> In the landscape of biblical Christianity, few topics generate as much discussion and debate as the question of whether true miracles continue to occur in the post-apostolic age, particularly after the completion of the New Testament canon. This article explores the two primary perspectives on this issue: cessationism and continuationism.
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True Miracles vs. Providential Events
In discussions about miracles, it’s crucial to distinguish between true miracles and providential events. This distinction is important for both cessationists and continuationists, as it affects how we interpret God’s ongoing involvement in the world.
True Miracles:
A true miracle is a supernatural event that occurs outside the laws of nature and can be directly attributed to divine intervention. These events cannot be explained by natural processes or scientific understanding. Biblical examples include the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) or Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33).
Providential Events:
Providential events, on the other hand, are unusual occurrences that happen within the laws of nature but are seen as divinely orchestrated. These events can be explained by natural processes, even if they are rare or statistically unlikely. An example might be a series of seemingly coincidental events that lead to a positive outcome, which a believer might attribute to God’s guidance.
The Cessationist View: True Miracles have Ceased
Cessationists argue that miraculous gifts and events, as described in the New Testament, ceased with the end of the apostolic age and the completion of the biblical canon. They contend that these gifts were primarily for authenticating the apostles’ message and establishing the early church.
Dr. John MacArthur, a prominent cessationist scholar, likens the miraculous gifts to scaffolding: “The miraculous gifts of the first-century church were like scaffolding used in the erecting of a building. Once the building was completed, the scaffolding was removed.” This metaphor encapsulates the cessationist belief that miracles served a specific, time-limited purpose in the founding of the church.
Cessationists often point to several key Scripture passages to support their view:
1. Hebrews 2:3-4 speaks of God testifying to salvation “by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” Cessationists argue that this passage refers to past events, not ongoing occurrences.
2. 2 Corinthians 12:12 describes miracles as “marks of a true apostle,” suggesting that they were specific to apostolic ministry.
3. Ephesians 2:20 refers to the church being “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” which cessationists interpret as indicating the completion of a foundational period.
B.B. Warfield, another influential cessationist, stated, “These gifts were part of the credentials of the apostles as the authoritative agents of God in founding the church. Their function thus confined them to distinctively the apostolic church, and they necessarily passed away with it.”
“The miraculous gifts of the first-century church were like scaffolding used in the erecting of a building. Once the building was completed, the scaffolding was removed.”
Dr. John MacArthur
The Continuationist View: True Miracles still Occur
In contrast, continuationists maintain that miraculous gifts and events continue throughout church history and into the present day. They argue that there’s no clear biblical statement indicating these gifts would cease and that they are still needed for the edification and growth of the church.
Wayne Grudem, a respected continuationist scholar, asserts, “It is a mistake to think that God’s purpose in miracles was only to give proof of the gospel message… Miracles also bring a powerful blessing to God’s people and often result in the conversion of unbelievers.”
Continuationists often cite these Scripture passages:
1. Mark 16:17-18 describes signs that will accompany “those who believe,” without specifying a time limit.
2. 1 Corinthians 1:7 states that the Corinthian church did not “lack any spiritual gift” as they awaited Christ’s return, suggesting an ongoing presence of these gifts.
3. James 5:14-15 provides instructions for praying for healing, which continuationists see as applicable to all eras of the church.
Jack Deere, another continuationist voice, states, “The Bible does not teach that miracles have ceased… The primary purpose of miracles in both the Old and New Testaments was to demonstrate the mercy of God.”
Nuances and Middle Ground
It’s important to note that these perspectives aren’t always binary. Some Christians hold to a “soft cessationism” that allows for occasional miracles but not as a normative part of church life. Others may be “cautious continuationists” who believe in the continuation of gifts but are wary of excessive focus on them.
The Importance of Distinguishing Between Miracles and Providential Events
- Theological Clarity: Understanding the difference helps maintain a clear theology of God’s interactions with the world. It allows us to appreciate both God’s supernatural intervention and His sovereign control over natural processes.
- Scientific Integrity: Distinguishing between miracles and providential events prevents the attribution of naturally explainable phenomena to supernatural causes, maintaining the integrity of scientific inquiry.
- Spiritual Discernment: This distinction aids believers in developing spiritual discernment, helping them avoid false claims of miracles while still recognizing God’s work in their lives.
- Apologetics: For those engaged in defending the faith, focusing on truly inexplicable events (miracles) strengthens arguments for God’s existence and involvement in the world.
- Appreciation of Providence: Recognizing providential events allows believers to see God’s hand in everyday occurrences without diminishing the significance of true miracles.
- Avoiding Skepticism: When apparent “miracles” are later explained naturally, it can lead to disillusionment. Understanding the distinction helps prevent this.
- Proper Attribution: It ensures that glory is given to God for true miracles while also appreciating the wonder of His creation and the natural processes He established.
Dr. Norman Geisler, a Christian apologist, emphasizes this distinction: “Not everything uncommon is miraculous. God’s providence can work through natural laws in uncommon ways without suspending those laws, as is necessary in a miracle.”
“Not everything uncommon is miraculous. God’s providence can work through natural laws in uncommon ways without suspending those laws, as is necessary in a miracle.”
Dr. Norman Geisler
Conclusion
The debate between cessationism and continuationism remains active in biblical Christianity. Both sides present thoughtful arguments based on scriptural interpretation and theological reasoning. As with many doctrinal discussions, this is an area where sincere, Bible-believing Christians can and do disagree.
Ultimately, believers are encouraged to approach this topic with humility, careful study of Scripture, and a willingness to be guided by the Holy Spirit in understanding and applying these truths. Regardless of one’s position on the continuation of miracles, all Christians can agree on the importance of seeking God’s presence and power in their lives and ministries.
Whether one leans towards cessationism or continuationism, understanding the difference between true miracles and providential events is crucial for a balanced theological perspective. This distinction allows believers to recognize God’s work in various ways – both through potential supernatural interventions and through His sovereign guidance of natural events. As Christians navigate these complex issues, they are called to remain grounded in Scripture, open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and discerning in their interpretation of events in light of God’s revealed truth.
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