PERFECT GIFTS VIA CONTINUATIONISM - PART 1

FRIDAY 29 AUGUST 2025

PERFECT GIFTS VIA CONTINUATIONISM - PART 1

I'm introducing a new topic, namely Perfect Gifts via Continuationism. What are Perfect gifts, and why is Continuationism particularly evident in the parlance of the topic? Perfect Gifts are the spiritual nature of gifts from above (see James 1:17 NIV), while Continuationism is the earnest conviction that the Spirit of God has actively continued to grant the "modern day" saints the ability to consciously acquire those spiritual nature of gifts from above, in order to excel in building the body of Christ and in demonstrating His supernatural abilities or limitless power on earth. 

Where there is an adverse reaction to the acquisition, possession or possibilities of perfect gifts in some Christian views, it could mean that the concept of "cessationism" is strongly entertained, or agreeably associated with those contrary viewpoints. Therefore, as born again Christians, we must eagerly engage in "Continuationism" by following the way of the Spirit and patently desiring His best gifts. More below!

Reference: 1st Corinthians 12:31 King James Version (KJV)

"But covet earnestly the best gifts:"

To covet is to yearn to possess (something, especially something belonging to another), and in this versified contextual analysis, the gifts belong to one, namely the Holy Spirit, who graciously distributes them. So the King James Bible used the word, "Covet" in order to give a clearer indication of where the gifts are situated or can be found. That means, its a word which suggests - feeling a powerful desire for, and setting one's heart on the best gifts belonging to the Spirit [a supernatural or divine source], which is denotative of the truth that it is not given or granted by human abilities. So they are not human gifts, skills and abilities; they are special and extraordinary gifts based upon the Spirit's manifestation in you and through you.

Interestingly, to covet doesn't mean that you have the "possession." It only means that you long for the best gifts, ie, you thirst for, hanker for, salivate for, hunger for, delight in, treasure, value, pant after, or desiderate. More so, to covet is about having the right attitude towards gaining the abilities that the Spirit gives without treating them as ordinary, and when such attitudinal desire is missing, there could be an unconcerned, unconvincing, unsatisfactory and reluctant response to such gifts - manifesting in form of neglecting, despising, disdaining, abominating, spurning, debasing, or declining spiritual gifts, as well as advertently or inadvertently considering them to be unworthy of one's possibility or possession.

When your inward thoughts are frequently basking in the delight of possessing the best gifts, it means that you are immensely craving to have them. But if acquiring them in reality is your set goal, you have to be such gifts-oriented, and work towards their acquisition with an ardent alacrity or apt enthusiasm, after setting them as your highest goal. And then, it is to be passionately appropriated by faith and personal divine encounters with the Spirit of God, but I will come to the expository knowledge of this informative verity as we attain the deeper level of this wonderful topic. Stay tuned for the successive parts of this topic. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - John 3:27; 1 Corinthians 4:7; Romans 12:6-8;1 Corinthians 12:4.

Exuberant Declaration:

I'm supremely blessed with all-round spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, and I manifest His divine presence in my world, earnestly coveting the best gifts of the Spirit, without negligence and wavering interest. Praise God!