Speaking in Tongues

Speaking in Tongues, a Controversial Topic Among the Churches

Speaking in Tongues is something we hear more controversy (and misquoted or misinterpreted scripture) over than any other thing mentioned in the bible. What is the cause for that… and why are the churches so divided on this topic?

The main question tends to be: Was it (speaking in tongues) a ’sign of the times’, or is it a spiritual gift of prayer language that is evidence of baptism of the Holy Ghost? The answer to this question seems to be what divides the churches, and many believers.

In this study I will compare common beliefs, available resources and Scripture in an attempt to share a full understanding of the gift of speaking in tongues…

A Sign of the Times?

Some Christians consider Speaking in Tongues a ’sign of the times’, meaning that they believe that it happened only in biblical times and that it was an occurence only relevant to those times.

One of the most common explanations for this belief is that on the Day of Pentecost* (Acts, Chapter 2), there was a supernatural phenomenon whereby the Holy Ghost enabled the Jewish believers to speak in many different languages. This allowed everyone present (people from many nations) to hear the gospel in their own language.

Not only did they hear the gospel in their own language, allowing them an opportunity to hear and understand it, but they also recognized this as an act of God. And because of this, about 3000 of them were saved that day.

Obviously these people ’speaking in tongues not known to them’ (or languages) was one of those amazing acts of God that aided in the spread of the gospel, and fueled the beginnings of Christianity and the foundation of the first Christian churches.

* for clarification, the word “pentecost” has nothing to do with the miraculous events that happened on that day, or with speaking in tongues. Pentecost actually means “50″ and was an event that was held 50 days after Passover known as the “Feast of Weeks” relating to harvest.

But it should be considered that Speaking in Tongues can mean two things: 1) speaking in known languages other than your own, and 2) speaking in the ‘tongues of angels’ (1 Cor 13:1) or having a ‘prayer language’ understood only by God (’as the Spirit gives them utterance’).

Obviously it is true that the Jews from various nations each heard the gospel in their own language on the Day of Pentecost. But this was not the only occurrence of tongues in the new testament. There are many other Scriptures that tell us born-again Christians spoke in tongues that nobody else could understand - which had to be interpreted by God, through the Holy Spirit. These Scriptures cant simply be ignored or ‘explained away’ by people who arent comfortable with them…

And besides, if you keep reading, Peter says (in Acts 2:38-39):

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (NIV)

Speaking in Tongues as a Spiritual Gift and Prayer Language

There is no controversy over whether the Jewish Christians ’spoke in tongues’ in Acts on the Day of Pentecost. People from both sides of ‘the tongues debate’ agree this instance was an incredible spiritual movement to spread the gospel and bring those people into the kingdom of God.

In the modern church, believers who speak in tongues generally do so in ‘prayer language’ and consider this a spiritual gift given to those with the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Some believe that everyone with the Holy Ghost baptism will speak in tongues as evidence - and some even believe that this is a condition to salvation.

In regards to Speaking in Tongues being a Prayer Language, inasmuch as it can also be a gift (or act of God) to cross language barriers, study the following Scriptures (quoted from the NIV translation):

1 Cor 2:13 - This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
1 Cor 13:1 - If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
1 Cor 14:2 - For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
1 Cor 14:4 - He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
1 Cor 14:13-14 - For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit…

Note: the word “edifies” means ‘to instruct or encourage spiritually’. Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 14:4 have been interpreted and understood to mean many different things - such as that speaking in tongues in church “is pointless without an interpreter”. It is not pointless, as it does edify the individual who is speaking in tongues. That is to say, they are instructed or encouraged by the Holy Spirit as it is interceding (or communicating wtih God) on the individuals behalf.

Paul was not saying that it is ‘pointless’, but that it is a gift best used outside of the “church service” and in personal prayer time. Church service is so that everyone in attendance can be ‘edified’ - particularly visitors or new believers.

The fact that speaking in tongues edifies that person goes toward the point that speaking in tongues is indeed a spiritual prayer language - unlike the definition of tongues that is for ‘edifiying’ other people within earshot who speak the language spoken.

