THE EXEGETICAL BASIS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS’ CESSATIONISM

Abstract

While most work on Jonathan Edwards’ cessationism has rooted his views in his general theological framework and conception of redemptive history, his cessationist beliefs were not without a strong exegetical basis. In several sermons dealing with spiritual gifts and vocation, Edwards drew on a wide range of New Testament scriptures, from the gospels to the Pauline epistles (especially 1 Corinthians) to Revelation, to argue that the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, having long-since fulfilled their purpose, had ceased at the close of the apostolic age. Paul had clearly foretold this cessation of the instrumental, non-salvific gifts, so their end was nothing to mourn, nor their resumption a thing to hope for. Rather, the church should focus on the greater work of the Holy Spirit in the continued, ordinary graces, and on its own calling to function as Christ’s body in the world. As a moderate voice during the Great Awakening, Edwards exhorted believers to pursue the true and lasting spiritual graces, which were less susceptible to deception, fostered greater humility, pointed to God’s glory, and were of greatest use to the church.