Theological Research Paper: Nine Spiritual Gifts
Nine Spiritual Gifts
Theological Research Paper 1 THEO 350-B03 Fall 2010 Dave Sheeley September 26,2010
Why would a word that simply means gifts of grace scare so many people? Could it be that charismatic is a grossly misunderstood term by a great percentage of the Christian community? Are these signs as they are used today simply for the visual benefit of the instigators or are they truly inspired gifts from God?
There are some basic facts about spiritual gifts that seem to be agreed upon by the majority of people who believe that Jesus Christ is their Lord and savior. …show more content…
1.”…we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly” (Rom. 12:6). “But to each one grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). Gifts are not earned or merited, especially gifts of grace these are gifts given freely and nothing in the power of man can earn them. 2. In 1Peter 4:10 says “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace 0f God” this passage has been used to justify the use of tongues and other charismatic gifts. This is using a passage to justify an action by a single or minority of believers using a “gift” to show some believers how lacking they are in gifts from the Lord. We just need to look at this passage again to realize it says each one not just some special ones. 3. Inactivity is the believers biggest reason they don’t realize their gift. Most Christians sit around waiting for their gifts to be discovered and becoming frustrated with the lord for not showing them what gifts they were blessed with and then beginning to believe that only a select few have received these gifts. Everyone was given a gift that can be found by being active for the Lord, go to Him stop waiting for Him to wait on you.
There are two views when it comes to charismatic gifts. The cessationist view which says that charismatic gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing and other gifts ceased to happen after the New Testament. The continuationist view that these gifts have continued and Christians have continued to use these gifts in their lives. Having read the scriptures that each side uses for their arguments it is easy to understand how both sides could think they are right.
The nine charismatic gifts are the gifts mentioned in 1Cor 12-14; they are usually grouped into three groups. Different title depending on what denomination is discussing the issues, but generally they fall into the following groups. 1.
Gifts of Inspiration; tongues, interpretation of tongues and prophecy 2. Gifts of Revelation; word of knowledge, word of wisdom and discerning the spirits 3. Gifts of Power; gift of faith, gifts of healing and working of miracles
These gifts were so prevalent and common in the first century of the church that all churches had manifestations included in their services. This has given those who are believers in cessationism, (an end of charismatic gift after the first century), a strong argument. If during the first century all churches had all nine gifts why would the Holy Spirit put a limit on the number of gifts a church could have. Since most churches practicing tongues today are not utilizing all nine gifts in every service as was done in the first century.
There are several arguments that are used by those opposed to Charismatic gifts in today’s church; 1. We do not need spiritual gifts we have the bible, a common scripture used to back up this argument is 1Cor 13:8-13. Interestingly those that believe in the continuation of the charismatic gifts use 1Cor. 1:7 and the same scriptures as their opponents (1Cor. 13:8-13) to point out that the gifts are connected to the return of Christ and not the completion of the
Bible. 2. Being that further revelation comes from present day tongues it must be equal to scripture and should be added to the Bible. So since nothing else can be added to the Bible that makes tongues and the rest of the gifts not valid. Which according to the continuation group 1Cor. 14:26 recognizes inspired revelation that is not to be added to the Bible. Considering that there were many revelations that were made during the first century that were not made part of the Bible this argument is on shaky ground. 3. One of the more popular arguments against the gifts is; with all the misuse of the gifts they could possibly be real. There is no doubt that these gifts have been misused, but this argument in itself acknowledges the existence of such gifts. How can something that does not exist be misused? Also if misuse was a base for classifying a gift as being gone would we also have to classify the misuse of preaching as proof that the gift of preaching or even the gift of Baptism is no longer valid?
Many of those who support charismatic gifts in today’s church tie those beliefs in with the great commission using a scripture from Mark 16:15-18 Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptizes will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; [18] they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” They also use additional scripture from Matthew 28:18-20 saying that it is evident from these scriptures that Jesus intended for these gifts to continue from His first coming to His second coming. In 1 Thessalonians 1:5 Paul said “Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction”. Additionally millions of Christians believe in the promises made in 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. [8] He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ”. And possible two of their strongest arguments are the actual promise of our Lord and Savior himself as written in John 14:11-12 ...at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And Roman 11:29 God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. These two passages are very strong arguments supporting the continuing of charismatic gifts. Many of the continuationist believes that after the first century the church moved away from living and ministering in the Spirit to living and ministering in the flesh. And many of those who disagree with them believe they are using the scriptures to falsely support their misguided beliefs. Catholic doctrine defines the gifts of the Holy Spirit as "charisms" and teaches that they are distributed according to God’s will to renew and build up the church. The fact that someone has these gifts is not a sign of personal holiness but of the Holy Spirit working in and through him or her. The church says two important things to remember are that the charisms are given to empower believers to perform the work God wants them to do, and that they are granted for the good of the whole body of Christ. The Catholic doctrine also believes that praying in tongues and speaking in tongues to be two different gifts and the gift of interpretation is not a gift of translation. There are other differences between the Catholic view of the charismatic gifts and the Protestant view just as with other doctrine.
