I have been struck by how absurd it is to be a non-cessationist and not to actively seek the things that are claimed to be theologically legitimate and appropriate for the church in these last days. The apostle Paul would surely have found it impossible to tolerate such a view. Indeed, he reminds the Corinthian church three times to seek the spiritual gifts, particularly that they might prophesy:
So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. (1 Cor. 14:39)
Earnestly desire the higher gifts. (1 Cor. 12:31)
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. (1 Cor. 14:1)
If our theology allows for the continuation of the spiritual gifts, then, no matter how we define them, we are bound by the authority of Scripture to earnestly seek them. It is simply not enough to be content with theological accommodation, but must pursue the implications of our theological views. I am not advocating a pursuit of the unbiblical practices of some high profile charismatics. Rather, we are pursuing the gifts as given and distributed by Jesus to his body on earth, and as demonstrated and defined in Scripture.
What is also noteworthy in these quotations from Corinthians, is that Paul does not say we must desire prophecy in principle only. The apostle is asking us to desire prophecy in practice. He is asking for more than a theology of the spiritual gifts, but that “you may prophesy”. In other words, do not seek the gift for the Church in a general sense, but desire to participate in the act of prophesying within the context of the local church
So, if we are non-cessationist by theological persuasion, even if we are not actually practicing the spiritual gifts at the present time, we must be engaged in actively seeking and desiring the manifestation of the spiritual gifts - especially the act of prophesying. If we don’t - if we disregard the Scriptural imperative - is it any wonder that we see such an absence of the gifts in our churches?
