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The World to Come. The Restored Church of God presents David C. Pack. Answering life’s
greatest questions straight from the Bible, and announcing the wonderful good news of
the World to Come.
This is Part 2 examining what the Bible says about Pentecostalism and speaking in tongues.
We have been asking whether this is evidence of the Holy Spirit. This is the belief of
millions of Pentecostals. We examined “baptism with the Holy Spirit” and “tarry meetings.”
Is speaking in tongues the proof one has received God’s power? You are learning truth that
virtually all Christendom---including Pentecostals---do not understand.
There are only two occasions in the New Testament where anyone spoke with tongues upon receiving
God’s Spirit. We saw in Part 1 that the Acts 2 Pentecost account was a case of people
hearing in their own tongue. Let’s examine these additional accounts.
Acts 10 records the story of God’s Spirit being given to Gentiles for the first time,
when the Italian, Cornelius, with his household, received it. The account concludes, “While
Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word...”
The apostle Paul also explained how the Holy Spirit was to be given to Gentiles. Notice:
“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that
we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” This promise comes thru
faith. There is nothing here about the “promise of the Spirit” being fulfilled at a tarry
meeting. Also, the blessing has nothing to do with the blessing Pentecostals seek at
tarry meetings. It means that converted Gentiles become children of all the blessings and promises
made to Abraham---because they are actually Abraham’s children.
Later, in Acts 11, Peter reported to the apostles, with certain naysayers present, what had happened
with Cornelius: “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at
the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the Lord…you shall be baptized with the
Holy Spirit...God gave them the like gift as He did unto us.”
Peter says nothing of God’s Spirit coming with a sudden great sound from heaven that
resembled a roaring wind. There is simply no parallel between this and Acts 2. However,
the occasion was very important because, as Peter concluded, “Then has God also to the
Gentiles granted [or given] repentance unto life.”
As with Acts 2, this was another special event in the development of God’s Church. For
the first time, God was converting Gentiles. Also note the reference to “granted repentance,”
which introduces an overlooked, but all-important, element. We will study this later in detail.
Here is the second occasion: “Paul...came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
he said unto them, Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? And they said unto
him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit. And he said unto
them, Unto what then were you baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said
Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that
they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When
they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had
laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues,
and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.”
Note several things: (1) These men did speak with tongues.
(2) It occurred after baptism... (3) and after Paul laid hands on them.
(4) They knew of repentance from John the Baptist.
(5) There is no evidence they “tarried” or “waited” to receive God’s Spirit.
(6) This was a very small group. Almost nothing in this account was similar
to the Pentecost occurrence. Though modern Pentecostals may be sincere, they have no
hope of repeating what happened in Acts 2. That event had never occurred before and will
never happen again in the same way! So many today think in reverse---completely
backwards!---from what God intends. They gather in tarry meetings to plead with God, over
and over, to send His Spirit---to “send another Pentecost,” as in A.D. 31. Their
repeated beseeching of God for His Spirit suggests God is reluctant to give it. They
beg and agonize, believing that only by doing this, will God finally---seemingly reluctantly---grant
the power of His Spirit. Is this a correct picture?
In fact, it reflects the opposite of the way God thinks. He is more than eager to give
His Holy Spirit to all who ask Him. Notice: “If you then, being evil [speaking of human
beings generally], know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much MORE shall your
heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”---to His children.
None need beg, plead or cajole God to give what He already wants to give. If you are
sincere---and repentant---God is eager to bestow His Spirit---also see Rev. 3:19-20.
Here is where many go further astray. From Christ’s ascension, the disciples waited
10 days for Pentecost. Tragically, many read this and think they must plead and cry, over
a long period---represented by the 10 days---until God relents and finally gives His Spirit.
Such terrible misunderstanding! Peter’s Pentecost sermon included a direct
instruction---about receiving God’s Spirit---to anyone who showed genuine remorse and sorrow
for how their sins had crucified Christ. If you are of Pentecostal background, this
statement is not what you expect. But it is the official “apostles’ doctrine” on
the matter. Let’s read: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Spirit.”
The two---and only two---pre-conditions for baptism and receiving God’s Spirit are:
(1) repent, and (2) believe (have faith). Paul taught everywhere, “repentance toward
God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” But do not misunderstand. God does not owe
you His Spirit because you have repented and exercised faith. His Spirit is a gift, as
is repentance. Like salvation, God’s Spirit is not something you can earn by works. (Read
Eph. 2:8-9.) In fact, even the faith to believe is a gift (same verse).
