Welcome!

QUESTION: 80
I have a question and it is, 'are sign gifts in use today?’

ANSWER: There are many sign gifts in the Bible. They must be distinguished from spiritual gifts.  In 1 Corinthians 12: we have spiritual and signs gifts mixed because they were both in use at the time.
    Spiritual gifts are given to Christians to edify the saints and to proclaim the gospel to the world. These are always needed throughout all  generations.
    Sign gifts are for special occasions and cease when their purposes are accomplished.  An example of this is the plagues of Egypt under Moses, where he used a rod to do mighty miracles.  (Exodus 4:17) These sign gifts were to judged Egypt and her gods and to redeem the children of Israel.  Once the final  plague of the death of the firstborn in every home of the Egyptians was accomplished then their purposes cease, and so did the sign gifts also.
    In the days of Jesus on earth He trained twelve disciples and called them apostles. He gave them special authority and gifts as signs of their commission to give us the New Testament and to establish the gospel and the church
    In 2 Corinthians Paul speaks about him having the signs of an apostle. “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” (12:12) These are also mentioned in Heb 2:3, 4. In these verses the Lord spoke the word of salvation and told them to preach it and He would confirm it by signs and wonders. Read carefully Mark 16:17-20 17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. V. 20  And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.  Mark was written about thrity years later
    The purpose was to establish His teaching and record it in the New Testament which is now complete. Hence, these sign gifts, like those of Moses, passed away when their purposes were fulfilled.
    At a four-way stop on the highway there are ‘stop signs.’  Once they put a set of lights there then they do away with the stop signs.
    Beware of counterfeit sign gifts that are claimed by many today. Jesus warned of this in Matt 24:24, For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
    There are also deceivers telling people that there is no hell and God will save everybody. Don’t be deceived, Jesus is the only Saviour and you must trust Him or perish. Do it today

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

Return to Salvation Questions Main Page

Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen