The Gift of the Holy Spirit

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

In the church there are often many different opinions and questions about the Holy Spirit. What or Who is the Holy Spirit? What kinds of work does He do? Does He dwell in God's people today? And if He does, what does He do for us and on our behalf? Were only a few Christians baptized in the Holy Spirit or are all Christians baptized in the Holy Spirit? What does it mean to be baptized in the Holy Spirit? What is the distinction between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to God's people? Does the Holy Spirit still give gifts to God's people today, and if so, what gifts does He give? Let's look at what the scriptures say about some of these questions.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
In the scriptures, the Holy Spirit is presented to us as a person. He is always spoken of as "He", not "It". He is someone, not something. He speaks (1 Timothy 4:1), He teaches us (1 Cor. 2:13), He knows the thoughts of God (1 Cor. 2:11), prays for us (Romans 8:26). He even has emotions -- it is possible to grieve him (Eph. 4:30). The Holy Spirit is thus more than a mere force or power. He is more than something like enthusiasm. He is the very Spirit of God. He IS God!
Does the Holy Spirit Dwell in Christians Today?
When Adam and Eve sinned, there were lots of unpleasant consequences. They began to feel guilty, they began to have conflict in the family, the creation itself was cursed, and in the end there was even death. Worst of all, they were separated from God Himself and driven from the Garden of Eden.
But God had a plan to save man from sin and from all the consequences of sin -- including and especially the separation from God caused by sin. He had a plan to bring us back to him again. He announced this plan to Abraham in Gen. 12:1-3 when He promised that through Abraham God would one day bless all the nations and families of the earth. Later, God explains that this blessing would come through Abraham's offspring (Gen. 22:18).
The rest of the Bible explains exactly how God brings this great blessing to all the nations of the earth through the seed of Abraham. We can turn to the New Testament for a quick answer to this question. In Galatians 3:16, the apostle Paul tells us that the offspring or seed of Abraham through which this great blessing comes is Jesus Christ himself.
In Galatians 3:14, Paul explains exactly what this great blessing would be. This great blessing which God sends through Christ, the seed of Abraham, comes to us when by faith we receive the Holy Spirit. Of course, Jesus came to die for our sins with the result that through him we might have the forgiveness of sins. But this was only a means to a greater end. He takes away the guilt of sin so that we might no longer be separated from God and so that He might live with us again. This is done when we at last receive the gift of the Holy Spirit which is the gift of the very person and presence of God to live in us. This is a truly great blessing!
In the Old Testament God on several occasions tells about the time when He will send His Holy Spirit to live within His people, a time when the separation from sin will be taken away and He will himself come to live within His people. For example, in Ezekiel 36:26-28, God speaks of the time when He would put His Spirit IN His people to move them to follow His will. In Zechariah 12:10ff He speaks of the time when He would POUR OUT on His people a spirit of grace. In Joel 2:28-32 God tells about a time when He would POUR OUT His spirit on ALL flesh. Through Isaiah God also points to a coming time when He would pour out His Spirit on His people (Isaiah 44:3; 32:15). In every such prophecy, it is clear that God is promising to pour out His Spirit, not on merely a few, but on all who will be His people.
When we come to the New Testament, the predictions grow more prominent and begin to be fulfilled. John the Baptist tells all his converts, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit..." (Luke 1:33; John 1:33). That which would distinguish Jesus from John is that John baptized with mere water, but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit! It is clear that John is telling us that the great blessing Jesus would bring would be the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Himself predicted that He would send the Comforter from the Father (John 15:26), the very Holy Spirit of God (John 14:26). This Comforter, this Holy Spirit would not only be with the disciples to whom Jesus was directly speaking -- He would be with the disciples of Christ FOREVER (John 14:16)! This Holy Spirit had been living WITH the disciples, but Jesus explains that the time was coming when He would live IN them (John 14:17).
