Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Question 1: Are men baptized in the Holy Spirit today? Do men receive the "gifts" of the Holy Spirit today? How does He work in people today?

ANSWER: It is clear from your correspondence that you believe the Church of Christ, as you perceive it, is not the church of the Bible. We make this judgment based on the unscriptural use of the name "New Apostolic Church" (Romans16:16) in your letter, which indicates an erroneous acceptance of the idea that both the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the associated gifts are available for men today. Please carefully consider the following:

The gifts of the Holy Spirit were imparted to man in only one of two ways: through baptism of the Holy Spirit, of which there are only two recorded cases in the Bible (Acts 2:1-4: Acts 10 & 11); and through the laying on of the apostles' hands (Acts 8:14-18), which is often confused by some with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We must be careful not to do this! The baptism of the twelve apostles, in the first case, was the fulfillment off Christ's promise that He would send them the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; John 15:26; John 16:7). The Holy Spirit was sent (Acts 2:1-4) to teach the apostles all things, to bring all things to their remembrance (John 14:26), and to guide them into all truth (John 16:13). As a result, men inspired of God recorded all truth (the Bible) one time, for all time (II Peter 1:3-11; II Timothy 3:16). Since we now have all truth, there is clearly no additional truth to be delivered. Therefore, this reason for the baptism of the Holy Spirit no longer exists!

After the falling of the Holy Spirit on the household of Cornelius, in the second case, God completed the fulfillment of the promise that He had made to Abraham in Genesis 12:3; "and in thee and thy seed shall all families of the earth be blessed." The Gentiles were to be blessed by God following this second case of Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 11:14; Acts 10:48) just as He blessed the Jews following the first case of Holy Spirit baptism. This means that God would at this time grant salvation through Christ to the Gentiles (Acts 11:18), just as He had done to the Jews on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37-47). Since Cornelius and his household were baptized in water for the remission of sins (Acts10:47-48; Acts 2:38) following Holy Spirit baptism, it is clear that the reason for Holy Spirit baptism was not to save or wash away sin! What then was the reason? The Bible is clear! In Acts 10 & 11; Acts 15:7-9, we find that this household was baptized in the Holy Spirit only as a witness to the Jews that God had also granted salvation in Christ to the Gentiles. Since the promise of God was fulfilled (filled full) at this time, this reason for Holy Spirit baptism also ceased to exist.

All purposes for Holy Spirit baptism, then, were fulfilled. Therefore, there is no reason for it today. To support this conclusion further, we note that Paul wrote in 63/65AD that, at that time, there was only one baptism (Ephesians 4:5). At the same time (65AD), Peter writes and tells us that water "baptism doth also now save us" (I Peter 3:20-21). In 65AD then, there was only one baptism and this one baptism was water baptism! This being true, we can only conclude that this one baptism is the baptism of the great commission, which is "unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:18-20). There is no room for Holy Spirit baptism today! If there is only one, there cannot be two!

As stated above, spiritual gifts were given in one of two ways in the New Testament, either through the baptism of the Holy Spirit or through the laying on of the apostles' hands. It has been shown above that Holy Spirit baptism does not exist today, but what about the laying on of the apostles' hands? The question that needs to be answered is this: Can one be qualified to be an apostle today? No! To be qualified to be an apostle, one must be an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:22) as were the twelve (Acts 1:21) and the apostle Paul (Acts 26:13-18). None living today have seen the resurrected Christ! Therefore, none today can be qualified to be an apostle. Those who claim to be apostles today do so without biblical support (Revelation 2:2). Since there is no Holy Spirit baptism today and since the last apostle died about 2000 years ago, it is evident that spiritual gifts could last only as long as the last person was alive upon whom an apostle had laid his hands. In Ephesians 4:7-14; I Corinthians 13:8-13, we find that spiritual gifts were for the church in it's infancy. They were called childish things that would be put away when the church became mature. Some would teach falsely that the mature, or more spiritual, church practices the use of gifts today. This is in direct opposition to what Paul says in verse eleven, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child: but when I became a man (mature), I put away childish things"; speaking of the miraculous gifts that, in verse eight, "shall vanish away" and, in verse nine, "shall be done away."

