The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
In the church, the Holy Spirit works within believers by bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God . . . and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 816-7). In its prayer, worship, study and mission, the Christian community is guided by the Holy Spirit to share the life of Christ with each other and the world. Through the diversity of the Spirits gifts, the church seeks to embody forms of a Christ-shaped life as varied as the human race itself. The Spirit indwells and empowers the church to be a vanguard, a visible sign of Gods coming reign of reconciliation and communion.
ChriUtianU believe that Upirituality or Upiritual practiceU, ranging from prayer to fighting for justice, facilitate inculcation of love not only for God but also for one s neighbor and true selfhood-the ideals of Christianity. The concept of Gifts of the Holy Spirit serves as the foundation of these Christian ideals and the religion. Formation and adoption of the concept, constituting a critical phase in Christianity, marked a significant movement in the development of the Church.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit symbolize omnipresent, omnipotent God in all His splendor, having unbounded love for His children. The GiftU of the Holy pirit are described as such because they are given by the Holy pirit. These Gifts are empowered in the believer by God and operate in a Uupernatural way. Further, these Gifts are to be present and in operation in the believer s life on a daily basis, not just during trying times. AU Uuch, they assist believers in sharing the good news and performing the work of the Church.
The growth of Christianity is attributed to a departure from complicated and esoteric approach to law based on the Old Covenant, which emphasized burnt offerings and sacrifices, to a less complex approach to grace and spirituality based on the New Covenant. Ralph Del Colle explained this transition as follows The Old Covenant made clear announcement of the Father, a less definite one of the Son. The New Covenant made the Son manifest and gave us a glimpse of the Spirits Godhead. At the present time the Spirit resides among us, giving us a clearer manifestation of himself than before.
Christianity substituted Judaism, discarding the latters concept of a God of wrath. and by giving, in its place, the concept of God whose nature is love. Clifford and Anatolios explained that in the practice of Judaism, impurities were eradicated by the blood of the offering. Thus was the Sanctuary purged of the sins, which, if not purged, would have provoked Yahwehs wrath and caused his withdrawal from the camp. Common man often lacked the resources to buy required offerings and was, thus, at a disadvantage against the affluent, who could afford the richest burnt offerings to God of Judaism and, in return, got greater blessings. Common man could, thus, never dream of pleasing God. In contrast, Jesus offered a religion which was based on love and humanity and was available to all persons willing to accept and repose their trust.
In Christianity, the bestowal of the Gifts of God offers an opportunity for all believers to build a relationship with God and neighbor, regardless of social position. To receive the blessings of the Christian God, one need not make rich offerings one must simply give immersed worship to God precisely as our Father and relate with all people as children of the same Father. Christians esteem God because He is a loving Father, not because he can manifest His wrath. The Gifts of the Spirit perfect Christians by endowing them with the virtue of caring for their fellow people. Additionally, the Gifts enable the believers to perform their duties towards God and neighbor, due to feelings of common bonding and a loving relationship with God. A true relationship is centered on love, not fear its basis is a love that moves one to respond to Gods desire for peoples well being.
According to the teachings of the apostle Paul, the Gifts are intended to promote the advancement of the church and the edification of the individual. Miles stated that The apostle Paul teachings found in Romans 1268 Ephesians 411 I Corinthians 12810, 2830 1313 146, 26 elaborated various operations of gifts or charisma of the Spirit, including prophecy, leading, teaching, governing, evangelizing, miracles, healings, tongues, alms giving, helping, serving, doing works of mercy, and administering material goods. This description further advances the theory that Gods love is demonstrated through the church (i.e., through believers).
After resurrection, Jesus caused the Holy Spirit to be with His people, that is all Christian believers, as a constant reminder that they have not been forgotten and as a reassurance of his benign presence amongst them and to help, guide, guard, and comfort them until His second coming. The Holy Spirit, which can be present in all Christian believers, serves the needs of the Church and its people. The New Catholic Encyclopedia explains the Holy Spirit in the following manner
The Old Testament clearly does not envisage Gods spirit as a person . . . Gods spirit is simply Gods power. If it is sometimes represented as being distinct from God, it is because the breath of Yahweh acts exteriorly. . . . The majority of New Testament texts reveal Gods spirit as something, not someone this is especially seen in the parallelism between the spirit and the power of God. Italics added
The nature the Holy Spirit of Catholics can be understood through concept of the Holy Eucharist, in which the elements constituting wine and bread get transformed into the Christs body and Christs blood. As Bass wrote, this transformation can only occur by means of the MaUU, so therefore the Catholic faith offers the same degree of reverence and adoration that is due God the Almighty. Because of the significance of the MaUU, it serves as the primary worship ceremony for the Catholic Church and is celebrated all over the world, in exactly the same way, every day of the week. The concept underlying the Eucharist is that theUe GiftU allow the Catholic to Uhare in the life and nature of God, both now and for eternity. In thiU UenUe, these Gifts are, aU t. ThomaU AquinaU aUUerted, in the fulleUt UenUe habitU, from the Latin habituU, Uignifying their indwelling preUence and operation. The CatechiUm underUcoreU thiU point when it asserts, The moral life of ChriUtianU iU UuUtained by the giftU of the Holy pirit.
