Tongues Study
Is it biblical to speak in tongues today? This is a study, cover to cover, of this topic. All of the numbered points below are covered in subject with the Bible verses in context below them.
(Deuteronomy 4:2)
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV)
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
(1 John 4:1)
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
(Matthew 24:5)
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
(Matthew 24:24)
Revelation 13:13-14 (KJV)
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
POINTS COVERED:
1. Tongues confuse unbelievers as well as true believers
2. Tongues are spoken by unbelievers in many of the world's pagan religions
3. Tongues were for Jewish unbelievers to hear the word in their spoken, known, earthly language
4. Tongues were always interpreted, and a known people language
5. Tongues were necessary because the Word was not yet complete like it is today
6. Tongues were foretold to go away, along with special revelation, special words of knowledge, prophecies, precisely because the written Word is finished.
7. Tongues were to authenticate the birth of the Church and to fulfill prophecy
8. Tongues were not spoken by all when they received the Holy Spirit
9. We are not to edify ourselves, but others
10. If one babbles in a "prayer language", they have no way of knowing what they are praying to God about or even if they are praying to God or talking the air and, therefore, cannot agree in prayer.
11. Tongues were always given to people by the will of the Holy Spirit-never by asking in prayer, laying on of hands or "loosing one's tongue"
12. Tongues were not the only evidence of the Holy Spirit's salvation
13. The Word of God is complete today, not to be added to by signs and wonders
14. The Jews sought after the signs.........not the Gentiles. (1 Cor. 1:22)
15. Christians can be deceived by the enemy as well as unbelievers, especially in these last days with the apostasy in full swing
16. We are to guard against deception by filtering all things through the Scriptures
17. Unbelievers do not come to Christ today via tongues, but by hearing the Word of God in their language
18. Tongues even then were not the most important spiritual gift, unlike today
19. A really effective gift for unbelievers are the gifts of service, helps, martyrdom-yet people seek tongues and other "sign gifts".
20. Tongues are spoken by some ancient pagan religions, Mormons, devil-possessed modern day spiritists, witch doctors in Africa and Asia, Muslims, Indian fakirs (Muslim Sufi ascetics) and even patients with schizophrenia, neurosis, and psychosis.
21. Tongues were permitted (with ALL the restrictions) in the early church to reach unbelieving Jews of the remnant from the time of Christ. They are NOT able to accomplish that today (the Jews from then are all dead), thus they are obsolete.
22. Bottom Line: Christians cannot rely on miracles as proof of God’s working.
(1 Corinthians 1:22)
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
(1 Corinthians 14:33)
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
(1 Peter 4:7)
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
(1 Peter 5:8)
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
(Acts 17:10-11)
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
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.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
(Matthew 24:24)
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-22
(1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings***. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
*** Preaching
(Ezekiel 37:4)
(Ezekiel 37:4)
Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.-
THE END OF THE SIGNS AND WONDERS
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 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. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:8-10
– 1 Corinthians 13:8-10
1. Gift of prophecy-gone
2. Gift of tongues-gone
3. Gift of "word of knowledge" (special revelation, not biblical wisdom)-gone
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Biblical Fallacy #1
Tongues is the Evidence of a filling by the Holy Spirit
Tongues is the Evidence of a filling by the Holy Spirit
- In the book of Acts there are several verses speaking about Christians being filled with the Spirit, but only a few times is tongues speaking mentioned. It is ridiculous, then, to try to make tongues speaking the primary evidence of Holy Spirit filling.
SOME DID SPEAK WITH TONGUES
(Acts 2:4)
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 10:44-46
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Acts 19:2-7
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should 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 his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.
SOME DID NOT SPEAK WITH TONGUES
Acts 13:9-11
Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
(Acts 13:52)
And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 2:38-44)
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
(Acts 4:8)
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,..............
(Acts 4:31)
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 8:15-17
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 15:7-9)
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
No tongues, but filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking the Word of God.
STEPHEN
Acts 6:3-10
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
· Wisdom, business, ministry, discipling, growth, wonders, miracles, but no tongues speaking
(Acts 7:55)
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
· A vision of Heaven, death awaiting momentarily, and no tongues.
