Wrong Teachings About the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are one of the most beautiful and powerful aspects of the Christian life. They are given to believers to build up the Church and glorify God (1 Corinthians 12:7). However, throughout history, there have been many misunderstandings and wrong teachings about these gifts. Some of these errors have led to confusion, division, and even spiritual harm. In this article, we will look at a few common wrong teachings about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and examine what the Bible truly says.
1. "The Gifts of the Holy Spirit No Longer Exist"
One of the most widespread wrong teachings is Cessationism, the belief that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit (such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues) ceased after the time of the apostles. People who hold this view often point to 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, which says:
"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears."
Cessationists argue that "completeness" refers to the completion of the Bible, and therefore, spiritual gifts are no longer needed. But if we read the whole passage in context, Paul is talking about the return of Jesus when we will see Him "face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12). That has not happened yet!
The Bible teaches that the gifts of the Holy Spirit will continue until Jesus returns. Paul encourages believers to eagerly desire spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1) and never says they will end before Christ's second coming.
2. "Every Christian Must Speak in Tongues to Prove They Have the Holy Spirit"
Another common mistake is the idea that every Christian must speak in tongues as evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Some churches teach that if you do not speak in tongues, you are not truly saved or Spirit-filled.
However, Paul clearly teaches that not all Christians will have the same spiritual gifts:
"Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?" (1 Corinthians 12:30)
The obvious answer is no! The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people as He chooses (1 Corinthians 12:11). While speaking in tongues is a beautiful gift, it is not the only sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence in a believer’s life. The true evidence of the Holy Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
3. "Spiritual Gifts Are for Personal Glory and Superiority"
Some people misuse spiritual gifts as a way to elevate themselves, seeking recognition rather than serving others. This attitude was present in the Corinthian church, where believers were boasting about their spiritual gifts. Paul corrected them by reminding them that all gifts come from the same Spirit and are given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Jesus Himself warned against seeking personal glory:
"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 in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" (Matthew 7:22-23)
This shows that spiritual gifts without a heart for God are meaningless. True spiritual gifts should always glorify Jesus and build up the Church, not bring attention to individuals.
4. "We Can Use the Gifts However We Want"
Another error is the belief that spiritual gifts can be used freely without any responsibility or order. Some people claim, “I have a prophetic gift, so I can say whatever I want,” or “The Spirit moves me to speak in tongues, so I must do it loudly, even if it disrupts others.”
The Bible teaches that while the Holy Spirit empowers believers, there must be order and discipline in how gifts are used. Paul instructed the Corinthian church:
"The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." (1 Corinthians 14:32-33)
This means that just because we have a gift does not mean we should use it recklessly. Spiritual gifts should always be exercised in love and with respect for others.
5. "Miracles and Healings Must Happen Every Time"
Some churches teach that when someone prays for healing or a miracle and if they do not receive it, it is because they lack faith. This false teaching can deeply hurt people, making them feel guilty for something they cannot control.
While Jesus healed many people, He also did not heal everyone. Paul, one of the greatest apostles, had a "thorn in the flesh" that God did not take away (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Timothy suffered from stomach issues (1 Timothy 5:23), and Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20).
God is sovereign, and while He still heals and performs miracles, He does so according to His will, not ours. Sometimes, He uses suffering for His greater purpose, teaching us to rely on His grace.
6. "Prophecies and Visions Should Be Accepted Without Testing"
Some people believe that if someone prophesies in the name of the Lord, it must always be true. However, the Bible commands us to test every prophecy:
"Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test them all; hold on to what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21)
Even in the early Church, there were false prophets. Jesus warned, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
A true prophecy will always align with God’s Word, exalt Jesus Christ, and bear good fruit (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). If someone claims to have a revelation that contradicts the Bible, it is not from God.
The Right Way to Understand Spiritual Gifts
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are a wonderful blessing, given by God to empower His people for ministry and service. However, we must be careful to avoid wrong teachings that distort their true purpose.
The gifts have not ceased; they are still active today.
Not every believer must speak in tongues.
Spiritual gifts are for God’s glory, not personal fame.
They should be used wisely and in order.
God performs miracles according to His will, not ours.
Every prophecy and teaching must be tested by Scripture.
As we seek to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we must always remember the most important thing: Love. Paul tells us that even if we have great spiritual gifts, without love, they are meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
Let us desire the gifts of the Spirit to glorify God, but let us also walk in love, humility, and obedience to God’s Word.
God Bless You.
Are you a part of our Weekly Bible Studies? If not, please join for free from this link: https://bibleinsights.gumroad.com/l/bimm.
Informative. Thanks
Thank you for this post, it clarifies alot of things.