To all my brothers and sisters in Christ,
I hope this message finds you in love.
Proverbs 18:17
“The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.”
When talking to christian charasmatics, i often meet the argument:
- “That the Spirit will reveal the Word,”
- “That we cannot be certain of the exact meaning,”
- “That revelation by the Spirit is more important than studying the Word.”
But Scripture teaches the opposite.
The Bible tells us to test every spirit by the Word, and that the Word itself is sufficient. We are called to hold firmly to Scripture and use it for teaching, correction, and rebuke so that no one is led astray.
1 Corinthians 4:6
“Do not go beyond what is written.”
2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
We are also called to contend for the faith and to fight the good fight in order to preserve sound doctrine.
Jude 1:3
1 Timothy 6:12–16
This means that if we see practices within our church or among believers that are not found in Scripture, something is wrong – and we should address it in a biblical way. First go to the person, then if he does not listen, then bring fellow believers, and if that does not work, go to the congregation, and if that does not work, kick the dust of your feet and leave.
I am not judging anyone personally. Instead, I want to present what I see as serious issues within charismatic/Pentecostal theology (Deliverance ministries).
On Tongues
In Acts 2, the Greek word “glossa” clearly means language – a real, spoken and structured language. It cannot mean meaningless or incoherent speech.
People from many different nations heard the disciples speaking in their own languages. This shows that the gift of tongues was the ability to speak real languages (e.g., French, etc.) in order to proclaim the Gospel.
This made perfect sense, especially after the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel. Tongues enabled the spread of the Gospel across language barriers.
A true language has structure, meaning, and rules.
Let us address: 1 Corinthians 14:2
“For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.”
Charismatic interpretation:
This is used to argue that tongues are a heavenly, private, unintelligible prayer language.
Biblical response:
- The Greek word used is glōssa, which consistently means a real language. (Hermaneutics is clear, that we cannot change the meaning of a word, unless scripture defines a new meaning).
- “No one understands him” does not mean the language is meaningless—it means no one present understands that language.
- This fits perfectly with real languages being spoken without interpretation.
Context:
Paul is correcting misuse. He is not promoting this behavior—he is pointing out the problem: speaking a real language that no one understands does not edify the church.
Historical Context
In Corinth, there were pagan practices – such as those connected to the Oracle of Delphi – that involved ecstatic, unintelligible speech (gibberish). This was common among pagans. As it is common in Voodoo and Shamanism. To be filled with A SPIRIT and let it speak through you.
Paul’s letter in 1 Corinthians is a response – a correction (rebuke). He addresses their past as pagans and calls out problematic practices.
As I’ve addressed in the latter chapter: Much of modern charismatic theology relies on a misinterpretation of 1 Corinthians 14:2. In modern translations, it can be read as either descriptive or corrective. But the Greek word is still glossa, meaning language.
If you replace “tongues” with “French,” “German,” or “Mandarin,” much of the mystery disappears.
Yes, it would be strange to speak French in an English-speaking church without interpretation – that’s exactly why Paul sets rules. Here I’ve gathered all rules about the gift of Tounges from the bible.
1) Tongues must be real languages
The Greek word glōssa means a real, structured language.
Acts 2:6–8
“Each one heard them speaking in his own language.”
2) Tongues must be understandable (through interpretation)
If no one understands the language, it must be interpreted.
1 Corinthians 14:27
“If anyone speaks in a tongue… someone must interpret.”
3) If there is no interpreter, remain silent
Speaking without interpretation is not allowed in the church.
1 Corinthians 14:28
“If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church.”
4) Only 2–3 speakers per gathering
There is a strict limit to maintain order.
1 Corinthians 14:27
“Two – or at the most three – should speak.”
5) Speak one at a time
No chaotic or simultaneous speaking.
1 Corinthians 14:27
– “…each in turn.”
6) Tongues must edify the church
The purpose is not personal experience, but building up others.
1 Corinthians 14:12
“Strive to excel in building up the church.”
7) Tongues are a sign for unbelieving Jews
Not primarily for believers or private use. But for unbeliving Jews. It is even prophesied.
