More Scriptures Affirming Continuation

Other passages reinforce that God’s gifts continue until Christ’s return. Consider these:

• Joel 2:28-29 / Acts 2:17-18: On the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted Joel’s prophecy:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy... And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.” (Acts 2:17-18, KJV)

The “last days” began at Pentecost and continue until Jesus returns. This promise of the Spirit’s outpouring, including prophecy, applies to all believers—men, women, young, and old—not just the apostles.

• 1 Corinthians 13:8-12:

“Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part... But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (1 Cor. 13:8-10, KJV)

Cessationists point to “tongues shall cease” to argue gifts ended early. But the context shows “that which is perfect” is Christ’s return, when we see “face to face” (v. 12). Until then, prophecy, tongues, and knowledge remain active in the church.
On top of that, cessationism ignores 'knowledge'. Has knowledge ceased?

• John 14:12:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” (John 14:12, KJV)

Jesus promised that believers—not just apostles—would do His works, like healings and miracles, and even greater ones, because of the Spirit’s power after He ascended.

• 1 Corinthians 1:7:

“So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 1:7, KJV)

Paul wrote to the Corinthian church that they lacked no spiritual gift as they awaited Christ’s return. This links gifts directly to the time until Jesus comes back.

Another verse, Matthew 17:21, is sometimes questioned:

“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Matt. 17:21, KJV)

Some modern translations omit this verse, suggesting it was copied from Mark 9:29. But it’s in the majority of Greek manuscripts and fits Jesus’ teaching about spiritual power. Its removal can weaken the emphasis on practices like fasting, which support the exercise of God’s gifts.

These Scriptures show no end to spiritual gifts. Cessationists misread or dismiss them to fit their view, but the Bible’s message is clear: God’s power continues.

Addressing Common Cessationist Arguments

Cessationists often argue that spiritual gifts were only for the apostles to authenticate their ministry or establish the church. But the Bible doesn’t support this. Let’s look at their main points and what Scripture says.

Argument 1: Gifts Were for Apostles Only

The Bible shows otherwise. Mark 16:17-18 applies to “them that believe,” not just apostles. Acts 2:17-18 extends the Spirit’s gifts to “all flesh”—sons, daughters, servants, and handmaidens. In 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Paul lists gifts like healing, prophecy, and tongues, saying they’re given “to every man” by the Spirit for the church’s benefit. These aren’t limited to a select few.

Argument 2: Gifts Ceased When the Bible Was Completed

Some claim 1 Corinthians 13:10—“when that which is perfect is come”—refers to the Bible’s completion. But verse 12 clarifies it’s about seeing Christ “face to face.” The gifts continue until His return. Ephesians 4:11-13 says apostles, prophets, and other roles equip the church until we reach “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” That hasn’t happened yet.

Argument 3: Miracles Were Rare and Only for Key Moments

Scripture shows miracles were common. Acts 5:15-16 describes many healed by Peter’s shadow and others’ ministry. Acts 8:6-7 records crowds witnessing miracles through Philip, not an apostle. Hebrews 2:4 says God confirmed the Gospel with “signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost” among believers generally. These weren’t rare or limited to special times.

Argument 4: Prophecy and Tongues Must Meet Old Testament Standards

Cessationists say prophecy must be 100% accurate, like Old Testament prophets, or it’s invalid. But 1 Corinthians 14:3 describes New Testament prophecy as edifying, exhorting, and comforting the church—not always predictive. Tongues, per 1 Corinthians 14:2-4, are for personal prayer and building up the church when interpreted. These gifts have ongoing purposes, not strict Old Testament rules.

Textual Questions and Their Role (A Brief Note)

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Some cessationists point to textual questions about verses like Mark 16:17-18 or Matthew 17:21 to argue against ongoing gifts. They note that a few early manuscripts, like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus, omit Mark 16:9-20 or Matthew 17:21, suggesting these were added later. But the evidence supports their inclusion. Over 1,600 Greek manuscripts contain Mark 16:9-20, as do early translations like the Vulgate. Matthew 17:21 appears in most manuscripts and aligns with Jesus’ teaching. These verses, preserved in the KJV, affirm spiritual gifts. While some early scribes may have omitted them, possibly due to skepticism, the Bible’s clear teaching stands: God’s gifts remain.

Conclusion: Trust God’s Word and Seek His Gifts

The Bible shows that spiritual gifts—miracles, healings, tongues, prophecy—are for all believers until Jesus returns. Passages like Mark 16:17-18, Acts 2:17-18, and 1 Corinthians 1:7 leave no room for cessationism. God’s Word calls us to embrace His power, not limit it.

“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” (1 Cor. 14:1, KJV)

Pray boldly, seek God’s gifts, and trust His Spirit. He’s still working. Which gift will you pursue to serve His church?