Does Every Believer Receive Nine Gifts of the Spirit? The Biblical Proof

Part 3 of 7 by Don Bell | ⏱️ 10 minute read

Does every believer receive nine gifts of the Spirit? Building on our previous discussions about these supernatural abilities, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we'll now explore this crucial question that impacts every believer's spiritual journey. Through biblical evidence and practical insights, we'll discuss how the Holy Spirit equips each member of Christ's body with the supernatural abilities they need.

This article will help you understand your spiritual potential and embrace the divine abilities the Holy Spirit has placed within you.

Scriptural Evidence: Why You Possess All Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit

When teaching about spiritual gifts, I've often been asked the question: "Does every believer receive all nine gifts of the Spirit?" My answer is YES. And it can be shown from Scripture!

All nine gifts of the Holy Spirit are yours to receive! The Holy Spirit doesn't withhold His gifts from you. He means for you to receive ALL His gifts. Why? Because He is who He is, and you NEED all of them to do the works of Jesus.

Understanding the Context

Let's turn to 1 Corinthians 12 and examine carefully what the Apostle Paul taught concerning the gifts of the Spirit. Keep in mind, his frame of reference is how the gifts are used when the Church has gathered.

Paul says, "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all" (1 Corinthians 12:4–6).

Paul is reminding us that there are various gifts given by the Holy Spirit, different ministries given by Jesus (Ephesians 4:11–12), and various activities that arise for meeting needs, but it's God the Father who coordinates everything according to His will.

The KEY Word: Manifestation

Continuing with verses 7-11, notice the word MANIFESTATION — it's the KEY that opens this passage to our understanding.

We need to distinguish between:

• The gift = the supernatural ability
• The manifestation = the supernatural demonstration of that ability

Keeping that distinction in mind, carefully read the following:

Understanding What Paul Is Really Saying

There are nine gifts (supernatural abilities) listed in the above passage, and each has its unique MANIFESTATION. The name of the gift describes its manifestation. For example:

• The gift of prophecy manifests a word of prophecy
• The gift of a word of wisdom manifests a word of wisdom
• The gifts of healing manifest healings, and so on

Here's the crucial point: Paul is saying that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person, and he lists the manifestations of the nine gifts. He is NOT talking about one gift being given to one person.

You Possess ALL Nine Gifts

When you are FILLED with the Holy Spirit, you possess ALL nine spiritual gifts because they are ALL inherent in Him. You receive ALL of Him, not just part. His gifts are ALL available and ready for you to manifest as they are needed. He means for you to receive them because YOU NEED THEM to do the works of Jesus.

These nine spiritual gifts (supernatural abilities) can be called upon by EACH believer to meet a variety of needs as the Holy Spirit prompts. However, these gifts will lay dormant and be hidden within you until you step out in faith and begin to use (manifest) them.

Does Every Believer Receive Nine Gifts of the Spirit? Unlocking Your Inheritance

Yes! All nine gifts are available to every believer. Paul's teaching reveals that you can receive and operate in all nine gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Consider what Scripture says about the three Utterance Gifts:

• Tongues: "I wish you ALL spoke with tongues …" (1 Corinthians 14:5, emphasis added).
• Interpretation of Tongues: "Therefore let HIM who speaks in a tongue pray that HE may interpret" (1 Corinthians 14:13, emphasis added).
• Prophecy: "For you can ALL prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged" (1 Corinthians 14:31, emphasis added).

Notice that Paul clearly indicates one person can manifest ALL three Utterance Gifts. This same principle applies equally to the three Revelation Gifts and the three Power Gifts.

God desires that each believer excels in ALL nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. That's why Paul writes, "How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, EACH OF YOU has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification" (1 Corinthians 14:26, emphasis added).

When believers gather, the Holy Spirit can prompt ANY individual to use ANY gift (or gifts) for the edification of all believers. This is your inheritance. Unlock it!

Overcoming Fear: Moving from Hesitation to Spiritual Confidence

Have you ever hesitated to step out in the gifts of the Spirit? You're not alone. Many Spirit-filled believers struggle with uncertainty, wondering if they're "qualified" or "experienced enough" to operate in spiritual gifts.

Proficiency in the gifts of the Spirit has nothing to do with someone's intelligence, personality background, or manner; it has everything to do with choice. When the Church gathers, we're encouraged to actively participate, each person contributing. This participation enriches the entire congregation and helps fulfill God's purpose for corporate worship.

Why Don't All Believers Walk in the Gifts?

Paul asks a revealing question: "Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?" (1 Corinthians 12:30). The answer to each is "No," but not because believers can't. Rather, it's because many don't.

Here's what this means practically:

• Not everyone will lay hands on the sick, although they can.
• Not everyone will speak in tongues, although they can.
• Not everyone will interpret a tongue, although they can.

In any group of believers, you'll find some who haven't yet discovered their full spiritual potential. This has much to do with free will. The Holy Spirit will NEVER violate your free will. He waits for your willing participation.

Each of us is called to spread the gospel of the Kingdom, but because of the choices we make, we might not excel in all areas or to the extent we could. Ask God to help you make wise choices, so you can fulfill His plan for your life.

Can Believers Receive All Nine Gifts?

Paul urges us to "earnestly desire the best gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31), the best gifts being those that meet the immediate need. Why would he urge this if it weren't possible?

The reality is that every Spirit-filled believer has access to all nine gifts. What holds us back isn't God's willingness, but our own fears.

Seven Common Fears That Hold Us Back

Most hesitation comes from these familiar fears:

1. Fear of failure – "What if nothing happens?"
2. Fear of people – "What will they think of me?"
3. Fear of ridicule – "Will I look foolish?"
4. Fear of criticism – "What if I'm judged harshly?"
5. Fear of falling into error – "What if I get it wrong?"
6. Fear of inexperience – "I'm not ready for this."
7. Fear of the supernatural – "The unknown makes me uncomfortable."

