Against ‘cessationism’ – and why gifts of the Spirit have continued to this day – audio
The New Testament records gifts of the Spirit granted to the believers and while no scriptures state these would be taken away before the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, there are those who say they long since “ceased.”
The extra-biblical doctrine called “cessationism” contends that with either: 1) the finalization of the New Testament, or 2) the death of the last apostle John – who wrote the last book – God withdrew the gifts that were only temporary, they say. Those who take the opposite stance have been called “continuists” or “continuationists” because they advocate the gifts have continued to this day.
Without doubt, this is a can of worms. It is a broad topic that’s seen those who name the name of Christ accuse others of being falsely led, deceived, in error, even under the spell of demons.
Church history does record a succession of miracles and other apparent manifestations of the gifts at intervals since the first century, but true enough, they did taper off markedly after that first century of the original apostles.
Where things can get ugly is when cessationists pull together an argued position declaring the “outpouring of the Holy Spirit” in revivals such as that of Wales in 1904, and Azusa Street, California in 1906, and subsequently, was false. Further, they deny that it is the “normative” way of God today to enable Christians to do such things as prophecy, heal, speak in tongues, interpret tongues, give words of knowledge and etc.
They have less to say about the gift of “faith,” and teaching, but ones that look supernatural make them take pause, as can some other behaviors and beliefs held by Charismatics, Pentecostals, Assemblies of God, and others.
It’s no secret some excesses have been documented by those claiming that the Spirit of God was moving them. To cessationists, who come in various degrees and flavors but generally say the gifts did or probably did cease, any such “emotionalism” is repulsive.
This is understandable, but swinging the pendulum to the opposite extreme is just a different form of emotional reaction in return, and no more creates holiness or Christlikeness than those considered “out there,” fanatical, or otherwise in error.
Without being able to tackle the entirety of the subject, this preaching at a small church gathering hits the high spots. One sad observation of those who claim God’s “voice” is ONLY the Bible, is they may shy away from true spirituality. Such ones can be dry, or following a form of Christianity “in their head,” or otherwise not knowing what it means to walk in the Spirit – an apostolic command and needed for holiness.
So, without endorsing Charismatics or Pentecostals entirely, this teaching tries to reconcile issues, and raise issues for further study. It is for those who want the truth, and God’s will to be done.
Lord bless you.
Outline Notes
It’s a DEBATE
PRODUCE VERY DIFFERENT EXPRESSIONS OF “CHRISTIANITY”
People claim to follow scriptures but it’s obvious flesh has become involved.
Bias, desire for comfort zone, reading comprehension, critical thinking skills.
Scriptures
Mt 16:18 – 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
2 Cor 3 – 7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
The church did in many cases fail. It was prophesied it would be infiltrated.
Acts 20:29-31- For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. –
1 Tim 4:1-3 – Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth –
The Gifts –
Rom 12:6-8 -Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Note: here gifts of the Spirit include ministering and teaching. Have they also been done away with? Cessatonists will say no, but these are spiritually granted gifts just the same. Why can they have faith for these but not the nine gifts that follow (we shall answer this).
1 Cor. 12:8-10 – for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same[a] Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
Bible says when gifts would be done away –
1 Cor 1:4-9 (esp 7) – 4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 COR 13 -8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Cor 14 – 39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Where is it written this is rescinded? Who rescinded the command?
Who Says The Completed NT Bible Was The Mission?
If indeed it was a goal to compile a New Testament Bible, they got off to a late start, and those who came after the apostles were slow to fulfill this purported commission to finalize the NT.
The first gospel, though there is debate, was not written until at least 13 years after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-13 in circa 30 AD. Some say it was as long as 30-some years, being Mark’s Gospel, written they say, in 70 AD.
The first epistle written, scholars have said, came 23 years after. This was 1 Thessalonians, estimated by some at 52 AD.
APOSTOLIC?
2 Cor 12:12 – Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
Yes, signs of an apostle were accomplished. Does the Word say only apostles did signs and wonders?
Acts 6:8 – And Stephen, full of faith[b] and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 8 – 5 Then Philip went down to the[a] city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.
Stephen was a deacon, Philip was an evangelist.
Not just apostles – Gal 3:5 – Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Not just apostles – 1 Cor 12 – 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Not just apostles – 1 Cor 12:28 – And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
FACT: The New Testament is not an exhaustive chronicling of all who did miracles, but focuses on the major figures, especially the apostles and notable leaders.
Nowhere does it say miracles were exclusive to them. That is assumed by people who wish to think beyond what is written.
John 14: 12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask[c] anything in My name, I will do it.
Jesus spoke in terms of continuity …
NO TIME LIMIT —
Great commission –
Mark 16 – 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Healing
James 5 – 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Miracles No Longer Needed?
Healing
Inside knowledge
Spiritual protection
Deliverance from evil spirits, people
Helps get message out
About “Experience”
It is fundamentally bad theology to form beliefs about Christianity or the Christian life based on “experience.” Cessationists accuse continuants (Pentecostal/Charismatic) of elevating their experience above the Bible. In cases this accusation has been true. Why? All people are sinners, imperfect, and may mix their worldly fleshly imaginations and subjective thoughts in with what is genuinely of God. Paul the Apostle said this was possible in rebuking the Corinthians (See especially chapt 3).
This said, cessationists who claim to be purely “objective” may be kidding themselves and hiding, ignoring, or oblivious to deep emotional reasons for coming to the conclusions they do.
Examples of citing extra-biblical “evidence” in favor of cessationism:
>Repulsed by Pentecostals/ Charismatics for “strange fire” and “emotionalism,” etc.
>Solution: REACT! … Swing theology as far away as possible from them to create a form of Christianity that can ignore it all. Justify self with “biblical” arguments.
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>Citing lack of miracles through church history on the level of those of the Apostolic age.
>Answer: It’s little wonder so few miracles happened when the Catholic church co-opted the faith, and took it into false teachings and merged with the world starting 312 AD. They quenched the Spirit, and therefore did not meet the conditions necessary for the “ministry of the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:7-11) of the first century disciples working under apostles’ doctrine.
This said, even the Catholics were not hardcore cessationists! Just as they also preserved apostolic truths like no remarriage after divorce, they preserved the apostolic teaching that miracles were part of the faith! They even maintained that as a condition of achieving “sainthood” a candidate must have produced verified miracles!
What’s more, the early church fathers prior to the Catholics bore witness to miracles.
The New Testament was completed as soon as 96 AD. According to Irenaeus (d.202), a disciple of Polycarp, who was a disciple of the Apostle John, miracles were still occurring in his day during the second century.
In his book Against Heresies, Book V, vi. Irenaeus wrote:
“In like manner do we also hear many brethren in the church who possess prophetic gifts, and who through the Spirit speak all kinds of languages, and bring to light, for the general benefit, the hidden things of men and declare the mysteries of God, who also the apostles term spiritual.”
“Those who are in truth His disciples, receiving grace from Him, do in His name perform [miracles], so as to promote the welfare of other men, according to the gift which each one has received from Him. For some do certainly and truly drive out devils, so that those who have thus been cleansed from evil spirits frequently both believe [in Christ], and join themselves to the Church. Others have foreknowledge of things to come: they see visions, and utter prophetic expressions. Others still, heal the sick by laying their hands upon them, and they are made whole. Yea, moreover, as I have said, the dead even have been raised up, and remained among us for many years…. The name of our Lord Jesus Christ even now confers benefits [upon men], and cures thoroughly and effectively all who anywhere believe on Him”. (“Ante Nicene Fathers”, vol 1, Irenaeus Against Heresies, bk 2, ch. 32, sec. 4, p. 847.)
Beyond this, there is a history for 20 centuries of some – but fewer – miracles.
My belief: men ruined their qualifications to see miracles in greater number by utterly failing to uphold and practice the faith as it had been originally delivered by the apostles.
It was not the gifts that God willed ceased. It was man who ceased obeying!
Flesh
How the flesh and experience taint Christian practice and beliefs
Cessationists have admitted to being repulsed by unbiblical or fleshly excesses of “continuationists” (Pentecostals/Charismatics). Point taken. There have been excesses. Further, Cessationists have even sought to say miracles look “phony.” Indeed, some of them may have been. However, here they have less of a leg to stand on. There have been numerous documented manifestations of the spiritual gifts, healings, and miracles – plain to see by anyone not only bent on proving them wrong or putting their head in the sand.
This said, let’s get to brass tacks: The Lord said He wants His bride (the church) ready, and do we see examples of fleshliness in both camps? YES!
Examples of shameful things sometimes seen in Pentecostals / Charismatics:
” Worldliness
” Once saved always saved doctrine (in cases)
” Women teachers/preachers
” Divorce and remarriage accepted
” Deemphasize holiness
” Prosperity teaching
” Other wrong doctrine
” Charlatans, showmen, appeal for money
” Emotionalism
” Strange things – possible demonic manifestations presented as of “God”
” More.
