Topic(s): Miracles

Todd Clippard

Churches of Christ do not practice tongue-speaking. We believe all miraculous manifestations of the Holy Spirit ceased shortly after the end of the first-century. On our website www.housetohouse.com, Bob Pritchard addresses this very thing. Here is a portion of his comments:

"Miracles have not continued to the present, because the Bible said they would cease.

1 Corinthians 12 lists nine miraculous spiritual gifts, such as the gifts of wisdom, tongues, and prophecy. Paul reminded the Corinthians that not every Christian had the gifts, and then proceeded to show them “the more excellent way” (12:31) of love in chapter thirteen. Paul said that “Charity [love] never faileth: but whether there be prophecies [the miraculous gift of prophecy], they shall fail; whether there be tongues [the miraculous gift of tongues], they shall cease; whether there be knowledge [the miraculous gift of knowledge], it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). The time when these gifts would cease is “when that which is perfect is come,” referring to the completion of God’s written revelation of the Bible, what James called the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25)."

Additionally, what is practiced today called "tongue-speaking" bears no resemblance to the true tongue-speaking recorded in the Scriptures. Read 1 Corinthians 14:22-23 about the purpose of tongue-speaking in the church. Paul said it was a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Where does all tongue-speaking take place among modern-day charismatics? In the assembly and in direct violation of what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:22-23.

Finally, where are the prophets who can specifically foretell the future (Acts 11:27-30; 21:10-14)? Where are the miracle workers who can make a withered hand whole (Matt 12:9-13)? Where is the miracle worker who goes to the hospital and empties it by healing all those therein (Matt 4:23-24)? Where is the man who can go to the funeral home or cemetery and raise the dead (John 11:43-44; Acts 9:36-42)? If tongue-speaking is still a reality today, then every spiritual gift must also be in force and practiced in the sight of all people. But, as we all know, these things are not taking place today.