Gifts of the Spirit

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are a profound expression of God’s ongoing work through His people. From healing and prophecy to tongues and discernment, these gifts, detailed most explicitly in 1 Corinthians 12–14, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4, serve as tools for building up the Church and glorifying Christ. While some traditions argue that these gifts ceased with the apostolic age, the continuist perspective maintains that they are still alive, active, and vital to the mission of the Church today.

The Biblical Foundation

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians gives a compelling theological framework for understanding spiritual gifts. He writes:

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7, NIV)

Paul lists gifts such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues—not as relics of a past era but as present-day manifestations of the Spirit. Importantly, there is no biblical passage that clearly teaches the cessation of these gifts; in fact, Paul encourages their eager pursuit (1 Corinthians 14:1).

The Role of the Holy Spirit Today

From a continuist perspective, the Holy Spirit is not bound by dispensations or historical periods. Just as He empowered the early Church, He continues to empower believers today. The gifts are not for personal prestige or spiritual elitism—they are for service, edification, and the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Prophecy, for instance, is still understood as a Spirit-empowered ability to communicate God’s heart, often with immediacy and clarity. Tongues, far from being obsolete, serve both as personal prayer language and as a sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22). Healing and miracles are not anomalies but testimonies to the living power of Christ through His body.

Unity and Diversity in the Gifts

Paul emphasizes that the gifts are diverse but come from the same Spirit. The Church is one body with many parts, and the Spirit distributes the gifts “just as He determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11). This diversity is not a cause for division but a call to mutual honor and interdependence.

Continuists affirm that no one believer possesses all the gifts, and not every gathering will look the same. But the Spirit’s presence is evident when love, unity, and mutual edification abound. In this way, the gifts function best within community—submitted to Scripture, leadership, and the character of Christ.

Guarding Against Abuse

Acknowledging the continuation of the gifts does not mean turning a blind eye to their misuse. Paul himself had to correct the Corinthians for disorderly conduct in their spiritual expression. The continuist view upholds both the reality and responsibility of using spiritual gifts wisely. They must be grounded in love (1 Corinthians 13), exercised in order (1 Corinthians 14:40), and always tested against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Conclusion: A Living Church Needs Living Gifts

The Church is not a museum—it is a living, breathing body of believers animated by the Spirit of God. To suggest that the gifts of the Spirit have ceased is, in many ways, to suggest that the Church no longer needs the same power it had at Pentecost. But we do. In a world desperate for healing, truth, and the tangible presence of God, the gifts are not optional—they are essential.

Continuists believe the Holy Spirit is still speaking, healing, guiding, and empowering. The gifts of the Spirit are not merely part of our history—they are part of our present and our future. And as we open ourselves to His work, we can expect to see the Church become ever more radiant, alive, and effective in her calling.