1 Corinthians 14:21–22
Isaiah 28:11
8) God is a God of order – not confusion
Any practice that creates chaos contradicts God’s nature.
1 Corinthians 14:33
“God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”
9) Everything must be done decently and in order
Tongues are not exempt from structure or accountability.
1 Corinthians 14:40
“Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
10) Tongues are inferior to prophecy in the church
Clear teaching is always preferred over uninterpreted tongues.
1 Corinthians 14:5
“The one who prophesies is greater…”
11) The speaker must have control
Tongues are not an uncontrollable experience.
1 Corinthians 14:32
“The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.”
12) Not everyone speaks in tongues
It is not a universal sign of faith or the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:30
“Do all speak in tongues?” (implied: no)
All of these guidelines are often ignored.
Paul also does not allow for private tongues within the assembly.
Tongues as a Sign for Unbelieving Jews
One of the most overlooked aspects of tongues is that Scripture clearly defines their purpose.
1 Corinthians 14:21–22:
“In the Law it is written: ‘By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.’
Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers…”
Paul is quoting from Isaiah 28:11–12, where God gives a prophecy to Israel (the Jews):
Isaiah 28:11
“For by people of strange lips and with a foreign tongue the Lord will speak to this people.”
What does this mean?
- God warned Israel that because of their disobedience, they would hear His message through foreign languages.
- This was a sign of judgment and warning to unbelieving Jews.
- It was not a private prayer language – it was a public, understandable language spoken by foreigners.
Fulfillment in Acts 2
In Acts 2, this prophecy is fulfilled:
- Jews from many nations were gathered in Jerusalem
- The apostles spoke in real languages
- Each person heard the Gospel in their own native tongue
This was not random speech – it was a direct fulfillment of prophecy.
Paul’s Conclusion
Paul explicitly explains:
- Tongues are a sign for unbelieving Jews
- Not for believers
- Not for private use
- Not for self-edification
Why this matters
If tongues are:
- A sign for unbelieving Jews
- A fulfillment of prophecy involving real languages
Then modern “gibberish tongues”:
- Do not match the purpose
- Do not match the audience
- Do not match the biblical pattern
On Hermeneutics
We are called to rightly divide the Word (2 Timothy 2:15). Hermeneutics – interpreting Scripture correctly – is essential.
Key principles include:
1) Do not take Scripture out of context
Every verse must be understood within its immediate and broader context. Isolating verses leads to false doctrine. We start by looking at the Book, who wrote it and to who?
2) Do not assign new meanings to words
Words must retain their original meaning unless Scripture itself clearly redefines them. We cannot change definitions to fit our theology. (This is very relevant for Tounges).
3) Not everything in the Bible is written directly to us
We must distinguish between:
- What is written to a specific audience
- And what can be applied to us today
4) Understand the historical context
We need to understand:
- The culture
- The time period
- The situation being addressed
Without this, interpretation becomes guesswork.
5) Identify the intended audience
Who was the author speaking to?
- Jews?
- Gentiles?
- A specific church?
This affects how we interpret the message.
6) If Scripture is silent, we remain silent
We must not build doctrine on assumptions.
1 Corinthians 4:6
“Do not go beyond what is written.”
7) Doctrine must be supported by multiple witnesses
A teaching must be confirmed by at least two or three clear passages.
Deuteronomy 17:6
2 Corinthians 13:1
8) Scripture must agree with Scripture
The Bible does not contradict itself. Any interpretation must align with the full counsel of Scripture – not just isolated verses.
We would expect to find verses like these examples, but we do not:
- When you go to pray in your chamber speak in tounges to edify yourself.
- Then Jesus went to pray in his secret prayer language.
- Then the apostle joined together to pray in unintelligible languages.
We find NONE examples of moderne Gibberish tounges in the bible.
9) The Spirit does not reveal new doctrine beyond Scripture
The Gospel is complete – God’s final revelation.
The Holy Spirit helps us understand Scripture, not add to it.
2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
10) Distinguish between description and instruction
Not everything described in the Bible is a command to follow. Some passages describe events – not prescribe doctrine. Some text are witten in Hyperbole – exaggeration – and are not to be taken litteraly.
