SovereignGraceBaptist
Puritan Board Freshman
I have yet to encounter a sound defense of Cessationism that does not rely on some sort of inference or exegetical gymnastics. This realization was brought to me in a theological debate. This particular individual had his soteriology grounded in emotionalism with no Scriptural basis, while my presentation was based solely on plain Scriptural evidence. After posing logical questions even pertaining to His own view of God, the discussion on that ended with some concessions on his part. The 2nd discussion began over the doctrine of Cessationism. I was effectively cornered and unable to present a convincing argument to suggest that tongues, prophecy, and other such gifts had ceased.
For the benefit of those who may attempt to play semantic games, let me clarify that by Cessationism, I am referring to the doctrine that spiritual gifts, such as tongues, prophecy, healing, and the like, have been discontinued not the idea that miracles no longer occur. It should be noted that this is discussion does not relate to "God still works miracles today", nor is it a satisfactory answer to questions most raised, as we are not discussing hyper-cessationism.
How can we account for the fact that many non-Apostles were able to perform the same miracles as the Apostles? While one may acknowledge the distinction between the office of a disciple (student) and that of an Apostle (Apostolos/messenger/sent one), this still does not satisfactorily address the issue, answer any questions, or further the discussion. Even in Matthew 7, which pertains to the Great White Throne Judgment, there are numerous individuals who performed such miracles.
An example that I have come across is in 1 Corinthians 14:23: "If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?" If tongues are merely intended to relay the Gospel to those who speak a different language, why does Paul pose this question to the Corinthians? Why is the entire church speaking in tongues together? If tongues are only heard in one's own language, why would outsiders think that everyone was out of their mind?
In my opinion, a more compelling argument needs to be made; citing that Paul left Tromphimus sick doesn't mean anything more about cessationism than John 3:16 teaches pelagianism. Merely drawing a distinction between Apostles and Disciples, asserting that "the canon is closed", or that this was some sort of dispensation prior to seventy A.D, does not resolve anything, as most orthodox charismatics would concur with the canon being closed, as well as a distinction between apostles and disciples. A more substantive defense is required than simply asserting that God still works miracles today, while simultaneously denying that any of the spiritual gifts and their execution by believers are gone.
Redirecting people to theological books and lectures does little to address the actual question. That is akin to dispensationalists who resort to twisting the Word of God to fit their narrative into the Bible, and who must have charts outlining ages and dispensations.If your view of this issue is premised on a form of preterism, the debate is already lost. No one can confidently claim to have fully comprehended eschatology. If it based on this creed or that confession, again its lost. If it is based on a great church father who had a lot to say, the debate is over. The Word of God is the final authority, and we can attack Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland all day, but in reality that is the low hanging fruit of a perverse wicked movement, lets talk about actual Bible believers who are convinced of these gifts. Our theology cannot be formed as a reaction to the perversity of prosperity preachers. I have heard many godly reformed Preachers from Piper to Paul Washer give interesting answers on this, so it would be wrong to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
So, I will ask because I cannot come to answer, can anyone give a clear biblical teaching where it is directly stated in Scripture that spiritual gifts have ceased? (Important note: lets try not to classify all charismatics as Word of Faith cultist who speak things into existence and have "trips to Heaven". Most charismatics that I know, will agree that Duplantis, Copeland, etc are frauds and liars.
For the benefit of those who may attempt to play semantic games, let me clarify that by Cessationism, I am referring to the doctrine that spiritual gifts, such as tongues, prophecy, healing, and the like, have been discontinued not the idea that miracles no longer occur. It should be noted that this is discussion does not relate to "God still works miracles today", nor is it a satisfactory answer to questions most raised, as we are not discussing hyper-cessationism.
How can we account for the fact that many non-Apostles were able to perform the same miracles as the Apostles? While one may acknowledge the distinction between the office of a disciple (student) and that of an Apostle (Apostolos/messenger/sent one), this still does not satisfactorily address the issue, answer any questions, or further the discussion. Even in Matthew 7, which pertains to the Great White Throne Judgment, there are numerous individuals who performed such miracles.
An example that I have come across is in 1 Corinthians 14:23: "If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?" If tongues are merely intended to relay the Gospel to those who speak a different language, why does Paul pose this question to the Corinthians? Why is the entire church speaking in tongues together? If tongues are only heard in one's own language, why would outsiders think that everyone was out of their mind?
In my opinion, a more compelling argument needs to be made; citing that Paul left Tromphimus sick doesn't mean anything more about cessationism than John 3:16 teaches pelagianism. Merely drawing a distinction between Apostles and Disciples, asserting that "the canon is closed", or that this was some sort of dispensation prior to seventy A.D, does not resolve anything, as most orthodox charismatics would concur with the canon being closed, as well as a distinction between apostles and disciples. A more substantive defense is required than simply asserting that God still works miracles today, while simultaneously denying that any of the spiritual gifts and their execution by believers are gone.
Redirecting people to theological books and lectures does little to address the actual question. That is akin to dispensationalists who resort to twisting the Word of God to fit their narrative into the Bible, and who must have charts outlining ages and dispensations.If your view of this issue is premised on a form of preterism, the debate is already lost. No one can confidently claim to have fully comprehended eschatology. If it based on this creed or that confession, again its lost. If it is based on a great church father who had a lot to say, the debate is over. The Word of God is the final authority, and we can attack Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland all day, but in reality that is the low hanging fruit of a perverse wicked movement, lets talk about actual Bible believers who are convinced of these gifts. Our theology cannot be formed as a reaction to the perversity of prosperity preachers. I have heard many godly reformed Preachers from Piper to Paul Washer give interesting answers on this, so it would be wrong to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
So, I will ask because I cannot come to answer, can anyone give a clear biblical teaching where it is directly stated in Scripture that spiritual gifts have ceased? (Important note: lets try not to classify all charismatics as Word of Faith cultist who speak things into existence and have "trips to Heaven". Most charismatics that I know, will agree that Duplantis, Copeland, etc are frauds and liars.
