Last Modified December 24, 2003
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By David Lusk
The lady sitting across the table was visibly upset. We were in a Bible study, but before we continued, she had to have an answer to a problem plaguing her.
As a younger lady, she had attended a Charismatic church. They had taught her that, to show she was saved, she must "get the 'Pentecostal experience.'" She had to experience the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. And to prove she had received it, she was to speak in tongues.
"I tried and tried to speak in tongues;" she said, "I even claimed to have been baptized by the Spirit. I made noises like theirs just to be accepted by the others. I put on a show of tongue speaking, but it wasn't real. I just couldn't get it like everybody else did. What's wrong with me?" she asked sadly, "Why couldn't I get the outpouring of the Holy Ghost like all the rest?"
That question shows part of this confusion called "the Charismatic movement" sweeping the world today. People are puzzled about why some can't get the power. Others wonder why they should even want it. Is it valid? Is it necessary to be saved? All kinds of questions abound.
To get some answers, let's look at the history of this strange movement, then search the Bible to see if it is of God.
This teaching--also called "Pentecostalism"--actually began at the turn of the century. It is relatively new, and is nothing like the original experience in Acts 2 (as we shall see).
Pentecostal historian Claude Kendrick has recorded the experience of the first person who supposedly ever sought the baptism of the Holy Spirit to speak with tongues, and received it. Her name was Agnes Ozman, and Kendrick quotes Agnes as she tells her story:
It was as his hands (that is the hands of Charles Parham, who was the man in charge there) were laid upon my head that the Holy Spirit fell on me and I began to speak in tongues glorifying God. I talked several languages, and it was clearly manifest when a new dialect was spoken. . . I was the first one to speak in tongues.
Kendrick continues the account:
Although Agnes Ozman was not the first one in modern times to speak in tongues, she was the first known person to have received such an experience as the result of specifically seeking a baptism in the Holy Spirit with the expectation of speaking in tongues. From this time on Pentecostal believers were to teach that the "baptism in the Holy Spirit" should be sought and that it would be received with the evidence of "tongues.". .
The date of that so-called experience was January 1, 1901--nearly two thousand years after the genuine event in Acts 2. It excited some people, but the vast majority of believers rejected her claim as unbiblical.
For a long time, until about the middle of this century, Pentecostalism was ridiculed and rejected by most Bible believers. It was practiced only by the "fringe element" of Christianity--those people who did not know their Bibles, but who based their religion on "experience", "emotion", and "feelings".
But beginning in the 1950's a strange thing began to occur. As the world slid further and further away from God, and further away from Biblical knowledge, Pentecostalism began growing in popularity, until in the 1960's and '70's, the "charismatic movement" became one of the most popular movements in world-wide religion. On television and radio, the message of "tongues and miracles" goest forth. It is the "in thing" at the moment.
But is it the right thing? We could spend hours refuting all the fantastic claims of the charismatics (or "tongue speakers"), but this would be a waste of time. Rather, let's just go back to the Bible, and inspect the root of this tree to see if it is healthy.
Are the tongues and miracles today the same as those in the Bible? When was tongue speaking first found in the scriptures? What did it look like? And most important of all: why did it die away? Was it because God intended for it to pass, or (as the charasmatics claim) did the second century church just "lose the power"? Did that power just lie dormant for centuries, buried under denominational unbelief until true believers re-discovered it? Did god intend it to be valid through the centuries? Let's get some Bible answers.
After Jesus arose from the dead, and as He prepared to ascend back into heaven, He met with His Apostles one last time. (Acts 1:6-8).
Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
(New International Version)
The first promise of the wonders to come is found here in verse 8. Notice the following two important facts:
Let me illustrate: let us assume that a doctor was coming to visit your city. The doctor was coming to bless everyone with his medical skill. But someone brings you--and just you--a special message: "When the doctor comes, he is bringing you some special malaria medicine."
Now you know that two things are going to occur: (1) the doctor is coming for everyone in your town; but (2) that same doctor would give you something special.
That is the kind of message Jesus gave to his Apostles. Two things were to occur to these men; not just one. (1) The Spirit would be poured out on all flesh and (2) the Apostles would receive power when the Spirit came. This power was for them and only them (as we will see).
Jesus ascended into heaven. The Apostles went back into Jerusalem and waited as they were instructed.
After some days of waiting, Acts 2 says that the great day finally arrives. That day is a special day called "Pentecost."
Please note that "Pentecost" is not a church, nor a tongue-speaking philosophy. In the Bible, "Pentecost" was a Jewish feast day of thanksgiving (Lev. 23:15-22). Jews from all over the world came to this feast, and the little city of Jerusalem swelled to three and four times its normal size during feast days.
Since thousands of guests were visiting in Jerusalem at the time, this was the ideal day for God to fulfill his promise to build His church--a promise Jesus had made in Matthew 16:13-19. To do that, He was going to pour out the Holy Spirit so His work could begin.
