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CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT, Should I raise my hands in “worship?”

Should I raise my hands in “worship?”

SHOULD I RAISE MY HANDS IN “PRAISE AND WORSHIP?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Have you ever been in (or seen) a local church setting in which people lifted their hands up high in “praise and worship?” Maybe they also sang in an “unknown tongue” or spoke in some “angelic language.” Perhaps they swayed from side to side, or waved their arms. Perchance they even leapt and danced, supposedly “moved by the Spirit.” These actions are especially popular in Charismatic (“spiritual gifts”) churches. While these activities are becoming increasingly commonplace in various denominations, some Christians are uncomfortable with such behavior. Should we be raising our hands in “praise and worship?” Let us see what the Scriptures say.

People in church who raise their hands in “praise and worship” commonly appeal to Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy 2:8 as proof of their “scriptural behavior”: “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” Various other verses are used as well:

  • Exodus 17:10-12: “[10] So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. [11] And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. [12] But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”
  • 2 Chronicles 6:12: “And [Solomon] stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands…[he prays from verses 14-42].”
  • Nehemiah 8:6: “And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.”
  • Psalm 28:2: “Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.”
  • Psalm 63:4: “Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.”
  • Psalm 134:2: “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.”
  • Luke 24:50: “And he [Jesus Christ] led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.”

Certainly, as we saw, the Bible talks about believers raising their hands. You will notice, however, that the New Testament is almost silent about lifting up hands. Most of those verses that talk about lifting up hands relate to Israel’s system of worship under the Mosaic Law. Strictly speaking, the Jews worshipped in respect to the Temple in Jerusalem. If we want to follow the Jews’ verses in lifting up hands, we would have to do so concerning a nonexistent Temple in Jerusalem (the Romans destroyed that Temple 2,000 years ago?!).

While “hands-lifting” people quote 1 Timothy 2:8, they are not actually following the whole verse. Oftentimes in religion, people only quote the part of the verse that appeals to them. Firstly, 1 Timothy 2:8 says that only men are to do it (note how verse 9 and following address women). Whenever I see a woman lifting up her hands in “praise and worship,” that immediately tells me that God’s Spirit has not led her to do it. The Bible, 1 Timothy 2:8 (the verse that would apply to us), only commands men to “lift up holy hands.” This is not saying women cannot pray (see 1 Corinthians 11:13)—1 Timothy 2:8 is saying men are to lead in public prayer. Men are to lead the prayer life of the local assembly. Secondly, 1 Timothy 2:8 says that lifting up of hands is done regarding prayer. It is not merely done in “praise and worship” and is not in reference to singing, dancing, et cetera.

Anything that appears spiritual is seen as spiritual. Hands-lifting is seen as “spiritual,” so people do it to look good. Friends, this is a deceptive notion. Remember, lost people at concerts lift their hands. Non-Christians lift their hands to praise their false gods and goddesses. Drunken people and those high on drugs raise their hands, move side to side, sing, and speak incoherently. Are we so bold as to say that the Spirit of God is moving these people? See, beloved, the lifting up of physical hands is not necessarily “spiritual.” There is no merit before God when we lift up our physical hands. Otherwise, anyone and everyone (regardless of religion) lifting up hands would be praising and worshipping the God of the Bible. As mentioned earlier, the lifting up of hands in Scripture is connected with prayer. God is not interested in the physical posture but rather prayer from the heart. As Lamentations 3:41 says, “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” Who among those lifting their hands today are doing so along with their hearts?

Modern-day lifting up of hands in church does not seem to be conducive to the local assembly’s testimony. I have personally found it very distracting when someone in a local church has stood by me and reached for nothing in the air. Eventually, we lose sight of the Lord Jesus Christ and we start worshipping form and posture. We are not thinking about God’s Word and the truths therein anymore. We are just concerned about kneeling, swaying, dancing, “speaking in tongues,” raising up hands, tapping our feet, clapping our hands, et cetera. These activities, while assumed to be “spiritual,” are not necessarily so. Often, “praise and worship” becomes a flesh carnival, an emotional experience, something that pushes the Bible aside and exalts self and flesh. The ritual or ceremony becomes the issue instead of the Bible text and the Person it honors. False religion creeps in ever so slowly, dear readers, and we need to be on guard that Satan not use it to deceive us!

Someone once suggested that the reason why people raise their hands in church is not to follow the Bible, but rather to grab the blessings that God drops down to them. This is probably true. In religion, people indeed constantly beg God for “this” and for “that.” Perhaps they are raising their hands to reach out and take God’s blessings. They treat God like a little child treats Santa Claus. If they are doing this, they have not appreciated God’s grace. Beloved, we should not return to a weak and beggarly system of works. The entire book of Galatians deals with that very issue. Legalism (asking God for blessings based on what we do) will get us nowhere. It only condemned Israel and it will only condemn us. God already gave us in Christ everything He could give us. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Why are we still begging God for acceptance and blessings? Why must we be so fixated on Israel’s program?

I once read someone’s first-hand experience with a “hands-lifting” assembly. His account typifies the dangers of modern-day hands-lifting. The poor man admitted that he always questioned his salvation because of the “worship” service at his local church. While everyone else hollered, raised their hands, and shouted, he wrote that he felt bad because he merely sang. He concluded that since he was not doing what other “Christians” were doing in the room, he must not have been a genuine Christian. He acknowledged that he would raise his hand a little out of fear of being different.

Dear friends, could this be why so many individuals raise their hands in local assemblies today? Could it be someone other than the Holy Spirit moving these people? Are they by faith following 1 Timothy 2:8, or could it just be something coerced? (Just like aisle-walking, sin-confession, and altar-kneeling?) Could it be that most of them are raising hands just to fit in with the crowd? Are they doing it out of a heart of faith (following verses), or are they just doing it to appear religious and spiritual? Dear friends, let me remind you that artificial behavior in Christianity will profit us nothing in eternity.

Notice what Isaiah chapter 1 says: “[11] To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [12] When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? [13] Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. [14] Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. [15] And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.”

God actually said that the Jews were “spreading forth [their] hands” (verse 15). They appeared to be “praising and worshipping God,” did they not? They would lift their hands and pretend to be praying sincerely, but it was just a waste of time and breath. God said He would hide His eyes—He could not stand to look at such insincerity. I fear that Christendom finds itself in the same predicament today. They appear to be spiritual, but they are not. They have all their ceremonies, rites, and rituals, but there is no faith. If they were “spiritual,” they would follow the Lord’s instructions in Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon (1 Corinthians 14:37). Yet, 99 percent of Christendom does not care to realize the special nature of the Apostle Paul’s ministry. Had they embraced Paul’s ministry, there would not be a single denominational system on Earth today! There would be no Roman Catholics, Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, et cetera.

