But I find your illustration wanting and even inapplicable to this discussion on the continuity of the "revelatory gifts". Why? Because re: homosexuality, it wasn't just Paul who spoke out against this sin of perversion, but God Himself throughout the entire Scriptures. The condemnation of sexual deviants is manifold.

Now, in regard to the cessationist argument against "revelatory gifts", it is a bit more indirectly taught in Scripture much like the doctrine of the Trinity; i.e., by good and necessary inference. A proper reading of Scripture sees the historical development of the Church through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Church in the Old Testament went through some significant changes when Christ came. And after Christ ascended, the Holy Spirit brought about yet more changes, aka: maturity to the Church as it gathered together those whom Christ died, i.e., Jews and Gentiles. The infant Church used various "gifts" as its foundation was being built and after its completion the upper structure had no need of the "tools" used to lay the foundation. It seems to me that the Master Builder knew exactly what was needed to bring about the "building" He had planned.

Secondly, one of the arguments which I have brought forth and which has not been addressed, surprisingly (not), is that IF the "revelatory gifts" are still in existence, then they must be authoritative by their very nature, they being from God and thus on equal par with Scripture. Should one argue, which has been done, that there were prophesies which were not included in Scripture, I believe that this in itself proves the case for cessationism for they were not included in the inspired written record. Only those things which the Holy Spirit determined should be perpetually binding on believers for all ages were included in the Canon.

Thirdly, it would appear that Paul's statement concerning the primacy of Scripture are not given their full place in the non-cessationist camp:


2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) "All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."


It seemed good to Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to state that Scripture was sufficient to provide ALL that a believer needs in the matter of doctrine (teaching), reproof (discipline), correction (counsel) and instruction (sanctification). Thus of what use is extra-biblical revelation which claims to add to or at least adjunct that which is 100% sufficient in and of itself? If one should respond that these "prophecies" do not add to Scripture but will and must be in accord with Scripture, then again, they serve no purpose since they allegedly have the same content?

Although there are many other good arguments which could and have been made for "light" Cessationism, IMHO, those above are satisfactory to make the case.

In His grace,

[Linked Image]

simul iustus et peccator

[Linked Image]