When Spiritual Gifts Stop
The topic of spiritual gifts is often a subject of debate, particularly around the question of when these gifts ceased. While there is no doubt that spiritual gifts were given, the real controversy lies in determining when, or if, they stopped. This is an important issue as it affects how we apply Bible passages today surrounding spiritual gifts, which in turn affects our Christian walk.
The discussion about the cessation of spiritual gifts must be grounded in Scripture, not personal anecdotes or experiences. As believers, we should interpret the world through the lens of the Bible, not interpret the Bible based on our worldly experiences (2Pe 1:18-21). The Bible clearly indicates in two distinct passages that spiritual gifts have an endpoint, but interpretations on the timing vary (1Co 13:8-13, Eph 4:11-16). Let’s look at the passages and common interpretations and use the Bible to help us understand when spiritual gifts actually stop.
“[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. [12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. [13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” – 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
1 Corinthians 13:8-13 contrasts spiritual gifts with something described as “that which is perfect.” The gifts – including prophecy, tongues, and knowledge – were partial and temporary. When “that which is perfect” comes, these partial gifts will be done away with by something better. Paul uses the analogy of a child growing into adulthood to illustrate the transition from partial to complete understanding. He further contrasts seeing “through a glass, darkly” with seeing “face to face,” and knowing “in part” with knowing as “I am known.” These three illustrations concern partial knowledge being replaced with perfect (complete) knowledge which helps in the discussion about what exactly that perfect thing is.
What is "That Which is Perfect"?
Several interpretations exist regarding what “that which is perfect” refers to:
1. The Return of Jesus: Some believe this refers to Jesus' second coming. However, the context suggests the “perfect” is an object, not a person. Moreover, if this interpretation were true, it would imply that believers remain in a state of immaturity until Christ's return (Acts 2:17-20, 1Jn 3:1-2).
2. When We Die and Are Glorified: Another interpretation is that the “perfect” refers to the believer's glorification after death. However, this perspective implies that maturity is unattainable in this life (1Jn 3:1-2).
3. The Completion of the Bible: A more compelling interpretation is that “that which is perfect” refers to the completion of the Scriptures. With the full revelation of God's word, believers have the complete knowledge necessary for maturity (2Ti 3:15-17).
“[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” – 2Ti 3:15-17
4. The Revelation of the Mystery of Christ: Similar to the previous point, this interpretation suggests that the complete revelation concerning the Body of Christ renders spiritual gifts unnecessary. While this is essentially the same as number 3, there is a slight nuance in that some believers might have received this knowledge through spiritual gifts before the canon of Scripture was completed (Col 1:25-28). Since Paul was given the charge to fulfill (complete) the word of God through the revelation of the mystery of Christ, this information establishing the Body of Christ would remove the need for the spiritual gifts whose purpose was to edify.
“[25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” – Colossians 1:25-28
The Purpose and Endpoint of Spiritual Gifts
“[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: [14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: [16] From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” – Ephesians 4:11-16
Ephesians 4:11-16 tells us that spiritual gifts were given for a specific purpose and duration. The gifts were meant to equip the saints, build up the Body of Christ, and lead believers to maturity. They were given (past tense) until a certain point and for a purpose to grow up the early church: “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children.” This indicates the maturity that comes from complete knowledge of God's revelation, which we learn from other passages is found in the revelation of the mystery of Christ (Eph 4:3-6, 3:1-7, 1Co 1:10, Rom 5:15-21, 2Co 5:17, Php 3:12-15, Col 2:10).
If spiritual gifts are still given today, it would imply that the church remains in a state of immaturity, unable to grow up and edify itself with love and truth, being “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.” However, the Bible teaches that believers can grow up in Christ (Eph 4:14-15, 1Co 14:20).
Conclusion: No More Gifts Today
When the complete knowledge of the mystery of Christ is revealed, the need for spiritual gifts ceases. According to the revelation of the mystery, believers are made perfect (complete) in Christ (Col 1:28, 2:2, 2:10). Paul’s ministry even shows a transition from miraculous gifts to the sufficiency of God’s grace and Word. Healings, for instance, had ceased by the end of Paul's ministry (2Co 12:8-10, 1Ti 5:23, 2Ti 4:20). As the final revelations were received, the gift of prophecy authenticated these scriptures, but now that the Word of God is complete, no further supernatural validation is needed (2Co 12:1, Col 1:25-27, 1Co 14:37, 2Ti 3:15-17).
Thus, spiritual gifts were given for a time to build up the early church and establish it, but with the full revelation of God's plan and the completion of the Bible, these gifts have ceased. Today, there is no longer a need for partial, childish things: believers can grow and mature through the complete and perfect Word of God.