It is important to remember what was occurring during Isaiah’s day (about 700 B.C.). The Jews were acting religious in the Temple in Jerusalem (the Babylonians did not destroy Solomon’s Temple until 586 B.C.). Israel offered their animal sacrifices as Moses said. They came to the Temple and behaved as though they were “spiritual.” They held their religious gatherings and festivals. Yet, God said He was sick of their bogusness, wickedness, and mindless repetition. He was weary of their hypocrisy, their half-heartedness. They would follow Moses’ writings while also embracing pagan idols and other forms of heathenism! The Jews would steal and kill, and then say, “Praise God!” They were not worshipping JEHOVAH with all their activities. It was vain ceremonies and rituals. They were just “going through the motions.” The same could be said about most of today’s “Christianity!”

CONCLUSION

Friends, as always, we do not have dominion over your faith (2 Corinthians 1:24). You are free to do and believe whatever you like concerning hands-lifting, but you need to make an informed decision. Personally, I do not focus on physical posture when it comes to prayer. When I fellowship with other believers, it is not about me and it is not about how loud I can sing, how fast I can sway, how well I can dance, how high I can lift my hands, and so on. I do not fellowship with believers to be entertained and to exercise. I meet with God’s people to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ using His rightly divided Word, the Holy King James Bible.

When 1 Timothy 2:8 says “lifting up holy hands,” the verse is talking primarily about an attitude and a spiritual activity rather than physical activity. It is talking about men leading the local assembly in prayer. Furthermore, these “holy hands” are not common human hands being raised up. It is talking about a sincere and doctrinally pure prayer life. “Holy” means that it is not associated doctrinal error, perversion, or apostasy (refer back to the false religion in Isaiah chapter 1, which we discussed earlier). More than anything, we need to concentrate on the sound Bible doctrine being communicated. We should not be fixated on fleshly actions, emotions, physical activities in “worship,” et cetera.

Also see:
» Should I speak or pray “in tongues?”
» Must I walk an aisle to show that I am saved?
» What is “the Lord’s house?”

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT, What does “Forbid not to speak with tongues” mean?, What does “Forbid not to speak with tongues” mean?

What does “Forbid not to speak with tongues” mean?

WHAT DOES “FORBID NOT TO SPEAK WITH TONGUES” MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

In this study, we will look at this puzzling verse (not just some of it, but all of it!), and we will allow God’s Holy Spirit to shed light on it for us. It is ever so important to not look at the Holy Bible using denominational eyeglasses—this is how the Body of Christ wound up in the confusing mess in which it currently finds itself! The Bible says what it means and means what it says, but we need to let it say what it says without forcing a denominational doctrine into the passage.

Those who believe that the supernatural gift of tongues is still operating today, claim that the Bible supports their doctrinal position. Years ago, a pastor of such a persuasion reminded me that I should “forbid not to speak with tongues” (1 Corinthians 14:39). Despite the many verses clearly against his religious practice, he did not have an ear to hear me quoting God’s precious Word; he was only willing to hear and follow the verses he liked (such as 1 Corinthians 14:39, in part). The man simply quoted that single verse to defend himself; after that, he said nothing and he refused to relinquish his denominational doctrine. By quoting that verse, he was telling me that God the Holy Spirit was still miraculously empowering Christians to speak languages they never formally learned (what is called “angelic languages” or “private prayer languages” in religion). He flippantly quoted 1 Corinthians 14:39 (in part) to me in order to discourage me from rebuking him for his error. Is 1 Corinthians 14:39 really giving credence to the modern-day tongues movement? We want to investigate that verse here.

As with anybody pushing a denominational system, they never quote an entire verse, just the portion of the verse that agrees with their theology. Thus, we should not be surprised to realize that those who quote 1 Corinthians 14:39 to defend their alleged “gift of tongues” never quote the rest of the verse. The part of the verse that they do not cite is the main point of the verse—to say the entire verse is to say too much and weaken their position and discredit what they are doing. Beloved, that is duplicitous, and whether intentionally or inadvertently, they are still mishandling God’s Word and still misleading people astray using Scripture (of all books, they use God’s Word to deceive!).

Spiritual gifts were only temporary among members of the Church the Body of Christ. The closing verses of 1 Corinthians chapter 13 make it very plain that the spiritual gifts would operate only among the early church (for information about that, please see our study at the end of this article about “that which is perfect is come”). Regarding the gift of tongues, Paul only mentioned it in one section of his writings (1 Corinthians chapters 12-14)—part of his first epistle to Corinth. He began that section by saying that he did not want the Corinthian Christians to be ignorant concerning spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1)—that is precisely what much of Christendom is ignorant of today! These Christians in Corinth were very carnal, emotionally driven, given over to the desires of the fleshly (human) nature, people who were very selfish and childish and reproachful to the name of Jesus Christ. They did not know how to use spiritual gifts properly. When Paul wrote to them about the gift of tongues—40 verses (the fourteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians)—it was not a compliment. He did not write to them about their spirituality, but about their carnality—contrary to what you may hear today, speaking in tongues is not necessarily spiritual and, the “tongues” of today are not of the God of the Bible.

Considering the abuses regarding the gift of tongues, someone in Corinth could have wrongly concluded that they should totally repudiate anything and everything to do with any type of tongues experience, even those caused by God’s Holy Spirit. This is the best way to look at 1 Corinthians 14:39: “forbid not to speak with tongues.” Paul was telling the Corinthians not to abandon their spiritual gifts but rather not to abuse them—they were not to have an evil mind toward spiritual gifts such as the gift of tongues. They simply were to have a bad attitude toward using the spiritual gifts for their personal advantage, fabricating spiritual gifts so they could have emotional highs, counterfeiting God’s work so they could gain attention, and so on. But, there is more to the verse than that, and to get the full picture we need to look at the full verse.

First Corinthians 14:39 reads in its entirety: “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.” Why does Paul tell them to “covet to prophesy?”

We read in the opening verses of 1 Corinthians chapter 14: “[1] Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. [2] For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. [3] But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. [4] He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. [5] I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”

Verses 12 and 13: “[12] Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. [13] Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.”

The Corinthians were very passionate, very worked up about spiritual gifts, very “zealous,” but they were going about it in the wrong manner. They were fervent, but they needed to focus their energy on something productive instead of being selfish. Paul told them to seek the assembly’s edification—they were to uplift others instead of themselves. Tongues was a spiritual gift misused to cause attention to be drawn to the speaker, and unless it was translated—that is, reduced to something intelligent—it was useless to the listeners. The Corinthians were urged not to go around babbling incoherently, but to pray that they would be able to interpret those unknown tongues (they were thus manifested as counterfeit if they could not be interpreted).

