Cessationism
The belief that miraculous spiritual gifts ceased after the apostolic age
What Is It?
Cessationism teaches that certain spiritual gifts — particularly tongues, prophecy, and healing — ceased after the death of the apostles and the completion of the New Testament canon. Cessationists argue these gifts were given to authenticate the apostles and establish the early church, and were no longer needed once Scripture was complete. While this view is held by many faithful teachers (including John MacArthur and the majority of Reformed theologians), Preachers N Parables does not share this position. We believe the spiritual gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12-14 remain available to the church today, while affirming the need for biblical discernment regarding their practice.
Key Claims
- Miraculous gifts authenticated the apostles
- Gifts ceased when Scripture was completed
- 1 Corinthians 13:10 ('the perfect') refers to the canon
- Modern 'gifts' are counterfeit or psychological
- The sufficiency of Scripture replaces need for gifts
Scripture Discussion
1 Corinthians 13:8-10
“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled... but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.”
Cessationists argue 'the perfect/completeness' is the completed canon; continuationists argue it refers to Christ's return.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them... All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
Paul describes gifts as sovereignly distributed by the Spirit with no expiration mentioned.
1 Corinthians 14:1
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.”
Paul commands believers to desire spiritual gifts — a command that seems perpetual.
Joel 2:28-29 / Acts 2:17-18
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy...”
'The last days' extends from Pentecost to Christ's return, suggesting ongoing Spirit activity.
Our Position
Preachers N Parables does not share the cessationist view. We believe the spiritual gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12-14 remain available to the church today, while strongly affirming the need for biblical discernment regarding their practice. We can learn much from cessationist teachers while respectfully disagreeing on this secondary issue.
Historical Context
Cessationism developed during the Reformation and post-Reformation period, particularly through B.B. Warfield's 'Counterfeit Miracles' (1918). It became the dominant view in Reformed and dispensational circles. The modern charismatic movement (1960s onward) has challenged this view, leading to ongoing debate among evangelical Christians.
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