I like the temperate nature of John Piper given that he has to address such a contentious topic. Clearly reflecting the fruits of the Spirit. Thank you Pastor!
I don't think "miss out on the full joys of Christianity" is a good term. The full joy of Christianity is God Himself. It is His presence, His love, His peace - He is the full joy of Christianity. It is not the gifts! Furthermore, Paul is clear - every believer has a spiritual gift which is for the common good. Maybe cessationists just don't realize that what they have is a spiritual gift. Paul says that we should desire spiritual gifts. So, we should! That's what the Bible says. The Bible is also clear though - people who do not have the Holy Spirit will act as if and profess that they have the Holy Spirit. That is one thing we must guard against. Gifts are for the edification of the Body of Christ. Tongues, as Paul says, are to be interpreted (so then therefore I do not think there is a personal prayer language, nor do I think that people who speak in tongues without an interpreter present are speaking by the Spirit for God is one of order, not chaos) and are for the unbeliever's sake. Gifts are from the Spirit and should give glory solely to God. Anyone who seeks and "does" these gifts for their own glory is not of God. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The same God who bestowed spiritual gifts upon our early church bretheren remains our God now! Why should we limit the work of the Holy Spirit? We shouldn't put God in a box! With that said though, we must be careful. Every believer has a spiritual gift but not everyone who claims to have a spiritual gift is a true believer. Furthermore, seek God, not the gifts. You should only seek gifts for the glory of God alone. It should only be a by-product of your walk with Christ and your desire to glorify Him. God bless!
Nothing in scripture tells us that Spiritual Gifts (healing, prophecy etc) will stop. And my experience tells me that, I've seen people healed many times and been prophesied over times and it's come true. That's all Gods glory man.
You know demons can perform miracles too and that we have to test the spirits to see if they are from God, and how do we know it was from God?, I say a good method is to see if that healing happened during a pentecostal service. Pentecostal churches are clearly from Satan, there is no way to describe the "drunkeness in the spirit" that you can see in a thousand public videos, even more clearly when you compare it with people during a kundalini yoga experience, same stuff and this time by a pagan religion that invites demons to you with several exercises that makes you open to demonic possession. Cessationism doesn't deny all miracles, they believe God can heal if he wants it through prayer, not by imposing hands since there is no more apostolic authority but by prayer and faith, and he will do it only if he wills it. You know there were periods of time in the old testament where God stayed silent for hundreds of years, right? God doesn't do miracles as often as charismatics would want to believe. That doesn't make him less God or less powerful, we humans are just arrogant because we think we are entitled to God's attention for everything we ask to Him, like a spoiled kid to his father. If you think I'm wrong you can say that to me, I will not feel offended or anything. Just tell me why.
Jesus protects Can demons preform miracles? I think of Matthew 12: 24-30 when the Pharisees accused Jesus of using demonic power to cast out demons. To which Jesus says that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. So Satan casting out his own demons would seem pretty convincing but he apparently can’t because it would divide his kingdom. Shortly after it describes identifying good trees with good fruits and bad trees with bad fruits. If we can agree that healing is good and therefore a good fruit, would that make Satan incapable of doing it? It would make for a very convincing deception, but wouldn’t he have to divide his kingdom to do it, which he can’t do? Not trying to prove you wrong, I would love to hear yours or anyone else’s feedback as this has been something I have been trying to figure out for a while now.
@@JesusProtects I go to a Pentecostal church and we never advocate or have similar experiences like those of hyper-charasmatic churches. I completely reject being drunk in the spirit or being slain in the spirit experiences or uncontrollable shaking etc... I've been in a Pentecostal church my whole life and have never seen these manifestations. Please do not bunch up and say "all Pentecostal churches are from Satan. Those hpyer-charismatic churches are not in line with scripture, if they properly taught the spiritual gifts like in 1 Cor 12-14 "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Jesus protects AMEN 🙌🏻 That’s what most people misunderstand regarding Cessationists... They NEVER deny that GOD no longer heals nor performs miracles! They’re just saying that JESUS finished everything on the cross and the BIBLE is also finished so there’s NO more new “revelations” nor “prophecies”...
Yup. We can say the same thing about the gift of teaching. It's abused but somehow we have Pastors like John Piper doing a solid job at looking at text and accurately preaching them. Should we throw out the gift of teaching then because it is abused by some "Pastors" in the church? Absolutely not! And it is the same with the gift of tongues and supernatural gifts like that.
Hmmmmmm, let’s aim for a better understanding of cessationism! Cessationists don’t say or use teaching in the same way you’re using, even Pastor John defines “extraordinary gifts”! This would be a straw man due to the insufficient understanding of what cessationists claim. However, I am a fan of the continuationist view even though I see no application of the gifts that the Apostles and prophets demonstrated because of the primary reason for these gifts: validating that God is who He says He is. Take Moses for instance, Peter and Paul, Jeremiah, etc.
I agree with Piper in that God can do whatever He wants, wherever He wants, whenever He wants. However, I believe that you can experience even greater joy in the Father by not participating in the Apostolic spiritual gifts of the New Testament (tongues, healing, prophecy). If we look at the walk of faith displayed by an Apostolic Cessationist, we can see that their faith is in the Word of God and not solely in the works God can produce. If we parallel the Continuationist against the Cessationist, we can see that the Works of the Spirit (proof/validation) are seen as more valuable than the Bible it's self. Though no Continuationist would openly say that works are more powerful than the Bible, we can see that this mentality is clearly displayed in the Extreme Charismatic movement today, based on their emphasis on what God can do rather than what He has done. In conclusion, finding joy in the Lord without the need for ecstatic experiences will yield a more authentic trust and love for the Father, rather than predicating trust and love on the gifts through Him. Apostolic Cessationists are no better than Continuationists and vice versa, but I do humbly believe that Cessationists display a deeper faith and trust in the Lord by simply reading his Word and getting to know Him through prayer without the desire to "experience more." My belief is based on 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."
Hey thanks for your thoughts! I think Piper does focus on ALL spiritual gifts being for service however, and not for personal experience or pleasure. But in using our spiritual gifts to serve one another, there is added joy in that - as we see in Paul's joy in the churches he writes to. Our greatest joy should always be that our names are written in the book because of Christs work. Yet I believe, in our ministries here on earth, we've been granted the Corinthian gifts to serve and build up the church.
@@lettucelord4695 That's right, gifts of service other bothers and sisters in Christ are to be cherished within the church. But when it becomes to prophecies, healing and speaking in tongues; it's another different relearn. Am wondering if John Piper do speak in tongues! And nowadays prophecies in charismatic movement is doubtful.
@@lettucelord4695 it was unfortunate that Piper seemed to suggest that cessationists believe spiritual gifts have ceased when what they reject is miraculous sign gifts, not all spiritual gifts.
Perhaps I missed something. I don't think Dr. Piper answered the question that was asked. Even by the definition that Dr. Piper made of Cessationism, Cessationists do not believe that all spiritual gifts have ceased. Only the "extraordinary" gifts. But when he tries to repeat the question that Matthew asked, he says it is "whether the denial of the presence of Spiritual gifts will limit the goal of Christian Hedonism" and continues to misrepresent Cessationist as not believing in any Spiritual gifts.
I noticed that as well. Cessationists don’t believe that all spiritual gifts have ceased. Nor do they believe that all miracles have ceased. They believe in the cessation of the miraculous sign gifts that authenticated the ministry of the Apostles before Israel.