In the listing of the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:28, the gift of tongues is listed last. The gift of prophecy is listed second. Prophesying, or preaching God’s Word before it was written down, was more edifying to the local assembly than someone speaking in tongues. That is what the Bible says; I am just repeating what God has already said about it in His Word. This is how we are to view 1 Corinthians 14:39: “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.”

The Corinthians were urged rather to speak forth God’s Word and benefit the local assembly (1 Corinthians 14:1-5). Spiritual gifts were still operating at that time, and thus they were not to forbid those from exercising God’s gift of tongues. What Paul was saying was they needed to follow those directions in 1 Corinthians chapter 14 regarding speaking in tongues, or they were to be quiet and say nothing at all (verse 28).

Speaking in some strange language was not the gauge for spirituality, whether in the Corinthian church or in the church today: the Corinthians enjoyed the gift of tongues, and the Bible says they were “carnal,” “babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3), and not at all spiritual or mature. While it is commonly said that we need to “speak in angelic languages” to prove we are saved—to prove that we are filled God’s Spirit or to “manifest the Holy Ghost”—this is nothing more than religious tradition. According to the Holy Spirit Himself, true spirituality today in this the Dispensation of Grace is determined by whether or not someone listens to God’s instructions through Paul. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:37-38, “[37] If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. [38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” If someone does not hearken unto the Apostle Paul’s writings, Romans through Philemon, they are denying Jesus Christ’s words to us today, and God’s Holy Spirit is not leading them! (That would describe 99 percent of the people in the world’s “Christian” pulpits!)

CONCLUSION

It is argued that if we forbid people to speak with tongues today, then we are limiting God and that we are opposing God’s work (see 1 Corinthians 14:39). However, we reply, this is assuming that God the Holy Spirit is involved in the modern-day tongues movement in the first place. If God the Holy Spirit is not dispensing spiritual gifts today—particularly the gift of tongues—and we forbid people to exercise their so-called “supernatural gift of tongues,” then we are not arguing against God because God is not doing that today anyway. If God is not working in these modern-day “tongue-talkers,” then we are opposing what they are doing in the flesh, and not at all challenging what God the Holy Spirit is doing (because, according to the verses in 1 Corinthians chapter 14, He is not the “spirit” operating in and through them!).

There is abundant Scriptural proof that the modern-day “gift of tongues” is not at all of the God of the Bible. It is of some other spirit, some other entity (frankly, it is man’s flesh working in tandem with Satan’s policy of evil!). No verse—not even a misquoted 1 Corinthians 14:39—can authenticate the modern-day tongues experience so prevalent in charismatic circles. They are abusing many Bible verses, and proving that they are not interested in doing God’s work, just interesting in doing what they want to do to further their theological system. Beloved, may we guard ourselves against such error!

Also see:
» Should I speak or pray in tongues?
» What is the “that which is perfect is come” in 1 Corinthians 13:10?
» Could you explain Paul’s “Acts” ministry?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, BIBLE VERSIONS AND MANUSCRIPTS, CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT, What is the “that which is perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10?, What is the “that which is perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10?, What is the “that which is perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10?

What is the “that which is perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10?

WHAT IS THE “THAT WHICH IS PERFECT” IN 1 CORINTHIANS 13:10?

by Shawn Brasseaux

What is the “that which is perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10? We have no interest whatsoever in appealing to Bible “scholars,” commentaries, a preacher’s study notes, a modern perversion, a denomination, or any other man-made reference or group for enlightenment—they have caused more confusion about this verse than clarity anyway. Let us see what the Holy Scriptures teach. “For what saith the Scriptures?”

Firstly, we must read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 to get the context of the verse in question: “[8] 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. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [11] 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. [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. [13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

Generally, there are three interpretations concerning the meaning of the phrase “when that which is perfect is come” of 1 Corinthians 13:10: (1) Some people believe that it is a reference to us dying and going to heaven, (2) others argue that it refers to when Jesus returns to earth, and (3) others affirm that it refers to the completed Bible. Again, if we are really interested in learning what the Bible actually teaches, then it is mandatory that we look at the Bible instead of reading books about it (commentaries, Greek grammars, interlinears, and so on). In this study, we will systematically evaluate each of these three views and see which one agrees with the context of the verse.

1. IS “WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS COME” A REFERENCE TO US DYING AND GOING TO HEAVEN?

Let us take another look at the verse whose phrase is in question: “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Corinthians 13:10). This verse says nothing about us going anywhere, but it does teach that something is coming to us. Something coming to us and us going somewhere are two completely different situations. Often, because of verse 12, 1 Corinthians 13:10 is conflated with 1 John 3:2. However, 1 Corinthians 13:12 and 1 John 3:2 are not cross-references—the contexts are discussing separate issues.

Read 1 John 3:1-2: “[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. [2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” Because of a famous hymn, verse 2—“for we shall see him as he is”—is used to explain 1 Corinthians 13:12’s phrase “face to face.” It is then assumed that 1 Corinthians 13:10—“when that which is perfect is come”—is descriptive of us going to heaven and seeing Jesus for who He really is, when we no longer wonder what He looks like but when we actually see Him “face to face.” Yet, beloved, a hymnal is not our authority; it is not inspired of God. Just because someone wrote a hymn lacking doctrinal clarity and accuracy, does not mean that we are to accept the hymn for sake of tradition. We should discard the hymn and we should believe the Bible for what it says rather than that what it is presumed to teach. After all, the hymn is to be written based on Bible truth; the Bible is the authority, not the hymnal. It would save us much disappointment and misery when we realize that the opinions of men are not going to profit us in eternity.

The phrase “when that which is perfect is come” has nothing to do with us dying and going to heaven. It is talking about something coming to us, not us going to a place. The real reason why people (particularly charismatics) take the view of us dying going to heaven in reference to 1 Corinthians 13:10 is so that the spirituals gifts—especially the gift of tongues—can be viewed as still operating (for, it is said, the spiritual gifts will not cease until we go to heaven). This is a very faulty position to take, for there is nothing in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 about dying and going to heaven. On the authority of the Scriptures, we must reject this view.

2. IS “WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS COME” A REFERENCE TO WHEN JESUS COMES BACK TO EARTH?

This view is similar to view #1 because it too is based on a faulty reading of 1 John 3:1-2: “[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. [2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

Certainly, 1 John 3:2 is speaking of Jesus Christ’s return to planet Earth (often called His “Second Coming”), but to link this to 1 Corinthians 13:12 and then interpret verse 10 in light of it, it is to read something into Paul’s writings that the Apostle did not write. Despite what the Scofield Reference Bible has in its marginal notes, 1 Corinthians 13:12 and 1 John 3:2 are not cross-references—the contexts are discussing separate issues. As it is said, a text without a context makes one a conman! We must consider contexts whenever looking at any verse.

