Cessationism and Continuationism

Controversies. Also called Cessationism, Continuationism, Cessation of the gifts, Continuation of the spiritual gifts, Cessationist–continuationist debate.

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Controversies

Cessationism and continuationism are opposing positions in the debate over whether gifts of the Holy Spirit such as tongues, prophecy, and divine healing have continued beyond the apostolic age. Some conservative Presbyterians hold that these gifts have ceased, while Pentecostal churches, such as the Assemblies of God (Full Gospel), hold that they continue today.

About this articleAI draft from a Korean source. Notes on Korean Protestant practice. No sources listed. Not yet reviewed by a person.

Origin: Drafted by AI from the Korean church.wiki article, then translated and adapted for English readers on 5 November 2026.
Perspective: Includes notes on Korean Protestant practice; other traditions are noted where they differ.
Sources: None listed yet. The article draws on the biblical text and general reference works. Add a source
Review: Not yet reviewed by a person. Last edited by a person: never. Translation updated 5 November 2026. Edit history

The Issue

The New Testament records gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing (1 Corinthians 12–14). The debate concerns whether these gifts are still given today in the same form.

Cessationism

Cessationists hold that the miraculous gifts were signs confirming the teaching of the apostles and that, once the New Testament was complete, they had fulfilled their purpose and ceased.

They interpret "that which is perfect" in the verse "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" (1 Corinthians 13:10) as the completed Scriptures.
Citing the statement that the church is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets" (Ephesians 2:20), they argue that the foundation-laying gifts are not repeated.
They affirm that God still heals in answer to prayer but distinguish such healing from a gift bestowed on a particular individual.

This view is common among conservative Presbyterian theologians. In Korea, it is widely held among theologians of the Presbyterian Church in Korea (HapDong), the Kosin Presbyterian Church in Korea, and the Presbyterian Church in Korea (HapShin).

Continuationism

Continuationists hold that Scripture nowhere states that the gifts have ceased.

They interpret "that which is perfect" as referring to the second coming of Christ, so that the gifts continue until then.
They note that Peter's sermon quoting the prophecy of Joel (Acts 2:17–18) presents the outpouring of the Spirit as belonging to the whole period of "the last days."
They argue that the decline of the gifts in church history resulted from the spiritual condition of the church rather than from the will of God.

The Assemblies of God (also known as the Full Gospel Church), a Pentecostal denomination, is the leading representative of this view and emphasizes speaking in tongues as the sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. The charismatic movement, which has spread across denominational lines, also holds this position.

Intermediate Views

Also widespread is "cautious continuationism," which affirms the continuation of the gifts while holding that they cannot be placed above Scripture and that they require discernment. Methodist and Holiness churches, whose traditions emphasize the experience of the Holy Spirit, are generally open to the gifts.

Perspective: Korean Protestant practiceHow this idea is used in Korean churches, kept from the original Korean article.

Because of the Korean Protestant traditions of tongseong gido (praying aloud together) and revival meetings, church members who speak in tongues are commonly found in Korea, even in congregations of denominations that teach cessationism. There, controversy more often centers not on the gifts themselves but on claims of direct revelation or on excessive prophetic ministry.

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