About Gifts of the Spirit

Christians attribute certain "perfections and exterior works" as direct gifts from the Holy Spirit to strengthen faith, build up the church and benefit others, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia. In fact, some denominations and movements--such as Pentecostals, Assemblies of God and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal--center their faith experience on these gifts, per Beliefnet.com.

Origins

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are identified in three key scriptural passages: Isaiah 11:1-3 (Old Testament), and 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12:6-8 (New Testament). Besides the Bible, "Summa Theologica," the classic written by 12th century theologian Thomas Aquinas, also addresses this topic in-depth. Most of what modern Christians teach about spiritual gifts comes from one or both sources.

Types

"Now there are many of gifts, but the same Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:4). The various gifts are categorized into the seven traditional ones listed in Isaiah and the 13 charismata identified in 1 Corinthians and Romans. Although knowledge and wisdom are repeated in the New Testament, the early church included them in the first category.

Traditional Gifts

The prophet Isaiah describes the traits of the hoped-for Jewish messiah: wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. These make up the traditional seven spiritual gifts which "are specially intended for the sanctification of the person who receives them," according to the Catholic Encyclopedia.

Charismata Gifts

The 13 charismata (divine favor) are meant "for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7). The gifts are faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing of spirits, speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading and showing mercy.

Obtaining the Gifts

Although believers agree that the gifts come from the Holy Spirit, they differ on when and how they're received. The methods include traditional baptism (both child and adult), confirmation, prayer and/or baptism of the Spirit. Furthermore, some Christians believe a person can be born with a spiritual gift, per Beliefnet.com.

References

• Catholic Encyclopedia
• Beliefnet.com
• Bible.com

Resources

• Summa Theologica's "Of the Gifts"