Tongues
DO ALL SPEAK IN TONGUES?
www.crossbearer.net
The following is my study on the gift of Tongues; to those who preach the GOSPEL of Tongues, instead of the true Gospel of Repentance and Forgiveness of sins in Jesus' name!
In this study, I will deal with 2 false teachings about the gift of Tongues!
1. Those who deny that the gift is for the saints today, saying that the gift has "ceased"!
2. Those who claim that EVERY believer MUST speak in tongues as evidence of salvation and the indwelling Holy Spirit!
1. Have tongues ceased?
Some claim the gift of tongues has ceased with the Apostles. One claim, is the denial of a heavenly language by pointing to Acts chapter 2, in which the disciples spoke the languages of other nations on the day of Pentecost. Please note, however, that the scriptures also speak about a heavenly language called "tongues of angels"!
13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, ...
Although there is one form of tongues that is an earthly language, by which men testify to the power of the gift of the Holy Spirit as on the day of Pentecost, there was also another tongue, which is NOT an earthly tongue, by which the believer may speak to God, but NO man understands!
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.
So then, while you may joke about, and preach against the Pentecostals, and in truth, make fun of the power of the Holy Spirit, the truth is, that you may be insulting the Spirit of God and may even endanger your own soul by blaspheming the Holy Spirit, a sin which will never be forgiven in this life, or the one to come (Matt. 12:31)! If you don't understand it, you will do well to keep silent about the matter until you hear from God and get revelation about the matter by correctly dividing the Word of God!
Another scripture used by those who deny the present day gift of tongues, is 1 Cor. 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
Of course, for those who lean on this verse, they would also have to include the part that says "whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away." Has knowledge, vanished away?
Furthermore, since Faith is one of the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:8-10), then they would also have to deny that the gift of Faith is available to the believer today!
Let's look at the rest of the scripture about the time when tongues shall cease!
1 Cor. 13:9-12
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. [12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
While those who contend that the words "when that which is perfect is come" is pointing to the Holy Bible, I contend that this is not at all speaking about the Bible, but rather Jesus Christ Himself. It is Jesus whom we shall see Face to Face at a time when knowledge, prophecy and tongues will no longer be needed.
Let's compare verse 12, with 1 John 3:2
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Cor 13:12
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2
When Jesus shall appear, we will no longer "see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face". When Jesus appears, we will no longer need prophecies, tongues, or knowledge "whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away." When Jesus appears, we "shall know even as also we are known!"
So the time of prophecies, tongues and knowledge, will continue until the day that Jesus appears, and then "we shall see him as he is" and the gifts which are like seeing Him through a glass darkly, will no longer be needed!
Unfortunately, those who deny the present day (last days) power of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, may be held guilty as those whom Paul spoke of in 2 Tim. 3:1,5
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.... Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me ....to the uttermost part of the earth" Acts 1:8
If you are publicly denying the power of the gifts of the Holy Spirit given on the day of Pentecost, you are fighting against the weapons of warfare by which the Lord wishes to empower the church to be HIS witness to the ends of the earth, and may be guilty of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as prophesied by Paul in 2 Tim. 3:5!
2. Must every believer speak in tongues?
Some claim that, if you do not speak in tongues, that you are not yet saved! They will have the believer "tarry" in prayer until they receive the gift. Some, who do not receive the gift, even though they "tarry" long hours, are presumed to be lost until they have evidence by speaking in tongues. While some DO receive the gift, others may pretend to speak in tongues in order to appease their persistent instructors, but are never able to do so again. Still others, never do receive the gift!
Do the scriptures REALLY declare that EVERY believer must have the evidence of speaking in tongues in order to prove they are saved? Scriptures declare very clearly.... NO!
Contrary to the evidence of tongues as proof of salvation, here below is the true proof text of salvation and the indwelling Holy Spirit within the believer!
1 Cor. 12:3
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
It is the confession of Faith, that Jesus Christ is LORD, that is the proof of ones salvation and indwelling of the Holy Spirit! Please note, that this verse above, preceeds the entire discourse on the operation and the distribution of the Gifts in the church's in 1 Cor. chapters 12-14!
1 Cor 12:28-13:1 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.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
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.
The scripture above asks DO ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES? with the obvious response, NO!
(There is NO evidence that the Etheopian Eunich spoke in tongues in Acts 8:27-39, nor the 3,000 in Acts 2:37 - 41, nor Lydia in Acts 16:14-15, nor Crispus in Acts 18:8)
1 Cor 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
1 Cor. 12:8-10
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; [9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; [10] 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:
Please note that the scripture declares that God gives each gift to individuals, as HE WILLS! For to one... to another... to another... etc.! He did NOT say "TO EVERYONE ....tongues!
