You are taking the Cessationist position, that the "miracle" gifts were sign gifts for the time of the Apostles only.
Or at least you asking the questions from their perspective.
I am taking the Continuationist position.
But not claiming the manifestations are "necessary proof for being eternally saved".
It's not that I would call it a view for cessation of the supernatural sign gifts, but a fulfillment view. According to Peter speaking in other tongues was foretold by the Prophet Joel. Saying "in the last days" all these things Peter writes would be fulfilled. Have all the things written by Peter quoting the prophesy of Joel come fully to pass on the day of Pentecost, the day that began "these last days"? No, if all that was foretold was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, then Joel would not have said "in these last day(s). These last days only began at Pentecost, with the outpouring of the Spirit, and signs and wonders done by the apostles. (Acts 2:43 & 5:12)
The first sign given was outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh. I would hope that you agree 'all' does not mean without exception, but without distinction. Not only on the Jews, but on mankind from every nation of the world. That day there were three thousand men from every nation under heaven who were added to the Church by faith (they believed the Gospel). They repented and believed in the name of Jesus Christ, and were baptized, and according to Peter they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. They did NOT speak in other tongues they had only to believe and be baptized to be added to those who were saved.
Acts 2:38-41 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them,
Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
The three thousand continued in fellowship and breaking of bread and prayers in the apostles doctrine. But the many signs and wonders were done by the apostles. There isn't even evidence that these three thousand souls had the ability to speak in other tongues, even though it is clear they were baptized and believed and received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:42-47 (KJV) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and
many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all
men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
There should be no doubt that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh began on the day of Pentecost. But the gift of the Holy Spirit did not end on that day. The Holy Spirit coming to mankind clearly came to pass at Pentecost, and the Spirit continues to be in whosoever believes the Gospel and repents throughout these last days. Now the Holy Spirit comes into man without any outward signs or miracles. Believers no longer need a physical manifestation of His presence in us to know and believe that we have gone from being spiritually dead in trespasses and sins to being alive in Christ. And that we have entered the spiritual Kingdom of God.
The next promise of what shall come to pass in these "last days" is "
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy" "
And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy". This too was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when the apostles began to speak with other tongues under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. That's what prophesy is. The ability to foretell events and speak the things of God through His Spirit.
What about visions and dreams? Is there Biblical proof to support this sign too is taking place since the day of Pentecost in "these last days"? Acts 9:10 records that Ananias was given a vision. And Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10 were given a vision. And of course there is Paul, and Stephen saw a vision of heaven (Acts 7:56-60).
All that was spoken by Peter quoting the Prophet Joel has come to pass, is coming to pass and shall be during these last days the prophet foretells would come after the advent of the Messiah coming to earth, returning to heaven and sending His Spirit. The signs and miracles in the beginning had to be physically shown to authenticate the message and the messengers. Since we have the complete Word of God and His Spirit to guide us unto all truths since Pentecost, we no longer need a physical manifestation of His supernatural power. The power of the Spirit in us has not been done away. But that power is now made known spiritually and not physically.
The other tongues believers now speak is called the Gospel of Christ. Unknown language to the world before He came. Because the Word of God is the power of life for all who believe. That's the greatest sign gift, the miracle of man, who was spiritually dead in trespasses and sins, being spiritually taken from the power of our flesh, the world and Satan, darkness and death, from eternal damnation to eternal life and light through Christ. No, the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit in believers is still alive and well! He supernaturally works through His disciples as they go forth telling the wonderful supernatural works of God, foretelling of Christ coming again for judgment and the second death to all who reject Him through unbelief.
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