Cessationism.

Cessationism;

A Cessationist believes the Christian doctrine that asserts the gifts of the Holy Spirit (speaking in tongues, prophecy and healing) ceased when the original Apostles died out. The belief was rooted in the idea that these gifts were specifically given to aid the establishment of the early church and that once the New Testament was complete and the church established, the need for these miraculous gifts diminished until they no longer existed.

Continuationism, on the other hand, believes the spiritual gifts continue to all future generations.

Cessationists believe God can perform miracles and heal, but not through individuals. They also believe teaching, evangelism, mercy, service and giving, continue to be active and necessary. The role of the Holy Spirit is viewed as critical but distinct (separate) from the miraculous gifts present during the formation of the early church.

They believe the Holy Spirit inspired the authors of the scriptures. That the Holy Spirit aids Christians to understand and apply biblical teaching. That the Holy Spirit sanctifies, guides and enables the spiritual fruit (peace, joy, love), but that the miraculous gifts have ceased. They believe Holy Spirit fosters unity, fellowship and harmony and is primarily carried out through preaching and teaching of the word.

When it comes to the miraculous; Cessationists generally don’t believe in the practice of the laying on of hands for healing, although they do not prohibit it, for they acknowledge touch can be meaningful and comforting. They hold that while God can heal, the role of healers has ceased.

What do I believe? I’ve laid hands on people, trusting in the healing power of Jesus and seen miraculous healing. If this didn’t work, I couldn’t have seen it.