1. Terminology matters. Unbiblical terminology and the conflating of terms exacerbates confusion. We must strive for biblical precision in our terminology.

2. The canon of Scripture is closed. There is no new revelation. (Hebrews 1:1-2, Jude 3, Revelation 22:18-19)

3. We must distinguish between an office and a gift. An office necessitates both a function and qualifications. The three Old Testament offices are Prophet, Priest, and King. The three New Testament offices are Apostle, deacon, and elder.

4. Every believer is gifted for service by the Holy Spirit for the common good, the edification of the body, to the glory of God. Gifts are listed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4 though these are likely not exhaustive lists. (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11,27-30, Ephesians 4:11)

5. The gifts will continue until the Second Coming of Christ when they are no longer needed. The gift of tongues (languages) is dwindling, petering out. (1 Corinthians 13:8-12) There is no biblical mandate for the cessation of any of the gifts nor is there a directive to delineate between “sign” gifts and “ordinary” gifts, as it were.

6. The gifts are greatly abused, but that should neither surprise us nor cause us to reject them. Our theology concerning spiritual gifts must NOT conflict with the cessation of the Apostolic office, the closing of the canon, or the requirement for order in the church.

7. Spiritual gifts of apostles, prophecy, or tongues are difficult to understand and require special consideration.