a message from the editor Ä . pp ip i p * BY DR.SAMUEL H. SUTHERLAND PRESIDENT, THE BIBLE INSTITUTE OF LOSANGELES, INC.
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The Latest Confusion of Tongues In last month’s issue of the KING’S BUSINESS there appeared an article dealing with various aspects of the “tongues movement” as it is developing in so many of the Protestant denominations today. This editorial is not the place to consider the various arguments for or against the tongues movement. Biola’s position is very clearly ex pressed in that article as well as in other articles in forthcoming issues. It should be very clearly understood that we are dealing with a movement and not with any personalities involved. We have many friends, both personal and of the school, who are more or less tied up with the tongues movement. Many of them are wonderful Chris tian people and we consider them "brothers beloved in the Lord.” But in this instance we are dealing with an issue which we believe is an anti-scriptural one and therefore we feel constrained to speak out and warn earnest Christians who may be honestly endeavoring to find the Lord’s leading as revealed in His Word in regard to the whole tongues movement. It is our conviction that the “ tongues” phenomenon as evi denced today is (1 ) unscriptural. (2 ) In no way is it the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy which states, in effect, that in the last days Je hovah will pour out His Spirit upon mankind and the young men shall see visions and the old men shall dream dreams. There is no indication whatever that the Holy Spirit’s presence will result in the abilty to speak in an ecstatic tongue. Joel’s prophecy was par tially fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, but it must be remembered that the tongues on that day were distinct languages spoken by members of the Apostolic band, but which to them were foreign tongues in that they had never studied or spoken the languages they were actually speaking on that occasion as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance. That is a far cry from the "unknown tongues” which are evident in the movement today. (3 ) We see no evidence whatever that the gift of tongues produces a deeper or more whole some spiritual life on the part of those who claim to have this gift. It is true that some who have this "g ift” are very deeply spiritual from all outward evidences. But we have failed to see or hear of anyone who, suddenly receiving the "g ift of tongues,” thereby becomes at once deeply spiritual or, for that matter, any more spirit ual than before. (4 ) On the other hand, the "gift of tongues” all too frequently is characterized by a spiritual superiority complex on the part of the recipients as they begin to take the attitude that
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