Continuationism
A view held among orthodox Christians
The view that all the spiritual gifts in the New Testament, including prophecy and tongues, continue in the church until Christ returns.
Also called: continuationist, continuationists
What it means
Continuationism holds that the Holy Spirit still gives all the gifts the New Testament lists, including prophecy, tongues, interpretation, and healing, and that churches should earnestly desire them. Continuationists read Paul's statement that these gifts will pass away "when the perfect comes" as referring to Christ's return, not to the completion of Scripture.
Most continuationists in Reformed and evangelical churches hold that the canon of Scripture is closed and that any modern prophecy is not equal to Scripture. They understand prophecy today as a fallible impression from the Spirit that must be tested, weighed by the church, and submitted to the Bible. They also insist, with Paul, that all things be done decently and in order.
Continuationists differ from cessationists on whether these gifts still operate, but they agree on the authority and sufficiency of Scripture and on the gospel. This site records the difference as a view on which faithful Christians disagree.
In Scripture
The one Spirit gives a variety of gifts, including prophecy and tongues, to each as he wills.
Prophecies and tongues will pass away when the perfect comes and we see face to face.
Paul tells the church to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.
Peter says that in the last days God pours out his Spirit and his servants will prophesy.
Do not forbid speaking in tongues, but let all be done decently and in order.
Where it comes up
On this site: Spiritual gifts
Related terms
CessationismA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that the revelatory and sign gifts, such as prophecy, tongues, and gifts of healing, ceased with the apostles once Scripture was complete.
Open but cautiousA view held among orthodox Christians
A position on spiritual gifts that does not rule out prophecy, tongues, or healing today but does not seek or practise them, and tests any claim carefully.
Initial evidenceA view held among orthodox Christians
The classical Pentecostal teaching that speaking in tongues is the first outward sign that a believer has received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Sufficiency of ScriptureHistoric orthodoxy
Scripture contains everything we need to know for salvation, faith, and life, so nothing needs to be added to it.