Don't Believe It!

Five misleading teachings about speaking in tongues

Concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
1 Corinthians. 12:1

1

FALSE
Many Pentecostal & Charismatic Christians believe that the 120 on the Day of Pentecost received the gift of tongues.  Therefore, since the gift of tongues is not mandatory, it is not required that all speak in tongues when receiving the Holy Ghost.

TRUE
Tongues is the initial evidence of the Holy Ghost Baptism, and all will speak in tongues the moment they receive this experience.  The purpose of these tongues is entirely different from the gift of tongues as the following scriptures will prove.

THE HOLY GHOST FOR ALL

The Holy Ghost is for all who obey the plan of God for salvation.  Acts 5:32, Acts 2:38, 39; John 3:5; For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.  (Church) 1 Cor. 12:13

GIFT OF TONGUES-NOT FOR ALL

The gifts of the Spirit are divided to every man severally as he will.  1 Cor. 12:11.  This means you may receive several gifts, but not necessarily the gift of tongues.

ONE AT A TIME-DIVINE ORDER

The gift of tongues is scripturally governed.  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or the most, by three, and that by course (one at a time) and let one interpret.  1 Cor. 14:27.

GOD IS PERFECT

God being perfect, could not give us an imperfect example at Pentecost.  The 120 received the Holy Ghost & all spoke in tongues at the same time as the Spirit gave them utterance.  Acts 2:4.  This was repeated in the tenth chapter of Acts.  While Peter was yet preaching, a large group of Gentiles began speaking in tongues.  Acts 10:24-27 & 44-48.  In Acts 19:1-7, twelve Ephesians spoke in tongues when they received the Holy Ghost.  These large groups, speaking in tongues at the same time, is proof enough that this speaking in tongues is different from the gift of tongues.  Remember, the gift of tongues was to be exercised by one person at a time.  1 Cor 14:27

A LATTER RAIN

The baptism of the Holy Ghost is known as the latter rain.  Rain does not fall one drop at a time, but is poured out on all at the same time.  Acts 2:17.  The Bible example is that we will speak in tongues when we receive the Holy Ghost.  After receiving the Holy Ghost we are to covet earnestly the best gifts, one of which could be the gift of the tongues.  1 Cor. 12:21.

2.

FALSE
The gift of tongues was given on the Day of Pentecost to preach the gospel to men of other nationalities and tongues.

TRUE
It is true, the 120 spoke in many languages on the day of Pentecost.  Acts 2:9-11.  This was given as a sign of evidence to all that something great and supernatural was taking place.  The truth is when Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, he lifted up his own voice and began to speak.  Acts 2:14.  Most of the Jews visiting Jerusalem on this occasion were bilingual.  They spoke the language of their home province and also spoke the common language of that day, which was Greek.  When Peter finished preaching, 3000 understood and obeyed his command to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  Acts 2:38-41.  The fact that Peter did not preach in tongues then or ever, should explode the false notion that tongues was given to preach in.

3.

FALSE
Paul forbids the church to speak in tongues 1 Cor. 14:39

TRUE
Just the opposite is true.  1 Cor. 14:5 Paul said, I would that ye all spake with tongues.  When he said in 1 Cor 14:39, forbid not to speak in tongues, he wasn't forbidding tongues.  I challenge any to misinterpret the following translations:

Revised standard Vers: Do not forbid speaking in tongues.

Living letters: Never say it is wrong to speak in tongues.

Phillips Mod. Eng: Not forbidding to speak in tongues.

Amplified Bible: Do not hinder speaking in tongues.

What further proof should we need that speaking in tongues is not forbidden, but rather encouraged?

4.

FALSE
Paul said, I speak in tongues more than ye all. 1 Cor. 14:18.  This merely meant that because of His superior education he had mastered more foreign languages than others

TRUE
1 Cor. 14:18-19.  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.  It certainly makes sense that if Paul's "tongues" were languages he had learned, he would have no problem in understanding what he was saying.  How foolish it is to fight against this simple and wonderful Bible truth.

 

5.

FALSE
Whether there be tongues, they shall cease.  1 Cor. 13:8.  Many church leaders interpret this to mean that once the church is established, tongues will no longer be needed.

TRUE
Tongues shall cease, only when prophecy and and knowledge shall pass away.  1 Cor 13:8.  These gifts are necessary for the edifying of the body of Christ.  1 Cor. 14:3, 26.  These shall pass away only when that which is perfect is come.  1 Cor 13:10.  The only perfect one is Christ, God manifest in the flesh.  When he comes for his church, the gifts are no longer needed.  If Paul meant in the 13th chapter tongues were to cease at that time, why did he bother to write the next chapter which deals specifically with the use of tongues?

1992 Rev. Lewis E. Manuwal, All rights reserved.

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