BIBLICAL FALLACY #2
Tongues are for all Christians
It has been claimed that any Christian who "earnestly desires" the gift of tongues and has people lay hands on them and pray, if their desire and faith are strong enough, they will receive the gift of tongues.
(1 Corinthians 12:4)
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1 Corinthians 12:28-31
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
· The implied answer is that not all get all gifts, including tongues.
· Further, the best gifts are all ahead of tongues, yet today Christians seek that one gift, seemingly above all of the rest, as "evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit".
· We all do not get the same gifts; therefore, we do not all get tongues
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.
BIBLICAL FALLACY #3
Tongues Should be Sought by the Christian
1 Corinthians 12:28-31
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
- Paul told the Corinthian believers that they should covet the “best gifts” (v. 31). He listed the gifts in order of "best to worst" in verses 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 and tongues was dead last! Which gift which Paul considered the least important has become the most important in the tongues-speaking church today.
- The very apostles themselves, nor their disciples, did not earnestly seek or show a desire to speak in tongues. In all instances wherein the believers spoke in tongues in the New Testament, the tongues were sovereignly given as a gift (hence the name) by the Holy Ghost, not for the asking. In no instance were the recipients trying to speak in tongues.
- "Earnestly desire the best gifts" does not mean to seek the gift of tongues. Not once is there such instruction given by the Apostles.
- There is no built-in instruction manual in Scripture about how to speak in tongues. If this gift was so important a Spirit filled life and universal for every Christian to have this gift, most certainly God would have told us very specifically how to speak in tongues.
- "The Pentecostal/Charismatic method of speaking in tongues is unscriptural and dangerous. When a person asks how tongues can be received. They are instructed to simply open their mouth and start muttering words without using normal language. God is supposed to take control of the tongue."
· There is not even the slightest trace in any verse in the Bible of such a thing occurring in the New Testament
· That said, there is a warning in the New Testament about the enemy having, using and being deceiving spirits, using signs, etc.
2 Corinthians 11:3-4
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
(Matthew 24:24)
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
When people ask why it is then, that people "receive the gift of tongues still today" when it is no longer needed , you can show them these verses to explain the origin. As it says in 2 Corinthians 11:3-4. it happens because they are beguiled as Eve was, by that same serpent.
BIBLICAL FALLACY #4
"Tongues is a Heavenly Prayer Language"
Often when Charismatics and Pentecostals want someone to speak in tongues, they lay hands on them, pray and ask the person to "open their mouth and loose their tongue and let the Holy Spirit take over". This, they claim when the person begins to babble, is evidence of a "heavenly prayer language".
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 marvelled, 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.
· Biblical tongues were always real, earthly languages (tongues), understood and spoken by real people on and of the earth and not some gibberish.
· On top of that, if you are ONLY speaking to God, then that is between you and God ONLY, so why do many with a "prayer language" do it publicly, and talk about doing it and try to recruit others to do the same?
· None of the people in the early Church, recorded in Acts, asked for the gift of speaking in tongues. It simply happened by the will of the Holy Spirit
BIBLICAL FALLACY #5
Speaking in tongues is for "one's personal edification".
Speaking in tongues in the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement is claimed to be for the purpose of privately edifying oneself.
· One problem: No place in Scripture are we to edify OURSELVES!
· We are only encouraged to edify and encourage one another, and be edified by others; and to encourage ourselves only in the LORD.
(1 Samuel 30:6)
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
(Romans 14:19)
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
(1 Corinthians 14:26)
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
God plainly tells us the purpose for tongues. It was to give a sign to those who needed the Gospel in their language.
1 Corinthians 1-28
(vv. 1-5)
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 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. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
· Seek love
· The context of the word "prophesieth" is preaching, hence they edify, exhort and comfort. You do not predict and do those things.
· Verse 2, is any foreign earthly language without any interpretation.
o How would one know a foreign language without one?
o Why would you speak one to God anyways?
o Can you not pray in your language to God so you know what you are saying (in order to "worship the LORD thy God with thy whole MIND" also)?
o If your spirit prayed to God, nobody else would ever know about it. The only time anyone else would find out about "tongues" is if they are spoken to other people.
