The Error of Cessationism

In many theological circles it is taught that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost such as speaking in tongues and divine healing were temporary "signs that ended with the apostolic age. This doctrine, known as Cessationism, claims these gifts are no longer available. However, a careful study of the King James Bible reveals that the Holy Ghost’s power was never given an expiration date.

The "Perfect" Has Not Yet Come

The primary scripture used to argue that tongues have ceased is 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 "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. 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."

Cessationists argue that "that which is perfect" refers to the completed canon of the New Testament. But look at verse 12 of the same chapter, "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."

Has the completion of the Bible allowed us to see God "face to face"? No. We still walk by faith, not by sight. "That which is perfect" refers to the return of Jesus Christ and the eternal state. Until we see Him face to face, we still "know in part" and still require the gifts of the Spirit.

The Great Commission and "Them That Believe"

Jesus explicitly linked the preaching of the Gospel with miraculous signs. In Mark 16:15-17, He gives the command:

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature... And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"

Jesus did not say these signs would only follow the Apostles or the first-century church. He said they follow "them that believe." If the command to preach the Gospel to "every creature" is still in effect today, then the promise of the signs that follow belief must also be in effect.

 A Direct Command Not to Forbid

The Apostle Paul provided clear instructions on the order and operation of spiritual gifts. In his closing remarks on the subject, he gives a command that Cessationism directly violates,  "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues." (1 Corinthians 14:39)

If the Holy Spirit intended for tongues to disappear after the first century, why would He inspire a permanent command to "forbid not" the practice? By teaching that tongues have ceased, men are forbidding exactly what the Scripture commands them to allow.

The Purpose of Edification

The Bible teaches that spiritual gifts are for the "perfecting of the saints" and the "edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12).

1 Corinthians 14:4: "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself..."

1 Corinthians 14:26: "...Let all things be done unto edifying."

As long as the Church is on this earth, it is in need of edification and spiritual strength. To claim that we no longer need the supernatural assistance of the Holy Ghost is to claim that the Church is already in a state of perfection, which is clearly contradicted by the state of the world today.

God is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8). He has not changed, and His Spirit has not lost its power. Instead of following the traditions of men that deny the power of God (2 Timothy 3:5), we should look to the Bible, which encourages us to "quench not the Spirit" and "despise not prophesyings" (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20).

We should consider that the reason why these groups do not see these miraculous gifts at work is due to them not having the power spoken of in Acts 1:8 and found in Acts 2:38. Possibly its easier to formulate doctrine against truth, rather than change a view and follow the correct path to salvation.

I pray that this simple blog will stir curiosity, and not anger. Truth is to be sought for, and at all cost I must get it right. May God bless you all.