Spiritual gifts, “Pentecost”, and Spiritual manifestations

Galatians chapter 5 specifically addresses what are called the “fruits” of the Spirit while 1 Corinthians 12-14 addresses what are commonly referred to as the “gifts” of the Spirit.

The word “gifts” is a filler word
Because the Bible is translated from other languages there is oftentimes no direct “word for word” English equivalent. This is the reason there are “filler words” in the Bible.

In 1 Corinthians 12-14, the word “gift” is a filler word. Not only is the word “gift” not in the Biblical manuscripts, but the English definition of the word “gift” completely misleads the reader away from a proper understanding of how Holy Spirit functions in the lives of God’s people.

It is unfortunate that the word “gift” was utilized in conjunction with the word “spiritual”. I believe that word, used in that way, has done substantial harm to God’s people and it has significantly impeded the advancement of the Kingdom of God on earth.

From an English perspective, a “gift” is something that someone is given by another for the joy, pleasure, and use of the recipient.

Used in this way, the text indicates that God gives these gifts to the individual for their benefit but that is entirely misleading. Whether or not that was the message that was trying to be conveyed, to a large degree, that is how it has been expressed. An objective view of American “Christianity”, as a whole, brings this view into clear focus.

1Co 12:1
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”

When the word “gifts” is used in conjunction with the word “Spritiual” it projects the idea that the “gift” belongs to the recipient for his or her benefit or recognition. However, that is incorrect.

Spiritual gifts manifestations
For this reason, a much better word to use instead of “gifts” is “manifestations”.

In fact, that is exactly the way they are referred to in 1 Corinthians 12:7. This is how the King James Version reads in that verse:

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to PROFIT all.

1 Corinthians 12:7 

As verse 7 indicates, the manifestation of God’s Spirit is given for the ENTIRE Body of Messiah, NOT an individual. Certainly, individuals are blessed because of it, and it blesses God to see His children blessed: But the manifestations of Holy Spirit are evident in the Body of Christ so that the Bride of Christ would be glorified as the Father is glorified.

So in other words, Spiritual manifestations do not belong to the person in which they are evident: They belong to God and they are on loan so that His people can be blessed by them and most of all, so that He would be glorified.

Holy Spirit has ALWAYS worked through Believers
While some point to “Pentecost” as the day Holy Spirit made His earthly debut, the Scriptures are clear that the Spirit of God has been alive and well on planet earth, working through men and women of God, since Adam.

Still, as Yeshua ushered in the “Priesthood” of every Believer, Holy Spirit does seem to be more active in the lives of individuals; but He has always worked through people to accomplish the plans and purposes of Yahweh God.

Born again and “Spirit” filled
It is clear that when a person is “born again” Holy Spirit” literally unites with that person in an intimate way as a “new creation” is formed.

When that occurs, the recipient begins to take on some of the characteristics of Holy Spirit: This new way of being becomes evidence of the inward transformation that has taken place.

This transformed life is what the entire Bible is all about.

Holy Spirit comes upon all Believers
Scriptures reveal to us that Holy Spirit “comes upon” everyone who believes on the name of Yeshua: After that initial “deposit”, He will then manifest accordingly in order to fulfill the plans and purposes of the Father as He leads and guides.

Unfortunately, this is an area of much debate within Bible Believers and is yet another excuse to create division.

Holy Spirit today
Today, after that initial “marriage” between an individual and Holy Spirit as referenced above, if you allow Him, He will empower you according to the plans and purposes of Yahweh God so that you can be a witness for Him and fulfill the destiny that God has for you (Mark 16:16-18). As you embrace yourself in the Word and Spirit of God, He will reveal Himself to you.

The Remnant
For the Remnant of God, the reality of Holy Spirit working through you is of utmost importance. It is only through Him that you will be able to fulfill what He has for you.

You shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

Act 1:8 

Ask Him to lead you in the way that you should go and He will. In this way, YOU can become a conduit of the King of the Universe in supernatural ways.

Blessings in Yeshua, 
Parson Rayphe
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