Nuanced
Open Brethren vary on cessation; Exclusive Brethren are firmly cessationist.
The Holy Spirit's role and gifting differs between Brethren streams. Exclusive Brethren are explicitly cessationist, affirming that miraculous gifts ceased with the apostolic age. Open Brethren show more diversity: some are cessationist while others allow for the Holy Spirit's ongoing active ministry including prayer and prophecy, though typically not what would be called 'speaking in tongues' in modern charismatic terms. Both streams affirm the Spirit's role in regeneration and sanctification. Leaders like F.B. Meyer showed openness to Spirit empowerment while maintaining Scriptural restraint.
Key Distinctions
- Personhood:
- third divine person, coequal with Father and Son
- Spiritual gifts view:
- cessationist — miraculous sign gifts (tongues, prophecy, healing) ceased with the Apostles
- Spirit baptism:
- occurs at conversion (initial salvation); no distinct second experience
Scripture References
Sources
- J.N. Darby, Lectures on Doctrine
- F.B. Meyer, The Holy Spirit in Work and Witness