How ungodly is speaking in tongues? Created 22 May 2014
1. The premise of my conviction |
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2. The Short answer |
3. Chronology of the Holy Spirit's ministry in the New Testament |
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4. The consequence of the chronology in Scripture |
5. How do Cessationalists get around the interpretation of the Bible, as noted herein? |
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6. My conclusions |
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Related articles: A Charismatic thanking John MacArthur for Strangefire || Born of the Spirit: Exploring the differences between spirit, soul, heart and mind || Deception: Why does God allow it? || Which comes first: Repent or Believe? || False warnings about False teachers
This is a controversial issue. It does not need to be, but it is. Firstly, I wish not to reflect negatively on the hearts or faith of Cessationalists (people who believe speaking in tongues have ceased). I have friends who are Cessationalists. I believe they mean well but execute poorly. Some believe the same of me. Others simply think my views are off the wall. Secondly, to make my point I will establish the premise of my reasoning (see hereunder). The challenge laid down by the Cessationalists is to not bring into the debate a believer's personal, subjective experience. This, of course, is mostly not the standard set by themselves for themselves as far as it pertains to professing their faith in Jesus to unbelievers. So, to start off with, there is a double standard applied by most Cessationalists. Nevertheless, I'll try to accommodate them and thus not bring in my or others' personal experience in making my point. Scripture should suffice.
1. Premise of my conviction
To have a meaningful opinion I must base it on a set of ground rules. If we can agree on the premise then we have a better chance of reaching consensus. So, I'll state what I believe - here goes:
- Scripture: The Bible is the inspired word of God. I don't believe any part of Scripture is irrelevant or unimportant. I don't believe passages like 1 John 5:7 or Mark 16:9-20, for instance, are invalid or carry a lesser value. Some believe this on the back of claims that these passages are from 'later manuscripts'. I think it is important to clarify for yourself whether or not you believe the Bible is: Inspired by the Holy Spirit, enjoys the Authority of God, is Clear, is united with the Power of the Holy Spirit and is Sufficient in that it contains all we need to know in order to obtain salvation and to live a fruitful Christian life. I do believe these things. If you don't then you may just as well stop reading now - there can never be agreement on this particular issue. As for me, I do not believe that Mark 16:9-20 mentioned here should be discounted from the discussion. I believe it has as much right to be part of the discussion as any other passage in the Bible.
- Born again: This question is central to the whole issue of speaking in tongues. May I suggest that you read up on my views - from the Bible - via a related article if your think you're not going to be in agreement with me on this. To be born again a convinced person will first repent and then believe by submitting their heart (their will) to the Lordship of Jesus. Thus, they will first repent and then believe. Some teach it the other way around (believe and then repent). This is not correct. The implications for teaching the incorrect order simply are massive: you cannot sufficiently hold on to Christ (believe in Him) before you have totally let go of holding on to your own will for your life (repent from having held on to your own will). You let go of your own will through repentance. That opens the door to effectively submit to the Lordship of Jesus. Repentance towards and faith in Jesus is not the same as repenting of individual sins committed after having come to Jesus. This is a lifelong process of 'confessing and asking forgiveness'. Scripture clearly shows the difference. Nevertheless, being born again means God gives you a new human spirit. As noted, read my related article if your think you're not going to be in agreement with me on this and you wish to object to this view. Let me know where you think I've missed it.
- Faith: I define "faith" as 'trust in', 'obedience to' and 'reliance on the resurrected Christ and His word (the Bible)'. It is not merely being convinced that Jesus is alive. The demons also 'believe' (are convinced) that He is alive and it is not good enough for them to be saved. They do not adhere to His word. So, to be born again you 1) must be convinced of Jesus as the resurrected, living Christ, 2) in humility confess your independence from and disobedience to God's will (despite, perhaps, your 'good morals') and then turn to Him in dependency (which is to repent), and 3) trust in Him to do the work that He wants to do in and through you (which is to believe). In order to truly do this you must trust what He says in the Bible as true and correct and valid. This is how He can effectively wash us with His word. Note that faith without works of obedience to Him is no faith at all.