I have a question please. Cessationists believe that after the canon was closed, I agree the canon is closed, God does not give more revelations, does not speak. If God gives no more revelations, then how did Cessationists know that God has given the doctrine of Cessation? Also, there is no foundation in Scripture to support the doctrine. The pillar verse Cessationists use is 1 Corinthians 13:10 in which Paul says that when the perfect has come the gifts will pass away. They give the private interpretation that the perfect came when the Bible was completed and canonized. However, verse 12 gives the time that the perfect comes. It is when we see face to face and know as we are known. These two phrases are 2nd coming words because it is Jesus that we long to see face to face and it is when we receive our glorified bodies that our knowledge is greatly increased so that we know as God knows us. So, the doctrine has been added to God's doctrines, God's Word, by the Cessationists. Also, even more so Cessation doctrine takes away the supernatural gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. How can they get by Moses' command, the writer to Proverbs command, and Apostle John's command, inspired by God, not to add or take away from God's Word lest one loses their salvation? Deuteronomy 4:2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Some people argue that the verses in Revelation only apply to Revelation. However, when one realizes that the Holy Spirit placed the same command in 3 other places (also Deut. 12:32) this put more weight upon it to be God's universal will.
I am completely tracking with you on "when the perfect comes"; how can anyone imagine that having the settled canon (as great as the Bible is!) can cause us to know fully (?!) as we are fully known(?!!!). As you say, it's fulfilled @ Christ's 2nd coming, and until then we need all the supernatural gifting that God (in His wisdom) has ordained!!
All I hear is "more, more, more" if God has to reveal himself more to his people the faith in Jesus christ and the apostles biblical works are not sufficient for faith.
Let me start by saying how much I respect and love John Piper. I also want to say that I’m still trying to figure out exactly where I stand on this topic, however, after years and years of praying and meditating on this, I am leaning towards cessationism. My concern with what Piper is saying here is that he is basically telling us that because one camp doesn’t believe in a few of the spiritual gifts existing in their original form and those people don’t have the ability to be as joy filled as the others. Regardless of which camp I end up landing and I think that that is a bad argument. So one camp doesn’t believe in prophecy or tongues or healing as a actual endowed spiritual gift. But they do believe God functions in providing healing and even tongues (in actual language) as He sees fit. I actually think that camp could be even more joy filled because they are less likely to think they have a power that they may or may not have (depending on which camp is right). The cessationist don’t believe healing or language tongues don’t happen they just believe they aren’t given as a signs gift. Just like there are no longer true prophets and apostles as we have Gods word now. Most of our forefathers thought this way. That’s something to consider. Also look at how rare prophecy was even in the Bible. All stuff to consider. I like what Paul Washer calls himself. A Practical Cessationist.
Usually there are two arguments. First, miracles are given to believers so that they will have joyful and abundant lives. Second, some claims that the miracles are used by God to save people (bring people to Jesus). In fact, a person who depends a lot on the 'manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit' (healing, ecstatic experiences, pursuit of happiness, etc.) tends to have less joys, because he/she focuses on the 'gifts' not the Giver. Also, we are facing the same problems as the Corinthians, we use/crave the spiritual gifts to show off/serve ourselves (the term 'Christ-centric' has been abused to mean, in practice, 'me-centric'). Love (which will bring joy) is the goal of Christian life, the very purpose of gifts is to serve and build the church and other people with love, and love is more important than gifts. So, do we need miracles and tongues to build God's church? Jesus said he will build His church, and it does not depends on us. If God knows that many people will be saved through miracles, He will do it. In fact, Bible tells us in many stories that miracles do not always brings faith (a chicken and egg problem: miracles --> faith, or faith --> miracles?)
Good God the book of Acts is a transitional book. Some books are describing what happened in the old testament. Tell me what's the difference between tongues and babbling?
Why are the Reformed nit-picking at Ps John Piper for various shortcomings? Is there a greater law of Christ that's eluding me? Why do we limit God by claiming 'He does not and will not do whatever He pleases' due to the limit of our understandings?
Cessationism doesn't mean you don't believe in spiritual gifts. It means they believe the extraordinary gifts such as prophecy and healing vested in man and divine revelation was fulfilled with the death of the last apostle John. The whole premise is to say if God needs to reveal himself more to his people then the gospel and scriptures are not sufficient alone to produce faith.
@@opie9617 that's not true literally Yahweh can speak with you face-to-face I remember when I was hurt I cried out to him and he came and spoke with me face to face.. I have also been in his presence words alone cannot describe the feeling of it Supernatural rebirth born again. ( and everyone can experience the same things I have also seen demons face-to-face as well) seek his face
These signs shall follow those who believe...They shall cast of devils ...etc etc...I believe, dont you? And also...Although I speak with the gift if tongues of men "AND OF ANGELS" They are saying there is only one kind of language in the gift of tongues/language but 1 Corinthians says that there are 2 kind one is men and the other is angels... Also...Paul speaks of how some were saying they believed in the Holy Ghost but that they deny the "POWER THERE OF" I think that both sides are making a mockery of Both God and Yeshua and their Spirit and by doing so they are in danger of taking Gods name in vain, and losing out on the True power of God and His wonderful Holiest of Holies, Holy Spirit!!!
How do cessationists miss put on His power? Don't we experience in regeneration and sanctification? Don't we experience His power when we are comforted in our distress? What signs must I need to increase my faith in God? I already believe He's powerful and I already walk boldly in faith because of Him. I don't deny His power yet I also have not experienced true apostolic gifts. I will admit that I have gifts, as would any reasonable cessationist, but not all gifts are the same.
@@matthewbrown9029 you miss out on edifying prophecies, revelations and warnings. Gifts are to edify and give you hope. I am reformed and love MacArthur but the gifts of the Spirit that other believers served me with (prophecy, interpretation of tongues) have been so immensely helpful in my walk with the Lord.
Cessationists make no sense they pray for the revival that was seen in the days of Elijah, Christ, and the apostles. Yet in every revival seen in the Bible it was followed by a manifestation of God's power! Oxymoron much?
I've never heard anyone who is a cessationist ever mention revival in positive terms. Revival chasers are usually faith healers, false teachers, false prophets who only care about winding people up.
@@Cinnamonbuns13 John MacArthur. I just listened to one of his sermons saying something like “we’ve been praying for revival for years.” I was like 🧐? But perhaps I listened out of context. Who knows.
I have the gift of prophecy. God told me the spiritual as outlined in the book of Corinthians are no longer operative today. God also told me I am a false prophet. What did God tell you?
Did you guys forget that on the day of Pentecost they spoke in other languages? Not coherent syllables? What you guys call tongues today is gibberish! Everyone can say tatatatatanfhxhwndg jann km xbjwnx
This videos assumes that cessationism is not the correct position. If it were how can persueing a gift not available today be a method of experiencing Christ more fully?
If you disconnect the gifts from the breaking in of the gospel - of the Kingdom - because therein lies their root of existence , what remaining core of this message of the grand plan of restoration is left? Its a pretty poor offering in my humble but accurate opinion
although I myself am a cessationist, I completely disagree with John's interpretation of this text. In the first three verses of 1st Corinthians 13, Paul does NOT say that WE can speak in tongues of men and angels and have faith to move mountains and yet not have love. He says, for the sake of emphasizing his point to everyone listening, he makes it very very obvious and easy-to-understand by saying that if HE spoke with the tongues of men and angels, with all knowledge and faith as much to move mountains, and does not love, he is the clanging of a Rusty gate or a banging cymbal. being noisy and useless and he will never properly lead anyone in true discipleship. That passage is not speaking at all of justification, but of someone's effectiveness in sharing the gospel, because one must do it practicing patience and gentleness while being persistently diligent in his pursuit of spreading the gospel.
