John MacArthur states in Our Sufficiency in Christ p87, "Contrary to what many are teaching today, there is no need for additional revelations, visions, or words of prophecy. In contrast to the theories of men, God’s Word is true and absolutely comprehensive. Rather than seeking something more than God’s glorious revelation, Christians need only to study and obey what they already have!"
In contrast, Paul writes, in 1 Co 14.1, "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy."
Wayne Grudem, in an interview with Challies.com, was asked why most Reformed teachers seem to be cessationists, responded with, "The most basic reason, and one which I think everyone can agree on, is a desire to protect the unique authority of the Bible and to protect the closed canon and not to have anything compete with Scripture in authority in our lives. That's a fundamental, deep concern among cessationists and I affirm that concern and I think it's very important to maintain it in the church."
I like this. Because of this, I would like to spend more time with cessationists. My dilemma is I have found only a small number who believe that I can also hold to the same view of the authority of Scripture and still conclude that the gifts of the Spirit operate today.
It's a shame. I believe we could all benefit and in the meantime, still demonstrate the unity the Word commands.
1 comment:
Hello Rick.
All has been revealed.
And right now, for the benefit of others, God works through us with prophecy. It is more particular clarity to what has already been revealed, as God's insight is given voice.
So both views are correct.
We see very little of what is real through a glass darkly. That is our unfortunate state. By working with us, God helps us see things more clearly, which we share with those concerned. That is the Holy Spirit active as he upholds the world. That is Christian prophecy.
Prophets see things God's way. God helps their seeing clearly with special grace to whomever he chooses. Sometimes the seeing is so clear, that even the future can be foretold. All this a gift to be used wisely.
So Paul is of course right in first following the way of love. And then naturally desiring the sweet gift of prophecy so as to make clear the love he has found. The powerful gift of being a servant to Love, by reaching blinded people with clear gifted sight.
I don't know much about reformed teachers and cessationists because I am Catholic, and I have only one teacher.
Your web site is interesting.
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