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Tongue Speaking
A View from the Scriptures
The following outline has been prepared to better understand the phenomenon known as "tongue speaking." The suggested approach to the scriptures is to put away any preconceived notions and/or taught beliefs regarding the matter. Allow the Word of God to be your source of authority.
The use of a concordance and reference Bible may be helpful in investigating all scriptures that deal with this topic. I have selected passages below that will help us to discover the purpose and extent of tongue speaking. The question is often raised, "Are people able to speak in tongues in the church today?" We will look at this question and allow ample time for discussion of the passages listed below.
The GIFT of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:38
The Holy Spirit was given to newly baptized believers as a gift. The Holy Spirit is the GIFT. Some may refer to this as the indwelling. The Spirit gives us life. He lives within us as baptized believers.The Holy Spirit gave GIFTS to members of the Lord's church. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Did everyone receive the Holy Spirit when they repented and were baptized? (Acts 2:38)
Did everyone receive the same manifestation of the Spirit for the common good?
(1 Corinthians 12: 7)God made the decision who received each different manifestation (gift).
Also, look at 1 Corinthians 12:18.The PURPOSE of tongues
1 Corinthians 14:1-25
Many were speaking in tongues in the early church. For what purpose? According to this passage, tongues were a sign (miraculous) for unbelievers. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter spoke to the crowd in tongues (Acts 2). It was decidedly a sign that his message was from God. A sign to unbelievers.When was the purpose fulfilled? I suggest that when we look into God's Word, we have the perfect revealed will of God for our lives. The miracles have been recorded so that we might believe (John 20:31). Do we need signs from heaven to prove that Jesus was the Christ? NO! We have the written record today.
When did the tongues cease?
1 Corinthians 13: 8-12
Exact dates or incidents are not available in God's Word. We do see very little mention of tongues in the Bible. The places it is mentioned is in the first years of the church. During the spreading of the Gospel, God gave gifts to members to testify that they were speaking the Truth in God.When the Bible was available to testify to the validity of the Gospel message, tongues were no longer needed. This concept is seen in a parable that Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. Clearly, the Law and the Prophets (Old Testament) was completed at this time. The rich man asked Abraham to send someone back from the dead to witness to his brothers. Abraham's response is basically that signs would not help. They had not responded to the written warnings from Israel's history. (Look at verses 29-31)
Demanding a "sign" today demonstrates a lack of faith and invalidates the written account given to us by God.
A clear understanding of the tongue speaking enabled by God
Acts 2:1-8
Conclusion
- In what language were the speakers speaking?
- Was the language a knowable language?
- In what language did the hearers hear?
- Is there any hint in this passage that the language was unknown?
- What was the miracle that took place?
I will not argue with someone about their ability to speak in tongues. I will ask the purpose and see if it is consistent with God's Word. I do not believe that God will enable individuals with a gift from heaven when they are not following His Word. Check what they are teaching in all areas.
Iron Mountain-Kingsford church of Christ, 405 North Balsam St, Kingsford, MI 49802 - 906-779-9477
