There is considerable disagreement within the various groups within Christianity about the so-called spiritual gifts. Why is this? Is Scripture so unclear about what spiritual gifts are, why they are given, to whom, and (until) when? The New Testament lists various lists of gifts of the Spirit, for example, in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4, but opinions differ on their interpretation and application.
Practical or Supernatural?
Some churches view the gifts primarily as practical talents and ministries for building up the church, while others also understand them as supernatural expressions of God’s power. Moreover, there is debate about whether all gifts are still active, or whether certain gifts, such as speaking in tongues and prophecy, were unique to the time of the first apostles. These differences in interpretation have led to diverse views and traditions within Christianity.
Traditional
In the one hand, there are the conservative churches, where people are reserved and even reject gifts such as speaking in tongues and prophecy. They generally believe that certain spiritual gifts ceased after the apostolic period. These gifts had a function, but ceased when the Bible was completed.
Charismatic
On the other hand, there are the Pentecostal groups, so called because of their strong emphasis on what happened in the Bible during Pentecost, described in Acts 2. There, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, and they began to speak in other languages. This movement is also called the Charismatic movement, named after the Greek word charismata (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:4). They believe that all the gifts of the Spirit are still active and play a significant role in the experience of faith. For example, according to many members of the Pentecostal movement, speaking in tongues is available to every Christian who allows themselves to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Nuances
These are just two examples, and within these movements there are also differences of opinion. In addition, there are groups that find themselves somewhere “in the middle” between these views, recognizing that God still gives these gifts, but He gives different gifts to all believers, and not every spiritual gift is available to everyone.
Cessation
The spiritual gifts are said to cease (1 Cor. 13:8). The question is: when? Would that be here on earth, or only when we are with the Lord in glory? Scripture provides a clear answer to that. And when we understand why the spiritual gifts were given and what their function is, the answer to this question also appears to be perfectly logical.