Just prior to ascending to heaven, Jesus tells His disciples to go to Jerusalem to wait for the power from on high (Luke 24:49), to wait there for the gift that had been promised regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). After Jesus finally ascended back to His Father in heaven, the disciples go to Jerusalem and wait for this promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:12). A few days later while they were all together in one place, they are all filled with this blessed Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). On this occasion, the Holy Spirit gives them the amazing power and ability to speak in languages they did not previously know (Acts 2:4-13), and the people who see this are amazed. Peter and the rest of the apostles begin to preach about Jesus and they explain to the crowd of people what is it that has happened.
He tells them God's prediction given through the prophet Joel is now beginning to be fulfilled. "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my spirit on all people..." (Acts 2:17ff; Joel 2:28ff). God is now beginning to pour out His spirit on all people. He is now beginning to put His Spirit IN His people (Ezek. 36:26-27). Peter proceeds to preach to them what Jesus has done. He has died for us and God has raised him from the dead. And now Jesus is exalted at God's right hand, He has received the PROMISED Holy Spirit and has POURED OUT this Holy Spirit first on the apostles (Acts 2:33).
Then Peter tells the people that they must everyone repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of their sins and then THEY will also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The PROMISE is even to them and to their children and to ALL whom God might call. What promise? In the context, Peter is clearly speaking of the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) which Jesus had promised (Acts 2:33) and which God had in the Old Testament repeatedly promised (Acts 2:17) and which He had in mind even when He made His great promise to Abraham. Jesus was the seed of Abraham through whom God would bless all the nations of the earth by delivering us from the guilt of sin so that He could come to live in us again through His Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:14-16).
Much in the Old Testament is a shadow of what was to come with Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:1-4). In the Old Testament, the priests were washed, dressed and anointed (Exodus 29:4-9; 40:12-15). Jesus Himself is a priest who was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power (Acts 10:38). The word "Christ" means "Anointed One". Jesus is called Christ because He was anointed with the Holy Spirit when He was baptized in water (Matthew 3:16-17).
All of this relates to us. Christians also are priests (1 Peter 2:9). We also receive an anointing (1 John 2:20). Like Jesus, we are also anointed with the Holy Spirit when we are baptized (Acts 2:38). We have also been anointed with the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 1:21, 22) and with power (Eph. 3:16). This does not mean that all Christians are given the same ability to work miracles as the Holy Spirit gave to Jesus and the apostles. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit does empower all Christians in certain respects. The Holy Spirit empowers all of us in our battle against Satan to overcome sin and to live the life Jesus intends for us to live. In this way we are able "to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Compare Ephesians 6:10. We are Christians (anointed ones) because WE, like Jesus, have been anointed with the blessed Holy Spirit who gives us power.
When the Old Testament priests were anointed, the oil was POURED OUT on them (Ex. 29:7). When the apostles received the Holy Spirit, Peter said that God was now POURING OUT His Spirit on all flesh (Acts 2:17). Jesus had POURED OUT the promised Holy Spirit on the apostles (Acts 2:33). But the apostle Paul says that God RICHLY POURS OUT His Holy Spirit on us ALL when He saves us from our sins (Titus 3:6).
Who Receives the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Some will argue that there are only two or three cases in scripture of baptism in the Holy Spirit: the apostles in Acts 2, Cornelius in Acts 10, and Paul in Acts 9. They say that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was for only these few people and for none of the rest of us. They claim that these are the only people about whom it is clearly stated that they were baptized in the Holy Spirit. They say that the baptism was needed for them for a special purpose and is not needed by the rest of us. If it is possible, let's try to look at this subject as objectively as we can.
First, when John predicted that Jesus would baptize in the Holy Spirit (Luke 3 :16; John 1:33), he was clearly speaking to more than the apostles. He said to them ALL, "I baptize you in water... He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit" (Luke 3:16). Had you been listening to John and if you had interpreted John according to the natural meaning of his words, what would you have understood him to say? At face value does it sound like John is saying that while he himself was baptizing thousands in water, Jesus would baptize only a few in the Holy Spirit and only on two or three occasions? If you had been one of His disciples already baptized in water, what would you have understood John to be saying to you? I would have understood that though John had baptized, me in water, someone greater was coming who would baptize ME in the Holy Spirit. John is telling his disciples to get ready for something new. I think that is clearly the natural interpretation of the people listening to John. The first rule of Biblical interpretation is to always interpret a passage according to its plainest sense unless the context or something else requires that we do otherwise.
