A conference aimed at discussing how and why the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased is taking place this week. The Cessationist Conference, hosted by G3, has typically been held in California but recently transitioned to Oklahoma.

I have a few thoughts to share on cessationism that are different from what conference attendees will hear this week. (Read 1 Corinthians 12-14 and the book of Acts and see for yourself what the Scriptures teach on this.)

In 1965, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote in The Sovereign Spirit:

It is perfectly clear that in New Testament times, the gospel was authenticated in this way by signs, wonders, and miracles of various characters and descriptions … Was it only meant to be true of the early church? … The Scriptures never anywhere say that these things were only temporary – never! There is no such statement anywhere.

Walking on Dangerous Ground
Obviously, the Holy Spirit has not been kicked out of either California or Oklahoma — but our view of His role can be diminished, and thus cause Him to withdraw His influence in our lives and current events. That’s my concern here. Continuationists (those believing the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit have not ceased) are often gullible, but cessationists(those believing the supernatural gifts have ceased) can be doubtful and cynical.

I respect the speakers at the conference; their zeal for truth is unparalleled. But are they walking on dangerous ground? In Matthew 12:22, Jesus warns us not to “blaspheme the Holy Spirit.” When read in the context of the miracles He was performing at the time and how the religious leaders of the day questioned everything about them, it’s clear He was talking about attributing the genuine work of the Spirit to Satan.

Granted, the religious leaders Jesus was addressing were not believers, but their actions should be a warning to us all: Be very hesitant to speak against the work of the Spirit. I’m not talking about rejecting weird things and odd teachers; I’m talking about rejecting a genuine move of God’s Spirit.

What Is a Genuine Move of God’s Spirit?
In the 1700s, Jonathan Edwards observed that such a move would be evident because it would:

1) elevate the truth,

2) exalt Christ,

3) oppose Satan,

4) point people to the Scriptures, and

5) result in love for God and others. The focus of Spirit-filled preaching is on the totality of God’s Word, calling out sin, and correcting errors. Holiness, not hysteria, must be sought.

I’ve previously written strongly against Charismatics and their gullibility in certain matters. Many in this camp intentionally mislead people by influencing them to act in ways that are contrary to God’s Word. They are often flamboyant, lack godly character, and focus on making money.

Experience Doesn’t Validate Truth
Many wrongly assume that continuationists are seeking experiences and feelings, but not Christ! What a mischaracterization of those who genuinely desire to experience God in every facet of our being — including supernaturally. We seek Christ wholeheartedly, and the gifts follow that pursuit. But many believers who lack a genuine outflow of the Spirit tend to be very critical of others. As the old saints used to say: Straight as a gun barrel theologically, but just as empty.

We should never interpret Scripture based on our experiences, but we can definitely validate our experiences based on Scripture. Many have experienced the Holy Spirit the way Paul writes about in in the Book of Acts, as well as the spiritual gifts he wrote about in 1 Corinthians 12-14. And these encounters line up with Scripture.

The power of the Holy Spirit is like dynamite that ignites a hunger for God so intense that it changes every aspect of life. God created us with feelings, so wouldn’t it be ideal to experience His presence emotionally as well as intellectually, physically, and spiritually?

The Fire Has Been Quenched
Most believers have never genuinely experienced the supernatural gifts of the Spirit, and/or they see people who say they are experiencing it acting weirdly and don’t want anything to do with it. I understand that, but I’m not going to let my relationship with God rise and fall on others’ reactions, just as I’m not going to reject the Bible due to the fact that cults also use it.

This discussion isn’t just about the supernatural gifts; it’s also about the deeper work of the Spirit. This is why many cessationists stand against emotional expressions of worship, all-night prayer meetings, and periods of prolonged fasting and intercession. They know very little about the Spirit's baptism,which Lloyd-Jones wrote about in Preaching and Preachers.

Putting God in a Box
The need to address revival and the vital role of the Holy Spirit is as relevant today as it has been throughout church history. When we put God in a box, spiritual awakening will never break out.
We all must humble ourselves, repent of childish behavior, begin to fear God again, and open ourselves to deeper works of the Spirit. Our nation’s only hope is a mighty move of God's Spirit—in short, a revival of the spiritual condition of His people.

There is still great hope for us if only we would let Him move among and through us as He pleases.

Source