Each gift is given to each individual, so that one may have the gift of healing, to another the gift of tongues...etc.! But as some in the Corinthian church began to exalt their giftings as a sign of God's aproval as though they were preferred over the others, Paul had to correct them. They became prideful on account of their individual gift, and dispised those who didn't have "their" particular gift! Paul rebuked them for this and noted that those who were of a lower degree, although they did NOT have their gift, are necessary!
1 Cor. 12:21-22
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. [22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
On account of their pride, you will note that chapter 13, the "LOVE chapter", BEGINS, by humbling the TONGUE gifted saints, who, like those in today's church, had exalted their gifting!
1 Cor. 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
No doubt, those who spoke in tongues in the early church, were as prideful as the same gifted ones today! Paul had to confront these prideful saints to "pursue love" which was lacking in their operation of the gifts! The gift of tongues, without love, was just noise!
1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
1 Cor 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
Although tongues was a gift that Paul wished everyone in the church of Corinth had, it is evident that not everyone in the church had the gift.
1 Cor 14:5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied;
Since the Holy Spirit gives each gift as HE wills, the question remains, does God give the gift of tongues to EVERYONE who desires this gift? It appears that he does not, evidenced by those whom have asked for the gift and have not received it, as well as Pauls words that clearly depict that not all of the saints had this gift in the Corinthian church! Some of you might argue with me! Regardless of the answer, it is clear that those who do not have the gift, are just as saved and spirit filled as those who do have the gift! They may even have one of the other 8 gifts, that those who speak in tongues do NOT have!
Both of these false teachings (1. denying the gifts, 2. must speak in tongues as evidence) create an interesting predicament for the church. Those who deny that the gifts are available today, never "desire spiritual gifts" as Paul instructed in 1 Cor. 14:1 and so, they never receive the Holy Spirit power to be a witness for Jesus Christ. The others, those who require evidence of the gift of tongues, become prideful, condemn those who do not have the gift and cause division with brothers who have a lesser gift!
In the Beginning of the letter to this church, Paul writes:
1 Cor 1:11-13 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
When certain denominations boast that I am Apostolic, I'm Pentecostal, I'm Baptist ect. they are dividing the BODY of Christ, bringing division to the church. A house divided will fall! My dear brothers in Christ, this grieves the Holy Spirit of the Living God. THESE DIVIDED BROTHERS ARE NOT WALKING IN LOVE! Rather than focusing on Jesus Christ, they focus on their gift (or lack thereof)!
Some are dividing the church by their pride in the Gifts received. Another is divided because they don't have the gift and deny its presence today! As one part of the body, they say to the other part I have NO need of you!" They are both clanging cymbal's, their love is wanning and wonton. They have divided the Body of Christ.
1 Cor 12:18-22 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
1 Cor 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
I would rather fellowship with a Saint who walks in the fullness of the FRUIT of the Spirit Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control (Gal. 5:22-23) than to fellowship with a clanging cymbal who speaks in tongues of men and of angels!
Don't misunderstand me. I speak in tongues as well. But shall I boast in it, or glory in it? God gave it as a gift, of which I am grateful for. But I will NOT exalt myself on account of this gift, as the Apostolic and UPC church appears to have done.
God gives the gift AS HE WILLS. The gift of speaking in tongues is NOT your proof that you are saved from the wrath to come. Your FRUIT in keeping with Repentance, confessing the name of Jesus Christ is the proof.
The Gospel is REPENTANCE and forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus (Luke 24:47). Bear fruit in keeping with REPENTANCE (Matthew 3:8) and You shall know them by their FRUITS NOT by their GIFTS! The Gospel of repentance and forgiveness is NOT the gospel of Tongues!
Matt 7:16-20 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
My friends in Christ, LOOK FOR THE FRUIT, not the gifts!
My heart is grieved to see the division that it is bringing against our Fathers church! I Love Jesus and He makes a solid charge against those who will divide His Temple, and if your part of this division, whether you are with those who reject the present day work of the Holy Spirit, or if you are with those who insist on tongues as the evidence of salvation, you are hereby now being charged by God's Word:
1 Cor 3:8-17 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Paul was correcting the Corinthian church for its (denominational) divisions, and those who partook in these divisions, were defiling the temple of God by dividing Christ!
