Doctrinal exposition should be followed with practical application. After asserting the sufficiency and finality of scripture, we then ask how this applies to our day. In so doing, we are following the example of, not only, inspired apostles like Paul but also of wise preachers through the ages. Hear for instance the words of John Calvin who after expounding Hebrews 1:1-2 made strong practical application for his day:

When he says "hath spoken to us at the end of these days", he means that there is no further reason why we should be in doubt whether to expect any new revelation. It was not a part of the Word that Christ brought, but the closing Word. It is in this sense that the apostles understand "the last times" and "the fast days." This too is what Paul understands when he writes that "upon us the ends of the ages have come" (I Corinthians 10:11). If God has now spoken His last Word, it is right to advance thus far, just as we must halt our steps when we arrive at Him. It is very necessary for us to recognize both these aspects, for it was a great drawback on the part of the Jews that they did not reckon with the possibility that God had postponed a fuller teaching to another time. They were content with their own law, and did not hurry on to the goal. On the other hand, since Christ appeared the opposite evil has begun to take effect in the world. Men try to go beyond Christ. What else is the whole system of Popery, but the transgression of this limit which the apostles fixed? Therefore, as the Spirit of God in this passage invites all to come as far as Christ, so He forbids them to overstep this last Word of which He makes mention. In short, the limit of our wisdom is placed here in the gospel."¹

     Following such examples, we call men in our day to submit to the Lordship of Christ by acknowledging him as God's final word. There is great danger in neglecting the gospel of Christ.

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first, began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that hear him;
God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Hebrews 2:3-4

He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that betieveth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18

_______________
     ¹ John Calvin, New Testament Commentaries: A New Translation (Volume on Hebrews and I and II Peter) trans. W. B. Johnson (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Co., reprint 1974) p. 6.

---

      Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He died to pay for sins and arose to prove that it was done. He is the only way to the Father, and the only means of forgiveness. Without Christ, you are without God and without hope. God calls you to repent and believe on his Son.

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself; he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave his Son.
I John 5:10

     To our Jewish friends, we offer the reminder that to reject Jesus as the Christ is to close our ears to God's final word. Moses and the prophets prepared the way for him. He is the mediator of the new covenant promised in your prophets. He is the hope of Israel, the prophet like unto Moses, the seed of David, and the king of Israel. God forbid that he should stand as a light to the Gentiles while you are left in darkness.

     Thirdly and finally, we would warn men of the danger of moving beyond Christ. Think of the Muslims who recognize Christ as a prophet then run past him to Mohammed. Likewise, the Mormons feel that they honor Christ yet race past him to Joseph Smith. Such is the case in multitudes of religious movements. They trade the light of the Son for the flickering candle of human thought or satanlc deception.

      Even among those who claim to be Christians, there is the danger of moving beyond Christ Jesus. Consider the errors of Roman Catholicism. To the Old Testament they add the apocrypha. To the New Testament of our Lord and Savior they add tradition, papal infallibility plus countless visions and appearances of Mary over the years. Most basic in this system of error is the belief that the apostles of Christ have successors in the person of the Pope. Having denied the sufficiency and finality of scripture, they have an open-ended revelation rather than "the faith once delivered to the saints." No wonder that new doctrines have and are being added to the Catholic belief system.² God's final word loses its finality.
________________
     ² Those who wish more information on this subject may consult: James G. McCarthy, The Gospel According to Rome, Harvest House Publishers: (Eugene, Oregon 1995).
      Give special attention to Chapter 12. Here the author recounts how the "Assumption of Mary" became Roman Catholic dogma.

---

Lastly, let me address our non-cessationist³ friends. Historically
_______________
     ³ A cessationist is someone who believes that certain gifts of the Spirit ceased with the passing of the apostles. A non-cessationist denies this. Neither side questions the existence of the supernatural or the necessity of many present-day spiritual gifts. Indeed apart from spiritual gifts the church could not operate as a body. The controversy surrounds only the gifts that involved direct revelation or those that produced signs. Cessationists see such as strictly apostolic while non-cessationlsts believe they have an ongoing purpose.

