What Is it: Continuationism

In this What Is It series, we are exploring dozens of different topics within the Christian faith that are common, and commonly misunderstood. This series post is an objective overview of the doctrine of Continuationism.

As with every series post, we ask you, the community to play an active role in commenting and providing your understanding.

What Is Continuationism?

Continuationism is the belief that the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healings, and miracles, have not ceased and are available for the believer today. This contrasts the belief of Cessationism, which we covered in our last What Is It article.

These spiritual gifts are known as Signs and Wonders, also called miracles by those who follow the Contiuationist doctrine. Some modern Continuationist teachers like Wayne Grudem reject the idea that signs and wonders are a unique category of spiritual gifts.

Continuationists hold to the core tenant that the supernatural gifts of the Spirit are as real and active today as they were for the first church. Furthermore, they believe that these gifts are available to all believers.

While this belief is not only within the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, they are the primary apologists for Continuationism.

Primary Arguments for Continuationism

The Bible teaches that the Gifts are available for all believers.

Continuationists point to Paul’s teaching 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 which states “To each is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good.” as evidence that these supernatural gifts are not limited to the apostles or to a space of time.

Likewise, Continuationists argue that Mark 16:14-20 proves that these supernatural gifts are for all who believe. Also, the belief includes the position that supernatural gifts are not limited to the types noted here.

This position also points to passages in Acts (Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:1-4) showing the promise and fulfillment of the Holy Spirit anointing. As these miracles were taking place throughout the book of Acts, the belief is that they continue today.

The Gifts Are Still Needed Today

As noted in the What Is It: Signs and Wonders article, these gifts were given to establish the foundation of the Church. Continuationists believe this is still true today. Importantly, if the position maintains the office of Apostle, that office requires signs and wonders authentication.

By way of example, Catholicism is technically a Pentecostal movement and is in the Continuationist base. In order to be sainted in Roman Catholicism, one must be able to demonstrate two unique miracles or signs.

Likewise, Continuationists authenticate ministries based on the presence of signs, wonders, and miracles. Furthermore, with the gift of prophecy, Continuationists no longer hold to the Biblical position of absolute accuracy. This allows prophecy to be more personal, but no longer inerrant.

Secondary Arguments for Continuationism

Personal Testimonies

Continuationists also often point to personal testimonies of the miraculous as evidence. More importantly, Continuationists do not believe that modern gifts must mirror the Biblical illustrations exactly.

While Cessationists hold that this ambiguity leads to increased abuse of the gifts, Continuationists see it as increasing gifts from God. These increased gifts are to bless the recipient and to build up the Church simultaneously. Their point of view is that the Bible is not a constraint on how the Spirit can or will work today.

Scripture does not declare the Gifts have ceased.

There are no direct passages in the Bible that declare the supernatural gifts have ended. Cessationists will point to 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 that states tongues, prophecy, and knowledge will cease when “the perfect comes”. However, this leaves the argument as to what that perfect is and when/if it has come.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

1 Corinthians 13:8–10, ESV

Additionally, Continuationists will point to historical works in the 2nd-4th century showing declarations of miracles as further evidence. Thus, the Bible does not declare an ending. Early church apologists wrote of miracles in their midst. Thus, the signs and wonders continued.

Does the Spirit still operate today?

Both a Cessationist and a Continuationist will answer yes to this question. The primary difference is in how the Spirit operates. The Continuationist position is that there is no difference from the birth of the church to today.

Also, this position has the advantage of seemingly redefining some Old Testament definitions of signs, such as prophecy. While most Continuationists will hold to Biblical Authority, and inerrancy of Scripture, some have also allowed for inerrant prophecy. That is to say, the modern sign of prophecy does not have to mirror the Old Testament sign of prophecy.

Dr. Wayne Grudem stated in an interview that often personal impressions and leading by God can be called prophecy. Other charismatic leaders agree that a prophet who is wrong is no longer a false prophet. Rather, they misinterpreted God’s message.

While a Cessationist will say that God may choose to heal based on His sovereign will, some Continuationists may state that God will heal based on the faith of the requestee. Furthermore, some Continuationists have even stated that God requires their permission or faith to operate.

The conclusion then is that the Holy Spirit does still operate today. There is only a question about how the Spirit operates. That is the heart of the debate between Cessationism and Continuationism.

Do you believe the Spirit still operates through signs and wonders? And can every believer operate any or all of the spiritual gifts? Are there still prophets and apostles today? Tell us below!