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Holy Spirit Series I
Speaking in Unknown Tongues
By Terry S. Parks
©copyright 2001

Few topics are as misunderstood within the body of Christ as the gift of the Holy Spirit evidenced through speaking in tongues, or speaking in unknown tongues. Because of this, the gift has been maligned, unused, and unappreciated. Many avoid the topic altogether for the simple reason of avoiding controversy, some declare it invalid for today, while others have proclaimed this gift of the Holy Spirit to now actually be “ of the devil”! Typically, those making such statements often quote 1 Cor. 13:8- “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” Some say “that which is perfect” is the Bible, which has come, therefore we no longer need tongues. If that is the case, then do we no longer need knowledge, or prophecy? Of course we do, and we need the gift of tongues. Whenever the apostle Paul refers to “perfection, or the perfect”, he is referring to “the completion, and perfecting of Christ’s work in the believer”, never the Bible.

When there is this much controversy surrounding one subject, we must conclude one thing for sure. Obviously the prince of darkness does not want the Church to get a firm, clear, and confident understanding of this gift! Deception, fear, and ignorance are some of Satan’s greatest weapons, and he uses them well! If he can deceive people, make them afraid, or keep them in ignorance about what God desires for them, his job is much easier. This is one of the reasons I believe this powerful gift has been under so much attack throughout the ages. Every Christian needs to know the gift of tongues has several wonderful purposes, and is not simply idle, or religious “chatter”.

We should find it interesting that most people do not have nearly the problems with the other gifts of the Spirit that they do tongues. Seldom is there much controversy when someone communicates a “word of knowledge, word of wisdom”, or exercise the “gift of faith”, but this cannot be said when someone speaks in tongues. Why? Primarily, it is the nature of people to be against anything we are not familiar with, and secondly, it is easier to ignore a topic, which is associated with controversy, rather than shine the light of revelation truth on it, and bring others into that light. This is why many church leaders and denominations avoid the subject altogether. Sadly, this type of silence only reinforces the ignorance, and lack of understanding.

Let us fearlessly disarm ourselves of the fear and intimidation that religion and the devil have tried to hinder us with, and let us endeavor to come to a clearer understanding of this wonderful gift that is part of our inheritance through which we are to manifest the Kingdom of God. As we do this, we then become part of the solution rather than part of the problem, for we can then help lead others out of the darkness of spiritual poverty into the glorious light of revelation.

Mark 16:17- “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

We can see from the above passage of scripture that “speaking in tongues” is something our Messiah prophesied would come to pass after His departure. Notice He didn’t say only a “special few” will speak in tongues, or just the leaders, but simply “them that believe”.

This agrees with other passages of scripture too.
Acts 2:38- “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

This gift is available to any believer who will exercise the faith to believe for it! We have all heard people say, “Well, if God wants me to receive this gift, He’ll give it to me.” I am glad no one has that attitude about the free gift of salvation! Look, Yahweh does not force His gifts on people, and He won’t this one. We are to exercise faith to receive all of God’s promises, including this one. If you are called of God, this is for you! This is part of your necessary equipment, it should not be considered optional. Jesus instructed the Apostles to wait in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49) for the gift of the Holy Spirit before they set out to do any ministry. Why? Because, without the Holy Spirit and His gifts, we are unequipped, we are not yet truly empowered for ministry without Him! Some have made the statement, “Yes, but can’t I get to heaven without the infilling of the Holy Spirit?” What kind of question is this?! Why would you want to reject any gift that Jesus wants you to have? We can get to heaven without walking in health and prosperity too, but why would you want to? This type of question comes from the heart of a person who is not trying to walk in obedience to the Father, or manifest the kingdom of God in the earth, but is from one just trying to do what he must to escape hell. There is a great difference between a person who is “running to God”, and one who is “running from hell”. One is serving God, and one is actually serving the god of “self”.

This gift of the Holy Spirit was prophesied by Christ, but He certainly was not the first to foretell of its coming. Approximately 750 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah foretold of a day when Israel’s priests and prophets would disqualify themselves by their drinking of wine and strong drink, leading them to teach error and wrong doctrine. Was this not why the nation of Israel missed the Messiah they were supposed to be looking for? He said they would err, and stumble in judgment, and because of this God would raise up people with stammering lips and other tongues to speak for Him.