The only way the church could become complete (mature) was through all scripture (II Timothy 3:16-17), the complete (perfect) law of liberty (James 1:25). In the years following the establishment of the church, the will of God had not yet been fully revealed, written and confirmed by miracles. It was yet in part! The sole purpose of miracles was to confirm the newly revealed word (John 20:30-31). Once all scripture was given by inspiration of God, confirmed and written, it became the complete (perfect) law of liberty, able to "make the man of God perfect (complete), throughly furnished unto every good work" (II Timothy 3:17). Since we now have "that which is perfect" (I Corinthians 13:10); that is, the complete, mature, confirmed word of God, in which are "all things that pertain unto life and godliness," and by which we can become complete (mature) as Christians, there remains no need for gifts to day. They have served the purpose for which they were intended!

Are miraculous gifts evident today? When one, without bias, compares what men claim to do today with the miracles performed in the Bible, it will clearly be seen that "biblical" gifts are not evident today! Where is the man today who speaks a foreign language he has not studied or learned? Where are those today who raise the dead? Where are the dead whom they have raised? Why do those who claim gifts today die? Why do they go to hospitals for treatment? Why do their families get sick and die? Where are those who walk upon water? Surely, biblical miracles are not being performed today!

Those who claim baptism of the Holy Spirit and miraculous gifts today obviously do so without biblical support. They are pretenders and false claimants of something that does not exist! Not only this, but they, knowingly or unknowingly, place themselves on an equality with the apostles! God forbid that we should be found guilty of such!

The Holy Spirit does not work in our lives today separate and apart from the Word of God! He operates only through the instrument of the Word, which is His sword (Ephesians 6:17). Through the Word, He saves us (Titus 3:5), bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God (Romans 8:26), witnesses to us (Hebrews 10:15), strengthens us (Ephesians 3:16), sanctifies us (II Thessalonians 2:13), and He will raise us up in the last day (Romans 8:11) at the direction of Jesus Christ (John 5:28-29). He also makes intercession for us before the throne of God (Romans 8:26-27). Since all of this occurs through the Word of God, what need is there for a "working" apart from it? Absolutely none!

Question 2: If the gifts have passed away, what about I Corinthians 12, 13, & 14?

ANSWER: I Corinthians 12, 13, & 14 were written to the church at Corinth to help them overcome problems of division and disorderliness in worship services that the misuse of spiritual gifts had caused. Because the apostle dealt with these problems at that time, it in no way suggests that spiritual gifts continue today. To infer so, is to ignore the clear teaching of I Corinthians 13:8-13 and Ephesians 4:8-14, as discussed above.

The so-called "gifts" of today cannot begin to compare with those found in the Bible. Those of today are most often nothing more than pretentious attempts to prove one's self-righteousness before men. Neither they, nor their "gifts" are of God!

Question 3: What is the "gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38)?

ANSWER: Acts 3:19 is a parallel passage to Acts 2:38. They teach the same thing and explain each other!

Acts 2:38: (1) "Repent, (2) and be baptized for the remission of sins, (3) and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Acts 3:19: (1) "Repent, (2) and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, (3) when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

The "gift of the Holy Spirit" or "the refreshing that comes from the presence of the Lord" is the many blessings each Christian derives from the Holy Spirit according to His will. In the first century, the many blessings (times of refreshing) from the Holy Spirit would have included miraculous gifts. Today, the many blessings (times of refreshing) from the Holy Spirit do not include miraculous gifts, because their purpose has ceased to exist. (See preceding questions).

Question 4: For what purpose did the apostles impart gifts to others?

ANSWER: To confirm the word (Mark 16:20; Acts 14:3). The word had not yet come in its fullness. It was necessary then, in order for the gospel to be proclaimed in all the world (Colossians 1:6) to every creature (Colossians 1:23), that others, besides the apostles, be involved in its proclamation! We see an example of this in Acts, the eighth chapter, when the disciples were scattered abroad and went everywhere preaching the word. Philip, at that time, went down to Samaria and preached Christ unto them, and the people gave heed unto those things which he spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did (Vs. 5-6)!

As an aside, it is also interesting to note that since Philip was not an apostle he could not impart gifts that he was able to perform in Samaria. It was necessary that Peter and John be sent to do so (Vs.14-17). It is clear then that only the apostles had this ability, which should raise some questions as follows: Why did God not send the Holy Spirit directly to the Samaritans, as some claim is sent to them today? What happened when the last apostle died, if only they could impart spiritual gifts? What happened when the last person died upon whom an apostle had laid his hands? The answers are obvious! Since the purposes for Holy Spirit baptism were totally fulfilled and the apostles no longer live, it is quite evident that there can be no gifts today. These means of conveyance to man no longer exists by the will of God! Neither is there a reason for gifts today, since the Word of God has already been confirmed!

