What is Cessationism?

The theological stance of cessationism maintains that certain miraculous gifts no longer manifest in the church, aligning with the belief that the miraculous spiritual gifts, typically attributed to the apostolic era of the Early Church, have ceased as normative. This article delves into the core aspects of cessationism, its theological underpinnings, and its historical context.

Key Dogma: Miraculous Gifts are Provisional and No Concession of the Gifts to Christians

One of the central tenets of cessationism is that miraculous spiritual gifts were provisional and ceased following the apostolic ages. This view is rooted in the work of B.B. Warfield and J.F. MacArthur Jr., among others. Warfield's statement that 'not one word is ever dropped to this effect' in the New Testament underscores the lack of explicit scriptural support for cessationism.

MacArthur Jr. further emphasizes that cessationism's reliance on extra-biblical historical evidence indicates that its theological foundation is not entirely scriptural. This critique suggests that cessationism may be based more on historical theology and church history than on clear biblical texts.

Cessationism and Its Critics

Cessationism is often viewed as a form of 'bad theology' by its critics. J.F. MacArthur Jr. argues that if charismatic movements produce 'counterfeit' miracles, this indicates that these movements are driven by 'bad theology of the devil.' The essence of this critique is that cessationists dismiss miraculous signs and wonders as not authentic, labeling them as false.

Biblical Foundations and Arguments Against Cessationism

B.B. Warfield's observation highlights that the New Testament does not support the cessationist stance. The cessationist argument that God's miracles and spiritual gifts ceased after the apostles is challenged by evidence of continued miraculous acts outside of the established Church. For example, Augustine's accounts of miracles serve to question the cessationist claim of a total cessation of divine intervention.

The Bible itself presents God's promise of the Holy Spirit to all who believe, as seen in the passage from Acts 2:38-39. This indicates that the promised gifts are ongoing and do not cease with the apostolic era. Furthermore, Christ's prophecy in Acts 1:4-6 about the promise of the Holy Spirit and the empowerment for witness is a clear indication that the divine gifts are to endure.

Theological Implications and Impact of Cessationism

Cessationism has significant effects on the church. It can quench 'the fire of the Spirit' and discourage the practice of power evangelism. By denying the ongoing miraculous work of the Holy Spirit, cessationism hinders the core missionary mandate of the church, as articulated in Acts 1:8, to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. This approach effectively robs believers of the 'good gift' promised by God.

Conclusion and Further Reading

In conclusion, cessationism as a theological stance is deeply questionable when evaluated against biblical standards. The scripts assert the promise of ongoing gifts and the necessity of divine intervention in Christian life and ministry, challenging the cessationist position fundamentally. For a deeper understanding, one can explore the referenced works, such as 'Counterfeit Miracles' and 'Cessationism: Theological Fallacy, Historical Roots, and Impact on the Modern Church,' to gain a more comprehensive view on this important theological debate.