Unknown Tongues

Tongues are always known languages: True or false?

Q: My church teaches tongues in the Bible were known languages, and that the Gift of Tongues ceased when the Bible was completed. Is this right?

A: Satan has led many denominations astray by teaching this fatal error. It results in a powerless fellowship, completely hobbled by unbelief.

No, your leaders are teaching you serious error on both counts.

Usually, they use scriptures like, Ac. 2:6 and 1 Co. 14:21-22, to falsely claim “tongues were always known languages”.

We know that is a false teaching because it contradicts the word of God:

In 1 Co. 14:2 the Holy Spirit has written,

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

God says, no man understands him, He also says he speaks mysteries.

So these tongues could not possibly be a known language or some man would understand them, and they would not be a mystery. Only God understands, and He must give the interpretation to man, before we can understand what the tongues mean. (There are other scriptures that show God may use speaking tongues in a known language as a sign to unbelievers.)

Tongues: All You Need to Know: A wonderful new compilation of the very best of Ken Hagin’s teaching on speaking in tongues. Scriptural answers to all your questions on this popular subject.

Have Tongues ceased?

The other common error taught in denominations is; they claim tongues have ceased because of 1 Co. 13:8-13 that includes the phrase; whether there be tongues, they shall cease;

They teach tongues ceased when the Bible cannon was compiled, citing verse 10:

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

“Look,” they say, “we now have the perfect word of God in our hands, the Holy Bible, so we no longer need tongues, and they have ceased.”

A terrible error that has kept millions bound by ignorance, causing them to miss their calling.

The Holy Bible is indeed complete, and it is truly the written word of God, but it is not what is mentioned here.

Please read the whole passage 1 Co. 13:8-13 in the KJV, and ask the Lord to show you what it means.

Exposed Red-Herrings

Here are the key questions to ask:

1. Has that which is perfect already come, and does it refer to the Bible as they claim?

Clearly no, because if it meant the Bible then the other conditions mentioned would also have to apply;

…whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

2. Has knowledge passed away?

Clearly not, therefore the perfect has not yet come.

When The Perfect Comes

The Perfect coming refers to the glorified perfection of believers returning with Christ (1 Co. 13:10-12, Col. 3:4), not the written word.

His Second Coming will result in that which is known in part being done away, but not before then.

Consequently, tongues are still for today, along with knowledge, and prophesy.

All the Spiritual Gifts are for Today

You can see that prohibiting the Holy Spirit from using tongues in a fellowship of believers is a very serious false-teaching, rendering believers weak and powerless.

Get the power baptism, and when you have it you will have tongues, and the other Spiritual Gifts, to use as the Lord wants you to.