- Born vs. Filled: Being born again and being filled by the Holy Spirit is not the same thing. Born means born. Filled means filled. Your spirit gets reborn. Your soul gets filled. It is an important distinction. Because some understand "born again" to be that which the Bible really describes as being "filled" or "poured out into", they distrust the question about speaking in tongues. Refer a related article on this. This is also a key point as most Cessationalists seem to believe that being "filled" and being "born again" is the same thing. Born means born. Filled means filled. Being born again gets you a new human spirit. Being filled means your thoughts are overwhelmed by the influence of the Holy Spirit.
- There is only one baptism: There is only one true baptism - it is the baptism into Christ. Some Cessationalists get hung up on the actual number "one". These claim that because a believer is baptized when he/she comes to Christ there cannot be a second baptism, such as the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But their thinking is not Scripturally sound. You'll see Acts 19 quoted a lot in this article, mainly because it holds so much to learn from. In it, the early church of Ephesus believed and were baptized in water. This was their baptism of repentance as tey themselves testified. So, strictly speaking, according to the above view, these believers already had their baptism. So, according to the 'only-one-baptism-Cessationalists' the early believers in Ephesus should not have been baptized again. But that is not what Scripture records. In fact, we read that following Paul's teaching they were again baptized in water plus hands were laid on them to receive the Holy Spirit, whereafter they spoke in tongues and prophesied. So, the major change happened in and through these believers - ordinary men who ended up speaking in tongues and prophesying - not after they repented and not after their were baptised again in faith (at which point they will already have been born again) but when hands were laid on them to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit. This blows the 'only-one-baptism-theory' out of the water. Now watch this: It was Paul who baptised these existing "disciples" a second time. Yet, later he writes to them "there is only one baptism". Clearly Paul was not referring to the actual number of baptisms but the fact that there is only one true way - it is through Jesus Christ. Those who truly follow Him are in unity with one another.
- The Holy Spirit's ministry has remained: The good news of the Gospel is not only that Jesus is alive and has paid for all our sins. It is also that the Holy Spirit was given to the Church as Comforter; to be its Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby. That is the full story. An over-emphasis on the cross whilst neglecting the ministry of the Holy Spirit is error. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is central to the 'life of the Body of Christ' following Jesus' ascension. The Holy Spirit indwells the Body of Christ on earth. He represents Jesus as if Jesus was still present here.
- A godly character is not the issue: Speaking in tongues is not dependent on a godly character. It was not dependent on the character of the very unruly Corinthian church in the time of Paul and it still is not dependent on the godliness of Christians today. Despite their obvious sins the Corinthians church actually spoke in tongues. The widespread evidence of unruly meetings and false manifestations of the Holy Spirit today in essentially carnal 'churches' simply does not diminish the authenticity of the true baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues today. I note that false manifestations and unruliness cannot be condoned. I believe many of the goings on in these 'churches' are not of God. Remember though that God can speak through a donkey if He wants to. Note also that the early Christians - tongue speakers - were accused of unruliness and disobedience to the Law of Moses; the religious rulers of the day simply could not accept that God had in fact done something supernatural in and through ordinary believers. Though they saw what they saw and heard what they heard their hearts were hardened against it. Even Peter's reference to Scripture did not convince them. Smart people came to foolish conclusions.
2. The Short answer
Scriptural references are provided in the next section where a more detailed discussion takes place.
- Is authentically speaking in tongues provided for in the Bible? Yes.
- Is authentically speaking in tongues today ungodly? No.
