Truth Versus Tradition

Dave Patterson

• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Year: 2021
• Print ISBN: 9781662428562
• eBook ISBN: 9781662428579
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

Jesus confronted the religious leaders of his time concerning their traditions taking priority over the truth.

Buthe answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? (Matthew 15: 3)

And honor not his father or his mother he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. (Matthew 15: 6)

For laying aside the commandment of God ye hold the tradition of men as the washing of pots and cups and m any other such like thing ye do. (Mark 7: 8)

Just because it is "tradition" does not make it the truth. Some people will say about these chapters, "What difference does it make?" The difference is what is often traditionally taught does not make it the truth when it comes to the accuracy of the scripture. I would ask, "Why does it matter if I lie to you or tell you the truth?" Most people do not like being lied to.

I challenge the reader to take a clear perspective of the written Word of God. Believe the truth. Do not hold on to things you have been previously taught to you, just because it is tradition. Truth Versus Tradition will take you to the scripture and document what the truth of God's Word says and what has been wrongly taught by tradition.

Chapter 16

Speaking in Tongues

This is a controversial topic that has divided churches. Some claim it is devilish. Some say you earn it as a “gift.” Some say it is only available to truly spiritual people. Some say it is used only by missionaries. Some go as far as saying it is a sign that one is possessed by a devil spirit.

The nine manifestations are (1) speaking in tongues, (2) interpretation of tongues, (3) prophecy, (4) word of knowledge, (5) word of wisdom, (6) discerning of spirits, (7) faith (believing), (8) miracles, and (9) healing.

To figure this out, we must look at the context where these manifestations (too often referred to as “gifts”) are talked about.

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. (1 Corinthians 12:1)

The word gifts you will notice is in italics. This does not mean that it is to be emphasized. In the King James Bible, when the translator wants to let you know he added a word to the text, he puts it in italics. This shows you specifically that he or she added it, and it is not in the text. So if they added it, one does not touch the Word of God by deleting it.

The Greek word in the verse is pneumatikos. It means spiritual matters. The word “would” in this verse is the Greek word thelô—which always implies a passionate desire.

There are basically two Greek words translated “not.” One is mê, which is a negation by freewill choice. The other is ou, which is an absolute negation. The word says every man is a liar, but I could say, “I am not lying.” That “not” would be translated mê in Greek. Meaning, by my freewill, I am not lying, although it would be possible for me to do so. If I said, “God is not a liar,” that “not” would be translated ou, which would be an absolute negation. Meaning, it is impossible.

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:18)

Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no [oudeis—absolute negation] man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no [oudeis—absolute negation] man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (1 Corinthians 12:2)

When one speaks in tongues, they are not [absolute negation] cursing God. This refutes the belief that it is a sign that one is possessed by a devil spirit.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation [emphasis added] of the Spirit is given to every man [emphasis added] to profit withal. (1 Corinthians 12:4–7)

Note here it says that it is a “manifestation.” It is not a “gift.” It is a manifestation of the gift. The “gift” is the gift of the holy spirit. These so-called “gifts” are not “gifts” but “manifestations” of the gift. It is like a Swiss Army knife. The knife would represent the gift. In this Swiss Army knife, there is a (1) knife blade, (2) a corkscrew, (3) a nail file, (4) a bottle opener, (5) a Phillips screwdriver, (6) a slotted screwdriver, (7)a toothpick, (8) a pair of scissors, and (9) a can opener. Each of these nine items is the “manifestation” of the gift of the Swiss Army knife. When you got the gift of the knife, you have everything contained in that gift. Anyone who gets the gift can use any one of these nine manifestations of the knife.

Each manifestation has a separate function. The same is true with the “gift” of the holy spirit. The Bible says these are the “manifestations” of the gift. It is not a gift of tongues. It is a manifestation of the gift. It is not something that is given to some people but not to other people. It says it is given to every man. Anyone who has the gift can operate any of the nine manifestations.

Let’s continue in the record.

For to one [for one profit] is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another [for another profit] the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:8)

Going back to the illustration of the Swiss Army knife, if you need a Phillips screwdriver, you will not utilize the toothpick or the scissors. Each of the nine manifestations of that knife is profitable for a certain function. The same is true with each of the manifestations of the spirit.

To another [for another profit] faith by the same Spirit; to another [for another profit] the gifts of healing by the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:9)

Note again that it is a manifestation of the same Spirit. All capitalization in the Word is added by the translator. Spirit here should be lower case spirit. The lower case “spirit” is the gift. The capitalized “Spirit” makes it God. One has to look at the context to determine which way it should be illustrated.

To another [for another profit] the working of miracles; to another [for another profit] prophecy; to another [for another profit] discerning of spirits; to another [for another profit] divers kinds of tongues; to another [for another profit] the interpretation of tongues: But all these [emphasis added] worketh that one emphasis added] and the selfsame [emphasis added] Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he [the man] will. (1 Corinthians 12:10–11)

Back to our Swiss Army knife illustration, just because one has the pair of scissors in the gift of the knife, it does not mean that the holder of the gift will utilize the pair of scissors. It does not mean he does not have the ability to utilize the scissors, but he either is unaware that he has the scissors or refuses to utilize them. It is the same as the gift of the holy spirit. One has the ability to operate any one of the nine manifestations. The reason one does not operate them is either he is unaware that he has the ability or refuses to operate them.

When it comes to speaking in tongues, the Word gives the following benefits of this manifestation:

1. Edifies you
   He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself. (1 Corinthians 14:4a)
   The word “unknown” is in italics, showing it was added by the translator and should be deleted. It is possible for it to be known by someone, but it is unknown to the one speaking.
   But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit). (Jude 20)
2. Speaking divine secrets
   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. (1 Corinthians 14:2)
   Again the word “unknown” and “him” are in italics and need to be deleted.
3. Speaking the wonderful works of God
   Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (Acts 2:11)
   Although the language was unknown by the speaker, there were some present that understood what was being spoken.
4. Magnifies God
   For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. (Acts 10:46a)
5. Perfect prayer for things one does know what to pray for
   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. 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. (Romans 8:26–27)
6. Gives thanks well
   Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. (1 Corinthians 14:16–17)
7. Opens your heart to the Father
   For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)
   And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6)
8. God’s spirit bearing witness with your spirit that you are a...

Table of contents

• The First Heavens and Earth
• The Second Heaven and Earth
• Noah and the Flood
• Truths of the End-Time
• Did Jesus Get Anyone Born Again
• The Forming of the Continents
• Who Was at the Birth of Jesus Christ
• The Wisemen, the Star, the Birth Date of Jesus Christ
• How Long Was Jesus’s Ministry on the Earth
• On What Day Was Jesus Christ Crucified
• The Denials of Peter
• How Many Were Crucified with Jesus Christ
• The Death of Judas
• The Trinity
• Eternal Life, Everlasting Life
• Speaking in Tongues