It is worth noting the actual Greek text of John 1:33. The verb there translated "will baptize" is a present participle denoting continuous action. It is precisely the kind of Greek verb found five verses earlier (1:29) where John speaks of Jesus who "takes away the sins of the world." This too is a present participle denoting continuous action. Just as it is the ministry of Jesus to continually take away our sins, it is also equally His ministry to continually baptize in the Holy Spirit. His baptizing in the Holy Spirit is as continuous for people as is His taking away the sins of the world.
Now observe carefully that John said not one word about miracles or the ability to perform miracles when he predicted that Jesus would baptize His people in the Holy Spirit. There appears nothing in John's prophecy that would require anyone to think that the ability to perform miracles was necessarily a result of being baptized by Jesus in the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is one thing. The giving by the Spirit of certain miraculous gifts is quite a separate thing. Jesus is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the one who gives the various gifts (Compare Luke 3:16 and 1 Cor. 12:7-11). So if John is promising the baptism of the Holy Spirit to all his converts, to all Jesus' converts, this certainly does not mean that he is promising miraculous gifts of the Spirit to all who would be baptized in the Holy Spirit. All would agree that both the apostles and Cornelius were both baptized in the Holy Spirit, but this baptism did not yield all the same gifts for both. The Holy Spirit baptism for Cornelius did not make him an apostle nor did it give him the ability to perform the signs of an apostle. Holy Spirit baptism did not produce the same gifts in each one so baptized. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is one thing. The giving by the Spirit of various gifts is quite another.
Taken at face value, what do the words "baptize in the Holy Spirit" describe? A baptism in the Holy Spirit would simply be an immersion in the Holy Spirit, a washing in the Holy Spirit, a saturating of the Holy Spirit. Aren't these terms that could be used to describe the giving of the Holy Spirit to all of God's people? When Christians receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, how do we receive it? In what way does it come upon us? Does it come in contact with us? And if so, to what degree does it come in contact with us?
Remember that when the apostles were baptized in the Holy Spirit, Peter said this is what God predicted through Joel when He wrote "In the last days I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh..." (See Acts 2:17ff). The baptism of the Holy Spirit the apostles received was the time when God POURED OUT the Holy Spirit on them (Compare Acts 2:33).
What does Paul say is poured on all Christians? In Titus 3:5-6, he reminds us that the Holy Spirit has been POURED OUT on us all -- and richly, generously. The Holy Spirit poured out on the apostles is poured out on us. This pouring was a baptism for them. Why isn't the pouring a baptism for us? The picture presented here is that the Holy Spirit is generously poured out on us at conversion to such an extent that it can be said that we are baptized or immersed in the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit is poured out on us RICHLY, it is the same as saying we are covered in the Holy Spirit, we immersed in the Holy Spirit, we are washed in the Holy Spirit. Indeed, in 1 Cor. 6:11, Paul says we are all WASHED in the Holy Spirit.
It is worth noting that the baptism of the apostles in the Holy Spirit was a special case simply because it was the baptizing of the APOSTLES in the Holy Spirit and it also was the baptizing of the first Jews in the Holy Spirit. This is apparently why this baptism of the Holy Spirit was accompanied with special and VISIBLE demonstrations of the presence of the Holy Spirit (speaking in tongues and the presence of the tongues of fire etc.). These visible demonstrations of the presence of the Holy Spirit confirmed and proved that the Holy Spirit had indeed fallen on the apostles and empowered them. It also confirmed Peter's later words that now all the Jews could receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise of the Holy Spirit was indeed available for all Jews (Acts 2:38-39).
It is also worth noting that the baptism of Cornelius and his household was a special case of Holy Spirit baptism as well because it marked the first time that the gospel had been preached to the Gentiles. There were visible manifestations of the Holy Spirit at this time as well (speaking in tongues) apparently in order to prove that the Holy Spirit of God was available not only for the Jews but for ALL whom God might call (Acts 2:38-39).