- The process: 1) a Skeptic becomes convinced of God's work through Jesus Christ. 2) the Skeptic repents, which is asking for forgiveness and handing over their will to God. 3) The convinced repenter turns their heart to God in faith, adherence and trust to follow His way. {at this point I personally believe the believer is born again} 4) the Born again believer may get baptised in water, or it may occur later. 5) hands are laid on the born again believer in prayer to God the Father in the name of Jesus for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. 6) the born again believer may speak in tonges and/or prophesy immediately or they may start doing so at a later time. Unconfessed sins may be a hindrance, I'm not sure. It stands to reason that unbelief in the gifts of the Spirit shall see no-one operate in them.
- It is necessary: Speaking in tongues as imparted through the infilling (or "baptism") of the Holy Spirit is godly and necessary for the ministry of the Holy Spirit both in the life of an individual believer as well as for the functioning of the Body of Christ. The Bible says it helps to "build up" the believer. This does not mean that the believer suddenly becomes free from error, only that their inner person is being strengthened.
- Evidence in the Bible: There is nothing recorded in the Bible that indicates that speaking in tongues will have ceased to exist by this time in human history, or will cease to exist some time in the future. There is also no need for a verse to say that speaking in tongues has continued to the present day. The fact that Paul speaks about the matter clearly, unambigiously and explicitly, and that there is nothing that says this practice will come to an end, should say to the Bible-believing Christian that it has continued. We do not need a verse that says, 'Christians will continue to speak in tongues in the 21st century' inasmuch as we do not need a verse that says 'pray for your government in the 21st Century' or 'love your wife in the 21st century'. Because the Bible is true, relevant, complete, accurate and sufficient, speaking in tongues is a truth that is relevant, accurate and important to Christians in the modern era to the same extent as praying, having communion together and loving one another is true, relevant and accurate. These things have retained their importance and use throughout all the ages. The 'license', which some assume to insist on New Testament prayer, love and communion and then to deny New Testament speaking in tongues is puzzling.
- Thinking it through logically:
- Jesus' ministry in person was capped when He ascended to heaven. God then gave the Holy Spirit in His place to help the Body of Christ for the work it must do.
- The Holy Spirit's work on earth is therefore not finished. And it will not be finished until Jesus has come again. The Body of Christ as well as the world around it, in the times of Peter and Paul, had exactly the same needs it has today. How be it then that somehow God will cease to equip His Church through the gifts He gave to believers in the New Testament? The gifts, ministries, activities and manifestations of the Holy Spirit which the Bible speaks about (generally referred to as the "gifts of the Holy Spirit") have certainly not ceased. Prophets have not ceased inasmuch as Pastors and Teachers have not ceased. If the office of Prophet has ceased, then the office of Teacher has ceased as well. God gave these ministries as a package deal. If one has remained all have remained. This question comes up when the other gifts of the Spirit (like prophesy or speaking in tngues) come up. Pastors or TEACHERS who TEACH that Prophets no longer exist, by implication insist that TEACHERS no longer exist either. Then how can they teach? They deny their own authority.
- Suggesting that the large passages of the Bible which address speaking in tongues (1 Cor. 12, 14, Eph. 4) are 'interesting but not relevant', in my mind, is a denial of the principles that state that the Bible is the inspired and sufficient word of God. This, essentially, is the Cessationalist view. It suggests that God did not know that Christians today would be reading the Bible to get their guidance from it. So He put stuff in there that would be irrelevant without actually telling them explicitly that it would be irrelevant. Instead - so it is inferred - He left it to them to figure out that His word had an expiry date. Sorry, but I find that type of thinking a bit insulting!
