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A Publication of the
Reformed Church
in the United States
"Heralding the Good News of Jesus Christ"
On the day of Pentecost a small band of Galileans who, by grace, had placed their faith in the risen Savior "were all filled with the Holy Spirit...." Now these "Galileans" were not highly educated, they were not able to speak in these various languages. But, a marvelous miracle took place, for we read that they, "...began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4)
The miraculous aspect of what was happening was evident to all who heard. For, when this wonder took place the multitudes began to gather and were astonished, "...because everyone heard them speak in his own language." (Acts 2:6 )
You see, this was a real miracle. It was not mere babbling or some pretended "heavenly language", it was an evidence, a sign that God was working in these followers of the risen Christ.
What then was this gift of tongues? It was a sign, an evidence of the miraculous power of God. Next then we need to ask, "Is this aspect of a sign necessary to the gift of tongues?"
To answer this question we need to carefully consider the instruction of Paul concerning the Spirit given gift, and In order to answer accurately it is imperative that we understand that God, being a God of decency and order, requires the same of His people. We read, "Let all things be done decently and in order." (I Corinthians 14:10)
Tongues are a sign to "unbelievers"
Now according to 1 Corinthians 14:22 the gift of "tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers;..." This word translated "sign" is a Greek word meaning a token, a means which proves a miraculous happening. Thayer in his Greek Lexicon points out that it is, "used of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God's cause." (Emphasis mine)
When one speaks in another known language without any prior ability to speak that particular language, and those who hear are able to recognize the words and understand their meaning, then, and only then would it be a clear evidence to the miraculous work of God.
What about "present day tongues"?
This is a proper question to ask since they who profess to have this gift of "present day tongues" are not able to miraculously speak in another known language. And because of this inability they tell us that it is a "heavenly language", and say that it is the "tongues of angels". But does this fulfill the requirement set down by the Apostle Paul in Scripture that authenticated the gift of tongues?
Remember, Paul, by the Holy Spirit, tells us, "tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers;" But the hearer of this present day "tongues" is not able to know that it is a miracle. At best one may only say, "it may or may not be a miracle because there is no "evidence" that it is a "supernatural" language. Rather, to the unbeliever it may appear to be "foolishness", or even a "pretended miracle", and indeed there is no absolute affirmation, no clear sign to him. He must simply take the "word" of the person speaking without any attestation of God's marvelous power.
One is not able to determine whether it is a heavenly language given by God, or merely an emotional involvement on part of the one speaking. Clearly, this present day practice is completely different from the gift of languages given by the Holy Spirit in Scripture .
Therefore when we ask, Do the tongues of the present day meet that requirement that Paul places upon the purpose and reason God gave the gift of tongues? The answer is NO, in no way. The present day "tongues" give no evidence of a miraculous work of God.
Present day tongues simply do not fit the biblical requirement given to us by the Apostle. Whereas the supernatural gift of "tongues" as presented in the book of Acts did give evidence. It was a sign to the unbelievers. It did meet the requirement that Paul, by the Holy Spirit, placed upon the gift.
Therefore, when we are told by men who practice this unbliblical method of tongues in this day, that we are to trust them even though the Holy Spirit has revealed differently, I sincerely believe it would be error to do so since God in His word tells us to "test" the spirits. "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)
In the Scripture the gift of tongues did provide the evidence of the presence and power of God. It was clear to all who heard. But, because of the very manner in which present day tongues is employed, the veracity of the gift is debatable. The clear teaching of Scripture has been violated by the current day Pentecostal or Charismatic practice of what they call "tongues". Therefore, it is not biblical, it is only a self professed miracle, without any real evidence.
Jesus spoke plainly and carefully on the subject of those who profess but do not walk in obedience. And to pretend a gift contrary to the clear teaching of the Bible should be considered to be a lawless act against the clear guidance of Holy Scripture. Jesus with somber words warned, "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' " (Matthew 7:22,23)