But when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. – 1 Corinthians 13:10
Understanding Cessationism
As we explore the topic of cessationism, we recognize it as the belief that certain miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and prophecy, ceased with the apostolic age. This perspective is grounded in the understanding that God has provided all he intends for us in the Scriptures. It encourages us to focus on the sufficiency of God’s words and deeds as revealed in the Bible. We are called to engage deeply with the Scriptures and find profound truths and guidance without relying on the miraculous signs that characterized earlier church history.
1 Corinthians 13:8
“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.” – 1 Corinthians 13:8
Acts 8:18-19
“When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’” – Acts 8:18-19
1 Corinthians 14:36
“Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?” – 1 Corinthians 14:36
Hebrews 2:3-4
“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.” – Hebrews 2:3-4
John 16:13
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” – John 16:13
The Role of the Scriptures
We hold the Bible as the ultimate authority in our lives. Cessationism emphasizes the importance of Scripture in conveying God’s message to humanity. As we read the Word, we acknowledge that it is the complete revelation of God’s will for us. The Scriptures are designed to equip us for every good work and can guide us in faith and practice. This leads us to appreciate the depth and richness of the Bible while reminding us to lean into the truths it provides rather than seeking after extraordinary experiences.
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.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Romans 15:4
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
God’s Sovereignty in Cessationism
Embracing cessationism allows us to marvel at God’s sovereignty over his creation, and it reassures us that he is in control. We recognize that God has a perfect plan and purpose for every believer and that he works through the ordinary means of grace, particularly through the Scriptures, prayer, and the community of believers. In acknowledging that some gifts have ceased, we can encourage one another to rely on the ways God continues to work in our lives and in the church today.
Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
Isaiah 46:9-10
“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” – Isaiah 46:9-10
Daniel 4:35
“All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’” – Daniel 4:35
Psalm 115:3
“Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” – Psalm 115:3
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17
Communal Encouragement in Faith
Our faith thrives within community, and cessationism allows us to appreciate the ongoing work of the church. We know that God uses one another to uplift, support, and teach through the fellowship of believers. As we share our experiences and insights, we find encouragement in knowing that we can navigate life together, emphasizing what truly matters in our walk with Christ. This creates a dynamic environment where our strengths and vulnerabilities can be transformed through love and service to one another.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” – Ephesians 4:11-12
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Philippians 2:1-2
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:1-2
Defending Our Faith
As we discuss cessationism, we must understand how to articulate our beliefs to others effectively. It is essential to defend our view not with heated arguments but with grace and respect. We approach discussions with an open heart, allowing for understanding and genuine dialogue, even with those who may disagree. By providing biblical support for our beliefs, we engage others in a meaningful and thoughtful exploration of God’s Word.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15
Jude 1:3
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” – Jude 1:3
2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15
Philippians 1:27
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” – Philippians 1:27
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” – Colossians 2:8
Living Out Our Beliefs
Living out our beliefs means putting cessationism into practice in our daily lives. We strive to live according to the teachings of Scripture while seeking to love and serve those around us. By embedding our values into our everyday interactions, we create an atmosphere of grace and peace, demonstrating our commitment to God’s truth. Each step we take reflects our trust in the sufficiency of God’s word and the importance of a strong biblical foundation.
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
Philippians 4:9
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:9
Titus 2:7-8
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” – Titus 2:7-8
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Final Thoughts
It is essential for us to dive into the teaching of cessationism and its significance in our faith. By recognizing the role of the scriptures, God’s sovereignty, and the importance of communal encouragement, we find a stronger foundation for our beliefs. As we engage in discussions about our faith, we learn to defend our perspective gracefully while actively living out our beliefs. Embracing cessationism invites us to treasure the gift of the Bible as a sufficient and perfect guide for our spiritual journeys.
As we journey through our faith together, we can encourage each other to keep God at the center of our lives, especially as we explore the depths of His Word. Be sure to check out other encouraging topics such as keeping God at the center and letting the Holy Spirit guide us. There is so much to learn and grow in!
Let us continue to seek His truth together, relying on one another in love and support as we navigate our spiritual paths.