Examples of shameful things from those generally in the cessationist camp:
” A form of godliness denying the power
” Works-based theology (even if they technically deny this is how they live)
” Uncertainty of salvation (as the case may be)
” Lack of deep abiding sense of righteousness, joy, peace in the Holy Spirit
” Other missing fruits of the Spirit, on a case by case basis
” Dry spiritual experience
” Wilderness wandering
” Poor ability to witness to the lost, with little power to win souls
” Create a “church” environment many would never be attracted to
” Do not know what it is to “walk in the Spirit” or know God’s “voice.”
” Miscellaneous carnality
” Rely on tradition, stagnant, stuck in comfort zone, not really growing
” Unsure of God’s presence / uncertain relationship with God by His Spirit
” Lack spiritual discernment – spiritually “tone deaf.”
” Not moved by love so much as moved to a great degree from fear
” More.
In BOTH cases the root is flesh, unbelief, disobedience. Both are sin, and neither serve God. It just so happens certain sins of flesh run rampant in cessationist camps, and others are more common in continuationist camps. Of course there may be overlap.
Fleshly motives
In light of tens of thousands of divided sects today, it is clear that many church leaders past and present have missed the spirit in part or in full of God’s grand vision for the church. In turn, individual Christians have fallen well short of what God would have done if people had believed Him and obeyed as fully as He had wanted. Conditions today are a legacy since the Protestant Reformation which saw men take the scriptures, come to separate conclusions, and produce very different results. The root cause for these things boils down to flesh. Galatians 4:20 says “heresies” (false teaching) are a work of the flesh. (Count also demons in the mix (1 Tim 4:1).
Issues include: misunderstanding, self-will, wrong motives, incomplete consecration, willful distortion of what is known true, poor thinking ability, not fair minded, bias, and ultimately, giving “place to the devil” (Eph 4:27).
Too often have Christians relied on the arm and mind of their flesh in Adam to undertake a holy calling only to miss it or fall well short.
Some misguided people may also – whether they’re fully aware of it or not – presume to effectively possess God, rather than God possessing them. That is, by confining God to a “systematic theology” where they think they know all they need to, they put God in a box.
In discussing truth, corrupt motives of the flesh we must stand guard against include: Personal pride, spiritual pride, wanting to be shown right, wanting to prove others wrong, contempt (without love) for others we perceive in error, fear in any of several forms, desire to control, unbelief and distrust of God, and disobedience.
Another trait of carnal debaters: Like an attorney trying to win a case regardless of ultimate truth, fleshly Christians with iniquity tainting them run the risk of disregarding the truth and dismissing or re-interpreting evidence that may refute their position.
COMFORT ZONE: Another trait is there are certain personality types who simply do not want the life of one who interacts with the Spirit of God to the degree that the first century Christians did (and as Pentecostals and Charismatics attempt to do). In short, they like their traditions, they want a comfort zone, and have no stomach for true spirituality – nor will they give much effort to find it! (They would rather spend their energy attempting to prove it is nothing to be sought!)
A Berean (Acts 17:10,11) on the other hand wants nothing but the truth with no other agenda than being further enabled to follow, serve, and love God! So shall we now contemplate whether the gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased with the writing of the New Testament?
Your first and best advice before anything is take care! Greater people before us have missed the point God wanted them to see and failed to bear fruit – individually and corporately – God promised to those who truly follow Him.
Many Christians may have settled on a plateau of existence before God, but that subjective life must be measured by God’s standard of what He said is possible, and His will for His church under a better covenant with better promises (Heb 8:6).
Only those absolutely surrendered, as little children, with no other agenda than seeing God’s will fully accomplished are qualified to even discuss these things!
If you ignore this warning, you do so to your own peril.
Shame:
It is an abomination to stretch the meaning of the Bible’s clear statements to form a form of Christianity not taught by the apostles. While the cessationists are ready to charge the Pentecostals and Charismatics of this, they also run the same risk!
Gal 1: 6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
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Beware lest you fall under the apostle’s curse for perverting the gospel which included the gifts of the Spirit! A curse can bring spiritual blindness – and give you over to your error!
Take heed Christian! A tree is known by its fruit. Is the fruit of your gospel in line with what the Bible teaches? Are your results evidence of a faithful, all powerful God?
2 Cor 11:2-4 – For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity[a] that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted-you may well put up with it!
Paul said it is the capacity of sinful man to accept “another Jesus,” a “different spirit,” and a “different gospel.”
Face it: This has happened. God is not the author of the confusion of a multitude of voices today – thousands of sects each differing from the other.
Real faith believes God for more, and if we do not see what the Bible says should be, we do not re-write our biblical commentaries to justify ourselves and create new doctrines (like cesssationism). We instead ought to humble ourselves, and seek God’s repentance, and grace to fulfill our calling in the Lord.
We shall all give an account to the Lord for what we did with His truth entrusted to us!
