(There are 13 Articles of Faith - in case you are wondering)
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We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. |
This is probably the most controversial article in my opinion. Again, I mean no disrespect, but I don't see the need for the gift of tongues or prophecy after Christ had already come to Earth and died for our sins. He came back in the Ascencion and blessed the disciples and gave them the power to go out and preach his word. My personal opinion is that there is no need to prophecy anymore, since we have the Word of Christ documented in the Bible, and we know that Christ died for our sins. Believing in Him as the Son of God, and that we are saved through Him, is all we need to attain to. This is also why I don't believe in a living day prophet, because after Jesus there was no need for prophets, as it was before Jesus. All my opinion of course.
Malexander, I am not one for these Topics due to my constraints of life, but I will give you the following points to ponder...
1. Where does it say that Prophecy or Gifts has an end?
2. Did anyone act using any of those Gifts after Christ ascended?
If you know your scriptures well you can then get the answers to my questions and your comments.
I would also like to add that Paul spoke quite a lot about the gift of prophecy. It seems that it was active and important in the days while he (Paul) was active.
Also, if the gift of prophecy was done away with, what are your thoughts about the Apocalypse? Is it not a valid prophecy? Should we disregard it?
On the subject of tongues, as I pointed out in the original post, we see it most active in the ability to teach principles and doctrines to those who speak different languages.
The Apocalypse is stated in the Bible, so I believe that it should be regarded. My comments are regarding prophecies that are not recorded in the Bible. My opinion is one where I do not believe that additional prophecies are necessary after the death and resurrection of Christ. Evangelical work is ok, as it is a means of spreading the word of God to those who do not know about it, etc, but additional revelations and prophecies is what I have an issue with. Hence my skepticism in modern day prophets and additional books of Scripture, as I commented to in other discussions.
JB, I have admitted that I am not as well versed in Scripture as I would like to be, or at least used to be, and I am working on that. However, since this is not the Bible study board, I felt more comfortable stating my opinion, even if I did not have a realm of scripture to quote with it.
What I will say is that I believe in Jesus Christ and his dying on the cross that I could be saved. This, in my opinion, is the fundamental concept of Christianity, and I think all of us, regardless of what sect we belong to, believe in that. These discussions really allow us to debate the differences between sects and why there are so many differences. But in the end, I think only our Lord and Savior can say who was right or who was wrong, or whether we all were right in some aspects. Debating these issues, though, is quite healthy, in that it allows us to investigate our own belief systems, and engage in introspection. At least, this is how I see it.
I understand your position Malexander. The most unique thing about the Church is the fact that we believe the Prophecy still exists and that God still speaks with man, just as he did many years after his ascension. God has not abandoned us, what he has done is come to show us all how it is done and then given us the agency to develop and become like him. Scripture is in itself prophecy and one must have the spirit of prophecy to understand it.
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God has not abandoned us |
If you know the answer as to why Christ still had Peter chosen as 'the Rock' and head of His Church even after He came and left then it will answer your question. Keep in mind... even the Apostles were worried that the Savior would not be 'around' or in other words be there to answer them, guide them, counsel them, as they always needed. God speaks to man today... He tells man His divine will concerning modern day issues not necessarily covered by old times: abortion, stem cell research, technology, etc.