Spiritual gifts (or charismata), according to some Christian denominations such as Pentecostal, are gifts that are bestowed on Christians, each having his or her own proper gift (or gifts) to strengthen the church. They are described in the New Testament, primarily in First Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4.
Some believe their operation was limited to early Christianity. According to some Protestant denominations some of the spiritual gifts, for example speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues, were enjoyed only for a short time and were suited to the Church's infancy, not to later times. This view is known as cessationism. This opinion is held by John F. MacArthur, Jr., Robert L. Thomas and many other conservative mainline Christian denominations. In contrast, some Christian scholars such as Zola Levitt maintain that the number of gifts cannot be determined, because, as Levitt puts it, "A spiritual gift is anything that a person can do supernaturally well."
Other groups, including Pentecostal, and other Holiness denominations of Christianity, take an opposing view, believing that the spiritual gifts are still given by the Holy Spirit today, and Pentecostal meetings often involve ordinary parishioners displaying the use of these gifts (1 Cor 14). In addition, sections of Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and many other Protestant denominations also continue to believe in and make use of spiritual gifts.
Yet others believe that the lists of gifts found in scripture are representative, not exhaustive. They maintain that any talent or ability that the Holy Spirit uses for the good of the church is a spiritual gift.
Emphasis on teaching about the nine gifts of the Spirit originated from Howard Carter, an early Pentecostal evangelist. This is based on the text from 1 Corinthians 12:27-30 giving the gifts and listing them as the "gifts of the Spirit". They were later taught and popularized by Lester Sumrall, who accompanied Carter on many missionary journeys in his youth. Modern Bible teachers and scholars have come to the conclusion that there are other gifts of the Spirit listed in Scripture, as seen in the chart below.
A list based on 1 Corinthians (12:4-6)
These three verses in I Corinthians 12 seem to suggest that what is commonly termed as "Spiritual Gifts" may more accurately be described as "The Trinity Gifts" or "Gifts from the Godhead" although these terms are not specifically used in the Bible. However a closer look at each one of the 3 verses above will show that there are three distinct categories identified as Gifts, Operations, Administrations and Manifestation that are given by God, the Lord and the Spirit.This distinction is important as each set of Gifts are different in their usage, purpose and origin.
Taking into account that the Godhead, the Trinity, is said to be involved in all areas of their Creation, Redemption of man and End Time Revelation it would seem plausible to some that the Trinity would also be involved in the area of giving gifts to men.
Certain individuals hold that the short list of Gifts identified in I Cor (12:27-30) is a list drawn from the top three and is more a summary or "recap" as the Apostle's discourse concludes and he speaks in general terms to all members of the Body of Christ who share in the variety of the three sets of Gifts.
Gift distinctions
Trying to distinguish one Gift from another or one Category of Gifts from another is not an easy task. In trying to make these distinctions, it must be borne in mind that Paul uses the same Greek word (charismata) to describe them all, so one has to ask whether he meant them to be differentiated in this way. The Scriptures do, however, help us sort these out. In I Cor. 12:4-6, Eph. 4:12-13, and Rom. 12:1-6 each Category of Gifts has a different number of Gifts and is directed by a different Person of the Trinity.
The Corinthians Category has the distinction of being Gifts as opposed to Administrations and Operations (verses 4-6). Verse 7, however, identifies and clarifies them precisely as manifestations that are available to all in the Body of Christ without reservation and at the will of the Spirit. The Spirit chooses one person or another to exhibit a particular Gift for the profit of all. One may be given the Gifts of Healing because of a hospital visit that day, while the following day he may be given the Gift of Prophecy in order to communicate God's will and love to a local congregation. These Gifts are understood to be manifestations given at the time of need for the purpose at hand. Each individual believer, if open and willing to be used by the Spirit, will eventually be used at the discretion of the Spirit.
The Ephesians Category is somewhat different in its application and its nature. The Gifts of this category are identified as Gifts given by the Son, the Lord, to the Body of Christ. Verse 8 implies that these Gifts are part of the benefits of the resurrection which are directly associated with the works of the Son. Verses 12 and 13 state that they are given for the body and its edification. I Cor. 12:5 tells us that the Gifts are Gifts of Administrations. They can be termed administrative or ministry positions within the Body of Christ that are instituted by Jesus by a particular calling. This view is supported by Rom. 11:29, which says "The Gifts and Callings of the Lord are without repentance." Jesus, the Son, therefore calls individuals to take on administrative positions or roles (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers) within the body of Christ for the edification of all.
The Romans Category of Gifts are given by the Father, identified as God in verse 6 of I Corinthians 12. The passage in Romans 12 is a little more obscure in its identification of the Giver, yet the context of the passage and, once again, the verse (I Cor. 12:6) will support the Giver as being God the Father.
Rom. 12:1-4 -- " -1- I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God , that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God , which is your reasonable service. -2- And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God . -3- For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
Contrary to Ephesians 4 these Gifts are not administrative nor are they callings (Rom. 12). They are meted out to all for service in the Body and considered Operational in their application. (I Cor. 12:6) These particular Gifts have not been restricted to the Body of Christ like the other two categories but have been given to all people ever born. As per I Cor. 12:6, "And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all ." The word "all" being the same as the "all" in Rom. 3:23, " All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God" and Jesus died for "all" .
Another thought is contained in the book "Discover your God given Gifts", Don & Katie Fortune, Chosen Books-Baker Book House, 1987, page 17). Referring to these Operational Gifts, the book says they are "innate" or given to everyone in one degree or another. Everybody is able to Teach, Serve, Rule, etc. in various capacities and with varied effectiveness according the measure given to each individual. One may be very comfortable and effective at Teaching while not so effective at Exhortation. God being "no respecter of persons" metes out the seven gifts to all individuals so that everyone can function equally serving one another for the benefit of all.
List of spiritual gifts
There are various opinions as to the number of spiritual gifts. There are also different ways of categorizing the gifts proposed.
Many items appearing as spiritual gifts are also required by the Bible of all Christians, such as faith, prayer, evangelism and so on. One explanation is that the spiritual gift of faith means faith despite the circumstances, or a particularly strong faith in God. The spiritual gift of prayer could mean a supernatural confidence in prayer, or a special ability to pray. All believers are encouraged to share Jesus with other people, but the gift of evangelism could mean a particular gift to reach others.
Note: Links are sometimes to a general context, not a specific context as a spiritual gift per se. For example, "faith" links not to the spiritual gift of faith per se, but to faith in a more general context.
Charismatic gifts (1 Corinthians 12)
Main article: CharismAlso known as the "manifestation gifts" or "miraculous gifts". Somelimit the term "spiritual gifts" to just the charismatic gifts. Cessationism claims that these gifts ceased to operate (through individuals) early in Christian history. Its counterpart continuationism claims that they still operate today. They are believed by some to be transmitted through the laying on of hands.
- word of wisdom / message of wisdom, 1Cor 12:8
- word of knowledge / message of knowledge, 1 Cor 12:8
- faith, 1 Cor 12:9
- gifts of healing, 1 Cor 12:9, 12:28
- miracles / miraculous powers, 1 Cor 12:10, 12:28
- prophecy / prophesying / prophets, 1 Cor 12:10, 1 Cor 12:28, Rom 12:6,
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