Our blog will share 30 different Bible Contrasts that show distinctions that matter when studying God’s Word. It is important to understand this perspective or we may get confused.
We see a number of dissimilar wordings within God’s Word. Some have seen them as contradictions in the Bible. We prefer the term “contrasts.” The main reason for these differences is that God is setting forth two separate programs (intimated even in Genesis 1:1). The first deals with the earth and Israel. The other concerns the heavens and Christ’s Body Church. It was given to the Apostle Paul to lay out these differences. He is God’s “apostle of the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:13).
So then we must recognize such Bible divisions if we’d truly understand God’s Word and be approved by Him (II Tim. 2:15). Then we must follow the last directives given by God through Paul as “the commandments of the Lord” for this present time (I Cor. 14:37).
Today is Part #4
TONGUES A SIGN: Isaiah prophesied that God would speak to His people Israel with “another tongue” (Isa. 28:11,12). At Pentecost, “Jews…out of every nation under heaven” heard the disciples “speak with other tongues” (Acts 2:4-6). “Jews and proselytes…” heard “them speak in our tongues” that is, native languages (Acts 2:8-11). The Apostle Paul wrote that “the Jews require a sign” (I Cor. 1:22). He urged mature understanding and then quoted what Isaiah wrote. He concluded that speaking with other “tongues are for a sign” to unbelieving Jewish people (I Cor. 14:20-22).
TONGUES TO STOP: Paul regarded tongues as the least of spiritual gifts (I Cor. 12:28-31; 14:19). Tongues were prominent in the most unspiritual New Testament church (I Cor. 3:1-4). Thus it is not surprising to read Paul’s statement: “whether there be tongues, they shall cease” (I Cor. 13:8). Instead, for the present time “now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three” (I Cor. 13:13). God has presently cast away Israel, the sign people, in blindness (Rom. 11:15,25). Thus the very purpose for tongues has ceased.
For more information and understanding, we recommend doing the PMA “Understanding your Bible” 8 part lesson series available for free download at Free Bible Correspondence – Prison Mission Association
(These points come from Pastor David Adams, booklet, Bible Contrasts used by permission)