There are lots of disagreements in the church, but probably the most heated one is over the gifts of the Holy Spirit. One side of the argument uses 1 Corinthians 13 where it states there will be a time when prophecies and tongues shall cease. From this word ‘cease’ is derived the term ‘cessationist,’ and a person who believes that all spiritual gifts have ceased is known as a ‘cessationist.’ It is verse 10 in particular that’s used to make the case for spiritual gifts having been already abolished from the Church age…
“But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (I Corinthians 13:10)
“That which is perfect” is said to be the completed canon of Scripture – the Bible. Sometime between the end of the first century when all of the New Testament writings were complete, and the manuscripts were gathered together and in regular common use by the churches, and later when a ‘Church council’ agreed to what should be considered the whole canon of Scripture, cessationists argue that the genuine gifts of the Spirit ceased to be a part of God’s plan for the Church.
Taking a closer look at the theology of cessationism a simple question needs to be answered, does “that which is perfect” refer to the Bible, or to something else yet to come? While the Bible should be, and must be, viewed as the infallible, inerrant, and inspired word of God, can one really argue that the fulfillment of our understanding has been perfectly met in it alone?
The passage answers…
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
The thought here is that all things will be culminated and made perfectly clear when we see Jesus—the Perfect One. Until that day we stand on and trust God’s word, needing the Holy Spirit to bring to life the Word and empower our lives for ministry. We are to study the Word, pursue it, stand on it, but also allow the gifts of the Holy Spirit to operate thereby confirming what is written.
In the meantime we will see some great things. Some powerful things. But no perfect things…He’ll be here shortly.
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