What Is the Purpose of Spiritual Gifts?

There has been some discussion among Christians as to the purpose of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. While some have argued that the gifts have been given to build up the individual believer the Bible makes it clear that the gifts are to be used to edify or build up the entire church. A number of points need to be emphasized.

First, Scripture specifically says that spiritual gifts are given to build up the church, the body of Christ. There were given by Jesus Christ to aid the church with its mission until He returns. These gifts from the Lord allow believers to do the work of the Christian ministry.

The Bible says that spiritual gifts are ultimately to glorify God. It is to glorify Him rather than any group or individual. Thus, individuals do not exercise spiritual gifts for their own benefit. Any benefit derived from exercising a spiritual gift is a result of using the gift, it is not the purpose of it.

Some Christians, however, see God designing spiritual gifts to benefit all concerned – the user and the recipient. However, the Scripture stresses that spiritual gifts are to be used to build up one another. While the user of the gift may benefit from the proper exercise of it, this is merely the result of being obedient to the Lord.

It is also contended that spiritual gifts give believers a foretaste of the coming age where there will be perfect health, more complete knowledge, etc.

Others however deny that this is occurring. They believe the purpose of spiritual gifts is to equip believers for the work of the ministry solely in this present age.

While there continues to be discussion among believers about these issues we can conclude that God has given the gifts of the Spirit so that all Christians will benefit from them and that He will ultimately get the glory. Of this, we can be certain.