The Grace of Life vs Miraculous Gifts

 

The Grace of Life vs Miraculous Gifts

1. Gifts of Life

These gifts refer to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live out the fruits of life and spiritual character embodying Christ. Examples include love, joy, peace, and patience (Galatians 5:22-23). ​​These gifts allow us to experience God's life and live out His character.

Paul exhorts, "Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of requests. Be watchful" (Ephesians 6:18). We receive life strength through the Lord.

While miraculous gifts can attract people to the Lord, the gifts of life are even more powerful testaments to God's presence and power manifested in daily life, influencing relatives and friends to turn to Christ. Both types of gifts are given by the Holy Spirit, working together to reveal God's glory. 

2. Miraculous Gifts

These gifts refer to special supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, interpreting dreams, healing, and performing miracles. These gifts often demonstrate God's power and lead people to Christ.

In the Book of Acts, we see the apostles performing miracles, healing the sick, and making people know that Jesus is the Savior (Acts 3:1-10, 5:12-16). Paul also mentions that "the miracles are imparted by one Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:10). These miraculous gifts demonstrate God's presence and power. 

Aspect	The Grace of Life	Miraculous Gifts
Source	The dispensing of God’s life	The manifestation of God’s power
Nature	Inward, of life	Outward, of power
Way of Operation	Through the ruling and growth of life	Through supernatural acts
Continuity	Stable, lifelong, progressive	Occasional, temporary
Purpose	Maturity and transformation of life	To testify God’s power
Sphere of Influence	Spirit → soul → (sometimes) body	Mainly the body
Representative Stage	Paul’s late ministry	Paul’s early ministry
Typical Examples	Enduring sickness with inward supply	Healings and miracles
Potential Danger	Easily neglected	Easily exalted and glorified
Spiritual Value	Builds up the Body of Christ	Does not necessarily build life
Place in God’s Economy	Central and primary	Secondary and auxiliary
Key Scriptures	2 Cor. 4:16; Rom. 8:10	Acts 19:11–12; 1 Cor. 12

 

Teaching Summary:

A mature ministry emphasizes the ruling of life, not the display of miraculous power.
God’s highest healing today is the healing of life.

 

*Please refer to the 2025 Thanksgiving International Symposium on Christ as All-Inclusive as Revealed in the Gospel of Matthew, Part Two: Christ as Physician and Bridegroom.