Cessationism Versus Continuationism: Another Viewpoint

Fundamental Differences Between the Two Sides:

Bible passages that say things like “do not forbid speaking in tongues” and “earnestly desire prophecy” cannot be agreed upon. Likewise, Bible passages that say “tongues will cease” and “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,” cannot be agreed upon. Both groups claim to have the correct interpretation of relevant passages, yet no consensus has come after many generations have come and gone. The arguments for either side have not changed much in many years of debate.

Continuationists claim that although “signs and wonders” did help to validate Christ and the Apostles, it’s also true that Christians are performing signs and wonders today. Cessationists will argue that Christians have not duplicated (let alone surpassed) the signs and wonders of Christ and the Apostles, so it’s well past time to stop using that argument. No consensus has been reached on this issue.

Continuationists often point to their tremendous numerical growth since the early twentieth century as validation. Cessationists will argue that tremendous growth doesn’t necessarily validate doctrine, since there is biblical evidence for an end-times deception that could be describing the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement as it spreads around the world.

A Test of Doctrine & Practices to Help Resolve the Differences

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

— Matthew 7:15-23

     “You will know them by their fruit” could be utilized at the most basic level to clarify the issue.

Here are some serious questions that should be asked:

• How many people have died as a result of Cessationist doctrine? “Healing is in the atonement” is held by many Continuationists who believe their faith can, and should, replace doctors and medicine. This has resulted in countless deaths over the years and continues today.

• How many cult leaders have used Cessationist doctrine to build a following? “Hearing directly from God” has been the foundation of many dangerous cult leaders, such as John Alexander Dowie, Frank Sandford, Charles F. Parham, John G. Lake, William Branham, Jim Jones, and David Berg. (Here’s a playlist of videos on these dangerous men: “God’s Generals? Nope.”)

• How many Cessationist pastors/leaders have taught the “Prosperity Doctrine” and made themselves filthy rich by teaching that giving money to them would gain favor with God? How many lives have been financially ruined by people sending their life savings to Cessationist preachers in order to get a “guarantee” of God’s financial blessing?

• How many Cessationist pastors/leaders have incorporated New Thought, New Age, or other pagan ideas into their beliefs?

• How many Cessationist pastors/teachers have taught that Christians are, in any way, shape, or form, the same as God? Do Cessationists believe in or teach the “little gods” heresy?

• How many Cessationist pastors/teachers have utilized parlor tricks like cold-reading, leg-lengthening, and fortune-telling in their practices?

• How many Cessationist pastors/teachers have taught a false Gospel that fails to mention the fallen state of sinners and the wrath of God that punishes sinners unless they repent? How many Cessationist preachers/teachers are failing to explain how the righteousness of Christ is imputed to undeserving sinners by God’s grace?

• How many Cessationist pastors/teachers have believed in Modalism and rejected the Trinity? How many Pentecostals have rejected and continue to reject the triune God?

• How many Cessationist pastors/teachers have failed to center their doctrine on the Gospel of Christ and Him crucified and have instead built a theology largely focused on the Holy Spirit?

• How many Cessationist pastors/teachers have failed to instruct their followers in sound, biblical doctrine as they focused most of their attention on extra-biblical ideas, like getting your “financial breakthrough,” the ongoing necessity of demon exorcisms, 24/7 prayer centers, giant stadium events, and so-called “revival” and “divine healing” teachings?

• How many Cessationist pastors/teachers have made prophetic statements or predictions (words supposedly from God) that turned out to be false?