Introduction:

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:4)

 

 

 

After coming to an understanding of the basic definition of a “spiritual gift”, we now need to examine each of the different types of spiritual gifts that God has given to man.

There are three basic types of spiritual gifts given to the Lord’s local churches:

1. Gifted Men – These are men, used by God to serve the Lord as a part of the ministry of His local assemblies.

2. Accrediting Gifts – These are the gifts whose main purpose is to establish and accredit His Word and place of worship. A secondary purpose of these gifts is to minister to others within the context of local church ministries.

3. Ministering Gifts – These are the gifts whose main purpose is to testify of Christ and His Word through the ministries of His local       assemblies.

We will continue our study of the accrediting gifts by looking at begin studying the Accrediting Gifts that involve SUPERNATURAL PROCLAMATION OF THE TRUTH.

 

Lesson:

Accrediting Gifts (Sign Gifts)

Keep in mind, in our previous studies we have seen that the Accrediting Gifts involving:

1. SUPERNATURAL REVELATION OF TRUTH:

“the word of wisdom” and “the word of knowledge”

2. SUPERNATURAL INDICATORS OF THE TRUTH:

“faith”, “gifts of healing”, “the working of miracles”, “prophecy” and “the discerning of spirits”

3. SUPERNATURAL PROCLAMATION OF THE TRUTH:

“[divers] kinds of tongues” and “the interpretation of tongues:”

 

Before we begin looking at the Scriptural teaching on the conclusion of the accrediting gifts, there is one more passage that we need to look at concerning the Accrediting Gifts. In this case, in involves a list of these gifts given to the local assembly in the context of the Great Commission…

 

(Mark 16:14-19)

14) Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19) So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

 

And to “the seventy” as He equipped them to go before Him and announce His coming from town to town…

1)  After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

2) Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

3) Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

4) Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

5) And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

6) And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

7) And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

8) And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

9) And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

10) But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

11) Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

12) But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

13) Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

14) But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.

15) And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

16) He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

17) And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

18) And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

19) Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

20) Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

(Luke 10:1-20)

 

 

The Accrediting Gifts and the Great Commission

Let’s take a look at this historical account with our attention especially pointed towards truths about the accrediting gifts (within the context of the Great Commission)…

 

(Mark 16:14-19)

14) Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

This historical event takes place following the Lord’s resurrection from the dead with His ascension to the Father to take place soon after. We need to take notice of two important points in this passage:

1. The Lord is speaking to the eleven Apostles which made up the foundation of the Lord’s local assemblies on earth. He is meeting with them during a time when they are assembled as a group. This once again, supports the truth that the accrediting gifts were given to, and used by, the Lord’s local assembly and not believers in general.

2. The eleven had already trusted in Christ by faith. When He pointed to their “unbelief and hardness of heart”, He was not addressing a lack of saving faith, but a lack of belief in accounts of His resurrection spoken to them by eye witnesses. In other words, although saved, they had lacked faith in His miracle working ability. Especially, they did not believe in His ability to raise Himself from the dead. (John 2:18-21, 10:17-18)

 

15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Please keep in mind the Great Commission involves three different responsibilities that are given to the Lord’s local assemblies:

1. Take the gospel to the lost; 2. Baptize those who believe the gospel; 3. Indoctrinate those who are baptized into the assembly

Matthew 28:16-20. In this passage only the first aspect of the great commission is taught with the second aspect only touched upon lightly.

Christ explains to His first church the need to preach the gospel to the lost in the hopes that a genuine belief in Christ and His work will result. The genuineness of the belief will be shown by a declaration of faith and membership in to the Lord’s assembly through baptism. A lack of genuine belief will result in eternal damnation (punishment).

 

This context (vs 14-16) to the accrediting gifts (vs 17-19) is further evidence that these gifts were given to the local assembly to be used in the fulfillment of the Great Commission. These gifts were NOT given to believers in general as is commonly taught in error.

 

17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name

Once again we see these gifts are described as “signs”. The Greek word for “signs” carries with it the idea of a “mark”, “indication”, or “token”.   In other words, the following list of spiritual gifts would be used by the Lord as evidence proving to others: the validity of the local church as the worship place for both Jew and Gentile; the divine authority of the message of the local assembly.

 

“them that believe” – These signs would be exhibited by those who were genuinely believing ministers of the Word. Remember the two aspects of “faith” being spoken of in the context…

1. a faith in the Lord’s ability to do all things as Sovereign All-powerful Lord (His resurrection in context) (vs 14)

2. a saving faith (vs 16)

The accrediting signs would be exhibited by those who had exercised a genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Sovereign Lord. But the prerequisites for the working of the accrediting miracles did not stop there…

 

“In my name” refers to the fact that those who would work these miracles would be do so under the specific calling and authority received from the Lord. It would only be those who were “sent authoritatively” as chosen ambassadors they would be able to exercise these gifts. These workings of miracles were limited to Christ Himself, the Apostles, and other members of His local assemblies who were gifted for the benefit of the assemblies as they fulfilled the call of the Great Commission.

 

Contextually, there is no way to make this section of Scripture teach that all who believe in Him will receive these gifts.

 

 

shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

The Lord now begins to give a list of some of the gifts that would be used in the local assembly’s accreditation by the Lord:

1. shall they cast out devils; – a supernatural INDICATION of the truth

2. they shall speak with new tongues; – a supernatural PROCLAMATION of the truth

3. They shall take up serpents;- a supernatural INDICATION of the truth

4. and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; – a supernatural INDICATION of the truth

5. they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. – a supernatural INDICATION of the truth

 

19) So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

Soon after He bestowed upon the assembly the authority to minister for Him (fulfilling the Great Commission) and gave to them the ability to perform works that would accredit their ministry, He ascended to be with the Father.   The giving of the Great Commission, and the accrediting miracles, was a very important step to preparing the assembly for the first stages of its ministry on earth in His absence.

 

 

The same type of miracle working ability was also given to a group of local church members described as “the seventy”…

(Luke 10:1-20)

1) After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.2) Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

These were given the responsibility to go ahead of Christ telling others of His soon arrival as He traveled from town to town…. There were many that were lost who needed this ministry to prepare their hearts for the coming Christ.

Note that they were “appointed” this is when they received the calling and authority of the Lord to minister to others and to use the spiritual gifts as a part of their ministry. Implied here, is that they had been disciples of Christ and members of His church.

 

3) Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

4) Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

This would be a ministry that was based entirely upon faith in the Lord Jesus. They were not to prepare for their journey but they were to be relying upon Him for their daily supplies.

 

5) And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

6) And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

7) And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

As they traveled from city to city, they were to approach each home in a spirit of openness, love and graciousness, which would be shown by wishing the inhabitants quietness and harmony. If the 70 were treated with the same spirit by the inhabitants of the house the Lord would bless that house with peace. If the household treated the 70 poorly, they would lose out on the blessing of peace that could have been theirs.

They were to remain in the home and enjoy the hospitality that was offered to them. They should not feel guilty about the receipt of this hospitality, because they were simply being repaid for the spiritual blessings that the 70 had brought with them.

 

8) And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

9) And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

When a city accepted them, they were to be a blessing to the city by healing the sick. They were then to explain that this miracle was being performed based upon the “kingdom of God”. In other words, this miracle was performed based upon the Lord’s sovereign control over this sickness. They had just seen the hand of the Lord exercising control over this sickness.

It would be this same all-powerful Lord that would soon be coming their way.

 

10) But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

11) Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

12) But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

13) Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

14) But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.

15) And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

16) He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

To those cities who did not kindly receive the 70, they were to depart from that city and not “force themselves” upon it. They were to not take anything from that city, even the dust of the city they were to leave behind. This is a visible illustration to teach this rebellious city a very important lesson… the 70 did not need them, nor were they associated with this spirit of rebellion in anyway. It was a visible rejection of the city’s spirit of rebellion that would eventually result in their eternal judgment.

