The Heb 11 faith chapter presents two groups of the faithful and they are specifically mentioned in verses 32 to 40. This passage helps me to understand the perennial tension between the continualists and the cessationists today.
The first group (verses 32-35a) are the ones who experienced miraculous victories and deliverance. They conquered kingdoms, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, escaped the edge of the sword and received back their dead by resurrection.
The second group (verses 35b-38) were also commended for their faith but their experience was very different – they were tortured, refusing to accept release, mocked and flogged, killed with the sword, went about destitute and wandering in deserts and mountains.
The Continualists emphasize the ongoing miraculous works of the Spirit – healing, prophecy, tongues, signs etc and this mindset resonates with the first group where faith leads to visible triumphs and miracles.
The Cessationists believe that certain supernatural gifts ceased after the apostolic age. Many of them focus on endurance, fidelity to Scripture, and suffering for Christ and aligns more closely with the second group where faith is shown through perseverance under persecution and loss, without necessarily seeing outward miracles.
This Scriptural passage gives no superiority to either group. Both were commended through their faith (verse 39). The miracle-receivers and the martyr-sufferers are equally honored. In fact, both groups are seen incomplete without us – pointing to something greater in God’s plan (verse 40).
In conclusion, Scripture is certain that faith is not validated by visible outcomes, where miracles occur or not. God works both through signs and through silence. Faith, in both cases, is what pleases Him.
Postscript : I must mention that the NAR movement is in neither of these 2 groups. If we test them by the criteria of a different gospel, different Jesus and different spirit – namely the way of Cain, Balaam’s error and Korah’s rebellion – these so called prophets and apostles are found wanting. I am not surprised that many are already being exposed for their immorality and lack of integrity.