11) Always seek the plain meaning first
Before looking for symbolic or spiritual meanings, we must first understand the plain, literal meaning of the text.
12) Let Scripture interpret Scripture
Clear passages must guide our understanding of more difficult ones – not the other way around.
Deuteronomy 17:6
2 Corinthians 13:1
We cannot claim new revelation beyond Scripture. The Gospel is complete – God’s final revelation. Our task is to proclaim it clearly.
On Miracles and Gifts
Charismatic theology teaches doctrines that, in my view, risk placing something between us and Christ, such as:
- Doctrine of demons
- Doctrine of sanctification
- Doctrine of signs
- Doctrine of sufficiency and tongues
The argument often given is: “We have seen miracles, healings, and deliverance.”
But have we?
- Have the blind received sight?
- Have the lame walked?
- Have the dead been raised?
- Have people spoken unlearned languages fluently to proclaim the Gospel?
I have not witnessed this in any charasmatic church? Whats stops a charasmatic church for cleaning out the childerns hospiral then? Well the bible does – since these gifts were only given to the Apostles and their like, in the time of Jesus. Even Paulus stopped healing and doing miracles – when he started preaching to the gentiles.
Did Paul Lose His Healing Gift?
The Bible does not directly state that Paul “lost” his healing gift. However, when we examine Scripture chronologically, we see a clear shift in his ministry.
Early Ministry – Miraculous Power
In the earlier part of Paul’s ministry, we see clear examples of miraculous healing:
- Acts 19:11–12 – “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul… even handkerchiefs… healed the sick.”
- Acts 28:8–9 – Paul heals the father of Publius and others on the island.
These events show strong apostolic signs, similar to those of the other apostles.
Later Ministry – No Healing, But Endurance
In Paul’s later letters, we see something different:
- 2 Timothy 4:20 – “I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.”
- 1 Timothy 5:23 – “Use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 – Paul himself is not healed, despite praying.
What Changed?
Instead of consistently performing miracles:
- Paul does not heal close co-workers
- Paul gives practical advice instead of healing
- Paul himself remains afflicted
Why This Matters
If Paul himself:
- Did not always heal
- Did not heal fellow believers
- Endured sickness
Then the idea that believers today can:
- Heal on demand
- Possess a consistent “healing gift”
is not supported by Scripture.
God still do Great Miracles
God certainly works miracles, and people are moved when we pray. Many come to faith, are born again, and are baptized. That is powerful and real.
But Scripture distinguishes between the signs given to apostles and the gifts given to believers.
Romans 12:6–8 lists gifts that do not include tongues, healing, or miracles in the same way.
Miracles in Scripture are primarily associated with Moses, Elijah, the apostles, and Jesus.
A Concern
My concern is that there is too little focus on studying Scripture deeply, and that this hinders the growth of God’s Kingdom.
I believe this is not done out of bad intent, but out of misunderstanding or personal experience. However, we must test everything by the Word.
Even Satan can produce spiritual experiences that appear real.
A Loving Warning
This is difficult for me to write because I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. My intention is not division, but correction and unity grounded in Scripture.
There is a difference between reading the Bible and truly studying it.
Without understanding context, audience, and original language, the risk of error is very high.
For example, “faith” in Greek implies trust that leads to obedience – not mere belief, since even Satan believes.
Final Reflection
I am deeply concerned about the rapid growth of the charismatic movement (500–770 million people), especially through social media, and how it may lead people into error.
After much prayer and study, I share this in love.
Matthew 7:22–23
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name…?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.’”
God values His Word above all.
Let the finished work of Christ on the cross – and the Holy Spirit within those who are born again – be sufficient.
Let us not add to God’s Word.
If there is any doubt – especially regarding practices like tongues – it is better to refrain.
Romans 14:23
I pray that God will reval the truth to all my brothers and sisters.
God bless.
Links
Debate on Tounges, that refutes all arguements:
https://www.youtube.com/live/nGhiV5Xp0s8?si=c9kO-zVAvUb3hn9c
A clear explanation why the Charasmatic doctrines goes agains scripture:
https://youtu.be/6fpSajRhc5Y?si=N8Ozq_fGvumBuRwB