- The office of Apostle has not ceased: What qualifies a person to be an Apostle? Simply this, as the Greek word "apostolos" indicates: "to be sent out with instructions". Speaking in tongues did not qualify them because many spoek in tongues. Having seen Jesus did not qualify them because many saw Jesus after His resurrection. Those two combined (speaking bin tongues and having seen Jesus) also did not qualify them because Stephen, at least, is recorded to ahve ticked these two boxes but was not deemed an Apostle. He was a Deacon. So, what qualifies a person to be an Apostle? Having been sent out with instructions to do God's work. The process through which born again Christians have received the Holy Spirit throughout all the ages up to the present day is recorded in Acts 19. The process used today, therefore, has biblical precedent. Some people argue that because they cannot see Apostles working in (their) church today there aren't any around. Such error is much the same as the atheist's error: because they cannot see it (believe it) it does not mean that it does not exist. Nevertheless, the fact that speaking in tongues was not limited to the Apostles in the Bible seems to invalidate the claims of those who argue the claim that because there are no Apostles today there cannot be a speaking in tongues either. As noted, I believe the Bible does not teach an expiry date on the office of Apostle inasmuch as it does not teach an expiry date on the office of Pastor or Teacher either. We have Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Prophets and Apostles roaming around today even if the skeptics do not know them personally.
- Blasphemy: When an insult is directed at God it is called blasphemy. In essence Cessationalists suggest that one of three things happen when hands are laid on a believer and through prayer they 'receive the Holy Spirit' so as to start speaking in tongues: 1) they received a demon, 2) they were hypnotized, or 3) they succumbed to group pressure to 'perform'. Whilst it is true that some people feel pressurized to start speaking in tongues and then fake it it is not the case on all occasions. Such 'speaking in tongues' is not authentic and it is not godly. As noted, this is not the case on all occasions. Cessationalists already know that it cannot be so in all instances because of the many people who generally do not succumb to group pressure who speak in tongues. That leaves only two other possibilities: 1) they received a demon, or 2) they were hypnotized. Again, Cessationalists already know that hypnosis cannot explain all other cases of people speaking in tongues because hypnosis requires your approval to be hypnotized and because of the many people who do speak in tongues who cannot be hypnotized. That leaves us only with one option; 1) they received a demon which caused them to speak 'gibberish'. This one is even harder for them to explain because it means that:
- when hands were laid on a born again believer to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and
- when the laying on of hands was accompanied by prayer, which was:
- directed at God the Father
- in the name of Jesus, such activity ended up in a believer speaking in tongues, which, if they do not believe in tongues, suggests that prayer to the Father in the Name of Jesus actually produced a demon in a person. An absurd idea. Did you get that? Cessationalists struggle to explain how a prayer to God the Father in the name of Jesus somehow causes a believer to receive a demon or causes a believer to be hypnotized instantly. They simply cannot explain that. Personally I do not believe Cessationalists consider the full implications of their claims. But if they have, and unless I have missed some other possibility not noted here, it seems to me that Cessationalists claims border on blasphemy.
Now, let's look at the turn of events chronologically.
3. Chronology of the Holy Spirit's ministry in the New Testament
- Matthew 3: Some object to the use of the term "baptism of the Holy Spirit". Such criticism is biblically unfoundedJohn the Baptist prophesied that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
This is the first use of the term "baptize with the Holy Spirit". Therefore, Jesus would be the one who would baptize a person with the Holy Spirit and fire. The Holy Spirit himself would not do the baptism but He would be the 'object' of the baptism.
- Mark 16: Jesus prophesied that His followers will speak in new tongues and cast out devils. He gave no expiry date to these activities. Note that He did give an expiry date (or event) to the Jews' refusal of the Gospel. Therefore, if there was an expiry date to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, to speaking in new tongues or to casting out demons He would certainly have given it. There is nothing in the Bible to indicate that speaking in tongues or prophesy will cease at any point. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” This passage is written in the context of continuation[2]. We cannot be sure whether or not Jesus was saying everybody (all Christians) will take up serpents and everybody will speak with new tongues. Nevertheless, for as long as the commandment above remains true in terms of preaching the gospel, all of what is noted in it will remain true and valid as well, including casting out demons and speaking with new tongues. You cannot summarily chop one part out and retain the rest just to serve your version of the story.
