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.
The following video is very helpful in understanding the gifts of tongues, prophecy and knowledge and why they ceased.
Speaking In Tongues Part A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi6fIUpvZUI
God bless,
Mick
[EDITED – Hateful commets are not welcome.]
[EDITED – Hateful comments are not welcome.]
Even Paul nand Peter argued about dietary laws. To assume that a false teaching is a false gospel is ludicrous. To misunderstand some scripture is a fcat of life for all of us. To demande perfection of understanding is NOT Christian. Paul had several conflicts about the gospel with the other disciples.There has to be one doctrine. Not one denomination on this earth agree’s with another on all doctrine. No one. Even churches in the same denominations disagree with each other. You coulodn’t get a Methodist to sit beside a Lutheran because of slight differences in theology. We have to be careful about being absolute right about interpretations. WE have divided ourselvews over silly matters. Paul told us to have one doctrine. The gifts and other stuff is NOT doctrine. To suggest that anyone is not Christian because they agree or diaagree on smaller matters is itself a sin. WE must all agree about who Jeusu was and what HE did for us and how we must adhrer to His truth. But other than that we must be forgiving about the minor misunderstandinds of scripture. Thank you..
Please give me your Scriptural references for Paul arguing with Peter about dietary laws.
Furthermore, Zeus (Jeusu, Jesus etc) never did anything for us but Yashua did.
Thanks Deborah for this post and for answering posters by remaining steadfast in the Scripture. The many interpretations always lack the basic point which you mentioned-that we do not need the extra burden-we have the Holy Spirit to teach us and Who will always point to Jesus. (not Self, not Holy Spirit pointing to Holy Spirit!)
I had a sad experience at the little Christian School where I am teaching: The `youth pastor` of the church doubled up as the Bible teacher. When I arrive for my lesson he overstays his time in the class and I have to wait in the doorway for him to finish his babblings. He would pace up and down in the small class room of 12 learners and babble with a thundering voice. Mostly the kids just `respectfully` stare at him but on one occasion two started to laugh. He then paced towards them, lay his heavy hands on their heads and said `God is cursing you because you laugh at the Holy Spirit` and then stormed out of the class.
That caused me to be very alert at what was `cooking` at the school (I am new there-started this year). The school also had a praise and worship morning where the kids were told (after very hyped up songs) that those who have the gift of tongues can start to praise God aloud-and those who want to receive this gift must go to the pastors(gathering in one corner of the church-and who slowly trickeled in during the singing….causing me to become suspicious) and those who want to `give their hearts to Jesus` can meet with the Headmistress and other elders(another) corner of the building). AND those who do not want to do any of these can go to class!!!!
I got up and headed out of the building-tooooo much to bear-on my way out the head girl slipped her hand in mine and we both headed back to class-Just the two of us. There we were two Christians SEPERATE from the others. The mass psychosis and auto suggestion did not `work` on us! LOL with a tear.
When the children came back to their classes they were in an euphoric state. ” Mam when pastor helped me to speak in tongues IT only got to my throat and got stuck there-then he said I must practice -IT will happen!” That was when i promptly asked the class whom are members of the church this school operates from….NONE! Then I marched to the headmistress for a long overdue meeting! She grabbed her Bible , pulled me into an empty classroom and said she understands if I am confused about the tongues because I`m a Baptist and they are not big on things of the Spirit! I was promptly read some Scripture.
I let her finish and just stated I am not confused-but convinced that what they are doing is spiritual abuse of the children and the info similar to Debs post here was assertively given to her. She could not answer me on why NO interpreting happened, why children have to PRACTICE to get the Gift and much more.
I was saddened by the whole affair. The good that came of it that no subsequent tongue-talking hype happened again! The other sad occurrence was that the junior pastor had a mental breakdown and is currently in Durban with family, receiving out patient care for his mental state?. Shortly before he left he still tried his luck with me to `get the gift`. I mentioned to him that he cannot give it to me and besides I`v asked God that if it is what they`ve got-please not to give it to me! (he was horrified!) I told him about the Kundalini manifestations in many churches-he did not know what it was. I told him to Google it-knowing full well he will recognize his own `style` of tongue speaking-by rolling his head and rocking to and fro while babbling repetitious sounds. I can only trust God can bring stability in his mind.
