I cleaned up my original post:
I think all of us would agree that the bible alone is the standard for christian living and doctrine. No where in the bible does it state clearly or extensively that gifts have ceased during the current 'dispensation' for lack of a better term.
Please understand, there are many themes that appear constantly throughout scripture. It is from these themes which we derive our doctrines. Themes such as Jesus as the Christ, salvation by faith alone and not works, imputed righteousness and the process of sanctification just to name a few. These themes can be proven because they appear time and time again in the scriptures.
Now, taking this into consideration, let's take another look at 1 Corinthians 13: 8-12 (NKJ):
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
There are two basic views held by Cessationists. I have even heard certain individuals on these boards repeat both views which makes no sense to me seeing as these views tend to conflict with one another however, for the sake of discussion, let's review both.
The first view is that the perfect mentioned in verse 10 is that the gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased once the canon of scripture was completed. The problem with this view is that throughout the centuries Christian bishops and scholars have debated heavily as to which books should be included in the canon and which should not. The bible used traditionally by Catholics for over 1500 years contains several books that the the bible used by the Eastern Orthodox Church which has been around just as long if not longer than Catholicism if not longer. The Eastern Orthodox bible contains more books that your typical Protestant bible. There are many different translations of the Protestant bible which vary in interpretation, each possessing equal validity to the meaning of their interpretations. Because of everything that I have just listed, there is no way to discern whether or not that the bible you now hold in your hands is the complete canon of scripture.
The second view makes a bit more sense however, it is every bit as controversial and questionable as the first. That view hangs on the idea that the perfect mentioned in verse 10 is the kingdom / millennium. I tend to agree with this assessment however, the million dollar question is whether or not we are currently living in the millennium or is the millennium yet to come. I believe the key to unlocking this scripture's intended meaning rests in verse 12:
'For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.'
Notice that Paul uses the terms 'face to face' and 'as I also am known'. I find it hard to believe that Paul is referring to a place or a period time because both terms imply personal interaction of some sort. This leads me to believe that the perfect mentioned in verse 10 is not a a thing, a place or a time but a person.
Now let's go back to the original topic of this conversation. We can safely derive our doctrine according to scriptural themes found throughout the bible. We can safely discern the central themes of the bible given the number of times a subject is discussed in the bible and how these discussions compare to and agree with one another. Taking all of the writings of the New Testament into consideration, I have yet to find a single theme that does not revolve around the return of Jesus Christ. All of the apostles believed and professed what many today would refer to as the doctrine of 'imminence'. Imminence is the belief that Jesus could return at any time. Everything they taught, everything they did was in preparation for the Lord's return. I believe that we can safely assume that Imminence is the central theme of all of the New Testament epistles regardless of the author. Jesus himself refers to Imminence throughout his own teachings in the four gospels as well as the book of Acts. Just how or why can we justify interpreting 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 through any means other than Imminence? You can't.
To me, this controversy is settled. The gifts of the Holy Spirit will not cease until the physical return of Jesus Christ. Anything else is poor exegesis of scripture.