- Mark 16: Note that Jesus said, "they will speak with NEW tongues". Thus, they will speak with tongues (languages) that are existing languages but which are completely new to the believer's comprehension (foreign languages). Alternatively, Jesus was saying they will speak in languages that neither existed already nor were understood by the believer (see the section below).
- Acts 2: When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. First, note the phrase "they were all with one accord in one place". From Acts 1:15-26 we learn that the "all" refers to about 120 people in total - some of whom were Apostles, others not. So, speaking in tongues was not exclusive to the Apostles. The infilling or baptism of the Holy Spirit was not exclusive to the Apostles either.
Second, where Jesus said they will speak with "new tongues", Luke (the author of the book of Acts) uses the term "other tongues" in this passage. And, where Jesus said they will prophesy, Luke does not record anything about prophesy on the Day of Pentecost. This may be significant as it may indicate that Jesus' prophesy from Mark 16 ("they will speak with NEW tongues") was not fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost but later, as recorded in Acts 19 or in 1 Corinthians 14, for instance, where "tongues" relate to languages that were not understood by any human being. Thus Jesus' use of the term "new tongues" may or may not be the same as Luke's use of the term "other tongues" in the book of Acts. Regardless, it is clear from 1 Corinthians 14 that the Bible's reference to "tongues" is definitely not exclusively a reference to foreign languages.
- Acts 2: Note, nevertheless, that the actual baptism of the Holy Spirit appeared like "tongues of fire", thus fulfilling what John the Baptist said (He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire).
- Acts 2: We note that those who were present on the day of Pentecost definitely spoke in other tongues - foreign languages: Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs - we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” But, Scripture records that believers also spoke in tongues (languages) that cannot be understood by any human.
- Acts 2: We note that in this Acts 2:14-21 passage, Luke records two important truths:
- Peter taught that the Holy Spirit will be poured out in the last days. The fact that the current post-modern era includes what the Bible calls the last days is not disputed by many. So, speaking in tongues definitely qualifies for the time you and I are currently living in.
- Also, Peter taught that believers will prophesy on account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The fact that the Ephesian church of Acts 19 prophesied after the laying on of hands links the laying on of hands, speaking in tongues and ordinary believers prophesying with the outpouring (or infilling" or "baptism") of the Holy Spirit. Prophesy is a key component of the so-called "gifts of the Holy Spirit". It is grouped together with speaking in tongues and other gifts (1 Corinthians 12).
- Acts 8: Some time after the day of Pentecost other believers, this time in Samaria, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit - this time by two of the original twelve Apostles - and spoke in new tongues: Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. | (skip to: How do Cessationalists get around it?)
- Acts 9: Paul's experience is important, so we'll look at it in greater detail. Called Saul before his conversion, he was at this point still persecuting Christians and had not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and thus not the ability to speak in new tonguesBefore than happened Paul did what looks like repentance and faith to be born again at which point he submitted his will to the will of the Lord. Still, he had not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In order for that to happen, Jesus Christ himself spoke to and reasoned with one of His 'ordinary disciples' (Ananias was not an Apostle) to whom He gave very specific instructions concerning Paul and laying hands on him So, it was entirely in order that an ordinary disciple could lay hands on a person for them to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the laying on of hands for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was not limited to the Apostles of the day. Ananias thus had been saved and had already received the baptism of the Holy Spirit himself before he prayed for Paul to receive Him So, Ananias laid hands on Paul and not only was his eye sight restored, by the Holy Spirit, Paul started to preach the inspired word of God. It is not recorded here that Paul spoke in tongues. This is recorded in 1 Corinthians 14. There is, however, no indication anywhere as to how Paul came to speak in tongues or whether or not it was "new" tongues. Paul records many details in Scripture, including a man who saw things in heaven, but we do not see any reference to any other event than this one where he may have received the ability to speak in tongues. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to assume that Paul was baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues on account of Ananias's laying on of hands ('the laying on of hands for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues' was a common occurrence at the time and is also is recorded in Acts 8 and Acts 19)
- Acts 10: Peter preached and the Holy Spirit fell on everyone present (without him laying a hand on anyone and without 'tongues like fire' appearing). The phrase "the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word" is taken to refer to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as it is consistent with what had happened in respect of the Holy Spirit's ministry and which at this point had become a common occurrence for new believersNote that in this passage the word "heard" in the phrase "the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word" is from the Greek "akouo" (G191), which could also be translated 'understand'. So, it was not a case of merely hearing the words of Paul but understanding the meaning and implications of what was said as well. Note also that the 'proof' of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was that the men spoke in tongues. It does not say 'new' tongues or otherwise.
