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Spiritual Gifts: What They Are and Why They Matter
What are the spiritual gifts? Do all Christians have them? Have the miraculous gifts ceased?
The topic of spiritual gifts is often a point of contention among Christians. In Spiritual Gifts: What They Are and Why They Matter, Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars, answers these questions.
Schreiner shares his personal experience related to spiritual gifts, but more importantly, he unpacks what the Bible has to say about them. In doing so, he brings a spirit of humility and charity, reminding us that though spiritual gifts are important, we can have unity in Christ even where we disagree.
The topic of spiritual gifts is often a point of contention among Christians. In Spiritual Gifts: What They Are and Why They Matter, Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars, answers these questions.
Schreiner shares his personal experience related to spiritual gifts, but more importantly, he unpacks what the Bible has to say about them. In doing so, he brings a spirit of humility and charity, reminding us that though spiritual gifts are important, we can have unity in Christ even where we disagree.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
114 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Thomas R. Schreiner
113 books207 followersThomas R. Schreiner (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including New Testament Theology; Magnifying God in Christ; Apostle of God's Glory in Christ; and Romans in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.
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June 20, 2024
Schreiner argues for nuanced cessationism. Non-academic but helpful for a general audience with a quick theology of spiritual gifts, a definition of gifts, and how gifts function today. As well, this book is a model of how to disagree with other believers charitably.
Lectures here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
http://cliftonbaptist.org/sermons-and...
(with Q & A): http://rakchurch.com/blog/post/spirit....
Some reviews here:
https://www.challies.com/book-reviews...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/re...
Articles related to the book here:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/es...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/es...
https://www.9marks.org/article/why-ch...
Andrew Wilson and Schreiner interact with one another on spiritual gifts here (articles from ETS): http://themelios.thegospelcoalition.o... also Richard Blaylock's article ("Towards a Definition of New Testament Prophecy") correlates with Schreiner's views: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/th... as well Blaylock's TGC article ("The Gift of Prophecy") here: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/es...
Interviews here:
http://www.booksataglance.com/author-...
https://cpt.mbts.edu/podcast/what-is-...
https://missionspodcast.com/podcast/t...
https://www.buzzsprout.com/937429/391...
https://anchor.fm/practiceoftheology/...
https://www.bibledingers.com/podcast/...
Lectures here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
http://cliftonbaptist.org/sermons-and...
(with Q & A): http://rakchurch.com/blog/post/spirit....
Some reviews here:
https://www.challies.com/book-reviews...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/re...
Articles related to the book here:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/es...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/es...
https://www.9marks.org/article/why-ch...
Andrew Wilson and Schreiner interact with one another on spiritual gifts here (articles from ETS): http://themelios.thegospelcoalition.o... also Richard Blaylock's article ("Towards a Definition of New Testament Prophecy") correlates with Schreiner's views: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/th... as well Blaylock's TGC article ("The Gift of Prophecy") here: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/es...
Interviews here:
http://www.booksataglance.com/author-...
https://cpt.mbts.edu/podcast/what-is-...
https://missionspodcast.com/podcast/t...
https://www.buzzsprout.com/937429/391...
https://anchor.fm/practiceoftheology/...
https://www.bibledingers.com/podcast/...
June 14, 2021
Let me start by saying I greatly appreciate Dr. Schreiners approach of this controversial subject, yet his arguments are those typical from the cessationist position and I don’t mean that to come off condescending. I don’t think Schreiner has really said much other than whats already been said by those who hold his position. Everyone has their presuppositions and Schreiners are clear in how he argues for his interpretation in those texts concerning the gifts. I simply disagree with how he’s handling many of the texts (I do however agree with his position on spirit baptism). I once heard him preach at our church concerning Hebrews 6 and perseverance during which he argued that a were a child to read the chapter, he or she would come to the conclusion that he did because it’s plainly in the text (I agreed with him). I submit that this is also the case with the continuation of the gifts and their nature (prophecy is revelatory, healing involves healing, tongues involve speaking originating from the Spirit). A child would conclude from reading the scriptures that these gifts are to be, as Paul says plainly: “earnestly desired” (1 Cor. 14:1), and have by no means ceased. In fact, a child would be unlikely to even stop to consider that the gifts have ceased, it’s simply not insinuated anywhere in the scriptures, not plainly that is.
I believe one comes to the cessationists conclusions primarily from a lack of experience rather than a clear teaching from scripture. The enlightenment has had a negative affect on the church and this is one of the results, we are overly suspicious of the supernatural. It leaves us with a half way deistic view of how God operates: “he can act in profound ways, but it’s unlikely” or in other words, “don’t get your hopes up.”
As Schreiner puts it “Perhaps God is pleased in cutting-edge missionary situations to grant the same signs and wonders we see in the NT era (165).” Again, “he can but he probably won’t.” We just don’t get that idea from the scriptures, it can only come from a lack of experience, a lack that could be a result of quenching or grieving the spirit through a wrong assertion that he doesn’t impart gifts like prophecy, tongues, or healings any longer.
