Sometimes I am asked why sealed people do not manifest all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10, thus implying that the gift of tongues (speaking in unknown languages) or the gift of healing are irrefutable evidence that a person possesses the Holy Spirit.

To answer this question I propose that we first of all look at the biblical text. If we read it carefully we will see that Apostle Paul lists all of the gifts that were displayed in the congregation of Corinth. Why does he do this? This is because there appears to have been a group within the congregation who boasted of special gifts of the Holy Spirit. And here we may assume that the importance of speaking in tongues was particularly emphasised. In his debate with these members of the congregation Apostle Paul arrived at a very critical assessment of this gift in particular.

Speaking in tongues – which, next to the gift of healing, seems to be the most spectacular – is described by Apostle Paul as a gift that only strengthens and enriches those who speak, while the congregation and all those who have not yet converted to Christ go away empty-handed. For this reason, the Apostle first of all demands that speaking in tongues be interpreted so that others may also understand.

Apostle Paul then compares speaking in tongues with prophetic speech. This type of speech is not exclusively bound to revealing the future, but also brings to expression the power and importance of Jesus Christ for the history of salvation over the past, present, and future. Prophecy is intended to strengthen the faith of the congregation, because it reveals the core statements of the gospel. The Apostle emphasises that prophecy is more important than the gift of tongues, because prophecy does not present the risk of being unintelligible.

Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit which has also been given to us. It reveals itself whenever we speak with sincerity and conviction of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who is the foundation of salvation. Prophetic speech can be heard wherever the significance of Christ’s death, resurrection, and return is expressed. It is also audible whenever we speak of the importance of the Apostle ministry in the current phase of the plan of salvation. In connection with these gifts of the Spirit, Apostle Paul also points out the pivotal significance of faith, hope, and love. These are surely the most distinguished of all the gifts of the Spirit. In particular our faith in Jesus Christ as the foundation of salvation, our hope in His return, and our love for God and our neighbour testify that we genuinely possess the Holy Spirit.

In 1 Corinthians 13 however, Apostle Paul points to the gift of love, which is the power that defines and permeates everything. If we allow this power to work within us – and if we allow ourselves to be defined by it – we will find that it is the most beautiful of all the gifts of the Spirit, for “love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13: 8).

Yours sincerely,

Wilhelm Leber