Gift of Speaking in Tongues, Prophecy and Healing
Gift of Speaking in Tongues, Prophecy and Healing – is it biblical?
Back in the day at Pentecost, in the upper room, a special gift was bestowed on the disciples that they would be able to go out and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ successfully. One of the gifts was the ability of speaking in tongues. Many people today who speak in tongues today seem to think that this gift of tongues was a heavenly language. But this is not true. The gift of tongues bestowed on those in the upper room spoke an earthly language. The gift given to the disciples enabled them to communicate with people from other nations who spoke other languages, how else could they spread the gospel.
Acts 2:6-11 “Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.” And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?” And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?” Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,” Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,” Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”
Now…
All genuine Christians believe that the gift of tongues existed as mentioned in Scripture.
1 Corinthians 12:8-11 “8To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit; 9To another [wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit; 10To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues. 11All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses”.
And the Bible clearly states that the Corinthians spoke an earthly language (tongues) and God alone understands all languages.
Corinth, was a market visted by many a merchant from Asia, Africa, and Europe, and had a wildly mixed population speaking many a different language. To exercise of the gift of tongues in preaching bought many an unbeliever to salvation.
1Cor 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.”
G1100 γλῶσσα glossa (glows`-sah) n.
1. the tongue
2. (by implication) a language
3. (specially) a language not naturally acquired
1 Corinthians 12:10 mentions the gift of speaking in tongues and also mentions the gift of interpreting tongues. Tongues had to be interpreted so believers could understand what was being preached to the unbeliever.
The ‘gift of tongues’ given to the early church was given as the Holy Spirit willed. Because the Holy Spirit is sovereign. No one has the right to demand that he be given any certain gift or gifts as an evidence of the Holy Spirit’s baptism. Tongues was certainly not evidence of salvation.
The Corinthian church for example did not have the Bible, the gift of tongues was needed in authenticating the Message that was delivered as being DIVINE; these signs followed the proclamation of the truth.
When a person accepts Jesus Christ into their life they instantly receive the Holy Spirit who comes to abide in them – this alone is a gift.
Do not confuse speaking in tongues as being a fruit of the Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are mentioned in:
Galatians 5:22-23; “22But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,23Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].”
However…
Paul ended up rebuking the Corinthians over and over again because they did not understand the gospel. Paul scolded the Corinthians for misusing the gift of tongues and speaking gibberish and making a mockery of the OT fulfillment of prophecy by Isaiah. This prophecy came about due to Israel’s disobedience to God.
Isaiah 28:11; “11No, but [the Lord will teach the rebels in a more humiliating way] by men with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people [says Isaiah, and teach them His lessons].”
Paul points out the OT Scripture of Isaiah 28:11 to the Corinthians because they (being Jews) should know the Law well…but they don’t.
1 Corinthians 12:21; “In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord”.
Paul uses the reference to Isaiah to show them how they lack in knowing of OT scripture, therefore they lack even more when it comes to the gospel. Isaiah specifically says that tongues will be used as a tool to preach the word of God to Israel, not the way the Corinthians are using it. It also says that even though they hear the word of God they still will not listen.
The gift of speaking in tongues was used as a sign only to unbelievers:
1 Corinthians 14:22 “22Thus [unknown] tongues are meant for a [supernatural] sign, not for believers but for unbelievers [on the point of believing], while prophecy (inspired preaching and teaching, interpreting the divine will and purpose) is not for unbelievers [on the point of believing] but for believers.”
To use tongues in any other way is unbiblical and when used the gospel was preached and people were saved because they heard the message, the sign of the gift of tongues followed only because the truth had been preached and the unbeliever was then on the point of believing.
Tongues was given by God to certain people when they came into contact with others who did not speak their mother tongue. They suddenly by God’s power could speak the other person’s language and the gospel was preached to them that they may come to know Jesus Christ and be saved. The gift of interpretation was given to another person, in order that anyone nearby could hear that the TRUTH was being preached.
