Journal: Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal
Volume: DBSJ 25:1 (NA 2020)
Article: First Corinthians 13 And The Cessation Of Miraculous Gifts: A Critique Of Thomas Schreiner’s "Spiritual Gifts: What They Are And Why They Matter"
Author: R. Bruce Compton

DBSJ 25 (2020) p. 31

First Corinthians 13 And The Cessation Of Miraculous Gifts:
A Critique Of Thomas Schreiner’s Spiritual Gifts: What They Are And Why They Matter

R. Bruce Compton1

Introduction

In his recent book on spiritual gifts, Thomas Schreiner uses the final two chapters to argue for the cessation of the miraculous gifts.2 As a fellow cessationist, there is much in his book that I can applaud, not least of which is his irenic spirit when discussing controversial topics or when arguing against another writer. Yet, there are some significant issues in his defense of cessationism where we disagree, and I want to address those issues in my response.

I begin by briefly summarizing Schreiner’s case for the cessation of miraculous gifts. Following this, I develop my critique of Schreiner’s arguments along two lines. First, I respond to his interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:8‒13 and his conclusion that arguments for the cessation of miraculous gifts from this text are unconvincing. Second, I assess his case for the cessation of miraculous gifts based on his linking the miraculous gifts with the revelatory ministries of the New Testament apostles and prophets. Finally, I offer a conclusion on the case for the cessation of the miraculous gifts based on my critique of Schreiner’s arguments.

Summary Of Schreiner’s Case For Cessationism

Schreiner’s Arguments Based On 1 Corinthians 13:8–12

⁸Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹For we

DBSJ 25 (2020) p. 32

know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. ¹¹When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. ¹²For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.3

The first of Schreiner’s two chapters on the cessation of miraculous gifts is entitled “Unconvincing Arguments for Cessation of the Gifts.” Here he discusses Paul’s statements in 1 Corinthians 13:8‒12 about the gifts of tongues, prophecy, and knowledge passing away with the coming of the “perfect.” He presents three options on how the “perfect” has been interpreted: (1) The ...