What are the gifts of the Spirit?

The gifts of the Spirit are special powers that God gave some of His servants in, and immediately after, the days of the apostles. By means of these powers, selected men were able to speak and to write the words of God, and to perform other miracles. The gifts of the Spirit included apostle ship, prophecy, healing and “speaking in tongues”. (That is to say, they were able to speak other languages without having to learn them.) These gifts helped the church in a period of exceptional difficulty. In two ways the gifts made it possible for the gospel to be widely preached. Firstly, the early Christian preachers were able to proclaim the gospel boldly and powerfully in many different languages. Secondly, they were able to confirm their message with great miracles. The gifts also enabled the New Testament to be written, and the Christian church to be firmly established.

In Old Testament times Moses, Elijah, Elisha and others possessed similar powers. Paul taught that the time would come when these gifts of the Spirit would be taken away. This happened when the Christian church was established, and the New Testament fully written. That is why nobody possesses these gifts today. When the Lord Jesus returns to the earth God’s servants will once more be given the gifts of the Spirit.