How important are the words of Christ… spoken in his resurrected body… on the day of his ascension?
On the day our Lord ascended into Heaven, he said this to his disciples: “[T]hese signs will accompany those who believe . . . they will speak in new tongues” (Mark 16:17).
What did our Lord reveal to us—by revelation—about his prophecy of “tongues”?
To us, the will of Heaven has been given. By revelation, the Son of God revealed it: “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues” (1 Cor. 14:5).
Why would our Lord want us to manifest this sign of “tongues”?
There are many reasons that shall be discussed here, but one reason is that “tongues” is a witness of the Resurrection!!
The only way we can speak in tongues is if we have the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the only way we can have this gift is if our Lord ascended into Heaven—and baptized us with the Holy Spirit.
What separates Jesus Christ from every other “prophet”?
He rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. Although some people render this divine revelation to be a “story,” those who embrace the Son of God know it to be true.
Heaven has given Earth a supernatural sign that Jesus is Earth’s Messiah. Through the indwelling Spirit of Christ, a son of God is empowered to bring forth this divine sign: speaking in tongues. Both angelic and human, the new languages are known by God but not by the one speaking. Therein, speaking in divinely inspired “tongues” is a supernatural manifestation. It is a supernatural witness of Christ’s Resurrection.
It all began almost 2000 years ago on Pentecost—and Christ’s prophecy of “tongues” continues to be personally fulfilled by members of the body of Christ.
Yet, what have we been told to believe about Christ’s prophecy of “tongues”?
I would like to ask that we examine what some of our religious ancestors told us to believe about “tongues,” and contrast it with what the Scriptures have to say about this divine sign.
This is about what the Scriptures have to say regarding this subject of “tongues”—not the physical theatrics man’s imagination has added to the sign.
Who among us would like to carry out the will of Heaven and witness Christ’s prophecy of “tongues” personally fulfilled?
This article is written with you in mind.
What did our Lord reveal?
“[T]hese signs will accompany those who believe . . . they will speak in new tongues.”
Believing is the key.
Christ’s revelation to his apostles and the acts of the apostles serve to confirm what Christ declared on the day of his ascension. To understand the magnitude of what we have been given, the first place to look is the Old Testament.
GOD’S PEOPLE: HISTORY, PROPHECY, AND OUR REALITY
Exactly fifty days after God’s divine intervention at the Red Sea, God met with the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This event foreshadowed the birth of the church, the descent of the Holy Spirit, and “tongues” of fire.
[T]here was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. MOUNT SINAI WAS COVERED WITH SMOKE, BECAUSE THE LORD DESCENDED ON IT IN FIRE. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. (Exod. 19:16–19)
As God communed with his people on Mount Sinai fifty days after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, so God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within the disciples fifty days after the Resurrection of his Son. The holy day that marks God communing with his people is the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost).
As God demonstrated—and continues to demonstrate—his power by way of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, so God demonstrated his power to the Israelites during the Exodus.
The descent of God on Mount Sinai “in fire” foreshadowed the descent of the Holy Spirit—the sign of which was “tongues of fire” (Acts 2:3).
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be TONGUES OF FIRE that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4)
The significance of “tongues” cannot be underestimated. On Pentecost, the disciples personally manifested God’s power. Today, it is God’s power personally manifested in our lives.
The Israelites could not speak in divinely inspired languages, but our God has granted us that ability by way of the Holy Spirit within. It all began on the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost).
Pentecost represented the fulfillment of what God had prophesied via his prophets Isaiah and Joel. This is what God longed for: to dwell within us via the Holy Spirit, and to enable us to manifest his power, personally.
Hundreds of years before Christ, Joel foretold of the day God would pour out his Spirit upon flesh and blood. Joel recorded the very words spoken by the Almighty: “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. . . . Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28, 29).
On Pentecost this prophecy came to pass; this is the prophecy that Peter referenced on that holy day (Acts 2:16-21).
This holy day represented the fulfillment of not only Joel’s prophecy but that of Isaiah as well: “[W]ith foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people, to whom he said, ‘This is the resting place, let the weary rest’; and, ‘This is the place of repose’—but they would not listen” (Isa. 28:11, 12).
This is the prophecy that Paul referenced (1 Cor. 14:21).
God said that he would speak to his people with “foreign lips” and “strange tongues.” On Pentecost, this prophecy of new languages was fulfilled. Thereby, God brought souls into the kingdom of Christ, and within it, brought them to a place of confidence (“repose”).
