I consider myself a charismatic apologist. I also consider myself a continuationist as opposed to a cessationist.
Cessationists basically and generally believe that the supernatural gifts recorded in Scripture ceased at the end of the age of the apostles or with the death of the apostle John. Continuationists basically and generally believe that the supernatural gifts have never ceased, and most don’t agree that the age of the apostles has ended.
From the research I’ve done, it seems that cessationists establish their position on 1 Corinthians 13:10, “But when that which is perfect comes, then that which is imperfect shall pass away.”
They interpret “that which is perfect has come” to mean the canon of Scripture. The canonization of Scripture was a critical proof test applied to many documents to determine if they were inspired by God and written by men. The Catholics have additional books, the Apocrypha, in their Bible, believing them worthy whereas the Protestants do not.
While I agree that Scripture, the Word of God, is infallible, I do not believe it is the Bible that 1 Corinthians 13:10a refers to with the phrase “that which is perfect comes.”
The apostle Paul went to great lengths to teach Christians to use spiritual gifts to withstand the enemy and overcome his evil attacks. The enemy is spirit, and by spiritual power, he attacks. Christ died to provide us a victorious, abundant life over the enemy. Christ also instructed, often with stern warning, about the increase of all manner of evil in the last days. Does it make sense that God would reduce or limit His power at work in and through us at a time when all manner of evil is increased?
Read the rest of this blog here and listen to the episode of Make Life Matter on the Charisma Podcast Network here. {eoa}
