The Continuation of Spiritual Gifts in Modern Christianity

 

The Continuation of Spiritual Gifts in Modern Christianity

Introduction:

The issue of spiritual gifts and their continuation within the Christian church has been a subject of theological discussion for centuries. While some believe that certain spiritual gifts ceased with the apostolic era, there is a compelling argument for the perspective that spiritual gifts are still active today. Romans 8:11 says " If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

SPIRITUAL GITS ARE - Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Giving, Leadership, Mercy, Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miraculous powers, Discerning Spirits, Speaking in Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Helps

Biblical Foundation:

Proponents of the continuation of spiritual gifts point to biblical passages like 1 Corinthians 12-14, where the Apostle Paul discusses various spiritual gifts within the church. Nowhere in these chapters does Paul suggest that these gifts would cease after a specific time. Instead, he encourages believers to eagerly desire and use them for the edification of the church.

Historical Precedent:

Throughout church history, there have been reports of spiritual gifts in operation, such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues. These accounts span across different centuries and denominations, suggesting that spiritual gifts have not ceased but have continued to manifest in various ways.

God's Unchanging Nature:

Those who advocate for the continuation of spiritual gifts argue that God's nature does not change, and He remains the same throughout time. If God is a giver of good gifts, as stated in the Bible, then it is reasonable to believe that He continues to bestow spiritual gifts upon believers today.

The Need for Spiritual Edification:

In a world filled with challenges and spiritual warfare, proponents of spiritual gifts argue that the church still needs the supernatural empowerment and guidance that these gifts provide. Spiritual gifts, they contend, are essential for the growth, encouragement, and strengthening of the church.

Personal Testimonies:

Many individuals within the Christian community claim to have experienced and witnessed spiritual gifts in operation, such as miraculous healings, words of knowledge, and the discerning of spirits. These testimonies serve as contemporary evidence for the continuation of spiritual gifts.

Conclusion:

While the debate over the continuation of spiritual gifts within Christianity remains ongoing, the argument in favor of their continued operation is based on biblical, historical, theological, and experiential perspectives. Believers who hold this view believe that these gifts play a crucial role in the life and vitality of the church, assisting in its mission to spread the gospel and minister to a world in need of spiritual guidance and healing. 

See the debate with Micheal Brown(Charismatic) VS Doug Wilson(Cessationists) on Premier Unbelievable - https://youtu.be/DmDCl-gMJ3k?si=cr89lsnKFqDQzhnq