Yet for all of this, Isaiah foretold that there would be followers of Moses who would not embrace even a supernatural sign from God. On Pentecost, some devout followers of the Old Covenant even accused Peter of being drunk when he spoke in tongues.
And to this day, the accusations just continue. Tragic.
On the holy day of Pentecost, Peter told the crowd that they had heard divine prophecy fulfilled in their ears.
Today, we can personally fulfill the prophecy of our Lord: “[T]hese signs will accompany those who believe . . . they will speak in new tongues.” (Mark 16:17)
Why not manifest Heaven’s power on Earth?
All spiritual gifts are still in operation today, just as they were twenty centuries ago.
THE APOSTLE PETER: THE BOOK OF ACTS
For those of you who have not spoken in tongues, consider the experience of the apostle Peter—and let him be an inspiration to you.
Peter, who was once encased in fear, was delivered from fear.
That was Peter’s experience—and he set others free too. That’s the Book of Acts.
What was the experience of Peter in Acts?
Prior to delving into this, what was Peter’s state of mind before the day of Pentecost?
Fifty days prior to Pentecost, Peter had been hiding behind locked doors, full of fear: “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews.” (John 20:19)
During this time in Peter’s life, he had even denied knowing the Lord; he had nothing to say publicly concerning him. With the Crucifixion of Jesus, Peter and the others had been overcome with grief and loss.
But our Lord appeared to Peter and the others, and on the day of the ascension, Christ gave them a promise:
[Y]ou will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. (Acts 1:8)
On Pentecost, Christ infused Peter with spiritual power from on high, and Peter crossed a divine threshold: he completely changed from a man full of fear to a man of great confidence and faith. Only one thing could have changed him from within: “power.” Christ filled him with “power”: the Holy Spirit; Peter manifested this “power” by speaking in tongues—and Peter began teaching boldly in the name of Christ.
On Pentecost, Peter had a new set of eyes with which to view life. The apostle looked quite differently on those whom he once feared when he gave the crowd prophetic knowledge:
“Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.” . . . When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:22, 37–39)
“Brothers, what shall we do?”
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
This question and Peter’s response are just as alive and real today as they were some two thousand years ago. The promises and prophecies of Heaven are unchanging.
Imagine what could have been going through the mind of Peter. Ten days earlier, he had watched Christ ascend off the planet. Now Jerusalem was filled with the presence of Heaven, and it would overflow into many bloodlines.
As documented in Acts 10, Peter took the gospel of immortality to the Romans. Upon his arrival at the home of a Roman soldier, Peter expounded upon the will of Heaven.
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. (Acts 10:44–46)
After Peter taught the words of Christ, the Romans manifested the sign of Christ: “tongues.” Peter did not deny anyone entrance into the kingdom of God, nor did Peter forbid anyone to speak in tongues.
This is the New Covenant that Christ gave to every nation, to every bloodline. This is our precedent. This is our example.
This example in Acts is just as alive and real today as it was two thousand years ago. The promises and prophecies are unchanging for the church.
Didn’t we make Jesus our Lord too?
Didn’t we receive “power” too?
We in the body of the Christ have the God-given right to believe—and personally fulfill—Christ’s prophecy about “tongues” given on the day of the ascension.
Acts 10 speaks to us today just like Acts 2. Christ’s revelation to Paul reveals to us that the Book of Acts is not just a history book, but that it speaks to us today, and is to be carried forward until Christ returns: “Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed” (1 Cor. 1:7).
Just as we as members of the body of Christ shower one another with blessings, our Lord desires to do likewise from Heaven—and the sign of “tongues” yields blessings.
Christ’s revelation reveals that you can speak forth the same sign as spoken by Peter and by those at the house of Cornelius: the divine sign of Christ within, speaking with divinely inspired languages.
Why should we allow any religious ancestor or any modern-day “authority” to turn us against the examples of the apostles?
PAUL AND THE EPHESIANS
As Peter demonstrated the truth of Christ’s gospel, so did the apostle Paul. When Paul visited the city of Ephesus, he taught twelve disciples about Christ’s baptism, and each one spoke in tongues:
Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive [manifest] the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:1–6)
Water baptism alone could not produce “tongues.” Even John the Baptist said that his water baptism would be superceded by the spiritual baptism of Christ: “I [John] baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matt. 3:11).