Acts 1 describes Jesus’ last instruction to His disciples before ascending to heaven.
He promised they would soon receive God’s Spirit and told them to wait. Let’s see:
“[Jesus], being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not
depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, says He, you have heard
of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit
not many days hence.” Pentecost was just 10 days later. The disciples
knew what Pentecost meant---and exactly when this day would come.
Leviticus 23 describes 7 annual festivals that ancient Israel was to observe each year.
This chapter begins by describing Passover and follows with a description of two festivals
on the first and last days of the 7-day period known as the Days of Unleavened Bread. These
two days are annual Sabbaths---Holy Days---which picture obedience to God and putting away
sin from our lives. Unleavened Bread is followed later in the
spring by the festival of “Firstfruits”---or Pentecost---the 3rd annual Holy Day. This
is described in Leviticus 23:9-22. Verse 16 instructs to “number 50 days” until this
festival. Certain verses explain that the Church, composed
of those led by the Holy Spirit, are God’s firstfruits.
Jesus knew exactly what He was going to do on Pentecost. He made sure the disciples understood
what He meant by “...you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.”
No wonder Jesus “commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait
for the promise of the Father.” Why is this so hard to understand? Why do
so many think Jesus was telling the disciples to “pray down Pentecost,” as so many still
attempt today? The disciples understood Pentecost means “count
50.” This was no mystery to them. They knew their last meeting with Jesus had occurred
40 days into the 50-day period preceding Pentecost. They could do the math and know Pentecost
would arrive in 10 days! There would have been no doubt when it would “fully come,”
so all could be “in one accord, in one place”---or about what would happen when it did. It would
have been easy for the disciples to connect simple math with the statement in Luke 24:49
to “wait in Jerusalem.” There are only 4 accounts in the book of Acts
where baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit took place. None refer to waiting for the
Spirit at a “tarry meeting,” so the newly converted could “speak in tongues.” Nowhere
does the Bible authorize, instruct, suggest, or even hint that anyone should participate
in these unscriptural meetings in order to receive, or be baptized by, the Holy Spirit.
In fact, the term “tarry meeting,” or anything similar, is nowhere found in Scripture!
The Bible contains only one verse explaining what some call “baptism of the Holy Spirit.”
We have read it, but let’s review. Paul wrote, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized
into one body.” No other verse mentions this phrase. Eph. 1:22-23 and Col. 1:18 define
“body” as “the Church.” The Body of Christ---the true Church---is one, unified
organization. I Cor. 12:13 merely says that God’s Spirit
baptizes people into the Church! Since the Greek word for baptize---baptizo---means “to
immerse, plunge into,” it is easy to see that people are “immersed” or “plunged”
into the Holy Spirit---and into the Church---as well as of course also into water. Recall
from Part 1 that Romans 8:9 stated we certainly must have God’s Spirit, or we are “none
of” Christ’s. Understand! The term that Pentecostals use,
“baptism of the Holy Spirit,” is simply not in the Bible! Like the term “tarry meeting,”
it is a twisted version of a scriptural phrase done to alter what God intended.
Pentecostal people make a giant assumption in regard to what they call “baptism of
the Holy Spirit.” Without the slightest proof, they assert this is a kind of second
receiving of the Holy Spirit, which takes place at a tarry meeting. Now, they do not
actually teach that the Holy Spirit is given a second time, but rather that this second
occurrence is when one receives power, generally described as given to “witness for Jesus.”
Millions seek what they call “the baptism.” Supposedly, this is an additional necessary
experience---above conversion---and when it does not happen for some, they become hopeless
and give up on the idea of Christianity. The following generally describes the quote
manifestations that the quote seeker would hope to demonstrate. First, the tongue begins
to loosen, almost like one is becoming drunken. Second, are physical sensations and thrills,
usually bringing certain gyrations---and even jumping, leaping, dancing, swaying and shouting
in a way thought to “evidence” receiving power never before felt. Third, a glibness
and quickness---or looseness of speech, best described as flippancy---is present, and all
inhibition disappears. Of course, none of the apostles did ANY of
these things---and God does not prescribe them in the Bible.
I teach you the TRUTH! Acts 2:4 states that those present “...were
all filled with the Holy Spirit.” Being “filled” with the Spirit is clearly the
same as being baptized with it. When thousands around Jerusalem came running
to the event and were baptized, it was only a result of hearing the words “Repent, and
be baptized...and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” THIS was the way they
received the Holy Spirit. THIS event allowed them to be converted and “added to the Church.”