Let me submit that if one were to humbly read chapters 12-14 of 1 Corinthians attempting to lay aside presuppositions, the natural conclusion would be that tongues and prophecy continue even today. This is again due to its straightforwardness and plainness in the text. I’m not convinced that Ephesians 2:20 indicates that the above has passed away. I do believe that no one would come to that conclusion through a natural reading of the scriptures.
I believe one comes to the cessationists conclusions primarily from a lack of experience rather than a clear teaching from scripture. The enlightenment has had a negative affect on the church and this is one of the results, we are overly suspicious of the supernatural. It leaves us with a half way deistic view of how God operates: “he can act in profound ways, but it’s unlikely” or in other words, “don’t get your hopes up.”
As Schreiner puts it “Perhaps God is pleased in cutting-edge missionary situations to grant the same signs and wonders we see in the NT era (165).” Again, “he can but he probably won’t.” We just don’t get that idea from the scriptures, it can only come from a lack of experience, a lack that could be a result of quenching or grieving the spirit through a wrong assertion that he doesn’t impart gifts like prophecy, tongues, or healings any longer.
Let me submit that if one were to humbly read chapters 12-14 of 1 Corinthians attempting to lay aside presuppositions, the natural conclusion would be that tongues and prophecy continue even today. This is again due to its straightforwardness and plainness in the text. I’m not convinced that Ephesians 2:20 indicates that the above has passed away. I do believe that no one would come to that conclusion through a natural reading of the scriptures.
April 22, 2019
Concise, clear presentation of "nuanced cessationism." A wonderfully short and simple book that could be given to just about any church member. Schreiner tackles a controversial topic with humility and grace that makes this volume stand out. He powerfully concludes the book by saying, "If I have the right view of spiritual gifts, but I don't have love, then I am nothing."
Two minor critiques:
1. I was disappointed with chapter one, which is basically a regurgitation of J. I. Packer. I doubt it would have been difficult for Schreiner to assimilate this content and write his own chapter, but instead he chose to quote Packer for an entire chapter.
2. A Scripture index would be a welcome addition to this book.
Two minor critiques:
1. I was disappointed with chapter one, which is basically a regurgitation of J. I. Packer. I doubt it would have been difficult for Schreiner to assimilate this content and write his own chapter, but instead he chose to quote Packer for an entire chapter.
2. A Scripture index would be a welcome addition to this book.
March 21, 2022
I love Tom Schreiner, so I was chuffed to read a book by him on a topic I know I disagree with him on. If you’re looking for MacArthur style anti charismatic flamethrower cessationism, you will be disappointed. Schreiner remains irenic throughout: conceding that he could be wrong, the other side has good arguments, and that popular level arguments for cessationism are weak. Schreiner argues for a nuanced cessationism, mostly concluding that observationally, more miraculous gifts seem to have ceased, and that this is consistent with God’s plan for them, but that at rare occasions these types of things will occur (though we shouldn’t expect them, or abuse people by offering false hope).
Part of this conversation necessarily involves defining terms, particular around prophecy and tongues. Schreiner interacts with the position of continuationists like Storms and Grudem here, arguing that their definition of tongues as ecstatic utterances, and prophecy as a mixture of truth and error are unbiblical. Here I simply thought that Storms and Grudem are more compelling in their arguments, on tongues to be sure, but also on prophecy. His argument on Acts 21:4 I found to be interesting, because he argues that instead of this exhortation being a mixture of truth and error, it was that the disciples jumped the gun, adding the command to not go to the original prophetic word (presumably that suffering awaited Paul). But this is exactly what the continuationist is arguing! The error in prophecy doesn’t come from God, but from human presumption. It should also be pointed out that the inspired writer says that the command “not to go to on to Jerusalem” was what was spoken through the Spirit. But I’m encouraged: our positions are close.
While I’m talking about prophecy, I thought it was interesting that Schreiner grants the phenomenon that charismatics are talking about when it comes to prophecy, but suggests that we should call them impressions instead. This puts Schreiner in the camp of a far more moderate cessationism, since surely a MacArthur style cessationism would take issue with Schreiner at this point, arguing that this too undermines the sufficiency of Scripture.
Some arguments that did get repeated that I thought were a bit tired were:
“If continuationism true, why we no have powerful gift like apostles?”
“If continuationism true, why gifts concentrated in some places in the canon?”
“If continiuationism true, why reformers no believe it?”
The crux of the argument, particularly as it pertains to prophecy, is the question of its role in the foundational stage of the NC age. The cessationist says it is exhausted in the foundation of the church (Eph 2:20), while the continuationist argues that this is reductionism. It is here that the conversation between the two views is most interesting.
Overall, the book was great. I agreed with most of it, and where I didn’t, i was surprised to find that our positions are closer than I expected. I could easily co-pastor with someone who holds Schreiner’s view.