In 1 Corinthians, Chapter 12, Paul attempts to explain Spiritual Gifts to the people at the church of Corinth. He illustrates in verses 21-26 by telling them about ‘one body, many parts’. Paul is explaining the importance of each gift individually, and each Christian, in the Body of Christ.

This is an important passage for those that dismiss certain spiritual gifts as ‘meaningless’ or ‘unneccessary’ in the modern church. While some may read 1 Corinthians (which is a very strong letter, easily taken out of context) and gather that Paul is concluding that one should not ‘desire the gift of tongues’ - this would be an incorrect conclusion. Paul is simply instructing the church (not individuals) on ways that they can use their spiritual gifts to benefit the body of Christ.

1 Cor 14:18-19 (The Apostle Paul speaking) - “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.”

Paul himself spoke in tongues, but he preferred not to use that particular gift while he was in church. This lends also to the point that speaking in tongues is a personal prayer language.

In 1 Corinthians 14:13, Paul instructs them to pray that they may interpret what is said in tongues. Separate from his teachings on what is expected in church, in this particular verse he is speaking to the individual who speaks in tongues:

(v13) “For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.”

If you dissect that sentence, you will notice:

“For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.”

He didnt say that your neighbor should interpret what you said in tongues. He said that we should pray to God that we might interpret what was said while we were praying in tongues. Many people dont realize that we can ask God to reveal the message to us, even if we ourselves were the one to speak it… but that is what this Scripture plainly says.

I would encourage you to ask this in your prayers, if you pray in tongues. Following the teachings of Paul, who spoke by the Spirit of God, this would be done during personal prayer time - and would be done in order to edify (instruct/encourage) the one praying.

In regards to Speaking in Tongues being evidence of baptism of the Holy Ghost, or playing any role in your salvation, refer to the following Scripture:

1 Cor 12:28-31 - And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

This Scripture seems to say that each member of the Body of Christ will be given different gifts, according to God’s will. Is everyone a prophet? Does everyone work miracles or have the gift of healing? Will every Christian speak in tongues? These questions are worded and concluded in such a way as to mean the answer is an obvious “No”.

In that case, it would certainly not be a component of salvation - nor would it be the only evidence of having the Holy Spirit within you. That said, we must remember that Paul was specifically instructing the Corinthians on their role in the church, not on their individual lives as born-again Christians. So the emphasis may need to be on “in the church” in that particular passage. Obviously that is open to interpretation.

But - in every instance throughout the new testament where someone was saved and baptized in the name of Jesus, they received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues. There is only one instance where a group received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues before they were baptized in the name of Jesus - and that was the story of Cornelius.

Cornelius was a Gentile, and while he was a God-loving man… salvation was not available to him as it was only available to the Jews at that time. God gave him a vision to send for Peter (a Jewish Apostle), and gave Peter the vision to go to Cornelius. Peter, and six other Jewish men, went to share the gospel with Cornelius and those that had gathered with him. This followed the revelation to Peter that salvation was now open to people of every race… and Cornelius and his family were the first Gentiles to be ’saved’.

While Peter was sharing the gospel with these Gentiles, the Holy Ghost came over them all and they spoke in tongues. This was the evidence to the Jews that they were baptized in the Spirit, and so they also offered them water baptism.

In this particular instance, it could be said that God used tongues as a sign to the Jews so that they would believe that the Gentiles were saved. Had the Gentiles not spoke in tongues when they believed and received the Holy Spirit… how would the Jewish men have known - and proven - that salvation could now be preached to the Gentiles as well? (No one could deny the Gentiles after an obvious act of God)

Another story of interest, also found in Acts (chapter 19), is when Paul came across 12 disciples in Ephesus that believed, but did not have the Holy Spirit:

Acts 19:1-7 - While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John’s baptism,” they replied.
Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

Every time I turn back to this passage of Scripture in my bible, I find myself studying it intently and with great interest. It would be easy to just read straight through and not pick up on some of the finer details… but let’s dissect that a bit:

What do we know about the 12 men? They were disciples (ie followers). They believed. They didnt know anything about the Holy Spirit. They had been baptized.