Every converted person---those who have repented and been baptized in water---has also been
baptized by God’s Spirit. The Bible teaches no later follow-up requirement for the newly
converted to receive “power.” At the point when one is led by God’s Spirit, he has
become a begotten child of God. However, he is not yet born, because “that which is
born of the flesh IS flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit IS spirit.” The newly
begotten is a babe in Christ, called to spend his life growing and overcoming.
The disciples had not received God’s Spirit prior to Acts 2. That account was not a description
of a second, follow-up “baptism of the Holy Spirit.” It was a description of how they,
and 3,000 others, received the Holy Spirit and power for the first and only time in their
lives! The Bible is God’s basic instruction book
on all matters pertaining to the Christian’s life. Of course, it does teach that there
is a correct, proper---and scriptural---gift of tongues. God would not give the true gift
of tongues without explaining how it was to be used.
Those in Acts 19, and Cornelius’ household, did in fact speak in tongues. Again, I Cor.
12 does list it as one of the 9 gifts of the Spirit. What then does the Bible teach about
the proper use of this gift? I Cor. 14 has been called the “tongues chapter.”
It is entirely about this subject. The Corinthians had become obsessed with receiving this gift.
Many problems had ensued and the Church was in confusion. Paul admonished, “Be not children
in understanding.” The brethren in Corinth were acting like children.
Paul was forced to address the whole Church. Since the chapter is 40 verses long, he obviously
had much to say. We cannot review every word and phrase of such a long instruction, but
we can examine the most critical points for understanding. It will become obvious that
none of the modern “Pentecostal” groups practice what God taught the Church thru Paul.
God wants His people to be of sound mind on this matter. Read II Tim. 1:7.
Bear in mind I Cor. 14 builds on chapter 12, which introduces both the gift of tongues
and interpretation---and on chapter 13, which explains why love is the most important gift.
Now let’s examine certain verses or phrases of I Cor. 14:
Verse 1: “Follow after charity [love], and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you
may prophesy [inspired preaching].” Paul urges the Corinthians to seek two gifts, neither
of which is tongues or interpreting. Verses 4-5: “He that speaks in an unknown
tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church. I would that you all spoke
with tongues, but [more] rather that you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he
that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.” Obviously,
Paul is not saying he is against tongues, but is explaining that prophesying edifies
the Church. Tongues does not---unless there is an interpreter.
Pentecostal meetings are chaotic---filled with confusion---with little or no interpreting
occurring---and this is done incorrectly. Also notice that anyone who speaks in tongues
only “edifies himself,” when no interpreter is present. Herein lies the danger that millions
ignore. It is easy to focus on the self---self-thrills, feelings and pleasures, and blessings for
self. Now verse 6: “...if I come unto you speaking
with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation,
or by knowledge, or prophesying, or doctrine?” Tongues is useless if it does not bring one
of these 4 things that Paul lists. Speaking gibberish reflects none of these. Verse 7
uses the phrase “except they give a distinction in the sounds” when describing different
musical instruments that must be played properly to be appreciated. Verses 8-11 expand on the
principle that sounds must have meaning to those who hear them. In verse 12, Paul compliments
Corinth for being “zealous,” but admonishes they should be so “to the edifying of the
Church.” Verse 13: “Let him that speaks in an unknown
tongue pray that he may interpret.” This verse is plain---and yet it is ignored by
Pentecostals. Verses 14-15 amplify the point and reflect verse 2, which explains that,
without an interpreter, those who speak in tongues “speak not unto men, but unto God.”
An interpreter is crucial. Verse 16: “...how shall he that occupies
the room of the unlearned say Amen at your giving of thanks, seeing he understands not
what you say?” Amen means “so be it.” Since tongues is a form of prayer, and prayers
end with amen, without an interpreter no one can honestly say “so be it” to the message.
In verses 17-18, Paul says that he spoke in tongues more than all the Corinthians. So
he was obviously not against the gift, but rather against its misuse!
Verse 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.”
This powerful verse speaks for itself. Verse 22: “Wherefore tongues are for a sign,
not to them that believe, but to them that believe not.” This is vital! But what Pentecostal
group understands it? They teach that tongues is the second experiencing of power to the
believer. But tongues is called a sign to unbelievers---like the 3,000 in Jerusalem
who were converted after witnessing this miracle. Verse 23: “If...the whole church be come
together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are
unlearned, or unbelievers [Paul adds], will they not say that you are mad [crazy]?”