Part of this conversation necessarily involves defining terms, particular around prophecy and tongues. Schreiner interacts with the position of continuationists like Storms and Grudem here, arguing that their definition of tongues as ecstatic utterances, and prophecy as a mixture of truth and error are unbiblical. Here I simply thought that Storms and Grudem are more compelling in their arguments, on tongues to be sure, but also on prophecy. His argument on Acts 21:4 I found to be interesting, because he argues that instead of this exhortation being a mixture of truth and error, it was that the disciples jumped the gun, adding the command to not go to the original prophetic word (presumably that suffering awaited Paul). But this is exactly what the continuationist is arguing! The error in prophecy doesn’t come from God, but from human presumption. It should also be pointed out that the inspired writer says that the command “not to go to on to Jerusalem” was what was spoken through the Spirit. But I’m encouraged: our positions are close.
While I’m talking about prophecy, I thought it was interesting that Schreiner grants the phenomenon that charismatics are talking about when it comes to prophecy, but suggests that we should call them impressions instead. This puts Schreiner in the camp of a far more moderate cessationism, since surely a MacArthur style cessationism would take issue with Schreiner at this point, arguing that this too undermines the sufficiency of Scripture.
Some arguments that did get repeated that I thought were a bit tired were:
“If continuationism true, why we no have powerful gift like apostles?”
“If continuationism true, why gifts concentrated in some places in the canon?”
“If continiuationism true, why reformers no believe it?”
The crux of the argument, particularly as it pertains to prophecy, is the question of its role in the foundational stage of the NC age. The cessationist says it is exhausted in the foundation of the church (Eph 2:20), while the continuationist argues that this is reductionism. It is here that the conversation between the two views is most interesting.
Overall, the book was great. I agreed with most of it, and where I didn’t, i was surprised to find that our positions are closer than I expected. I could easily co-pastor with someone who holds Schreiner’s view.
January 17, 2024
A good, non-academic, little book on what spiritual gifts are, why they matter, and how we are to experience them today. Schreiner is a “nuanced cessationist,” meaning he is far from a MacArthur kind of guy. Schreiner is irenic and humble—dedicating the book to Piper, Grudem, and Storms because they are his close friends and claims to have learned much from them all. He admits at the very beginning of the book that he may be wrong on his interpretation and is saddened by how divisive some Christians have become over this issue.
The best parts of this book are:
- His handling of 1 Cor 13:8-12 (arguing that the “perfect” is indeed the second coming of Christ but defending that this doesn’t necessarily mean that all spiritual gifts will continue)
- His interpretation of the very difficult text of 1 Cor 14:20-25 (tongues are a sign to an unbeliever as a sign of judgment, as the quotation from Isa 28 demonstrates, which is why they must not be performed without a translator. When they are translated they then function as prophecy and serve to edify the believers and convert the lost).
- His defense of “tongues” as known languages, not ecstatic utterances.
- The strongest chapter, by far, is his response to those who claim that New Testament prophecy is different from Old Testament prophecy, with the OT prophets being infallible and NT prophecies capable of being mixed with error. He demonstrates the weakness of this view from every angle.
- His willingness to admit that while he believes that the major sign gifts such as prophecy and tongues have ceased, the possibility of God still bestowing these gifts in cutting edge missionary endeavors. Further, his willingness to admit that much of what goes on charismatic churches is not necessarily evil or sinful, but is simply misguided—taking “impressions” from God, for example, to be prophetic revelations, or exercising ecstatic utterances as a form of psychological relaxation, and confusing it for the gift of tongues.
- His pastoral heart behind the entire first half of the book.
A couple things I didn’t like:
- I was hoping for a much more robust and academic argument for cessationism. Schreiner’s final chapter is his case for cessationism, which is a fairly routine one from Eph 2:20.
- I would have liked for him to defend his views on exactly what he thinks “impressions” are and where we see them in Scripture. He simply assumes this. I don’t think he is wrong, but wanted more of an explanation.
The best parts of this book are:
- His handling of 1 Cor 13:8-12 (arguing that the “perfect” is indeed the second coming of Christ but defending that this doesn’t necessarily mean that all spiritual gifts will continue)
- His interpretation of the very difficult text of 1 Cor 14:20-25 (tongues are a sign to an unbeliever as a sign of judgment, as the quotation from Isa 28 demonstrates, which is why they must not be performed without a translator. When they are translated they then function as prophecy and serve to edify the believers and convert the lost).
- His defense of “tongues” as known languages, not ecstatic utterances.
- The strongest chapter, by far, is his response to those who claim that New Testament prophecy is different from Old Testament prophecy, with the OT prophets being infallible and NT prophecies capable of being mixed with error. He demonstrates the weakness of this view from every angle.
- His willingness to admit that while he believes that the major sign gifts such as prophecy and tongues have ceased, the possibility of God still bestowing these gifts in cutting edge missionary endeavors. Further, his willingness to admit that much of what goes on charismatic churches is not necessarily evil or sinful, but is simply misguided—taking “impressions” from God, for example, to be prophetic revelations, or exercising ecstatic utterances as a form of psychological relaxation, and confusing it for the gift of tongues.
