Previous Questions and Answers
Subject: Tongues
What is the difference
between tongues of angels and tongues of men?
.
1 Corinthians
13:1 says, “1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not
charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
Seeming angels are God’s messengers and ministers to mankind, then angels would have to be able to speak in any language upon earth. Hebrews 1:7 says, “7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.” Hebrews 1:14 says, “14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
The true gift of tongues was not a “toy” to show off with, as the “fake” gift of tongues is used by Charismatics today. Notice Acts 2:2-8: “2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?”
In that situation, it is important to note that the congregation was made up of Jews. Jews require a “sign” to believe. 1 Corinthians 1:22 says, “22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom.”
The “gift of tongues” was given as a “sign” to unsaved Jews, that the gospel is true, and that Jesus is the Messiah and Savior. 1 Corinthians 14:22 says, “22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.”
This passage shows us that the modern-day “tongues movement” is false and unscriptural. The modern-day tongues movement is all about “proving” to “other Christians” that you are “Spirit-filled.” Charismatics ask, “Have you got it? Have you received the baptism? Are you filled with the Spirit?” What is the evidence that they seek to tell if you have? If you have “spoken in tongues.” That should immediately tell you that their doctrine is not of God. Remember what we just saw? 1 Corinthians 14:22 says, “22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not...” The true gift of tongues is not a “sign” to other Christians that you, yourself, are also a Spirit-filled Christian—the true gift of tongues is for a sign to lost people—lost Jewish people. Remember, 1 Corinthians 1:22 says, “22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom.”
Charismatics refuse to accept the truth given to them in love, that their leaders are teaching them exactly opposite as to what the gift of tongues really is. The Charismatic movement is all about “signs and wonders.” That is exactly how the antichrist is going to come—with signs and wonders. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 says, “3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
Could the Charismatic movement, filled with signs and wonders, and filled with talk about Jesus, actually be leading people astray? Read these next three verses to find the clear answer. Matthew 7:21-23 says, “21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Those are the exact three pillars of the Charismatic movement: 1) prophesying (what they call their speaking in tongues); 2) casting out devils (demons); 3) doing wonderful works (miracles). Notice the first word of verse 22, “many.” This is not a small crowd that is deceived, but, “many” people are deceived in this matter. What characterizes this large amount of people? They are going to stand before God and argue on the basis of three things that they have done: “You have to let me into heaven—I have prophesied in your name!” “You have to let me into heaven—I have cast out devils in your name!” “You have to let me into heaven—I have done wonderful works (miracles) in your name!” “I have done all of this for you, in your name—you have to let me into heaven!”
What is Jesus going to say to these people? Matthew 7:23, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” It is not that they were saved, and then lost their salvation. They were “never” saved. “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23 should scare people involved in the Charismatic movement.
