Introduction
This is not the final chapter to be written on the subject of speaking in tongues. Men (and women) will be having their say until our Lord returns to settle this matter once and for all time. It is difficult to say how, when and where the modern tongues movement began. In the many pamphlets and books I have examined opinions differ. We do know that the phenomenon of tongues-speaking is widespread, and it is likely that no issue in Christendom has caused as wide a split in its ranks in modern times as has speaking in tongues.
All Bible-believing Christians who study the Word of God are in agreement that the gift of tongues is present in the inspired Scriptures. In the New Testament two lists of gifts appear in which the gift of tongues is included. In 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 “kinds of tongues” and “the interpretation of tongues” are said to be sovereignly bestowed gifts of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 “tongues” appears in the list of gifts. We call them “spiritual gifts” from the Greek word charisma, suggesting that the gift is a bestowment of God’s grace. It is not a natural ability that one might develop, but rather a special gift as those appearing in the above mentioned passages in First Corinthians.
The Holy Spirit is sovereign in the distribution of these gifts. Following the listing of the gifts, Paul adds, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will” (1 Corinthians 12:11). No one person has all the gifts, nor are we to seek the gifts. We must be careful that we do not confuse the Spirit as a gift to the believer with the gifts the Spirit gives to believers. Every believer has received the gift of the Spirit, but not every believer has received the gifts which the Spirit bestows.
Have you received the Holy Spirit?
10 comments:
Good post Mac. What really caught my attention when I was reading 1 Cor. 14 yesterday was that women are to keep silent in the churches. The context makes it clear that this includes tongues!
Thanks, Kathy.
Once again, I'm not a cessationist. But the tongues doctrine has had far too much disproportionate attention given to it to the detriment of the other gifts of the Spirit. Claiming that God has given the gift to all Christians and that everyone should be speaking in tongues is not scriptural. God is sovereign and FAIR and he gives the gifts as HE sees fit.
Further, coaching Christians to practise speaking in tongues and telling them they are to ask in faith (when they have already done so) IS damaging to their faith. Christians should not have to practise speaking in tongues. If this is the case then it’s not the real thing! This is not Biblical and is an assumption. The apostles did not practise speaking at Pentecost and they spoke in foreign languages for a specific reason and to the glory of God!
It is also an assumption held by those pushing the tongues agenda that a Christian either is not ready or hasn’t asked in faith if he/she does not have that gift - those people who continue to push that agenda should take scripture at face value and not try to twist it to mean what they think it should mean.
Jas 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.
More good, logical points Mac. I do not rule out that tongues do not happen today.
The point I was trying to make at the other meeting place is that since not all the Corinthians spoke in tongues but all the Corinthians were baptized into one body, speaking in tongues is not required to have access to God's power. That was/is not its purpose.
Every believer has been granted all things pertaining to life and godliness and it is not conditional or evidenced by speaking in tongues.
well said Mac but you knew I'd agree any way :-) I posted also an excellent article by Chuck Smith at the cave-I think I said click here or something like that. It is I think a very good article on speaking in tongues by a charismatic preacher-well balanced etc.
Charisma vs Charismania
mac and kathy;
Both of your answers to the tongues thing are balanced and logical when comparing the use of tongues to scripture. I personally see a logical use of tongues, because God is orderly and logical.
That means they must have an interpretation or how can some unknown thing edify anyone!
To me there is little point in speaking some unknown thing and thinking one is communicating secretly with God, it does not seem to serve any purpose and seems to be not orderly. I know all the arguments to the contrary because I read and studied all this at one time (even spoke in tongues). But when all is argued out, I don't see an orderly and logical way to speak some unknown thing to God for any reason.
God Bless!
Thanks, Jib, I did see that. I actually printed that whole article by Chuck out a few years ago. I can credit both Chuck Smith and Chuck Missler for giving me a balanced perspective on the tongues debate. It was their input that helped changed my mind about cessationism. I would encourage everyone to read Chuck's article.
Mac,
Obviously, you know I'm in total agreement.
Thank you so much for posting this - with all that's going on, I thinks it's very valuable for our folks who may need it.
Well done!
Mac
My thinking on tongues has changed a little and likely due to the influence of those we know who speak in tongues and also this little pamphlet by Smith. I must admit to at least being open to the idea that tongues are still given as a gift today which I would not be otherwise
I agree with you, Jib.
I'm certain that there are people who have tongues as a genuine gift. I do suspect, however, that some people get a little defensive of their tongues gift. They shouldn't - it’s between them and God. And some people, in their enthusiasm, try to encourage others to pray for it, and even practise speaking. If it doesn't eventuate, it makes Christians wonder about their faith. This is wrong.
Once again, I'd like to make it very clear that I'm not trying to cast aspersions on anyone's personal experience. The issue really is whether God gives this gift to everyone and what scripture actually teaches, rather than what some tradition teaches.
I said;
"But when all is argued out, I don't see an orderly and logical way to speak some unknown thing to God for any reason."
Let me modify that statement because it is not true. First it is the Spirit who speaks thru us to God, groaning out when we don't know what to pray for. I still have a hard time understanding these things, and was wrong to state the above. There are scriptures to back up the view that it is the Spirit who speaks or groans ect. As far as speaking in public, Paul warns that it must be interpreted to maintain order. I really need to go back to God's word on this, sorry!
God Bless!
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