The baptism of the apostles and the baptism of Cornelius in the Holy Spirit were special cases -- first time cases. One should not assume every time a Christian receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (is baptized in the Holy Spirit) there will be always be the same visible manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, in the book of Acts there appear to be many cases where there are no visible or obviously miraculous manifestations of the Holy Spirit at the time a convert receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (is baptized in the Holy Spirit). One may be sure, however, that the Holy Spirit will give whatever help or gift that is needed.
None of this means that we can do everything the apostles did or that the Holy Spirit gives Christians today the ability to perform miracles. Jesus baptizes in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives the various gifts. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is one thing. The giving of certain gifts by the Holy Spirit is another thing. The Holy Spirit in any generation gives only those gifts that the church needs. The gifts needed to produce and confirm the written New Testament are no longer needed. But all Christians have the same Holy Spirit as the apostles did. We have God living in us the same as they did -- which is the main blessing and the greatest blessing of all.
So there is this evidence that John predicted that HIS converts and Jesus' converts would all indeed be baptized in the Holy Spirit. When the apostles were baptized in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit was poured on them. He is also poured out RICHLY on us giving further evidence that we too have received the Holy Spirit in the sense of being immersed or covered with it.
It is true that in the book of Acts, Holy Spirit baptism is said to have occurred specifically only on the apostles (Acts 1:5) and Cornelius (Acts 11:15-16). But that even leaves out the apostle Paul. Nowhere in the Bible is it ever specifically said about Paul that he was baptized in the Holy Spirit. But we believe he was so baptized because he wrote about half the New Testament and he himself says that he was not in the least inferior to the apostles. Paul even raised someone from the dead. (acts 20:1-7). Nevertheless, it is never expressly stated that he was baptized in the Holy Spirit. Was he? Of course he was. But if it is true that Paul was baptized in the Holy Spirit (though it never expressly says so), it is possible that we too are baptized in the Holy Spirit even though the scripture may not expressly say so.
Actually, there is a scripture that appears to say so. In 1 Cor. 12:13 Paul says "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body..." Now some translations read "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body." How should this verse be translated? Is Paul saying "By one Spirit we are all baptized into one body", or is he saying "In one Spirit we were all baptized into one body"?
There are only six other places that speak of baptism in the Holy Spirit. They are found in Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:58 and Acts 11:16. In all six places the translation speaks of baptism IN the Holy Spirit. In 1 Cor. 12:13 the Greek is EXACTLY THE SAME as in each of the other six references to the Holy Spirit. This is very strong evidence that the translation of this phrase in 1 Corinthians ought to be "We were all baptized IN one Spirit into one body." If this is the correct translation, then it is clear that in fact we ARE all baptized in the Holy Spirit. This would coincide with Paul's statement that if we have the Holy Spirit, then we are IN the Spirit (Romans 8:9). How can it be said that those who have the Spirit are IN the Spirit? Could it be because we have all been covered and enveloped (baptized) in the Holy Spirit?
Someone might respond, "Paul says there is only one baptism. If Christians experience a baptism in water and in the Holy Spirit, then we are left with two baptisms, not one." Not so fast here. Are we left with two births when Jesus says we must be born of the water and the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of heaven (John 3:3-5)? Nor are we left with two baptisms when we say that we are baptized both in water and the Spirit. The water is the outward manifestation of what happens inside regarding the Spirit. Is it consistent for us to argue from John 3:3-5 that one cannot be born of water without being baptized in water while in the same breath we say that one can be born of the Spirit without being baptized in the Spirit?
Paul says Moses was baptized in the cloud AND the sea -- two elements. Christian baptism is like that. We are baptized in water, yes, but this has significance ONLY if something happens regarding the Holy Spirit, only if we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, only if we are baptized also in the Holy Spirit. Our baptism is patterned after the baptism of Jesus who after He was baptized in water then received the Holy Spirit. Christian baptism certainly includes two elements -- both water and the Holy Spirit. Christian baptism is not baptism in water minus the Holy Spirit. Nor is it baptism in the Holy Spirit minus the water. The one true Christian baptism includes both the water and the Spirit. Yes, we are baptized in water. But even more important, we then receive the Holy Spirit.