To understand the Catholic MaUU and its relation to the Holy Spirit, one must appreciate that the very presence of the Spirit, which the Mass represents, is representative of the belief combined with action, and forms a spiritual technique of Christianity. It requires presence, physical as well as mental, of a participant who must consciously, actively and enthusiastically take part in all aspects of the celebrations, be it praying, singing or kneeling in reverence. That Catholics attach great importance to the Mass, can be understood from the fact that a casual physical attendance in the Mass is not considered sufficient. It is in the Mass that by guiding the members of his congregation through a series of interactions, a priest establishes intimate communication with them.
Another key to understanding the MaUU and why it is, as DeMello explains, so critical to Catholic worship that it is referred to as the sacred rite, or the formal, official worship service of Catholicism, is recognizing that it is more than simply a reenactment of the Last Supper. The Mass does not merely celebrate the past but also unites the past, present, and future whereas the past is recalled by reciting the words of Jesus, This is my body, this is my blood, the present is blessed by the bestowal of graces. The MaUU comprises the Liturgy of the Word of God and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Every prayer or religious ceremony commences with congregants making the sign of cross when instructed by the priest, and concludes in the same manner. The priest customarily greets the congregants before starting the Penitential Rite during the Liturgy of Wood. As Amy Plantinga Pauw explains, the vital characteristic is one of offering
The Spirit is the one who indwells the church and is given through the churchs means of grace. Since Schleiermacher it has been common to think of the Holy Spirit simply as the communal spirit of the Christian church. On the other hand, the Spirit has always been a mysterious and free presence that blows where it wills, transcending church structures and even the boundaries of human society to renew the whole creation.
In accordance with Pau, Monika K. Hellwig argues, The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus because the Holy Spirit of God, which is the Spirit of Jesus, is working powerfully in his followers . . . and drawing human freedom to its fulfillment in the willing response to the rule of God. However, Bernhard Lohse disagrees with this argument
The New Testament affirmations about the Holy Spirit are not so clear and univocal as those about Jesus Christ. It was known that the Spirit had spoken through the prophets and that he had descended at the baptism of Jesus in order to equip him for his work. The Johannine affirmations about the Spirit are especially far-reaching. For the period after his departure Jesus promises his people the Paraclete (NEB, Advocate xsv, Counselor), who is purposely called the Spirit of truth (John 1417), or the Holy Spirit (John 1426). Since it is asserted of the Spirit that he is another Paraclete (John 1416), it could be supposed that the Spirit is here conceived to be another person distinct from Jesus Christ. But this is hardly the case. The meaning, rather, is that in the Spirit Jesus himself comes to his disciples as the Paraclete.
In 1 Corinthians 124-13, one comes to know that though the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are primarily intended for effective spiritual guidance, they include all human endeavors conducive to smooth functioning of the Church and its growth. The Holy Spirit can manifest itself in countless ways such as exceptional wisdom and knowledge or ability to work miracles and prophesize. The believers may acquire healing powers or abilities to speak and understand different languages or even to discern spirits. The promotion and expansion of the Church is central to the concept.
Paul, particularly in his letters to the Romans and the Corinthians, sheds additional light on how the Holy Ghost functions ideally in human lives. To the Corinthians Paul makes it clear that the gift of the Holy Ghost was bequeathed to all Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (1 Corinthians 12.4-7).
There were handful of believers in the early Christian era and very few were multi lingual. Initially, Christian preachings attracted only underpriviledged sections of the society, including those shunned by Judaism or other pagan religions. Gifts of the Holy Spirit are believed to be behind the spread of Christianity to distant regions and nations. These Gifts enabled the first missionaries to travel abroad, successfully communicate with foreigners and win them over to the fold of Christianity. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit made the task of spreading Christianity to different nations with different native languages comparatively easier. Without these Gifts, the task would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Difficulty with communication was not the only major hurdle that Gifts of the Holy Spirit help surmount. Referring to the Holy Spirit, Hilmar M. Pabel writes, This is the Spirit who drives out the evil from Christian hearts, the Spirit by whom Christ strengthens his bride and her pastors, the Spirit through whom Christ has brought so many nations into the one body of the church, which is joined to Christ its head through the same Spirit. Although Pelagius taught that moral perfection is attainable in this life without the assistance of divine grace through human free will,
Augustine of Hippo contradicted this by saying that perfection was impossible without grace because we are born sinners with a sinful heart and will. . . . Augustine presents his theory of grace and predestination in uncompromising terms. Why, from among the human Massa damnations, does God call and justify some people and not others Certainly not because of their merits.
One Corinthians 124-13 teaches that as the Holy Spirit makes no distinction among believers, Christianity is all-inclusive, embracing all believers regardless of class or position
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even upon the menservants and maidservants in those days, I will pour out my spirit. (Joel 2.28-29)
As such, all peopleJews and Greeks, slaves, and free mencould become part of the one body of Christ during the early Christian era. This philosophy was crucial to the expansion of the Church.
