CESSATIONISM AND SENSATIONALISM (Part 1)

CESSATIONISM AND SENSATIONALISM (Part 1)

On one end of the spectrum we have “Cessationism.” On the other end of the spectrum we have “Sensationalism.” “Cessationists” believe that the sign gifts ceased when the last Apostle, John the Beloved passed away. They will quote Scriptures such as Hebrews 1:1-2: “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Of course, in these “last days” God speaks to us through His Son, Christ Jesus – through His Holy Spirit breathed written Word. Cessationists maintain that since the Canon of Scripture is complete, that there is no need for the spiritual sign gifts. Now wait a moment. If you are telling me that my God cannot heal, work miracles, prophesy through someone, manifest the gift of tongues and interpretation through someone, you are indeed limiting God’s power. Hebrews 1:1 says nothing about spiritual gifts being ceased. Another verse Cessationists love to quote is 1 Corinthians 13:8-9 “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away,” all just to prove their point. They have no clue of what this verse is talking about. Read what it says carefully: “But when that which is perfect has come.” Nothing perfect has come yet. We are eagerly “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13), when He will set up His Millennial Kingdom here on earth, and rule in peace and righteousness; and after that the Eternal State, when Jesus Christ hands over the Kingdom to the Father. (Revelation 20:4-6; 21; 22; Daniel 9:24). That is what 1 Corinthians 13:8-9 points forward to. Until then, all of the spiritual gifts are operating and active within the Body of Christ. God’s power is not limited, as some would have us believe. Hebrews 13:8 states “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” God also states In Malachi 3:6: “For I am the Lord, I do not change.”

- Kenute P. Curry