On Charismaticism
I used to be a Charismatic. Not any more though, thanks to some thorough study on the Bible. At first when I realized that the Charismatics were in error (Whether you believe me or not!), I did not believe the Spiritual Gifts had ceased.
I think the most important issue is not whether the gifts have ceased, but whether people who claim to have them truly do have them. It is strange to see charismatics today arguing for fallible gifts, because to me, men are fallible and God is not. Translated, it means the "gifts" they claim to have are man-made and not God given, for God would give things that are perfect. Take for instance, Jesus.
When I come up against a Charismatic, I don't present Cessationism to him like I present the gospel. Rather, I ask him to prove one simple thing: Are your "gifts" God-given? That's the most important issue.
Another problem I see is that of people who claim on going revelation from God. One ridiculous example I heard was by a women preacher who said God asked her to take of her jacket, swing it about while dancing and revival would come to the church. Whoopee.
Sometimes, it is important to remember this: If we can't even study the Bible first, how is God going to trust us with new "revelation"? This kind of teaching tends to undermine the authority of the Bible. New revelation can come from the "Spirit". Sometimes I wonder what spirit they refer to.
I tend to dislike it when they refer to the Spiritual Gifts controversy as a debate. I prefer to think of it as one side being in error and the other one who must correct it. Correction then, is the main point that matters.
One thing that I agree with the Charismatics is on the subject of Revival. Like them, I believe that the Church desperately needs revival. I pray for it all the time. But prayer is only a precursor to action that will bring revival. I disagree, however, on what revival is. Most charismatics believe revival comes with signs and wonders. I believe revival comes with sound doctrine, followed by a burning desire for evangelism and missions. You can read more about this in my "Plea To Charismatics".
In the end, I believe that if we can't even get it right about the church at the basic, ordinary level, how are even going to handle the spectacular, extraordinary level?
I think the most important issue is not whether the gifts have ceased, but whether people who claim to have them truly do have them. It is strange to see charismatics today arguing for fallible gifts, because to me, men are fallible and God is not. Translated, it means the "gifts" they claim to have are man-made and not God given, for God would give things that are perfect. Take for instance, Jesus.
When I come up against a Charismatic, I don't present Cessationism to him like I present the gospel. Rather, I ask him to prove one simple thing: Are your "gifts" God-given? That's the most important issue.
Another problem I see is that of people who claim on going revelation from God. One ridiculous example I heard was by a women preacher who said God asked her to take of her jacket, swing it about while dancing and revival would come to the church. Whoopee.
Sometimes, it is important to remember this: If we can't even study the Bible first, how is God going to trust us with new "revelation"? This kind of teaching tends to undermine the authority of the Bible. New revelation can come from the "Spirit". Sometimes I wonder what spirit they refer to.
I tend to dislike it when they refer to the Spiritual Gifts controversy as a debate. I prefer to think of it as one side being in error and the other one who must correct it. Correction then, is the main point that matters.
One thing that I agree with the Charismatics is on the subject of Revival. Like them, I believe that the Church desperately needs revival. I pray for it all the time. But prayer is only a precursor to action that will bring revival. I disagree, however, on what revival is. Most charismatics believe revival comes with signs and wonders. I believe revival comes with sound doctrine, followed by a burning desire for evangelism and missions. You can read more about this in my "Plea To Charismatics".
In the end, I believe that if we can't even get it right about the church at the basic, ordinary level, how are even going to handle the spectacular, extraordinary level?
This entry was posted
on Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 7:42 PM.
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