Theology

A Biblical View of Spiritual Gifts

by Dale Partridge

In a time of growing spiritual mysticism, Christians need to understand what the Bible says about spiritual gifts. That is, believers must be able, by sound doctrine, to separate spiritual gifts that are genuine and biblical from what is false and emotional.

For instance, we are seeing more and more Christians embracing modern prophecy, healers, and self-proclaimed apostles. But the question remains, is this biblical? In this episode of Real Christianity, pastor Dale Partridge looks to Scripture to find the theological structure and doctrinal boundaries to this important Christian issue.

This Episode’s Question

“I was raised in a Pentecostal church but now attend a non-denominational fellowship in my hometown. However, our pastor has been talking more and more about modern prophecy, end times, casting out spirits by our authority as Christians, healing by having enough faith, and many other hyper-spiritual and almost mystic practices. The more I read the Scriptures and the more I read about church history, the more I wonder if what we’re doing is biblical? So pastor Dale, my question is this: Are these supernatural spiritual gifts still available in the church, or were they only during the inauguration of the church? In other words, I know there are two theological positions on miraculous spiritual gifts, those who say they are still here and those who say they have ceased. Where do you stand on this issue?

Alana -Naples, Florida

Additional Resources

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Scripture References

  • Acts 2:22

    “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—”

  • Hebrews 2:3-4

    “It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”

  • 2 Corinthians 2:12

    “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.”

  • Acts 19:11

    “And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul…”

  • Acts 1:21-22

    “21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”

  • Ephesians 2:20

    “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone…”

  • 1 Corinthians 14:3

    “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation;”

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

  • 1 Corinthians 13:8

    “… As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”

  • 1 Corinthians 14:5-17

    “5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider[b] say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up.”

  • 1 Corinthians 14:27-28

    “27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.”

  • Romans 10:17

    “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

  • Hebrews 4:12

    “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

What is Biblical House Church?

Learn more about the thousands of Christians who are gathering in intimate, missional, and biblical communities. Get started by downloading our free PDF titled "The Basics of Biblical House Church."

After watching or listening to this episode, what is your opinion? Do you have any questions or comments? Maybe you have something to add to the discussion? If so, let us know in the comments below.

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