Isaiah 28:11- “ For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.”

Isn’t this exactly what happened on the day of Pentecost? Not only was it a fulfillment of prophecy, but it was also a sign of judgment upon the nation of Israel, and the religious establishment of their time! Because the priests and prophets had perverted judgment and warped vision, Yahweh spoke another way—through simple people with stammering lips.
1 Cor. 14:20- “Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. 21 In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord. 22Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers: but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe”.

Tongues as a sign of Judgment upon unbelief.
Therefore, based upon these verses, we can see that the first application of tongues was actually a sign of judgment to those who had perverted the understanding of believers. Because the religious leaders of that day had forsaken the path of truth through giving themselves to wine and strong drink, God chose something foolish to confound the wise, and spoke through other vessels, using other languages which the Jews would have considered unclean.

Acts 2:1 – “And when the day of Pentecost was 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 all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, Elamites, and dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews, and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine…and others responded…”37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

This demonstrates another application of the gift of tongues.

Evidence of the Presence of God, bringing people to a decision.
On occasion the gift will manifest in the specific language of a person or people group to help bring them to a decision about Christ. This is not a language one has learned, though. Notice verse four above, “4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance”. This still happens frequently. But what we should really take note of here is the different reactions of the people present. Tongues is a sign and a wonder that will truly cause people to take notice and actually begin to wonder. As we can see from the previous verses, all were amazed, but their response to this amazement varied. Some mocked, saying they were drunk, yet others were convicted in their heart, and wanted to get right with God! This is not at all uncommon. I have been present in meetings where some, including religious people, actually made fun of an utterance in tongues by mocking, or leaving in anger and offense. Likewise, I have been present when an unbeliever heard a message in tongues, and was immediately convicted, resulting in his immediate conversion to Christ.
This may be another application of this verse…
1 Cor. 14:22- Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers: but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe”.

It is a sign to an unbeliever of God’s presence, and requires them to make a choice.

One must remember; neither these incidents, nor people’s response, can be planned by man. They occur at the Lord’s discretion; therefore we are not responsible for the outcome, including people’s responses; positive or negative. We are only responsible to operate in proper order. Notice 1 Cor. 14:23- “Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?” When the gifts of the spirit operate in a disorderly fashion it reflects poorly on the body of Christ, causing unbelievers to think Christians are unstable or insane, thus we have this admonition: 1 Cor. 14:27- “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.” This is a reference to many giving an utterance in tongues for interpretation, which is a different administration of this gift than praying in tongue, which we will look into in greater detail later.

Evidence that brings Confidence.
Another wonderful thing the Holy Spirit does through this gift is bring a great deal of confidence to the believer about the reality of their salvation, and the indwelling power and presence of the Spirit. There is something better than belief, and that is knowing! When one is born-again, many times they immediately sense a great deal of peace, or the weight of sin lift from them. This is good, but it doesn’t last for very long. Usually within a short time they are questioning the reality of their salvation, because not much has changed for them. Many times they will return to the altar again and again, because they continue in the same old ways, and they want to be sure of their salvation. Why is this? The reason is they have no tangible evidence of change, or the power to change their ways. They are only believing there was a change. The Holy Spirit evidenced through speaking in tongues brings this tangible evidence. The Lord never planned for people to get saved, and not also receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We are doing people a disservice by getting them to repent from their sin, without empowering them to stay out of sin. When someone is born-again, and filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, they know something has happened! They have a supernatural gift that they did not have before, and they have solid proof of change. This serves as a guarantee of what has taken place, and what is to follow. Notice below…

2 Cor. 1:20- “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed (marked, certified) us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”

2 Cor. 5:5- “Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.”

Eph. 1:13- “ In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Up to this point we have looked at several different ways the gift of tongues can operate, and still be in order. One reason there is so much confusion surrounding speaking in other tongues, is most think there is only one application for speaking in other tongues, when in fact, there are several. One thing we hear often is, “Doesn’t there have to be an interpretation whenever someone speaks in tongues?” Not necessarily. None of the examples listed up to this point in this writing require an interpretation. We must understand, there is a difference in praying in tongues, speaking in tongues for interpretation, or tongues simply serving as a sign. Notice below…

Acts 19:1- “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
7 Now the men were about twelve in all.”