Acts 2:1 says that suddenly, on that day, the Holy Spirit was poured out. And at the same time the Apostles were given special powers. (Acts 2:2-4).
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
(Acts 2:1-6 )
Watch the Apostles speaking "with other tongues" in this chapter, and consider what the Bible is actually saying. These Apostles are not speaking in "gibberish" as "tongue speakers" speak today. The original Greek language in which the New Testament was written says that they were speaking with other glossais -- "languages."
If people claim to have "the Pentecostal experience" to day, let them do more than make noise. Let them speak Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, Spanish or some other valid language. Making guttural noises in the throat is not a fulfillment of what occurred here. Instead the Bible says "everyone heard them speak in his own language." (Acts 2:6) That word for "Language" there is interesting too. It is the Greek word dialektos. Not only were these people hearing the Apostles speak in their own language, they were hearing them in there own dialect--a perfect pronunciation of their own local language. Such is not the case with modern Pentecostalism.
A. SOME CLAIM EVERYBODY SPOKE IN TONGUES. Preachers who espouse tongue speaking tell their modern audiences that everyone can speak in tongues. That is strange! The whole crowd did not speak in tongues on Pentecost. In fact the common people in the crowd were amazed that the Apostles were doing so (Acts 2:7).
B. SOME CLAIM 120 SPOKE IN TONGUES. Some teach that it was not the entire crowd that received the tongues but only the 120 persons that were mentioned back in Acts 1:15. These were gathered in an upper room waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit, so some believe that these received the power of the Holy Spirit along with the Apostles when it was poured out.
Not so! There are three reason we know that the 120 didn't receive the power:
It is obvious that whoever spoke in tongues that day were men. They were Galilean men, twelve Galilean men at that. Only the Apostles received that power.
So already we have learned two huge differences between the true "Pentecostal experience" and the modern claim: (1) in Acts 2 the Apostles were speaking in tongues, not everybody in the crowd (2) The tongues were genuine languages, not just noises.
Only the Apostles had that power after the great day of Pentecost was over. This is interesting: when Peter preaches the first gospel sermon on this wonderful day, he instructs the crowd in Acts 2:38,
Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sin, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy spirit.
Was this "gift of the Holy Spirit" the ability to work signs and wonders? To speak in tongues? Obviously not, because as you read 5 verses later (Acts 2:43) the new Christians still didn't have the power. The record says:
Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the Apostles.
Even after being baptized and receiving the Holy Spirit, not everyone was working signs and wonders and miracles. Only the Apostles had the power. And the same thing is said in Acts 4:33:
And with great power the Apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
And even later (in Acts 5:12) we read:
and at the hands of the Apostles many signs and wonders were being done among the people. . .
Now you can see the difference between the "Holy Spirit" promised for all people, and the "Power" promised to the Apostles only. If the Apostles only were the users of the power, then according to the Bible, Christians received the gift of the Holy Spirit at their baptism (Acts 2:28-41) but could not speak in tongues nor work miracles.
Already we can see a fallacy in the teaching of modern Pentecostalism. They claim that every Christian can have it. Theirs doesn't even remotely resemble the power granted in the first century.
Indeed it was! We see exactly when, where and why, in Acts 6:1-7
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 "but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. " 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the Apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
As we read these words, let us make application to what we have already learned: that there is a difference between the Holy Spirit coming to live in a Christian (Acts 2:38, Acts 5:32, Gal.4:6) and the miraculous power of the Spirit given only to the Apostles. Only the Apostles had that power, and only the Apostles could give it to someone else. For example, notice these men who were chosen in Acts six--especially two of them. It is said in verse 3 that all of these men had to have a good "reputation," they had to be "full of the Spirit and of wisdom". You will notice that they are full of the Holy Spirit but they have no miraculous power. Notice especially in verse 5 that Stephen was chosen--"a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit". And the second man mentioned is Philip. (Remember this man. We will meet him again later).
The vital verse is verse six. It speaks of the church selecting certain Godly, Spirit-filled men
whom they set before the Apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
(Acts 6:6)
Now watch carefully: suddenly these men who were full of the Holy Spirit are now full of power. Acts 6:8 says
Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.
We did not see this in Acts 2,that a common person was working signs and wonders, nor did we see it in chapters 3, 4, or 5. It is only by the laying on of the Apostles hands that these people now have the ability to work these miracles.
The answer to that question is "No." To prove it, we need to continue our tour of Acts. Let's go to Acts 8:4 and following.
Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
Do you remember Philip? He was selected and anointed in chapter 6. Now we see him going to Samaria and proclaiming Christ to the people. It is obvious that Philip can now work mighty signs and miracles. Let's keep reading.
9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God. "
In verse 9 we meet a sinister character by the name of Simon who was a magician. He had formally astonished the people of Samaria with his magic arts. But now he himself is astonished as he watches Philip performing the great miracles and signs.
The writer of Acts now leaves Simon for just a moment and takes us back to tell us what is happening in Jerusalem. (Acts 8:14-17)
Now when the Apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Why did the Apostles in Jerusalem have to send Peter and John all the way to Samaria? It is obvious: they wanted to give them special "gifts" of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12:1-12). The scripture explains that "He (The Holy Spirit) had fallen upon none of them."
