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averagefellar wrote:
I believe you hold to what is called the "weak cessationist" view. I know others who hold this view as well. The basic idea is that while the gifts have seemingly passed away for most of history God may use them at His discretion at any time.
Just a slight correction on this term, "weak cessationist". Those who hold to this view, of which I am one, believe that the revelatory/ecstatic gifts ceased at the passing of the Apostles. However, the non-revelatory gifts, including God performing miracles (supernaturalism) continue. This is to be distinguished from the "gift of mircales" which men allegedly perform. I think you will find that this is the "classic" view held by the vast majority of people throughout history, until as you noted, the 19th century. On the other extreme are those who are "Full/Strong Cessationists" who believe that ALL that is supernatural ceased. Richard Gaffin, e.g., is a "Weak Cessationist". <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In His Grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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