Additionally, to say “that which is perfect is come” is a person, is to support strange and awkward grammar. Do you actually think that Jesus Christ would be called “that which is perfect?” It is quite clear that this phrase is referring to an inanimate object, not a person. The phrase “that which is perfect is come” of 1 Corinthians 10:13 does not refer to Jesus Christ or His return.

By the way, modern translations re-translate 1 Corinthians 13:10 in order to make its teaching less clear, probably in attempt to make it more appealing to those who want the verse to support their denominational doctrine (if left alone, the verse would put their religious system out of business!). The Ryrie Study Bible, New American Standard Version, for example, reads in 1 Corinthians 13:10, “but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.” Its footnote says, “The perfect. A reference to Christ’s second coming.” Nothing could be further from the truth—the context does not allow such a strange view!

The real reason why people (particularly charismatics) take this view of “that which is perfect” refers to Jesus Christ’s return is, like view #1, so that the spiritual gifts—especially the gift of tongues—can be viewed as still operating (for, it is said, the spiritual gifts will not cease until Jesus comes back). Like view #1, this is a very faulty position to take, for there is nothing in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 about Jesus coming back to Earth. On the authority of the Scriptures, we must reject this view as well.

3. IS “WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS COME” A REFERENCE TO WHEN THE BIBLE IS COMPLETED?

Let us take another look at the verse whose phrase is in question: “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Corinthians 13:10). As previously mentioned, this verse says nothing about us going anywhere, but it does teach that something is coming to us. The question is, what is coming to us

We should look at the verse in its context (1 Corinthians 13:8-13): “[8] 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. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [11] 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. [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. [13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians is the heart of Paul’s three-chapter-long discourse on spiritual gifts and the Dispensation of Grace. The Corinthians were spiritually immature (1 Corinthians 3:1-2), and they were ignorant of spiritual gifts and they were misusing and abusing them (1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40). Rather than focusing on sound doctrine, the Corinthians, like today’s charismatics, were too engaged in emotional experiences—especially the gift of tongues (refer to the 40 verses of 1 Corinthians chapter 14). Paul wrote chapters 12-14 to show them that there Christian lives were not functioning properly, and if they did not correct their thinking, when the spiritual gifts would fall away, their Christian lives would fall apart!

  • 1 Corinthians 13:11: “When I was a child, I spake as a child.” This would be a reference to the gift of tongues (verse 8), the ability to speak forth God’s Word in intelligent human languages never formally learned.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:11: “When I was a child… I understood as a child.” This would be a reference to the gift of knowledge (verse 8), the supernatural ability of knowing and understanding deep spiritual truths of God’s Word before they were written down in Scripture (see verse 2).
  • 1 Corinthians 13:11: “When I was a child… I thought as a child.” This would be a reference to the gift of prophecy (verse 8), the ability to preach and identify God’s Word before it was written, particularly in reference to predicting the future.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:11: “But when I became a man, I put away childish things.” This would be spiritual maturity, when all revelation from God is given. It is then that we do away with the immature things.

Paul wrote that there was coming a day when the gift of prophecy would fail, the gift of tongues would cease, and the gift of knowledge would vanish away (verse 8). The Church the Body of Christ would move away from doctrinal immaturity and into doctrinal maturity. In other words, the completed revelation from God would be given, and this would bring about mature saints, people who fully grasped what God wanted them to know (Ephesians 4:11-14).

Let us look back at 1 Corinthians 13:12: “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.” Paul acknowledged that he had not received all of the information God wanted him to have and give to us. Later, the Apostle wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:1: “I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.” Years afterward, Paul wrote his prison epistles—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and 2 Timothy—and they were the full revelation of God for this the Dispensation of Grace.

After all, Paul wrote in Colossians 1:25-26 that one of his divinely-ordained roles was to complete God’s Word: “[25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.” Ephesians 3:1-4 explains: “[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: [3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)….” We learn the knowledge God revealed first to Paul, by reading his epistles of Romans through Philemon.

“When that which is perfect is come” is a reference to when partial knowledge and partial prophesying are done away. Verses 9 and 10 again: “[9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” This is talking about the completion of the Bible’s canon of books, which was settled in God’s mind in the first century A.D. Once Paul wrote the epistle of 2 Timothy, the Bible was complete, and there was no more revelation needed from God (cf. Colossians 1:25 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17). This is the only view that the context of 1 Corinthians 13:10 allows. For God to have us grow up spiritually is something He wants now, not when we go to heaven (view #1) or when Jesus comes back (view #2): God wants mature Christians now (view #3).

By the way, the word “perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10 is not sinless perfection, but the completion of God’s revelation (the Holy Bible) and the spiritual maturity it brings to those who read and believe it. Notice some examples of how the Scriptures use the term “perfect” in that sense:

  • Philippians 3:15: “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”
  • Colossians 1:28: “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:”
  • Colossians 4:12: “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
  • Hebrews 5:14: “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

CONCLUSION

Generally, there are three primary interpretations concerning the meaning of the phrase “that which is perfect is come” of 1 Corinthians 13:10: (1) Some people believe that that is a reference to us dying and going to heaven, (2) others believe that it refers to when Jesus returns to earth, and (3) others believe that it refers to the completed Bible. The only sound view—in light of context, in light of grammar, in light of Scripture—is that 1 Corinthians 13:10 is referring to the completed canon of Scripture of the first century A.D. There are no spiritual gifts
operating today because we have the completed 66-book Holy Bible. If we are to people of faith, we must throw away our doctrinally-deficient hymns, we must discard our faulty theological systems, and we must break away from our pre-conceived ideas. We are to embrace the simple truths of the English Bible. In the end, God’s Word—not theological systems, not Bible commentaries, not preachers or teachers—alone will matter.

Also see:
» Must I pray or speak in “tongues?”
» Can I trust the Holy Bible? (TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» What about spiritual gifts in the Dispensation of Grace? (TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)

CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT, Did the Church the Body of Christ begin in Acts 2?, Did the Church the Body of Christ begin in Acts 2?, DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

Did the Church the Body of Christ begin in Acts 2?

DID THE CHURCH THE BODY OF CHRIST BEGIN IN ACTS 2?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Nearly everyone in Christendom is convinced that Acts chapter 2 is “the birthday of the Church the Body of Christ.” Does this overwhelming consensus agree with God’s Word, or is this just a denominational viewpoint courtesy of religious tradition? Let us search the Scriptures to see what Almighty God has to say about this often-confused topic.