Yes-it is a sad sad state of affairs in our Churches and so often involving children.
Moemsie
Yes, this, lets call it an ‘occult practice’ of speaking in tonuges now-a-days is a terrible thing. And to abuse children like this is terrible. I had a similar experience when I was really tiny. My grandmother took me to some WoF church and at Sunday school we were asked if we wanted to speak in tongues. I did not know any better. So 7 kids (including me) go with a lady outside and she tells us to repeat what to me sounded like a hebrew word. I manage to repeat the word. Then she gives us another word to repeat. I manage to repeat that one. But after a whole string of words I could not remember them anymore. I was the youngest in the group – maybe 4 years old? The rest of the kids were older and could remember all the words, therefore they could speak in tongues. I was told I could not and that was that. I was so hurt. Anyhow the instruction was that these kids needed to take this sentence they had learnt and repeat it over and over and over until they could speak in tongues automatically. Looking back I can see the damage this can do to kids.
This articles has brought much confusion into my life, after reading it, I have a question, are there any spiritual gifts?
the seeker of truth
It’s only brought confusion into your life because for the first time you are not hearing the truth and it’s a shock. Yes, there are many spiritual gifts. Tongues and prophecy have ceased. Read the article again and again until you come to understand it properly.
I have read your article and have to disagree with your conclusions. As a seminary professor I teach 1&2 Corinthians from the Greek. You are using eisegesis to “read into” your english translation. You neither understand the context of the scriptures nor properly exegete the correct meanings of the texts. Because of this lack of understanding, your conclusions are improperly made thus rendering them false. You do not attempt to support your interpretations by serious discussion of contra arguments. This seriously weakens your position. If you want to seriously study the issue then I suggest books by James Dunn, Max Turner and Robert Menzies to see the different arguments. Be a student of the Word!
The following scripture is in present tense for all believers. Mark 16:17 KJV, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.”
Deborah, Calling the gift of tongues Demonic is very dangerous. If your interpretation of the perfect is correct, and I discern it isn’t, then you are close to Blasphemy Of The Holy Spirit. The perfect is not the Bible, but Jesus Himself when he returns. Then we will have perfect knowledge when we see him face to face. For now we see him dimly as in a glass.
Bob Welch
I am sorry I don’t understand you, you are a professor and I am a born again Christian who has the guidance of the Holy Spirit, professors apparently know more.
Dennis Waltrip
Dennis, pay attention, go read the article again and again until you get it.
Dennis
Having a spirit of false tongues enter you is DANGEROUS.
[EDITED DTW note: This must be the WORST interpretation of scripture ever – Dominionists now have to come up with new reasoning as to why the bible says tongues ceased….]
———————–
The imperfect, the incomplete = Tongues, prophecy and knowledge CEASED!
“When you are a born again Christian you do away with childish things and study the Word of God ONLY as it is perfect in every way.
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 behaviour or worse, demonic affliction.”
Read it again slowly…
1Co 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
From the original greek according to Strongs.
but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail.
But whether there be prophecies (prophecy or prophesying) they shall fail (be abolished or done away with):
whether there be tongues, they shall cease;
whether (if too) there be toungues (language – Naturally aquired), they shall cease (quit, come to an end);
Think back,
Gen 11:5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
Gen 11:6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
Gen 11:7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.
Gen 11:8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
Gen 11:9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
It was God that divied the languages in the beginning, When this time is finished. He will restore the languages to a single language. This is what is ment by the many languages ceasing. [Totally totally, totally, wrong interpretation of scripture, but nice try]
Languages and prophesy are now done in part, you get a peice here and a peice there. When Jesus returns there will be no need for seperate languages, nor will there be a need for prophesy. The veil that now seperates us from our home will be torn like that of the veil in the holy of holies. We will be able to come and go as we please. The full knowledge of God’s plan will become clear to us at that time.
Therefore, at that time we will no longer have need of such things as healing, discerning of spirits, prophesy, toungues, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, the gift of faith, interpretation of toungues and the other gifts. We will be in the presence of God himself. There will no more need of the things we experience today.
This is what is meant by looking through a glass darkly, and seeing in part. Once Christ returns, that mirror that seperates us will be shattered and we will see things for what they really are.
