Head Coverings: A Cessationist Argument

Typically cessationism is a term applied to arguments involving the passing away of the so-called "charismatic gifts." Cessationism as a theological concept however has a meaningful application to the matter of head coverings as discussed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11 because he explicitly draws the connection between them and the exercise of supernatural spiritual gifts in the public worship assembly. This message explains the relationship of head coverings to prayer and prophecy in public worship, and argues that "prayer" refers to praying in tongues (1 Cor. 14:14), not the element of prayer which is to be led by pastors and elders in public worship. Given the connection Paul forges between women wearing a head covering while speaking in prayer tongues or prophesying, the conclusion is drawn that with the cessation of the charismatic gifts at the close of the apostolic era, the warrant and circumstance for the use of head coverings in public worship has ceased. Women then, after the apostolic era, are entitled to have a clear conscience that they are not offending God by worshiping with an uncovered head.