 

Examples to emphasize the horrendous, eternal, judgment of the Lord is given to this rebellious city…

1. Sodom and Gomorrah – the recipients of a temporal judgment of fire… the cities who reject the seventy would face eternal, never ending judgment.

2. Tyre and Sidon – Tyre and Sidon, two Gentile cities would be judged eternally based upon their lost condition, but because they did not have the privilege of hearing the teachings not seeing the miracles of Christ or the seventy, their judgment was limited. However, the judgment falling against those cities that purposely reject the message and miracles given to them would face a far greater judgment.

 

Since the seventy were sent as the authoritative ambassadors of Christ, anyone who rejected them was, in effect, rejecting Christ as Himself. This is the reason for the severe judgment of God falling upon them.

 

17) And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

18) And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

19) Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

20) Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

At the completion of their ministry, the seventy were amazed at the great miracles they were able to perform. In their mind, the greatest miracle was that of the casting out of demons.

Christ responds explaining that He had proof that Satan was already defeated in the counsels of God. Satan being cast out of heaven onto the earth was proof that he was defeated in the counsels of God. Of course, Satan’s defeat was accomplished through the death of Christ on the cross. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

Christ gave them the ability to withstand the poison of snakes and scorpions (picturing Satan – Genesis 3:1-14, and the powers of darkness – Revelation 9:3-10). This was visible evidence that they had power over the powers of darkness which they could not see.

 

They are reminded to keep their attention, joy and appreciation pointed toward the miracle of their salvation not the far less significant ability to perform these accrediting miracles.

 

In both of these examples, we have seen tremendous similarities:

 

THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS GIVEN:

1. Healing of the sick

2. Not harmed by poisons

3. Authority over demons

 

THE PURPOSE FOR THE GIVING OF THE GIFTS:

1. To prepare the lost for Christ’s coming (to visit a city by announcing Him, or His second coming by declaring the gospel)

2. To give evidence their message was true and their authority was divine

 

THE PEOPLE TO WHOM THE GIFTS WERE GIVEN:

1. Local church members (Apostles, Seventy)

2. Personally chosen to a specific ministry

3. Given authority to be His ambassador and prepare others for His coming.

4. Given authority to exercise gifts to fulfill their ministry

 

It is very helpful that we keep the mention of the gifts in the Great Commission and the sending of the seventy in the context of our previous studies… the church at Jerusalem during Pentecost, the church in the house of Cornelius, the church at Ephesus, the church at Samaria. These examples help us to understand both the Luke 10: and Mark 16: passages.

 

In our next lesson, we will answer the question when did these accrediting gifts come to an end.

 

 

Additional Information:

Accrediting Gifts (Sign Gifts)

(Mark 16:14-19)

14) Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19) So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

 

The Accrediting Gifts and the Great Commission

1) Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2) And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

3) But of the fruit of the tree which [is] in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

4) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

5) For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

6) And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

7) And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

8) And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

9) And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where [art] thou?

10) And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I [was] naked; and I hid myself.

11) And he said, Who told thee that thou [wast] naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

12) And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest [to be] with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

13) And the LORD God said unto the woman, What [is] this [that] thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

14) And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou [art] cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

(Genesis 3:1-14)

 

(Mark 16:14-19)

14) Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19) So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

 

1) After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

2) Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

3) Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

4) Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

5) And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

6) And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

7) And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

8) And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

9) And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

10) But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

11) Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

12) But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

13) Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

14) But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.

15) And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

16) He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

17) And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

18) And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

19) Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

20) Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

(Luke 10:1-20)

 

18) Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

19) Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

20) Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

21) But he spake of the temple of his body.

(John 2:18-21)

 

17) Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18) No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

(John 10:17-18)

 

14) Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

15) And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

(Hebrews 2:14-15)

 

1) And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

2) And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

3) And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

4) And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

5) And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment [was] as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

6) And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

7) And the shapes of the locusts [were] like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads [were] as it were crowns like gold, and their faces [were] as the faces of men.

8) And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as [the teeth] of lions.

9) And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings [was] as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

10) And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power [was] to hurt men five months.

11) And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon.

(Revelation 9:1-11)