(v.6)
Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
· The implied answer is "no profit"
· This is an earthly language also, because it includes elements of understanding
o Revelation that they can understand
o Knowledge that they can understand
o that they can understand
o Prophesy that they can understand
o Doctrine that they can understand
(v. 7-9)
And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
· Each instrument is completely distinguishable and not unknown, as is each tongue (language), to the proper listening ear
· This is necessary for any music to work, as well as any people language
· These sounds are useless when they are gibberish, muttering, babbling
· Those sounds lacking distinction, are TO NO ONE, into the air, not to any person, including God
(v. 10)
There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
· All people languages have the ability to be understood
· All languages have distinguishing characteristics
(v.11)
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
· If it is anything else (a muttering, babbling "prayer language") heard by others, then we look like barbarians
(v.12)
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
· The gifts were for edifying in the church, and edifying the church
(v.13)
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
· Again, the unknown tongue is something that can be interpreted as an earthly language
(v. 14)
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
· Without that interpretation, it is a complete and utter waste of one's time
(v. 15)
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.
· This prayer of which Paul speaks is not, therefore, a prayer language at all, but a prayer in Hebrew or Greek for him, and English for us.
(v. 16)
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?
· The implied answer here is that "the cannot know" because it is just gibberish.
· The person hearing this prayer must understand to stand in agreement with the person praying.
(v. 17)
For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
· If a person were to babble without interpretation, the other persons are not edified, encouraged, and have no way to agree.
(v. 18-19)
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.
· An unknown tongue is any tongue a person does not speak
· Paul prefers to speak in his native tongue to people
(v. 20)
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
· The concept is simple and any mature Christian can get it.
(v. 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.
· Again, this is people language, just "others" (the Church)
(v. 22)
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.
· This is why they are no longer needed and not fruitful, edifying for today:
o Then, it was to preach the Gospel to a person in their native tongue, to be interpreted by someone else who spoke that tongue
o Unbelievers today think we are nuts, wacko when we babble in tongues
o No one today gets saved due to tongues speaking in church, but by the Gospel preached, with a translator in their language. In other words, no one goes to an African country and preaches the Gospel in Swahili, without an interpreter.
(v. 23)
If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
· This happens today in Charismatic/Pentecostal churches, under the guise of "worship" services or IN church gatherings.
· It sounds satanic, like a gaggle of geese or a flock of chickens clucking, or animals all screaming!
· It sounds exactly the same as pagan unbelievers getting together to speak tongues!
(v. 24-25)
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
· Proper usage of prophesying in the day led to true conversions
(v. 26)
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
· Decently and in order, to edification
· They practiced disorder, as today, and edified themselves, as today.
(v. 27)
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
· Again, an unknown tongue is a foreign language with an interpreter
· Today, we use interpreters in foreign languages and do not need tongues
(v. 28)
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
· Speaking to oneself and to God has to be in that person's own language or they have no idea what they are saying and to whom it is said.
(1 Corinthians 14:33)
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
(1 Corinthians 14:39-40)
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.
· Paul simply wanted them to speak in tongues to the unbelieving foreigners.
· In context, that means orderly, with interpreters so they understand, but again not as a priority, even here.
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
THE CONTROL OF THE SPIRIT
Ephesians 5:18-19
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
· All of chapters 5-6 of Ephesians is about walking in the Spirit in family relationships, personal relationships, professional relationships
OTHER RELIGIONS SPEAK IN TONGUES
Some ancient pagan religions, some Mormons speak in tongues, as well as some devil-possessed modern day spiritists, and even witch doctors in Africa and Asia, plus Muslim dervishes, and Indian fakirs (Muslim Sufi ascetics). Even in America, many psychiatrists have seen it in patients with schizophrenia, neurosis, and psychosis.