Does this mean that you wont be filled with the Holy Spirit automatically when you are saved, or when you are baptized? (Unfortunately, these things are not done at the same time in most modern churches, as they were in those days. There is a very good study on that here: Becoming a Christian)

If not then when, how and why do you receive the Holy Spirit in relation to the other salvation components? And if not everyone is given the gift of speaking in tongues, then how would you know (ie what would be the evidence) that you did indeed receive the Holy Spirit?

And… if you have believed, become a disciple of Christianity, and have been through a water baptism - but have not spoken in tongues - does this scripture indicate that perhaps you need to be baptized again, this time “in the name of Jesus”?

Food for thought, no doubt, but in the meantime we’ll carry on with the study…

What the bible says about Speaking in Tongues

Mark 16:17 - And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Acts 2:3 - And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:4 - And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:11 - Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
Acts 10:44-46 - While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God…
Acts 19:6 - And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
1 Cor 12:7-11 - But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1 Cor 12:28 - And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
1 Cor 12:30 - Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1 Cor 13:1 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1 Cor 14:2 - For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1 Cor 14:4 - He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1 Cor 14:5 - I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1 Cor 14:6 - Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
1 Cor 14:13 - Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Cor 14:14 - For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1 Cor 14:18 - I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
1 Cor 14:19 - Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.
1 Cor 14:22 - Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
1 Cor 14:23 - If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
1 Cor 14:26 - How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
1 Cor 14:27 - If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret.
1 Cor 14:39 - Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:39-40 is translated in the NIV version as: “Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”

The letter that Paul wrote to the church of Corinth is the one most referred to by those who support the gift of Speaking in Tongues, and those who seek to disprove its place in the modern church. It’s important to read 1 Corinthians in context, and to read the entire book - not just select Scriptures.

Read in context, you will discover that Paul spoke in tongues himself and instructed them not to forbid speaking in tongues within the church. The main point of his letter was to answer their questions, which they had sent to him while he was in Ephesus. Paul’s instructions to them offered solutions to their issues, and outlined the role of the church’s leaders and members.

It’s worth noting too, while we are studying Scriptures on the ‘gift’ of Speaking in Tongues, that it was God himself who confused mans languages originally. Refer back to the story of The Tower of Babel in Genesis chapter 11: (v.1) “Now the whole world had one language and a common speech.” (v.7) “Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.“ (NIV)

Obvious Misconceptions about Speaking in Tongues:

This is only something that happened on the day of Pentecost.
Speaking in tongues is “satanically induced” (or of the devil)
This is something you should do silently - not aloud.
You should never speak in tongues if there is not an interpreter present.
Speaking in tongues isnt “real”. It’s just something charismatic church members do themselves for attention.

Could all of the misconceptions and varying beliefs about Speaking in Tongues… be a simple lack of understanding?

In his teachings at the church of Corinth, Paul speaks of the ’secret wisdom’ revealed to Christians by the Holy Spirit:

…but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Cor 2:10-16, NIV)

This passage from the Scriptures says that anyone who thinks that Speaking in Tongues is foolish, or doesnt believe or understand it, is not born again - or does not have the Holy Spirit within him.

Can you be a Christian (ie be ‘saved’) and not have the Holy Spirit? According to Romans 8:9 - “And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”

I consider this a particularly interesting passage, obviously important to note in the division on this topic among “believers”. If, after reading this Scripture for yourself, you are still unsure where you stand on the topic, I encourage you to pray on the matter.

‘Study to show thyself approved’. Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, and go directly to the Word for truth. Dont believe what you are taught, or what you are told, or even what you think or feel. Believe the Word.

Ask God to reveal the truth to you in prayer and through his Word: “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive”. Matthew 21:22 KJV

Personal Notes to other Resources on Speaking in Tongues

There are many websites that serve as a resource on the topic of speaking in tongues. I have taken the time to read through many of them, and below I will share with you my objective thoughts on a few of those articles:

From ReligiousTolerance.org :

The phenomenon of speaking in tongues differs greatly among conservative Christian faith groups:

Most Pentecostal denominations teach that, at the time that a person is saved, or slightly later, the believer will be “baptized of the Holy Spirit.” One automatic manifestation of this baptism is the gift of speaking in tongues (a.k.a. glossolalia). Essentially all of their members do exhibit this gift when or after they are saved.