This simply means that when God gives each believer baptized in water the gift of the Holy Spirit, He says it is like a baptism. The Holy Spirit is poured out on us generously. We are covered and immersed in this Spirit by Jesus. In this way, we are literally connected to Jesus Christ. He lives in us and we in him.
Once we receive the Holy Spirit, He helps each of us as needed. He no longer gives gifts necessary to the production of the scripture. There are no more apostles. No one continues to write scripture. The ability to perform miracles so as to confirm that I am either an apostle or prophet is no longer needed and so this gift is no longer given. Gifts no longer needed are no longer given. The gifts that are needed are given!
The Holy Spirit does give us whatever is needed. In any generation of the church, the Holy Spirit is there to help us and give us what is needed. I am not the final authority on what the Holy Spirit might do or might not do. HE is the authority and it is His decision. We should exercise a little humility rather than presuming that we always know for sure how the Holy Spirit will or will not help God's people in any generation. We are foolish if we try to put God or the Holy Spirit in some kind of box. What God or His Spirit may do is not always reasonable or logical to the mind of man. Let us leave room for some mystery here and or God to do His work as He chooses.
Truly the Christian covenant is a covenant of the Spirit and the Christian age is a ministration of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:6-8). This is what distinguishes us from the disciples of John the Baptist and all the rest of God's people before Christ. Jesus has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit -- to be with us forever. Let us continue to thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. For when God gives us the Holy Spirit, He gives us himself. There can be no greater gift than that!
What Does the Holy Spirit Do on Our Behalf?
The Holy Spirit is in us for good reason. He is not passive. He is active. First, He brings God to live in us (1 John 3:24). We have immediate, close and friendly fellowship with God through the presence of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13;14). He makes us holy (1 Cor.6:11). He makes us to be someone new (Titus 3:5-6). He testifies that we are the sons of God (Romans 8:15-17). The Holy Spirit also leads and guides us (Romans 8:14). He helps us and prays for us (Romans 8:26). He strengthens us inwardly (Eph. 3:14-16). He produces fruit in us (Galatians 5:22-23). He comforts us (John 14:16, 17, 26; Acts 9:31). And He gives us gifts (1 Peter 4:11) as HE determines according to what is needed for the good of the church (1 Cor. 12;4-11;).
Does the Holy Spirit Today Give All Gifts He Gave at the Beginning?
If He does, then there should be apostles today and He is still giving me scripture to write down the same as He did then. Indeed, the Mormons believe this is the case today. But Paul says that the church was built on the FOUNDATlON of the apostles and the prophets with Jesus being the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:20). How many times does a builder lay a foundation upon which to build a structure? The foundation is something that is laid only at the beginning. Thus, as the foundation for the church, the apostles and the prophets were intended for the beginning of the church until the foundation had been completed.
Also, I take the position that scripture is no longer being revealed today and therefore gifts for the purpose of revealing scripture and confirming the revealed messages of the apostles and prophets are of necessity no longer being given. This doesn't mean that the Holy Spirit no longer gives any gifts. It only means that the Holy Spirit no longer gives the gifts necessary for the reception and revelation and copying down of the New Testament.
There is considerable evidence in the scriptures themselves that certain gifts necessary for the infancy of the church and for the production of the written New Testament are no longer given because they are no longer needed. When the gospel of Christ was preached and the church began on Pentecost Sunday after the resurrection of Jesus, much about the new covenant was yet to be revealed. Not a single book of the New Testament had been written. Consequently, God had to devise some way to directly and convincingly reveal His will and teachings to the people until such time that the church would come to maturity and the New Testament scriptures could be completed. Certain gifts of the Holy Spirit were clearly associated with this process. For example, the gift of prophecy was instrumental in helping the early church learn God's will before there were any New Testament scriptures. At the same time, the gift of prophecy was instrumental in making it possible for the scriptures to be written and recorded for us in both the Old and New Testament. (See 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21).
