Exposing the Dangers of Cessationism: A Biblical Rebuttal to John MacArthur's "Charismatic Chaos"

**Exposing the Dangers of Cessationism: A Biblical Rebuttal to John MacArthur's "Charismatic Chaos"**

Ed Lennox gives his personal testimony

Watch video on Tiktok

Watch video on YouTube 

In his book "Charismatic Chaos," John MacArthur Jr. presents a staunch defense of cessationism, the belief that certain spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, tongues, and healing, ceased with the apostolic age and are no longer operative in the church today. While MacArthur's arguments may seem compelling to some, a closer examination reveals significant flaws and dangers inherent in cessationist doctrine. In this article, we will explore the biblical evidence that refutes cessationism and highlights its potential harm to believers in Christ.

### Misinterpreting Scripture

One of the primary problems with cessationism, as espoused by MacArthur, is its misinterpretation of key biblical passages related to spiritual gifts. For example, MacArthur often cites 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, where Paul speaks of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge ceasing "when that which is perfect has come." However, a careful examination of the context reveals that "that which is perfect" refers not to the completion of the biblical canon, as cessationists argue, but to the return of Christ and the consummation of all things (1 Corinthians 13:12; Revelation 21:1-4).

### Denying the Continuity of God's Work

Cessationism also denies the continuity of God's work in the world and limits His ability to manifest His power and presence among His people. Throughout Scripture, we see God working miraculously in the lives of believers, performing signs and wonders to confirm His word and demonstrate His glory (Acts 4:30; Hebrews 2:4). To suggest that God has ceased such manifestations of His power is to misunderstand His character and diminish His sovereignty over creation.

### Suppressing the Holy Spirit's Work

Furthermore, cessationism can lead to the suppression of the Holy Spirit's work in the lives of believers and hinder their spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry. By denying the validity of certain spiritual gifts, cessationists effectively quench the Spirit and discourage believers from seeking and exercising the gifts that God has given them for the building up of the body of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20; 1 Corinthians 14:12).

### Embracing a Dangerous Paradigm

Ultimately, cessationism presents a dangerous paradigm that undermines the authority of Scripture and limits the work of the Holy Spirit in the church. By imposing arbitrary limitations on God's ability to work in and through His people, cessationists risk falling into spiritual pride and legalism, neglecting the dynamic and transformative power of the gospel to bring healing, deliverance, and salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5).

### Embracing the Fullness of God's Gifts

As believers, we must reject the narrow confines of cessationism and embrace the fullness of God's gifts and manifestations of His Spirit. Scripture exhorts us to eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy, which builds up the church and brings encouragement, consolation, and conviction to believers (1 Corinthians 14:1-5). Let us not be swayed by the arguments of those who would limit God's power and presence among His people but instead press on in faith, eagerly anticipating the full manifestation of His kingdom and glory.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, John MacArthur's "Charismatic Chaos" and the cessationist doctrine it promotes are not only biblically unfounded but also potentially harmful to believers in Christ. By denying the continuity of God's work and suppressing the Holy Spirit's manifestations, cessationism robs believers of the fullness of God's gifts and hinders their effectiveness in ministry. Let us instead embrace the biblical truth that God's Spirit continues to work powerfully in the lives of believers today, empowering them to proclaim the gospel with boldness and demonstrate His kingdom with signs and wonders following.

WARNING! DO NO READ "CHARISMATIC CHAOS' 
Unless you are a strong Christian rooted in the faith and doctrines of the Bible on these subject matters, I strongly advise you not to read this book by John F (false teacher) MacArthur Jr. I read it when I was a young Christian, not knowing the Bible as well as I should have, I became possessed by a spirit of religious deception after reading it. I ended up leaving a good church where I was attending and went backwards in my walk with God to a cessationist church that denied the biblical truth about apostles, prophets, the gifts of the Spirit, the baptism of the Holy Ghost, prosperity, divine healing, speaking in tongues etc. The author twists scripture, misrepresents it's true interpretation, mixing truth with lies to decieve the unlearned and simple. Thankfully God delivered me and brought me back to the light after much study of God's Word, and restored me back to the church I had left. This book is religious poison!

Author of Charismatic Chaos, John MacArthur Jr, is a false cessation critic against the gifts of the Spirit, the five-fold ministry, signs and wonders, healing, and prosperity, tongues, and God speaking to us today etc. - it's flat out blasphemous denial-ism of the Spirits work in the church today.

Cessationism: In Christianity, cessationism is the doctrine that spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy and healing ceased with the apostolic age. This is generally opposed to continuationism, which teaches that the Holy Spirit may bestow the spiritual gifts on persons other than the original twelve apostles at any time.

The following is an excellent article which refutes the false doctrine of the book "Charismatic Chaos" and it's cessation gainsaying - line upon line...

Read here > https://www.douglasjacoby.com/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/response-to-charismatic-chaos-by-rich-natha.pdf

Titus 1:9...hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it was taught, so that by sound teaching you will be able to encourage others and refute those who contradict this message. 10 For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision…

John F. MacArthur, Jr is a "Heretic on the Blood of Christ" 
Read here > http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Wolves/john_macarthur_exposed.htm

The Deadly Doctrines of John MacArthur 
Read here > http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Doctrines/Lordship%20Salvation/macarthur-confusing.htm

John MacArthur’s False Teachings and Pornography
Read here > https://vallee7.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/dr-john-macarthurs-false-teachings/


John MacArthur Jr exposed as a heretic, preaching the false gospel of Lordship Salvation, which is a form of works salvation.

John MacArthur is a false prophet and a wolf in sheep's clothing who teaches that man must surrender everything to Christ in obedience in order to be saved.

The same lie is spread by #RayComfort, #PaulWasher, #MikeHoggard, #TimConway, #DavidCloud, #AvantiMinistries, #JackChick, #ChickTracts, Local Church Bible Publishers and many other wolves in sheep's clothing.

The doctrine is the opposite of what the Bible says:

''But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.'' Romans 4:5

The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith without works, before during or after salvation (Romans 4:5-6).
Salvation is a free gift (Romans 5:18), received through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-31, Ephesians 2:8-9).

John MacArthur Jr also denies that the physical blood of Jesus is what washes our sins away; he denies that Jesus' blood is necessary for salvation which is blasphemy.

Watch video here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGwXIoMnNgg