Pentecostal Finger Pointing Part III
This marks the third and final installment of our series comparing the practices of present-day charismatics with Bible teaching. Modern day charismatics are without question a sincere and zealous bunch. Though they have only been in existence since the turn of the 20th century, their adherents worldwide now number more than 600 million. However, success in gaining adherents is not the standard of correctness (Matt. 24:11), also one would have to conclude that Muslims and Hindus were more correct as each has more than a billion adherents.
We have repeatedly and conclusively shown how the practice of modern charismatics stands in stark contrast and violation to 1 Corinthians 14, which written (was) by the apostle Paul to regulate the practice of genuine spiritual gifts. We conclude our examination by comparing their practices against three passages in this great chapter.
In 1 Corinthians 14:32 the inspired apostle penned, "the spirit of the prophets are subject to the prophets." In contrast to the obvious lack of control and discipline seen among modern-day charismatic practice, Paul noted that the exercise of spiritual gifts was not beyond the control of the one who possessed the gifts. But we again note the lack of self control and discipline as these modern-day practitioners jump around, jerk, twitch, roll on the ground, holler and babble "uncontrollably." One would have to be completely ignorant of the Scriptures to believe that the assemblies of the first century church in any way resembled what is seen today.
In 1 Corinthians 14:37 we read, "Let your women keep in silence in the churches, for it is not permitted for them to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says." Moreover, "the law" here invoked cannot be that of Moses, for there is no specific condemnation of this practice in the Mosaic Law. So, to what law does Paul here refer? It is the law of the creation order. Paul repeated this law in 1 Timothy 2:8-14 in forbidding women to take a leading role in the public teaching of the church. Yet in practice, do we see silence among the women of these groups? Hardly! Modern day charismatics and 1 Corinthians 14:37 - once again in violation of the Bible!
Finally, in 1 Corinthians 14:40 we read, "Let all things be done decently and in order." I watched an online video of RAMP attendees taking off their shoes and socks, then dancing around twirling their socks over their heads as the band parodied a popular rock and roll song. This one is a no-brainer... Pentecostals and 1 Corinthians 14:40 - as far apart as east is from west!
1 Corinthians 13:8-10 is the definitive passage teaching that spiritual gifts are no longer present today. But to be honest, if miraculous spiritual gifts did exist today, and one wanted to know how to exercise them according to the Scriptures, he would be no closer to the truth if he were to practice the very opposite of what modern-day charismatics teach and practice!
An old adage among churches of Christ is "do Bible things in Bible ways and call Bible things by Bible names." Our only desire is to practice Christianity as it is revealed in the New Testament and teach others to do the same. The Bible only makes Christians. Nothing more, nothing less. To be Christians only is our prayer and purpose.
Clippard, Todd. (2009, August 15). Pentecostal Finger Pointing Part III. Journal Record. p.3
Posts
3 comments:
"I am aware of the response you provided and intend to give it it's own equal space." So when are you gonna keep your word?
In due time. Seeing as I just now today got around to posting the final of the three commentaries, I would look for it in the coming days or weeks. Thanks for your concern though "anonymous."
"your welcome" :)
Post a Comment