There will be a time when this takes place, it has not taken place yet. It will happen when Jesus returns to set his kingdom up. Until then, as a church to reach out to the nations and our communities need the gifts of the spirit to give an open display of the God we serve and this holiness.
Othewise, our beliefs and ideas are just talk…
The problem you have is that the manifest power of God follows Harold Weitz whereever he goes. Demons manifest, people are healed etc etc. If he was a false teacher the power of God would not be on and with him. God help you speaking out against men of God. Where’s the manifest power of God in your life, dear author of this nonsense? Because only if you can demonstrate that can you even begin to claim that your opinion is right and those of Ps Harold Weitz are wrong. Don’t even bother having a contrary opinion until you can demonstrate the manifest power of God.
http://finding-the-church.blogspot.com/p/cessationism-vs-non-cessationism.html
It is sad to see all of this in the light of the revelation of Jesus Christ….No kingdom mindset will put God in a box. Most believers I meet have not even read the bible from Gen-Rev trough once and then they want to claim they know scripture, and want to tell God what to do, never been involved with dealing with broken people, now people badmouth other people. I would advice you to read history and study it. There is enough info on the time Paul spent in Arabia that would blow you away. Not knowing scripture, I can proof anything from the Bible even that there is no God. And if what is written here is true than more than 44 000000 Chinese people in the underground church is dammed to hell. What I read here is against the character of Christ, in the ongoing illumination of what His Kingdom is all about. General Booth was right in saying that the only army in the world that shoot their wounded is the army of Christ. Most South Africans have never spent more than one year in another culture then they want to claim they understand the Bible….sad story….Jesus was not a South African….
I still speak in tongues and i am an ex Christian. Some would say a back slider and others would say i never was a born again
Christian. However the habit remains even though i have lost my faith. Some times before i apply my conscious mind i speak in tongues in my subconscious in praise to Jesus.
Tongues is for personal edification as well as that of the body of Christ.Is it for real? I used to think so. However when we heard a message in tongues from one member and a translation of that message from another there were some doubts. The message and translation varied in lengths. The translation was mostly in line with what was to be preached that morning. Kind of like god,s endorsement of the preacher,s sermon.Now i think it was all foolishness.
This post is evidence of private interpretation of scripture. The Holy Spirit does not teach us apart from His stewardship.
There are two types of tongues.
1) Tongues that we speak/pray for our own edification (The manifestation of tongues that accompanies the baptism of the Holy Spirit is given as a prayer language the believer can initiate anytime.)
I Cor.14:2: “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”
I Cor.14:4: “…….He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself;”
I Cor.14:14: “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.”
” The purpose of this manifestation of tongues is not rendered towards man, but towards God. The believer is speaking in an unknown tongue, praying mysteries to God. These mysteries have to do with the recovery of the soul from the fruits of iniquity, the healing of the soul from the effects of sin, and the release of the soul from its power. The Spirit of God is using tongues to make intercession for these things.” – The Seal of Spirit S8W lesson.
2) The gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues are 2 of the 9 gifts of the Spirit. This type of tongues is for the edification of the Body of Christ. It is an utterance from God rendered towards man and this is why it requires interpretation.
“Wherefore let him that speaks in an unknown tongue (in the assembly) pray that he may interpret,” ICor.14:13
If you don’t know the difference between the two then you cannot tell which one is being spoken about in the bible.
Tutu
You quote “The Seal of Spirit S8W lesson.” Second 8th Week is a DANGEROUS CULT, and if a cult that sees demonic beings in the sky, speaks in tongues that the Bible says has CEASED then you have just proved the Bible to be CORRECT.
See article here on Second 8th Week with discussions with head apostle Eric von Anderseck: https://www.discerningtheworld.com/2010/02/28/mystery-christ-blowing-his-trumpet-at-mossel-bay-has-been-identified/
I was in the Assembly of God church for 10+ years after getting saved. I am now in an Independent Baptist leaving the Charismatic doctrines behind once I started studying God’s Word. My Charismatic friends, when we discuss this topic, will say they just want to follow Jesus and be like Him. To that I respond, Jesus never spoke in gibberish, he spoke in a known language. This stops them in their tracks.
If speaking in gibberish was so important don’t you think our Master would have done it as an example to us??? Don’t you think he would have taught us how to do it if it was important to our faith, spiritual life and living out the Gospel? He did teach us many other things because Jesus loved us.