- His pastoral heart behind the entire first half of the book.
A couple things I didn’t like:
- I was hoping for a much more robust and academic argument for cessationism. Schreiner’s final chapter is his case for cessationism, which is a fairly routine one from Eph 2:20.
- I would have liked for him to defend his views on exactly what he thinks “impressions” are and where we see them in Scripture. He simply assumes this. I don’t think he is wrong, but wanted more of an explanation.
October 15, 2018
When it comes to spiritual gifts, theological camps can often draw caricatures and throw grenades at those who hold a different position. This book offers a better way. Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner provides a theology of spiritual gifts that is marked by charity and grace. This is a book on spiritual gifts Christians need to read.
See my full review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/10...
See my full review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/10...
April 28, 2023
Schreiner writes from an interesting perspective since he was saved in a more charismatic church where he was taught to speak in tongues. Yet it was that experience of “being taught” something that the NT says is a gift that led him to reconsider the biblical data. I’m not sure his book will convince the committed continuationist. However, as someone who once spent time praying for tongues and has been open to the other side, I find his reasoning sound and helpful. There are a lot of presuppositions from the continuationist perspective that often leads them to isolate texts rather than read them along the redemptive-historical axis of the whole Bible. This leave definitions of gifts shaped by modern experience rather than the biblical data. Schreiner, on the other hand, does a better job of reading those key texts within the close context and larger trajectory of the NT. Church history, I think, also bears out the reality that the sign gifts have essentially ceased. And that’s okay because we believe in the sufficiency of God’s Word (2 Peter 1:3-4).
January 25, 2023
Great easy to read book on Spiritual gifts. This book helps explain the gifts and why some gifts have ceased.
July 24, 2023
Very convicting, encouraging, thought provoking book. Clear and convincing explanations from scripture. Written from a cessationist perspective, but in an irenic and friendly tone towards charismatics. My only critiques are that the tone may have been a tad to irenic, as he did not show how your views on the miraculous spiritual gifts make a major difference in everyday life (and how a wrong view of them can lead to severe havoc in the church), and his argument for cessationism was a little weak (and I am a cessationist). But overall the book was great.
July 7, 2020
I disagree with Schreiner's conclusions and some of his argumentation is spotty at best. Seems hastily put together rather than thought through. Some good stuff on a definition of tongues and a theology of spiritual gifts.
December 9, 2021
Schreiner presents a clear, ironic, humble, and helpful look at the spiritual gifts from a nuanced cessationist perspective. I’m an open-but-cautious continuationist and found Schreiner’s perspectives really helpful, even if he didn’t fully convince me on every point.
February 23, 2023
Schreiner is a "nuanced cessationist" in that he permits the miraculous gifts (prophecy, tongues, healings) as possibilities in "cutting-edge" missionary field scenarios (i.e., God moving to confirm His gospel amongst unreached people-groups through the manifestation of miraculous gifts). With that being said, Schreiner argues that the miraculous gifts of prophecy, tongues, miracles have most likely ceased. He basis this view on Scriptures that speak of the foundational role the Apostles and Prophets played in establishing the Christian Church (the church has established, hence the miraculous gifts have ceased and are no longer needed).
I have to give this book 5 stars because Schreiner's writing and exegesis is brilliant. I found Schreiner's argument regarding tongues as JUST speaking in human languages, and also as prophecy, confusing to say the least. This is most my fault. I will have to re-read that section again, as I am not convinced. I agree 100% with Schreiner that prophecy is infallible. I am not sure submitting to a present-day operating gift of infallible prophecy undermines Scripture, however. Like salt to the steak, prophecy serves to compliment the inspired Canon. For example, The Torah was well established in light of the later OT prophets, and yet their prophecy, when proven true, never undermined the authority of Scripture.
I'm continuing my research on were I land regarding the miraculous gifts. Still a continuationist right now. Overall, a MUST read for anyone wanting a biblical primer on the subject. Schreiner is a fine scholar.
I have to give this book 5 stars because Schreiner's writing and exegesis is brilliant. I found Schreiner's argument regarding tongues as JUST speaking in human languages, and also as prophecy, confusing to say the least. This is most my fault. I will have to re-read that section again, as I am not convinced. I agree 100% with Schreiner that prophecy is infallible. I am not sure submitting to a present-day operating gift of infallible prophecy undermines Scripture, however. Like salt to the steak, prophecy serves to compliment the inspired Canon. For example, The Torah was well established in light of the later OT prophets, and yet their prophecy, when proven true, never undermined the authority of Scripture.
I'm continuing my research on were I land regarding the miraculous gifts. Still a continuationist right now. Overall, a MUST read for anyone wanting a biblical primer on the subject. Schreiner is a fine scholar.
