Whoever causes the
upright to go astray
in an evil way,
he himself will fall
into his own pit;
but the blameless
will inherit good.
Proverbs 28:10; cf. Matthew 6:33
Beginning in the 1830's when liberalism found its way into some Christian Churches, tongues have been a prominent activity and plays a role among many "Christians." Tongue speaking is conjoined to the life of a Christian and is subsequent to their conversion. I will address Liberalism in the Church in future blogs, but until then a research on this subject is easy to do and easy to find the information that there has truly been a liberal affront to the Christian Church. There are many Churches who define themselves as charismatic that do not regard as essential to have been born again the use of the gift of tongues. We do find that they do believe that upon regeneration by the Holy Spirit upon their believing that the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs after that regeneration. I will address the baptism of the Holy Spirit, or a second baptism that some profess is necessary in later blogs. What is found in regard to speaking in tongues is that is is found among Pentecostal, neo-Pentecostal, Charismatic, and even in Roman Catholic Churches and often in mainstream denominational Churches. With all of those Churches proclaiming the use and the necessity of "tongues" you might come to believe that this gift is truly one for the Churches today. Is it? It is interesting to note that this emphasis on Gifts of the Holy Spirit and especially of the gift of tongues has brought about an ecumenical approach and removing some of the disagreements and stigma among Protestants and Roman Catholics, they have become closer. Is this a good thing? Yet among such Churches, those who have memberships in those Churches have never spoken in tongues, and furthermore, there seems to be little change in the lives of those who claim this gift. Jesus Christ made this important statement (as though other statements are not important; Ha!): "But Jesus knew their thoughts, and sad to them: 'Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25). Jesus is not speaking of ecumenicalism as some would have have say: rather any truth that is proposed, any doctrinal position, must be in accordance with the truth as outlined in Scripture: "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come" (Matthew 12:30-32). It is clear: it is important to know the truth and with all this division and confusion, the truth is elusive because many so-called pastors have used these gifts to enrich themselves, or the pastor is so afraid of losing his congregation that he will not address this issue: "For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict...but as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine" (Titus 1:7-9; 2:1). We have the warning: "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:29). John in his second letter advises: "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house not greet him, for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds" (2John 9-11). How important is it to know the truth? Very! If the Church you attend does not hold to the truth, to sound doctrine, run! Get away, find a Church that does teach the truth, do not be a participant in error, not even tacitly.
Tomorrow I will ask several important questions to be considered and open a path for you to understand what the Bible actually says in regards to this gift of "tongues."
And we know that the Son of God
has come and has given us an
understanding, that we may know
Him who is true; and we are
in Him who is true; in His Son
Jesus Christ. This is the true
God and eternal life.
1John 5:20
Grace, Mercy, and Peace Be With You
Richard L. Crumb
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