In The Spirit of Life A Universal Affirmation, Moltmann extends this comprehension of the Gifts to encompass even social status, insisting that those in particular social positions, whether women, the poor, or ethnic minorities, provide unique wisdom and skills that can be mobilized by the Spirit. This understanding of the spiritual Gifts allows a freedom to exercise them outside of mainstream thought and reach out in the highways and byways to empower everyone, regardless of social standing. Gaining understanding of this expanded conception of the Gifts is very important in understanding why Christ selected apostles not characterized by high social standing. Indeed, it is very important for comprehending Christians as a whole, for, according to Papel, Christians are a spiritual people, for they imitate Christ, are taught by the Holy Spirit, and depend entirely on heaven. They cast aside the helps of this world and possess a wealth, wisdom, nobility, power, and happiness with which this world is unfamiliar.
The Holy Spirit helps believers in learning and assimilating the spiritual Gifts and causes them to grow in communion with God. Such instruction includes the learning of the Gift of Wisdom, which endows one with the ability to judge and order all things in accordance with divine norms and with a commonality that flows from loving union with God. This Gift, although primarily bestowed to reveal the will of God so that all Christians can poUUeUs the utmost knowledge of God, also allows for growth of practical wisdom, as the Gift of Wisdom supernaturally discloses the mind, purpose, and way of God within a specific context .
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit gifts are essential for salvation for, according to Margaret M. Turek
The Holy Spirit is love in person inasmuch as he is the mutual love that unites the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit does not participate in the generation of the Son he is derived from this generation by reason of the fact that the Fathers love for his Son is reciprocated in a unifying love that forms a third divine person.
This is the indispensible gift that all spirituality hinges on and that is love for one another. This transcends social and economic status this is why the apostle Paul could say 25 that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 1221-26 NIV
When we hold in low esteem those whom society fails to appreciate, in effect failing to grasp that everyone has a gift to offer, we lessen the value of the Gifts that God has to offer. Indeed, we fail to recognize that God works in every aspect of society, ministering His Gifts and extending His love to all who will receive it. IrenaeuU, biUhop of LyonU, affirmed that because the glory of God iU humanity fully alive, ChriUtianU understand that connecting their liveU to the piritU activity embodying GodU love in the world will culminate in the Kingdom of God, in which all creatureU embody the purpoUeU of God and their deepeUt yearningU.
If we believe, aU Thomas Merton inUiUtU, We give glory to God by living into God s purpose for creation, we can understand Erik Erikson s assertion that adolescence has its own virtue, and its own natural energy and teloU apart from its trajectory toward adulthood. Awakened and empowered through spiritual practices, young people can plan and organize around the Holy Spirit s goal of universal love, leading to glorification of God and energizing of human life.
Motivation for carrying out the will of God does not emanate from any command, nor from fear of negative consequences of disobeying the command, but from heart felt love for God and all human beings. The powerful Gifts of God are bestowed on those who are received in the Church. They make unity compulsory among believers and stress the need for establishing churches throughout the length and breadth of the globe. Monika K. Hellwig describes such unity as a communion of saints
This whole vision of interdependence has been named in Christian tradition by the term communion of saints. The term as we have it in the ancient creeds was probably originally intended to denote the communion or sharing of the holy things, that is, the mysteries of the followers of Jesus, the sacramental celebrations and the Scriptures and teachings, but in the course of time it has come to be understood rather as a communion or sharing among the holy people, that is, among all those past and present who have entered into the life of the Spirit by baptism into the community of Jesus.
Rejecting Christianity is interpreted by the Church as a decision to remain away from God, the giver of salvation to all. The Holy Spirit gives Gifts to achieve the goals of the Church and to ensure its smooth functioning and to galvanize believers to work incessantly for Church and all mankind. Administration of communion during prayers bears ample testimony to the noble purpose, All powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide.17
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit provide believers with instantaneous and explicit evidence that Christianity is the religion of choice and that God is almighty, forgiving, and loving. Furthermore, the Gifts furnish believers with the ability to spread Christian values around the world, converting more people to the faith. Ralph Del Colle states
At the very least, both ancient and contemporary witnesses have wrestled with either the divinity or personhood of the Holy Spirit. While the Pneumatomachi or enemies of the Holy Spirit are no longer the concern of present-day theologians as they were for Athanasius, Basil of Caesarea, and Gregory of Nazianzenwho today would deny the divinity of the Spiritthe conception of the Spirits personhood certainly is.18
This quote makes it clear that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit have been responsible for extraordinary spread of Christianity through missionaries and instilled immense courage and strength in them and have made them embrace martyrdom. The Holy Gifts provide great spiritual insights into the growth of Christianity and the evolution of its adherents and helped them make spirituality a part of their being and a way of life. The Christian quest for justice and love of God led to establishment of churches. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit have facilitated realization of true self and promoted neighborly love.
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