Other conservative Christian denominations, such as Fundamentalist and other Evangelical groups, also teach the vital importance of personal salvation. Most of their members are saved. But these denominations do not associate salvation with speaking in tongues. Essentially none of their saved members speak in tongues.

We have only been able to come up with two possible explanations for this major difference among denominations:

It might be that the Pentecostals are right and that all, or essentially all, saved persons will speak in tongues. This would imply that essentially all non-Pentecostal conservative Christians are not really saved, even though they feel that they have sincerely repented of their sins and have trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior. This would mean that essentially all of the 16 million members of the Southern Baptist Convention, 11 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) and many millions of members of other denominations are not actually saved.

It might be that the Pentecostals are wrong. Speaking in tongues is not a normal result of having been saved. Rather, Pentecostals are motivated to speak in this way because of the expectations of their religious culture. They are expected to speak in tongues; this expectation is internalized; thus, they do speak in tongues.

Neither of these explanations are liable to be acceptable to large numbers of Christians.

I have to admit, this piece is quite thought-provoking. I dont feel compelled to comment on this in detail at the moment - though I may later. Still, I wanted to include it and you are welcome to leave your own comments below.

The one thing I will say is that I do not believe that ’speaking in tongues’ could be such a pressing expectation on the church members as to cause a nationwide falsity of this magnitude. This might be reassuring to assume for those who think that it is foolishness, or those who ‘fear’ this spiritual gift… but those people would be better served spending their time in study and prayer - making sure that they are indeed on the ‘right side of the fence’ so to speak.

I would be more apt to believe that most people who consider themselves ‘Christians’ (ie church-go’ers) are not, in fact, born-again Christians that have a true understanding of the kingdom of God.

From Lehman Strauss :

Who needs tongues? Only the untaught, carnal babes in Christ, for Paul added, “When I was a child, I spake as a child . . . but when I became a man, I put away childish things” (13:11). The word “spake” in context can only refer to speaking in tongues. So that Paul himself came to the place of Christian maturity, through God’s revelation to him, where tongues were no longer necessary. And so in the same tongues context he admonishes the Corinthians, “Brethren, be not children in understanding . . . but in understanding be men” (14:20). Experientially, tongues cease when the Christian matures on a diet of the meat of God’s Word. Actually tongues is baby talk.

Paul states in 1 Corinthians 14:18 that he speaks tongues more than all of them (the people he was speaking to) and he thanks God for that. Strauss is completely out of context within this article, as he tries to make the point that ’speaking in tongues’ is not to be a part of modern Christianity — and may in fact be satanically induced.

Strauss is incorrect on many points, misquoting or misinterpreting Scripture. Or maybe it is best said that he simply takes certain Scriptures out of context (specifically to match his theory on the matter).

In the Scripture that Strauss quoted (1 Cor 13:11), Paul was talking about ‘growing in love’. He was teaching that Love is the greatest gift, and the most important component of all other spiritual gifts.

From Tom Brown Ministries:

This experience is what John the baptist and Jesus called the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This was the fulfillment of Jesus promise, “In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5). Every Christian believes in baptizing in water. But few accept the better baptism–the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Since you were willing to be baptized in water, shouldn’t you also be willing to be baptized in the Holy Spirit?

This article is written by a man who speaks in tongues himself, and is well worth the read. Tom addresses many of the same things that I have brought up here, and also has some very well thought out answers to the questions that I raised in my own article.

Closing Thoughts for those who are still unsure about the gift of speaking in tongues…

What if you found out that there was indeed a special priveledged prayer language. And that the Holy Spirit (the spirit of Jesus himself) would reside within you, and use this language to communicate directly to the throne of God on your behalf. Would you want that?

And why, do you think, would the Holy Spirit need a special prayer language? Why would he not just use plain english, or the language of the one praying? Could it be that the Holy Spirit communicates things to God beyond our understanding? Is it possible to you that we may not be able to grasp the scope of that spiritual communication?

And if this is the case, and God (and his Son and his Spirit) already know exactly what you need… why would you have to let the Holy Spirit pray through you to God? Why wouldnt he just bless you with exactly what he knows you need or want, since you are a Christian?

Perhaps because God requires our obedience. And perhaps ‘free will’ stands in the way of God working on our behalf without our involvement. These are very real, and very biblical, things to consider.

If it is even remotely possible that you have not understood (up to this point) the whole truth in the Word of God, and you now realize that there may be more to it all than you previously thought… would you not want to explore that idea in depth and be certain (without any doubt) of your salvation?

And lastly, let me ask you this: In your life here in this world, do you feel utter joy? Do you feel peace beyond human understanding? Do you think good and wonderfully happy thoughts throughout your day, every day?

If you dont, and you think that being a Christian is ‘difficult’, I encourage you to reconsider your position. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

1 John 5:3-4 (NIV): “And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”

Satan would have us believe that being a Christian is difficult. That our only reward is ‘heaven’ and that we wont even likely make it there - because we are weak. Satan doesnt want us to know that the kingdom of God has already arrived, and that we can enter into it anytime that we please. Yes, even in this life here on earth.

Closing Scriptures:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-00 NIV

…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13 KJV

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

Tags: speaking in tongues, speaking tongues, tongues, gift of tongues, glossolalia, glossa, spiritual gifts, holy spirit, holy ghost, charismatic, christianity, born again, church, pentecost, pentecostal, acts, new testament, bible study

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John Says:
September 4th, 2006 at 10:05 am

Interesting discussion. Personally, I believe in speaking in tongues, yet I don’t. (According to some people, I’m damned already). My biggest problem with this discussion is that there is a wrong focus on it. Speaking in tongues is one…just one gift of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12 explains it quite well.

31a “But eagerly desire the greater gifts” (What are the greater gifts??)

31b “And now I will show you the most excellent way”

Chapter 13: Love…pure and simple…

13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Christ already explained love: Matthew 22:37. As far as I’m concerned…If I don’t have this love, then I am not worthy to be a Christian.

Anthony Locke Says:
October 16th, 2006 at 2:49 am

Hey Lynn:

I would really like to discuss this doctrine, regarding some of your statements, but I think we have to do it one issue at a time. This is a very complex doctrine, tangled and twisted in a lot of scripture. I would be interest in your perspective to my response. Send me an e-mail when you get this e-mail, and I will start the ball rolling.

Tony

Dennis Clough Says:
January 24th, 2007 at 11:57 pm

Dear Friend,

The passage (1 Cor, 2:10-_ refers to the Word of God which the Spirit wrote down through men inspired by Him. Making it refer to a private prayer language, is an error at best and a twisting at worst.

Scripture tells us that the “fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Christ” yet we have no record of Him speaking in tongues. So one can be full of the Spirit and NOT speak in tongues.

And did you notice where the majority of your references came from after the experience in Acts? Tongues is largely dealt with (mostly for its misuse) in Corinthians.

If it is a vital doctrine and so helpful, pray tell why tongues is never spoken of in MOST of the Epistles? You also make the mistake of suggesting that the Gospel was preached in tongues. A careful reading of the text shows only praises to God in tongues. No doubt the people of Pentecost still knew their native language as well as the foreign tongue of the country they lived in. Thus they could understand Peter as he preached the Gospel to them in their own native language.

And please, note Paul’s reference to tongues as a “sign to UNBELIEVERS” a prediction of Isaiah’s that had both imediate and future implications. The transfer of God’s blessing from Israel to the church was done accompanied by tongues to fullfill this prohpecy. The ones being thus informed were the unbelieving leaders of that present generation of Jews. Note that Christ’s harshest words were to these blind leaders of the blind.

Both that generation and the Apostles are long gone from the scene. There are no more “Apostles of the Lamb” that select group of 12 who completed the teaching ministry of Jesus on the earth or authorized same.

Their work is done. We now have a complete Word of the Living God. We have the church of the Scriptural Christ established. We do not neeed nor should we require anything but a simple obedience based on faith in said word.
Remember that in the Gospels, Christ commended the man who did just that?

So to point in another direction to some lesser, no longer applicable gift, is to work counter to the ministry of the Holy Spirit who is seeking to glorify Christ alone. This diversion may be done with the best of intentions, but nevertheless, it is counterproductive to growing people in the Christian faith.

Sincerely, Dennis Clough

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