Topical Encyclopedia The concept that miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit can be possessed without saving grace is a topic of significant theological discussion. This notion is rooted in the understanding that the Holy Spirit can bestow gifts upon individuals for the edification of the church and the fulfillment of God's purposes, irrespective of the recipient's personal salvation status.Biblical Instances and Teachings 1. Judas Iscariot: One of the most prominent examples is Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles. Despite his eventual betrayal of Jesus, Judas was among those sent out by Christ to preach the kingdom of God and perform miracles. In Matthew 10:1 (BSB), it is recorded, "Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness." This suggests that Judas, like the other apostles, was endowed with miraculous powers, yet his later actions indicate a lack of saving grace. 2. Matthew 7:21-23: Jesus warns about those who perform miracles in His name but lack a true relationship with Him. "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’" (BSB). This passage underscores the possibility of performing miraculous works without possessing saving grace. 3. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2: The Apostle Paul emphasizes the supremacy of love over spiritual gifts, indicating that possessing gifts without love is meaningless. "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing" (BSB). This suggests that spiritual gifts can exist apart from the transformative love that characterizes saving grace. Theological Implications The distinction between possessing spiritual gifts and having saving grace raises important theological considerations. It highlights the sovereignty of God in distributing gifts according to His will, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:11 (BSB): "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines." This distribution is not necessarily indicative of the recipient's spiritual state or eternal destiny. Furthermore, the presence of miraculous gifts does not equate to spiritual maturity or assurance of salvation. The gifts are intended for the common good and the building up of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7, BSB), rather than as a measure of personal holiness or divine favor. Historical and Contemporary Perspectives Throughout church history, there have been individuals and movements that demonstrated miraculous gifts yet were later found to be lacking in doctrinal soundness or moral integrity. This serves as a cautionary reminder that the presence of spiritual gifts should not be the sole criterion for evaluating one's spiritual condition or the authenticity of a ministry. In contemporary settings, the discernment of spirits and the testing of teachings against Scripture remain crucial (1 John 4:1, BSB). Believers are encouraged to seek the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23, BSB) as evidence of genuine faith and to prioritize a personal relationship with Christ above the pursuit of miraculous manifestations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 7:22,23Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works? Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 13:1,2 Library Gifts no Certain Evidence of Grace. The Work of the Holy Spirit A Word to Workers Acts VI The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary. The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Final Perseverance Coornhert and the Collegiants --A Movement for Spiritual Religion ... The Master Rejected: the Servants Sent Forth The Main Current of the Reformation Resources Are the miraculous gifts of the Spirit for today? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is continuationism? What is a continuationist? | GotQuestions.org What is demythologization? Does the Bible need to be demythologized? | GotQuestions.org Miraculous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms |