A few recent books reignited the charismatic sign gift debate after it had been dormant for a while. I saw this dated book at a used book store and picked it up not knowing which side of the debate the author was on as the title and preamble don't make it clear.

There were two useful things in this book. The first was that the author doesn't just discuss the sign gifts but also talks about miracles and the miraculous in general. He begins by commenting that we are living in a kind-of Alice in Wonderland world where odd things are happening in the name of God. He documents many of these phenomena and explains why they cannot be from God according to the Bible. He makes the clear distinction between tricks and illusions (magic) and actual miracles.

He discusses healing and whether the healings that occur today in any way represent the organic healings seen in the New Testament. He mentions the case of a young girl who was healed of paralysis in answer to prayer. But contrasts this with the case of Joni Eareckson Tada

There are many of us for whom the role model is Joni Eareckson rather than John Wimber. We see the power of the kingdom operating, but mainly in regeneration, sanctification, the Spirit as a comforter, the transformation of the inner life, rather than in physical miracles which just by happening prevent much of that other kingdom activity whereby people learn to live with their difficulties and glorify God (J.I. Packer quoted in Stafford 1986)

He also touches on prophesy and reminds us that if even one prophesy fails to come true that person has spoken presumptuously and is a false prophet. Also that the punishment in the OT was death! He mentions the late David Wilkerson's prophecy about one third of America supposedly being wiped out in an earthquake by the 1970's.....

He also deals with tongues and the casting out of demons explaining what is and what isn't biblical. I found this book helpful as the author summarises each chapter with a list of what would be miraculous according to the Bible and what isn't.

Concluding he points out that the biggest miracles occurred both in the creation of the world and in the regeneration of millions of people around the world. He then refers to a book that I have been searching for for years after reading it a decade ago and forgetting the title; A Search for Charismatic Reality by Neil Babcox....that was the second useful thing!

While I didn't learn anything new from this book, apart from some of the case studies which were interesting, it did re-affirm my cessationist leanings. It is less complicated than works by John MacArthur (Charismatic Chaos) and less dogmatic than Peter Masters (The Charismatic Phenomenon/Illusion) I will be keeping hold of it for future reference and I recommend it for those with an interest in the subject. ( )

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