BGEA: Are the gifts of the Spirit valid for today?

Are the gifts of the Spirit valid for today?

We believe that it is possible for Christians today to receive special gifts of the Spirit. In regard to the spiritual gifts as they are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, it is important to note especially verse 11 where we find that the Holy Spirit gives the gifts according to His own will.

In Mr. Graham's book "The Holy Spirit," he states as follows: "He (the Holy Spirit) chooses who gets which gifts, and He dispenses them at His good pleasure. While we are held accountable for the use of any gifts He gives us, we have no responsibility for gifts we have not been given."

Mr. Graham goes on to say: "Every one of the fruits of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23] should be characteristic of every single Christian. But the gifts of the Spirit are different. Every believer should have the same fruit as every other believer, but not every believer will have the same gifts as every other believer. No, the Holy Spirit distributes the gifts in such a way that every believer has at least one gift which is uniquely his. You may have been given a certain gift by God, but it would be a mistake for you to say everyone else should have that same gift."

We must keep in mind that the spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit and must not be considered unimportant. The use of them is to exalt the Lord and build up the body of believers. The possession of a spiritual gift is not to be thought of as making one believer more holy or more spiritually advanced than another.

It is important to note that Paul admonishes that these gifts must be governed by love and that all things should "be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40). A good test of any spiritual ministry or experience is whether or not it honors God and exalts the Lord Jesus Christ.

5 Comments

Karen says 1.30.2013, 09:13 a.m.

Is it true that the manifestation of spiritual gifts are given to more advanced people---people with a higher level accountability? Like the Chuck Swindoll's and Billy Graham's of the world?

Thelma says 7.16.2012, 5:18 p.m.

The reason the Church is not seeing the " greaterthings" is because we have become too intellectualto believe SGs needed, but without Him, we can do nothing, and will answer for moving away from God's plan!! Part obedience is disobedience.

Velentyne says 7.16.2012, 5:08 p.m.

Grew up in a Baptist bgd; never heard anything re:SG. Have been studying them 30 yrs. We just need to know that the power is available to us; not focus on them, but Him; just be available to the Spirit for His use.The Church is powerlessw/o them

JEN AND STEPHEN says 1.16.2011, 1:38 p.m.

FOLLOW JESUS FOOTSTEPS, LEAD ME OUR FATHER.

Anna says 12.5.2010, 5:13 p.m.

I am just learning about spiritual gifts and have become aware of some of mine. there have been several people to tell me that those that have gifts are more advanced, raised to a higher level of accountability. can you explain this more?