As we can see, these men were already believers, but they had not yet received the Holy Ghost. This should serve to dispel the myth that we receive the Spirit in fullness upon our salvation (although this does occasionally happen). Additionally, we see here that there was no interpretation needed. They spoke in tongues and prophesied spontaneously as another work of grace after salvation. This manifestation simply revealed the fact that they indeed had received the Spirit. This also happened with Peter and the Gentile brothers at the house of Cornelius…

Acts 10:44- “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"

Again, there was no need for interpretation, and it was a spontaneous response to the
Holy Spirit. It was not coached, or implied in any way. In this passage, as well as the one in Acts 19 above, they did not so much as know what the Holy Ghost was, let alone what speaking in tongues was! I have seen this happen myself…occasionally someone will respond to an invitation to receive ministry, and receive the Baptism of the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues without even knowing about tongues. In these cases, tongues served as evidence of the Spirit’s presence, thereby giving confidence of a supernatural reality.

Communication for Intercession, Supplication, and Petition.
Romans 8:26- “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

We need to get a revelation of this scripture! In our natural ability, we do not know how to pray correctly, therefore, the Holy Spirit helps us with groanings which we cannot utter in the flesh, and He makes intercession through us according to the will of God. Hallelujah, what a helper and comforter we have! We do not have to figure everything out, we just pray in tongues, and the Spirit takes care of the rest. As we pray in the Spirit (tongues), the Lord will many times lead us into how to pray in the understanding too…

1 Cor. 14:13- “Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”

Above, we notice Paul uses the terms “speak in a tongue”, and “pray in a tongue” in his discourse. Herein lies a difference we must see. Praying in tongues differs in purpose from speaking in tongues. One must notice the context in which a verse is written in order to see its proper application.

Eph. 6:18- “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

This is another exhortation to pray “in the Spirit”, in other words, pray in tongues, making prayer and supplications to the Lord. We must notice that in all these references, we never see Paul saying that tongues is ever of the devil, or is communication with the devil. While the gift of tongues can be misused, certain groups of Christians have come to associate speaking in tongues as being devilish, or demonic. There is no such reference in the scriptures, therefore this charge must be refuted. Interestingly, I believe one of the reasons praying in unknown tongues is very effective is because this is not natural, fleshly communication, therefore it is unlikely the devil can understand it, so he can not retaliate to it. He most certainly can understand our praying in the understanding, so he may be able to dispatch resistance to war against it. When we only pray in our understanding, we tend to pray selfish prayers, telling God what He needs to do for us. Of course, He does not need our direction, only our cooperation. We should all agree with the apostle Paul…For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought.

Communication for Edification, Transformation, and Illumination.
One of the greatest ministries the Holy Spirit does through our praying in tongues is teaching and maturing us, and growing us up in the Spirit. When a believer prays in an unknown tongue, there is a wonderful, multi-purpose process that is going on. We are not just “jabbering on” in some religious, emotional experience as some would like to believe, but in fact, this is one of the tools the Lord uses to transform our lives. Remember, He will use the foolish things of this world to confound the wise (in there own eyes).
As we pray in tongues, it is like spiritual “radar”. We are seeking and searching out the deep things of God. We are being conformed and transformed into Christ’s likeness and image, and we are being edified (built up) in our spirit-man. Additionally, we are receiving revelation, and illumination on things God wants to show us. Notice below…

1 Cor. 2:9- “But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”

1 Cor. 14:2- “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” Mysteries are secret things, and hidden things that God will reveal to us by His Spirit.

1 Cor. 14:4- “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 6 Now, brethren, 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 by prophesying, or by doctrine?

Praying in tongues searches out the deep things of God that can only be revealed to us by His Spirit. These are mysteries, and hidden things, as well as practical things. There are countless testimonies of people needing practical solutions to practical problems, which appeared to have no easy or visible answer. But, when they committed to praying in the Spirit, Yahweh would show them the answer. This is also true concerning people understanding spiritual and biblical truths. Many testify of not really understanding the scriptures, or things of the kingdom of God until they were filled with the Spirit, and could pray in tongues. Praying in tongues “by-passes” the carnal mind and its limitations. It helps us transcend the realm of thought. As we see here is 1 Cor. 14:4-6, tongues edifies the spirit-man, but also when interpreted, will communicate revelation, knowledge, prophesy, or doctrine(teaching)to us.