- Acts 19: Much later in the chronology, Paul taught in Ephesus that 'receiving the Holy Spirit' and 'baptism of (or "with") the Holy Spirit' is the same thing. In the following passage he likens the one to the other: And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Here we have "disciples" of Jesus Christ - people who had already repented and believed, and were thus saved, who were yet to be baptized by Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit. So, as was seemingly the practice, Paul laid hands on them and they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues (it does not say whether these were "new" tongues)The Holy Spirit only came upon them when hands were laid upon them. Here we see that speaking with tongues and prophesy are mentioned again as 'proof' of this having happened. What is important to note from this passage is that these disciples of Jesus had missed out on not one but two things which both Paul and Luke (the author of the book of Acts) had deemed important stand still on and resolve: water baptism in the name of Jesus and the baptism of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands; When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. (skip to: How do Cessationalists get around it?)
From this point onwards, Paul and the other Apostles start writing letters to the various churches. You and I have a choice to make concerning these passages: either we cut out from the Bible altogether the passages in contained in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 to serve our doctrine of Cessation or we read it as the necessary, relevant and updated word of God. You cannot have it both ways because the teaching contained in it is quite emphatic about Christians speaking in tongues that are not understood by any human being:
- Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant (v. 1). To the Apostle Paul this was an important matter to get right.
- There are different gifts, ministries, activities and manifestations of the Holy Spirit for the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth: 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (vv. 4-11)
- It is hard to see how someone who believes this passage of Scripture is relevant to Christians today cannot accept that speaking in tongues is a most godly thing to do: 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles?Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best[d] gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
- 1 Corinthians 14 (skip to: The consequence of the chronology) | (skip to: How do Cessationalists get around it?):
- The next passage confirms God's desire that Jesus' disciples would do at least two things: to love and to have the best spiritual gifts: Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. Paul is saying that when it comes to spiritual gifts in a church assembly, prophesying is more productive than speaking in tongues because it builds up everybody there, not just one person (as is the case with tongues). Again, he is not saying 'Don't speak in tongues' or 'Speaking in tongues does not exist'. (Are you pursuing love? And, are you desiring spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy? Or, is this passage in the New Testament irrelevant to you?)
- In the next passage Paul reiterates that prophesy in church is more desirable than speaking in tongues. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification..
- When Paul says, 18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; he definitely is not speaking about his ability to speak Greek or any another language. This is how we know it: by the verse that directly follows the previous one where he contrasts speaking with the understanding with speaking in tongues: 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. So, Paul is not saying 'Don't speak in tongues'. He is saying that tongues are for private use unless someone in church can interpret what is being said (refer the text below).
- It becomes very unlikely that speaking in tongues is something which the Holy Spirit wanted to have ceased for it would mean that the believers on earth would cease to speak mysteries to God (which, seemingly, Paul understood to be an important thing). : "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries."
- The Bible records that speaking in tongues would not only be for the benefit of believers but of unbelievers as well: Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believeCessation would mean that God did not want unbelievers today to be touched by believers' speaking in tongues. That seems very improbable indeed.
- Lastly, if there be any doubt still that God did not order or plan for speaking in tongues to cease, this direct, in-context, clear, unambiguous, universal and time-unspecific instruction answers the question: "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues."