December 15, 2023
Very helpful, to be honest
Schreiner writes with his characteristic, humility, poise, and logic. His charitable tone is shown throughout, as is his biblical-theological understanding. This is a great and accessible reference for those with questions about spiritual gifts, especially for the sign gifts
Personally, I would share his position of nuanced cesassionism, and I think he makes a great and considerable case for it
Schreiner writes with his characteristic, humility, poise, and logic. His charitable tone is shown throughout, as is his biblical-theological understanding. This is a great and accessible reference for those with questions about spiritual gifts, especially for the sign gifts
Personally, I would share his position of nuanced cesassionism, and I think he makes a great and considerable case for it
February 25, 2024
I really enjoyed learning about different view points on spiritual gifts and it helped me become more scripturally grounded in my theological position.
One of my favorite things the author said was, “Gifts aren’t me centered but others centered. They are given so that the church will become more and more like her Lord, Jesus Christ.” pg 172.
Would recommend if you are interested in learning more about spiritual gifts!
One of my favorite things the author said was, “Gifts aren’t me centered but others centered. They are given so that the church will become more and more like her Lord, Jesus Christ.” pg 172.
Would recommend if you are interested in learning more about spiritual gifts!
July 26, 2019
My go to resource for this topic now! Schreiner exposits the important texts and reveals that the main function of all spiritual gifts is for the edification of the local church. Also, schreiner argues for cessationalism in a generous way. He does not take the aggressive route as others do by calling continuationists as demonic. Rather he writes with confidence and yet humility for his perspective. But Strives for unity. Also this book is short- which makes it a wonderful resource.
February 28, 2020
Refreshingly non-polemic, Tom Schreiner's explanation and defense of "nuanced cessationism" is a rare read that combines both a pastoral take on the spiritual gifts in the life of the local church with a scholarly researched but accessible opinion on the tongue and prophecy gifts. Careful cessationist reasoning without proof texts that is diplomatic enough to share and discuss with continuationist believers.
January 14, 2023
I’m sure there is more to learn about spiritual gifts but this is an excellent introduction to the subject and basic argument for cessationism. Thorough but easy to read. Highly recommend.
April 30, 2020
Tom Schreiner's account of his "nuanced Cessationism". I enjoyed Schreiner's humility and generosity, acknowledging influential friends and mentors who hold a different point of view, and admitting he might be wrong on this issue. The first half of the book is a good basic introduction to Spiritual gifts. For those who are focused on the cessationist vs continuationalist debate, this may seem like unnecessary ground work, but I think Schreiner is on the right track -- we too easily get caught up in the theological controversy, and forget that Spiritual gifts are meant to be a thoroughly practical and influential aspect of our Christian lives and church communities.
The second section deals with the gifts of prophecy and tongues. Schreiner argues that New Testament prophecy was inerrant and authoritative, which is crucial to his cessationist position. He describes contemporary practices of prophecy as "impressions" rather than prophecy in the NT sense, an activity not specifically described in scripture whereby "God may impress something on a person’s heart and mind, and he may use such impressions to help others in their spiritual walk”. Regarding tongues, Schreiner argues that the New Testament gift of tongues refers uniformly to the ability to speak in other languages, including in 1 Corinthians 14 where the apparent difference to tongues in Acts is explained by the Corinthian situation. If these tongues are interpreted, they are then equivalent to prophecy. Schreiner considers that much contemporary tongue-speaking may be a form of psychological relaxation, which is often harmless and even helpful (per JI Packer) - ecstatic utterances rather than biblical tongue-speaking.
Finally, Schreiner outlines his cessationist position. He refutes the cessationist argument based on 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, conceding that this passage is in fact the strongest argument that gifts will continue until Christ's return. However, he argues that this passage does not necessarily indicate that all gifts will continue until then, merely that no gifts will endure into the new creation. Schreiner based his own argument primarily on Ephesians 2:20, the church "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets". The inerrant and authoritative revelation of the biblical apostles and prophets has ceased now that the foundation of the church is complete with the canon of Scripture, thus these gifts no longer operate. Modern prophecy, if this refers to what Schreiner describes as impressions, and tongue-speaking, if this refers to ecstatic utterances, do not correspond to biblical prophecy or tongues. Regarding the gift of miracles/healing, Schreiner is less confident and bases his conclusions largely on experience and observation. He concludes that while God can and does heal today, and we should pray for this, the gift of healing no longer seems to be in operation. This is loosely based on the view that the biblical clusters of miracles demonstrated the power of the gospel as the church was being established (which would also apply to biblical tongues), and with the conclusion of the canon this gift no longer operates.
Personally I'm still sorting through my understanding of these issues, but I find Schreiner's gentle cessationism attractive and persuasive. It seems clear that the authoritative gifts of apostle and prophet no longer operate. Regarding tongues, Schreiner's understanding of 1 Corinthians 14 doesn't seem to be the most natural reading of the text, so I need to give this further thought. I appreciate his view that modern prophecy and tongue-speaking don't correspond to the New Testament gifts anyway, and are not necessarily a problem. Regarding healing, the belief that God does still heal today but that the gift of healing no longer operates does describe my own position, and addresses many of my concerns about the errors and excesses of those who claim the gift of healing today, yet I acknowledge that the biblical basis for this position isn't entirely clear.