1 Cor. 14:4- “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.

Jude 20- “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,”

Again, above we see a few passages of scripture showing us that praying in the Holy Ghost edifies, or builds up the believer. The following are verses indicating that praying in the Spirit also facilitates the transformation process of changing us from glory to glory, into Christlikeness, which is the destiny and “Promised Land” of every Christian.

Romans 8:26- “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

2 Cor. 3:17- “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as “by the Spirit” of the Lord.”

Oration for Interpretation
Tongues, and their interpretation is what most people are familiar with, and what some would limit this gift to. Yet, as we have seen, this is only one of many administrations of this gift. Tongues and their interpretation serve the body of Christ by bringing greater clarity, edification, and understanding to believers. It is another form of prophecy, and is simply communication from Christ to His Church. Notice the following…

1 Cor. 12:7- “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

1 Cor. 14:4- “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, “except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying”. 6 Now, brethren, 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 by prophesying, or by doctrine?
1 Cor. 14:26- “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 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.”

As we can easily see from these passages of scripture, tongues and interpretation of tongues is ultimately for the edification (building up) of the Church, and it should be done in an orderly fashion, with as many as three utterances given in turn for interpretation. Like all gifts of the Spirit, this gift should always operate through love, and never be used to show how “spiritual” someone is, and should always function in an orderly way.

Disorder with the Gifts
Let me address the issue of disorderly use of the gifts of the Spirit. While these gifts can come forth improperly, and we must be on guard against disorder, we must also guard against being too heavy-handed, and quashing the Spirit’s flow.

After serving the Lord for many years, and many in full-time ministry, I have seen many things; some good, and some not-so-good. In any environment involving people, there are going to be mistakes made. As leaders, and Christians desiring to grow in God, and flow in His gifts, we must create an environment in which people can learn, and make a mistake without being harshly criticized by others, or vilified. On occasion, I have witnessed an utterance in tongues come forth, and no one interpret it, and others present say, “That was the flesh”, or worse, “that was demonic”. Actually, the one who “dropped the ball” could have been the individual who failed to give the interpretation! Even if the “tongue-speaker” did miss it; have we not all missed it occasionally, or “been in the flesh”. Of course we have. As Paul said in 1 Cor. 14:28; “if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God”. Never does Paul say they are of the devil, speaking to the devil, demonic, or to be rejected. They simply may need instruction.

That being said, those believers under a shepherd’s care need to trust his leadership and judgment in governing the house of God. He is responsible before God, therefore we must be willing to accept his correction and direction. It is lawless and rebellious to call someone your pastor, then reject his direction, counsel, and correction. God places these people in your life to help you, but you must receive their help, and trust they are more mature than you. There are times when people, usually in good conscience, try to function in a gift they are obviously not anointed for. When this is determined by a leader, they must graciously bring correction to the individual. Keep in mind, wise leaders want the gifts to flow as much as anyone, but God also holds leaders responsible for order in the house. Wise leadership will never intentionally quash the flow of the Spirit, because they benefit as much as anyone else!

Occasionally, people will try to exercise control over a church service, and other people, through a “control-spirit” that is masked behind a supposed gift of the Spirit. This must be challenged for the sake of the whole body, and the person with the control-spirit. Usually when leadership addresses an individual with a “control-spirit”, the individual’s common response is, “You’re just trying to control me!” or “I just couldn’t help myself, the anointing was sooo strong, I couldn’t stop it.” This is simply another manifestation of the “control-spirit” and must be treated as such.

God does not twist people’s arms to make them do anything. The kingdom of God operates by our submission to the Spirit’s leading, not by Him holding a gun to our head. We yield to Him. Just as “the spirit of the prophets is subject (under the control of) to the prophets, so is the spirit of the “tongue-speaker” subject to him or her. If God actually forced people to do things, wouldn’t He make people live a holy life, make them write big tithe checks, make them love and be considerate of others? Of course, He doesn’t do this, nor does He “make” someone give an utterance in tongues, or give a prophecy.

1 Cor. 14: 27 – “If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 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 churches of the saints.”

As is clear in the above verses, we see Paul instructs one to hold his peace, or stay silent. One can only do this if they can exercise control over their faculties. Additionally, God does not author confusion, but peace, and this is the heart and mind all should have in the operation of these gifts. If someone is unwilling to receive instruction, or correction, that is a clear sign they are not ready to flow in the gifts without oversight.

