SPEAKING IN TONGUES By Joseph, Perhaps one of the most erroneous and far-reaching doctrines in most charismatic circles is that the proof of a Christian who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. Now for sure, every Christian who has received the gift of speaking in tongues is baptized in the Holy Spirit. However, to suggest that a Christian who cannot speak in tongues is not baptized in the Holy Spirit is wrong. In fact, suggesting that is just as wrong as suggesting that a Christian who cannot prophesy or perform miracles is not baptized in the Holy Spirit either. Why? It is because the same baptism of the Holy Spirit that enables a Christian to begin speaking in tongues is the same baptism that enables them to prophesy and perform miracles (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Therefore, if it were true that EVERY Christian who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit must be able to speak in tongues, then it would also be true that EVERY Christian who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit must also be able to perform all the other nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. However, we know that that is not the case, because even when the Apostle Paul speaks to the Christians in the Corinthian church, all of whom had already received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, he says, Not all are apostles; not all are prophets; not all are teachers; and not all can perform miracles; not all have the gifts of healing; not all can speak in tongues; and not all can interpret tongues. Nevertheless, earnestly desire the best spiritual gifts... - (1 Corinthians 12:29-31) So if a Christian desires to speak in tongues, they can ask God for the manifestation of that gift in their lives, just as they can ask God for the manifestation of any of the other nine gifts of the Spirit in their lives. However, the fact that a Christian does not operate in any one of these gifts should not be taken as an indication that the person has not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Be blessed, UNZA Network
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 20:09:17 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015