The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Response to 'Tongues-Nonsense and Martyn Lloyd-Jon

Link,

You are like a broken record...... the case for Cessationism HAS been made many times over here as well as by the authors of the several articles found here: The Charismatic Movement.

The "proof" for Cessationism is firmly grounded in the right use of Scripture, e.g., the "Analogy of Faith" and allowing for the real continuing work of the Holy Spirit Who brought the Church from its infancy onward to maturity. There are many things which were once binding, e.g., the civil and dietary laws for theonomic Israel which have been abrogated with the coming of Christ. Likewise, prophesies and tongues (a form of prophecy) were relevant for the laying of the foundation of the Church but which "passed away" when they were no longer needed since they served their purpose. This is NOT related whatsoever to the moral code of God, e.g., the prohibition against homosexuality, stealing, lying, coveting, etc. Those who would dismiss those things and claim that they are no longer sins do so most often by using some form of argument based upon "cultural boundness". The case for cessation of the revelatory (sign) gifts is not based upon some "cultural" argument whatsoever.

One of the best polemics against the charismagic position is to be found in a book written by Dr. Richard Gaffin, Perspectives on Pentecost and another written by Dr. O. Palmer Robertson, The Final Word. Dr. Gaffin is a well-respected N.T. scholar and has soundly refuted such advocates of non-cessationism as Wayne Grudem.

Lastly, yes it cannot be denied that there were prophetic utterances during the Apostolic period which were not recorded in Scripture. In fact, the Apostle John writes that there were MANY things which Jesus spoke and did which were not included in Scripture. But why was that? It was because God determined what was good and necessary for the establishment of the Church and its further development. Thus, ONLY those things which are to be adhered to by anyone are recorded and preserved in the inspired written Word; the Scriptures. This has nothing to do with "pride" as you so falsely claim, nor is it a matter of "tradition", although tradition is a most useful thing and one upon which the Church has survived for over two millennia. See here: Tradition: Romish and Protestant.

You have been given ample time to state your position and to try and further your agenda. I do think it is time you moved on as this Board is firmly grounded on the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation, which includes "light" Cessationism. You obviously have no interest in such things.

In His grace,