Page 73 - Pneumatology - A Study of the Holy Spirit

Praying in tongues is most definitely an issue on which Christians can respectfully and lovingly agree to
disagree. Praying in tongues is not what determines salvation. Praying in tongues is not what separates a
mature Christian from an immature Christian. Whether or not there is such a thing as praying in tongues as a
personal prayer language is not a fundamental of the Christian faith. So, while we believe the biblical
interpretation of praying in tongues leads away from the idea of a private prayer language for personal
edification, we also recognize that many who practice such are our brothers and sisters in Christ and are
worthy of our love and respect.

Let’s Practice…

1. The Charismatic movement teaches that speaking in tongues is a validation of what?

2-4. List the three occasions in the New Testament where God validated the coming of the Holy Spirit with
the gift of tongues:

5. What is the Latter Rain Movement?

6-8. List three of the errant doctrines in the Latter Rain Movement:

9. How is praying in tongues different than praying in the Spirit?

10. Charismatics say praying in tongues is a personal prayer language between a believer and God for self-
edification. Why is this an unbiblical view?

Let’s get Personal…

Activity: The tongues of today differ greatly from the tongues or languages described in the early church.
They are not even remotely similar. What can you say to a believing friend who is seeking to be baptized by
the Holy Spirit and desires an ecstatic experience to validate the presence of the Holy Spirit?

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