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Truly Unknown Tongues
by Phil Maxwell May 20, 2002
We know that no one has any part in Christ if they do not have the Holy Spirit,
but how can we recognize the Holy Spirit in one another? The question lingers as
a point of major controversy amongst the ranks of those who name Christ as Lord.
The first occasion of the Holy Spirit being recognized in others occurred nearly
2,000 years ago in Jerusalem. When the Spirit descended, cloven tongues of fire
appeared on the handful of disciples gathered, and they spoke with other tongues
as moved by the Spirit. Based on this and numerous other passages, a large
sector of Christianity considers hearing another speak with other tongues to be
the ultimate evidence of the Holy Spirit baptism. However, this argument relies
completely on a proof that essentially proves nothing. To hear someone speak in
sounds that resemble an unfamiliar language, even if the language itself seems
familiar, says absolutely nothing that proves the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Among those who witnessed the initial outpouring of the Spirit, there were two
distinct groups. One group discerned nothing and mocked them as though they were
drunk. The other, however, not only heard an unfamiliar language, but understood
it. The fact that they, unlike the others, understood the voices to be giving
glory to Yahweh was an integral part of the “proof” that convinced them that
Peter and the others spoke by the Spirit of God. There is no proof of the HOLY
Spirit speaking unless that Spirit is known to be giving glory to the God the
Father and/or His Son Yahshua.
What does this mean to those who think they can judge the Holy Spirit on mere
sound without understanding? It means that they, like so many others, have set
up false standards of qualification for fellowship. In so doing, they leave
themselves defenseless to both the condemnation of blindly dismissing the
greatest of the kingdom of heaven and/or embracing angels of light, false
spirits that mimic Christ, and ministers of Satan guised as ministers of
righteousness. We have been warned, after all, of not only false prophets and
apostles, but of false Christs, seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, as
well.
Now, let me be clear on this: The ability to speak in tongues by the Holy Spirit
is still an ordinary ability for those who have been given the same. Those who
say it has passed or invalidate it on the basis of whether or not an
interpretation is given are mistaken. One who prays privately in tongues is
edified, as the Bible says, distinguishing the ordinary prayer language of
believers from the ministry equivalent of prophecy by tongues with
interpretation. The notion that the only viable use of the language of angels
for the Spirit filled believer is through these ministry gifts is as ludicrous
as saying faith is only for the selected few endowed with this ministry gift.
Both faith and tongues with interpretation are ministry gifts. Both faith and
tongues with or without interpretation contribute to the salvation of believers.
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