1 Corinthians 13:10 (KJV)
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Barnes says, “This proposition is couched in a general form. It means that when anything which is perfect is seen or enjoyed, then that which is imperfect is forgotten…”
I find little in this text to challenge the position of cessationism. The so-called Charismatic or sign gifts were always meant to have an end. The Bible tells us exactly when that will be: “When that which is perfect is come.”
The debate centers around what “that which is perfect” refers to. Among the three most common interpretations are:
HeavenNon-cessationists often argue that the sign gifts will continue until we reach heaven and have perfect knowledge there.
Jesus
Some believe this refers to Christ’s return, meaning the sign gifts would remain until His second coming.
The Bible
This is the position I hold. I believe “that which is perfect” is a prophecy concerning the completed canon of Scripture, which was fully given approximately thirty years after this letter was written.
Holding this position has several implications:
- It means the sign gifts ceased when the Bible was completed.
- It puts great faith in the Word of God, which supplants miracles. These gifts are not only unnecessary now, but are childish and of lesser substance compared to the preaching and teaching of the Word.
- It affirms that the Bible is of divine origin—not a product of Catholic councils. Christians recognized the Word of God more than two hundred years before the Catholic Church ever existed.
- Most importantly, it means the Bible is perfect. Very few professing believers actually acknowledge that today. They might call it “close to perfect” or “good enough,” but they stop short of calling it infallible, inerrant, and word-for-word perfect.
That’s my position.
And I find it fulfilled in the King James Version.
#Cessationism #PerfectWordOfGod #KJVBibleBeliever #SignGiftsCeased #ScriptureIsSufficient
That Which Is Perfect: Why I Believe the Bible Replaced the Sign Gifts
Are you trusting in signs—or in Scripture?
God gave us something better than miracles: a perfect Bible. The sign gifts had their time, but the Word of God endures forever.
💬 Question: What does “that which is perfect” mean to you—heaven, Jesus, or the completed Bible? Answer in the comments!
📖 Take action: Grab your King James Bible and teach someone today why the Word of God is more sure than any sign or wonder. Start a conversation, write a post, or lead a Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13:10.
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