This prophecy is what Paul explained to the people in the city of Ephesus, following which, all twelve had the tangible evidence of the invisible Holy Spirit within.
This is not to say that speaking in tongues is a requirement for salvation. “Tongues” can only be manifested after salvation has occurred. The sign of “tongues” is the tangible evidence of eternal life—and of a personal reservation in Heaven.
Firstly, we enter the kingdom of Christ—born-again—filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit, because we believed literally what is literally stated:
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Rom. 10:9, 10)
For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”(Rom. 1:17)
We as members of the body of Christ have the right to believe what is literally stated. It is in this manner that we as faithful stewards of the Gospel can reap the greatest blessings in this life and the next.
CHRIST’S REVELATION TO PAUL: SPIRITUAL GIFTS: 1 CORINTHIANS
How did Paul introduce his letter to the Corinthians?
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, TO THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CORINTH, TO THOSE SANCTIFIED IN CHRIST JESUS AND CALLED TO BE HOLY, TOGETHER WITH ALL THOSE EVERYWHERE WHO CALL ON THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST—their Lord and ours. (1 Cor. 1:1, 2)
This letter—the entire letter—is to us, the body of Christ—whether it is the first century or the twenty-first century. This letter builds upon the revelation our Lord gave on the day of his ascension.
What exactly did Paul reveal when he introduced us to the subject of spiritual gifts?
How did Paul add the element of time to spiritual gifts?
How did Paul reveal to us that it is impossible for spiritual gifts to have ended in the first century?
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. THEREFORE YOU DO NOT LACK ANY SPIRITUAL GIFT AS YOU EAGERLY WAIT FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO BE REVEALED. (1 Cor. 1:4-7)
Aren’t we still waiting for our Lord to be “revealed” from Heaven?
What did our Lord reveal by revelation to Paul about waiting?
According to Paul, our Lord seeks that we “do not lack any spiritual gift” as we “eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.”
How can we—in clear conscience before Heaven—dismiss the first part of the sentence—spiritual gifts—and yet keep the second part: Christ being “revealed”?
In Corinthians, Chapters 12 through 14 expound upon the first part of Paul’s sentence (“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift”), and Chapter 15 expounds upon the second part of Paul’s sentence (“wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed”).
Doesn’t Chapter 15 still apply to us?
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (1 Cor. 15:51, 52)
If Chapter 15 still applies to us, then Chapters 12 through 14 must also apply to us. In essence, our Lord and Savior handed us the understanding of time: spiritual gifts shall remain in the body of Christ until our Lord is “revealed” in the clouds for us.
If Heaven joined together “spiritual gifts” and waiting “for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed,” then who are we to separate the two?
In essence, just as the descent of our Lord for us is still future tense, so the end of spiritual gifts for us is still future tense.
Herein, the belief that “tongues” “died” in the first century is product of man’s imagination—not divine revelation. There is no “first century” expiration date on Christ’s prophecy.
The belief that spiritual gifts don’t apply to us today has become an obsession that devours logic: If spiritual gifts no longer apply as they did in the first century, then we in the twenty-first century would have complete lack in this category, and could not fulfill the will of Heaven as given by Paul—which is ungodly and impossible.
How could we “not lack any spiritual gift” if there are no more spiritual gifts?
What did Paul say about this subject of spiritual gifts?
“Our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift.”
To “confirm” means, “to make firm, make steadfast, secure, make good, corroborate, i.e., make firm or establish by arguments or proofs.”1
For those of us in the body of Christ who hold to the supreme authority of Scripture, we only need the testimony of our Lord and Savior and the revelation he gave to his apostles, which includes this:
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. HE WILL KEEP YOU STRONG TO THE END [Greek: telos], so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 1:7, 8)
According to Paul’s letter, how does Christ keep us “strong to the end”?
What is the immediate context?
“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift.”
How will Christ keep us “strong to the end”?
Paul explained it—in the greater context of his letter.
CHAPTERS 12-14
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
(1 Cor. 12:7 KJV)
We as the body of Christ—during the age of grace—“profit” from the gifts of the Holy Spirit as stated by Paul (verses 8-11 in Chapter 12).
For example, now, during this present time, prophecy strengthens us in the following manner:
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. (1 Cor. 14:3)
Now, during this present time, “tongues” strengthens us in the following manner:
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself. (1 Cor. 14:5 KJV)
In essence, to “believe”—in this category of the Spirit—yields personal edification: strength.
