All I can say that they are hitting the wrong mark. This is not what the bible teaches at all!
'Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?' 1 Corinthians 12:30
'All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.' 1 Corinthians 12:11
From the verses above, one can see that speaking in tongues is a gift of God and He gives it to whom he wants to. Who are we to tell God what gifts he should give us? God is sovereign. He knows us personally. He knows who can handle which gift and he gives accordingly. However, it is not for the person to boast and brag but to use it to edify others. If we can learn to speak in tongues, then it won't be a gift anymore!
'And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace' Romans 11:6
I quote the verse above to make a point that if we could obtain something by our own effeort it would no longer be from God but from Man.
On the question of salvation, salvation is obtained by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Speaking in tongues has nothing to do with it whatsoever. It is not written anywhere in the Bible that one MUST speak in tongues to show that he is saved. From the verse earlier, not everyone speaks in tongues. So, how can speaking in tongues can be sure-fire sign that the person is saved?
Whats more, the devil can imitate most of the external gifts, speaking in tongues is one of them.
'For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.' 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
'The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.'
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
They can masquerade and produce counterfeit miracles to decieve the people. Even in Revelation, the beast can call fire down from heaven in full sight of man to decieve the world into thinking that he is God. In the Old Testament, one can read that originally, it was God who sent fire from heaven in Elijah's case and many other instances. Therefore, one must be careful to make sure that when a person speaks in tongues. Is it from God or is it from the evil one?
Someone told me that a person may actually be cursing God when he/she speaks in tongues! Therefore, as Paul says, when a person speaks in tongues, it must be interpreted. If not, the person should just shut up. The meaning of what is spoken in tongues either could be revealed to the person speaking or to another whom God gives the gift of interpration. Whatever the case, it must be interprated. Often times we see people babbling away but then it ends there. No interpration whatsoever. What good does it do if you or others don't understand?
Some people place speaking in tongues as the pinnacle and the most important of gifts. Unfortunately, that is utterly wrong.
'Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tonguedoes not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.' 1 Corinthians 14:1-5
Even here, Paul seems to place prophesy ahead of tongues! But all in all, all gifts are given for the edification of the whole church. All the gifts have different part to play in the body of Christ. The only difference is that some gifts seems more external whereas some are not so obvious. But does that matter? I don't think so. Its like a movie. The actors and actresess are all in the limlight but who thinks of the cameraman, the sound man, the light man....?If not for them also, what movie is there? Likewise, all the gifts are given for the building up of the church.
So, in all things, Soli Deo Gloria!! (unto God be glory!)
1 comment:
Good input on this issue man... Hmm perhaps you should continue to address whether tounges has any significance as claimed by some for the instances of healing or in worship.
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