Question 5: Since some in the church today are still babes, are not gifts still necessary for maturation?

ANSWER: No! Christians today become mature by partaking of the meat of the word of righteousness (Hebrews 5:11-14; I Peter 2:2).

Question 6: Does I Corinthians 12:7 (all men) include Christians today?

ANSWER: No! "Every man" refers to those Christians under consideration during the time when "gifts" were employed. Specifically, Paul is writing to the Corinthian Christians who were misusing the "gifts" (Please read Chapters 12, 13, and 14). To apply this to Christians today would be to negate the force of I Corinthians 13.

Question 7: Does Mark 16:17-20 teach that gifts of the Holy Spirit are meant for us today?

ANSWER: No! Note carefully in Verse seventeen that the gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be done in the name of (by the authority of) Christ. By His authority, the gifts were to be used to confirm the word (Verse twenty). Also, by His authority, the gifts were to be done away upon confirmation of that word or "when that which is perfect (complete/mature) is come" (I Corinthians 13:8-11). The "perfect" refers to the complete/perfect law of liberty (James 1:25). Spiritual gifts in their fullness, then, were authorized only during the period between the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-4 and the completion of the perfect law of liberty, i.e., the New Testament! Since the New Testament has already been confirmed with "signs" (once confirmed, always confirmed), it is clear that there is no reason for "gifts" today and, further, that those who pretend to practice "gifts" today are violating God's Word, because they do not have the authority of Christ for their practices!

Question 8: If the Lord calls people today, then the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still given (Acts 2:39). Agree?

ANSWER: This is an assumption that ignores the totality of what God has spoken on the matter! We cannot know the truth on a particular subject until we study and digest all of the relative scriptures. God calls people today through His Holy Spirit-given Word (II Thessalonians 2:14). Blessings by the Holy Spirit were, and are, given only within the parameters or boundaries prescribed by that Word. From answers to preceding questions, it has been clearly shown that the parameters of God's Word restricted the use of spiritual gifts (by selected Christians) to a specific time, for a specific purpose.

The assumption made in this "Question/Statement" would, when taken to a logical conclusion, demand that every Christian, from the first century until the end of time, be endowed with all of the spiritual gifts. Clearly, from I Corinthians 12, 13, & 14 (written to solve problems with the gifts during the time when they were in use), Acts 8:5-24, and Romans 1:11, we can understand that not all Christians, even in the first century, were endowed with gifts; that only certain Christians possessed certain gifts for a certain time and for a certain purpose!

Question 9: If the gifts have passed away, there is no salvation, since we are born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5). Agree?

ANSWER: No! Again, this passage does not remotely address the issue of miraculous gifts. One is not free to assume that wherever the word "Spirit" appears that Holy Spirit baptism and/or gifts is/are being discussed! The "water" referred to in this passage simply relates to our baptism (immersion) in water for the remission of sins. The word "Spirit" tells us by whose direction we are to be baptized in water. In I Corinthians 12:13, we have similar language, "For by one Spirit (that is, through the agency or direction of the one Spirit) are we all baptized (in water) into one body." Indeed, one is saved when he or she is born anew of water and the Spirit!

All must be extremely careful not to read more into a passage than is appropriate. This would be adding to God's Word (Revelation 22:18-19).

Question 10: If you are a Christian, but cannot speak in tongues, what can you do about it?

ANSWER: Speaking in tongues as happened in the first century is not the same as the gibberish that people in error engage in today! In the Bible we learn that to speak in tongues was simply to be able (without formal education) to speak a foreign language that already existed (Acts 2:6, 8 &11). This is not being done today, nor can it be!

The purpose of miracles and signs in Bible times was to confirm the Word of God (Mark 16:20) that was being spoken, but not yet written. When the Word of God (the perfect law of liberty – James 1:25) was completed, the “gifts” were to fail, cease, and vanish away (I Corinthians 13:8-13). Since the perfect Word of God was confirmed and written about the end of the first century, it follows that at that time the miraculous, including speaking in tongues, passed away according to the will of God. Since we today have the same completed and confirmed New Testament, which provides “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3), there is clearly no need for the “gifts” today. The faithful child of God will not be involved with such matters!

Question 11: Please explain further Ephesians 4:7-14.

