Speaking In Tongues
A question asked:
"what's the bible say about speaking in tongues? why
can't i know what these people are sayin?"
Jim's reply:
What is "speaking in tongues"?
Well, that was what happened on the Day of Pentecost (50 days after Christ's
crucifixion) when the Holy Spirit entered the eleven disciples:
Acts 2:1-4
2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord
in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and
it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon
each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
KJV
What is "tongues"? Quite simply it is "languages".
That scripture is not the explanation of church
members speaking babble claiming that it is a "gift" from the Holy Spirit, while
some other member "interprets" it. When the Holy Spirit has something to say,
ALL who hear it understand it!
The Bible tells us this certainty:
Acts 2:6
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were
confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
KJV
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The proof of whether "tongues"
(languages) are spoken by the influence of the Holy Spirit lies in the fact of
whether ALL those who hear it can understand it:
"... because that every man heard them speak in his own language."
That is the proof of one speaking due to the presence of the Holy Spirit:
speaking in the language that each one who hears it understands.
If you are asking if a member of a congregation speaks words that none can
understand except one other member who "interprets" it .......... then: No, that
is not biblical evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit at all. God is
not the author of confusion:
1 Corinthians 14:33
33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.Now earlier in this 14th chapter of
Corinthians it addresses where preachers/teachers are speaking to churchmembers
who do not understand the speakers' language. Example: preachers speak English
and the members only understand Chinese.
In this case there needs to be an interpreter to edify the members, otherwise
they will have absolutely no idea what the preacher is saying. It also says that
there will not be more than three preachers/teachers addressing the members who
do not speak the members language:
Look at this verse:
1 Cor 14:27 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.
KJV
Even earlier in this same chapter, it was stated that if the members did not
understand your spoken language (tongue), then they would not even know when to
say "amen".
1 Cor 14:16 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?
KJV
There are churches that have perverted these scriptures which I have quoted
above, and come up with their own religion claiming babble is the gift of the
Holy Spirit. This is one of the traditions invented by unlearned men which Jesus
did not like at all.
When Jesus was asked why He did not obey the traditions of the church elders,
His response to their question is written here:
Mark 7:6-7
6 He [Jesus] answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you
hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but
their heart is far from me.
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of
men.
KJV
"... teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
That is a very serious error to commit. There MAY be absolution for those who
follow false doctrine (traditions) in ignorance of the truth in God's written
Word. I would not want to bet my soul on it though.
2 Tim 2:15-16
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness.
KJV
............................................................
This is what God's Word says about church members who babble:
2 Timothy 2:15-16
15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
............................................................
Let the Bible answer for us, not some church tradition.
...........................................................
Another related Question:
"WHAT IS THE DIFFERENT OF THE HOLY GHOST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT?"
Answer:
None. Each is talking about God's Spirit. The Holy Spirit is also called the
Comforter:
John 14:26
26 But the Comforter , which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my
name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.
KJV
John 15:26-27
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father,
even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of
me:
27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the
beginning.
KJV
asd@holyscriptures.com