The Corinthians turned tongues speaking into a mockery claiming they spoke ‘heavenly’ languages. They used it for self glory and self gratification and they puffed themselves up making one person seem more spiritual than another. Paul lambastes them and calls the Corinthians spiritually immature and childish in their thinking.
1 Corinthians 14:20 “20Brethren, do not be children [immature] in your thinking; continue to be babes in [matters of] evil, but in your minds be mature [men].”
The Corinthians never grew up. They remained spiritually immature. They failed to study the scriptures just like those churches today who follow the Corinthian blueprint.
Hebrews 5:12-14 “12For even though by this time you ought to be teaching others, you actually need someone to teach you over again the very first principles of God’s Word. You have come to need milk, not solid food. 13For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]! 14But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.”
The Corinthians thought they were so spiritual, but the Bible says they were manifesting carnality:
1 Corinthians 3:1; “HOWEVER, BRETHREN, I could not talk to you as to spiritual [men], but as to nonspiritual [men of the flesh, in whom the carnal nature predominates], as to mere infants [in the new life] in Christ [unable to talk yet!]”
And there was even gross sin among these spiritual Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 5:1; ” IT IS actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, impurity of a sort that is condemned and does not occur even among the heathen; for a man has [his own] father’s wife.”
The gift of speaking in tongues was a TEMPORARY gift bestowed on people by the Holy Spirit
- To preach the gospel to all nations
- As a sign to confirm the gospel message preached because people would come to be saved thereafter.
- The fulfillment of OT scripture.
Once the Bible was written the gift of speaking in tongues has ceased and was replaced by love and truth.
1 Corinthians 13:8 “Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].”
Tongues served their purpose, a very useful one, Now with God’s complete revelation in our hands (the Bible), we do not require signs to manifest it as the Word of God. When preached, it authenticates itself.
Truth = The Word of God
Paul says that LOVE never fails and this leads us to the 2 commandments that Jesus spoke about in
Mark 12:30-31 and they are: 30And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. 31The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.“
The gift of prophecy (foreseeing the future) too shall be entirely unnecessary as the Bible contains everything you need to know for yesterday, today and tomorrow. God has a stern warning for those with new words, new revelations that fall outside of scripture:
Revelation 22:18 “if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book”.
In those days Paul and the other Apostles wrote and prophesied in part – in other words they did not know everything until it was give to them by the Holy Spirit. Paul said in…
1 Corinthians 13:8-11; “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.
that which is perfect = The Word of God / Bible
G5046 τέλειος teleios (tel’-ei-os) adj.
1. complete
{(neuter as noun, with G3588) completeness; in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.}
Truth = The Word of God
Jesus Christ = Perfect and the Truth.
The imperfect, the incomplete = speaking in tongues, prophecy (new knowledge / foretelling the future) has ceased!
Now the big question WHEN exactly did speaking in tongues cease?
The Berean Bible Society says:
“The sign gifts, speaking in tongues, prophecy, the gift of healing, etc. were operating all through the Book of Acts, and these gifts are mentioned in the letters that Paul wrote during the Acts period. But when we turn to the letters written after the Book of Acts—the 4 Prison Epistles, and the 3 Pastoral Epistles, we find that the sign gifts either aren’t mentioned at all or we see—as with the gift of healing—that they were no longer operating in Paul’s life. What he could do in Acts 28, he could no longer do in Philippians, or in 1 and 2 Timothy. He could heal all the sick on the island in Acts 28:9, but he couldn’t heal any of his closest co-workers—Timothy, Epaphroditus, Trophimus—after the close of the Book of Acts.
Arranging Paul’s letters in the order that he wrote them allows us to see the pattern of truth that is found in the Word of God:
The sign gifts were operating in Acts and in all of the Acts Epistles: Galatians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians and Romans.
But in this time period, in 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, Paul tells us that the Lord had revealed to him that these gifts would cease some day. And they did, because in the letters written after the Book of Acts, the sign gifts had ceased, just as the Lord said that they would….”