Furthermore, when the apostles initially preached the gospel and teachings of Jesus and when they began to record the message into the New Testament scriptures, they needed some proof that what they were saying was true. Certain gifts of the Holy Spirit were provided to verify and prove that the word they were preaching was true (See Mark 16:15-20; Hebrews 2:1-4).
On several occasions when the gospel was first preached to the Jews (Acts 2:1-12) and to the Gentiles (Acts 10:42-48), God enabled people to miraculously speak in foreign languages to prove that the people had indeed received the Holy Spirit. The miracle of speaking in foreign languages which the speakers had previously never studied clearly occurred for the purpose of proving a great truth -- that forgiveness of sins and God's Holy Spirit was available for Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles -- for ALL whom God might call! When the Holy Spirit gave others the gift of healing or the ability to do other kinds of miracles, this also served to prove the veracity of what the first century apostles and prophets were preaching.
But what would happen to these particular gifts after the churches came to a fuller under- standing of the will of God and came to a greater maturity? What would happen when the New Testament scriptures were finally completed? One might logically assume that any gifts necessary for the maturing of the church and for the production and confirmation of these New Testament scriptures would no longer be needed and therefore would cease to be given.
There is indeed some evidence that this is exactly what happened. When one reads the book of Acts, it appears that when churches began, miracles etc. were in abundance. But after churches came to a fuller knowledge of the new covenant and came to maturity, such miracles appear to decline in number. Take the Jerusalem church for an example. At the beginning we read of all kinds of prophecies and miracles. But as time proceeds, the number and frequency of such miracles appear to decline.
In Romans 12:6-8 and in 1 Cor.12-14 Paul speaks of many different kinds of gifts of the Holy Spirit, some of which were necessary for the production of the New Testament scriptures and some of which were not. In the passage from 1 Corinthians it is evident that the early church at the time the letter was written enjoyed all the gifts listed. But right in the middle of this text (1 Cor. 13:8-13) Paul explains that "when the perfect comes", some of these gifts would continue and some of these gifts would actually come to an end. What is "that which is perfect"? There is considerable difference of opinion about this. Some say this refers to the second coming of Jesus. According to this interpretation, the miraculous gifts of speaking in tongues and giving direct prophecies from God will not cease until the Jesus (who is perfect) returns. Others say that the perfect refers to the perfection or completion of the New Testament scriptures. Still others say that the perfect refers to the coming maturity of the church. If this is Paul's intended meaning, he is saying that as the first century churches matured in time, the gifts needed for the infancy of the church would no longer be needed and would pass away.
In any case, Paul clearly states that while the gifts of prophecy and tongues would end, Christian faith, hope and love would continue. Now try and follow me to my conclusion. When Jesus comes, faith will no longer be faith. Our faith will turn to sight (2 Cor. 5:7) Our hope will no longer be hope. Who continues to hope for what he has already received? (See Romans 8:24-25). We WILL continue to have love throughout eternity which may be one reason why Paul says love is greater than either faith or hope. However, it is clear from the context that Paul is saying that even faith and hope (which will last till Jesus returns) WILL LAST LONGER than either the gifts of prophecy or the speaking of languages. "Prophecies will cease... Tongues will be stilled... These three remain (abide or last): faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love" (1 Cor. 13:8-13). We can conclude that if faith and hope will last only till Jesus returns, then the gifts of prophecies and tongues were intended to end at some considerable time prior to the second coming of Christ! Thus, in this context, the perfect must refer to something other than Jesus and His second coming. Faith and hope logically last only till Jesus returns, but according to Paul's logic, they will last longer than either the gifts of tongues or prophecy.
If you believe that the Holy Spirit continues to give all the gifts given and does every single thing He did in the first century...

How will you explain this fact that the gifts of tongues and prophecy are to cease at some point in time prior to faith and hope (which last only till Jesus returns)?

Where can you produce an example of Christians today speaking in the kind of tongues about which we read in Acts 2:5-12. According to this first example of speaking in tongues, when the apostles spoke in tongues then, they clearly spoke in foreign languages people from foreign countries could understand. This is the only place in the New Testament where it is clearly explained to us what happened when some Christian actually spoke in a tongue.

