Tongues Shall Cease

by Terry Wane Benton

Miraculous powers such as tongues, speaking languages one has not learned through study or education, are no longer available today. They were instrumental in the early days of the church in helping to reveal and confirm God's message (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:1-4). When "that which is perfect" (complete) came, then those things that were "in part" would be done away (I Corinthians 13:8-10). The perfect law of liberty (James 1:21) was compiled in written form to achieve a total and complete status that fulfilled what the Spirit wanted to reveal and confirm.

There are no prophets today. Why? Prophecy would cease as well. Miracles like those Jesus and the apostles performed are no longer given to men. Why? Because they served their purpose in revealing and confirming the Bible message (Hebrews 2:1-4; Mark 16:20).

There are no living apostles or prophets today. Why? The work of the apostles and prophets is complete, and they are in the foundation of God's house. We are built upon Jesus, the apostles, and prophets (Ephesians 2:19f).

There are no more foundational needs. The foundation is complete. We build upon what the apostles and prophets have already laid down. When their work was complete (perfect), miraculous tongues, prophecies, and miracles ceased.

There is no way to obtain those powers today, as they were temporarily distributed "through the laying on of the apostles' hands" (Acts 8:13-16; 19:6). The apostles are no longer performing this act. Therefore, miraculous tongues have ceased. Fake tongues, emotional hype, and hypnotic emotionalism have always been around to deceive, but real apostles and prophets to reveal and confirm new revelations have ceased. The scriptures completely furnish the man of God today (II Timothy 3:16-17).