Cessationism vs. Continuationism

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“Cessationism” vs. “Continuationism”

 

Below is a quick rough outline on the Two Sides of the Healing and Miracles Theological Arguments.

Those who believe the gifts of God are no longer present today are labeled “Cessation-ists.”

The theological argument we’re referring to is often called “Cessationism,” which posits that miraculous gifts, including healing and miracles, ceased after the apostolic era (approximately 100 AD). Cessationists base their views on several scriptures and theological reasoning. Here’s a summary:
Scriptural arguments:
  1. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10: “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away… when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” Cessationists argue that the “perfect” refers to the completed canon of Scripture, indicating that miraculous gifts were only necessary until the Bible was fully written.
  2. 2 Corinthians 12:12: “The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance.” Cessationists see this verse as indicating that miracles were uniquely associated with the apostolic office and ceased with the passing of the apostles.
  3. Ephesians 2:20: “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” This verse is seen as emphasizing the foundational role of apostles and prophets, implying their unique ministry was limited to the early church.
  4. Hebrews 2:3-4: “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” Cessationists argue that this passage limits miraculous confirmation to the apostolic era.
Theological arguments:
  1. The purpose of miracles: Cessationists believe miracles served to authenticate the apostles’ message and establish the church. Once the church was established and the canon of Scripture complete, miracles were no longer necessary.
  2. The sufficiency of Scripture: Cessationists argue that the Bible contains all necessary instruction for faith and practice, making miraculous revelation unnecessary.
  3. The danger of subjective experience: Cessationists caution against relying on subjective experiences, like claims of modern miracles, which can lead to error and division.
Key proponents:
  • John MacArthur
  • R.C. Sproul
  • B.B. Warfield
Counterarguments from non-Cessationists (Continuationists):
  • Miracles and healing are integral to Jesus’ ministry and the Great Commission (Matthew 10:7-8, Luke 9:1-2).
  • The biblical promise of God’s presence and power in believers (John 14:12-14, Ephesians 5:18) remains unchanged.
  • Scripture doesn’t explicitly state that miracles ceased.
Keep in mind that this summary represents one perspective within Christianity. Many Christians disagree with Cessationism, believing miracles and healing continue today.
Let’s dive deeper into the discussion.
Additional Scriptural Arguments from Cessationists:
  1. 1 Corinthians 14:22: “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.” Cessationists argue that tongues were a sign specifically for the early church.
  2. Galatians 3:5: “So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe in the message you heard?” Cessationists see this verse as indicating miracles were tied to the apostolic preaching.
  3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Cessationists argue this passage emphasizes Scripture’s sufficiency.
Rebuttals from Continuationists:
  1. Miracles in the Old Testament: Continuationists point out miracles occurred throughout biblical history, not just during apostolic times.
  2. Jesus’ teachings: Continuationists emphasize Jesus’ commands to heal and cast out demons (Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:17-18) and argue these instructions remain valid.
  3. The promise of the Holy Spirit: Continuationists highlight the ongoing role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers (Acts 1:8, Ephesians 5:18).
Continuationist Theological Arguments:
  1. The nature of God: Continuationists argue God’s character remains unchanged; He remains a healing, miracle-working God.
  2. The church’s mission: Continuationists see miracles as essential for evangelism and demonstrating God’s power.
Key Continuationist Proponents:
  • John Wimber
  • Charles Stanley
  • Wayne Grudem
Practical Implications:
Cessationism:
  • Focus on evangelism and discipleship through Scripture
  • Emphasize spiritual gifts like teaching, exhortation, and service
Continuationism:
  • Encourage believers to seek and expect miracles
  • Emphasize spiritual gifts like healing, prophecy, and tongues
Common Ground:
  • Both perspectives affirm the authority of Scripture
  • Both recognize God’s sovereignty and power
Challenges and Criticisms:
Cessationism:
  • Difficulty explaining modern claims of miracles
  • Potential dismissal of genuine spiritual experiences
Continuationism:
  • Risk of exaggeration or fabrication
  • Potential overemphasis on experience over Scripture
This summary provides a deeper look at the theological arguments surrounding Cessationism and Continuationism.
Would you like to:
  1. Explore specific biblical passages in more depth
  2. Discuss the historical development of Cessationism and Continuationism
  3. Examine the practical implications of each perspective
  4. Consider other related topics (e.g., charismatic movement, Word of Faith)
SOURCE: META.AI

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