Tongues Twister

The spiritual manifestation of speaking in tongues is one of the most controversial and divisive doctrines in the modern church. Whole denominations and movements are identified by the use, misuse, or non-use of this gift. My own personal beliefs have swung on a pendulum from absolute continualism to absolute cessationism. I have struggled to define what the gift of tongues is and what is not.

This series of posts is a result of my honest, sincere study into what the Bible teaches about the gift of tongues. I have read several books and commentaries on both sides of the issue. While these references are sometimes necessary and good, I have put them aside. I worked through the Scriptures and (prayerfully) determined my beliefs and opinions on this doctrine. I am resolved to the following theses:

1) There is no absolute Biblical evidence that the manifestation of tongues was uniquely intended for the apostolic age.

2) The gift of tongues is defined as a person who, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, speaks an actual, discernible human language (as opposed to glossolalia, ecstatic speech, or gibberish).

3) The gift of tongues should be used properly in accordance with Scripture.

4) The manifestation of tongues is of secondary importance with respect to prophecy and instruction.

Brothers (and sisters), read, respond, rebuke and reprove.

for His glory,

DJ

**********************************

Part 1

1 Corinthians 13:8-12

⁸Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. ⁹For we know in part and we prophesy in part; ¹⁰but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. ¹¹When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. ¹²For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

The gift of tongues will cease (vs 8). In the context it seems that these gifts (prophecy, tongues, knowledge) will cease at the return of Jesus Christ, who is the Perfect (vs 10). I am not saying that speaking in tongues absolutely continues at the same capacity today as in the apostolic era. There are many logical, historical and indirect Biblical references that could suggest that tongues has diminished in frequency, or stopped entirely (but I will not go into them at this time). I, myself, have never experienced or witnessed what I would consider genuine speaking in tongues. It is also important to note the diction of verse 8. Prophecy and knowledge will be "done away", or literally abolished. This verb implies an outside influence. Tongues, however, will simply cease (stop).With that being said, this passage does not clearly and unequivocally refute the continuation of the gift of tongues. To derive that conclusion, one must use a poor hermeneutic and inductive reasoning (extrapolation).

More to come…