The second section deals with the gifts of prophecy and tongues. Schreiner argues that New Testament prophecy was inerrant and authoritative, which is crucial to his cessationist position. He describes contemporary practices of prophecy as "impressions" rather than prophecy in the NT sense, an activity not specifically described in scripture whereby "God may impress something on a person’s heart and mind, and he may use such impressions to help others in their spiritual walk”. Regarding tongues, Schreiner argues that the New Testament gift of tongues refers uniformly to the ability to speak in other languages, including in 1 Corinthians 14 where the apparent difference to tongues in Acts is explained by the Corinthian situation. If these tongues are interpreted, they are then equivalent to prophecy. Schreiner considers that much contemporary tongue-speaking may be a form of psychological relaxation, which is often harmless and even helpful (per JI Packer) - ecstatic utterances rather than biblical tongue-speaking.
Finally, Schreiner outlines his cessationist position. He refutes the cessationist argument based on 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, conceding that this passage is in fact the strongest argument that gifts will continue until Christ's return. However, he argues that this passage does not necessarily indicate that all gifts will continue until then, merely that no gifts will endure into the new creation. Schreiner based his own argument primarily on Ephesians 2:20, the church "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets". The inerrant and authoritative revelation of the biblical apostles and prophets has ceased now that the foundation of the church is complete with the canon of Scripture, thus these gifts no longer operate. Modern prophecy, if this refers to what Schreiner describes as impressions, and tongue-speaking, if this refers to ecstatic utterances, do not correspond to biblical prophecy or tongues. Regarding the gift of miracles/healing, Schreiner is less confident and bases his conclusions largely on experience and observation. He concludes that while God can and does heal today, and we should pray for this, the gift of healing no longer seems to be in operation. This is loosely based on the view that the biblical clusters of miracles demonstrated the power of the gospel as the church was being established (which would also apply to biblical tongues), and with the conclusion of the canon this gift no longer operates.
Personally I'm still sorting through my understanding of these issues, but I find Schreiner's gentle cessationism attractive and persuasive. It seems clear that the authoritative gifts of apostle and prophet no longer operate. Regarding tongues, Schreiner's understanding of 1 Corinthians 14 doesn't seem to be the most natural reading of the text, so I need to give this further thought. I appreciate his view that modern prophecy and tongue-speaking don't correspond to the New Testament gifts anyway, and are not necessarily a problem. Regarding healing, the belief that God does still heal today but that the gift of healing no longer operates does describe my own position, and addresses many of my concerns about the errors and excesses of those who claim the gift of healing today, yet I acknowledge that the biblical basis for this position isn't entirely clear.
February 5, 2025
He articulates and defends a form of cessationism that I affirm.
May 30, 2024
Schreiner este un cesaționist foarte echilibrat, până în punctul în care să afirme că poate să nu aibă dreptate!
Pe alocuri cartea sună aproape la fel ca “Showing the Spirit”, însă nu mă uimește de îndată ce atât teza lui Grudem cât și cea a lui Carson i-au slujit mulți ani ca reper teologic lui Schreiner (acesta a fost continuaționist și a predat o viziune continuaționistă).
Cartea începe destul de arid, o prezentare succintă a darurilor, explicații privind atât ceea ce sunt cât și ceea ce nu sunt. Subiectul se intensifică pe măsură ce autorul ajunge la darurile revelatoare (vorbirea în limbi, profeția), cărora le aduce remarci pertinente, dar puțin cam superficiale. Nu vreau să spun că nu scrie consistent teologic, ci pur și simplu raportat la natura subiectului și la “concurență” sunt relativ slabe. Schreiner tinde să sară prea rapid de la o idee la alta fără să fie meticulos, prezentând diverse interpretări (însă într-adevăr cartea se prezintă ca fiind o introducere pentru publicul larg). Pe de altă parte, discuția despre 1 Cor. 12:13 a fost destul de interesantă, Schreiner argumentând că atât Pavel cât și Luca împărtășesc aceeași viziune asupra botezului cu DS, anume că reprezintă defapt convertirea. Nu pot nega interpretarea, cu toate că eu cred că există o distincție teologică între modul în care Pavel folosește termenul, dar concluzia e aceeași. Totuși, pentru cineva care ar vrea o critica mai consistentă, autorul se rezumă doar la a prezenta viziunea baptistă, aproape ignorând posibilele întrebări care s-ar naște pe parcurs.
În cele din urmă, criticarea argumentului cesaționist conform căruia 1 Cor. 13:8-12 reprezintă încheierea Nt a fost binevenită. Iar punctul de vedere al autorului, fundamentat pe Ef. 2:20 este destul de bun, însă continuă să ridice întrebări cărora le e greu de oferit un răspuns. De asemenea, pentru a demonstra concluzia trebuie înțelese clar premisele de la care se pornește, iar Sam Storms expunea foarte bine una dintre presupozițiile lui Schreiner: “Of course, he is entirely correct. But this argument is persuasive only if it can be demostrated that the sort of prophecies that continuationist affirm do, in fact, “have the same authority as Scripture.””
