CONTINUATIONISM Meaning and
Definition
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Continuationism is a theological perspective that asserts the continuation of certain spiritual gifts, especially those listed in the New Testament, such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, healing, and miracles. It suggests that these supernatural manifestations and abilities did not cease with the early church but are still present and accessible to believers today.
From a continuationist viewpoint, the Holy Spirit bestows and empowers individuals with spiritual gifts in order to enhance the ministry and effectiveness of the Church. Continuationism emphasizes that these gifts are not limited to a specific time period but are ongoing and active in the present era. Proponents believe that these gifts play a crucial role in edifying, encouraging, and strengthening the faith community.
Those who adhere to continuationism often look to biblical passages, such as 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 12:6-8, and Ephesians 4:11-13, to support their beliefs. They interpret these verses as evidence that the Holy Spirit continues to work through believers, empowering them to exercise these supernatural abilities for the glory of God and the benefit of the Church.
Continuationism stands in contrast to cessationism, which holds that certain spiritual gifts were temporary and ceased with the completion of the biblical canon or the apostolic era. Continuationists maintain that God's supernatural intervention and empowerment through the Holy Spirit are accessible and operational in the present day, bringing about spiritual transformation, revival, and the advancement of the gospel message.
Common Misspellings for CONTINUATIONISM
- xontinuationism
- vontinuationism
- fontinuationism
- dontinuationism
- cintinuationism
- ckntinuationism
- clntinuationism
- cpntinuationism
- c0ntinuationism
- c9ntinuationism
- cobtinuationism
- comtinuationism
- cojtinuationism
- cohtinuationism
- conrinuationism
- confinuationism
- conginuationism
- conyinuationism
- con6inuationism
- con5inuationism
Etymology of CONTINUATIONISM
The word "continuationism" is derived from the root word "continue", which comes from the Latin word "continuare". "Continuare" means "to make continuous" or "to connect", and is a combination of the Latin words "con-" (with, together) and "tinuus" (uninterrupted, continual). The suffix "-ism" is added to form a noun meaning a doctrine, belief, or practice. Therefore, "continuationism" refers to the belief or doctrine that certain spiritual gifts and phenomena, such as prophecy, tongues, and miracles, continue to be active in the present day, as opposed to the belief of cessationism, which holds that these gifts ceased after the Apostolic age.