1 Cor. 1:10, 12-13
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
1 Cor. 12:21
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
If you are Pentecostal rejecting or condemning your Christian brothers who do NOT have the gift of tongues as unsaved, or of the other party, such as some Baptists, that are rejecting or condemning those who DO speak in tongues as being from the devil, you are both dividing the Temple of God, the church, the Body of Christ. IT IS THE FRUIT of our labor that brings us a reward. The Gifts are to HELP us bear fruit, but the gifts are NOT THE FRUIT itself!
Testimonies
One day, while I was out witnessing the gospel on the streets of New Orleans, a young man very meekly came to me and said "May I ask you a question?" I said "Sure!" He said "I have asked Jesus Christ into my life, and fallen deeply in love with him. I have turned away from my past sins, I now have a hunger to read his word and to obey him in everything I do. But I don't speak in tongues! Am I going to hell?" I knew then and there, that he had been told by those who preach the gospel of tongues, that they had convinced him that he is not saved until he speaks in tongues. I said "Brother, those who teach the gospel of tongues have not told you the truth! Can you confess that Jesus Christ is your Lord?" He said "Yes, Jesus Christ is my Lord!" I then read to him:
1 Cor. 12:3
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Romans 10:9-10
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
I assured the brother that, the proof that he is saved, is not that he speaks in tongues, but rather that he can confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord ! The young man began to rejoice as I continued to share with him how the gifts work, and that God distributes the gifts severaly as HE wills, not as WE will! If God wants to give him the gift of tongues, then GOD will give it! There are 8 other gifts, and the Lord may wish to give him one of the other gifts instead!
The young man left with a new joy in his heart as Satan's lie, that he was on his way to hell because he didn't have the gift of tongues, had been exposed. If you are teaching the gospel of tongues, please let it be known, that you may be condemning your brothers to be tormented by a devils lie! You are forcing the entire body of Christ, to posses YOUR gift, and then saying "because I am the mouth, I have no need of the ear!", "unless you have my gift, you don't belong!"
Dear tongue preaching saints, come out of your pride and arrogance over your gift. You are puffed up and bringing condemnation upon those who love Jesus but have not your gift! Your acting like children and the subjects whom Paul wrote to in 1 Cor. chapter 13. Without LOVE, your tongues are just sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. Your just making noise! I encourage you to grow up and receive your brothers who do not have YOUR gift! Because you are the mouth, you have no right to tell the ear that you have no need of him! You are cutting off your own members!
1 Cor. 13:1-13
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. [2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. [4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, [5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; [6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; [7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. [8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. [12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. [13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
You may wish to study 1 Cor. chapter 12-14, and take the time to review these scriptures in depth, so that you have a proper understanding of the distribution and operation of the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Dear Brother Brian:
I reread the page on tongues! I was over joyed, I so was blessed by it before but now there is so much more "meat" to the teaching on the reason for the gifts...Thanks so much!
I myself went thru a real strain, trying to sweat tongues out of me, thru some well meaning people I worked for....If pure concentration could have done it...Then Bro, I would have gotten it as they hollered and smacked my forehead, both just spouting the prettiest heavenly language you ever heard. I did not understand what they said, but it was sure musical. I felt the fault surely must be mine...Had I prayed enough? Fasted strict enough? Was any impure thought bopping round in my skull? I could not figure where the road block was. They seemed quite frustrated also...lol. Well, brother 3 yrs passed. One fine day I was doing dishes late, I like doing them in dim light at night because of headaches. I was kind of sing- songing to the Lord, ya know what I mean? Well, I was not thinking anything about tongues... when I heard my own voice make a few strange little murmurs. I stopped, real surprised like...LOL. I walked up and down in the dim kitchen, talking to God. "What was that Lord?" I said, I waited patiently. "Don't you know my voice?" I heard in my spirit. I was amazed! Then again, a few days later, while vacuuming the living room...I was humming some song the choir had sung the previous Sunday. I again heard like, little short word like phrases come out, blurtingly..I started to kind of giggle, all the sudden I was laughing full out! I felt I was some where else? It was absolutely awesome! from then on These words would come, if I saw an accident, or maybe someone was in a disagreement...Always kind of gushing out quietly... It indeed is a gift, I did not deserve. But God knows best. I look back and laugh at the way I worried and sweated trying to be able to speak/pray in tongues, and God (who has an awesome sense of humor) downloaded the blessing while I was washing a greasy pan! I love Him soooooo much! Wooowhooo! I have went on and on but what an awesome subject, and what an awesome Father and Lord we have!
God bless you bro Brian! Yes, please do let me know how ya'll are doing, the page looks fantastic!
Till next time, Goodnight!
You can write an e-mail to the writer of this testimony at Crimson_Cross
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