“We can now give a scriptural answer to the question that we started with: when did the sign gifts cease?
The answer: The sign gifts ceased at the end of the Book of Acts. There is no record in Scripture of any of the sign gifts operating in any of the letters that Paul wrote after the end of the Acts period, and it is clear that the gift of healing had ceased since Paul could no longer heal even his closest co-workers after the close of the Book of Acts.”
A note about the gift of healing
“As we have seen, Paul was able to heal many sick people all through the Book of Acts. He healed every sick person on the Island of Malta in Acts 28. And he wrote to the Corinthians about the gift of healing that was operating in their church during the Acts period (1 Cor. 12:9). But we have also seen that with the close of the Book of Acts, the gift of healing ceased to operate. Paul could no longer heal anyone—not Epaphroditus in Philippians 2, not Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:23, not Trophimus in 2 Timothy 4:20. The gift of healing had ceased to operate, along with the other sign gifts.
Today God no longer gives the gift of healing, and there are no “healers.” But we should not think that God Himself no longer heals! In Philippians 2 we read of a healing that God did after the gift of healing had ceased to operate:
“Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
“For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
“Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
“Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me” (Phil. 2:25-30).
Paul commends Epaphroditus very highly for his faithfulness even unto death. But when Epaphroditus fell sick—near to death—Paul was no longer able to heal him because the gift of healing had ceased to operate. But we read that Epaphroditus was healed—directly by the Lord: “He was sick unto death but the Lord had mercy on him….”
There is healing today, but there is no gift of healing, there are no “divine healers.” There is no gift of healing today but God still heals!” (Emphasis added) — https://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/when-did-the-gift-of-tongues-cease/
God still heals if you go to Jesus Christ directly in prayer and pray for healing. If it is God’s Will that you be healed, He will heal you. You do not go to a faith healer, or a divine healer to heal you. You do not need an intermediary between you and Jesus Christ to pray for healing. You go to God through Jesus Christ yourself in prayer.
Tom Lessing says “As far as healing is concerned, Paul could have laid his hands on Timothy and prayed for him. Instead, he wrote, “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine (not the wine we know today) for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. (1 Timothy 5:23). Paul himself could probably have gone to one of his brethren and asked him to pray for his healing. Instead, he himself prayed and God said, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Wow, think of that. Paul was content with his suffering because he preferred to be endowed with the power of God. That’s the best medicine there is.”
Jews (signs) vs Gentiles (faith)
The end of the Book of Acts was also the end of God’s dealings with the nation of Israel. Acts 28:25-28 stands as God’s last words to the nation of Israel for nearly 2000 years. The Jews sought after signs (1 Corinthians 1:22) so God gave them signs including the Gentiles who were among them in order to provoke Israel to jealousy (Romans 11:14). But with the close of the book of Acts, God sets aside Israel for a time to turn his attention to the Gentiles, and when God gave up on the ‘the people who needed signs‘ (Jews) for a time, the sign gifts passed away. Jews need signs – Gentiles believe by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7)
If Tongues was a heavenly language what confusion there would have been.
Tom Lessing says: “Whereas the confusion of tongues in Genesis 11:1-19 was the means God used to judge humankind during the construction of the Tower of Babel, the tongues phenomenon in Acts 2 was the means to bless all the nations. The original curse in Genesis was upended in Acts by removing the curse of confusion and replacing it with a blessing of clear comprehension. It heralded a new beginning for all mankind, showering on every single human being the grace and mercy to be saved through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone, and through the blessed work of the Holy Spirit alone. Faith and faith alone is the means by which lost sinners are saved (Hebrews 11:6). However, faith is not simply a leap in the dark. It must and always does go hand in hand with a clear understanding of the Gospel. (Romans 10:17). To facilitate his blessing on all mankind, God enabled his disciples to speak in the languages of every nation present on that glorious day of Pentecost when the Comforter, in fulfillment of Christ’s promise in John 14:16, 26; 15: 26 and 16:7, was poured out on all flesh (John 17:2).