The one of the important things to take away from this difference of opinion is the opportunity that this topic provides us to become more united instead of dividing us more. These differences of opinion should humble us, it should bring the out the limited ability as Christians to fully understand God’s word. Instead of letting our sinful nature maintain an attitude of pride where one side condemns other, we should graciously acknowledge that the other side could be right even if we don’t think so. The differences of our opinions over spiritual gifts should not be allowed to change the fact that we believe the way to eternal life is through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bibliography The King James Study Bible By: Thomas Nelson, Inc Macmillan Pub Co 1988 The New American Bible By: Fireside Catholic Publishing Wichita, KS 2010
Speaking in tongues : the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit By: Hartwick, A. Reuben; Paraclete 29:9-15 Summer 1995. 1995. ISSN Baptism in the Holy Spirit, initial The gift of tongues in I Corinthians 14:1-5 By: Aker, Benny C.; Paraclete 29:13-21 Winter evidence, and a new model By: Anderson, Gordon L.;
Henry, M. (1996, c1991). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Jn 14:12). Peabody: Hendrickson.
Confessions of a post-Pentecostal believer in the charismatic gifts Olson, Roger E. Criswell Theological Review Fall 2006. Vol.4,Iss.1;p.31-40
The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts : Then and Now By: Turner, M. Carlisle, UK : Paternoster, 1996
The Bible Answer Book By: Hank Hanegraaff Volume 1(Nashville) Countryman, 2004
The Journal of Ecclesiastical History; Cambridge (0022-0469)
Oct 2010. Vol.61,Iss.4;p.746
Theological Research Paper 1 THEO 350-B03 Fall 2010 Dave Sheeley September 26,2010
Why would a word that simply means gifts of grace scare so many people? Could it be that charismatic is a grossly misunderstood term by a great percentage of the Christian community? Are these signs as they are used today simply for the visual benefit of the instigators or are they truly inspired gifts from God?
There are some basic facts about spiritual gifts that seem to be agreed upon by the majority of people who believe that Jesus Christ is their Lord and savior. …show more content…
1.”…we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly” (Rom. 12:6). “But to each one grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). Gifts are not earned or merited, especially gifts of grace these are gifts given freely and nothing in the power of man can earn them. 2. In 1Peter 4:10 says “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace 0f God” this passage has been used to justify the use of tongues and other charismatic gifts. This is using a passage to justify an action by a single or minority of believers using a “gift” to show some believers how lacking they are in gifts from the Lord. We just need to look at this passage again to realize it says each one not just some special ones. 3. Inactivity is the believers biggest reason they don’t realize their gift. Most Christians sit around waiting for their gifts to be discovered and becoming frustrated with the lord for not showing them what gifts they were blessed with and then beginning to believe that only a select few have received these gifts. Everyone was given a gift that can be found by being active for the Lord, go to Him stop waiting for Him to wait on you.
There are two views when it comes to charismatic gifts. The cessationist view which says that charismatic gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing and other gifts ceased to happen after the New Testament. The continuationist view that these gifts have continued and Christians have continued to use these gifts in their lives. Having read the scriptures that each side uses for their arguments it is easy to understand how both sides could think they are right.
The nine charismatic gifts are the gifts mentioned in 1Cor 12-14; they are usually grouped into three groups. Different title depending on what denomination is discussing the issues, but generally they fall into the following groups. 1.
Gifts of Inspiration; tongues, interpretation of tongues and prophecy 2. Gifts of Revelation; word of knowledge, word of wisdom and discerning the spirits 3. Gifts of Power; gift of faith, gifts of healing and working of miracles
These gifts were so prevalent and common in the first century of the church that all churches had manifestations included in their services. This has given those who are believers in cessationism, (an end of charismatic gift after the first century), a strong argument. If during the first century all churches had all nine gifts why would the Holy Spirit put a limit on the number of gifts a church could have. Since most churches practicing tongues today are not utilizing all nine gifts in every service as was done in the first century.