Do any of these resonate with you? If so, take heart! There's a clear path forward.

The Solution: Knowledge Plus Faith

The solution is straightforward: gain knowledge, then step out in faith. When we do, we discover that God's grace overcomes our natural hesitations.

Our Heavenly Father guides us as we step out in the gifts. With His support, we move from hesitation to confidence, discovering that His grace carries us beyond our natural abilities. Just as riding a bicycle becomes second nature, operating in the gifts becomes a natural part of our spiritual walk once we take those first steps of faith.

The Foundation: Love is the More Excellent Way

Before we go further, we must understand something foundational: agape love is the foundation for operating in the gifts. Love is the "more excellent way" and the true motivator (1 Corinthians 13).

When we love others, our heart's desire will be to bring them edification, exhortation, and comfort. When you see the gifts of the Spirit flowing in the Body of Christ, it's a sign that love is flowing.

Here's a crucial truth: The gifts of the Spirit cannot operate in an environment void of love!

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit with His gifts to help you reach your true potential in the Body of Christ, by edifying others and being edified by others. This is the sure sign of a congregation that's alive with the potential for growth.

Building Confidence Through Understanding

With love as our foundation, we can now address the knowledge needed to operate confidently in the gifts.

Does every believer receive the nine gifts of the Spirit? Yes, but we might not have confidence enough to activate the gifts and operate in our priestly calling if we're unsure of what they are and how they operate.

Once we understand the basic principles of the gifts of the Spirit, our confidence increases, and we'll experience success in receiving and activating them. Their operation will become as familiar as riding a bicycle; once you've done it, you'll always be able to do it.

The Importance of Proper Instruction

We must first understand the basics and acquire hands-on experience before going deeper. Thankfully, the Lord Himself gave some to be teachers for the equipping of the saints (that's us) for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12).

Paul thought it necessary to teach on spiritual gifts, saying, "Brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant" (1 Corinthians 12:1). The Greek word ἀγνοέω (agnoeō), translated as "ignorant," means by implication to ignore through hesitancy or reluctance.

We are often hesitant or reluctant to receive something when we don't quite understand what it is.

Therefore, instruction in the gifts of the Spirit is necessary to avoid misunderstandings in their operation. Too often, well-meaning believers become overconfident and run with the gifts while making errors. They influence others who make the same errors, and soon, needless misunderstanding has created hurt and havoc within the Body of Christ.

Empowering Your Faith: How to Release the Holy Spirit’s Power

Does every believer receive all nine gifts of the Spirit? Yes! The Holy Spirit's desire is for us to manifest His presence through every gift He has placed within us. Yet, many believers either hesitate to recognize His gentle promptings to step out in the gifts, or they are denied the opportunity when they should be encouraged to take an active role in ministry.

As Paul explains in Ephesians 4:11-13, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (often called the five-fold ministry) are given to equip believers for the work of the ministry, and the spiritual gifts are essential tools for that ministry.

Leaders are called by God to help believers recognize and activate the gifts given by the Holy Spirit. Once believers are equipped and supernaturally empowered, the congregation will experience growth and greater impact. When leaders equip instead of simply performing ministry, the Church operates as God originally designed, with every believer actively contributing.

Many believers yearn for a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit's presence when the Church gathers, each member sharing a teaching, a gift as the Spirit prompts (1 Corinthians 14:26). When they are permitted to embrace and operate in the gifts of the Spirit, meetings can become transformative encounters with God.

We must embrace fully the Lord's work in our midst. When we fail to recognize and operate in the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us, spiritual dryness results. Isaiah warned of this danger:

When we combine our understanding of the gifts with love as our motivation, and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance, we create an environment where His power can flow freely. This release of His power not only transforms our individual walks but also builds up the entire Body of Christ.

Taking Your First Step Toward Activation

When considering, "Does every believer receive nine gifts of the Spirit?" remember that the degree we hunger and thirst for truth determines the degree we'll push aside excuses and fears, and be filled to overflowing with love for ministry. We really need to ask, "How hungry and thirsty am I?"

Following his teachings on the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians, Paul plainly states, "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the COMMANDMENTS of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37, emphasis added).

So, if you could ask Paul today, "Does every believer receive all nine gifts of the Spirit?" He would say YES, without any hesitation. He considered the Holy Spirit's gifts vital to the believer's walk in Christ, and the growth of the local Church.

Paul didn't consider the gifts of the Spirit optional for the believer. So let's choose to be diligent in recognizing and using all of them.

Embracing Your Divine Potential and Walking in Kingdom Power

You don't have to remain in hesitation. Through the motivation of love, and steps of faith, you can step into the Kingdom role God intends for you. The gifts are available. The Holy Spirit is willing. The question is: are you ready to overcome fear and realize your full spiritual potential?

You've now discovered a liberating truth: as a Spirit-baptized believer, you have access to ALL nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. But. I know this teaching raises questions. Can I lose these gifts? How are they different from natural talents? What about the five-fold ministry gifts; where do they fit in?

In Part 4, I'll address the most frequently asked questions about the nine gifts. These are questions I've heard from believers for decades, and the biblical answers will bring clarity and confidence to your understanding.

Continue to Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions About the Nine Gifts of the Spirit

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About the Author

Don Bell is the creator of the Kingdom Anointing website and a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He shares insights from his spiritual journey to encourage ordinary believers to seek God's Kingdom and walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

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Hi, I'm Don

It's great to meet you! I'm not a pastor or theologian, but a believer who discovered the power of the Holy Spirit through personal experience. My prayer is that Kingdom Anointing™ will help you — a fellow believer — build your faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God. Let's discover together what God has in store for you.