A person that is NOT born again can speak in tongues and perform healings. Matthew 7:22-29 proves it. Jesus said "I never knew you", because these people performed "Miracles" with Satan's power, not God's.
Our problem as mankind is trying change a spiritual book into an academic one. We disregard the Holy Spirit for all these schools of Theology. There is a reason why Jesus went to the beach to select his disciples and did not go to the Temple. To be a cessationist is to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, because men like Daniel Adams who perform healing in the name of Jesus, are seen as frauds. Yet a child with a deform ear can now hear and a blind child can now see, people who were terminally ill with cancer are healed.......but apparently the healing comes from the devil. Cessationists do not believe that men can heal others in Jesus Name. That is just complete ignorance. People right in this group are testifying that there were healed of terminal illnesses and still that is not enough.
I’m not english man. So it will be possible to write with some mistakes. I think my brother that yours thoughts about healing in the cessationit view are wrong. They believe that GOD can heal somebody in answering to the pray. The gift of healing today have not same manifestations with the gift of healing in the new testament. In the new testament healing was immediate and total. And we don't see the same thing today. I believe that today, God can heal by answering to the pray, every disease.
More evidence for cessationism. If all believers have the Holy spirit in them and we know they do, then how is it only those who go to a charismatic church have the gift of tongues? Coincidence?
@@Sn3aKyK1LL3R Yup. We can say the same thing about the gift of teaching. It's abused but somehow we have Pastors like John Piper doing a solid job at looking at text and accurately preaching them. Should we throw out the gift of teaching then because it is abused by some "Pastors" in the church? Absolutely not! And it is the same with the gift of tongues and supernatural gifts like that.
Cessationism Doctrine from Atrocity There are few things I have been more shocked by as a devout believer in Jesus Christ than the concept of cessationism. I had already read 1st & 2nd Corinthians when I first learned about this supposedly Christian view and couldn’t understand how anyone could believe such obvious nonsense. The Bible is the perfect true eternal word of Almighty God. The Holy Spirit is the guide that unlocks the scriptures for believers who meet God’s conditions. When I heard the scriptural basis that cessationists claim supports their view, I was even more dumbfounded. As you may have heard, cessationists believe some of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased to exist while others have not. In researching the origins of this unbiblical doctrine, I discovered something so unbelievably horrible that I knew I had to expose it not only to end it but to enable others trapped in this unholy schism that is now staining the Body of Christ with the blood of the innocent. Blood spilled by a psychotic Catholic sycophant, John Calvin. He was no reformer. He was an agent of Satan. In only 5 years while ruling in Geneva, John Calvin advocated for the murder of 58 people with competing Theological viewpoints or people he felt were rivals. They were all either burnt at the stake or tortured and then burnt at the stake or beheaded for nothing more than a differing view. That’s nearly one person executed each and every month of John Calvin’s 5 year reign of terror in Geneva. These people weren’t murderers or thieves or rapists or molesters of children. They were people who thought of God in a different way than John Calvin. Calvin even plotted for years to kill someone who thought John Calvin was a colleague, Michael Servetus. Calvin bragged about it in his journals. “Servetus offers to come hither, if it be agreeable to me. But I am unwilling to pledge my word for his safety, for if he shall come, I shall never permit him to depart alive, provided my authority be of any avail.” - Letter to Farel, 13 February 1546. Calvin also had 76 more people exiled for their beliefs and then banned all art of any kind except for music. This included any art of our Lord Jesus. Décor of this type in Church was made illegal. During all of this horror, cessationism was born. John Calvin utilized the writings of a Catholic, Augustine, to justify his appetite for murder and control over others. So here you have a supposed reformer incorporating the writings of a Catholic to advocate murder. Reformers don’t consult Catholics for doctrine. Reformers are opposed to Catholics. In addition to this, Calvin completely ignored Paul’s instructions on how to deal with unbelievers. “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Calvin loved the idea of prolonged torture. “I am persuaded that it is not without the special will of God that, apart from any verdict of the judges, the criminals have endured protracted torment at the hands of the executioner.” - Calvin's letter to Farel on 24 July Calvin was said to have never repented for his primary role in the execution of 58 innocent people. This is the man who cessationists think was a wonderful person and a gift to Christianity from God himself. This poses the question, what god are they referring to? Let’s take a closer look at what cessationists believe. Cessationists believe that the spiritual gifts of prophecy, healing and speaking in tongues ceased with the end of the apostolic age. They also do not believe in any miracles or miraculous events attributable to God. In addition to this, most believe demon possession or people who have been demonized are actually experiencing mental health issues. They deny the biblical fact that demons exist and are to this day active and working against God by claiming those beliefs are primitive. Again, no scripture supports this view, none. Cessationists state that scripture is enough yet ignore the scripture revealing the spiritual gifts given to believers by the Holy Spirit. It is a twisted road leading into the cessationist mind. The end of the road however, is quite clear if you have eyes that see. Facts about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as written in the Holy Bible Prophecy warns. They are communications from God through His servants to warn believers and nonbelievers alike. Healing shows the power of God on Earth. The laying on of hands shows the power of God through His servants. Speaking in tongues is meant as a sign of God to unbelievers so they may learn about God. Casting out demons. This goes hand-in-hand with healing and was a primary ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. Have you noticed anything yet? Are the pieces of the puzzle coming together yet? Let’s take a look at Satan’s perfect Christian. Cannot prophecy and is unable to warn the Body of Christ or anyone for that matter. Has no ability to heal others through the power of the Holy Spirit and cannot represent God’s power here on Earth Cannot speak in tongues because they have never met the conditions for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit Has no ability to cast out demons using the power of the Holy Spirit Does not believe in miracles from God demonstrated by the Holy Spirit Do you have eyes that see and ears that hear? Still need proof? Have you noticed who was chosen to appear on the satanic mainstream media as a “Christian Hero”? That’s right, a cessationist, John MacArthur. What better way to lead the unsaved right into the arms of a powerless church. Promote it as THE Christian church! Make the powerless church heroic in the public eye so that many would flock to it. Cessationist churches are in fact powerless. The evidence is in the word of God. Without the spiritual gifts we are also without the Holy Spirit who bestows those gifts through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. There’s a very good reason why Jesus never specifically defined what Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit was. Clearly this was not up for discussion or debate. It was a warning, plain and simple. It was a warning to not even get near it. Fear of the Lord is the proper response, not question the Lord. This is a warning cessationists completely ignore to this day. Cessationists incessantly violate scripture by adding and/or taking away from it where they please, just like John Calvin did. Deuteronomy 4:2 warns against this very clearly. Cessationists habitually place the mind of man in front of the word of God because they are in love with their own minds. They substitute eloquence for accuracy and sweet for bitter. They are blasphemers, all of them. They serve Satan whether they know it or not regardless of their intentions. Cessationists have no fear of the Lord but they do have an abundance of pride. Cessationists have never met the conditions to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Without humility and repentance, they never will. Cessationist pastors condemn their congregation by insuring they will not be the prepared bride for our Lord Jesus. They follow the unbiblical doctrine of a murderous psychopath who was a Catholic sycophant. But did we really need to break this down as I have or can we simply agree that John Calvin was a psychotic, hard-hearted, murderous unrepentant monster. He was not a hero. There is nothing he could contribute to Christianity that isn’t stained with the blood of the innocent. Not one single thing. He was also a fraud and not a Christian. He was said by people who knew him that he worked himself to death while never repenting for what he had done. Catholics believe you are saved by works also and not by grace alone. I submit to you that John Calvin worked himself to death hoping the Catholics were right. They weren’t. They still aren’t. If you attend a cessationist church, leave while you can. The Holy Spirit is not in your church and your pastor is a liar. Cessationist Preachers and Personalities John MacArthur Voddie Baucham Todd Freil RC Sproul Paul Washer Ravi Zacharias Dr. Charles Stanley Dr. David Jeremiah Tom Pennington Dr. Michael Heiser Justin Peters Dr. Sam Waldron Richard Gaffin Daniel B. Wallace Charles Swindoll Timothy Keller Rick Warren Doug Wilson John D. Hall Dr. Theodore Zachairides There are many, many more…. Cessationist Denominations All Presbyterian Churches Nearly All Baptist Churches (excluding Southern Baptist and few others) Nearly All Calvinist and Reformed Churches (75 million members worldwide) (40 million members worldwide) (75 million members worldwide) Many Episcopal and Anglican Churches (85 million members worldwide) Now can you see why many are called but few chosen? There is only ONE CHURCH and it is The Church of Jesus Christ as represented in the Holy Bible. Denominations fragment the Body of Christ and distort the Word of God. This isn’t going to improve until our Lord Jesus returns. Will you be a martyr defending His church or will you drift further into oblivion? The coming Revival will produce many martyrs. Will you do for Him what he did for us? Speak the truth of the word until they kill you? Those who endure until the end will be saved.
