This is another topic that has caused much division in the Church of Jesus Christ. As with the question regarding the Five-fold Offices, we must go back to the Bible to see what Scripture says. While the Gifts of the Spirit are often synonymous with 1 Corinthians 12, that speak of the 9 Signature Gifts of the Spirit, Romans 12 also speaks of spiritual gifts, and all gifts are given by the grace of God through the Holy Spirit.

In 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 we find that there are 15 Spiritual gifts that are listed. These gifts include; prophecy, serving, teaching, exhortation, ministering, giving, ruling, mercy, words of wisdom, words of knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues and interpreting tongues. Each of these gifts is a blessing either to the individual or the Body of Christ. When referring to these gifts, Paul states in 1 Corinthians 14:1, “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts….” Not only are these gifts available, but also to be desired.

We cannot only look at 1 Corinthians 12 and say these gifts have ceased. We can not select the gifts we believe to have ceased. If we say the gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 have ceased, then to be consistent with our beliefs the gifts of Romans 12 also have to cease being in operation. That would mean the gifts of mercy, giving, teaching and exhortation have also ceased, and we know this is not the case.

Unfortunately, the belief of whether the gifts of the Spirit have ceased usually are denominational beliefs, and what most Christians are brought up believing, but not always biblical correct. Jesus Himself states in John 14:12 that those who believe in Him, will do the works He did, and greater works. All through Church history, miracles and the gifts of the Spirit have been in operation.