Bear in mind that there was no-one on that day who interpreted the various languages. The multitude of nations who were present heard them speak in their own mother tongue (Acts 2:4). The interpretation of tongues (other known languages) became necessary only when the church was established and believers began to worship in their own venues convenient for them to attend. The interpretation was for the benefit of the believers and the speaking in tongues itself for the unbelievers who began to frequent the different churches (1 Corinthians 14:22). The gift of prophecy was not to predict future events but to preach the unadulterated Gospel.
If it had been true that the disciples spoke in unknown, heavenly tongues on the Day of Pentecost, without someone having to interpret them, confusion would have been the order of the day. No one would or could then have been saved (Romans 10:17). Confusion, as already mentioned, was a means God used throughout mankind’s history to judge them. (viz. Genesis 11:7 Deuteronomy 28:49).”
IMPORTANT! In very very rare instances God can and will give the gift of speaking in tongues to people who might come into contact with other people where their is a language barrier. In that instance the gospel will be preached to unbelievers, and unbelievers will come to Jesus Christ and be SAVED.
Today speaking in tongues and prophesying is self-induced or demonic. If you speak in tongues I urge you to read your Bible and study the matter urgently and rid yourself of this childish behavior or worse, demonic affliction. See here for help Seeking Salvation or Deliverance?
Dueling Tongues from Acts2031 on Vimeo.
Thanks Mike for your valuable comment. Indeed, I too have heard of Zulu witch doctors who speak in tongues. I recently spoke to a journalist who told me that many people who are attacked on farms and in their homes speak in a gibberish language because the attackers believe the are demons speaking through them. Makes you think, doesn’t it.
1 Corinthians states : Though I speak with the tongues of men AND OF ANGELS..”- Some Tongues are not understood because it is a heavenly language, why are you leaving that part out? When it clearly states it in the Bible , it says tongues of men AND ANGELS . – he then goes on to say in Corinthians 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.
Why are you overlooking these scriptures?
It clearly states “tongues of men AND ANGELS” – not just earthly language, I don’t understand why you’re overlooking the word ANGELS , the scriptures is saying there are various kinds of tongues, be careful not to spread lies due to your own disbelief
India, Paul is not saying that we can or ought to speak in tongues as a means to communicate with God in a special way. He used a hypothetical example to express his disappointment and dismay with the Corinthian Christians who claimed to have spoken, not only in the known languages of men, but also in the tongues of angels. The word for “though” is “ean” and is often used with other particles to convey uncertainty and indefiniteness. He actually said “Even if it were possible (here’s the uncertainty and indefiniteness) to speak in the tongues of angels, and do not have charity (love), it means nothing when no one else understood what they were saying. Love, Paul says, is speaking the truth in love and this can only be accomplished by prophesying (not to predict the future but to break open, teach or make known the meaning of the doctrines of God). In other words, love is to make people understand the Word of God correctly and to encourage them to walk in the light they have received (1 Corinthians 14:5).
In fact, what you and many others are promoting, is precisely what Paul rebuked, and that is to supposedly speak in the tongues of angels no one else understood, which resulted in confusion and no edification of the church. Paul was raptured into the third heaven and heard unspeakable words (not tongues or different languages) but was forbidden to repeat what he had heard (2 Corinthians 12:1-4). Notwithstanding this warning today’s super apostles boast that the speak in the tongues of angels and grossly disobeying the command Paul received form God.
To use your own word, ” be careful not to spread lies due to your own disbelief.”
And just to remind you: When you quote something, please quote the entire verse or sentence to get its true meaning. 1 Corinthians 14:1 says, “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 Corinthians 13:1)
You have also failed to mention this verse, “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 (Co 14:22).
Jesus commanded us to worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24). Do you know what you are saying when you speak in the tongues of angels? If not, how do you know that what you are saying is the truth? If you don’t know whether it is the truth, the you are most probably speaking lies of whom the devil is the father (John 8:44).