Firstly, remember, whenever you see the word “church” in the Bible, it does not necessarily refer to the Church the Body of Christ. “Church” simply means “a called-out assembly.” There are three “churches” in Scripture: the Mosaic Church, the Messianic Church, and the Mystery Church.

The Mosaic Church is mentioned in Acts 7:38, when the Prophet Stephen refers to the nation Israel as “the church in the wilderness.” The LORD had just called out Israel from Egyptian bondage. Certainly, that “church” had nothing to do with the Body of Christ—it was the nation Israel, a separate and distinct entity. This Mosaic Church derives its name from Moses, the man whom God used to lead Israel from Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land.

The Greek word ecclesia (often translated “church”) is correctly translated “assembly” in Acts 19:32. The King James translators did not use the word “church” here because it was not a group of believers, but rather a mob of pagan worshippers who were angry with the Apostle Paul after he spoke against their mythological goddess Diana. Again, “church” does not always mean “a group of believers;” likewise, “church” in the Bible does not always refer to the Church the Body of Christ. The context determines the definition of the term.

Religious tradition has made such a mess of Matthew 16:18. Let us read it as it appears in the King James Bible (Jesus Christ is speaking to Peter): “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” This is neither the Roman Catholic Church nor the Church the Body of Christ. Continue reading in verse 19, “I will give unto thee [Peter] the keys of the kingdom of heaven….” The Lord Jesus Christ has just appointed Peter as the head of the “Messianic Church.” The “rock” is the fact that Jesus is Messiah/Christ (Peter’s profession in verse 16). Again, this is not the Body of Christ because the Messianic Church is comprised of those Jews who have trusted Jesus as their Messiah, Christ, the Son of the living God—this includes those believers from John the Baptist’s ministry and Christ’s earthly ministry (see Matthew 16:15-17). According to Luke 12:32, the Messianic Church is also known as the “little flock,” the believing segment of the nation Israel that will inherit the earthly kingdom promised in the Old Testament.

When the book of Acts opens, this Messianic Church still exists. In Acts chapter 2, Peter is the chief speaker (remember, he is the head of the Messianic Church and the keys of Israel’s kingdom have been given to him). Do not be confused when Acts 2:47 says “the church”—it is the mishandling of this verse that contributes to the erroneous idea that this is the Church the Body of Christ. Acts chapter 2 is not a reference to the Body of Christ; remember that this is the Messianic Church, what Jesus Christ promised to build back in Matthew 16:18.

Here are 12 reasons why the “church” in Acts chapter 2 is not the Church the Body of Christ:

1. ACTS 2 INVOLVES JESUS CHRIST’S EARTHLY MINISTRY.

The Bible says in Hebrews 2:3-4: “[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; [4] God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” According to the Holy Spirit speaking through the writer of the book of Hebrews—it is a Jewish book!—the early Acts period is a continuation of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry (which was also Jewish; Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 15:24; John 4:22; Romans 15:8). Read Acts 1:4-5: “[4] And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. [5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” Jesus Christ was referring to John the Baptist’s words in Matthew 3:11: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” In His earthly ministry, the Lord Jesus Christ promised to send the Holy Ghost (see John 14:16-18; John 15:26; John 16:7)—this promise was fulfilled to Israel in Acts chapter 2. Acts chapter 2 is linked to Jesus’ earthly ministry, which was confined to Israel (see Acts 2:22).

 2. ACTS 2 INVOLVES ISRAEL ONLY.

The chief speaker of Acts chapter 2 is the Apostle Peter, an apostle of Israel (Matthew 10:1-7; Matthew 19:28; Galatians 2:9). Peter was sent to minister to the nation Israel (Matthew 10:5-7). Undoubtedly, Peter’s audience in Acts chapter 2 is Jews only, the nation Israel (Acts 2:5,14,22,29,36). On four occasions, Peter says that he is speaking to, “Ye men of Judaea” (verse 14), “ye men of Israel” (verse 22), “men and brethren” (verse 29), and “the whole house of Israel” (verse 36). The Holy Ghost is leading the Apostle Peter to speak (verse 4), and the Holy Ghost is well aware that He is speaking to the nation Israel. Indeed, Acts chapter 2 is to Israel and about Israel. The Church the Body of Christ is made up of neither Jew nor Gentile (Galatians 3:28; Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 2:11-18; Colossians 3:11); therefore, the Body of Christ is separate from the nation Israel and not related to Acts chapter 2. It is apparently clear that we are still in Jewish-Gentile distinction of “time past” of Ephesians 2:11-12 here in Acts chapter 2. Some may argue that the term “all that are afar off” in Acts 2:39 refers to Gentiles, but they are incorrect because the context does not allow this definition. Actually, we find this term in Daniel 9:7 and it refers to scattered Jews around the world. It has no reference to Gentiles, either in Daniel 9:7 or Acts 2:39.

3. ACTS 2 INVOLVES PENTECOST, A JEWISH FEAST DAY.

Acts 2:1 says “when the day of Pentecost was fully come.” This is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The Body of Christ is separate from Israel’s prophetic program (see Romans 16:25-26). Also, Pentecost is one of the three major Jewish feasts (Leviticus 23:15-16). We members of the Church the Body of Christ are not bound by the laws and feast days of Judaism (Romans 6:14-15; Galatians 4:9-11; Colossians 2:16), so this further proves that the group of believers in Acts chapter 2 is not the Church the Body of Christ. The Spirit of God would never lead a member of the Church the Body of Christ to be under the law (2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:18).

4. ACTS 2 INVOLVES PROPHECY, NOT MYSTERY.

According to what the Holy Ghost through Peter said in Acts 2:16-21, the events of Acts chapter 2 are fulfilled Old Testament prophecy: “[16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; [17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: [18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: [19] And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: [20] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: [21] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” The Prophet Joel (2:28-32) prophesied the supernatural events of Acts chapter 2 in relation to Israel’s restoration—we do not have these signs, miracles, and wonders in the Body of Christ and the Dispensation of Grace. The strange astronomical phenomena recorded in Joel and Acts chapter 2 will be fulfilled after our dispensation (see Matthew 24:29-30; Mark 13:24-26; Luke 21:25-28; Revelation 6:12-14). Again, the Body of Christ has no relation to the Old Testament because the “mystery” (our Dispensation of Grace) was “kept secret since the world began” (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:5; Colossians 1:26). The risen, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ revealed our mystery dispensation first and only to the Apostle Paul (Romans 16:25-26; Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:25-29). We do not find ourselves outside of Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon.

