Responding to the "Cessationist" Documentary - Part #6
Nov 2, 2023
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This episode challenges cessationist beliefs, explores the ambiguity of prophecy, and discusses the importance of discernment and self-regulation in the charismatic community. It also examines the democratization of prophetic roles and dismantles cessationist arguments.
01:09:28
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Quick takeaways
Prophecy can be ambiguous and requires discernment, challenging the notion of infallible communication from God.
Heightened discernment and self-regulation are crucial in the charismatic community to identify and address false prophets.
The gift of prophecy has been democratized in the New Testament, allowing all believers to participate, but it still requires discernment and testing of messages.
Deep dives
The Shift in Authority from Old Testament Prophets to New Testament Prophets
One of the main points discussed in the podcast episode is the shift in authority from Old Testament prophets to New Testament prophets. While some Charismatic scholars like Wayne Grudem argue that Old Testament prophets could prophesy infallibly, the majority of Charismatics believe in a fundamental shift. They contend that the gift of prophecy in the New Testament is open to fallibility and error, as all believers now have access to the Holy Spirit and can test prophetic messages. However, the hosts of the podcast, along with other Charismatics, believe in continuity between the Old and New Testaments when it comes to prophetic ministry. They argue that prophets in both eras could hear God and misunderstand or misinterpret his message. The key difference is the democratization of the prophetic gift, with all believers having access to it. They maintain that while prophecy is a gift available to all, Scripture still holds ultimate authority.
The Continuity View
In contrast to the discontinuity view, the hosts of the podcast advocate for the continuity view of prophetic ministry. They argue that there is a fundamental shift in the democratization of the prophetic gift in the New Testament, but not in the fallibility of prophetic messages. They believe that prophecy functioned similarly in both the Old and New Testaments, with the difference being that all believers now have the ability to hear from God and participate in the prophetic ministry. They emphasize that Scripture still holds the highest authority, and while prophecy is important, it is subject to testing and evaluation.
The Importance of Scripture and Testing Prophecy
One of the key points made in the podcast is the importance of Scripture and the need to test prophetic messages. The hosts affirm the authority of Scripture, stating that it holds ultimate authority above any prophetic word. They highlight that Scripture does not need to be tested, as it is received as God-breathed. However, they assert that prophetic messages should be tested and evaluated according to biblical guidelines. They refer to passages in 1 Thessalonians 5 and 1 Corinthians 14 that encourage believers to test and discern prophetic messages. This emphasis on testing aims to ensure that only true and accurate prophecies are accepted and followed.
Prophecy Accountability and the Need for Self-Policing in the Charismatic Movement
The podcast episode discusses the importance of accountability and self-policing within the charismatic movement, specifically in relation to the gift of prophecy. The speaker emphasizes the need for the charismatic community to be vigilant in distinguishing between genuine and false prophecies. He notes that there are YouTube prophets who give vague or false words, yet are still accepted and supported by the community. These prophets should be held accountable and not be allowed to propagate their content. The speaker urges the charismatic movement to wake up and challenge each other, protecting the gift of prophecy in a dignified and authentic manner.
Addressing Misunderstandings About Prophetic Accuracy and Accountability
In response to arguments made by cessationists, the podcast provides biblical examples and clarifies the understanding of prophecy in the Old and New Testaments. The hosts highlight instances of prophets who got it wrong, such as Nathan missing a prophecy regarding King David's desire to build a temple. They explain that prophets can misinterpret revelations or apply them incorrectly, but it doesn't negate the fact that God spoke through them. They emphasize that prophecies are always subject to judgment and should not be seen as equal to the authority of Scripture. They also address concerns about false prophets and cult leaders, asserting that their teachings contradict the Bible, whereas true prophetic experiences align with Scripture and do not add new teachings.
Responding to the "Cessationist" Documentary - Part #6 | Cessationist Movie Review
In this episode of The Remnant Radio, your theology podcast, we bring an insightful response to cessationist views and responding to the Cessationist film, while also exploring charismatic theology.
Section One: Prophecy's Ambiguity Is prophecy always clear, exact, and infallible? We challenge this cessationist belief by examining biblical passages like Numbers 12, 1 Samuel 3, and Jeremiah 32. Discover why we argue that God's communication sometimes requires discernment and isn't always straightforward.
Section Two: Modern Prophecy and Discernment With the rise of false prophets on digital platforms, like YouTube, we'll discuss the importance of heightened discernment and self-regulation in the charismatic community. Key scriptures like Deuteronomy 13 and 18 will shed light on the ethical implications of false prophecy and the grace needed for well-intentioned prophets who make mistakes.
Section Three: Democratization of Prophetic Roles We'll explore the transformation of prophetic roles from the Old to the New Testament. Our hosts suggest that a democratization has occurred, opening the gift of prophecy to all believers. This inclusivity highlights the importance of discernment. While the prophetic function remains consistent, modern prophetic messages require distinct methods of discernment and testing.
Don't miss this comprehensive episode where we dismantle cessationist arguments, unravel the complexities of charismatic theology, and find the balance between upholding the integrity of Scripture and valuing spiritual gifts. Join us today as theology meets real-world application!