Some ancient pagan religions, some Mormons speak in tongues, as well as some devil-possessed modern day spiritists, and even witch doctors in Africa and Asia, plus Muslim dervishes, and Indian fakirs (Muslim Sufi ascetics). Even in America, many psychiatrists have seen it in patients with schizophrenia, neurosis, and psychosis.
- The evidence of the filling of the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 5-6 does not mention tongues at all. The marks of Spirit filling are said to be spiritual relationships (Eph. 5:19,21-33; 6:1-9), worship (Eph. 5:19), resisting Satan (Eph. 6:11-18), and an effective prayer life (Eph. 5:18-20).
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1 Corinthians 14:1-2
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 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.
1 Corinthians 14:4-5
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
· Seek other gifts besides tongues, because nobody understands them (vv. 3-5). And unknown tongue is a foreign language.
1 Corinthians14:6
Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
The implied answer to what it shall profit anyone is............. "nothing".
1 Corinthians 14:9
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
1 Corinthians 14:11
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Tongues by themselves are of NO profit. They are nothing but hot air from a barbarian.
1 Corinthians14:19-20
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. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
Tongues are childish, cannot teach, nor be understood.
1 Corinthians14:23
If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
As also evidenced by Acts 2, tongues were not for the congregation, they were spoken by the preacher. Tongues make unbelievers think you are nuts.
1 Corinthians14:27-28
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Tongues could not be spoken by more than a few, and an interpreter was an ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENT.
1 Corinthians14:35
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
Women were to keep their tongues in their mouths. These regulations are violated by Pentecostals on a regular basis. But there's an easier way out:
1 Corinthians 14:22
Wherefore tongues are for a SIGN, not to them that believe, but to them that BELIEVE NOT:
1 Corinthians 1:22
For the JEWS require a SIGN, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
So tongues (which can never be shown to be anything but a LANGUAGE, not babble) are a SIGN for LOST JEWS. If you are an unsaved Jew from the Apostolic remnant, God may have a preacher preach in your language so you can get saved. This is what we see in the only three instances of tongues being spoken in the Bible.
(Acts 2:4)
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:7-12
And they were all amazed and marvelled, 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. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
(Acts 19:6)
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
TONGUES WERE FORETOLD
(Mark 16:17)
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
as were other miracles:
(Mark 16:18)
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.
(Luke 10:19)
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
· No Christians go around today bringing snakes and scorpions into church and other deadly things to demonstrate the power of the Holy Ghost and spirituality, but they bring tongues in.
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
· The context is that if someone refuses to heed Paul's admonitions, then let him be ignorant. Let him make a fool of himself and babble on, but covet instead to preach, like Paul said all along.
It says, "if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant ... forbid not".
It says, "if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant ... forbid not".
· It's saying to let him go on if he ignores Paul's admonitions.
· It's NOT saying that it's right to speak in tongues.
·
The commandments concerning tongues are routinely ignored by Pentecostals.
The commandments concerning tongues are routinely ignored by Pentecostals.
· Tongues were LANGUAGES (Acts 2)
· NOT all have divers tongues (1Corinthians12:10 & 30)
· The Spirit decides, not us (1Corinthians12:11)
· Tongues shall CEASE (1Corinthians13:8)
· Tongues NOT for speaking to men (1Corinthians14:2)
· Men can't understand them (1 Corinthians14:2)
· They are NO profit without an interpreter (1 Corinthians14:6)
· Use EASILY understood words (1Corinthians14:9)
· The meaning must be known (1Corinthians14:11)
· Understanding must be fruitful (1Corinthians14:14)
· They're for a SIGN (1Corinthians14:22)
· SIGNS are for UNBELIEVING JEWS (1Corinthians1:22)
· By no more than two or three (1Corinthians14:27)
· By course (1Corinthians14:27)
· Women keep SILENT (1Corinthians14:34)
· Spoken by the preacher, not congregation (Acts 2)
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1 Corinthians1:21-23
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the JEWS require a SIGN, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: BUT we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1 Corinthians14:37-38
If ANY man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if ANY man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
· The ignorant are any who ignore Paul's commandments, not just unlearned or unbelievers.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
THE PENTECOST
Acts Chapter 2
Acts Chapter 2
(v. 1-4)
And when the day of Pentecost was 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 all the house where they were sitting. ( Does this happen when Pentecostals speak in tongues?) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. ( How about this? Don't they burn?) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ( NOT of their own desire, AS the H.S. ...) ( Notice THEY, the Apostles from Acts 1:26, spoke, not the assembly, they heard)
And when the day of Pentecost was 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 all the house where they were sitting. ( Does this happen when Pentecostals speak in tongues?) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. ( How about this? Don't they burn?) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ( NOT of their own desire, AS the H.S. ...) ( Notice THEY, the Apostles from Acts 1:26, spoke, not the assembly, they heard)
· A rushing wind does not come when people speak in tongues corporately or in small groups today
· (v. 4) "with OTHER tongues" not "in tongues" and "TONGUES" is plural. (Meaning more than 1 language)
(v. 5-6)
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
· (v. 5) "out of every nation under heaven"
· All men who were there no matter where their from.