4. The consequence of the chronology in Scripture
- From the previous point, we live in the last days. Further, in the Bible the laying on of hands and prayer is linked with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, prophesying and speaking in tongues. So, if the Holy Spirit is still being poured out today then prophesy and speaking in tongues is still happening today as well.
- As we continue to live in the last days before the second coming of Christ, all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still in practice. To suggest otherwise means that the Holy Spirit's ministry through believers has ceased. But the Bible does not teach that. It teaches 'non-cessation', meaning, 'there is no reason to live as if any part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit has ceased'. All the ministries of the Holy Spirit have remained. All the activities in the Holy Spirit have remained. All the manifestations of the Holy Spirit have remained if the outpouring of the Holy Spirit have remained. These ministries, activities and manifestations are recorded in 1 Corinthians 12, which, also has remained true and relevant and accurate: 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
- As the Holy Spirits works in and through a born again Christ, so these things will be evident. The Holy Spirit will not work in and through all in the same way: 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
5. How do Cessationalists get around it?
- Cessationalists claim that the Holy Spirit is poured out today. Bu what they do is this: They over-emphasis faith in Jesus and under-emphasis the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The good news of the Kingdom of God entails both the sacrificial death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ as well as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. God's work in and through everyday believers remains a central theme for the people of God.
- They write off personal experiences of the true manifestation of the Holy Spirit on account of 'loose cannons' who display false manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
- They presume an intent in terms of the writing of Scripture by the Holy Spirit. So, they will say, 'Paul wrote this because he wanted to show that'. 'Peter said this but he really meant that.' For example, where believers received the infilling of the Holy Spirit in Acts 8, it will be suggested that Paul didn't really lay hands on the to pray for them for the baptism of the Holy Spirit; he only wanted to touch them to show unity between the believers in Jerusalem and the believers in Samaria. Such presumptions are generally based on an over-emphasis of 'an understanding of the culture of the day', or 'an understanding of the context in which the text was written'. Thus, some theologians apply extra-biblical literary techniques to try interpret divine inspiration. They use human logic to explain divine wisdom. Though there is some value to understanding the biblical culture and there is value in understanding the context of a passage, presuming to know all the reasons why God had any one passage penned is nothing less than reckless. In the case of 'touching to show unity', anyway, when Apostles wanted to show unity they gave the "right hand of fellowship" or they "greeted other believers with a kiss" (Rom 16:16, 1 Cor 16:20, 2 Cor 13:12, 1 Thess 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14). Thus, dismissing the baptism of the Holy Spirit (and therefore speaking in tongues) on account of Culturally-based Hermeneutics is quite unhealthy theology.
6. My conclusions
So, how ungodly is speaking in tongues? Perhaps the only ungodly thing to legitimately speaking in tongues is ridiculing it or prohibiting it or teaching that it does not exist.
Because, from Paul, when you're speaking in a tongue you are speaking mysteries to God. And, from Paul, when you're speaking in a tongue you are building yourself up to be more useful to God. And, from Paul, when you're legitimately using the other gifts of the Spirit, such as prophesy, you are equipping the Church for the works it must do. Are these things important in the eternal scheme of things? It think so.
