The Continuationist/Cessationist Debate Part I

Introduction
The debate on the charismatic gifts has gone back and forth throughout modern evangelicalism, regarding whether the miraculous gifts of the Spirit are still in use today or whether they had a specific function and have ceased. Far better theologians than I that I highly respect have discussed this many times throughout the years falling on both sides of the spectrum. Thus, I do no pretend that anything I say on the subject will have much effect on turning the side for or against either position. Though, admittedly, I don’t have much to offer on the subject that has not already been said, I thought I would throw out my studies for a few reasons. The first reason is somewhat selfish, I confess- as I study the topic at hand, I hope to see whether I will hold onto my current position, cessationism, or reject it and return to continuationism. The second reason is that I was once a continuationist and have somewhat recently (earlier this year) came to embrace cessationism. Having been on both sides of the spectrum, I have a deep appreciation for the debate at hand. As such, I pray that God will be glorified through this study as it continues.

From the outset I want to specifically state that this is an intramural debate. By that, I mean that this is not a debate between Christians and non-Christians, but one between Christian brothers and sisters. As such, we need to seek to place love and charity into this debate, but also remember that we are place God’s Holy Word and truth at the heart of the debate. Charismatic cults that use spiritual gifts as a necessity to salvation notwithstanding, we recognize that whatever side we fall on, the issue is not necessary to salvation, and as such should leave the debate as brothers who have allowed “iron to sharpen iron” (Prov 27.17).

Over the next few posts of this series, I will be looking at a few things under two main headings. The first heading will be Internal Evidence. Internal evidence will be concerned with what the scriptures themselves say. Being strongly devoted to the reformation idea of sola scriptura, I view the Scriptures as the absolute and ultimate authority on doctrinal issues, and thus, the most important aspect to the discussion at hand. In this section I will look at what the Bible says the gifts of the spirit are and what their purpose is, as well as when the Bible says that they will or have ceased. So to say that again, we will look at the what and the when of the spiritual gifts. The second heading, and the one of far lesser importance, is that of External Evidence. This will not be near as extensive as the internal evidence, due to it’s lack of inspritation and infallibility, but that being the case I will look at how the charismatic gifts were or were not in use in the historic church, and look at the opinions of the early church and reformation fathers of the faith. As I said, the external evidence is only to add weight to whatever internal evidence we find, and not to be placed on the same level of that evidence which we find in scripture.

Unfortunately, due to the task of studying the question at hand, the posts in this series will not be as soon or close together as I would like. This also covers my butt because I’m lazy and working.