Christian Hedonism is Piper's signature phrase. He always brings it up. It's mentioned in almost in every one of his books. It's not a new doctrine at all, but rather it's the collection and ultimate goal of a bunch of Biblical pursuits of joy summarized in one phrase.
Read the sermon, “The Modern Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit,” by Pastor John MacArthur. If his paragraph on Sign Gifts from the End of the Apostolic Age until now are, “All False, All Lies, All Deception,” and I know this is Not True!, then his Biblical definition for the Unpardonable Sin, (given just a minute later), “…attributing the Work of the Holy Spirit,” is True, then the correct question is, “Are Cessationist saved?” How can one become Born Again, the strongest Sign Gift, requiring the Gift of Faith, even be Saved? See John 3 and Ephesians 2:8,9. Do the Cessationists just have a head knowledge Christianity? I tend to think that is the Truth about them.
I think you're mistaken a little and maybe I can help. All reasonable cessationists believe in the gift of faith. How could we be saved if not for Yahweh showing His undeserved mercy on us and changing our heart, minds, and will to be set on Him without giving us faith? There's a difference between apostolic gifts and general gifts of the Spirit. That's the difference with cessationists and continuationists for the most part
Cessationists still believe the Holy Spirit works in us today. But prophecy, tongues, healing are no longer. If you need to speak in a false tongue (babbling) to be happy, I feel really sorry.
+Mike Moon Why would you want someone to desire a gift that may not be his? 1 Cor 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? The obvious answer to this rhetorical question is "no" - Unless you are advocating that all are apostles, teachers, and possess gifts of healing as well, which is clearly *not* true. The point is that everyone has their own gift or mix of gifts, and no one should look down on another for having a less "flashy" gift. 1 Cor 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
I hope not. I love his older stuff, and now he seems to be teaching the exact *opposite* of what he started with. He also failed to answer the question, which was: "how essential is continuationist theology for experiencing the fullest expression of Christian Hedonism? In other words, if I am a cessationist, will my joy be incomplete?” His concluding answer was: "a person who pursues spiritual gifts can experience the goal of Christian Hedonism more fully than a person who doesn’t." If I were a teacher giving a grade to a student, I would fail that response. A cessationist does not even argue against this point; it's not even controversial. However, the cessationist will not be desiring the gifts of tongues, miracles, or healings, because they are not for today. Indeed, there is not any objective proof that they are currently in operation. Costi Hinn, (the infamous Benny's nephew) came out of that nonsense because he finally saw through it.
Versatile Kid: What is "the number of the abomination of desolation"? I am aware of the Mark of the Beast and the abomination of desolation, but what are you talking about?
@Versatile Kid you are doing well. Just keep being careful and asking God for guidance, you talk like a real christian, God will be guarding you from error if you keep focusing on his Word.
That is because when God sent you a trial you let it get to you instead of embracing it and letting God the Holy Spirit lead you through it in order to increase your faith. Some fall into thorns and the weight of the World crushes the seed and it does not grow. A seed will not grow until it dies. The fact that you say this means you have not died to yourself, once this happens then you realize that what you thought was yourself was not st all yourself and like Jesus says " those who lose themselves will find themselves...ie. Those who die to their old selves will live to their real selves. The self you were before your spirit entered the vessel you call your body. You are not your body but the part of you that is you is your spirit and you have to rid yourself of your body in order to find your true self. I can tell you that you are still selfish and carnal and until you lose your carnality you will never experience true joy!
I like the temperate nature of John Piper given that he has to address such a contentious topic. Clearly reflecting the fruits of the Spirit. Thank you Pastor!
I don't think "miss out on the full joys of Christianity" is a good term. The full joy of Christianity is God Himself. It is His presence, His love, His peace - He is the full joy of Christianity. It is not the gifts! Furthermore, Paul is clear - every believer has a spiritual gift which is for the common good. Maybe cessationists just don't realize that what they have is a spiritual gift.
Paul says that we should desire spiritual gifts. So, we should! That's what the Bible says.
The Bible is also clear though - people who do not have the Holy Spirit will act as if and profess that they have the Holy Spirit. That is one thing we must guard against.
Gifts are for the edification of the Body of Christ. Tongues, as Paul says, are to be interpreted (so then therefore I do not think there is a personal prayer language, nor do I think that people who speak in tongues without an interpreter present are speaking by the Spirit for God is one of order, not chaos) and are for the unbeliever's sake.
Gifts are from the Spirit and should give glory solely to God. Anyone who seeks and "does" these gifts for their own glory is not of God.
God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The same God who bestowed spiritual gifts upon our early church bretheren remains our God now! Why should we limit the work of the Holy Spirit? We shouldn't put God in a box! With that said though, we must be careful. Every believer has a spiritual gift but not everyone who claims to have a spiritual gift is a true believer. Furthermore, seek God, not the gifts. You should only seek gifts for the glory of God alone. It should only be a by-product of your walk with Christ and your desire to glorify Him.
God bless!
@Slave of Christ
Yes
Nothing in scripture tells us that Spiritual Gifts (healing, prophecy etc) will stop. And my experience tells me that, I've seen people healed many times and been prophesied over times and it's come true. That's all Gods glory man.
You know demons can perform miracles too and that we have to test the spirits to see if they are from God, and how do we know it was from God?, I say a good method is to see if that healing happened during a pentecostal service. Pentecostal churches are clearly from Satan, there is no way to describe the "drunkeness in the spirit" that you can see in a thousand public videos, even more clearly when you compare it with people during a kundalini yoga experience, same stuff and this time by a pagan religion that invites demons to you with several exercises that makes you open to demonic possession.
