Speaking in Tongues

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#003333" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="04dd4c00dduajq.gif"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="95" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 46 WIDTH="91"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="46" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="91" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Several churches motivate their members to speak in tongues at gatherings. What is implied by it? What does the Bible really say on this topic?</div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="05894943.jpg"> <div> <B>Church of God (Seventh Day) South Africa</B><B>     |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church of God (Seventh Day) South Africa"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Brotherly Love"><U>Brotherly Love</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id37.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Covenant Theology"><U>Covenant Theology</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id38.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Food Laws"><U>Food Laws</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Annual Holy Days?"><U>Annual Holy Days?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id40.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fulfilling the Holy Days"><U>Fulfilling the Holy Days</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Kingdom of God"><U>The Kingdom of God</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Law of Moses"><U>Law of Moses</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Nature of God"><U>Nature of God</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Sabbath"><U>The Sabbath</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Which Law?"><U>Which Law?</U></A>   |   <B>Speaking in Tongues</B>   |   <A HREF="id59.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vegetarianism and the Bible"><U>Vegetarianism and the Bible</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id96.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The New Jerusalem"><U>The New Jerusalem</U></A></div> <div> Speaking in Tongues</div> <div> It is customary at some church meetings for people to speak in tongues. Particularly at camps this is viewed as evidence of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. This is fostered upon the youth quite often. At meetings the people begin to speak incoherently and unintelligibly. Nobody can understand what he or she says. Furthermore, they became emotionally uncontrollable, and sometimes even cry. Some even fall to the ground! This is usually considered the modern Pentecostal way. </div> <bR> <div> Is this correct? Is speaking in unintelligible sounds Biblical? What does the Bible really say about this? The truth is clear, if we care to read the Word of God carefully, and think for ourselves.</div> <bR> <div> Let's start from the earliest occurrences of the mentioning of people speaking in tongues.</div> <bR> <div> "20These <I>are</I> the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, <I>and</I> in their nations."</div> <div> (Genesis 10:20, KJV) </div> <bR> <div> The mentioning of tongues here has a clear rational explanation. Different tongues simply imply different dialects, or languages, in different countries.</div> <bR> <div> In the New Testament book of Mark the phenomena was prophesied to happen when the Church was being established.</div> <bR> <div> "17<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"</FONT> </div> <div> (Mark 16:17, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> In the Amplified Version, the word "languages" is used instead of "tongues". </div> <bR> <div> "And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;"</div> <div> (Mark 16:17, Amplified Version)</div> <bR> <div> The clear reference is that it simply means speaking in different languages not known before. These early preachers simply acquired the ability to speak in foreign languages without having learned these from birth. It was a miracle, but for the foreigners hearing the Gospel being preached in their own native tongue, it was intelligible, and orderly. We will notice this as we continue in this study.</div> <bR> <div> Lets notice what happened at the first pouring out of the Holy Spirit on a group of men at Pentecost in Jerusalem.</div> <bR> <div> "1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."</div> <div> (Acts 2:1-4, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> At this point many preachers will stop reading, and continue with their own formulation of what is implied. Lets continue to read on, and consider what really happened here.</div> <bR> <div> "5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.  7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?"</div> <div> (Acts 2:5-8, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> It is clear that they did not muddle forth in incoherent babblings. They spoke in foreign languages that they did not know before, without having learned these from birth. Other foreigners that learned these languages from birth could understand it. This was done by a miracle working God so that all people in the audience could understand the message of the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of God. It happened very orderly, and for a purpose. </div> <bR> <div> When the gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the gentiles as well, the ability to speak in different languages was also manifested.</div> <bR> <div> "45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God."</div> <div> (Acts 10:45-46, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> When verse 46 is read in other Bible translations, the implications are clear. Those of the circumcision (Jews) heard the new gentile converts magnify God, but in different languages. Perhaps these gentile converts could not speak Hebrew before, being from other countries. After receipt of the Holy Spirit, they could probably speak Hebrew, so the Jews could understand them when they magnified God. If they spoke in incoherent babblings, those of the circumcision would not have been able to understand that they were magnifying God. Therefore they must have spoken in clearly understood languages.</div> <bR> <div> A further incident happened in Acts 19.</div> <bR> <div> "6And when Paul had laid <I>his</I> hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."</div> <div> (Acts 19:6, KJV) </div> <bR> <div> Again the implication is that Paul could understand them, otherwise he would not have been able to confirm that they prophesied. If they went forth in incoherent babblings, how could he have said that they prophesied?</div> <bR> <div> In the letter to Corinthians, the apostle Paul explained the situation clearly.</div> <bR> <div> "30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"</div> <div> (1 Corinthians 12:30, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> Here Paul introduce the requirement that some people should also have the gift of interpreting in addition to others having the ability to speak in tongues. The clear implication is that the one speaking in tongues must be speaking a language that another can interpret into yet a further language. The problem of false brethren that crept in unawares to mislead the new converts made it imperative that they needed to verify that correct doctrine was being expounded. Hence the need for interpreters at this point. Notice how Paul deals with this topic in the next chapter.</div> <bR> <div> "1Though I speak with the <B>tongues of men</B> and of angels, and have not charity, I am become <I>as</I> sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."</div> <div> (1 Corinthians 13:1, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> Here Paul clearly showed that he meant the different dialects or languages of mankind. The mentioning of angels refers to past events where the patriarchs like Abraham talked with angels. The implication is still that it was not incoherent babblings, but intelligible speech. There is no evidence that any of the patriarchs ever babbled forth incoherently when meeting with an angel.