Cessationism | Grace Online Library.

If Spiritual Authority is placed in a book, then the study of that book becomes absolutely vital to the world and life view of every Christian. And that study should be in the original autographs--or at least as close as possible. This view would undermine and destroy outright any ideas of apostolic succession. It is inorganic. And what if the clear testimony of exegesis is that the charismata has ceased?

The Reformers (and those that followed in their tradition) seemed to see the evangelistic and frontier-mission necessity (or at least use) of the charismata. Did they think the world had been reached? Was there no significant missionary movement until after the Reformation? Was it the theology of the Reformation (panta ta ethne) that fueled the missionary drive, that should've been mixed with the powerful work of the Spirit--especially in the supernaturally-concious third world? "All these things ye shall do; and greater." That they may know that I am the Lord!

Paul dealt with veritable barbarians. So do we--both in the unreached jungles and the unreached city streets. Post-modern America and Post-whatever UK are pagan nations. They need the power and wisdom of the gospel--not the word only. The prayers of Acts (confirm our word with power) were prayed so that the lost, barbarian greeks and heathen would see and know that Jesus is Lord--how do we not have the same situation today in nearly every nation?

If, however, Spiritual Authority is not placed in a book but in a man (apostolic succession), protestants may be guilty of rebellion such as that of Aaron and Miriaim--not that the Pope is the default apostolic successor. But the "spiritual authority" taught by Nee and Bevere and most of the Pentecostal/Charismatic groups seems to have elements of this deeply woven into their ecclesiology. "Pastoral Infallibility," I call it.

George Whitefield's remark ("quintessence of Enthusiasm...") is good, but not good enough. And why go to WTS, an institution that 'emphasizes the biblical theology of Geerhardus Vos' (a cessationist)--if I do not accept that the Holy Spirit does nothing, speaks nothing, today? Would my mind take over my being?

Haunting questions--ultimate questions. Lord, grant me guidance. I wonder if Friesen will be too convincing...I am shocked and uneasy at the propsect that God would speak to me "only" through the external, written Word of God. I am troubled by the idea that He does not lead by impressions and as by a sixth sense or a still, small voice. Elliot's Slow and Certain Light I hope will help.

some (troubling, urgent, important) thoughts.