The church has
exercised spiritual gifts since its inception and there are allusions to these
movements in the Old Testament, particularly in the gift of prophecy (Mic. 3:8;
Ezek. 2:2). However the
application and subsequent validity of the various gifts have caused a chasm in
the body of Christ that has given way to denominational discrepancy.
Spiritual
gifts can be categorized as gifts from God equipping the Christian to perform
their duty to the body of Christ and those outside the body.[1]
Some of these gifts include healing (1 Cor. 12:9), apostleship (1 Cor. 12:28),
teaching (1 Cor. 12:28-29), and etc. Many of the gifts were to focus on
administering aid, discernment or edification to the body of Christ while some
gifts, namely the gift of interpretation of tongues, help to clarify and
understand other gifts.
There
is a difference between the “fruits of the Spirit” and “spiritual gifts.” The
fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self- control (Gal. 5:22-23) all of which show the
level of maturity of a believer. Faithfulness for example takes a certain
amount of perseverance and trust in the locus of your faith and this is not
accomplished by a rudimentary devotion. Spiritual gifts in contrast do not all
require a level of maturity in Christ. Speaking in tongues came upon new
believers such as the gentiles with Cornelius (Acts 10:44-45) or the John’s disciples
in Ephesus (Acts 19:6).
The
gift of Speaking in tongues has been the subject of much hysteria, confusion
and overemphasis in recent times. Moreover the passages that contain
information on this gift should be examined to better interpret its application
and usefulness.[2] Glossolalia, has two main functions,
it’s useful as an initiation meant to divinely affirm a new union in the church
(1 Cor. 12:4-11) and it was also a special gift endowed on specifically chosen
individuals (Rom. 12:6).[3]
As Paul correctly observes the one who speaks in tongues merely enlightens
himself, and it would be better if the person prophesied instead (1 Cor.
14:4-5). Tongues can be useful with proper interpretation (1 Cor. 14:13)
however; other gifts are more profitable in edifying the church.
Baptism
of the Holy Spirit is among the most distinguished blessing granted from the
Gospel by the indwelling of the Spirit.[4]
This concept was first mentioned in the New Testament; John was speaking of the
one to come who would baptize “with the Holy Spirit and with Fire” (Matt.
3:11). This baptism could only take place on those who are prepared to fully
submit themselves to God. Paul insightfully states that without the Spirit no
one can call Jesus Lord (1 Cor. 12:3) and this gives credence to the notion
that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for those fully surrendered to Christ.
It should be noted this experience is not a second baptism or blessing, though
it may appear this way in Scripture at times (Acts 19:6), however, this instance
reflected those who did not follow the correct baptismal formula (Matt. 28:19).
Some
elect to posture the notion that speaking in tongues is a necessary sign of
baptism in the Holy Spirit. After examining Scripture this view is shown to be
fallacious. Though there are instances when new believers received this gift
after being baptized (Acts 8:14-19; 10:44-46; 19:6), there are other instances
where this does not follow (Acts 4:31; 8:17; 9:17-18). Moreover, historical
passages are not to be used to institute dogma unless they are endorsed by
teaching material.[5] While not
denying the gift of speaking in tongues, it does not follow that this gift is
an absolute affirmation of spirit baptism. In reviewing the different spiritual
gifts Paul points that some are given certain gifts while some are given other
gifts (1 Cor. 12:7-10). Therefore if some are not given the gift of tongues
this does not disqualify their spirit baptism.
Though
there remain other gifts more desirable (1 Cor. 14:5) the gift of speaking in
tongues still has validity today. Some have utilized 1 Corinthians 13:8-10
specifically the word “perfect” in verse 10 to substantiate their claim that
gifts like tongues, along with others are no longer useful. However, this view
goes too far. Perfect, teleios,
describes complete labor or growth, and is used in other places to describe
things in their wholeness (Matt. 5:48; Jas. 1:17). The description of “perfect”
was not the condition of the church then nor is it a reflection of it now. The
body of Christ is divided as is evidenced by our many denominations, yet when
the time comes for Christ’s return and subsequent gathering us to Him, we will
then be teleios (1 Cor. 13:12). Until
then, gifts such as tongues should not be dismissed as antiquated.
Bibliography
Osborne, G.R. “Tongues, Speaking In.” In Evangelical
Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter A. Elwell, 2nd ed., 1206-09. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker, 2001.
Thomson, J.G.S.S., and W.A. Elwell. “Spiritual Gifts.” In
Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter A. Elwell, 2nd ed., 1135-38.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001.
White, R.E.O. “Baptism of the Spirit.” In Evangelical
Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter A. Elwell, 2nd ed., 137-38. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker, 2001.
[1] J.G.S.S.
Thomson and W.A. Elwell, “Spiritual Gifts.” in Evangelical Dictionary of Theology,
ed. Walter A. Elwell, 2nd Ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2001), 1135.
[2] G.R.
Osborne, “Tongues, Speaking In.” in Evangelical
Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter
A. Elwell, 2nd Ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2001), 1209.
[3] Ibid,
1206.
[4] R.E.O.
White, “Baptism of the Spirit.” in Evangelical
Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter A.
Elwell, 2nd Ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2001), 137.
[5] Osborne,
1207.
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