Pe alocuri cartea sună aproape la fel ca “Showing the Spirit”, însă nu mă uimește de îndată ce atât teza lui Grudem cât și cea a lui Carson i-au slujit mulți ani ca reper teologic lui Schreiner (acesta a fost continuaționist și a predat o viziune continuaționistă).
Cartea începe destul de arid, o prezentare succintă a darurilor, explicații privind atât ceea ce sunt cât și ceea ce nu sunt. Subiectul se intensifică pe măsură ce autorul ajunge la darurile revelatoare (vorbirea în limbi, profeția), cărora le aduce remarci pertinente, dar puțin cam superficiale. Nu vreau să spun că nu scrie consistent teologic, ci pur și simplu raportat la natura subiectului și la “concurență” sunt relativ slabe. Schreiner tinde să sară prea rapid de la o idee la alta fără să fie meticulos, prezentând diverse interpretări (însă într-adevăr cartea se prezintă ca fiind o introducere pentru publicul larg). Pe de altă parte, discuția despre 1 Cor. 12:13 a fost destul de interesantă, Schreiner argumentând că atât Pavel cât și Luca împărtășesc aceeași viziune asupra botezului cu DS, anume că reprezintă defapt convertirea. Nu pot nega interpretarea, cu toate că eu cred că există o distincție teologică între modul în care Pavel folosește termenul, dar concluzia e aceeași. Totuși, pentru cineva care ar vrea o critica mai consistentă, autorul se rezumă doar la a prezenta viziunea baptistă, aproape ignorând posibilele întrebări care s-ar naște pe parcurs.
În cele din urmă, criticarea argumentului cesaționist conform căruia 1 Cor. 13:8-12 reprezintă încheierea Nt a fost binevenită. Iar punctul de vedere al autorului, fundamentat pe Ef. 2:20 este destul de bun, însă continuă să ridice întrebări cărora le e greu de oferit un răspuns. De asemenea, pentru a demonstra concluzia trebuie înțelese clar premisele de la care se pornește, iar Sam Storms expunea foarte bine una dintre presupozițiile lui Schreiner: “Of course, he is entirely correct. But this argument is persuasive only if it can be demostrated that the sort of prophecies that continuationist affirm do, in fact, “have the same authority as Scripture.””
March 21, 2020
Read this because I respect Schreiner as a biblical scholar. However, I rate this low for two reasons.
First, the text reads like a long blog post, and the effort it likely took to write this book does not feel like it's worth a customer's money. The book could have been a great 10-week blog series and we'd all appreciate it as such.
Second, the topic of spiritual gifts require someone with more convictions. Schreiner is lovely in his ability to be friendly towards those he disagrees. But I think a reader will get more out of someone who, yes, may be less nuanced and perhaps extremely biased, but also has more convictions. These things make for a much more interesting read. So, for the continuationist view, I found Jack Deere helpful, and the cessationist side was articulated well by Sproul in 'The Mystery of the Holy Spirit' though John MacArthur's 'Strange Fire' may be best as it's more recent.
The best chapter was 'Is New Testament prophecy mixed with error?' If that interests you, I'd just read that chapter in the bookstore.
First, the text reads like a long blog post, and the effort it likely took to write this book does not feel like it's worth a customer's money. The book could have been a great 10-week blog series and we'd all appreciate it as such.
Second, the topic of spiritual gifts require someone with more convictions. Schreiner is lovely in his ability to be friendly towards those he disagrees. But I think a reader will get more out of someone who, yes, may be less nuanced and perhaps extremely biased, but also has more convictions. These things make for a much more interesting read. So, for the continuationist view, I found Jack Deere helpful, and the cessationist side was articulated well by Sproul in 'The Mystery of the Holy Spirit' though John MacArthur's 'Strange Fire' may be best as it's more recent.
The best chapter was 'Is New Testament prophecy mixed with error?' If that interests you, I'd just read that chapter in the bookstore.
March 14, 2021
The author is a great teacher of the Bible. He really does a great job of tackling a tricky topic with tactful arguments and great apologetic thinking.
He really does an incredible job of “rightly dividing the Bible.” I have known a little bit about spiritual gifts, and I was extremely excited to pick up this book because I have been teaching spiritual gifts to my youth group. I learned more about spiritual gifts than I thought I would through this book. The author does a great job of making big concepts clear. He is very humble in that he openly admits (twice) that he could be wrong.
He clearly explains each argument from each point of view and then gives his reasons and beliefs for why they are right or wrong.
I was just amazed when he explained the wrong philosophy many cessationists give for the cessation of miraculous gifts. He does give a few pretty powerful arguments for the cessation of certain gifts. However, in 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, the perfect that will come is the second coming of Christ. I had never heard this perspective, but his arguments are extremely convincing.
