The early Protestant Reformers vehemently rejected the notion that miracles persisted beyond the apostolic age, attempting to discredit the countless miracles confirming the Catholic faith. However, this rejection of ongoing miracles contrasts sharply with the beliefs of the early Church Fathers. This idea, Cessationism, that miracles ceased once correct doctrine was established, is challenged by historical evidence and biblical ambiguity, revealing a rich tapestry of spiritual gifts throughout Church history as we will see in this brief blog. First, I want to look at why cessationism falls short.
Reasons Why Cessationism Falls Short:
Biblical Ambiguity on Cessation: The Bible lacks explicit declarations of the cessation of spiritual gifts. Cessationist arguments, relying on interpretations of passages like 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, are subject to diverse scholarly and theological interpretations.
Contradiction to God's Unchanging Nature: Cessationism may contradict the unchanging nature of God, implying that the Holy Spirit's active involvement in believers' lives was limited to a specific period. This stance is inconsistent with the eternal and consistent nature of God.
Inconsistency in Applying Cessationism: Critics point out the inconsistent application of cessationism. While believers are encouraged to seek certain spiritual gifts, others like prophecy or healing are considered to have ceased, creating a theological paradox.
Continued Historical Evidence of Spiritual Gifts: Throughout Church history, numerous accounts attest to individuals experiencing and demonstrating spiritual gifts. These manifestations challenge the cessationist position, asserting that spiritual gifts ceased after the apostolic era.
Mark Driscoll humorously highlights the discomfort some, particularly in the Reformed community, have with the workings of the Holy Spirit. His quip about replacing the biblical Trinity with "Father, Son, and Holy Bible" underlines the unease caused by the unseen, wild, and uncontrollable nature of the Spirit. For many it is the lack of experience that has led to them to bringing the Bible down to a manageable level instead of rising to its lofty call.
Exploring Church History and Theological Foundations:
Examining the history of the Church and delving into the writings of the Ante-Nicene fathers, who wrote before the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325), unveils a rich tapestry of healing and deliverance. These early fathers preached a holistic Gospel, addressing both the soul and the body, and attested to the ongoing miraculous works of the Spirit well after the last Apostle died.
Notable Figures in Early Christianity:
Justin Martyr (A.D. 100–165): Justin Martyr, a martyr for the faith, highlighted the power to heal among the gifts poured out upon believers, demonstrating the efficacy of invoking the name of Jesus Christ.
Tertullian (A.D. 160–225): Tertullian's protest during persecutions in North Africa includes accounts of deliverance from demonic afflictions and healings, showcasing the ongoing manifestation of spiritual gifts.
Origen (A.D. 185–254): Origen's treatise Against Celsus emphasizes Christians' ability to expel evil spirits and perform cures, highlighting the continued power of the name of Jesus.
Irenaeus (A.D. 175–195): In Gaul, Irenaeus boldly asserted that Christians could perform miracles and healings, a power heretics lacked due to their disconnect from the authority of God.
Gregory of Nazianzus (A.D. 329–396): Gregory's understanding of disease roots and his family's healings through prayer underscore the integration of faith and healing, challenging the notion of a cessationist stance.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the first 400 years of Church history, the collective voice of early fathers resonates: "Miracles have not stopped; they still occur today!" Despite this, divisions within the modern Church persist on the issue of healing. The early Christians believed in a present power for moral change and authority over demons, sickness, and disease. Gifts such as healings and miracles are part of the ongoing expression of the gospel, tangible manifestations of God's mercy and love. Rediscovering the miraculous is not a departure from biblical truth but a return to the roots of Wesleyan ministry, embracing the supernatural and acknowledging the continual presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
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