(or Charismania versus Charisphobia)
I am not a Charismatic, and I reject the counterfeit "gifts" taking place inside the Charismatic movement. With that said, individuals like John MacArthur, Phil Johnson, Justin Peters, Nathan Busenitz, and other Cessationists need to learn what it means that Scripture is our final authority. Their teachings do not come from a position that allows Scripture to be our final authority. They come from a position that allows their feelings and opinions to be their final authority.
Where in the Bible does it teach that any of the gifts of the Spirit have ceased? First Corinthians 13:8-13? Please! That passage says no such thing. You have to read such into the passage, which is eisegesis. It is also desperate reaching. As I have said before, we cannot over-react to false teaching because then we merely swing to the opposite end of the pendulum and create a different kind of false teaching. Scripture must always be our final authority, but we must pay attention to what it says and keep it in its context. So let us do a bit of a Bible study, shall we?
"For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will." Hebrews 2:1-4
What we have heard from whom (v.1)? Who were those who heard (v.3)? Those who heard the Lord were the early Christians. How was someone to know whether the message of the early Christians was true or not, that it could be trusted or not? How has God always made known His messengers who carried His messages? By signs and wonders.
"Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles." Acts 2:43
"And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;" Acts 5:12a
"And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people." Acts 6:8
"The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing." Acts 8:6
"In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands." Acts 14:1-3
"Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." 2 Corinthians 12:12
Did you notice how "signs and wonders" are associated with the early Christians who spread God's word? These were miraculous events. Notice also that it was not just the early apostles who were performing signs and wonders (Acts 6:8 and 8:6). Peter's shadow falling upon someone and healing them (Acts 5:15) does not fall under the gift of healing in the spiritual gifts given to the whole body of Christ. This falls under signs and wonders.
Have signs and wonders ceased? Perhaps. There does not seem to be any record of such things taking place (as far as I am aware) beyond the first century. If there were, I am open to correction. But here is something our wacky Charismatic friends need to understand: Who were the signs and wonders for? Here is a bit of a hint for you: They were not for the church! Signs and wonders are not for believers. They are for unbelievers. Even if the supposed nonsense taking place in your buildings were true (which it is not), what is the purpose? It goes against Scripture! Signs and wonders were performed among non-believers.
To our Cessationist friends out there, let me ask you a question. Where in 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, Hebrews 1:1-2, or 2:1-4 (or even Ephesians 2:20) does it ever say that any of the things you deny have ceased? Where in the overtly eisegeted verse of Revelation 22:18 does it say that any of the things you deny have ceased, and that this is so because of the completed canon of Scripture? Nowhere! You have to read this into these verses, which is eisegesis. Show me a single text that unequivocally states that signs and wonders, dreams, visions, or certain gifts of the Spirit given to the whole body of Christ in order to edify her, have ceased. Not verses you proof text via eisegesis because they appear to be ambiguous, but absolutely clear verses.
Some of the signs and wonders gifts overlap with the gifts of the Spirit, yet the two are not one in the same. If Charismatics and Cessationists bothered to actually study the issue, this would become apparently clear.
SIGNS AND WONDERS
The 18 occurrences of the combination of hōthe and mōpheth (“signs and wonders”) in the Old Testament acts as an authentication stamp upon a revelatory message and messenger. Likewise, the 16 occurrences of sāmeion kai tĕrata (“signs and wonders”) in the New Testament function as an authenticating stamp for the messenger with his message. Charismata occurs 17 times in the New Testament. The specific sense is that of “spiritual gifts” (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:4-31).
Distinction in Operation: “Signs and wonders” bridge both testaments. It is used in the Old Testament for Moses and a few others, and in the New Testament for Jesus, the Apostles, and a few others. On the other hand, charismata is strictly a New Testament phenomena that is limited to the church.
Distinction in Distribution: “Signs and wonders” were given to a few select individuals, whereas the manifestation of the charismata is given to every member of the body of Christ.
Distinction in Purpose: “Signs and wonders” is a fixed expression for the divine authentication of a messenger and his message. The charismata is for the edification of the church.
The sign nature of the gift of tongues is to be distinguished from “signs and wonders” on the general distinctions which have already been made. The Apostles are unique in history in that they were divinely authenticated by “signs and wonders,” and that they were part of the body of Christ and were given a manifestation of the charismata. There is a fundamental distinction between “signs and wonders” and charismata, particularly in the lives of the Apostles.
HEALINGS
There are three forms of divine healing: (1) literal, immediate, and miraculous healings performed in connection with the authentication of a messenger of God; (2) charismata healings, which are generally (though not exclusively) and primarily spiritual, emotional, or psychological; and (3) miraculous (though not always immediate) healings in answer to prayer (James 5:14-20).
The understanding that the charismata gift of healings are primarily spiritual, emotional, or psychological fits (1) the original language, (2) the edifying purposes of Charismata, (3) the non-spectacular nature of the other Charismata, (4) the current ministry of many individuals within the church, and (5) the distinction made between “signs and wonders” and charismata.
Miraculous healing is to be sought by prayer (James 5) and emotional, spiritual, and psychological healings (1 Cor. 12:9) is to be sought from an individual who is gifted in that particular area (i.e. a counselor). “Signs and wonders” healing is limited to God’s special authentication of a messenger with his message and is extremely rare, even in Scripture.
MIRACLES
The charismata “gift of miracles” is not a reference to an individual working miracles, but rather to an energizing spiritual strength. “Signs and wonders” miracles, for the most part, seem to be limited to Moses, Elijah, Elisha, and Jesus.
The translation of ĕnĕrgēmata duamĕōn as “gifts of working of miracles” is unfortunate because: (1) The “words deriving from the stem duna- all have the basic meaning of ‘being able,’ or ‘capacity’ in virtue of ability… the stress falls on being able,” not the performance of miracles! (2) the word’s most common usage in secular literature is not connected with miracles but with natural abilities. (3) While the term is used in the New Testament for the working of a miracle, it is more often used for a non-miraculous ability or power. (4) When ĕnĕrgia is used with dunamis, it most often refers to God’s provision of Spiritual strength for the believer.
The phrase would be better translated as “gifts of energizing powers.” The significance being much akin to the “gift of faith.” In other words, just as everyone is given a measure of faith (Rom. 12:3), but not all are given the “gift of faith” (1 Cor. 12:9), so likewise all believers are given spiritual strength (2 Tim. 1:7), but not all are given the “gifts of energizing powers” (1 Cor. 12:10). This understanding is significant in light of Colin Brown’s description of dunamis having a “relative” and “absolute” use. He asserts that this word used “relatively” refers to an inherent ability or capacity to perform a task, and used “absolutely,” it refers to power given to work, or to carry something into effect. The picture becomes clear. This gift is a spiritual capacity given to an individual to work, presumably in some sort of ministry. This understanding of the “gifts of energizing powers fits (1) the original language, (2) the edifying purpose of the Charismata, (3) the non-spectacular nature of the other Charismata, (4) the current ministry of many individuals within the church, and (5) the distinction made between “signs and wonders” and charismata.
The Charismatic movement can benefit from recognizing (1) that the miraculous nature of the ministry of Jesus and the Apostles was unique, and is not normative for today, (2) that physical healing is not to be sought from so-called “faith-healers” or “miracle-workers,” but in confession and prayer, (3) that spiritual gifts are not designated to be made a public spectacle but are divine enablements for edifying and building up the body, (4) that the “gifts of healings” and “gifts of energizing powers” are not necessarily miraculous in nature.
Non-Charismatics can benefit from recognizing (1) that spiritual gifts named in the New Testament are valid today, (2) that poor, or questionable exegesis of a cessation of Charismata, or part of the Charismata, prior to the completion of the church is unnecessary, especially when a proper distinction between “signs and wonders” and the charismata is understood.
God's Word clearly states, "so that you are not lacking in any gift..." (1 Cor. 1:7). The charismata was given to the church. Not for a specific time only, but for its entire existence. These gifts are meant to build up the body of Christ. If some are missing, how can they accomplish such? When you rightly understand the difference between signs and wonders and the gifts of the Spirit, and when you rightly read, interpret, divide, and exegete the passages, everything becomes clear and makes sense.
Can someone today have a dream, a vision, or a prophetic word? I believe they can, because Scripture does not say anything to the contrary, despite the efforts of Cessationists to eisegete God's Word toward that end. However... if someone claims to have had a dream, a vision, or a prophetic word, it will not contain new revelation nor
will it contradict Scripture. If it is from God, it will corroborate Scripture and it will come to pass exactly as given. If it does not, then it was not of God! Period! All you have to do is look to Deuteronomy about those who speak presumptuously for the Lord.
Also, what we believe and how we live out our lives are not and are not to be centered upon our experiences. Sometimes experiences are flat out wrong. The Bible is our only authority. If God gives us a dream, a vision, or a prophetic word, that is great; but it is an exception and not a rule. Charles Spurgeon received prophetic words that gave him insight into people he did not know, and yet he was wise enough not to trust in it above Scripture. Here is one such instance from Spurgeon's life, contained in his autobiography:
At the Monday evening prayer-meeting . . . [Spurgeon] mentioned the sermon at Exeter Hall, in which he suddenly broke off from his subject, and, pointing in a certain direction, said, "Young man, those gloves you are wearing have not been paid for; you have stolen them from your employer." At the close of the service, a young man, looking very pale and greatly agitated, came to the room which was used as a vestry, and begged for a private interview with Mr. Spurgeon. On being admitted, he placed a pair of gloves upon the table, and tearfully said, "It's the first time I have robbed my master, and I will never do it again. You won't expose me, sir, will you? It would kill my mother if she heard that I had become a thief."
I consider myself a Cautious Continuist with regard to God's dealings with men. Just because someone says they experienced something, does not mean I believe it. But it also does not mean that I dismiss it. The measure of its genuineness is in the
validity of its occurrence. If something is from God, it always happens exactly according to how God revealed it, and it never contradicts His holy word. If it does not come to pass, or if it contradicts God's word, then it was not from God. Period! Also, it is not ambiguous, such as the false "prophecies" concerning Covid-19: "There's going to be a major shift concerning this virus." Really? Which direction? Better or worse? These "prophecies" are left so ambiguous so that these false "prophets" can say, "See! I was right."
The gifts were given by the Spirit to the body of Christ. The Bible clearly declares, "so that you are not lacking in any gift..." (1 Cor. 1:7). The church will not be lacking in any
of the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit has given to her. They are
for the edification (building up) of the body of Christ. Rather than dismiss
these gifts in ignorance, perhaps we should better understand what they
are and what they refer to, as I discussed above.
There have been many non-Charismatics who have had experiences that
they cannot deny. Matt Slick of CARM even shared two of his own experiences in a podcast I listened to about fifteen years ago. While we should never elevate our experiences above
Scripture, nevertheless what do we do with such experiences?
If you
believe that many of the spiritual gifts have ceased, I truly pity you.
How pitiful and powerless is your puny god? I was raised as a
Cessationist, and I am by no means a Charismatic, but I have come
to realize that the truth on this matter (as in most matters) is somewhere in the middle. I
am not going to box God up due to my fear of the unknown, nor will I
blindly accept everyone's experience as legitimate. Both are grave
errors. There are four ways with which you can discern with wisdom
whether a person's gift is genuine or false:
- It will contain no new revelation.
- It will not contradict God's revealed Word contained in Scripture.
- If it is from the Lord, it will come to pass.
- If it is not from the Lord, it will not come to pass.
Just because someone claims to have had an experience does not make that experience legitimate. Just because someone perverts the gifts by counterfeiting them does not mean the genuine gifts do not exist. Let us leave the distribution of the gifts up to God, and let us simply act with wisdom and discernment, so we do not fall into either the ditch of Charismaticism or the ditch of Cessationism. The fact that Christian sects and many cults counterfeit these gifts (such as speaking in tongues) is proof positive that the genuine gifts exist. If they did not, there would be no need to counterfeit them. It would be pointless to do so. Try counterfeiting money that is no longer in circulation and see how far you get.
Let us look at the verses typically cited to claim that certain gifts are no longer present or required, shall we?
"Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Where in this passage does it say that any of the spiritual gifts have ceased? It says that two of them will cease, but not that they have ceased. With regard to knowledge, what kind of knowledge is this? Is this a gift of some kind, or is it general knowledge? Quite clearly knowledge has not ceased. So since it has not ceased, how can one argue for the other two items to have already ceased? Not only that, but the passage says nothing of the completion of Scripture. The "perfect" does not refer to the completion of Scripture. Do we now see "face to face"? Do we now "know fully" as we "have been fully known"? Have we all attained "to the unity of the faith" or "mature manhood" or "the fullness of Christ," as is mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-13? Quite obviously not. The "perfect" is Christ Jesus! Has He returned yet? No? I did not think so.
"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world." Hebrews 1:1-2
Where in this passage does God say that He used to communicate with dreams and visions and such, but that He no longer does so? You have to insert it. It has to be read into the passage. *Cough* Eisegesis. *Cough* No distinction is made between the message spoken formerly and the message "in these last days." God spoke then and now (and continues to speak) through the ancient prophets as through His Son.
"For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will." Hebrews 2:1-4
Where in this passage does God say that He had testified by signs and wonders, but that they have since ceased? The verb "testifying" is present tense active. It is not past tense.
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22
Where in the underlined verse does it say that certain gifts of the Spirit have ceased because they were only foundational with the function of apostles? In fact, where in Scripture does it say that the function of apostles has ceased or will cease? (See the article The Gift of Apostleship for people's confusion as to what an apostle was and what they did. Even in the 300's, when someone was sent to evangelize a foreign nation, they were referred to as "the apostle to" that nation, e.g., "Bob, the apostle to the Goths.")
"I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book." Revelation 22:18-19Where in this passage does it say anything about certain gifts ceasing because the canon of Scripture is closed? Cessationists quote the first verse against the counterfeit "gifts" of the Charismatics, but the second verse applies to themselves. Furthermore, the correct interpretation of this verse in context has to do with the book of Revelation and not the entire Bible: "the words of the prophecy of this book." It has application to the entire Bible, but contextually it only applies to the book of Revelation.
Not only does Scripture not say that any of the spiritual gifts have ceased, but those who claim they ceased after the deaths of the apostles have history to contend with. Observe:
For the prophetical gifts remain with us, even to the present time. ... Now it is possible to see amongst us women and men who possess gifts of the Spirit of God. Justin Martyr (A.D. 100-165), Dialogue with Trypho, 82 & 88.
Those who are in truth the Lord’s disciples, having received grace from Him, do in His name perform (miracles) for the benefit of other men, according to the gift which each one has received from Him. For some certainly and truly drive out demons, so that those who have been cleansed from the evil spirits frequently believe and are in the church. Others have foreknowledge of things to come, and visions, and prophetic warnings. Others heal the sick by imposition of their hands, and they are restored to health. Irenaeus (A.D. 125-200), Against Heresies, 2.32.4.
Other early references to the existence and exercise of spiritual gifts are recorded by respected church leaders such as Tertullian (A.D. 160-200), Origen (A.D. 184-253), Saint Hillary of Poitiers (A.D. 315-367), and Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354-430). It is true that some church leaders spoke out against the exercise of certain spiritual gifts. One such leader, Augustine, later changed his position (City of God, 22.8-10).This is He who places prophets in the Church, instructs teachers, directs tongues, gives powers and healings, does wonderful works, often discrimination of spirits, affords powers of government, suggests counsels, and orders and arranges whatever other gifts there are of charismata; and thus make the Lord's Church everywhere, and in all, perfected and completed. Novatian (A.D. 210-280), Treatise, 29.
Charismaticism and Cessationism are opposite sides of a pendulum. Do not fall into either ditch. Read the Scriptures—in context, and then believe what they say. Look through church history for anything else, but always remember that Scripture must be our final authority on all matters of faith and practice. Not our feelings or opinions. I believe the reason the church in the Western world does not experience the power of the Gospel and of the workings of the Holy Spirit is because they have boxed God up and deny the existence of certain gifts. If God were to do such among them, they would act like the Pharisees and attribute it to the devil. And then you wonder why your expectations of the power and the presence of the Lord are so low and/or non-existent? You did it to yourselves.