Lots of people today CLAIM to speak in tongues, but where is the example of anyone today actually speaking a foreign language never before studied? If there are no such examples, one ought to at least ask the question "Why"? is it possible that this gift along with others associated with the revealing of the New Testament ceased to be given when the New Testament was finally completed?

And how can you claim that the scriptures are complete? If you believe the Holy Spirit does every single thing He did in the first century, your position forces you to conclude that scripture is still being written. The Bible as we know it is an incomplete book! Indeed this is precisely what the Mormons have concluded! What will you say to the Mormons who insist that the scriptures recorded in the first century are incomplete and that God added more scripture later called the Book of Mormon? If you believe the Holy Spirit is no longer revealing and recording scripture, then you are admitting that the Holy Spirit is no longer doing for the church or gifting the church in every way He did in the beginning!

You should realize that it is not essential for anyone to personally witness some visible manifestation of the Spirit or power of God in order for that person to either believe or be saved. John says the miracles performed by Jesus were recorded for us in scripture so that we could believe (John 20:30-31). So reading about the miracles is able to accomplish the very same thing personally witnessing the miracles would do. Jesus told the story of Abraham and the rich man where He makes it clear that if people will not believe on the basis of what God has already revealed in scripture, they would not believe even if they personally witnessed God raising someone from the dead (Luke 16:19-31). It is not essential to personally witness some miracle of God in order to either believe or be saved.

So there is considerable evidence that the Holy Spirit does not necessarily do every single thing or give every single gift that He did in the first century. If the apostles and prophets were intended to serve only for the foundation of the church, then God is no longer giving us apostles and prophets of the sort He gave in the beginning. And if the scriptures were in fact completed in the first century, then one must admit that the Holy Spirit is no longer doing something He once did. He is no longer revealing scripture to us. And if He is no longer in the business of revealing scripture to us, then is it possible that He may no longer give those gifts especially designed to mature the church? Is it possible that He is no longer giving us those gifts designed to provide for us and confirm to us the New Testament scriptures.
If this is indeed what happened, we must be very careful that we do not deny that the Holy Spirit does anything at all for us today or that He no longer gives ANY gifts. If we deny that the Holy Spirit any longer makes apostles, let us not deny that He makes preachers or teachers or elders. If we doubt that the Holy Spirit gives certain gifts, let us NOT deny that He does anything or that He gives any gifts for His church today. Let us be careful that we do not go to this extreme.
The Holy Spirit is with us for good reason. He didn't retire to heaven after the New Testament scriptures were completed. He continues to be active and not passive. Even if we doubt that the Holy Spirit gives some of the gifts originally given, we may rest assured that the Holy Spirit of God always makes available to the church whatever gifts we truly do need in any generation and in any place or time. The particular gifts given by the Holy Spirit may differ from time to time according to the needs of the church, but whatever is needed is surely given!
If we deny that the Spirit gives us a few of the first gifts first given, we do NOT deny that He gives any gifts. If the Spirit no longer gives the true gift of speaking in tongues, He certainly DOES give the gifts of serving, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy (Romans 12:6-8). And He also continues to do for us all the other things previously mentioned -- He brings God to live in us, He helps to control us, He gives eternal life to us, He helps us stop sinning, He leads us, He helps us overcome our weaknesses, He prays to God on our behalf, He gives us strength and power and He produces His fruit in us. Thank God for His blessed Holy Spirit!
And if we deny that men are specially endowed to personally work miracles, let us not deny that God himself has this power and can exercise it as He pleases. Let us not deny that God can continue to heal whomever He pleases! Let us not go so far as to say that! If some miracle does appear to occur, there is no need to encompass heaven and earth trying to find proof that it was not a miracle!! Let us continue to affirm that God is the Almighty and He can do as He pleases. He can make things happen that otherwise would not happen. He can change events. And He can heal if He so chooses! Truly our God is alive and well. He hears our prayers and is able to do far more than we ask or think (Eph. 3:20-21). Hallelujah and Amen!
Could Only the Apostles Pass on the Gifts of the Spirit Only by the Laying on of Hands?