Dear India
These scriptures were not overlooked. They are explained in the comments section. Please don’t overlook reading all the comments. Thank you 🙂
Never the less Tom has given you a great explanation. :thumbsup:
I am sharing this video in hopes that it will clear the theological confusion surrounding this controversial topic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufFrzhsW5T0&feature=emb_title
Hi Benny. As you can see, I have deleted most of your comments because you are merely quoting from the sources of men and repeating what they have said, instead of evaluating everything from a biblical perspective.
Jesus Christ commands us to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). “In spirit” simply means that only those who have been born-again of the Spirit can worship Him according to his will. “In truth” refers to an understanding and knowledge of God’s written Word. Peter wrote, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (2 Peter 1:3). The knowledge of Him whose character and attributes we learn from reading and studying his Word is enough to sustain us in our lives and to foster godliness. That is it!
A question I usually ask those who claim to speak in unknown or heavenly tongues is, “Do you know and understand what you pray in your heavenly tongue or tongues?” Most acknowledge they do not know what they pray but passionately believe they are being edified. How can you be edified when you do not know if the words you utter in a strange tongue is the truth, a prerequisite to worship God according to his will? How do you know you are not uttering lies to the detriment of your own soul and to the dishonoring of God? Oh, they say, it edifies me. Well, this you must know because it is important. Edification never involves the individual alone; it always involves the other members of the body of Christ. That’s why Paul said, “Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 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 Corinthians 14:13-19).
Individual self-edification alone through so-called heavenly tongues induces experiences of euphoria which has nothing to do with faith in truth. Experience is not faith and vice versa. Someone wrote in the comment section, “I have witnessed the gifts over 35 years of walking in Christ and I can’t apologize or ignore the reality of experience when it only confirms scripture, and is not contradictory. . .” which confirms the “the reality of experience” to those who speak in tongues is the litmus test for biblical truth. They cannot believe without “the reality of experience.” I can assure you that experience does NOT confirm Scripture.
By the way, “tongues” here are not so-called unknown heavenly languages. They were well-established known languages in Paul’s time. Some were given the gift to speak in foreign languages whilst others were given the gift to interpret those foreign languages for the purpose of reaching out to foreigners who visited the churches with the Gospel. The reason for this was the ancient biblical law that at least two witnesses were required to verify something. And that is precisely why Paul wrote that the gift of tongues was meant for unbelievers and not believers (1 Corinthians 14:22).
Another question I like to ask those who claim to speak in heavenly tongues is, “How many languages would you say are in heaven?” Well, if there had been a plurality of languages in heaven, it would mean that sin had motivated God to cause confusion among heavenly beings, in the very same way He caused confusion and separation on earth when mankind sinned against God. There is only ONE language in heaven.
How do we know. Listen to Paul. “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Did you notice anything Paul said about languages or tongues (plural). Zilch, nada, nothing. In fact, he plainly said he heard unspeakable words which he was not permitted to repeat on earth. Yet, today’s super apostles and Christians persist in their belief that they can speak in heavenly tongues, which is unlawful, unless of course their tongues do not come from God but Satan himself. I once heard of a woman who tried extremely hard to speak in tongues because she was told it is the evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. No matter how hard she tried and however eager her friends tried to teach her, she failed again and again. At last she prayed, “Jesus, if you do not want to give me a tongue, I am going to ask your mother.” Guess what, she immediately began to speak in a tongue. If Jesus did not give her the tongue, where did it come from – Mother Mary? Perish the thought.
One last question for Mike Winger. Do you speak in tongues? If so, you should at least also do the following, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18). Have you taken up poisonous serpents?
Sir: You made the following statement and I quote “Yet, today’s super apostles and Christians persist in their belief that they can speak in heavenly tongues, which is unlawful, unless of course their tongues do not come from God but Satan himself.”
