The most cited passage regarding the cessation of prophecies and other miraculous gifts is 1 Corinthians 13:8-10:
8 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.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
The interpretation of “when completeness comes” (“when the perfect comes” in some translations) is where different theological views arise:
Cessationism: This view holds that the “completeness” refers to the completion of the New Testament canon (the full written Word of God). Once the authoritative written revelation was complete, the need for certain “sign gifts” like prophecy, tongues, and miraculous knowledge ceased because God’s full revelation was now available in written form. Proponents of this view often point to the disappearance of these gifts in church history after the apostolic era.
Continuationism: This view argues that “completeness” refers to the return of Christ and the eternal state, when believers will see God “face to face” and “know fully” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
12 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.
They believe that these gifts can and do continue to operate in the church today until Christ’s second coming.
1 Corinthians 15:8 (KJV): “And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”
Paul saw an manifestation as I have of the the “glass, darkly” just as I have seen (literally). And he was a mass murderer of people. And I was only mass a murderer in video games.
1 Thessalonians 1:20
20 Despise not prophesyings.
1 Corinthians 14:29-32
9 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
That’s why anyone saying things in their madness needs to be interpreted, because this madness is difficult to overcome.
2 Peter 15-19
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
Acts 26:24
24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
In conclusion, the concept of this book not being alive and not having continuation, is false. I think that the fundamentalist approach to this issue is incorrect and that prophets always need an interpreter becuase they deal with madness.
The Talking Donkey (Numbers 22):
This is one of the most famous and unusual episodes in the Bible. As Balaam rode his donkey to Moab, an angel of the Lord stood in his path, visible only to the donkey. Three times the donkey turned aside, crushing Balaam’s foot against a wall on one occasion. Each time, Balaam beat the donkey. Finally, God miraculously enabled the donkey to speak, rebuking Balaam for his cruelty. Then, Balaam’s eyes were opened, and he saw the angel, who explained that he would have been killed had the donkey not turned aside. This incident highlights Balaam’s spiritual blindness despite his prophetic abilities.
The Blessings Instead of Curses (Numbers 23-24):
Despite Balak’s repeated attempts and changes of location, Balaam was unable to curse Israel. Each time he opened his mouth, prompted by the Spirit of God, he pronounced blessings upon Israel. His prophecies included:
Affirmations of Israel’s unique status and blessings.
Predictions of Israel’s future strength and prosperity.
A powerful prophecy of the coming “Star from Jacob” and “Scepter from Israel” (Numbers 24:17), which is widely interpreted as a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ.
Modern Israel is the Church from my understanding, and the nation of Israel is a separate entity according to the ancient texts. And that the Church is under a new covenant according to Jeremiah, and it doesn’t require a “Pentateuch” level of precision as the Rabbi’s insist. And that it’s necessary to interpret.
Baalam’s problem was “Cruelty to Animals”. When I was a child, I didn’t seriously hurt the dog, but I did make it yelp in pain sometimes over the Cocker Spaniel for him constantly running away and stuff, becuase I didn’t know how to train a dog.
So I am guilty of the same.