Top Ten Reasons why Pentecostals reject Cessationism
Last time I shared the Top Ten Reasons Why Reformed Christians (Cessationists) Reject the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Today. This time let me share with you why I think Pentecostalism rejects Cessationism. All Scriptures, unless otherwise stated, are from the New International Version (NIV).
1. The conclusion that God is no longer doing signs and wonders originated by the experiences of Cessationist Christians rather than by carefully studying the Scriptures.
2. The Scriptures does not say that these gifts were given for limited time only and that it will somehow pass during the Church era. Nor does it say that these gifts were given only for a particular purpose which no longer exist now. It also does not say that gifts will cease after establishing the first century Church nor does it say that gifts were only meant to authenticate the apostles. And no verse in the Bible says that gifts will be given only until the New Testament scriptures are completed. In fact 1 Peter 4:10 even says Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms suggests that there is a purpose for spiritual gifts even up to now.
3. First Corinthians 1:4-8 says so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed that is, while in the process of waiting they will not lack spiritual gifts.
4. Ephesians 4:7-13 says Each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: When he ascended on high he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men…some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers… until we reach unity in the faith…and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. As we have not yet achieved the unity in the faith and maturity to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, those gifts will, for obvious reasons, remain.
5. Romans 12:1-8 says We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach… Surely, if prophesying is no longer available to the Church according to the Cessationists, then why don’t they say that teaching, serving, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, leadership, governing, etc. have also ceased since they are all reckoned as “different gifts, according to the grace given us” along side the gift of prophesying?
6. First Corinthians 12-14 says Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant… All these are t work of the one and the same Spirits, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. It also says Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Simply because your church is “dry” and don’t really experience these gifts, go on to conclude that they have already ceased. The Bible says, they are given as the Holy Spirit determines. While we know it is not universally given, we don’t jump to the conclusion that it is no longer available to the Church or that it has ceased and that all Pentecostal Christians are charlatan. In fact it goes on to say in verse 31 to eagerly desire the greater giftsi n Chapters 13 and 14 we know that these are faith, hope and love.
7. Galatians 3:5 says Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law or because you believe what you heard suggests that gifts may manifest even in the absence of the apostles, as you believe in God.
8. There were prophets in the New Testament Church but did they add to the Scriptures? No. For example in Acts 21:8-9 we read that Philip the evangelist had four unmarried daugthers who prophesied.
9. Having the gifts of prophecy and tongues that are meant to edify the Church, if they are truly from God they will not supersede, add, or contradict the completed Scriptures, in 1 Corinthians 14:37 it says If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command this goes without saying the New Testament prophets are subject to the Word of God, the Scriptures.
10. Last but not the least, if Sola Scriptura is true then what the Scripture says about spiritual gifts are to be believed. After all, the Scripture is replete with evidences both explicit and implicit that spiritual gifts, signs, and wonders have a purpose and are still available and needed by the Church. Isn’t it ironic how Cessationist Christians use the Sola Scriptura as an excuse to reject spiritual gifts?
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