For those of you following this who already speak in tongues, you know the joy, peace, comfort, confidence, and strength within, that this sign brings. This is what our Lord wants for us—and this is what “tongues” brings to those who manifest this sign.
Paul specifically identified the strength provided by “prophecy” and “tongues,” and he provided specific direction regarding each gift:
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. (1 Cor. 14:39 KJV)
How else does our Lord keep us strong during the age of grace?
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Cor. 12:28 KJV)
“Tongues” is included in what God “set” in the “church.”
What earthly “authority” has the right to “remove” what God set in the church?
Paul’s foundation of truth—about gifts—stands as given:
So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 1:7 KJV)
“So that ye come behind in no gift.”
“No” means “not one.”2
No exceptions.
In other words, not one gift (as spoken of in Chapters 12-14) shall we lack as we wait for the coming of Christ. Any “interpretation” of Paul’s letter that eliminates even one gift from the church contradicts Paul. If one gift ended in the first century, then Paul contradicted himself, because then we would “come behind” in one gift—while we wait for the coming of Christ.
What does our Lord ask of us?
“Follow after charity [God’s love], and desire spiritual gifts.” (1 Cor. 14:1 KJV)
For those of us in the body of Christ who hold to the supreme authority of Scripture, “desire spiritual gifts” means “desire spiritual gifts.”
All gifts. No exceptions.
Exceptions only exist in man’s imagination and in religious tradition—not in the Scriptures. All Scripture is given by God and is profitable for doctrine (2 Tim. 3:16)—not just some of it.
The power of the Holy Spirit is ours to manifest. We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the blessings are intended to continue.
What else did Paul reveal about the sign of “tongues”?
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.
Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. (1 Cor. 14:2)
Think about what Paul revealed, the Creator of the heavens and the Earth seeks for us, his creation, to speak to him perfectly in the Spirit!!
Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, our Creator has enabled us to speak to him—directly and perfectly—speaking divine “mysteries.”
It is not a question of whether we speak to our God… when we speak in tongues… We do.
It is not a question of whether the will of Heaven applies to us… It does.
The will of Heaven is not a variable, nor is it a mystery.
This is the will of Heaven: “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues” (1 Cor. 14:5).
What is the question we answer?
It is a question of the will of man. That is the variable.
“[T]hese signs will accompany those who believe . . . they will speak in new tongues.” (Mark 16:17)
Or…
“[T]hese signs will not accompany those who don’t believe . . . they will not speak in new tongues.”
What can we as Christ’s church hope to gain by trying to ignore Christ’s prophecy on the day of his ascension?
Our God has given us the ability to speak directly to him—perfectly—in the Spirit.
Who would want to bring this to an end?
Heaven?
Or Satan?
Now, in this present time, we are strengthened and blessed by “tongues.” However, at “the end,” we will no longer need to speak in tongues because we will speak to our Lord face-to-face.
What exactly is “the end”?
It is the Greek word “telos.” “Telos” means, “the fulfillment or completion of anything . . . . It denotes strickly, not the ending of a departed state, but, the arrival of a complete or perfect one.”3
Christ is the one who keeps us strong to the “telos,” and he also is the one who brings in the “telos”—this perfect state—at his coming. This is precisely what Paul is saying later in his letter, when he contrasts “now” with “then”:
For NOW [during this present time] we see through a glass, darkly; but THEN [at the telos, at the arrival of the perfect state brought about by the coming of that which is perfect] face to face [with Christ, who is then revealed]: NOW I know in part; but THEN [at the telos] shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Cor. 13:12 KJV)
Now,” our Lord helps to keep us strong with spiritual gifts, but “then,” at the “telos,” we will no longer need the intercession and blessing of spiritual gifts and signs, for the Lord himself will be in our presence, face-to-face.
THEN AND NOW4
The foundation of Paul’s truth about “then” was first revealed to us in Chapter 1. “Then” refers back to the “telos.” “Then” is also associated with “face-to-face” (a literal face), and it is associated with fully knowing as we are fully known by God. The foundation of Paul’s truth about “now” was also first revealed to us in Chapter 1. “Now” refers to the time that Christ keeps us “strong”: this present time.
This contrast between “now” and “then” is fully seen in chapter 13.
1 CORINTHIANS 13
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
BUT WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS COME, THEN that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For NOW we see through a glass, darkly; but THEN face to face: NOW I know in part; but THEN shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Cor. 13:8-12 KJV)
Paul is associating “then” with what is “perfect.”
