I have written over the years on social media my exegetical, theological, and apologetic on the subject of tongues. I have a rather extensive commentary on I Corinthians 14, posted on my blog site, DrKevinbaird.com . Just use the search engine on the site and type in “tongues” and you will find 6 articles walking through carefully the chapter which Paul writes to address the phenomena at Corinth. There is also another article referencing as to what language Peter used when preaching in Acts 2. I understand that Facebook posts resolve nothing, especially a topic such as this; however, there are moments egregious posts are offered and it bears a response. I have learned as I have aged, that there should be a certain exegetical humility from the Bible student. Especially on subjects which Bible-believing Christians may differ. Tongues, or what I often times refer to as Spiritual Language, is one of those topics. Swift dismissals and pithy memes condemning its validity (or reality) does not constitute a biblical critique.
There was a post I ran across outlining 6 objections to the modern manifestation of spiritual language. I decided the bullet point critique of my theological perspective deserved a response. Over the next few days, as time allows, I want to respond to each of those critiques. My purpose is not to change anyone’s mind, as I have learned this forum rarely changes anything. But rather, strengthen and establish those of you who embrace the miraculous, amazing, on-going work of the Holy Spirit especially with regard to this manifestation.
Critique #1 – Tongues is not unique to Christianity.
In other words, this manifestation of so-called, “ecstatic utterance” is found in aberrant and heretical religions. Okay. I guess my initial reaction is “so what”? There are numerous precepts and activities which are found in other religions as well as Christianity. Karma is a Hindu and Buddhist concept. The Christian Scriptures speak of “sowing and reaping” (Galatians 6:7-9), which is closely similar to karma. Is the biblical principle invalidated because another religion mirrors it? Of course not. Is the work of Christian evangelization undermined because other religions proselytize? Of course not. Other religions have worship “experiences” which mimics both traditional and contemporary styles of worship, including the raising of hands and practicing the ancient Jewish acts of praise. Does that reality negate our worship or passion to the One true God? Of course not. For goodness sake, witchdoctors have been known to alleviate sickness in tribal settings, does that in some way negate the biblical reality of God’s healing power? Of course not. The list is endless.
Any, and I would suggest every, legitimate spiritual manifestation which originates from the Holy Spirit will provide opportunity for the devil to fabricate and counterfeit. In fact, the devil can only counterfeit that which is a legitimate reality. For example, you can counterfeit a $20 dollar bill, because it does in fact exist. However, you cannot counterfeit a $3 dollar bill because a real one doesn’t exist. I know this almost seems to be a sophomoric response, but if such a silly critique as the one above is offered, then perhaps the only response is silliness in return.
So, would a counterfeit “tongue” be possible? Of course, because you can only counterfeit a reality. But the counterfeit doesn’t negate the reality.
Well, how might one know the difference between the real and the counterfeit? I would suggest that this is why the gift and operation of the discerning of spirits (I Corinthians 12:10) is made available to the believer. We must actually discern what is going on. Paul appears to address this very point in I Corinthians 2:10-12, as he writes concerning the work of the Holy Spirit in our spirit helping us understand what “things are in a man”. The writer of Hebrews speaks to this as well when he writes: “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)
Christianity was never meant to be purely a cerebral pursuit or an academic exercise. Jesus didn’t ascend and then send the Holy Spirit, for us to revert to some form of pragmatic ministry. As believers, we have been endued with power from on high. We have supernatural abilities and access from the ascended Lord Jesus, Who has placed within us His power to, “do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20)
I know, questions have been generated…
Stick with me through the next 5 critiques and my responses and perhaps they will be addressed. But for now, if you are a committed continualist as I am, then know you are on solid biblical ground. See you tomorrow.
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