There are several arguments that are used by those opposed to Charismatic gifts in today’s church; 1. We do not need spiritual gifts we have the bible, a common scripture used to back up this argument is 1Cor 13:8-13. Interestingly those that believe in the continuation of the charismatic gifts use 1Cor. 1:7 and the same scriptures as their opponents (1Cor. 13:8-13) to point out that the gifts are connected to the return of Christ and not the completion of the
Bible. 2. Being that further revelation comes from present day tongues it must be equal to scripture and should be added to the Bible. So since nothing else can be added to the Bible that makes tongues and the rest of the gifts not valid. Which according to the continuation group 1Cor. 14:26 recognizes inspired revelation that is not to be added to the Bible. Considering that there were many revelations that were made during the first century that were not made part of the Bible this argument is on shaky ground. 3. One of the more popular arguments against the gifts is; with all the misuse of the gifts they could possibly be real. There is no doubt that these gifts have been misused, but this argument in itself acknowledges the existence of such gifts. How can something that does not exist be misused? Also if misuse was a base for classifying a gift as being gone would we also have to classify the misuse of preaching as proof that the gift of preaching or even the gift of Baptism is no longer valid?
Many of those who support charismatic gifts in today’s church tie those beliefs in with the great commission using a scripture from Mark 16:15-18 Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptizes will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; [18] they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” They also use additional scripture from Matthew 28:18-20 saying that it is evident from these scriptures that Jesus intended for these gifts to continue from His first coming to His second coming. In 1 Thessalonians 1:5 Paul said “Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction”. Additionally millions of Christians believe in the promises made in 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. [8] He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ”. And possible two of their strongest arguments are the actual promise of our Lord and Savior himself as written in John 14:11-12 ...at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And Roman 11:29 God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. These two passages are very strong arguments supporting the continuing of charismatic gifts. Many of the continuationist believes that after the first century the church moved away from living and ministering in the Spirit to living and ministering in the flesh. And many of those who disagree with them believe they are using the scriptures to falsely support their misguided beliefs. Catholic doctrine defines the gifts of the Holy Spirit as "charisms" and teaches that they are distributed according to God’s will to renew and build up the church. The fact that someone has these gifts is not a sign of personal holiness but of the Holy Spirit working in and through him or her. The church says two important things to remember are that the charisms are given to empower believers to perform the work God wants them to do, and that they are granted for the good of the whole body of Christ. The Catholic doctrine also believes that praying in tongues and speaking in tongues to be two different gifts and the gift of interpretation is not a gift of translation. There are other differences between the Catholic view of the charismatic gifts and the Protestant view just as with other doctrine.
The one of the important things to take away from this difference of opinion is the opportunity that this topic provides us to become more united instead of dividing us more. These differences of opinion should humble us, it should bring the out the limited ability as Christians to fully understand God’s word. Instead of letting our sinful nature maintain an attitude of pride where one side condemns other, we should graciously acknowledge that the other side could be right even if we don’t think so. The differences of our opinions over spiritual gifts should not be allowed to change the fact that we believe the way to eternal life is through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bibliography The King James Study Bible By: Thomas Nelson, Inc Macmillan Pub Co 1988 The New American Bible By: Fireside Catholic Publishing Wichita, KS 2010
Speaking in tongues : the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit By: Hartwick, A. Reuben; Paraclete 29:9-15 Summer 1995. 1995. ISSN Baptism in the Holy Spirit, initial The gift of tongues in I Corinthians 14:1-5 By: Aker, Benny C.; Paraclete 29:13-21 Winter evidence, and a new model By: Anderson, Gordon L.;
Henry, M. (1996, c1991). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Jn 14:12). Peabody: Hendrickson.
Confessions of a post-Pentecostal believer in the charismatic gifts Olson, Roger E. Criswell Theological Review Fall 2006. Vol.4,Iss.1;p.31-40
The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts : Then and Now By: Turner, M. Carlisle, UK : Paternoster, 1996
The Bible Answer Book By: Hank Hanegraaff Volume 1(Nashville) Countryman, 2004
The Journal of Ecclesiastical History; Cambridge (0022-0469)
Oct 2010. Vol.61,Iss.4;p.746