ANSWER: Note first of all (for ease of understanding) that Verses 9 and 10 are parenthetically expressed and are not germane to the issue at hand. Verse 7 states that Christ gives to every obedient person the gift of His grace according to His measure. For example: Acts 2:38 teaches that those who are immersed for (in order to attain) the remission of sins “shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” What did this mean to the people who lived then and what does this mean for you and me today? Allow the Bible to explain! Acts 3:19 is a parallel passage to Acts 2:38. They teach the same thing and explain each other! Peter is saying the same thing to the Jews on Solomon’s porch as he was to the Jews on Pentecost, i.e.; he preached the same sermon and extended the same invitation!

Acts 2:38: (1) "Repent, (2) and be baptized for the remission of sins, (3) and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Acts 3:19: (1) "Repent, (2) and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, (3) when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

The "gift of the Holy Spirit" or "the refreshing that comes from the presence of the Lord" is the many blessings each Christian derives from the Holy Spirit according to Christ’s measure. In the first century, the many blessings (times of refreshing) from the Holy Spirit would have included miraculous gifts. Today, the many blessings (times of refreshing) from the Holy Spirit do not include miraculous gifts, because their purpose has ceased to exist. What blessings are derived today? Many, not the least of which are forgiveness, mercy, grace, and the hope of heaven!

Verse 8 of Ephesians, Chapter 4 says basically that when He ascended on high, having overcome the captivity of death, He gave gifts unto men. The gifts could not have been given unless He first returned to heaven from which he had come. Jesus so said in John 16:7, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the comforter (Holy Ghost) will not come to you (the apostles); but if I depart I will send Him to you.”

Verse 11 relates to whom the gifts were given (not how or how many), i.e., apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors (elders), and teachers.

Verse 12 explains reasons for giving the gifts: Perfecting (maturing) of the saints (Christians), for the work of the ministry (proclamation of the gospel in all the world), and edifying the church.

Verse 13 limits the duration of the gifts: “Till,” an adverb of time, we all come to the oneness (unity) of “the” faith; not simply “faith,” but to a unified system of faith (the Gospel) by which, and through which, we can have full knowledge of the Son of God that will enable us to be complete/mature and walking in the image of Christ! When this knowledge would become attainable through that which was, and is, able to make a person “perfect/mature (II Timothy 3:16-17), the gifts would cease to be. The very same thing is taught in I Corinthians 13:8-10!

Verse 14 says that with our coming of age (no longer as children or the immature – I Corinthians 13:11) we will not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine taught by those who deceive . . . but speaking the truth (John 17:17 – “Thy word is truth”) in love one may mature up into Christ in “all” things. How do we know false doctrine (John 8:32)? What is our maturation agent (I Peter 2:2)? The Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Question 12: Does I Corinthians 13:1 teach that there are two kinds of tongues; one of foreign languages; the other a heavenly language?

ANSWER: No! I Corinthians 13:1 does not indicate that there are two kinds of tongues that Christians are to, or may, employ. He is simply saying that even though (if) he had the ability to speak all of the tongues known to men and angels, without love it would avail him nothing. The emphasis here is not on languages, but upon love! There appears here to be, however, an allusion to what he heard in II Corinthians 12:4, where he says that he was caught up into paradise and heard words that were unlawful for him to utter (the same would be true of any person). He may, then, in I Corinthians 13:1, be referring to, not what he supposed to be the language of angels, but what he actually heard; a higher, more eloquent, heavenly language. Thus, even though he, too, had the ability to speak with this eloquent language of angels that he had heard with his own ears, as well as the languages of men, the result and effect would be as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal, if unaccompanied with love.

Question 13: Why weren’t all of the gifts mentioned in I Corinthians 13:8?

ANSWER: In I Corinthians 13:8-12, the thrust was not to show that only specific gifts were to cease, but rather to show that that which was in part (the miraculous and the miraculous age, necessary for confirmation and edification) was to terminate when that which was “perfect/complete” came, as previously discussed. The point would have been made no stronger by citing all of the nine gifts, since the purpose of all was the same. Therefore, it is clear and understood by biblical scholars at all levels that the three mentioned are simply representative of the total. The principle is used throughout the scriptures, e.g., Acts 20:7: “breaking of bread” is a part of the worship that stands for the whole; that is, “breaking of bread” in this context, means “to worship.” .

Question 14: Can a person ask God for the gift of tongues or is it for selected people only?

We must understand that all acceptable prayer must be in accordance with the will of God (James 4:3; I John 5:14). This means that if God has told us in the Bible that miraculous gifts have served their purpose and passed away, it would be against His will if we asked Him to allow us to speak a foreign language today.

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