could not stand by and be silent in this case.
And in case you have not quite figured it out. YES I AM A PENTACOSTAL WOMAN! and if that makes me any less of a CHRISTIAN in your eyes, so be it. But my God is the Father of my Savor Jesus Christ. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is my bright and morning star. He is my redeemer in whom I shall rejoice.
Let's all remember what is means to be a Christian. For you that may have forgotten Christian= Christ like. Let's all act like it. WWJD comes to my mind.
Through Christ Love ya'll
and have a blessed day
Kathy