The Spirit: From Necessary to Optional

“Cessationism, in Christian theology, is the view that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, such as healing, tongues, and prophetic revelation, pertained to the apostolic era only, served a purpose that was unique to establishing the early church, and passed away before the canon of Scripture was closed. It is contrasted with Continuationism, which is the view that the miraculous gifts are normative, have not ceased, and are available for the believer today.” (https://www.theopedia.com/cessationism)  While cessationists believe God still performs miracles today, they teach that God does not specifically equip individual Christians to perform miraculous signs. Most evangelicals are not familiar with this term, but seminary-educated pastors are, and while it may not be the topic of many pulpit sermons, it does reside deep in the doctrinal statements of many churches. And as with many other theological issues, there are camps on either side. However, the everyday churchgoers may never encounter the teaching that many believe is Truth, when in fact it is just an interpretation, and in my opinion, an interpretation without much sound biblical evidence. My research led me to some interesting accounts of the origin of this doctrine: The Reformation. This is also when the seeds of Evangelicalism were planted in the Church. Cessationism and Evangelicalism have grown up together in the same soil.