Reply to Irish_John: Speaking In Tongues
Dear Irish_John,
Your sincere question about the profound topic of "speaking in tongues" is worthy of a sincere reply. The Bible mentions "speaking in tongues" thirty-five times so this subject is far too important to be dismissed as casually as it has been in the replies to your post. Firstly, I must say how disappointed I am by the replies you received concerning this subject. It disturbs me deeply how professing Christians, who have never spoken in tongues, speak as though they're experts on this subject when in reality; they comment only from theory. Who should know more about speaking in tongues: those who speak in tongues or those who do not? Since I do speak in tongues, I feel that qualifies me in being able to bring Scriptural wisdom with experience in discussing this subject.
Speaking in tongues is the most intelligent, perfect and pure language in the universe. It is God's language. Languages are given their name based upon their place of origin, eg. French from France and English from England. Where does the language of "tongues" come from? It comes from Heaven. It is the heavenly language. Here on earth Paul said, "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 Cor 14:2). Moreover, it is natural and normal to speak in the language of your birth. Christians are born again from above, therefore they should speak in the language from above. And that language is "tongues".
Speaking in tongues by the power of God was prophesied by the prophets of the Old Testament as the sign of true "spiritual rest" (Isa 28:11-12), and as the way God's people must "call upon His name" (Zeph 3:9). John the Baptist said it was the very work which Jesus came to do (Luke 3:16). Jesus said it is a sign "that follows them that believe" (Mark 16:17). Peter said it was the evidence of God's Holy Spirit being poured out into the hearts of men (Acts 2:16-18). Paul said, it was the only way one could really say, "Jesus is Lord", and have it count with God. Paul also said it was "a sign to the unbeliever" of God's real presence (1 Cor 12:3). And finally Jude after giving warning about mockers in the last days, having not the Spirit, says to the beloved Spirit-filled child of God, 'to build up yourself in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost ie praying in tongues' (Jude 18-20). Of course Jude is confirming what Paul said, "He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself" (1 Cor 14:4).
How long will tongues continue to manifest?
"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 Cor 13:8-10)
The phrase, "when that which is perfect is come", is translated from the Greek phrase "to teleion". The word "teleion" is a singular neuter term which refers to Jesus Christ. Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon, p. 618, defined the phrase "to teleion" as used in 1 Cor 13:10 as follows: "The perfect state of all things, to be ushered in by the return of Christ from heaven." When the Church, having reached her state of perfection, stands face to face in the presence of God, there will be no need for prophecies, tongues and knowledge. But until that which is perfect (Jesus Christ) is come, that which is in part will remain. And as long as there remains prophecies and knowledge, tongues shall not cease. So Paul instructed the Church to "come behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 1:7).
Paul's question, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?", was asked of a group of Ephesian disciples who had, as shown by that question, "believed". But there is a difference between "receiving" the Spirit and "believing". Millions of sincere believers are being hindered in their faith because they are being told that because they "believed", they already have "received". And nothing could be further from the Truth! Furthermore, not only had those Ephesians "believed", but they also had been baptized in water. And yet, according to their own testimony, they had "not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost" (Acts 19:1-7). What a picture of multitudes today who, in reality, have not heard about the Holy Ghost baptism! And think of the countless many today who have "believed" and been baptized in water, still, they are without the promised Comforter - the Holy Ghost! In addition, many professing Christians today, who have heard about the Holy Ghost baptism evidenced with speaking in tongues, but have been persuaded they already have the Spirit, simply because they "believed". "Believing can be likened to "conception". In the natural when human conception takes place you have a embryo but the birth has not yet happened. In the Spiritual when one "believes" they are a seed in "conception" but the birth does not take place until they are baptized in the Holy Ghost which is "conversion". And if one has been "conceived", they "believe", but never follow through to receiving the Holy Ghost evidenced with speaking in tongues "conversion"; what that actually amounts to is a Spiritual abortion.
The main reason so many followers of Christ now have not yet received the Holy Ghost baptism is the same reason that the twelve Ephesian disciples had not yet received it; that is, they were taught by a man who himself had not yet received the Holy Ghost. Namely, "Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John" ( Acts 18:24-25). Oh but if all the Apollos's of this day would take heed as he did, "when Aquila and Priscella (a Spirit-filled man and his wife) had heard (him teaching). They took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 18:26). That is, they explained to Apollos the truth concerning Jesus' perfect baptism which is what I'm trying to do here. Once you receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost you will be armed and dangerous to the kingdom of darkness which is why the devil opposes and attacks this Truth so vehemently from without and more so from within Christianity itself. Because without the Spirit no believer will be able to carry out Jesus's command: "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:7-9).
Please view my post, Jesus Is His Name, a five part series, in the Christian Debate Forum.