The meaning of word “perfect” has been the subject of much debate. The Greek word is “telios,” which means, “Complete, perfect, full, wanting nothing, with special reference to the end for which it was intended.”5
1 Corinthians 13:10 has been debated because of the multiple opinions about “telios.”
This verse has been interpreted four different ways. Here is what the NIV scholars state in the NIV Study Bible:
Some refer the verse to the return of Christ, others to the death of a Christian, others to the maturity (or establishment) of the church . . ., still others to the completion of the canon of the NT Scripture. Verse 12, however, seems to indicate that Paul is here speaking of Christ’s second coming.”6
Verse 12:
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then FACE TO FACE: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Cor. 13:12 KJV)
What is Paul referring to when he says, “face to face”?
Face” means, “the part towards, at or around the eye; hence, . . . the face, visage, countenance.”7
In essence, “face” means a literal “face.” The only way to render “face to face” is to have each “face” refer to a literal “face”: Paul is referring to the “face” of the church witnessing the face of our Lord Jesus Christ—when he comes for us in the clouds.
Now, back to the verse in question:
But when that which is PERFECT [Greek: telios] is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
In this one sentence, Paul doesn’t definitely state what is “perfect.”
So to whom do we look to find the answer?
Paul.
What is “telios”?
The root word for “telios” is “telos”—and it is found in Paul’s opening statements about spiritual gifts.
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end [Greek: telos], so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 1:7, 8)
Christ will keep us strong to the “end”: “telos.”
Paul’s reference to “telios” (what is complete) expounds upon the “telos” (the arrival of a complete, spiritually perfect, state)—which is ushered in by he who is perfect, Christ, on the “day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In essence, “telos” is associated with Christ—his personal presence—that we will see, face-to-face, and “telios” is associated with Christ—his personal presence—that we will see, face-to-face.
Paul is assuring the Corinthians (and us) that not one spiritual gift will end until Christ brings the perfect state at the “telos” when we see him face-to-face.
Tragically, Paul’s letter has been used to teach the complete opposite regarding “tongues” and prophecy—believing they ended in the first century.
In 1 Corinthians, the “telos” and “telios” have no relevance to the first century or the Scriptures being completed, nor does “then” have any relevance to the first century. “Then” is not “now”—not yet.
Christ is the one who brings in the perfect state; spiritual gifts and signs will end he comes for us.
Why?
They will no longer be needed. We shall be like Christ.
But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. (1 John 3:2, 3)
[N]ow I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Cor. 13:12 KJV)
The NIV scholars state this about Paul’s statement in Corinthians 13: “The Christian will know the Lord to the fullest extent possible for a finite being, similar to the way the Lord knows the Christian fully and infinitely. This will not be true until the Lord returns.”8
In other words, the immediate context of Paul’s statement about what is “perfect” is the return of our Lord—not the completion of the Scriptures.
The foundation—and greater context—of Chapter 13 is Chapter 1. Chapter 1 also speaks of Christ coming for us—not the completion of the Scriptures.
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 1:7, 8)
We have the right to believe what is literally stated about spiritual gifts and Christ being revealed. We only need to let divine revelation speak to us as given—which includes understanding spiritual matters from the greater context of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.
THE GREATER CONTEXT OF 1 CORINTHIANS
Heaven works with us, and asks us to “walk” in a spiritual manner, until we are gathered in the clouds. This is what Paul revealed to us.
CHAPTER 1
PAUL’S OPENING STATEMENT: SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift. (1 Cor. 1:7)
CHAPTERS 12-14
PAUL EXPOUNDING UPON HIS OPENING STATEMENT: THE GREATER CONTEXT OF CORINTHIANS
I would like every one of you to speak in tongues. (1 Cor. 14:5)
[F]orbid not to speak with tongues. (1 Cor. 14:39 KJV)
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers. (1 Cor. 14:22)
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself. (1 Cor. 14:5 KJV)
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.
Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. (1 Cor. 14:2)
Follow after charity [God’s love], and desire spiritual gifts. (1 Cor. 14:1 KJV)
[B]ut whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (1 Cor. 13:8, 9 KJV)
CHAPTER 1
PAUL’S OPENING STATEMENTS: OUR LORD REVEALED
[A]s you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 1:7, 8)
CHAPTERS 13 AND 15
PAUL EXPOUNDING UPON HIS OPENING STATEMENTS: THE GREATER CONTEXT OF CORINTHIANS
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. (1 Cor. 15:22, 23 KJV)
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (1 Cor. 15:51, 52)
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (1 Cor. 13:10 KJV)
[B]ut then face to face [with Christ]: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Cor. 13:12 KJV)
We as Christ’s church dare not ignore or dismiss… how Paul introduced us to spiritual gifts… and how they shall not end… until our Lord comes for us and is revealed to us.
Any “interpretation” that contradicts Paul’s opening statement about “spiritual gifts” and “our Lord Jesus Christ” being “revealed” contradicts Scripture; this includes that belief that spiritual gifts ended when the Scriptures were completed in the first century.
THE BODY OF CHRIST: THE FIRST CENTURY/THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
Did Heaven really remove this “sign” of “tongues” in the first century?
Or was it spiritual darkness that tried to cover up this “sign”?
What actually happened to the church late in the first century?
What did Paul say?
You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me. (2 Tim. 1:15)
Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy in about A.D. 67.
What did John say?
I [John] wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. (3 John 9, 10)
John revealed the mind-set of a church leader so twisted that he rejected not only an apostle but also cast Christ’s followers out of the church.
Diotrephes rejected John. Asia rejected Paul.
Church leadership actually dismissed Paul and John!!
How pathetic!!
What was the true “agenda” of these church “leaders”?
How many doctrinal mutations could have come out of this corrupt environment?
Are we as Christ’s church supposed to believe that Heaven’s grand plan was to pull the plug on spiritual gifts and signs when church “leaders” were rejecting Paul and John?
Why would God document this revolting picture from our spiritual past?
We within the church must be honest with ourselves and examine what some of religious ancestors told us to believe. This must include the belief that the sign of “tongues” ended in the first century.
We already know that the first century “authorities” were promoting unsound doctrine in the body of Christ. Paul specifically identified unsound doctrine being taught regarding Christ’s descent for the church. Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, wrote the following:
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. (2 Tim. 2:16–18)
Hymenaeus and Philetus “wandered away from the truth” and taught error about the “resurrection.” What resurrection? The same resurrection spoken of by Paul throughout the letters to the church: the resurrection of those who died in Christ.
Why did these “authorities” reject Paul anyway?
Is it possible that they didn’t care for the revelation Christ gave him?
How could removing spiritual gifts and signs help the church to see that Paul was teaching the truth?
If church “authorities” were promoting unsound doctrine about the resurrection, then is it possible that they were also promoting unsound doctrine about the sign of “tongues”?
Is it possible that “authorities” like Diotrephes, Hymenaeus, and Philetus took the church in a direction away from the revelation Christ gave to Paul and John?
Who gave Hymenaeus and Philetus the authority to dismiss Christ’s revelation and contradict Paul?
Hymenaeus and Philetus…
Hymenaeus and Philetus bestowed upon themselves this authority to dismiss Christ’s revelation to Paul. This is our example of what not to follow.
For those of us in the body of Christ who hold to the supreme authority of Scripture, we only need the testimony of our Lord and Savior and the revelation he gave to his apostles, which includes this:
[F]orbid not to speak with tongues” (1 Cor. 14:39 KJV).
If this is the will of Heaven…
[F]orbid not to speak with tongues.”
Then what is the will of Satan?
[F]orbid to speak with tongues.”
How many of us were forbidden (directly or indirectly) to speak with tongues?
How many of our religious ancestors never “went there” and never discussed the subject of “tongues” from the pulpit?
Directly or indirectly, “tongues” was dismissed.
For those of you following this who have never spoken in tongues, and would like to speak forth the glory of this sign, take heart, the preaching hasn’t stopped and the signs haven’t stopped.
He [Christ] said to them, “Go into all the world and PREACH THE GOOD NEWS to all creation. WHOEVER BELIEVES and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. AND THESE SIGNS WILL ACCOMPANY THOSE WHO BELIEVE: In my name they will drive out demons; THEY WILL SPEAK IN NEW TONGUES; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, AND THE LORD WORKED WITH THEM AND CONFIRMED HIS WORD BY THE SIGNS THAT ACCOMPANIED IT. (Mark 16:15-20)
Our Lord still works with us and the signs still continue.
What is the central theme given to us by our Lord on the day of his ascension?
Believe…
CHRIST’S REVELATION: SOUND DOCTRINE: THE WILL OF OUR LORD
What are the two things our Lord asks of us regarding “tongues” and the interpretation of tongues?
[T]hese signs will accompany those who believe . . . they will speak in new tongues. (Mark 16:17)
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. (1 Cor. 14:13 KJV)
With regard to speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues, Heaven asks us to engage our hearts and minds: “believe” and “pray.”
Why else would our Lord ask us to “believe” and “pray,” unless he desires that we “believe” and “pray”?
In other words, if we in the body of Christ desire to participate in manifesting the gift of the Holy Spirit, then Heaven desires that we participate.
For almost 2000 years, Heaven has been asking the body of Christ to participate.
What else did Christ reveal to Paul?
We know from Christ’s revelation that the Spirit divides to “every man severally as he [the Spirit] will” (1 Cor. 12:11 KJV).
The will of the Spirit and our will (to “believe” and “pray”) work together; the result is what Heaven seeks for us: blessings. Additionally, we know that the Spirit divides “severally,” meaning, it is possible for one member of the body of Christ to manifest the Holy Spirit in more than one way, like speaking in tongues along with the interpretation of tongues.
CHRIST’S INSTRUCTION TO US: THE PERSONAL EXPRESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The gift of the Holy Spirit empowers us.
This power can become a source of ever-increasing divine blessings for us individually—and for our church. This is what Paul revealed to us. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul elaborated upon the twofold usage of “tongues”: the personal and public expression of the Holy Spirit.
He also expounded upon the public expression of the Holy Spirit via prophecy and interpretation of tongues.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:1-5
PAUL’S EXHORTATION TO THE ENTIRE BODY OF CHRIST
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
THE PERSONAL EXPRESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT VIA TONGUES
For anyone who SPEAKS IN A TONGUE DOES NOT SPEAK TO MEN BUT TO GOD. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
THE PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT VIA PROPHECY
But [in contrast to “tongues”] EVERYONE WHO PROPHESIES SPEAKS TO MEN for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
THE PERSONAL EXPRESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT VIA TONGUES
He who speaks in a TONGUE EDIFIES HIMSELF,
THE PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT VIA PROPHECY
but he who PROPHESIES EDIFIES THE CHURCH [THE ASSEMBLY].
THE PERSONAL EXPRESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT VIA TONGUES
I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,
THE PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT VIA PROPHECY
but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues,
THE PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT VIA TONGUES AND INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES
unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. (1 Cor. 14:1-5)
The first sentence of 1 Corinthians 14:5 reads as follows: “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.”
Paul states that he’d rather have a believer prophesy because of the greater impact on the assembly, but it does not negate the truth concerning speaking in tongues—that of Paul’s desire that all believers in the body of Christ speak forth divinely inspired “tongues” to benefit their individual walk with God.
PAUL’S EXHORTATION TO THE ENTIRE BODY OF CHRIST
1 CORINTHIANS 14:12-19
Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
PAUL’S EXHORTATION TO THOSE SPEAKING IN TONGUES
For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.
THE PERSONAL EXPRESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT VIA TONGUES
For if I PRAY IN A TONGUE, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I WILL PRAY WITH MY SPIRIT, but I will also pray with my mind; I WILL SING WITH MY SPIRIT, but I will also sing with my mind. IF YOU ARE PRAISING GOD WITH YOUR SPIRIT, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be GIVING THANKS WELL ENOUGH, but the other man is not edified.
While Paul is instructing the Corinthians, he is also elaborating on the use and benefit of the God-given languages: praying, singing, praising God, and giving thanks well. He is simultaneously instructing them that “if you are praising God with your spirit” in the presence of others, it is not going to edify the others.
In essence, Paul is helping the Corinthians to understand how to properly speak forth “tongues.” In no way is he seeking to stop them from speaking in tongues in their personal life, for he is giving them ample reason to continue: praying, singing, praising God, giving thanks well, and edification. This is precisely why Paul himself states the following:
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
This is our example.
How many of you following this—who have not spoken in tongues—are willing to let the apostle Paul be your example?
What does Paul go on to say?
But in the church [IN A PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF FAITH] I would rather speak five intelligible words TO INSTRUCT OTHERS than ten thousand words in a tongue. (1 Cor. 14:12-19)
Paul’s desire is that believers are instructed in the church—but this does not negate his desire that individuals in the body of Christ manifest the gift of the Holy Spirit in their individual walk with God.