Cessationism doesn't deny all miracles, they believe God can heal if he wants it through prayer, not by imposing hands since there is no more apostolic authority but by prayer and faith, and he will do it only if he wills it. You know there were periods of time in the old testament where God stayed silent for hundreds of years, right? God doesn't do miracles as often as charismatics would want to believe. That doesn't make him less God or less powerful, we humans are just arrogant because we think we are entitled to God's attention for everything we ask to Him, like a spoiled kid to his father.
If you think I'm wrong you can say that to me, I will not feel offended or anything. Just tell me why.
Jesus protects you have a religious spirit I bind it in Jesus name I curse it
Jesus protects Can demons preform miracles? I think of Matthew 12: 24-30 when the Pharisees accused Jesus of using demonic power to cast out demons. To which Jesus says that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. So Satan casting out his own demons would seem pretty convincing but he apparently can’t because it would divide his kingdom. Shortly after it describes identifying good trees with good fruits and bad trees with bad fruits. If we can agree that healing is good and therefore a good fruit, would that make Satan incapable of doing it? It would make for a very convincing deception, but wouldn’t he have to divide his kingdom to do it, which he can’t do?
Not trying to prove you wrong, I would love to hear yours or anyone else’s feedback as this has been something I have been trying to figure out for a while now.
@@JesusProtects I go to a Pentecostal church and we never advocate or have similar experiences like those of hyper-charasmatic churches. I completely reject being drunk in the spirit or being slain in the spirit experiences or uncontrollable shaking etc...
I've been in a Pentecostal church my whole life and have never seen these manifestations. Please do not bunch up and say "all Pentecostal churches are from Satan.
Those hpyer-charismatic churches are not in line with scripture, if they properly taught the spiritual gifts like in 1 Cor 12-14
"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Jesus protects AMEN 🙌🏻 That’s what most people misunderstand regarding Cessationists... They NEVER deny that GOD no longer heals nor performs miracles! They’re just saying that JESUS finished everything on the cross and the BIBLE is also finished so there’s NO more new “revelations” nor “prophecies”...
Yup. We can say the same thing about the gift of teaching. It's abused but somehow we have Pastors like John Piper doing a solid job at looking at text and accurately preaching them. Should we throw out the gift of teaching then because it is abused by some "Pastors" in the church? Absolutely not! And it is the same with the gift of tongues and supernatural gifts like that.
Hmmmmmm, let’s aim for a better understanding of cessationism! Cessationists don’t say or use teaching in the same way you’re using, even Pastor John defines “extraordinary gifts”! This would be a straw man due to the insufficient understanding of what cessationists claim. However, I am a fan of the continuationist view even though I see no application of the gifts that the Apostles and prophets demonstrated because of the primary reason for these gifts: validating that God is who He says He is. Take Moses for instance, Peter and Paul, Jeremiah, etc.
Yesssss this popped in my mind as well!!!! Great great GREAT point!!! God bless 💜
Thing is the actual gifts of tongues and prophecy are so rare, I understand why people think they're not around
An excellent answer. Christ exalting as usual!
GOD IS MOST GLORIFIED IN US WHEN WE ARE MOST SATISFIED IN HIM!
The Way he taught that was masterful.
I agree with Piper in that God can do whatever He wants, wherever He wants, whenever He wants. However, I believe that you can experience even greater joy in the Father by not participating in the Apostolic spiritual gifts of the New Testament (tongues, healing, prophecy). If we look at the walk of faith displayed by an Apostolic Cessationist, we can see that their faith is in the Word of God and not solely in the works God can produce. If we parallel the Continuationist against the Cessationist, we can see that the Works of the Spirit (proof/validation) are seen as more valuable than the Bible it's self. Though no Continuationist would openly say that works are more powerful than the Bible, we can see that this mentality is clearly displayed in the Extreme Charismatic movement today, based on their emphasis on what God can do rather than what He has done. In conclusion, finding joy in the Lord without the need for ecstatic experiences will yield a more authentic trust and love for the Father, rather than predicating trust and love on the gifts through Him. Apostolic Cessationists are no better than Continuationists and vice versa, but I do humbly believe that Cessationists display a deeper faith and trust in the Lord by simply reading his Word and getting to know Him through prayer without the desire to "experience more." My belief is based on 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."
Amen, brother!!!
Hey thanks for your thoughts! I think Piper does focus on ALL spiritual gifts being for service however, and not for personal experience or pleasure. But in using our spiritual gifts to serve one another, there is added joy in that - as we see in Paul's joy in the churches he writes to. Our greatest joy should always be that our names are written in the book because of Christs work.
Yet I believe, in our ministries here on earth, we've been granted the Corinthian gifts to serve and build up the church.
@@lettucelord4695 That's right, gifts of service other bothers and sisters in Christ are to be cherished within the church. But when it becomes to prophecies, healing and speaking in tongues; it's another different relearn. Am wondering if John Piper do speak in tongues! And nowadays prophecies in charismatic movement is doubtful.
@@ReformedByChristAlone Piper has publicly stated he has not spoken in tongues.
@@lettucelord4695 it was unfortunate that Piper seemed to suggest that cessationists believe spiritual gifts have ceased when what they reject is miraculous sign gifts, not all spiritual gifts.
Perhaps I missed something. I don't think Dr. Piper answered the question that was asked. Even by the definition that Dr. Piper made of Cessationism, Cessationists do not believe that all spiritual gifts have ceased. Only the "extraordinary" gifts. But when he tries to repeat the question that Matthew asked, he says it is "whether the denial of the presence of Spiritual gifts will limit the goal of Christian Hedonism" and continues to misrepresent Cessationist as not believing in any Spiritual gifts.
Exactly.
I noticed that as well. Cessationists don’t believe that all spiritual gifts have ceased. Nor do they believe that all miracles have ceased. They believe in the cessation of the miraculous sign gifts that authenticated the ministry of the Apostles before Israel.
@@davidrussell631yeah, that's what cessationism has always been....
@@tomtemple69 yes, for most cessationists I suppose but I’m not certain my comment is representative of full cessationism.
I have a question please. Cessationists believe that after the canon was closed, I agree the canon is closed, God does not give more revelations, does not speak.
If God gives no more revelations, then how did Cessationists know that God has given the doctrine of Cessation?
Also, there is no foundation in Scripture to support the doctrine.
The pillar verse Cessationists use is 1 Corinthians 13:10 in which Paul says that when the perfect has come the gifts will pass away. They give the private interpretation that the perfect came when the Bible was completed and canonized. However, verse 12 gives the time that the perfect comes. It is when we see face to face and know as we are known. These two phrases are 2nd coming words because it is Jesus that we long to see face to face and it is when we receive our glorified bodies that our knowledge is greatly increased so that we know as God knows us.
So, the doctrine has been added to God's doctrines, God's Word, by the Cessationists.
Also, even more so Cessation doctrine takes away the supernatural gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10.
How can they get by Moses' command, the writer to Proverbs command, and Apostle John's command, inspired by God, not to add or take away from God's Word lest one loses their salvation?
Deuteronomy 4:2
You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Proverbs 30:5-6
Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
Revelation 22:18-19
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Some people argue that the verses in Revelation only apply to Revelation. However, when one realizes that the Holy Spirit placed the same command in 3 other places (also Deut. 12:32) this put more weight upon it to be God's universal will.