So, one could either conclude that Jesus didn’t love us enough to teach us this so called gift or this gift really isn’t from God. You can make up your own mind like I did when I bothered to read the scriptures and stopped taking some human’s, pastor, preacher or other, word on the subject. You will never find the truth on this until you search God’s Word on it and stop taking someone’s elses word as your authority on this. God bless you all.
Kay
>> My Charismatic friends, when we discuss this topic, will say they just want to follow Jesus and be like Him. To that I respond, Jesus never spoke in gibberish, he spoke in a known language. This stops them in their tracks.
Good one…
>> You will never find the truth on this until you search God’s Word
Absolutely!!
I have only a short time to respond.
The person who wrote this article is very uninformed and stuck in his dispensational ways. Even though he quotes Scripture, much of it is out of context and approached through the eyes of an ungifted spiritual person. He is speaking out of wrong and stale Despentionalism crafted back in the 1800’s.
Writer, please open yourself up to the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit and do not be afraid to receive all that He has for you as written in Scripture !!!
Tom S.
The calling down of Fire from heaven over a congregation, or praying Fire over someone is the norm in the church today. It has come to resemble the early heretic Gnostic churches. Religious ecstasy (or Kundalini) was to be found in the mystery religions of the first century A.D.. Back when the Corinth church seemed to be a hub of pagan Gnostic knowledge and ran rampant in unscriptural and immoral practices; the Greek mystery religions had prophets who babbled in unknown tongues which were caused by a Kundalini awakening.
The false babbling of ‘Tongues’ was missing from society until it resurfaced in cults in the 1800’s. I would rather be stuck in my BIBLICAL dispensation way than in in grasp of an unclean spirit.
Please read this article: The Biblical Holy Spirit vs.The False Unholy Spirit of Fire
Deborah (Not Discerning the Bible)
Spirits of darkness will always do their best to counterfeit God’s gifts and work. Just because there are counterfeits, does not mean there is the absence of the “real thing”.
THIS IS SO UNTRUE DEBORAH — “The calling down of Fire from heaven over a congregation, or praying Fire over someone is the norm in the church today.” I have been to many Pentecostal churches in my life time and I have never seen this. You seem to be reading the wrong things. The abuse here is actually coming from your writing and some of the writing expressed on this site. I do not see the abuse at all that you are talking about. I have seen many people healed and set free in the Churches that are not afraid to be open to the “Fruits” and the “Gifts” of the Holy Spirit as expressed in the early Church. Remember that the Apostle Paul said that he speaks in Tongues more than you all.
I have been in prison ministry for over 30 years and hold a Bach. Degree of Theology. I have seen many men set free and healed by the precious Gifts of the Holy Spirit as expressed in 1 Cor. 12.
I am saddened by people that try to lead people away from the Gifts of God’s Precious Holy Spirit as clearly and deeply expressed by the Holy Scriptures. We have “no right” at all to cut off God’s “legitimate workings” through placing limits on how God should express Himself, either in the past, present or the future.
I am not trying to offend you Deborah. You apparently are sister in the Lord to me and I express love to you in Jesus Christ. But my heart goes out to those who are not free to let God be all that He said He was as express by Him in His Precious Scriptures. May God reveal this Truth to you and others. God Bless you!
Tom S
You can’t offend me.
Where did you study your degree? At an institution that tought false theology? You lay your claim of being taught by men, I lay my claim of being taught by the Holy Spirit ONLY.
Are we to test the spirits? Absolutely, and I find the spirit you operate by to be wanting. Testing the Spirits – True Spiritual Discernment
Did you real the article: The Biblical Holy Spirit vs.The False Unholy Spirit of Fire No you didn’t. What are you afraid of? Finding out the truth? Your Kundilini spirit is transferable to others because it’s activated in you.
Can Satan heal? Absolutely? Can Satan Heal?
You follow Kingdom Now Theology, a false doctrine: Yes, a Future Kingdom, but Not a Kingdom Now
I do not go by feelings and emotions, I go by what the Word of God says.
May God reveal this Truth to you.
[deleted by DTW – I did not insult you, so do not insult me. You can’t back up your false beliefs with scripture so you get personal and call me names – do not comment again.
I have given you ample TRUTH to read, read it or don’t]
[deleted – clearly you can’t read]