The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Sign Gifts

Just to slip in my own ... you will find quite a number of articles defending (soft) Cessationism here: The Charismatic Movement. In particular, you might want to read this one Gaffin and Grudem on Eph 2:20 in particular, although there are several others which are also quite good.

I have found Richard Gaffin's argument for the cessation of the ecstatic gifts, e.g., tongues and prophecy, in his book, Perspectives on Pentecost more than convincing.

It wasn't limited to validating apostolic authority. I said that the purpose of the gifts (on the whole) was the validation of the apostolic ministry (Heb. 2:3-4), e.g., the good news they preached & the expansion of the people of God from Israel to believers in Christ of all nations. Part of the purpose was also the laying of the foundation upon which the church would be built (Eph. 2:20). God is not still laying the foundation of the church. That said, some gifts do continue in the church, e.g., the gifts of teaching, of ruling, of mercy - the ordinary, non-miraculous gifts, which are necessary to the ongoing adminstration of Christ's church on earth.


Ah, thanks, I understand.


Laying on of hands is still practiced in Reformed churches to this day when ordaining officers. But Timothy did not receive the gift of prophecy - that is not what is stated, at least, in I Tim. 4. His gifting was as a pastor, & this he received by prophecy & the laying on of hands.


There are none.

patricius79

I have a question related to something you said.

You stated:
I have heard quite a few others use this reasoning when talking about the continuation of the gift of prophecy. However, one thing puzzles me about that line of reasoning.
In Scripture, where we see the gift of prophecy being used, or at least talked about, do we see indications that the gift was being used/taught in this particular manner? Give examples.

If not, it would seem to support the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, rather than disprove it.

Tom

HI Tom, Thanks, I finally used my brain to scroll to page two. Yes, we see this is 1 Cor 14:25, where it talks about the secrets of a particular man's heart are disclosed through prophecy.

Hi CovenantInBlood, Sorry if I confused 1 Tim 4:14 with Heb 6:1-2. I think the first said verse is referring to the handing on leadership power--which is what you are agreeeing with--and the second is referring to confirmation in the Spirit. Cf. Acts 19:6.