I am completely tracking with you on "when the perfect comes"; how can anyone imagine that having the settled canon (as great as the Bible is!) can cause us to know fully (?!) as we are fully known(?!!!). As you say, it's fulfilled @ Christ's 2nd coming, and until then we need all the supernatural gifting that God (in His wisdom) has ordained!!
Amen! I agree with John Piper on this subject.
All I hear is "more, more, more" if God has to reveal himself more to his people the faith in Jesus christ and the apostles biblical works are not sufficient for faith.
Let me start by saying how much I respect and love John Piper. I also want to say that I’m still trying to figure out exactly where I stand on this topic, however, after years and years of praying and meditating on this, I am leaning towards cessationism.
My concern with what Piper is saying here is that he is basically telling us that because one camp doesn’t believe in a few of the spiritual gifts existing in their original form and those people don’t have the ability to be as joy filled as the others.
Regardless of which camp I end up landing and I think that that is a bad argument. So one camp doesn’t believe in prophecy or tongues or healing as a actual endowed spiritual gift. But they do believe God functions in providing healing and even tongues (in actual language) as He sees fit.
I actually think that camp could be even more joy filled because they are less likely to think they have a power that they may or may not have (depending on which camp is right).
The cessationist don’t believe healing or language tongues don’t happen they just believe they aren’t given as a signs gift. Just like there are no longer true prophets and apostles as we have Gods word now.
Most of our forefathers thought this way. That’s something to consider.
Also look at how rare prophecy was even in the Bible.
All stuff to consider. I like what Paul Washer calls himself. A Practical Cessationist.
Usually there are two arguments. First, miracles are given to believers so that they will have joyful and abundant lives. Second, some claims that the miracles are used by God to save people (bring people to Jesus). In fact, a person who depends a lot on the 'manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit' (healing, ecstatic experiences, pursuit of happiness, etc.) tends to have less joys, because he/she focuses on the 'gifts' not the Giver. Also, we are facing the same problems as the Corinthians, we use/crave the spiritual gifts to show off/serve ourselves (the term 'Christ-centric' has been abused to mean, in practice, 'me-centric'). Love (which will bring joy) is the goal of Christian life, the very purpose of gifts is to serve and build the church and other people with love, and love is more important than gifts. So, do we need miracles and tongues to build God's church? Jesus said he will build His church, and it does not depends on us. If God knows that many people will be saved through miracles, He will do it. In fact, Bible tells us in many stories that miracles do not always brings faith (a chicken and egg problem: miracles --> faith, or faith --> miracles?)
Yup, miracles do not bring faith, only the Holy Spirit does
As a cessationist i appreciate the Charity although i disagree
The serpent said to the woman, “ Did God said you shall not eat ( have joy) of any tree in the garden ? 🤔
I couldn’t agree more . 👍🏼
10000% Yes they do!
The answer is yes
Good God the book of Acts is a transitional book. Some books are describing what happened in the old testament. Tell me what's the difference between tongues and babbling?
Why are the Reformed nit-picking at Ps John Piper for various shortcomings? Is there a greater law of Christ that's eluding me? Why do we limit God by claiming 'He does not and will not do whatever He pleases' due to the limit of our understandings?
Would not Cessationists also be operating some of the gifts unbeknownst to themselves? Since all believe they partake in Holy Spirit.
Cessationism doesn't mean you don't believe in spiritual gifts. It means they believe the extraordinary gifts such as prophecy and healing vested in man and divine revelation was fulfilled with the death of the last apostle John. The whole premise is to say if God needs to reveal himself more to his people then the gospel and scriptures are not sufficient alone to produce faith.
@@PraisingGOD1129 thanks for that clarification of the terminology of Cessationism.
Of course they miss out. Cesationists don't believe God speaks directly and that we can know God like Bible people did
God does speak to us directly...through His Word.
@@opie9617 that's not true literally Yahweh can speak with you face-to-face I remember when I was hurt I cried out to him and he came and spoke with me face to face..
I have also been in his presence words alone cannot describe the feeling of it Supernatural rebirth born again. ( and everyone can experience the same things I have also seen demons face-to-face as well) seek his face
@@Prophet.TaeTae144K I suggest you read Exodus 33:20.
These signs shall follow those who believe...They shall cast of devils ...etc etc...I believe, dont you? And also...Although I speak with the gift if tongues of men "AND OF ANGELS" They are saying there is only one kind of language in the gift of tongues/language but 1 Corinthians says that there are 2 kind one is men and the other is angels... Also...Paul speaks of how some were saying they believed in the Holy Ghost but that they deny the "POWER THERE OF" I think that both sides are making a mockery of Both God and Yeshua and their Spirit and by doing so they are in danger of taking Gods name in vain, and losing out on the True power of God and His wonderful Holiest of Holies, Holy Spirit!!!
They don’t miss out on the joy of God. They miss out on appreciating His power!
How do cessationists miss put on His power? Don't we experience in regeneration and sanctification? Don't we experience His power when we are comforted in our distress?
What signs must I need to increase my faith in God? I already believe He's powerful and I already walk boldly in faith because of Him. I don't deny His power yet I also have not experienced true apostolic gifts. I will admit that I have gifts, as would any reasonable cessationist, but not all gifts are the same.
@@matthewbrown9029 Amen
@@matthewbrown9029 you miss out on edifying prophecies, revelations and warnings. Gifts are to edify and give you hope. I am reformed and love MacArthur but the gifts of the Spirit that other believers served me with (prophecy, interpretation of tongues) have been so immensely helpful in my walk with the Lord.
@@user-jn9rv6be3x"my grace is sufficient for you"
Do you ignore that verse ? 😂
Cessationists make no sense they pray for the revival that was seen in the days of Elijah, Christ, and the apostles. Yet in every revival seen in the Bible it was followed by a manifestation of God's power! Oxymoron much?
I've never heard anyone who is a cessationist ever mention revival in positive terms. Revival chasers are usually faith healers, false teachers, false prophets who only care about winding people up.
Cinnamon buns made a very good point.
Cinnamonbuns13 you have a religious spirit I bind it in Jesus name I curse it
Davey Jones what are you doing have you been watching Self proclaimed apostle John eckhardt and Kenneth Copeland😂😂
@@Cinnamonbuns13 John MacArthur. I just listened to one of his sermons saying something like “we’ve been praying for revival for years.” I was like 🧐? But perhaps I listened out of context. Who knows.
I have the gift of prophecy. God told me the spiritual as outlined in the book of Corinthians are no longer operative today. God also told me I am a false prophet. What did God tell you?
(assuming the continuationist isn't faking the gifts...which is 99.9% of the time)
Speaking in tongues was a one time event which fulfilled Joel's prophesy. The apostolic age is over along with their miracles
Did you guys forget that on the day of Pentecost they spoke in other languages? Not coherent syllables? What you guys call tongues today is gibberish! Everyone can say tatatatatanfhxhwndg jann km xbjwnx
This videos assumes that cessationism is not the correct position. If it were how can persueing a gift not available today be a method of experiencing Christ more fully?
First time I disagree with Piper. All Gifts ended with the Apostles.
If you disconnect the gifts from the breaking in of the gospel - of the Kingdom - because therein lies their root of existence , what remaining core of this message of the grand plan of restoration is left?