Footnotes:
[1] Matthew 3:11 [back]
[2] Mark 16:15-18 [back]
[3] Acts 2:1-4 [back]
[4] Acts 8:14-17 [back]
[5] Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2) [back]
[6] So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” (Acts 9:11-12) [back]
[7] Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:10-16) [back]
[8] : And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. (Acts 9:17-18) [back]
[9] And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? ” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. (Acts 10:42-48) [back]
[10] Acts 19:1-3 [back]
[11] : Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all (Acts 19:4-7) [back]
[12] According to John Hopkins Medicine, Hypnosis is a state of consciousness resembling sleep, but the person can still concentrate on memories, sensations, or other things. Hypnosis is an altered, relaxed state of mind, often used to help learn to control bad habits, pain, and stress. About 5 percent of mentally healthy people cannot be hypnotized and the same percentage are very susceptible to hypnosis. However, hypnotism will not work if the person does not want to be hypnotized, and the subject of hypnosis can interrupt it at any time. Hypnotism requires trust and imagination. When hypnotized, a person's heart rate decreases, body temperature changes, and blood flow to certain areas is reduced. The state of deep relaxation can divert attention from pain and other negative stimuli. Hypnotism even can be used as a pain reliever during certain surgeries, such as dental surgery. [back]
[13] Acts 2:7-12 [back]
[14] Some object to the use of the term "baptism of the Holy Spirit". John the Baptist referred to it as follows: He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. This Scripture was fulfilled at Pentecost. So, clearly, the term "baptism of the Holy Spirit" should stand. It is used interchangeably with "receiving the Holy Spirit" and "outpouring of the Holy Spirit". Sometimes Scripture associates it with speaking in tongues. And sometimes Scripture associates it with speaking in tongues and prophesying (Acts 19-1-7). [back]
[15] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Acts 2:14-21 [back]
[16] "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries." (1 Corinthians 14:2) [back]
[17] And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7) [back]
[18] 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 [back]
[19] 1 Corinthians 14:20-22 [back]
[20] 1 Corinthians 14:39 [back]
[21] 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” 28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.(Romans 11:25) [back]
[22] There were very clear moral problems in the Corinthian church, including divisiveness, sexual immorality, and litigiousness. [back]
[23] 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17).
See also: And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all. 8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. (Acts 19:1-7). Paul's reference to these Ephesians having believed (Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?) indicates that they had already been born again. Still, they had not received the infilling of the Holy Spirit (We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit). Then he prayed for them through the laying on of hands (And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied). [back]
[24] 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ... (Ephesians 4:10-14) Teachers or Pastors that teach that Prophets have ceased by implication deny their own authority. If the office of Prophet has ceased, then the office of Teacher has ceased as well. The ministries of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Teacher and Pastor are still given to believers every day. There is nothing in the Bible that says these ministries have ceased. Paul has died, but the office of Apostle is still alive. God is working though these men as much as He is working through Pastors and Teachers today.
It should be no secret that the 4th century's Council of Nicaea, as arranged by essentially a 'not-overly-committed' or even pagan emperor, put in motion a church model that for many has come to suggest that all of the five ministry gifts (Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Evangelist, Pastor) are to be rolled up into one paid church staff member (a most unbiblical practice), who will have obtained a diploma or degree in biblical studies, or, at the very least, will have been sanctioned by a state-registered body. That is not the Church of the Bible. Regrettably, this idea has helped along the notion that there cannot possibly be Apostles in this day and age because church leaders are "Pastors" or "Priests". You and I can nevertheless be assured that Apostles do exist today; probably not the kind that would parade themselves as apostles, but likely those who legitimately carry an authority given by God. But, do these men write Holy Spirit inspired text so that the Church world-wide may incorporate it into the Bible? Perhaps they do say or write Holy Spirit-inspired tings? We don't really know. But, should we view as "inspired" something because the author claimed it was inspired? Certainly not. Even so, can non-Apostles say or write inspired things? Certainly yes. The Bible records Stephen as giving a great Holy Spirit-inspired oration to the synagogue. Yet, Stephen was not an Apostle. So, could non-Apostles be inspired to say or write things? Yes. Thus, writing or speaking Holy Spirit-inspired messages is not what qualifies you as an Apostle. God's authority is what qualifies you as an Apostle. The problem is that because of the many false doctrines that go around today and because of our warped definition of what 'Church' really is, few can actually agree on who or where they are. Possibly, some of the truest Apostles are being branded as heretics much like the first Apostles were. The discerning heart sees the trees from the forest. Why does God allow deception, then? Read a related article here. [back]
[25] ..... walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:1-10) [back]
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