</div> <bR> <div> Some in the original Church of God were so exited about this newfound ability that they spoke in different tongues or languages to impress others in the Church, but the apostle Paul was advising against using this ability indiscriminately. Notice his comments in chapter 14.</div> <bR> <div> "21In the law it is written,  With <I>men of</I> other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord."</div> <div> (1 Corinthians 14:21, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> This implication is that they were able to hear and understand, but they hardened their hearts, and would not listen. Certainly not incoherent babblings! Notice further:</div> <bR> <div> "23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in <I>those that are</I> unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?"</div> <div> (1 Corinthians 14:23, KJV) </div> <bR> <div> Unlearned people normally could not understand foreign languages. If a group of learned people that could speak different languages walked into the Church, they would be amazed at hearing the members speak their different languages fluently. But if the group that walked in could not understand all these different languages, they would be bewildered. This bewilderment was seen as reflecting negatively on the Church of God, and they were ordered to avoid this confusion. Therefore, if there were new educated converts present, then the preachers should use their new ability to speak in these languages that the educated people could understand, and witness the power of God.</div> <bR> <div> This further confirms that speaking in tongues imply understandable languages.</div> <bR> <div> Notice the following instructions that were given to the Church at that time.</div> <bR> <div> "27If any man speak in an <I>unknown</I> tongue, <I>let it be</I> by two, or at the most <I>by</I> three, and <I>that</I> by course; and let one interpret."</div> <div> (1 Corinthians 14:27, KJV) </div> <bR> <div> Paul is saying that they must speak by course. Other translations give us a better idea of what he meant. He said that they must speak one at a time. This would make no difference if they were pouring forth unintelligible babblings. But if we understand that they were speaking in different languages that others can understand and interpret for the rest of the people, it makes sense. Notice this scripture in the International version:</div> <bR> <div> "27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two-or at the most three-should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.  28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God."</div> <div> (1 Corinthians 14:27-28, International Version)</div> <bR> <div> If there is no interpreter present, they should refrain from speaking in tongues, or languages. Is this rule followed by those who pride themselves as having apparently received the Holy Spirit and is babbling forth incoherently? To them the Apostle Paul has a final word of warning:</div> <bR> <div> "33For God is not <I>the author</I> of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."</div> <div> (1 Corinthians 14:33, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> The true Church of the saints will not babble forth in confusion. It is clearly not Biblical, and not from God, nor His Spirit.</div> <bR> <div> Further investigation in the Bible makes it clear what is meant by speaking in tongues. Lets look at a verse in the book of Revelation:</div> <bR> <div> "9After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and <B>tongues</B>, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;"</div> <div> (Revelation 7:9, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> Tongues in the Bible clearly means languages or dialects. This understanding tests positive in all scripture. The idea of incoherent babblings test negative every time in all scripture.</div> <bR> <div> The Holy Spirit gives us a sound mind, that thinks clearly. It is the opposite of becoming incoherent, and lost in uncontrollable babblings.</div> <bR> <div> "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."</div> <div> (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> Furthermore, have these people repented of breaking the Commandments of the New Covenant, the Ten Commandments? Do they keep the Sabbath, the fourth Commandment? Notice the requirements of receiving the Holy Spirit, after they heard the true Gospel being expounded in their own languages:</div> <bR> <div> "37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” </div> <div> 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."</div> <div> (Acts 2:37-38, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> Let's discern the spirits. Were these babbling people at some camps in our area repentant before they babble forth? Were they then baptized for the forgiveness of their past sin? Are they keeping the Commandments afterwards? Are they more loving to others, particularly those that did not join in with their babblings?</div> <bR> <div> If not, it is all wrong, and not according to God's Word!</div> <bR> <div> What are the manifestations of the Holy Spirit?</div> <bR> <div> "7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom;  to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit;  to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles;  to another prophecy;  to another discerning of spirits;  to another <I><B>divers</B></I><B> kinds of tongues</B>;  to another the <B>interpretation of tongues</B>:"</div> <div> (1 Corinthians 12:7-10, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> Again, lets think this through carefully. Uncontrolled babblings cannot be discerned as different from one person to another, so it cannot be <I>divers</I>. It has to mean different languages, as is shown by certain translations. And furthermore, how can anybody interpret those babblings? </div> <bR> <div> The truth is plain to see for any clear thinker. </div> <bR> <div> This gift was given so that the Gospel could spread rapidly, otherwise it would have taken years for any Apostle to begin to go into any gentile area. It was important that the Church of God would be thoroughly established into the world before the Temple in Jerusalem was allowed to be destroyed. According to the sign of Jonah the Jews had 40 years to repent. Within those 40 years the Church had to spread worldwide. There was no time for the Apostles to learn over 100 languages with their different dialects, hence the need for the miracle. Today, after 1900 years, there are sufficient people in all the nations of the world that can preach the Gospel in their own community. The Apostle Paul knew that the gift of speaking in tongues would cease at some point.</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >“8</FONT>Charity never faileth: but whether <I>there be</I> prophecies, they shall fail; whether <I>there be</I> <B>tongues, they shall cease</B>; whether <I>there be</I> knowledge, it shall vanish away.  <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >9</FONT>For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >10</FONT>But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >11</FONT>When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.   <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >12</FONT>For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.  <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >13</FONT>And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these <I>is</I> charity.”</div> <div> (1 Corinthians 13:8-13, KJV)</div> <bR> <div> The Church of God has matured and spread worldwide, and the Gospel is preached everywhere. When all the preachers and the whole audience understand each other, there is no need for the gift of tongues. What we need now is Godly Love, and the true Faith!</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Documents"><U><IMG SRC="0ea0e0e0.gif" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> Back to document list</U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>