Actually there are several reasons one does not see the gifts of the Spirit operative and utilized in most assemblies of believers today. If the pastor of a given congregation convinces his assembly no such thing exists today, that will effectively stop the gifts from being operative in that assembly. Then again, many assemblies embrace so much error there is no way God will set His seal of approval on the same by manifesting the gifts through those congregations. The surfacing of these gifts say quite clearly, “The truth is taught here. Listen and learn!” In granting “signs and wonders” to be done in a given assembly, Jesus Christ is thereby “bearing witness to the word of His grace” (See Acts 14:3). He will not bear witness where error and false doctrine is taught. Is that all that surprising???“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Chrisy depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor (honorable purposes of use) and some for dishonor (such as chamber pots). Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter , he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. (Therefore) flee also youthful lusts, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (See 2 Timothy 2:15, 19-22).
Again, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies (including mind, speech, actions) a living sacrifice, HOLY, acceptable to God (God will NOT use an unclean vessel), which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (for your life)” (See Romans 12:1-2).
Satan will use an unclean vessel, counterfeiting the “gifts” and swaying the minds of carnal believers. GOD ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT! Again, “And He (the Lord) said, ‘What comes out of a man, that defiles a man, for from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications,” etc. “All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (See Mark 7:20-23). And to such, Jesus says, “Depart from me, you who work iniquity..” He will NOT use a defiled mind or life. There must first be cleansing by the blood and a forsaking of anything that brings defilement.
And how do these modernist preachers miss the clear import and meaning of Paul’s words in the very beginning of the 1st Corinthian letter, the very letter in which he addresses the subject of the gifts of the Spirit? Notice: “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Jesus Christ (the One who administers the gifts of the Spirit), that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge (exhibiting such gifts as the word of knowledge, the word of wisdom, prophecy, interpretation, etc.), even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you (by these gifts) to the end (THESE GIFTS OPERATIVE RIGHT UP TO THE POINT OF CHRIST’S RETURN), that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See I Corinthians 1:4-8).
Paul then says, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (verse 10). Those who teach against the gifts of the Spirit, saying they ceased when the Bible was completed and/or when the last apostle died, cause far-reaching harm to the body of Christ and actually counter-work the Lord. They are going to need a lot of mercy extended to them by the Lord when they see Him face to face at their judgment. There is an old proverb that says, “Too many cooks spoil the broth!” And too many self-appointed preachers do havoc to the body of Christ and continually sow confusion among God’s people. God help you to understand.
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley