Biblical Case for Cessationism, A: Why the Miraculous Gifts of the Spirit Have Ended

Did God intend for the miraculous gifts, so powerfully present during the ministry of the apostles, to continue throughout the church age? This crucial question has massive implications for every follower of Jesus Christ. Sadly, the debate over this issue has often produced more heat than light. But in the end, only one factor should determine how we answer that question: What does the Bible say?

In A Biblical Case for Cessationism, Tom Pennington carefully considers seven primary biblical arguments for the cessation of the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. As a seasoned pastor and faithful expositor, Tom will help you consider what Scripture teaches about an issue that affects every aspect of the Christian experience—from your view of Scripture and philosophy of church ministry to your daily walk as a disciple of Jesus Christ and your relationship with the Holy Spirit.

From the Preface:

In 2013, Strange Fire, a conference sponsored by Grace to You and held at Grace Community Church where John MacArthur pastors in Los Angeles, marked a major resurgent interest in defending the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Some 3,500 pastors, church leaders, and lay people gathered to hear sermons proclaiming the biblical ministry of the Holy Spirit, and tens of thousands watched the live stream. Thomas Nelson also released the accompanying book, Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship, which has sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide.

In God’s providence, Grace to You asked me to present the biblical case for cessationism at the conference. I spent several months studying the Scripture and reading relevant literature on both sides of this heavily debated issue to digest the best arguments for and against cessationism. But my excitement about this opportunity came with a unique challenge.

The problem was not (as some continuationists argue) that there is insufficient biblical evidence for cessationism to fill an hour. My problem was the sheer extravagance of biblical material. I was faced with a difficult decision between equally tempting choices: to spend the hour I was given developing one argument, or to present a brief summary of the primary arguments. Both choices were fraught with slippery slopes and gaping chasms. If I concentrated on one argument, the uninformed on both sides of the issue would race to the conclusion that cessationism is a tune with only one string and one note. But if I tried to cover all the main arguments, I would have to leave crucial points and counterpoints on the cutting room floor, appearing to leave holes in an argument that has none. If you are familiar with my message at Strange Fire, you know that I eventually opted for the second option.

I have been fascinated by the response to the biblical case I presented. Over the ten years since the conference, I have been humbled and amazed at how the Lord has been pleased to use the conference including my message to equip and strengthen His church. In addition to the 80,000 or so who initially heard the message live, hundreds of thousands more have since listened on Grace to You’s website and YouTube.

Cessationists have written to tell me that a review of the biblical arguments strengthened their confidence in the Scripture. Pastors and educators have expressed that they use this overview to help equip their members or students. And I have heard from many Charismatics who had been told there are no biblical arguments for cessationism but were troubled by what they saw in their churches. In God’s providence, they watched or listened to the recordings of the Strange Fire conference and The Biblical Case for Cessationism, and the truth they heard resonated with them. Many have since left the Charismatic movement and developed a growing confidence in the Scripture. They have come to a biblical understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to truly adore and worship Him. It is because I am convinced those same audiences can benefit from having this content in print that I have written this book.

Since Strange Fire, I have further developed each argument, hopefully making the biblical case for cessationism more in-depth and compelling. Without the constraints of a one-hour sermon, I have been able to give further treatment to the details of the arguments. But I also wanted to keep it short enough so that no one interested in this subject would be discouraged by the book’s length.

Before we examine the arguments, I want to speak to you from my heart. Teaching and writing on this issue is not a pet passion I pursue or hobby horse I ride. As a pastor, my weekly preaching ministry is the verse-by-verse, consecutive exposition of God’s Word. But because I love Christ and love His church, I am also compelled on occasion to address pressing issues topically from God’s Word for the wellbeing of my flock. Likewise, the spiritual health of those who read it is the sole reason for this book.

Perhaps you’re new to the faith, new to your local church, or simply don’t know where you or your church stands on cessationism. As I hope to show, this is an important yet highly controversial issue that affects millions worldwide. It is crucial for you to know where your church—and you personally—stand on this subject.

Perhaps you were raised in a Charismatic home or church. It’s possible you struggle in your own mind with “Why do I believe” or even “Do I believe that the miraculous gifts have continued?” My prayer and goal is to help answer those questions and rightly deal with this issue for your sake. I hope to provide clarity to those wrestling with these types of questions.

Perhaps you are convinced of the cessationist position but have family or friends who are either in the Charismatic movement or have been heavily influenced by it. Unfortunately, many Christians cannot give a biblical defense for the truths they believe and the convictions they hold. Let me ask you: are you prepared to present a thorough, biblical defense of what you believe about cessationism? Are you prepared to help others understand the biblical reasons why the miraculous gifts have ceased? If not, you should be. My prayer is that this book will be a starting point in equipping you to defend what you believe. It is critical for you to invest in laying a biblical foundation on this issue.

Finally, my desire is not to be divisive. Rather, my intention is to be clear, concise, and definitive and to show that, in the end, my arguments are not so much about what cessationists are against as what we are for. I believe in the Spirit-inspired, all-sufficient, saving, sanctifying, instructing Word that gives us everything we need for “life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). I stand with confidence on the Scripture, the product of the breath of the living God (2 Tim. 3:16).