Speaking In Tongues?
Our Readers' Opinions
February 14, 2020

Speaking In Tongues?

EDITOR: Many groups in churchianity are teaching that when an individual receives the Holy Spirit, he must speak in other tongues as a sign that he has received it. Nothing could be further from the truth! The Sacred Scriptures clearly indicate that there was a special application for tongues in the New Testament times. The term tongue in Greek is glossa, #1100.

It means, “the tongue; by impl. a language (spec.one naturally unacquired): – tongue.” The tongue in our mouths is used to speak languages, and this is exactly what it means.

The tongue speaks sounds which is a language that becomes intelligible speech used as a means of communication between people.

Some religious groups points to Acts: chapter 2’ as the scriptural example of why they talk in an unintelligible jabbering.

However, three times in this chapter we observe that the people heard the wonderful works of Yahweh IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE. There were about 16 nationalities represented as being in attendance at this annual holy day. Please notice verses 6, 8 and 11.

When the disciples began to speak in other languages (tongues), it was TO COMMUNICATE the wonderful works of Yahweh to others who could understand these foreign languages.

1 Corinthians: chapter

14, has been frequently referred to as some kind of mystical speaking in tongues wherewith someone can communicate with the invisible spirit world. Yet, when we read the passage carefully, verse 9 stands out clearly. “So you also, unless you utter by the tongue SPEECH EASY TO BE UNDERSTOOD, how shall it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.” The term easy to be understood in Greek means INTELLIGIBLE SPEECH. However, if there are people attending the Assembly who are unfamiliar with different languages spoken there, then interpretation of those languages must occur (verses 27 – 29).

The Holy Spirit comes in the Name of Yahshua (John 14: 26). Those who would receive the Holy Spirit must repent and turn from their sins (meaning their transgressions of the Law), and turn back to Almighty Yahweh and His Word. The Holy Spirit is received following baptism which cleanses the human vessel through burial of the old man so that a new creature can develop.

Acts 5: 32 tells us that Yahweh gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey.

It is not for you to toss yourself on the ground as the worshippers of Baal in 1 Kings 18. Why not obey Almighty Yahweh so that the Holy Spirit can function in your life?

Sheldon Govia Assemblies of Yahweh