· (v. 6) "because that every man heard them speak in his own language."
· From verse 4 to verse 6 we have learned that the tongues mentioned in the above passages are referring to known people languages.
· No gibberish was spoken because all men understood.
· That meshes well with the admonitions in 1 Corinthians that tongues must be interpreted & understood
(v. 7-8)
And they were all amazed and marvelled, 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?
And they were all amazed and marvelled, 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?
· Notice the pluralness of "HEAR we every man" still more than one tongue(language) as from "wherein we were born" same as native tongue.
· Still no mention of an unknown tongue at this time because all men UNDERSTOOD, and no mention of a heavenly language that only a few could understand.
(v.9-11)
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.
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.
· Again the many languages spoken here that they "do HEAR them speak"
· Everybody HEARD and understood what was said.
· The only miracle here is not speaking "in tongues" but it is the HEARING that also was in the miracle.
· Both speaking and hearing occurred. Verse 4 says they SPOKE with other tongues,
· These verses (8-11) say that they HEARD those tongues.
(v. 12-18)
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
· God said, "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:"
· God also said that the sons and daughters shall prophesy
· God also said that the young men will see visions
· God also said that the old men would dream dreams,
· God did not say that they would be speaking in tongues.)
· God also said that the servants and handmaidens will prophesy.
Acts 19:6-7
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.
· Tongues, multiple languages
· The tongues were for the benefit of the Jews, as part of them learning that the Gospel was now offered to Gentiles
The enemy can speak in tongues and do a lot of other miracles in order to deceive mankind:
WE WERE WARNED 2,000 YEARS AGO
(Matthew 24:24)
(Matthew 24:24)
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
APPEARED AS A SERPENT IN THE GARDEN
(Genesis 3:1)
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
DUPLICATED MIRACLES OF GOD DONE THROUGH MOSES
Exodus 7:10-11
And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
Exodus 7:20-22
And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
Exodus 8:6-7
And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.
SHOWED JESUS HIMSELF THE ENTIRE WORLD HISTORY OF KINGDOMS
(Luke 4:5)
And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
TRANSFORMS HIMSELF INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT
(2 Corinthians 11:14)
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
WILL APPEAR TO SURVIVE A MORTAL HEAD WOUND
(Revelation 13:3)
And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
WILL DECEIVE THE ENTIRE WORLD ONE DAY SOON
Revelation 13:13-14 (KJV)
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
(Revelation 13:14)
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Revelation 16:13-14
And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
· Gives occultists fantastic dreams
· Gives powers of magic such as levitation, disappearing, etc.
· Give power to psychics, witches and pagans
· Allows people to "speak to the dead"
· Gives people power to engage in "automatic writing"
· Gives people the power of telekinesis
ADDITIONAL VERSES:
(Jeremiah 29:8)
(Jeremiah 29:8)
For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.
Matthew 7:15-16 (KJV)
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
(Matthew 24:4-5)
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
(Matthew 24:24)
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
(Ephesians 5:6)
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
(Colossians 2:18)
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
(1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(2 Peter 2:1)
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
(2 John 1:7)
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
