Bible Question:
What does it mean if you are born again(saved) and baptized and you have the Holy spirit but not the evidence of speaking in other tongues? |
Bible Answer: To be saved one must believe, repent and be baptised. Jesus said, "He who has believed and has been baptised shall be saved" Mark 16:15-16, cp Matt 28:19, Luke 24:47. The apostle Peter, in Acts 2:37-38 told those who believed Jesus to be "both Lord and Christ to "repent, and let each of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" Following their baptism they had their sins forgiven, they were born again, and the Holy Spirit was given to them. He came to live within them as a holy guest, 1 Cor 6:19-20; Eph 1:13-14; Rom 8:9-11. There is no scriptural evidence to suggest that those who "received his (Peters) word (and) were baptised" spoke in tongues, even though the Holy Spirit now dwelt in them. They received the gift of tongues, or other gifts by an apostle laying hands on them, Acts 19:6; cp Acts 6:6,8. It was only the apostles who were baptised with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:1-4, cp Acts 1:1-5 and verse 8. Philip (not an apostle) was one of those on whom the apostles laid hands in Acts 6:5-6 and had these gifts, Acts 8:5-8. But Philip could not lay hands on the Samaritan Christians to give them these gifts, it needed the apostles to come from Jerusalem to do this, Acts 8:14-16. One disciple, Simon wanted to buy this power with money, v17. Simon said, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit" v18 He was told by Peter that there was no way he could have this power, vvs 20-24. That power died with the apostles, so it is not available today. Paul told us that these gifts would cease, 1 Cor 13:8-10, "when the perfect comes". James called it "the perfect law, the law of liberty" James 1:23-25. These 'signs' were to confirm the word spoken, Mark 16:17-20. Once confirmed they had accomplished their purpose and would cease. To seek such today would demonstrate our doubt of the confirmation of the message. Even when these gifts were available, not everyone possessed the gift of tongues, see 1 Cor 12:30. Let me sum up briefly. If you believe in Jesus, confess him (Acts 8:37), repent of your sins and are baptised, then you are saved. The Holy Spirit will be given to you, to live in you, to do His work in you. The evidence will be to see the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22-26. I hope this helps you see what Gods word has to say about this subject. |