‘A verse in 1 Corinthians 13 is taken by some to mean that the gift of the Spirit has ceased and vanished away. “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease: whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” v. 8. The context of this verse must be read to understand it. “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly: but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” vv. 9-12. In these verses, 8 to 12, we have a comparison of love with the gifts of prophecy, tongues and the words of knowledge. Love is declared to be the greatest, since it will endure when the others shall have finished their purpose and shall have passed away. It is stated that the time will come when these gifts of the Spirit will cease to operate. When is that time? When will that which is perfect come? When shall we see face to face? When shall I know even as also I am known? It is apparent that all four of these questions have the same answer. The answer is, When Jesus comes. Then shall we all see face to face in heaven, there where knowledge shall be complete. Then and then only shall the gifts cease. Since Jesus and heaven have not yet come, this scripture proves that these gifts, and their parent, the Baptism in the Spirit, are available for us today.’
Source: Ralph M. Riggs; The Spirit Himself (1949); Chapter 12: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Available for Us Today; p. 98-99.
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