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What scriptures support the use of spiritual gifts in today's church?

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Watch out your question is very broad. You could make two questions out of this. Scriptual support? and Guidelines? – David Laberge Feb 3 '12 at 11:14
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What spiritual gifts your have in mind? The miraculous or service, preaching, doctor? – David Laberge Feb 3 '12 at 11:15
You may want to check out the question on Cessatism and spiritual gifts inventories. This may be a duplicate, but I'm glad you're asking the q! – Affable Geek Feb 3 '12 at 11:37
I'm going to split this into two questions. – DJClayworth Feb 3 '12 at 14:38
This sounds like it's probably asking about speaking in tongues and other "charismatic" spiritual gifts, but that's not really clear. Can you clarify your question? – Flimzy Feb 4 '12 at 5:40

closed as not constructive by Flimzy, Andrew, wax eagle♦ Aug 23 '12 at 15:38

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Whew! Great and loaded question! I'll attempt to answer the most common questions I hear coming from a cessationalist background, but now am not.

1. One of the most common verses I hear against this is probably 1 Corinthians 13:9-10, "For we know in part and we prophecy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away with." This verse is very obviously talking about when Jesus returns. If you keep reading to verse 12 to see that it continues the same thought, "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.". This talks about seeing Jesus face to face when He comes. The purpose of Spiritual gifts is to not only establish His Kingdom, but to point to an eternal existence. It foreshadows a life in the future when we will live without sickness or disease.

2. Another thing I hear is that the spiritual gifts (the ones in 1 Cor. 12) were for the establishing of the Church in the early days. To almost "prove" that it was real. Honestly, I don't see the point in this because nothing has changed. There is still a need to set aside and demonstrate God's kingdom with power. Paul said it best when he said, "For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power (1 Corinthians 4:20)". If we read the verse before this Paul is going to confront a man who is prideful and taking lead incorrectly. Paul says that he will test him by not just hearing his words, but seeing God actively moving through Him. Jesus Himself said in Mark 16:17-18, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”. I find no reason to believe why these things that Jesus promised would be nullified.

I hope this makes sense and helps :) Thanks for asking!

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I'm not sure how the first of these can apply. It seems clearly to be talking about a time of perfection, when Jesus comes again. I don't see that the present age could be described as "when that which is perfect has come". – DJClayworth Feb 3 '12 at 16:51
I agree. Some people say that "that which is perfect" is the finishing or the canonization or the Bible. That was the most important point I forgot to add. haha. I gave the response but not the question. I hope it still makes sense :) – Steven P. Feb 3 '12 at 16:55
Also, of course, this answer is actually answering the opposite of the question. – DJClayworth Feb 3 '12 at 16:58
You think so? I tried to write it so that common objections were answered. At the end I even say that I find to reason why gifts have stopped being used. Also, Mark 16 was quoted. I think that answers the question directly as to which scriptures support spiritual gifts. Unless i misunderstood the question. Which is very possible. – Steven P. Feb 3 '12 at 17:01

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