The truth of this great comfort has been hidden from our day and time. The supernatural sign of “tongues” is not reserved for only a select few within the kingdom of Christ.
If we follow the way of love, then shouldn’t we eagerly desire spiritual gifts as well?
For those of you following this who have not spoken in tongues, I address this to you: Just say no to unsound doctrine.
UNSOUND DOCTRINE: TWISTED SCRIPTURE
I would like every one of you to not speak in tongues.
Tongues, then, are not a sign for unbelievers.
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth not himself.
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to God. Indeed, he utters not mysteries with his spirit.
Follow not after charity [God’s love], and desire not spiritual gifts.
Wherefore, brethren, covet not to prophesy, and forbid to speak with tongues.
It doesn’t matter how our religious ancestors tried to “explain away” “tongues”; the explanation will always be unsound because the doctrine they sought to promote was unsound.
For those of you who have not spoken with tongues, just say yes to our Lord’s prophecy.
[T]hese signs will accompany those who believe . . . they will speak in new tongues. (Mark 16:17)
Why should we allow any religious ancestor or any modern-day “authority” to turn us away from the prophecy of our Lord?
OUR LORD’S COMMANDS
After Paul wrote of spiritual gifts and divine love, he revealed this to us:
[L]et him acknowledge that what I [Paul] am writing to you is the Lord’s command. (1 Cor. 14:37)
What exactly did Paul share with us?
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts. (1 Cor. 14:1)
In Corinthians, our Lord is imploring us—and commanding us—to apply what we have been given.
What is the impact of ignoring love and ignoring spiritual gifts?
What is the impact of living love and manifesting spiritual gifts?
That’s the difference we make as individuals in Christ’s kingdom.
Love and spiritual gifts are designed to be inseparable:
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (1 Cor. 13:1)
During his earthly ministry, Christ enabled us to fully understand this divine love when he gave us a new command:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34, 35)
Commands from Heaven… to the followers of Christ… never go out of style.
We as Christ’s church can only benefit by following the commands of our Lord: We are commanded to love others as Christ loved, and we are commanded to desire spiritual gifts—and manifest spiritual gifts with that same love and passion.
Let us manifest the Holy Spirit with the love of Christ.
Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed.” (1 Cor. 12:3)
We are not the ones cursing Heaven when we speak by the Spirit of God, nor did the Old Testament prophets curse Heaven when they spoke by the Spirit.
For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21)
The origin of the Old and New Testaments, and the origin of “tongues” is the same: God.
During Old Testament times, only a select few had the Holy Spirit to inspire them. However, the prophecy from Joel was that God would pour out his Spirit: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Acts 2:17).
As members of Christ’s church, each one of us has the indwelling Holy Spirit, and each one of us can manifest the Holy Spirit.
It is no wonder that Paul said, “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues” (1 Cor. 14:5).
It is no wonder that Paul also said, “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire” (1 Thes. 5:19).
Let the fire within burn brightly!!
God bless.
Notes:
1. E. W. Bullinger, A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing House, 1981), 180.
2. E. W. Bullinger, A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament, 525.
3. E. W. Bullinger, A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament, 248.
4. Contrasting “now” (this present time) and “then” (the fulfillment of end-time prophecies) is found in another one of Paul’s letters: 2 Thessalonians.
2 THESSALONIANS: “NOW” AND “THEN”
Who [the Antichrist] 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. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who NOW [during this present time] letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
And THEN [in the future; at the end time] 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. (2 Thess. 2:4-8 KJV)
The Greek word for “now” in 1 Corinthians 13:12 is the same as found here in 2 Thessalonians 2:7. It is “arti” and means, “(this) present,” (James Strong, Abingdon’s Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, Tenn.: Abingdon, 1981), 16 (Greek Dictionary of the New Testament). Paul is specifically addressing this present time—which precedes the end time.
The Greek word for ‘then” in 1 Corinthians 13:12 is the same as found here in 2 Thessalonians 2:8. It is “tote” and means, “at the time . . . (of the past or future),” (James Strong, Abingdon’s Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, 72.) In the context of Paul’s letters, “then” is contrasted with “now” and must refer to the future. What shall happen “then” is still future tense.
5. E. W. Bullinger, A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament, 579.
6. New International Version Study Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995), 1754.
7. E. W. Bullinger, A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament, 230.
8. New International Version Study Bible, 1754.