My hope is that this has brought greater clarity to the reader of this wonderful gift, and its purposes. If this has helped you, please forward it to others.

Terry S. Parks
Pastor, The Rock of Roanoke Church
The Holy Spirit Series
Our Divine Security Deposit
By Terry S. Parks copyright 2000
www.therockchurch.ws
If you are like most people, at some point in your life you have had to rent an apartment, or buy a house. Based upon your family size, taste, and financial ability, you determine what type of residence will meet your needs, and then begin looking through the necessary publications until you find the home that meets your criteria. Once you find the house or apartment that satisfies your needs and tastes, you then must do something to secure the property. In other words, the party that is trying to acquire the residence must do something that guarantees their intentions to the owner. They must give the owner a security deposit, or earnest money. Likewise, once earnest money is put down, this guarantees the house will be held for the new occupants for a set period of time until the remainder of the balance is paid, thereby completing the transaction.
Did you know there is a divine security deposit available to you?
Ephesians 1:13-- In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
In the above passage, the Greek word for "guarantee" is arrhabon {ar-hrab-ohn'}. It is of Hebrew origin, meaning "money which in purchases is given as a pledge or down payment that the full amount will subsequently be paid". It is "earnest money, or a security deposit". That’s right! We have a "divine down payment" from the Lord that lets us know there is substance to all His promises, and they will surely come to pass!
Over the many years I have walked with the Lord, I have witnessed hundreds of people who are unsure of their salvation. Week after week they respond to altar calls, or ask others to pray for them because they want to make sure they are saved. Why are so many people insecure in their walk with the Lord? In nearly every case, these were people who were not yet filled with the Holy Spirit with the accompanying sign of speaking in other (unknown) tongues. They had not yet received their "guarantee".
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues gives a confidence which most do not possess apart from this supernatural "evidence". I call it "The Evidence That Brings Confidence". The bible refers to it as being "sealed" (stamped, marked, or authenticated) with the Holy Spirit. This supernatural evidence solidifies what, up unto that point, we only believe. It takes us from believing to knowing. This was definitely the case in my own experience. I was filled with the Holy Spirit a few weeks after I had accepted Christ as my Savior. The night I received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues for the first time, I remember telling my lovely wife Lonnie, "Wow, when I spoke in tongues it was like a guarantee that this is real". I did not know the bible at all at that point, so I could not have known the bible actually said this. As a matter of fact, I had great difficulty reading the bible, let alone making any sense out of it! I actually was unable to understand the scriptures until after I was filled with Holy Spirit. I only knew what I sensed in my inner-most being, and that was "security and confidence". The night I repented of my sins, and asked Christ into my life, I sensed a great feeling of relief, as if a weight was lifted off me, but within a few days I was questioning myself as to whether anything had truly transpired, or not. Once I was filled with the Holy Spirit, I never questioned my salvation again. Every time I would pray in tongues I was building myself up in the Spirit (Jude 1:20), becoming more and more confident and secure. There is something better than belief, and that is knowing!
2 Cor. 1:20-- For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
In the above passage of scripture, we again see the apostle Paul use similar terms to describe one of the many functions of the Holy Spirit. Being sealed with the Holy Spirit "establishes us in Christ", and acts as a guarantee that the promises of God in Him are "Yes, and Amen".
1 Corinthians 6:19-- What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 7:23-- Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
When someone buys something of great value they will give a down payment or security deposit. Without a security deposit, the seller is not sure of the intent of the buyer. The seller believes the buyer will come with the rest of the money, and hopes his intentions are right and good. When he comes up with a substantial security deposit, his intentions are then known to be genuine. Well, we are bought with the blood of Christ, and He has left us the Holy Spirit as a security deposit to let us know He will complete the transaction He has begun in us, and speaking in other tongues is evidence of that deposit. He does not want His people to live with insecurity and fear, wondering if He will follow through on His word. It is not a question of whether His word is good, but a question of our ability to faithfully wait upon the consummation of His word without a guarantee. The guarantee is for our benefit, not His. It lets us know He values us so highly, that He will put down "spiritual earnest money" so we walk in confidence and security.
2 Corinthians 5:4, 5-- For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
Terry S. Parks, Pastor
The Rock of Roanoke
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