what are the greater works of john 14:12 cessationism

Natashya

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26-12-2024

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The Greater Works of John 14:12 Cessationism: A Deeper Dive

John 14:12 is a pivotal verse in the debate surrounding cessationism, the belief that miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, and healing, ceased after the completion of the New Testament canon. Cessationists interpret this verse ("Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father.") as referring to a different kind of "work" than the miraculous acts performed by Jesus and the apostles. Let's explore this interpretation in more detail.

Understanding the Cessationist Perspective on John 14:12

Cessationists argue that the "greater works" Jesus mentions aren't superior in power to his miracles, but rather in scope and lasting impact. They believe the miraculous gifts served a specific purpose in the early church:

• Confirmation of the Gospel: Miracles validated the apostles' message, establishing the nascent church's credibility in a hostile environment. Once the New Testament was complete, this validation was no longer needed.

• Foundation of the Church: The miraculous gifts helped build the church's structure and lay its foundational doctrines. Once the church was established, the need for these foundational signs diminished.

• Temporary Nature of the Gifts: Some cessationists see the miraculous gifts as temporary, analogous to scaffolding removed once a building is complete. They fulfilled their purpose and are no longer necessary for the ongoing life of the church.

What are the "Greater Works" According to Cessationists?

Cessationists identify the "greater works" as those resulting from the ongoing mission of the church:

• Global Evangelism: The spread of the Gospel across the world, reaching diverse cultures and languages, is considered a "greater work" because of its enduring and widespread impact.

• Church Planting and Growth: The establishment of new churches and the expansion of existing ones are seen as vital components of this ongoing mission.

• Social Transformation: Cessationists believe the church should strive to impact society positively, reflecting God's love and justice through acts of service, compassion, and social justice initiatives.

• Discipleship and Spiritual Formation: Raising up mature believers who can effectively live out their faith and mentor others is a "greater work" that builds the Kingdom of God.

• Literary and Theological Contributions: The ongoing production of sound theology, biblical scholarship, and devotional literature contribute to the growth and understanding of faith.

Addressing Counter-Arguments and Objections

Critics of cessationism often argue that the "greater works" must refer to miraculous acts exceeding those of Jesus. Cessationists respond by pointing out the context of John 14:12 within the broader discourse of Jesus' ministry and the role of the Holy Spirit. The promise isn't about surpassing Jesus' power, but about continuing his mission through different means.

Furthermore, the cessationist view doesn't negate the power of God to work miraculously today. While they don't believe in the continuation of specific, codified charismatic gifts, they acknowledge God's sovereignty and ability to intervene in exceptional circumstances. However, they argue against the systematic expectation and pursuit of such gifts in the present day.

Conclusion:

The cessationist understanding of John 14:12 centers on the idea that the "greater works" are not about surpassing Jesus' miracles but about expanding the scope and enduring influence of the Gospel through the ongoing mission of the church. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of evangelism, discipleship, and societal impact as crucial aspects of fulfilling Christ's commission in the modern era. The debate remains a complex and important one within Christianity, requiring careful consideration of scriptural context, historical developments, and theological perspectives.