This is exactly what most would say upon walking into a modern “tarry meeting.” Seeing
the confusion and disorder, reasonable people would say, “They are all crazy.” Verses
24-25 explain that if the unbeliever saw and heard prophesying---again, inspired preaching---he
could be benefited. In Verse 26, Paul indicts the brethren for
all speaking at the same time. This sets up the crucial verse 27: “If any man speak
in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course [or
one at a time]; and let one interpret.” Two critical points emerge: (1st) 2 or 3 is
the limit for how many can speak in tongues, and this must be done one at a time, and (2nd)
there must also be an interpreter present, even for this small number. Do “tarry meetings”
even come close to this? Of course not. Verse 28: “But if there be no interpreter,
let him keep silence in the church.” By now it is obvious that modern Pentecostals
are in direct disobedience to this plain command. The chaotic confusion practiced today, under
the guise of “speaking in tongues,” is not coming from the Holy Spirit. God gives
His Spirit only to those who are obedient to His instruction---and to His laws---all
of them. Read Acts 5:32. Verses 29-31 amplify verse 28.
Now verse 32: “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets”---meaning God’s
servants can control themselves. Both Proverbs 16:32 and 25:28 repeat this. If one’s actions
are out of control, he is not of God. So says God.
Verse 33: “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches
of the saints.” This verse is all-important---and applies to everything Christian. Where confusion
abounds, the true God is absent---but the god of this world, who is the author of confusion
and deception, is present! Verse 34: “Let your women keep silence in
the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be
under obedience...” This is a strong and unmistakable command. Why is it then that
Pentecostal services are almost always dominated by women, when women are not to speak or preach
during services at all? Ponder this.
Verses 37-38: “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. But if any man
be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” What could be plainer than this summary? While
most will choose to remain ignorant, some will acknowledge and accept “the commandments
of the Lord.” Verse 40: “Let all things be done decently
and in order.” This concludes the chapter and adds a capstone to the subject of “interpreting”
and “speaking in tongues.” There is another aspect of tongues that must
be understood. In I Cor. 12, tongues is listed as a gift given within the Body of Christ.
This broadcast has only touched on what is Christ’s Body---and yet the gift of tongues
is only given within that one spiritual Body of believers. In fact, chapter 12 precedes
the “tongues” chapter 14, and establishes the only foundation thru which this gift can
be properly understood---and the only place it can be given.
Therefore, one must understand what---and also where---is the Body of Christ. Again,
Eph. 1:22-23 and Col. 1:18 reveal that the Church Jesus built is called His Body. So
the Body of Christ is the true Church of God. It is a simple equation.
This raises the question: Where is the Church of God? Jesus said, “I will build My Church.”
Notice He said Church---singular---not churches. Wherever you find Christ’s one Church today---and,
again, tongues in the New Testament only occurs within His Church---you find the only people
who are even candidates to receive this or any other spiritual gift. In all other cases,
“tongues” would be a counterfeit of Acts 2, given by “the god of this world”---Satan,
the devil. Therefore, to really understand this gift, the viewer must include in his
studies locating the true Church of God. This book Where Is the True Church?---and Its Incredible
History! is unlike any other. You will be unable to put it down. I urge you to read
it! Since true Christians are those called into
the true Church, it would behoove the viewer to answer the question, “Am I being called?”
This is also carefully explained in this book. Like any other previous wrong teaching, some
must unlearn their approach to tongues. They, and possibly you, must learn the truth about
the tongues doctrine as surely as the truth about the Sabbath, salvation, God’s Law,
the true gospel or any other doctrine of God. I have pastored many thousands of people.
Sadly, a few fell back into the alluring, pleasing sensations and thrills brought by
the counterfeit tongues, inspired of Satan! It was a virtual drug they could not kick.
They neglected to continue “try[ing] the spirits, whether they are of God,” and trusted
feelings instead of God’s plain Word. Putting on the “whole armor of God” was too hard---and
the sensations and pleasures they had given up too tempting.
This booklet Understanding Tongues covers more than could these two broadcasts. I urge
you to also read it. Let’s summarize: One simply cannot receive
the gift of tongues outside the Body of Christ! Jesus taught, “[God’s] word is truth.”
You have just heard the truth about tongues---made unmistakably plain and understandable.
Until next time, this is David C. Pack saying, “Goodbye, friends.”
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