5. ACTS 2 INVOLVES “THE LAST DAYS.”

We return to Acts 2:17: “[16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; [17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” Notice the expression “in the last days” in verse 17. Acts chapter 2 does not record the first days of anything—there is no “church birthday” here. Acts chapter involves “the last days.” The “last days” of what? Israel’s prophetic program was winding down in Acts chapter 2, but God interrupted that program in Acts chapter 7 to introduce the mystery program (our Dispensation of Grace).

6. ACTS 2 INVOLVES JESUS CHRIST BEING RAISED TO SIT ON DAVID’S THRONE.

When the Apostle Peter preached in Acts chapter 2, notice what the Holy Spirit said through him in verses 29-31: “[29] Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. [30] Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; [31] He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” We have no relation to David’s throne; we are Gentiles saved apart from the nation Israel (Romans 11:11-12). When the Holy Spirit moved the Apostle Paul to write to us, he wrote that Jesus Christ was raised “for our justification” (Romans 4:25)—he made no reference to David’s throne like Peter did.

7. ACTS 2 INVOLVES A GOSPEL THAT IS NOT VALID TODAY.

The Apostle Peter preached in Acts 2:38 when his audience asked how to be saved: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” This is certainly a works-religion gospel, and it was valid in Israel’s program—it is problematic when people try to apply it to us because it does not belong in our dispensation. After all, Jesus Christ had said in Mark 16:16 that faith and water baptism were necessary for salvation in Israel’s program. Peter is in perfect accordance with his commission. Israel will not receive forgiveness of sins until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19). Jews must repent (change their mind about who Jesus Christ really was) and be water baptized in order to receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. When the Philippian jailer asked Paul what he must do to be saved, Paul said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). Unlike Peter’s ministry, in Paul’s ministry, there was no reference to water baptism or repentance. We receive the Holy Spirit by trusting the Gospel of the Grace of God—Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 4:24-25)—and God the Father seals us with the Holy Spirit instantly (Ephesians 1:12-14). Romans 4:1-8 makes it abundantly clear that no works save us. Acts chapter 2 does not apply to us because its Gospel message does not apply to us—it is a false gospel for us and we should reject it as such (Galatians 1:6-12).

8. ACTS 2 INVOLVES ISRAEL’S APOSTLES AND ISRAEL’S TEMPLE.

According to some of the closing verses of Acts chapter 2, these believers continued in “the apostles’ doctrine” and were “with one accord in the temple” (verses 42,46). The “apostles” in this case are Peter, James, John, and the other nine apostles from Christ’s earthly ministry—these apostles of Israel were never sent to minister to the Church the Body of Christ (recall Matthew 10:5-7; Galatians 2:9). Furthermore, temple worship has no relation to us the Church the Body of Christ because we are not under the demands of the Mosaic Law (Romans 6:14-15; Galatians 5:1-5). We believers are the Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16), and God does not dwell in temples made with hands (Acts 17:24).

9. ACTS 2 INVOLVES A PRE-EXISTING GROUP OF BELIEVERS.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). The Bible says that there was a pre-existing group of believers in Acts chapter 2. It is not a new Body of Christ; Acts chapter 2 was simply a continuation of the Messianic Church that we discussed earlier. Again, there is no “birthday” of anything in Acts chapter 2.

 10. ACTS 2 INVOLVES SIGNS, MIRACLES, AND WONDERS.

Read Acts 2:43: “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” Is there “fear” in local churches today because of miraculous demonstrations? “The Jews require a sign” (1 Corinthians 1:22a). Mark 16:15-20 talks about how signs were to follow those that believe in Israel’s program, and Acts chapter 2 is a confirmation (see Hebrews 2:3-4). These miracles belong with Israel, and they do not apply to us. We have something better than miracles—we have the completed Word of God, the Holy Bible (1 Corinthians 13:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

 11. ACTS 2 INVOLVES COMMUNAL LIVING.

Did you ever notice the communal living found in Acts 2:44-45? Who does this today, except perhaps the cults? “[44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common; [45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” These Jewish believers sold everything they had and gave the money they received to the twelve apostles for distribution to the poor (in perfect accordance with what Jesus said in Matthew 19:21-24 and Luke 12:31-34)! This was selfless, spontaneous living for the good of their fellow Jewish believers. Do you know of any Christian today who has sold all his or her possessions and given the money to a preacher or a local church? I seriously doubt it, so yet again, the Bible proves that Acts chapter 2 has nothing to do with the Church the Body of Christ.

12. ACTS 2 INVOLVES LEGALISM.

As we stated earlier, the Spirit of God would never lead a member of the Church the Body of Christ to be under the law (2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:18). Yet, legalism abounds in Acts chapter 2—repentance and water baptism for salvation and forgiveness (verse 38) and obeying the apostles’ doctrine in the Temple (verse 42,46). Jesus said that Israel’s 12 apostles were to preach and teach the Law (Matthew 5:17-20). We have no relation to legalism because Paul says that we are under grace, not law (Romans 6:14-15).

CONCLUSION

Despite what the denominationalists and religionists claim, the Church the Body of Christ did not begin in Acts chapter 2. To say that it did is to ignore all of the verses that we briefly outlined in this study. Acts chapter 2 is not our pattern; we must ignore the modern-day cries to “go back to Pentecost to get the Holy Ghost and the fire.” If we want to have God’s power and learn God’s information to us, we must go to Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon. We must leave Acts chapter 2 in Israel’s program where it belongs, or we will confuse everyone and ourselves, and make our Christian lives vain and miserable. So, when did the Church the Body of Christ begin? Please see our study below dedicated to answering that very question!

 

Also see:
» When did the Church the Body of Christ begin?
» How are Gentiles saved outside of our dispensation? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» What is “the Dispensation of Grace?”

CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT, DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, What about modern-day “faith healing?”, What about modern-day “faith healing?”

What about modern-day “faith healing?”

IS GOD HEALING SICK BODIES TODAY AS PEOPLE CLAIM? SHOULD WE SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION DURING SICKNESS, OR JUST LET GOD PERFORM A “MIRACLE HEALING” VIA A PREACHER OR “PRAYER CLOTH?” DOES GOD LOVE ME EVEN WHEN I AM SICK?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Is God healing miraculously healing sick bodies today, as many televangelists assert? If we pray fervently enough, will God deliver us from all bodily illnesses? What does the Bible really say? Should we seek a minister’s help when physically sick? What about prayer cloths and miracle oils and waters? Rather than appealing to church tradition and faith healers, we appeal to the Scriptures, and we will see God’s answer about the matter.

Firstly, there is no doubt whatsoever that God can heal sick bodies because He did it dozens and dozens of times in Scripture.

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:23). “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people” (Matthew 9:35). “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him” (James 5:14-15). Jesus Christ said, “They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:18).