     Ultimately, the debate comes down to "What does the Bible teach on this subject?" Can we prove from scripture that certain gifts were only temporary? At first glance, the cessationist seems to be at a disadvantage. Little in the way of scripture seems suitable for his arsenal. Is this really the case?

     As a cessationist, I respond with the caution that we need to beware of preconceived ideas as to just how the bible must teach something. Let me illustrate with a question: Where does the bible say that the New Testament canon would close with the passing of the apostles? Though never explicitly stated, was this not implied in the promises of Christ made to the apostles (see chapter on Sola Scriptura). Would not the same promises also imply the cessation of any gift Involving direct revelation? Is it consistent to forbid written prophecy while permitting oral prophecy? Either God's word is complete or it is not. Is it anymore rational to ask "Where does the Bible say that prophecy wouid cease with the passing of the apostles?" than it is to ask "How do we know the canon closed with John's writing of the book of the Revelation?" I do not question that many non-cessationists sincerely believe they are committed to the finality and perfection of the scriptures. What I question is the consistency of their position. Perhaps you have heard the Arabic proverb about the nose of the camel. The non-cessationism that permits the "nose" of tongues and prophecy to enter the tent is not theoretically that different from the non-cessationist who allows the whole camel of Catholic tradition and papal infallibility into the tent.

     Moving on we notice that most non-cessationists agree that the office of apostle was foundational and temporary. While we are glad that this is understood, it seems strange when we recall that in Epheslans 4:8-11 the apostles are classed as "gifts." Even non-cessationists who are committed to scripture must become cessationists of a sort.

      Finally, I would remind our non-cessationist friends of what seems obvious. Apostolic churches had needs we do not have. After Christ's ascension, a period of about sixty years passed before the New Testament was complete. Visualize New Testament churches operating with none or little of the New Testament. How could they have received new covenant truth apart from the ministry of the apostles and prophets? Such ministry was, of course, accompanied by signs to authenticate the revelations given (Hebrews 2:2-3). God wonderfully met their need. Still, the question remains as to why churches today who possess complete Bibles need prophets and signs. Truly a church with all sixty-six books of Holy Writ is better provided for than the most gifted church of apostolic times. Our treatment of this subject has been very brief. To those who desire further study we recommend the following book: To Be Continued, by Samuel Waldron. — available at http://www.calvarypress.com/theol.asp.

---

evangelical people have believed that spiritual gifts which involved direct revelation or such gifts that acted as signs to authenticate these revelations were foundational in nature and ceased with the passing of the apostles. The existence of these gifts was deemed unnecessary for those who possessed a complete Bible. When you assert that these gifts still operate, consider the company you keep. Most Pentecostal/Charismatic/Third Wave people would cringe at the thought of adding to God's word but the charge is difficult to evade.⁴ Do not your prophets claim to speak "God's word"? How often have you heard "God told me" in your services? Is there really any difference in a Pope who claims to speak "ex Cathedra" and a prophet who assures the audience that his message is directly from God? Are not both a denial of the sufficiency and finality of Holy Scripture? Is there really anything to say beyond what God has said through his Son? As the apostles gave us an inspired record of Christ, was not the door of revelation closed? Would we not be well advised to leave a lock on the door?

      Cessationism is not about a style of worship. It is not a denial of the supernatural or of our need of God's Spirit. Really, it concerns our view of scripture, the apostles and ultimately, Christ Jesus. Cessationism is not a limitation of the Almighty but an exaltation of Christ as God's final word.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Hebrews 1:1-2

_______________
     ⁴ Non-cessationists have attempted to evade this charge by asserting the possibility of non-canonical or non-scripture quality prophecy. While various forms of this teaching have been asserted by even recognized scholars, the whole ideal seems quite unconvincing. Again, we are somewhat reminded of Catholicism where the Pope is said to be God's mouthpiece but is forbidden to create canonical scripture. For more information, the reader is again referred to the book by Samuel Waldron.
__________

---

"God's Final Word" Index
HOME Page