Can you cite from the New Testament in context without resorting to an EISEGETICAL interpretation of scripture, the
Chapter(s), and verses again in context where Jesus or any of the Apostles support your claims? REMEMBER SCRIPTURE INTERPRETS SCRIPTURE. Also I am well familiar with the essence of your above article and it’s theological origins. So to save you some time, please don’t repeat that theological argument of Cessasonism. If you really know it’s historical origins, it originated with John Calvin. You wrote an excellent espose on Calvinism but yet you have adopted his heretical theology when it comes to Cessasionism. The reason why I posted those articles was to point out this contradiction. You should allow them to be posted so that your viewers can make that final determination and decide if Cessasionism is a valid biblical view strictly from scripture. Please don’t take this personally. I can’t impose upon you or anyone my personal convictions about this topic. I strictly filter anything related to this topic strictly from God’s inerrant word including your article. It’s a polite request.
Please answer my question. Do you speak in unknown tongues and interpret them? Let’s expand the question a wee bit more. Do you prophesy? Do you heal the sick? Do you raise people from the dead? Do you cast out demons?
Tom: Let me rephrase your question: Do you?
Benny, you seem to be a nice and well-disciplined guy. Please answer my question.
Do you believe in the Trinity. If so, you must be a Roman Catholic??? I did not write the article on cessationism.
1) Have human languages ceased? The apostles spoke in known languages of their time and not in unknown heavenly languages. Some of those human languages have ceased but languages as such have not ceased.
2) Has prophecy ceased? Prophecy is not fortunetelling the way many false teachers, who claim to predict future things, are doing. Most of their so-called prophecies are false and never come to fruition. Perophecy today is to preach and interpret the Word, and especially biblical prophecies, correctly. Has this (the latter) ceased? It may be very rare but it surely exists to this day.
3) Has healing ceased? God can heal whenever and whomsoever He wills, but never in the way many false teachers are doing it these days.
As you can see none of these abovementioned have ceased. They still exist but not in the way many Christians believe.
So how do you explain what happened on Azusa Street Revival (1906-1908) ?
Of what was it a revival? Unknown tongues?
Re what happened at the false, Montanist revival at Azusa St. I recommend reading this article:
https://mennoknight.wordpress.com/2015/05/07/the-history-of-the-renewal-movement-part-1/
Parham was a sodomite and heretic who was influenced by heretics Alexander Dowie and Franklin Sanford. He heard gibberish tongues when he visited Sandford’s cult (in CT, I think).
He was on record stating that real foreign languages were being spoken in his Bible College in 1901 and so-called “heavenly tongues” were only dreamed up doctrinally when early Pentecostal missionaries fell flat on their faces speaking gibberish to bemused people in foreign countries.
https://charlesasullivan.com/9604/early-pentecostal-tongues-part-3/
Parham denounced the manifestations at Azusa st as satanic and was locked out by Seymour. Seymour later said the doctrine that the Spirit baptism was evidenced by tongues led to “witchcraft and immorality”. I highly recommend getting this book:
The Toronto Blessing and Slaying in the Spirit, the Telling Wonder by Nader Mikhaeil.
Hi Mike. Thank you very much for the very insightful info you provided. Those who persist in praising and following Azusa is doing it at their own risk. I sincerely hope and pray they turn from their error. However, I doubt it. Modern-day spirituality is so intensely experientially driven that most people cling to what they believe to be true rather than abandoning the thing or things that have led them astray. Satan works through the senses – from the outside to corrupt the inside.
Eve saw, tasted, and was enthralled by what she saw and heard – and dumped the entire human race in sin.
The so-called miracles, signs, and wonders (speaking in unknown languages) are nothing but fig leaves sewn together to cover their spiritual nakedness. It has nothing to do with faith, the only prerequisite to please God.
There is nothing to say here except that you are really confused in scriptural understanding which is very glaring to anyone who knows the truth.
‘Benny Blancos’ put a question to you on this page that up-turned all your attempts at re-writing the bible. However you sidetracked the question because you are unable to provide any answer which is not surprising at all.
Do you think Jesus would have said the following if there had been a continuation of speaking in strange tongues and prophecies?
