Cessationism and Continuationism

The Issue

The New Testament records gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing (1 Corinthians 12–14). The question at issue is 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.

• 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), they interpret "that which is perfect" 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 today but distinguish this from a gift of healing bestowed on a particular individual.

This view is common among conservative Presbyterian theologians, including those 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 of "the last days."
• They argue that the decline of the gifts in church history was due to the spiritual condition of the church, not to the will of God.

The Assemblies of God (known in Korea 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 require discernment. Methodist and Holiness churches, which belong to traditions that emphasize the experience of the Holy Spirit, are generally open to the gifts.

The Situation in the Korean Church

Because of the 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. Controversy more often centers not on the gifts themselves but on claims of direct revelation or on excessive prophetic ministry.