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Study Section 13: Biblical Sign Gifts and Charismatic Movement

13.1 Connect.

Isn’t it interesting, that when you got saved, the Holy Spirit came into your life not only to
indwell you but also, to bring special gifts and anointing that comes with them? Those are not to
be used for yourself only but to also be used to bless others. So, in this section, we will first look
at the characteristics of some of the gifts called “sign gifts,” why they were given, and how they
are to be used. Second, we will look at what is and is not of the Holy Spirit today in light of many
miraculously-performed signs. Third, we will look at charismatic movements that bases truth on
experience rather than on what God’s Word says.

13.2 Objectives.

1. Students should be able to summarize their defense about the use of the “sign gifts,” for
what they were given, and whether they are necessary and active today.

2. Students should be capable of explaining their answers on questions regarding whether the
sign gifts are for the church today.

3. Students should be able to discuss the filioque controversy and give an orthodox position on it.

4. Students should be able to describe what blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is and why it is the
unpardonable sin.

5. Students should be able to identify and describe both the unbiblical and biblical teachings on the
works of the Holy Spirit under the charismatic movement.

13.3 Biblical sign gifts, Gifts of the Spirit, and Charismatic Movement

Biblical Sign Gifts (Tongues, Healing, and Prophesying).

When we speak of the biblical sign gifts, we are referring to miracles like
speaking in tongues, visions, healing, raising the dead, and prophesying.
There is no question among believers whether or not they existed, for the
Bible plainly describes them. Where disagreement arises among believers is their
purpose, as well as the question of whether we should experience them today. Some
say that these gifts are a sign of one's salvation, while others say they are a sign of the baptism of the
Holy Spirit, and yet others say their purpose is to authenticate the message of the gospel. How can we
know the truth? We must search the Scriptures to find God's purpose statements about these things.

One of the earliest references to sign gifts in the Bible is found in Exodus 4, where Moses is being
instructed by God about the impending deliverance from Egypt. Moses worried that the people would
not believe that God sent him, so God gave him the signs of the rod becoming a snake and his hand
becoming leprous (v5). If the people still did not believe, God told Moses to take water from the Nile
and pour it on the ground, where it would turn to blood (v. 9). God also gave Moses miraculous signs to
show Pharaoh, in order that he would let the people go (Exod. 7:3-5). The purpose for the children of

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