We do not question God’s ability to heal all manner of disease and sickness, for the Scriptures are very clear that He can do it. What we question is modern-day claims that He is still performing those healing miracles today. Just because Jesus Christ performed healing miracles in the past does not mean that He is still doing this today. Please note that Jesus Christ ministered to Israel during His earthly ministry (Matthew 15:24; Romans 15:8) and James is writing to Israel (1:1)—the verses quoted above do not refer to us Gentiles. “The Jews require a sign” (1 Corinthians 1:22a). Jesus Christ and His apostles performed healing miracles in order to teach Israel doctrine. Throughout Israel’s history, God used miraculous demonstrations to teach Israel that He was in their midst, what He could do for them, and what He would do with them.

Despite the Bible’s healing promises, the Apostle Paul wrote: “[22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:22-23). Not only do lost people suffer physical pain because of the curse of sin, but Christians suffer physical sicknesses, too. Paul admitted that he even suffered physical pain under the curse of sin!

There was no miraculous healing for ill Timothy, whom Paul instructed, “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23). One of the last verses Paul wrote was, “Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick” (2 Timothy 4:20). These were faithful Christian men serving in the ministry, and none of them were healed miraculously. In fact, Timothy was advised to use wine for medicinal purposes. Timothy was sick quite often.

Even Paul himself experienced various sicknesses and infirmities. We read in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10: “[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. [9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

Paul wrote to the Galatians, “[13] Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. [14] And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus” (Galatians 4:13-14). Based on Galatians 6:11, Paul may have had vision problems.

Surely, there was no “healing in Jesus’ name” in these verses! Where is Paul’s apostolic gift of healing? Why did he, Timothy, or Trophimus not claim those healing passages like Exodus 15:26, or James 5:14-15, or Mark 16:18? They knew they did not apply to them, just like they do not apply to us. God is doing something different today. If today’s “faith healers” were really miraculously healing the sick, why are hospitals all around the world filled with the sick and dying? Why do we need health insurance? Why do the “faith healers” wear eyeglasses, visit doctors, and undergo operations at hospitals? Why do the “faith healers” eventually die, succumbing to the ultimate disease (death!)? Their duplicity is obvious. They are deceived and they are deceiving others. Whether they are deliberately or unwittingly misleading others makes no difference; it is still deception and dishonoring to God’s name and Word. It only leads to disappointment and apostasy.

Rather than temporary physical healing, as God promised Israel, today in the Dispensation of Grace, the Lord promises us everlasting spiritual healing. Notice what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: “[16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. [17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Rather than God improving our physical bodies (which “perish” anyway), God is working in our inner man (which is “renewed day by day” by daily Bible study). Furthermore, He will give us new physical bodies one day regardless of what these physical bodies experience.

Read Romans 8:18-25: “[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

Rather than being depressed about physical limitations and infirmities, we can be saved from despair. We need to let God renew our minds by reading, studying, and believing His Word to us regarding those troubles. Those troubles do not have to destroy us! Friend, God still loves you, even when you are sick, for God loved you so much that He sent Jesus Christ to Calvary’s cross to die for your sins (Romans 5:8). You can use this time of suffering to grow spiritually, to better appreciate who you are in Jesus Christ.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, which goes into greater detail about our glorified bodies: “[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

Philippians 3:20-21 summarizes: “[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

The rapture is the day for our physical healing as members of the Body of Christ, and that healing will be permanent. For now, let us remember that we are already “blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Everything God can give us, He did so the moment we trusted Christ as our personal Saviour. We did not work for those blessings; Jesus Christ did! We have forgiveness of sins in and through Christ (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).

At the rapture, we Christians will be eternally delivered from these bodies of sickness and death, and we will receive new glorified bodies. Until then, God expects us to seek medical help and take medication for our physical sicknesses.

Also see:
» Are the spiritual gifts in operation today? (UPCOMING)
» Should I be filled with the Holy Ghost? (UPCOMING)
» Should I “speak in tongues?”

CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, PRAYER, Should I "pray in tongues?", Should I “speak in tongues?”, Should I “speak in tongues?”

Should I “speak in tongues?”

SHOULD I “SPEAK IN TONGUES?” SHOULD I “PRAY IN TONGUES?” IS TODAY’S “GIFT OF TONGUES” OF THE GOD OF THE BIBLE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Proponents of the charismatic movement claim that we need to be “filled with the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.” Must we speak in tongues to be saved? Is speaking in tongues necessary to prove our salvation? Remember, we do not appeal to a theological system for answers to these questions. Church tradition, experiences, and assumptions are not the issue; what matters is what God’s Word says.

Let us see what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:10,28,30 about spiritual gifts: “[10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: [28] 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. [30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” Certainly, some of these Christians had the gift of tongues.

In Mark 16:17, Jesus Christ Himself said, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.”

Paul himself wrote, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all” (1 Corinthians 14:18).

Tongue-talking is certainly biblical, for the above verses demonstrate that certain Christians and Jewish believers had the spiritual gift of tongues. But, is speaking in tongues something we Christians should practice today? That is, is tongue-talking dispensational? (We will answer this question later.) The Bible clearly mentions “speaking in tongues,” but before we discuss this topic any further, we need to define this term as the Bible defines it, not what a denomination says it is. Firstly, what does it mean to “speak in tongues” in the Bible?

Today, church members claim to speak in allegedly “angelic language,” some special prayer language that only God understands. Upon listening to these people “pray in the Spirit,” we conclude it is nothing intelligent: “Hastala shandala hobbla gobbla.” Others repeat, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” This behavior is related to the Oriental religions’ “breath prayers” and uttering the Roman Catholic repetitious rosary. In short, it is vain, worthless religious nonsense!

Corinth was the most spiritually immature Christian assembly Paul knew. These believers loved feel-good worship services, emotional highs, and being the center of attention (1 Corinthians 14:4,5ff.). That is much of “the Church” today! Corinth abused spiritual gifts, so Paul devoted three chapters (1 Corinthians chapters 12, 13, and 14) to address these problems. Chapter 14 deals entirely with tongue-talking.

In 1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, 13, 14, 19, and 27, Paul mentioned speaking in “unknown tongues.” That word “unknown”—absent from modern Bibles—indicates this was not God’s gift of tongues. This was some ecstatic, nonsensical utterance based on emotions: some believers in Corinth just loved to draw attention to themselves by abusing tongues (that is, by speaking in gibberish). God’s gift of tongues was always intelligent human languages, dialects.

The Apostle Paul confirmed that speaking in tongues in Scriptures was always an intelligent language that could be translated and understood (profitable). He wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:7-19: “[7] And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? [8] For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? [9] So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. [10] There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. [11] Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian [foreigner], and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian [foreigner] unto me. [12] Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. [13] Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. [14] For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. [15] What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. [16] Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? [17] For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. [18] I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: [19] Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.”

