Should All Speak With Tongues?

INTRODUCTION

It is reasonable to suppose that an author who takes upon themselves the task of writing a book such as this believes they have something constructive and beneficial to share with the children of God, and hopes to contribute to the strength of future generations within the church.
While there are many areas in the church where improvement could come through enlightened teaching and factual writing, the author is convinced that unity in the church can be mightily strengthened by information in this book.

Most all Christians individually, and denominations collectively are divided by one major issue. That issue has to do with the baptism in the Holy Ghost, and more particularly, concerns the matter of speaking in other tongues.

The labels of "Pentecostal and "Non-Pentecostal" have identified opposing sides of the division that has existed for many years. No other matter divides the church so distinctly as that of speaking in other tongues -- there is no gray area or middle ground -- all are definitely on one side or the other. This issue has separated neighbors, friends, family, relatives, churches, husbands and wives. No other line so distinct exists between major and minor denominations than that of being either Pentecostal or Non-Pentecostal.

This issue that has polarized Christian believers into two different camps does not have so much to do with the validity of the person of the Holy Ghost, as with the operation of the various gifts, or ministries, of the Holy Ghost. These gifts of the Spirit have no way of manifestation except through believers, who are said to be the temple, or dwelling place of the Holy Ghost (2CO 6:16).

The terms "Holy Ghost" and "Holy Spirit" are synonymous, and is often designated with the masculine pronoun "He." It makes no difference which term – Spirit or Ghost -- is used because they are synonymous. In this writing they both may appear, used interchangeably on the same page, in the same paragraph, or even in the same sentence. I am often oblivious to which is used.

This book is written for the benefit of anyone who is interested in the subject of the Holy Spirit. It is believed that, if anyone reads carefully, they will gain fresh Biblical information and perspective. Lack of information and misinformation concerning the Holy Spirit are serious problems within the church.

Great spiritual benefits accompany a literal interpretation of the Bible pertaining to the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, and all the gifts, manifestations, and fruit that accompany the experience. It is imperative that one study the subject thoroughly so their faith can be based only on the word of God ... and I stress “only.”

The author truly believes that information contained in this book will unite Pentecostals and non-Pentecostals ... at least on this one vital issue. This can be a stepping stone toward unity on other vital matters of doctrine and faith. Hopefully, both sides will return to the Biblical point of simply being "Christians."

The Bible teaches that Christ will bring his church together in the last days prior to the second coming of Christ, and the above issue is one which should be clarified. It is Christ's desire that we all come into the unity of the faith.
• EPH 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

The answer to the question posed by the title of this book, "Should all speak with tongues?”, is not difficult to answer Biblically, but the answer finds its difficulty in the many doctrines that exist among the many divided churches which exist in the world today. Hopefully, this book will shed some important and Biblically true light on this question.

The under girding truth is much broader than speaking in tongues, and has to do with the person of the Holy Spirit. Primary emphasis focuses on him and his ministry to the church as the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit was sent to the church soon after the ascension of Christ, and he is the designated administrator of the continuing will and ministry of Christ as he functions as the Head of the church.

The Holy Spirit brought to the church various fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, and he operates within the church through the gifts of the Spirit listed in First Corinthians 12:8 thru 10.

Even though speaking with tongues is the specific subject of this book, the author also gives appropriate attention to the person of the Holy Spirit and to all the gifts of the Spirit. Keep in mind that “Tongues” is listed as one of these nine gifts.

God bless as you read.

Mac Ward Symes, Author