GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

According to 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 there are a variety of gifts we can receive from Yahweh's Holy Spirit. Although there is a variety of gifts, there is still only one Holy Spirit (verse 4). Some of these gifts are: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, powerful works, prophesying, tongues, and interpretations (verses 8-10). But it is good to remember that this chapter in Corinthians does not say that ALL who have Holy Spirit will receive certain gifts, therefore lacking a gift does not indicate lacking the spirit. The free gift of the holy spirit was poured on all people, even those who haven't been baptized yet (Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:2-7). God distributes these gifts as He sees fit (1 Corinthians 12:8-31, Hebrews 2:4). The main identifier of a person being one of God's true Christians is not so much if they have a gift of the spirit, but if they have love among themselves (John 13:35). Having gifts means nothing if we don't also have love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Scripture states the gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge will eventually end (1 Corinthians 13:8), because we have only partial knowledge and only partial prophecy, and when that which is complete arrives, that which is partial will discontinue (1 Corinthians 13:9-10). These gifts continue all the way up until the return of Christ (compare Acts 2:17-21/ Joel 2:28-32 with Matthew 24:29-30). This indicates that the "complete" thing to arrive will be Christ, which is supported in Ephesians 4:13. All gifts must take place for the encouragement of others (1 Corinthians 14:26). It is imperative to remember, though, that not all who claim to have gifts are of God, therefore we must be careful to discern the genuine from the fraud (Matthew 7:21-23).

TONGUES: Although the bible speaks of the gift of tongues, we need to remember that some who speak may not truly originate from the Holy Spirit - 1 John 4:1 reminds us to test the inspired expressions to be sure they originate from God. The bible gives information as to what is expected when using this gift:
1 -- If there is someone speaking in tongues, then there should be someone there to interpret. If there is no interpreter then the speaker should remain silent (1 Corinthians 14:6-11,27-28).
2 -- The speaking of tongues is useless without it being for a revelation, prophecy, or teaching (1 Corinthians 14:6).
3 -- Though we are to pursue the gift of prophecy, we are not to forbid the speaking of tongues (1 Corinthians 14:39). This scripture also points out that if one speaks in tongues and yet no one understands, then it is futility.
4 -- Verses 22-23 points out that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, not the believers, which is why the interpretations are necessary.

Now, when the people in the bible spoke in tongues, they were actually speaking in the native languages of the foreigners who were present (Acts 2:1-7,11), validating that the tongues were actually for the benefit of unbelievers. Also, the speaking of tongues in a congregation was to be limited to one or two speakers along with a translator (1 Corinthians 14:27). According to scripture, in later times Christians will be speaking with new tongues (Mark 16:17). Since the bible doesn't elaborate on what "new tongues" would be, we can only speculate on that matter.

INTERPRETATIONS: Interpretations belong only to God (Genesis 40:8) and no prophecy of God springs forth from a private interpretation (1 Peter 1:20-21). Interpretation of tongues is a spiritual gift from God (1 Corinthians 12:10). Interpretation of dreams are from God ( Genesis 41:15-16).

POWERFUL WORKS : The apostles had the ability to perform powerful works (Acts 14:3, 2 Corinthians 12:12). We aren't to stop those who do powerful works in the name of Jesus, for by doing so we may be condemning ourselves (Mark 9:38-42). However, though many faithful men may receive such a gift, we must remember that Jesus also warns that not all who claim such gifts really know him, as stated at Matthew 7:21-23. Satan can mislead us with his own lying signs and powerful works if we aren't careful to search out the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

PROPHESYING: The gift of prophecy is considered a greater gift than that of tongues, that is, unless that one also translates the tongues (1 Corinthians 14: 1-5). Only two or three prophets are to speak, while the others discern the meaning (1 Corinthians 14:29), but if another one gets a revelation while the first is still sitting there, then the first one with the revelation is to keep silent, in order to prevent disorder; therefore all should prophesy one by one, not simultaneously (1 Corinthians 14:30-33) . This gift given to the prophets is to be controlled by the prophets (1 Corinthians 14:32). The gift of prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers (1 Corinthians 14:22). Prophecy is only brought forth by God through Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Scriptures indicate that in the last days God will pour out his spirit on people and they will be given the gift of prophecy (Acts 2:17-18). We are not to treat prophesying with contempt (1 Thessalonians 5:20). We must also beware of false prophets, for they will abound (Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 24:11,24, 2 Peter 2:1). You can discern a false prophet by their "fruits", and their prophecies don't come true (Matthew 7:15-20, Jeremiah 28:1-17, 2 Peter 2:1-3). For further information on false prophets, refer to the page titled "False Prophets" on this website.

HEALINGS: The power of healings comes from God Himself (Luke 5:17). Many faithful men in scripture were given the power of healing (Luke 9:1-2, Acts 28:8). Jesus Christ prayed to the Father that his disciples could receive the gift of healing (Acts 4:29-30). The early Christian congregation was given gifts of healing (1 Corinthians 12:8-31).

WISDOM/KNOWLEDGE: Wisdom and knowledge come from God (Proverbs 2:6-7, Luke 21:15, 1 Corinthians 2:1-13, 12:8).King Solomon was blessed with the gift of wisdom from God (1 Kings 4:29-34, 1 Kings 5:12). The early Christians were also given the gift of wisdom (Acts 6:3, 10, Ephesians 1:17). God gives the gift of wisdom to all who ask Him for it (James 1:5).

As scripture indicates, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are many and can be bestowed on anyone that Yahweh wills to have them. And as shown above, these gifts will continue right on through the end times until Christ returns. Therefore, although we must be careful of false Christians, we must also be careful to not condemn those who really do have gifts.