Satisfied by the Promise of the Spirit: Affirming the Fullness of God's Provision for Spiritual Living

by Thomas R. Edgar

Examines the primary biblical texts in the charismatic debate and affirms the traditional biblical view of the gifts of the Spirit.

Genres: Theology

283 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 1996

Reviews

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book for making an exegetical, biblical case for cessationism. When someone asks me for a resource because they "have not studied much on the subject" I recommend this book. Unfortunately it has been out of print for some time, but it is worth chasing down a used copy. It is written at a seminary level, but understandable to any Christian who's willing to put in the time, look up the verse references, and think through the arguments. Very highly recommended.

[Josh Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thorough but also thoroughly dense work. Edgar takes on Jack Deere and his charismatic claims and does a deep debunking. Grudem and Carson also receive scrutiny along the way. The conclusion however, was a great summary and my favorite part of the book. Overall, I just wish this was written in a more readable way. It feels a lot longer than it is at around 250 pages. Written in 1996 it also feels a bit ancient. More up-to-date resources are needed to complement this work. And there are some great ones out there. But Edgar has laid a solid foundation.

[Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is now at the top of my list as an apologetic for cessationism. Edgar clearly has a personal stake in writing this book, however—though this comes out in his writing through out—it does not appear to hinder his cordiality or exegetical integrity. His concluding chapter is incredibly helpful and important as he shows just how unique the apostles and the early church were in God’s plan for redemptive history.

[Jimmy Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the most well done, go to book to defend cessation. It’s technically so it should be careful read and thought through.

[Travis Breedveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very thorough response

[Donald Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just catching up on posting some recent reads:

Another excellent read "Satisfied by the Promise of the Spirit' by Thomas R Edgar. Written in 1996, thus book was a response to Jack Deere. Edgar works through NT scripture around issues of the gifts of the Spirit and carefully articulates an understanding of how some of these gifts operated in the early church and no longer do today. He critiques the modern arguments of gifts of "lesser quality" operative today that are not the biblical gift, but are seen as the current substitutes. In the first few pages I was concerned that the book might become a bit of a beat up, however he soon began to deal with the text and did so in an excellent fashion. I think he presents a clear articulate and biblically founded argument that needs serious study by the modern church.