From time to time I would read online, or hear someone say something about Cessationism that leaves me scratching my head. Cessationism is putting God in a box? Experiencing miracles disproves Cessationism? Does this guy actually understand the doctrine of cessation?
As defined by Wikipedia in the hyperlink above, the doctrine of cessation states that the "extraordinary" gifts of the Spirit (i.e. Prophecy, tongues, miracles, and healing) ceased (and I would amend) with the close or shortly after the Apostolic age.
Generally, there is no definite time of when the gifts ceased. It varies depending who you ask. However, with the death of the last apostle there is no need to validate new revelations because the Faith has been delivered (2 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 2:20; Hebrews 2:3-4; Jude 3). A quick scan through my mind of redemptive history, it seems these extraordinary gifts were given during times where new revelation was given. Hence, the "400 years of silence" between the two Testaments.
In saying that the gifts have ceased, I mean we should not be expecting it as a norm for today. It pleased the Lord to stop bestowing the gifts after the Apostolic age. But perhaps from time to time in church history He decides to give it to some, but that is not a norm. Some would argue we should never expect it. I would not hold that though. How my view plays out is that I would be skeptical to test that gift before concluding it is actually the real gift. Which, I believe, is a biblical thing to do (1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 John 4:1).
"Cessationists are putting God in a box!"
Am I putting God in a box if I say He cannot lie? Of course not! The Bible sets the parameters and if He says He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), then He cannot lie. It wouldn't be putting God in a box if in fact, in His word, God shows how He works in redemptive history. Admittedly, it's not as obvious and clear as "God cannot lie", but those who argue against must understand that from the Cessationist's point of view, God defined the parameter.
"Holding to Cessationism would mean to deny the experience of millions who experienced miracles."
Experience is important and must subject itself to the word of God. But that's not the point here. I find that most who claim to have experienced miracles would jump to conclude that the gifts are present. Here's where the terms must be defined. Cessationists believe God works miracles, but they would deny that God still bestows the gift (as a norm) to people today. That means, whatever miracle the millions experienced, it would probably not be the gift of miracle/healing. If anything, it would be God working a miracle through the person in answer to his prayer.
I have some notes on the gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 in an earlier post.
For more resources on Cessationism, here's "The Ultimate Cessationism Resource".
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