Pneumatology: Spiritual Gifts

Pneumatology refers to the study of the biblical doctrine of the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. The term pneumatology comes from two Greek words, pneuma meaning wind, breath or spirit and logos meaning word, matter, or thing. The Bible declares that the Holy Spirit is God. In Acts 5:3 Peter confronts Ananias about lying to the Holy Spirit and tells him that he hasnt lied to men but to God. Spiritual gifts are divinely given capacities to perform useful functions for God, especially in the area of special service. [Towns 2008, 311] Historians try to convince that some of the gifts listed in Rom. 12:38 and 1 Cor. 12:8-12 (prophesy, healing and speaking and interpreting tongues) were for use in a time that has past. Everything the Bible says about spiritual gifts shows that they are all still needed and effective today. John 14:12 that reads Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. This means we are to do all He did, then go beyond that, and do even greater things. We are equipped and empowered and should not be complacent about our potential in performing His works. A spiritual gift is an ability to be used in service, whereas spiritual fruit relates to a Christians character [Towns 2008, 317]. The fruit of the Spirit is an expression of a Godly life. As the Christian practices the fruits set forth in Gal. 5:22-23, love, joy, peace, etc., spiritual maturity increases. Whereas, the fruits of the Spirit are obtained over time through constant practice of Christian character, the gifts of the Spirit can be given and/or asked for as need or desire presents. 1 Tim 4:14 reflects spiritual gifts given to Timothy in preparation for service and in 1 Cor. 12:31, Paul tells us how we should desire the greater gifts. The book of Galatians shows that the purpose of justification by faith is to produce a life-style energized by

the Spirit and characterized by the Spirits fruit. Thus the gifts of the Spirit must be accompanied by the fruit if we are to please God. (Fruit of the Spirit) Speaking in tongues is one of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit referred to in 1 Cor. 12:10. Paul says, To another is given speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. Speaking in tongues is when a person speaks in a language that is unknown to him. Some say this is a language of angels. It can also be an earthly languages that is unknown by the speaker. It occurred in Acts 2 at Pentecost and also in the Corinthian church as described in 1 Corinthians 14. There are three uses of speaking in tongues. They are used as a private prayer language (Rom. 8:26), they are used as a supernatural outpouring and sign to unbelievers (Acts 2:11) and they are used for strengthening the church (1 Cor. 14:12). An important aspect of the use of tongues is the interpretation of them. The message conveyed through the use of tongues is beneficial to the one hearing Gods message but is useless to everyone else (1 Cor. 14:19) and should therefore not be used if no one is able to serve as an interpreter. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a special work of the Spirit beyond salvation. This delayed experience is reflected in Acts 8:12-17 when Peter & John go to Samaria to pray for the Holy Spirit to come upon the many new believers. As a Christian is baptized in the Holy Spirit they receive an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:38-39), a deepened reverence for God (Heb. 12:28), an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42) and a more active love for Christ, for His Word and for the Lost (Mark 16:20). But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. [Acts 1:8]

Speaking in tongues is not a necessary sign of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Paul confirms this throughout 1 Corinthians 12. In 1 Cor. 12:13 he puts forth that we were all baptized by one spiritthose who have received the gift of tongues and those who have not received the gift of tongues. In 1 Cor. 12:28 he lists various gifts that have been placed in the church. He uses the term, first of all, when listing them, implying importance, and tongues was listed last. We also see in 1 Cor. 12:29 that Paul rhetorically asks if all are prophets, apostles or teachers and do all perform miracles? The anticipated answer to each is no. Speaking in tongues is, indeed, still valid for today. To understand this we must interpret 1 Cor. 13:8-10. 8Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
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but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. [ESV] Some people have interpreted verse eight to mean prophecy, tongues and knowledge

have ceased and are not for use in todays time but Paul is actually describing Gods love as enduring forever; beyond this lifeinto eternity. He is contrasting that to the temporariness of prophecies, tongues, and knowledge that will cease when we enter heaven and know all things. When we know all things prophecy, tongues and knowledge will no longer be necessary. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. Verse nine speaks to our knowledge and prophecy as being partial or incomplete. When operating in these gifts, the Spirit gives us a part of knowledge and a part of prophesyHe gives us enough to meet the need of the situation at hand. Some people misunderstand these gifts and become fearful that the one operating in the gift knows all of a situation and will reveal possibly too much.

Verse ten refers to the perfect coming and the partial passing away. Many people interpret perfect as being the completed Bible, which leads them to believe the gifts of the Spirit spoken of here have ceased. Although Gods Word is perfect, this is not the perfect referred to here. In 1 Cor. 13:12, Paul said when that which is perfect is come, we shall see face to facewhich is referring to God.

Bibliography Towns, Elmer L. 2008. Theology for Today. Ohio: Cengage Learning. Fruit of the Spirit. Assemblies of God Perspectives. http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/fruit_of_the_Spirit.cfm (accessed Dec. 2, 2013)