Its a pretty poor offering in my humble but accurate opinion
although I myself am a cessationist, I completely disagree with John's interpretation of this text. In the first three verses of 1st Corinthians 13, Paul does NOT say that WE can speak in tongues of men and angels and have faith to move mountains and yet not have love. He says, for the sake of emphasizing his point to everyone listening, he makes it very very obvious and easy-to-understand by saying that if HE spoke with the tongues of men and angels, with all knowledge and faith as much to move mountains, and does not love, he is the clanging of a Rusty gate or a banging cymbal. being noisy and useless and he will never properly lead anyone in true discipleship. That passage is not speaking at all of justification, but of someone's effectiveness in sharing the gospel, because one must do it practicing patience and gentleness while being persistently diligent in his pursuit of spreading the gospel.
To me it verges on blasphemy of the Holy Spirit which the one sin that is unforgivable
It's not about us. Why are people preaching self.
Yes
A person that is NOT born again can speak in tongues and perform healings. Matthew 7:22-29 proves it. Jesus said "I never knew you", because these people performed "Miracles" with Satan's power, not God's.
Our problem as mankind is trying change a spiritual book into an academic one. We disregard the Holy Spirit for all these schools of Theology. There is a reason why Jesus went to the beach to select his disciples and did not go to the Temple. To be a cessationist is to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, because men like Daniel Adams who perform healing in the name of Jesus, are seen as frauds. Yet a child with a deform ear can now hear and a blind child can now see, people who were terminally ill with cancer are healed.......but apparently the healing comes from the devil. Cessationists do not believe that men can heal others in Jesus Name. That is just complete ignorance. People right in this group are testifying that there were healed of terminal illnesses and still that is not enough.
I’m not english man. So it will be possible to write with some mistakes.
I think my brother that yours thoughts about healing in the cessationit view are wrong. They believe that GOD can heal somebody in answering to the pray. The gift of healing today have not same manifestations with the gift of healing in the new testament. In the new testament healing was immediate and total. And we don't see the same thing today. I believe that today, God can heal by answering to the pray, every disease.
More evidence for cessationism. If all believers have the Holy spirit in them and we know they do, then how is it only those who go to a charismatic church have the gift of tongues? Coincidence?
Because they're the only ones who don't quench it, and actually seek the gifts. Even if they can go overboard.
The same reason that the only people who are saved are ones who accept God's free gift of salvation
@@Sn3aKyK1LL3R Yup. We can say the same thing about the gift of teaching. It's abused but somehow we have Pastors like John Piper doing a solid job at looking at text and accurately preaching them. Should we throw out the gift of teaching then because it is abused by some "Pastors" in the church? Absolutely not! And it is the same with the gift of tongues and supernatural gifts like that.
Cessationism
Doctrine from Atrocity
There are few things I have been more shocked by as a devout believer in Jesus Christ than the concept of cessationism. I had already read 1st & 2nd Corinthians when I first learned about this supposedly Christian view and couldn’t understand how anyone could believe such obvious nonsense. The Bible is the perfect true eternal word of Almighty God. The Holy Spirit is the guide that unlocks the scriptures for believers who meet God’s conditions. When I heard the scriptural basis that cessationists claim supports their view, I was even more dumbfounded.
As you may have heard, cessationists believe some of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased to exist while others have not. In researching the origins of this unbiblical doctrine, I discovered something so unbelievably horrible that I knew I had to expose it not only to end it but to enable others trapped in this unholy schism that is now staining the Body of Christ with the blood of the innocent. Blood spilled by a psychotic Catholic sycophant, John Calvin. He was no reformer. He was an agent of Satan.
In only 5 years while ruling in Geneva, John Calvin advocated for the murder of 58 people with competing Theological viewpoints or people he felt were rivals. They were all either burnt at the stake or tortured and then burnt at the stake or beheaded for nothing more than a differing view. That’s nearly one person executed each and every month of John Calvin’s 5 year reign of terror in Geneva. These people weren’t murderers or thieves or rapists or molesters of children. They were people who thought of God in a different way than John Calvin. Calvin even plotted for years to kill someone who thought John Calvin was a colleague, Michael Servetus. Calvin bragged about it in his journals.
“Servetus offers to come hither, if it be agreeable to me. But I am unwilling to pledge my word for his safety, for if he shall come, I shall never permit him to depart alive, provided my authority be of any avail.” - Letter to Farel, 13 February 1546.
Calvin also had 76 more people exiled for their beliefs and then banned all art of any kind except for music. This included any art of our Lord Jesus. Décor of this type in Church was made illegal. During all of this horror, cessationism was born. John Calvin utilized the writings of a Catholic, Augustine, to justify his appetite for murder and control over others. So here you have a supposed reformer incorporating the writings of a Catholic to advocate murder. Reformers don’t consult Catholics for doctrine. Reformers are opposed to Catholics. In addition to this, Calvin completely ignored Paul’s instructions on how to deal with unbelievers.
“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
Calvin loved the idea of prolonged torture.
“I am persuaded that it is not without the special will of God that, apart from any verdict of the judges, the criminals have endured protracted torment at the hands of the executioner.” - Calvin's letter to Farel on 24 July
Calvin was said to have never repented for his primary role in the execution of 58 innocent people. This is the man who cessationists think was a wonderful person and a gift to Christianity from God himself. This poses the question, what god are they referring to?
Let’s take a closer look at what cessationists believe.
Cessationists believe that the spiritual gifts of prophecy, healing and speaking in tongues ceased with the end of the apostolic age. They also do not believe in any miracles or miraculous events attributable to God. In addition to this, most believe demon possession or people who have been demonized are actually experiencing mental health issues. They deny the biblical fact that demons exist and are to this day active and working against God by claiming those beliefs are primitive. Again, no scripture supports this view, none. Cessationists state that scripture is enough yet ignore the scripture revealing the spiritual gifts given to believers by the Holy Spirit. It is a twisted road leading into the cessationist mind. The end of the road however, is quite clear if you have eyes that see.
Facts about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as written in the Holy Bible
Prophecy warns. They are communications from God through His servants to warn believers and nonbelievers alike.
Healing shows the power of God on Earth. The laying on of hands shows the power of God through His servants.
Speaking in tongues is meant as a sign of God to unbelievers so they may learn about God.
Casting out demons. This goes hand-in-hand with healing and was a primary ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Have you noticed anything yet? Are the pieces of the puzzle coming together yet?
Let’s take a look at Satan’s perfect Christian.
Cannot prophecy and is unable to warn the Body of Christ or anyone for that matter.
Has no ability to heal others through the power of the Holy Spirit and cannot represent God’s power here on Earth
Cannot speak in tongues because they have never met the conditions for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Has no ability to cast out demons using the power of the Holy Spirit
Does not believe in miracles from God demonstrated by the Holy Spirit
Do you have eyes that see and ears that hear? Still need proof?
Have you noticed who was chosen to appear on the satanic mainstream media as a “Christian Hero”? That’s right, a cessationist, John MacArthur. What better way to lead the unsaved right into the arms of a powerless church. Promote it as THE Christian church! Make the powerless church heroic in the public eye so that many would flock to it.
Cessationist churches are in fact powerless. The evidence is in the word of God. Without the spiritual gifts we are also without the Holy Spirit who bestows those gifts through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. There’s a very good reason why Jesus never specifically defined what Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit was. Clearly this was not up for discussion or debate. It was a warning, plain and simple. It was a warning to not even get near it. Fear of the Lord is the proper response, not question the Lord. This is a warning cessationists completely ignore to this day. Cessationists incessantly violate scripture by adding and/or taking away from it where they please, just like John Calvin did. Deuteronomy 4:2 warns against this very clearly. Cessationists habitually place the mind of man in front of the word of God because they are in love with their own minds. They substitute eloquence for accuracy and sweet for bitter.
