I cannot find a single reference to the full canon of
scripture being a time of cessation and those who believe
this and purport by its proclamation to elevate scripture do
no such thing. Since the Bible does not say such a thing it
can only be said that the cessationist view is based on
experience, or lack of it, which drives to a conclusion
contrary to what the Bible says. It is sadly the style of
many cessationists to present a catalogue of the bizarre as
fodder for their argument. This of course is no argument,
since the actions of either the few or the many do not
disestablish the truth. The convolution of the argument
around Biblical texts which have no bearing on this matter
equally does little to persuade the reader of the validity of
any argument. To seek to make unreasonable comparisons
of an Old Testament prophet with those prophesies in the
New Testament Church which Paul clearly acknowledges
and validates, does not create an argument of any
substance. We live in a world where truth is no longer
regarded as absolute, but whether the world or the Church
believe it, what God has said will not change. Rather it is
necessary for us to change and be discovered by the truth.
Gifts will remain until Jesus comes again, and the whole
work of God in the Holy Spirit will never fail or fall. It
remains important for us to discover not only where we can
demonstrate the Holy Spirit’s power, although we often
lack because of our faith, but also when we can better serve
in the building, by encouraging others to take the more
honourable place, while we withhold our gift. This is a
higher calling and honour, both of the body and of the
Lord. If Paul’s plea is to be heard then we must also learn
different disciplines in the Church. Tongues and their
abuse ought to be challenged. Prophecies should be
weighed and if necessary corrected by the mature.
Knowledge should be properly sought and imparted in an
honest and righteous way. 1 Corinthians 14 speaks again
of these three issues and says that these in particular are
areas where we can, for the sake of order, remain silent.
God is a God of miracle and He has not ceased so to be. It
is wrong to give to Him public dishonour by our disorder.
1 Corinthians 13 is not an explanation of gifts remaining
until Jesus comes. Of course until He does come, the
Church will continue to be built by the Spirit of God at
work in those gifts which lift us from our infancy to
maturity – to perfection. Jesus has said that against this
building, even the gates of Hell will not prevail.