He actually said, “You are an evil generation who forever seeks signs and wonders to support your wickedness. From now on no more signs and wonders will be given.” That sounds like cessationism to me. At any rate, how can something cease when it never existed in the first place. Speaking in strange heavenly tongues never existed. They spoke in well-articulated known languages in those days. And by the way, are you and Benny Blancos unbelievers? Why do I ask? Well, Paul clearly says,
Hello Tom,
Paul made what seems to me a significant statement in 1 Corinthians 14,
‘I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:’
Given the extent of his missionary journeys this makes perfect sense as he undoubtedly traversed more cultures and dialects than the rest. Hence, his gift was a utility in the advance of the gospel and was a sign to whatever unbelieving Jewish communities he encountered in his journeys. Paul was a quintessential linguist, not a sensationalist.
Dear PAM
Paul might have himself been skilled in a few foreign languages, however he was given the ability to speak (when necessary) in many foreign languages to preach the gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit. Remembering there was always an interpreter who was given the gift to interpret whenever a foreign language was spoken.
The gift of speaking in tongues was solely reliant on the Holy Spirit. And correct, Paul didn’t go about speaking in unknown tongues (as they do today) for sensationalism, or for whatever other reason; be it made up or demonic.
[Deleted by DTW – our detailed statement of faith is on the website for you to read. I recommend you read all the comments under this article as they will answer all your rediculous acusations.]
I am not saying you highlighting false teaching or false prophets or false doctrines are incorrect and there is a place for that and important and required for all believers, but the level and arrogance of your discernment is crazy. It’s also true that incorrectly or falsely calling out false prophets in itself is blasphemes and demonic. Who are you to know Gods will and works. God will deal harshly with people standing in the way or preventing truly anointed believers to what we are called to do and that is to save as many souls as possible. Is that not the ultimate calling from Jesus. I cannot help to ask myself while reading your site, your comments and that of your followers how many people have you led to salvation? How many souls have you saved? It’s normally the people that think that they have been gifted the gift of discernment that usually does the least as it’s easier to critique than to do what all believers should be doing, saving souls. As you think you are exposing false prophets or false doctrines be careful as you are busy exposing yourself.
The Fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities make up the Fruit. Maybe that’s where you should start first and not your Spiritual Gift of discernment.
When the Fruit of the Spirit is displayed in our lives, it is a sign, or result that we are being led by the Spirit of God. The evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives shows our spiritual maturity. Our flesh wants things that prevent God’s Holy Spirit from leading us fully.
You see, I cannot but feel while reading your comments that jealousy, selfish ambition and hatred comes to mind. If you had just one, Love you would not answer the way you do.
It isn’t uncommon to see men and women operate in their spiritual gifts but then immediately act in a sinful way. Why? Because God will use whomever He wants, whenever He wants, and however He wants.
Be careful how you discern!
Ernie wrote:
Ernie would you say “the level of arrogance” of the guys who wrote the following are greater than ours’?
I suggest that when you get to heaven one day, the first thing for you to do is to summon Paul and Jude to your heavenly office and lambast them for their arrogance. And, for an encore ask them how many people they have led to Christ so that you can compare their harvest of souls with your own so that you can boast a little. OK?
Things are pretty easy to understand if we are not acting like 3 year olds .
Jesus said His people would cast out demons , heal the sick , and speak with other tongues .
It’s been prerecorded in Scripture for our benefit that Pharisees blame these things on Satan , render the Word of God to none effect , and are unable to discern when Jesus is in the house .
I know which side I am on , do you ?
Heavy Early
I’m on the side where I finish the verse that says,
Mark 16:18 KJV
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Go on prove yourself to be a true believer by taking up a snake, or drinking deadly poison, lets see if you survive like the Apostles.
Only they were given these miraculous powers.
As per my article, if you read it carefully, you will see the verse that says speaking in EARTHLY tongues has CEASED, along with prophecy (as in foretelling the future).
You guys love to ignore this verse.