Definition and Origin
The term "charisma" originates from the Greek word "χάρισμα" (charisma), which means "gift" or "favor." In the New Testament, it refers to the spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit. These gifts are given for the edification of the Church and the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.

Biblical References
Charisma is primarily discussed in the Pauline epistles, where the Apostle Paul outlines various spiritual gifts and their purposes within the body of Christ. Key passages include:

· Romans 12:6-8 : "We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one's gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

· 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 : "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines."

· 1 Peter 4:10 : "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another."

Purpose and Function
The primary purpose of charisma is to build up the Church and to serve others. These gifts are not for personal gain or status but are meant to glorify God and benefit the community of believers. The diversity of gifts reflects the unity and interdependence of the body of Christ, as each member contributes uniquely to the whole.

Types of Charismatic Gifts
The New Testament identifies several types of charismatic gifts, including but not limited to:

· Prophecy: The ability to speak forth God's message.
· Service: The gift of helping and serving others.
· Teaching: The ability to explain and apply God's truth.
· Encouragement: The gift of uplifting and motivating others.
· Giving: The ability to contribute resources generously.
· Leadership: The capacity to guide and direct others.
· Mercy: The gift of showing compassion and kindness.
· Wisdom and Knowledge: The ability to understand and apply spiritual truths.
· Faith: An extraordinary trust in God's promises.
· Healing and Miracles: The power to perform acts that demonstrate God's power.
· Tongues and Interpretation: The ability to speak in and interpret unknown languages.

Theological Significance
Charisma underscores the active role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and the Church. It highlights the grace of God in equipping His people for service and mission. The distribution of these gifts is sovereignly determined by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the divine initiative in the life of the Church.

Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to discover and develop their spiritual gifts, using them in love and humility for the benefit of others. The exercise of charisma should always align with biblical principles and be subject to the authority of Scripture. The Church is called to recognize and affirm these gifts, fostering an environment where they can be used effectively for God's glory.Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Topicalbible.org

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Topicalbible.org

2 Timothy 3:17
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works.
Topicalbible.org

Ephesians 4:11
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Topicalbible.org

5486. charisma -- a gift of grace, a free gift
... 5485, 5486. charisma. 5487 . ... see GREEK charizomai. (charisma) -- 8 Occurrences.
(charismata) -- 6 Occurrences. (charismati) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5486.htm - 7k

Spiritual Gifts.
... Every means afforded by the King for the doing of His work is a charisma, a gift
of grace. Hence the internal connection between work, office, and gift. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii spiritual gifts.htm

Subject Index.
... Chantepie de la Saussaye, xvii., 320. Charisma of discerning spirits, 188. of faith,
188. ... Geniality, 41. Gethsemane, 107. Gift, charisma, doron, 180. heavenly, 289 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/subject index.htm

The Anglican and Protestant Episcopal Churches and the Orthodox ...
... the Book of Common Prayer and that ordination be accepted as a mysterion"that is,
as being sacramental in its nature and conferring a charisma"was agreed ...
/.../iv the anglican and protestant.htm

Apostles To-Day?
... We concede that prophesying, in the general sense, is an enduring charisma of the
Church; for which reason the reformers of the sixteenth century attempted to ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxii apostles to-day.htm

Elucidations.
... Over and against the Mosaic priesthood he is supposed to assert his own priestly
charisma in the Epistle to the Romans, [3054] where he says, "I have therefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/elucidations.htm

To My Christian Brethren in the United States of America.
... works and strives for all men. The Lord has given to each his own charisma,
and with it each must work for all. What is true and good ...
/.../to my christian brethren in.htm

Cures Effected by St. Martin.
... Footnotes: [31] The Latin word gratia here corresponds to the Greek charisma. St.
Paul says much respecting the various charismata in 1 Corinthians 12. ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xvi cures effected by.htm

Cure of the Blind Man at Bethsaida. --Peter's Second Confession. ...
... such a sense, had made the same confession; although Peter's uttering it in the
name of all the twelve accorded with his peculiar charisma, which conditioned ...
/.../section 180 cure of the.htm

Then He Summoned Nicodemus and the Twelve God-Fearing Jews...
... Footnotes: [1893] Matthew 27:15-18, 21-23. [1894] John 19:12. [1895] Or, slanderous.
[1896] The word here, charisma, is used in the New Testament only of gifts ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 9 then he summoned.htm

xxxiii.
... been created or invented. Indeed, some of the powers then at work are lost
to us, eg, the, charisma of tongues. All the difference ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiii.htm

Are the miraculous gifts of the Spirit for today? | GotQuestions.org

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