He really does an incredible job of “rightly dividing the Bible.” I have known a little bit about spiritual gifts, and I was extremely excited to pick up this book because I have been teaching spiritual gifts to my youth group. I learned more about spiritual gifts than I thought I would through this book. The author does a great job of making big concepts clear. He is very humble in that he openly admits (twice) that he could be wrong.
He clearly explains each argument from each point of view and then gives his reasons and beliefs for why they are right or wrong.
I was just amazed when he explained the wrong philosophy many cessationists give for the cessation of miraculous gifts. He does give a few pretty powerful arguments for the cessation of certain gifts. However, in 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, the perfect that will come is the second coming of Christ. I had never heard this perspective, but his arguments are extremely convincing.
January 7, 2024
Written by one of the most charitable and intelligent scholars out there, this book serves as a great resource on the gifts, personally convicts on matters of serving the church, and provides a persuasive case for cessationism (what Schreiner calls “a nuanced cessationism”). I remain convinced (in agreement with Schreiner) that the meaning of prophecy did not change from the OT to the NT. While there is the clear burden on the cessationist to prove that there is a discontinuity (a ceasing) following the apostolic age, Schreiner highlights at least two other burdens — that the continuationist has the burden to show (1) that the definition of prophecy changed from OT to NT, and (2) that there is a difference between the gift of tongues in Acts 2 and the gift in 1 Corinthians 14 (the latter often being understood as ecstatic utterances). Nevertheless, I look forward to reading Carson and/or Grudem to see their differing perspective.
January 22, 2025
Thomas R. Schreiner does an excellent job of articulating what he calls a nuanced cessationist position. He has helped me better understand the meaning of some of the spiritual gifts, especially the word of knowledge and the word of wisdom. He also effectively refutes the fallible prophecy view. Schreiner defends his cessationist position with love, and he demonstrates that Christians can have constructive dialogue and disagree charitably. As he says, if I have the right view of spiritual gifts but have not love, I am nothing. While I generally disagree with his position, given that I am of the open but cautious persuasion, his book is one I would promptly and eagerly recommend to anyone who wants to learn about spiritual gifts.
January 13, 2022
This book is a great read that cleared up much confusion that I have had on the use of spiritual gifts and where my standpoint is on tongues, prophecy, etc. Schreiner lays out a great argument for nuanced cessationism. I found his argument convincing and it helped me process how to understand my brothers in sisters who hold a continuationist viewpoint.
"If I have the right view of spiritual gifts, but I don't have love, then I am nothing."
"If I have the right view of spiritual gifts, but I don't have love, then I am nothing."
October 9, 2023
O livro cumpre muito bem seu papel em dar uma ideia geral da perspectiva cessacionista.
Discordo da posição do autor que 1 Co 13:12-13 se refira ao estado após a Segunda Vinda de Cristo. Ao meu ver, este verso fala sobre o fechamento do cânon.
Também discordo da posição do autor sobre os “evangelistas”. Entendo que não há mais possibilidade de termos o ofício de evangelistas.
Apesar das ressalvas, é um bom livro para começar a pensar neste assunto dos dons.
Discordo da posição do autor que 1 Co 13:12-13 se refira ao estado após a Segunda Vinda de Cristo. Ao meu ver, este verso fala sobre o fechamento do cânon.
Também discordo da posição do autor sobre os “evangelistas”. Entendo que não há mais possibilidade de termos o ofício de evangelistas.
Apesar das ressalvas, é um bom livro para começar a pensar neste assunto dos dons.
March 12, 2024
Schreiner presents a form of nuanced cessationism. In which, he doesn’t deny that God may still use some gifts today, but on rare occasions. As a continuationist, I certainly agree with Schreiner that the office of apostleship has ceased. But in terms of the other gifts, most are still active. I do, however, respect Schreiner’s scholarship and agree that love reigns over who has “the right view on spiritual gifts”. If you don’t have love, what do you have? Solid book. 8/10.
August 29, 2018
Characteristically clear and concise writing from Schreiner on the spiritual gifts and then a final chapter on “nuanced cessationism.” I was already in agreement with the authors position but appreciated the candor and charity with which he approached the opposition arguments. An excellent little introduction for laymen and pastors.
January 21, 2019
Probably the best lay-level treatment of cessationism (nuanced). The main keys to Schreiner's arguments are 1) tongues is foreign language that when rightly translated is akin to infallible prophecy; 2) prophecy is infallible revelation that is given directly by God; 3)both of these-and possibly other gifts-were for the foundation of the church and no longer necessary (Eph 2:20); 4) non-relevatory gifts continue today until Christ returns.
I think Schreiner is fair, clear, and helpful--even in places where I think he argument lacked stronger support. I would recommend this to members of my church who want a basic introduction to the issue.
I think Schreiner is fair, clear, and helpful--even in places where I think he argument lacked stronger support. I would recommend this to members of my church who want a basic introduction to the issue.
August 27, 2021
A helpful book in unpacking ‘nuanced cessationism’. I learned a lot, feel as if I can articulate this topic better, and am encouraged that God has given His children gifts for the good of one another and His glory.
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