What did Paul say in verse 19 above? “I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.” Talking 10,000 words in gibberish will profit nothing! Speak with intelligence, not some “angelic tongue.” According to the Bible, “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33), so if it is not an intelligent human language that can be reduced and profitable, it is not from the God of the Bible!

We see how the gift of tongues operated in the Bible by looking at Acts 2, the day of Pentecost and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on Israel’s 12 apostles. Let us read Acts 2:4-11: “[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? [9] Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, [10] Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, [11] Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”

For the Feast of Pentecost, there were Jews in Jerusalem “out of every nation under heaven” (verse 5). These Jews did not speak Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic, so in order for them to understand Joel’s prophecy was being fulfilled, God the Holy Ghost caused Israel’s 12 apostles to speak God’s Word in at least 15 different dialects, those human languages of the nations out of which those Jews came. These Jews were amazed (“confounded”) that uneducated fisherman could speak all of these intelligent languages that they had never formally learned!

The various human languages of the world are the result of God’s judgment on rebellious mankind at the Tower of Babel back in Genesis 11:1-9. In Israel’s earthly kingdom, which is still future, this curse of the languages will be reversed. Zechariah 8:23 says: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.” Israel was given the gift of speaking in tongues as a way to evangelize Gentiles (which they will do when Jesus Christ returns at His Second Coming).

Israel is also God’s “signs, miracles, and wonders” people. “For the Jews require a sign” (1 Corinthians 1:22a). In order to demonstrate that He was working in their midst, God would perform miraculous demonstrations for Israel to see and hear. This was true throughout the “Old Testament” Scriptures, the Four Gospels, and even into early Acts.

Acts 10:45-47 demonstrates what God taught Israel using the gift of tongues: “[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. [46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. [47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” Notice how these were intelligent human languages—otherwise, these Jews would have been unable to recognize that these Gentiles were “magnifying God” (rather than cursing Him, which could not be distinguished had this been gibberish). God poured out Israel’s gift of speaking in tongues on Gentiles to show Israel that He was now saving Gentiles.

This is why there was tongue-speaking in Paul’s ministry and in the early Church the Body of Christ. God was proving to Israel, especially unbelieving Israel, that He was now ministering to the Gentiles through Paul’s ministry. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:21-22: “[21] In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. [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.”

The spiritual gifts program, however, was only temporary. Those spiritual gifts were only operating while the transitional book of Acts was occurring. God was moving away from Israel and going to the Gentiles, and the miraculous demonstrations—including the gift of tongues—operating amongst the Gentiles proved this. Once that transitional period was over (that is, the book of Acts had ended), God had fully set aside Israel and her program. Once the spiritual gifts ceased, the Corinthians would have nothing on which to rely in their Christian life! Thus, Paul urged these immature believers to grow up, and not to be fixated on spiritual gifts, which were passing away (Paul’s two letters to Corinth were written during the latter half of the Acts period).

Notice carefully what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:8-13: “[8] 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. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [11] 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. [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. [13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

The spiritual gifts (the chief of which were the gift of prophecy, the gift of tongues, and the gift of knowledge; verse 8) were only going to operate while there was incomplete knowledge and incomplete understanding of God’s Word. When the Bible canon was completed, which was about A.D. 68, the spiritual gifts were no longer needed. The gift of speaking in tongues “vanished away” when the Bible was completed in the A.D. first century. “That which is perfect is come” is complete knowledge and complete understanding—it is not Jesus Christ’s coming and it is not going heaven. God does not want us to grow up when we get to heaven—He wants us to grow up now! Paul wrote that the immature Corinthians needed to grow up now! “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” (1 Corinthians 13:11).

Contrary to the tenets of the charismatic movement, the gift of speaking in tongues is of no use to us today—otherwise, we are wasting our money and time sending missionary to learn foreign languages in language school! It existed in the early days of the Church the Body of Christ, when God was using it to signify to the Jews that He was now operating amongst the Gentiles. But, there came a point in time when the spiritual gifts were no longer needed. The spiritual gifts were no longer needed when the Word of God, the Holy Bible, was completed, and mankind received the full/complete (“perfect”) revelation from God. We know that today’s tongue-talkers in religion are not doing God’s will, for they are not obeying the rules regarding tongue talking as described in 1 Corinthians chapter 14.

  1. MUST ONLY BE MEN SPEAKING IN TONGUES. When God’s gift of tongues is operating, only men talk with them (verse 34). Why are women talking in tongues today?
  2. MUST BE TWO, OR AT THE MOST THREE, MEN SPEAKING IN TONGUES AT ONE MEETING, AND THEY MUST TAKE TURNS TALKING. No more than two or three are allowed to speak in tongues, and they are to take turns talking—they are not to talk over one another, and the entire assembly is not to speak in tongues (verses 23-24, 40). Why do whole churches engage in tongue-talking today?
  3. MUST MAINTAIN SELF-CONTROL AT ALL TIMES. Self-control is to be present the entire time while the gift of tongues is in operation (verse 40). Why do today’s tongue-talkers lose bodily control (jumping pews, running down aisles, dancing, convulsing on floors, et cetera)?
  4. MUST BE INTERPRETED/TRANSLATED. God’s gift of tongues was an intelligent human language never formally learned, but it was to be interpreted (verses 27-28; cf. Acts 2:4-11). Why do today’s tongue-talkers utter gibberish, which cannot be reduced to anything intelligent and profitable?
  5. MUST BE A SIGN TO UNBELIEVING ISRAEL. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:21-22: “[21] In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. [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.” God is not dealing with Israel anyway, so why would He be communicating to Israel via the gift of tongues?

Obviously, today’s “gift of tongues” is not of the God of the Bible; it does not agree with these rules for speaking in tongues that God laid out in the above verses. Rather than spiritual gifts, we have the completed and written Word of God to accomplish His will, and that Bible can be and has been translated into the languages of the world: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is studying and believing that Holy Word of God rightly divided that we will grow up spiritually!

So, if it is not of the God of the Bible, then what is the origin of the modern-day gift of speaking in tongues? It is nothing more than an emotional high, the overactive flesh of spiritually immature people who are not cooperating with the God of the Bible. “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect through the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3). God does not deal with us via emotions (they are tainted by sin); God communicates to us through our spirit, our mind, as we study and believe His Word (Romans 12:1,2; Ephesians 4:23; Colossians 3:10).

Also see:
» Should I be filled with the Holy Ghost? (UPCOMING)
» Are signs, miracles, and wonders for today? (UPCOMING)
» What about angelic appearances, visions, dreams, and other experiences? (UPCOMING)