It is worth noting that the apostle Paul says in 2 Cor. 12:12 that signs, wonders and miracles especially MARKED the apostles. So the apostles were particularly associated with the performing of signs, wonders and miracles. (Compare also Acts 2:43). It is a fair observation, therefore, to argue that signs, wonders, and miracles were done first by the apostles and then, by those particularly associated with them.
Some go further to say that only the apostles could give the gifts of the Holy Spirit (or at least what are sometimes called the miraculous gifts of the Spirit) -- and they did this by the laying on of their hands. And therefore when all the apostles died, the gifts of the Holy Spirit (or at least the miraculous gifts) were no longer given. They cite Acts 6 and 7 as an example where we read that the apostles laid their hands on the seven men chosen to distribute the food to the widows in the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:6). Shortly after this, we read that some of these men are able to perform miraculous signs (Acts 6:8; 8:13). This is the first time we read of anyone being able to perform miracles other than the apostles. Some infer from this that the ability to perform the miracles was given by the laying on of the apostles hands. This is a fair inference. However, this is at best an inference since it is not said that the apostles laid their hands on the men for the purpose of giving them the ability to perform miracles. In fact, the context would strongly suggest that the apostles laid their hands on these men for the purpose of ordaining them to the benevolent work for which they had been chosen. Could Stephen and Philip have received certain gifts from the Holy Spirit without the laying on of the apostles' hands or not? From the Biblical evidence in the context, there is no definite and absolute answer to that question.
In Acts 8 it is said that the apostles sent Peter and John to the newly baptized believers in Samaria. They laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Apparently, God saw a need for the apostles to be present on this occasion and to give the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the apostles' hands. The context seems to indicate that when the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit may have also given them certain miraculous and visible gifts (compare Acts 8:18). If they indeed did receive certain gifts from the Holy Spirit at this time, could the gifts have possibly been received apart from the laying on of Paul's hands or not? The context does not answer this question.
In Acts 9:15,16 when Ananias places his hands on Saul, he says to him that God has sent him to Saul so that Saul might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Did Ananias give Saul the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands? It is difficult to say for sure -- the text says that when Ananias laid his hands on Saul, he only received his sight. There is no clear explanation that he received the Holy Spirit at the same time. Perhaps Saul actually received the Holy Spirit after he was baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins. This is the usual way in which Christians seem to have received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 19 Paul lays his hands on the newly baptized believers and they receive the Holy Spirit and then the Holy Spirit gives them certain miraculous gifts. We know that the Holy Spirit Himself did not always come only by the laying on of the apostles' hands. Could these new Christians have received these certain gifts of the Holy Spirit without the laying on of Paul's hands or not? No definite answer to this question is given.
One can fairly infer that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit were given only by the laying on of the apostles' hands. However, to my knowledge, there is no definite and clear scripture that expressly says that the gifts of the Holy Spirit (or even the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit) could only be given by the laying on of the apostles' hands. And there may be certain scriptures that in fact mitigate against it. For example, there is the clear statement that the Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gifts as HE chooses and as HE decides (1 Cor. 12:4-11). It is not merely a decision of even the apostles. It is always finally a decision of the Holy Spirit as to what gifts are given and who receives what. The Holy Spirit has the prerogative and the ability to bestow gifts in any manner as He sees fit, either through the laying on of the apostles' hands or otherwise. Certainly if He so chose, the Holy Spirit could have channeled the miraculous gifts only through the laying on of the apostles' hands. And this may have been what He chose to do. But to be honest, there is no scripture that expressly says so.
Second, there is the case of Timothy where in 1 Timothy 4:14, Paul speaks about Timothy's gift which he received when the ELDERS laid their hands on him. Paul also says that Timothy received his gift at the laying on of Paul's hands (2 Timothy 1:6). But there appears to be in this case as much evidence that the elders had power to convey gifts by the laying on of hands as did the apostle Paul himself.
In short, an honest and objective study of the scriptures will yield this conclusion: there is some evidence that the giving of the miraculous gifts came only through the laying on of the apostles' hands. But there is not any express statement to that effect. To some degree, the scripture leaves this question an open question.