They are blasphemers, all of them. They serve Satan whether they know it or not regardless of their intentions.
Cessationists have no fear of the Lord but they do have an abundance of pride.
Cessationists have never met the conditions to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Without humility and repentance, they never will.
Cessationist pastors condemn their congregation by insuring they will not be the prepared bride for our Lord Jesus.
They follow the unbiblical doctrine of a murderous psychopath who was a Catholic sycophant.
But did we really need to break this down as I have or can we simply agree that John Calvin was a psychotic, hard-hearted, murderous unrepentant monster. He was not a hero. There is nothing he could contribute to Christianity that isn’t stained with the blood of the innocent. Not one single thing. He was also a fraud and not a Christian. He was said by people who knew him that he worked himself to death while never repenting for what he had done. Catholics believe you are saved by works also and not by grace alone. I submit to you that John Calvin worked himself to death hoping the Catholics were right. They weren’t. They still aren’t.
If you attend a cessationist church, leave while you can. The Holy Spirit is not in your church and your pastor is a liar.
Cessationist Preachers and Personalities
John MacArthur Voddie Baucham Todd Freil RC Sproul Paul Washer Ravi Zacharias Dr. Charles Stanley
Dr. David Jeremiah Tom Pennington Dr. Michael Heiser Justin Peters Dr. Sam Waldron Richard Gaffin
Daniel B. Wallace Charles Swindoll Timothy Keller Rick Warren Doug Wilson John D. Hall Dr. Theodore Zachairides
There are many, many more….
Cessationist Denominations
All Presbyterian Churches Nearly All Baptist Churches (excluding Southern Baptist and few others) Nearly All Calvinist and Reformed Churches
(75 million members worldwide) (40 million members worldwide) (75 million members worldwide)
Many Episcopal and Anglican Churches
(85 million members worldwide)
Now can you see why many are called but few chosen?
There is only ONE CHURCH and it is The Church of Jesus Christ as represented in the Holy Bible.
Denominations fragment the Body of Christ and distort the Word of God.
This isn’t going to improve until our Lord Jesus returns.
Will you be a martyr defending His church or will you drift further into oblivion?
The coming Revival will produce many martyrs.
Will you do for Him what he did for us?
Speak the truth of the word until they kill you?
Those who endure until the end will be saved.
@@daysofnoah You don't think anyone is actually going to read this do you? I think you're inability to make a point in brevity is far more atrocious.
I didn't know what "Christian Hedonism" was until I looked it up. Interesting.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_hedonism
Christian Hedonism is Piper's signature phrase. He always brings it up. It's mentioned in almost in every one of his books. It's not a new doctrine at all, but rather it's the collection and ultimate goal of a bunch of Biblical pursuits of joy summarized in one phrase.
The full joy of christianity is Christ and living for the glory of Christ. Understanding the greatest work of God is salvation not speaking gibberish.
amen
Read the sermon, “The Modern Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit,” by Pastor John MacArthur. If his paragraph on Sign Gifts from the End of the Apostolic Age until now are, “All False, All Lies, All Deception,” and I know this is Not True!, then his Biblical definition for the Unpardonable Sin, (given just a minute later), “…attributing the Work of the Holy Spirit,” is True, then the correct question is, “Are Cessationist saved?” How can one become Born Again, the strongest Sign Gift, requiring the Gift of Faith, even be Saved? See John 3 and Ephesians 2:8,9. Do the Cessationists just have a head knowledge Christianity? I tend to think that is the Truth about them.
I think you're mistaken a little and maybe I can help. All reasonable cessationists believe in the gift of faith. How could we be saved if not for Yahweh showing His undeserved mercy on us and changing our heart, minds, and will to be set on Him without giving us faith?
There's a difference between apostolic gifts and general gifts of the Spirit. That's the difference with cessationists and continuationists for the most part
MacArthur himself is a cessationist, go read his book "Charismatic chaos".
Please contact me if you have the gift of healing.
I’m sorry.. I don’t have time to clear hospitals if that’s what your asking
Just kidding 😂
Silence. Wow. They all hide but will claim they did. Just no proof and can’t do it when they want. Frauds.
Salt has lost its salt acts 1.8
Why
Cessationists still believe the Holy Spirit works in us today. But prophecy, tongues, healing are no longer. If you need to speak in a false tongue (babbling) to be happy, I feel really sorry.
Daric , unfortunate for you that you don't believe healing is for today . 😟
Jesus Christ the same yesterday , today , yes forever !
Daric, I mean this gently, but I don't think you understood the argument well if that's your concluding sentence.
+Mike Moon Why would you want someone to desire a gift that may not be his?
1 Cor 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
The obvious answer to this rhetorical question is "no" - Unless you are advocating that all are apostles, teachers, and possess gifts of healing as well, which is clearly *not* true. The point is that everyone has their own gift or mix of gifts, and no one should look down on another for having a less "flashy" gift.
1 Cor 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
Daric I totally agree with you and it breaks my heart to see how John Piper is misleading so many
Carlos Aguilera what I see is the opposite: John Piper is leading many to Christ...what a pity mi amigo.
I disagree.
Soon piper will join hands with the pope.
I hope not. I love his older stuff, and now he seems to be teaching the exact *opposite* of what he started with. He also failed to answer the question, which was: "how essential is continuationist theology for experiencing the fullest expression of Christian Hedonism? In other words, if I am a cessationist, will my joy be incomplete?”
His concluding answer was: "a person who pursues spiritual gifts can experience the goal of Christian Hedonism more fully than a person who doesn’t." If I were a teacher giving a grade to a student, I would fail that response. A cessationist does not even argue against this point; it's not even controversial. However, the cessationist will not be desiring the gifts of tongues, miracles, or healings, because they are not for today. Indeed, there is not any objective proof that they are currently in operation. Costi Hinn, (the infamous Benny's nephew) came out of that nonsense because he finally saw through it.
Impossible
Versatile Kid: What is "the number of the abomination of desolation"? I am aware of the Mark of the Beast and the abomination of desolation, but what are you talking about?
He lied about going to heaven so...
@Versatile Kid you are doing well. Just keep being careful and asking God for guidance, you talk like a real christian, God will be guarding you from error if you keep focusing on his Word.
You cheapen what Jesus did on the cross.
There’s no god
Christianity is not joyful, it was the most miserable time of my life, what an awful God.
Troll
That is because when God sent you a trial you let it get to you instead of embracing it and letting God the Holy Spirit lead you through it in order to increase your faith. Some fall into thorns and the weight of the World crushes the seed and it does not grow. A seed will not grow until it dies. The fact that you say this means you have not died to yourself, once this happens then you realize that what you thought was yourself was not st all yourself and like Jesus says " those who lose themselves will find themselves...ie. Those who die to their old selves will live to their real selves. The self you were before your spirit entered the vessel you call your body. You are not your body but the part of you that is you is your spirit and you have to rid yourself of your body in order to find your true self. I can tell you that you are still selfish and carnal and until you lose your carnality you will never experience true joy!
Daman 71
I feel your pain.
But I can only imagine that a false knowledge of God makes you feel this way.