The word "fallen" always meant to "empower" just as it will fall upon Cornelius later in Acts 10:44 to give him power. These people had received the gift of the Holy Spirit but not the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, just as it was in Acts 6, they (the Apostles) began laying their hands on them and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. Now they could speak in tongues!
Simon saw something in Acts 8:18 that we could wish every man and woman in the world could see.
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit. "
(Acts 8:18-19)
He saw "that through the laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given." He begs the Apostles to sell him this authority. Simon knows that the Holy Spirit is given to all who obey Christ in baptism (Acts 5:32). But the power is in the keeping of only the Apostles. Only they can lay hands upon people and give them the power.
Notice he is not trying to buy the Holy Spirit. He got that when he was baptized. No, he is trying to purchase the authority or the power to lay his hands on someone and they receive the Holy spirit. If he had been given this power that only the Apostles possessed, Simon could have gone into the "power business," selling the power to anyone who had enough money.
Here we would like to ask a very important question to our Pentecostal friends: If Simon saw that the spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the Apostles hands, how did you get your gift that you claim?
Don't say that you prayed for it. Don't try to tell me some preacher gave it to you. The Bible says you can only receive this power by the Apostles laying hands on you. The Bible never speaks of the Holy Spirit ever being given by any other means. If you claim the power, name the Apostle who laid his hands on you.
At this point someone will ask, "But why didn't God give the power to everyone?" Because the power of working miracles and speaking in tongues was only given to convince the unbeliever back when men had no New Testament to appeal to. They didn't have a Bible like we have, so God allowed these miracles by the Apostles and some in the church whom they chose, so that the Word would be confirmed as it was preached (Mark 16:20, Hebrews 2:1-5). God meant for only a few to have this power, and that they should use it for a limited time.
No. God never planned that the power of the Holy Spirit should go on and on through the centuries. He planned that all obedient people should receive the gift of the Holy Spirit when they are baptized, but not that they should have charismatic power. God didn't plan that we should speak in tongues or work miracles.
As we said, the power to speak in tongues and work miracles was given for one reason: to confirm the word as it was being preached (Heb. 2:1-4, Mark 16:20). Once the Holy scriptures were confirmed, they needed not to be confirmed again and again. "Once confirmed, forever confirmed".
Thus, here is what we have learned about the power:
It is obvious by reading Ephesians 1:13 that the Holy Spirit is given today for the same reason that He was given in the first century: as a sign and seal of our salvation. The spirit is given as a pledge of our inheritance (Eph. 1:13-14, II Cor. 1 21-22; II Cor. 5:5).
We as God's children today do not have miraculous power in our hands, but we still have God's wonderful power in our hearts. Our prayers are powerful (Eph. 1:18, 19; Eph. 3:20) and God works in us in an exciting way.
Some Pentecostals are confused, thinking, "If there is no Pentecostal power, there is no power at all." That is totally untrue. In fact, it is somewhat like me saying, "I like Ford pickups. If you don't own a Ford pickup, I feel sorry for you, because you don't own a pickup." Is that true? No, there are scores of other pickups.
Merely because I cannot restore a dead person to life does not mean that God doesn't providentially move in my life to help me and to direct my life. Every day with God is marvelous and exciting as He works His will in the Christian.
The old saying is true: "The proof of the pudding is in the tasting." When modern Pentecostal claims are compared to the genuine activities of the New Testament, he finds scores of differences. The two are not the same.
In 1 Cor. 14:27 and following, Paul gave first century charismatics these important instructions:
If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the Spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. 36 or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached ? If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. 39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Notice that the Apostle gives a detailed list how these gifts are to be used in the early church. So do the modern tongue speakers do what the Bible says? They do not! They usually don't even glance at the list. They are too busy having their fun. They do what they feel like doing; not what the Bible says.
Notice the rules listed in the passage above, and notice how the tongue speakers ignore them.
God has not lost any power. He merely deals with us in a different way than he did in the first century. And this change shouldn't surprise us.
But the charismatic objects, saying: "Well the Bible says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb.13:8). If He worked miracles then, He will work them now."
Wrong! That passage proves that Jesus is forever the same, but it doesn't prove that Jesus must deal with people the same way in every generation. If that were the case, we would still be eating Manna and waling around in indestructible clothing like the Israelites did for a time.
The unchangeable Jesus lives forever. He is from everlasting to everlasting, but His methods of dealing with men do change.
Christians no longer need the miraculous gifts when they grow up (1 Cor.13:11). Now that we have the inspired scriptures, "that which is in part" (the gifts) is done away, and "that which is perfect" (the Bible) is come (1 Cor.13: 9,10).
We pray that the people caught up in the Pentecostal confusion would come to see that their practices are not Biblical practices. They are following their own emotions, not the authority of the scriptures.
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Last Modified December 24, 2003
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