Bible Answer

Can Spiritual gifts be imparted from one person to another?

Can Spiritual gifts be imparted from one person to another?

Spiritual gifts cannot be “imparted” from one believer to another. As Paul teaches:

1Cor. 12:4  Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 
1Cor. 12:5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 
1Cor. 12:6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.
1Cor. 12:7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 
1Cor. 12:8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 
1Cor. 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 
1Cor. 12:10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 
1Cor. 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 

Notice in v.11 Paul says God assigns gifts to believers "as He wills." God is the One by His Spirit Who assigns all gifts, and a believer receives whatever gifts the Spirit wills to give. Furthermore, these gifts are permanent:

Rom. 11:29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 

Therefore, anyone who teaches that spiritual gifts can be “transferred” or learned is distorting the teaching of the Bible, and therefore you should seek for better teaching elsewhere. 

We encourage you to listen to our 1Corinthians study, especially chapters 12-14 on spiritual gifts.