True Holy Spirit Compared to Other Spirits

Do we know what spirit we have received?

1 John 3:24
And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

In the original scripture writings, these two scriptures were together. It is unfortunate that they were separated into chapters, because people do not understand the full directions being given by both of them together.

It is very clear from this scripture that we are intended to know what spirit is motivating us, and to try every spirit to be sure that it is the right spirit.

Today many are presenting to us a false Holy Ghost. Have we ever checked the scriptures concerning what we have been taught about the Holy Ghost? If not, more than likely we have received the wrong spirit. A true minister will take the time to understand the difference between true and false, by a full study of the scriptures.

Will you take the time to study all the scriptures? Or would you rather just have a few scriptures that someone taught you? Are you just holding on to a spirit that has become familiar to you? A spirit that manifests miracle deceptions, but does not make you holy. And if you don’t want holiness, you don’t want the true Holy Spirit. Have you ever thought about that?

We have many problems around churches today because of being deceived by a false Holy Spirit:

No holiness – People manifesting “gifts” and especially “tongues” but yet they still commit sin from time to time. Many pentecostal preachers have been caught in sins of adultery or false miracles for money. And yet they continue to speak in their pentecostal tongues! The principal witness of the true Holy Ghost inside, is the holiness of God manifested in the individual.
Division – Multitudes of churches claim a pentecostal spirit, yet they are divided into denominations. And many pentecostal preachers are divided and fighting one another. And yet they still speak in their pentecostal tongues! The true Holy Ghost and the Word of God is in charge of God’s church, and when they are in charge, there is no division.
Few prayers are being answered today – Most modern pentecostals don’t take prayer requests anymore, so that they can agree in prayer for them. And they don’t pray by focusing their minds in agreement on the same thing. They mostly pray at the same time, without knowing what the others are saying. But Jesus taught us that if we agree in prayer for a specific request, then God will certainly answer. The true Holy Ghost will inspire us to pray according to the directions of Jesus.
Bible ignorance – Most preachers have a very shallow Bible knowledge today. They know a few scriptures that were taught them by their denomination or group. Few study the scriptures completely or deeply themselves. And even fewer understand the purpose of God in Bible teachings. Jesus said the true Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth. Not just some of it.

So first let us start by examining the scriptures to see who the Holy Spirit is, what he is like, and how he works. Jesus clearly explains this to us.

“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me” ~ John 15:26

Jesus told us in the scripture above that the Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of truth.” This makes sense because he comes from the Father. Since he only speaks the truth, he can only influence people to speak the truth. If people claim to have the Holy Ghost, and yet they tell lies, it is clearly evident that it is a false spirit, and not the true Holy Ghost.

Jesus also told us in the scripture above that the Holy Spirit “shall testify of me.” The Holy Spirit does not testify for himself. And so it is also clear that any minister claiming to have the Holy Ghost, he will not be exalting himself. He will only exalt Jesus. If they are exalting themselves, and their special gifts that they have by the spirit, they do not have the true Holy Ghost. They have another spirit.

The true Holy Spirit produces a sacrificial love burning in the heart of the individual. The true Holy Spirit enables them to crucify their own will and purpose, so that they might faithfully serve the Lord in holiness (by the nature of Holy Spirit within, that causes them to live holy). And whatever gift they receive from the Holy Ghost, they use it to serve others, not themselves.

But the false Holy Spirit that is presented today, is for benefiting the wants and desires of the individual who claims to have Holy Spirit gifts. They desire a special feeling inside, and to be recognized as having the Holy Ghost, so that they will be accepted by their church. Living holy without committing sin, is just an afterthought, if it is in their conscience at all. Actually most of them believe a doctrine that says: “a Christian cannot live without sinning.”

Further, Jesus told us more about the Holy Ghost:

“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” ~ John 16:8

He will convict and convince the world of their sin, and of true righteousness, and of fair judgement. If a minister claims to have a gift from the Holy Ghost, and yet they still have sin in their life, they got that gift from a different spirit. And the true Holy Spirit enables a true ministry to have fair and righteous judgment. So a person who is led by the true Holy Spirit, will not be unfair with people. They will not favor one person above another in judging right and wrong.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” ~ John 16:13

The true Holy Spirit will not lead you into error. Therefore what he shows us, agrees completely with the full word of God. A false Holy Ghost will present to you only certain scriptures, and always without the full context of the scripture. And will avoid the original word meaning of the scripture. Therefore a false Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to deceive people.

So the question is: how will we know whether we are being deceived or not, if we do not understand the full scripture teaching on the subject? We are warned that many will handle the Word of God deceitfully.

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” ~ Matthew 24:11-12
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” ~ Romans 1:18

Further we were told by Jesus concerning the Holy Ghost: “for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak”

The Holy Spirit does not speak of himself. So how could a minister have the Holy Ghost, and be often talking about himself and exalting his spiritual gifts? It is clear that these preachers must be operating by a different spirit.

Concerning the gifts of the Spirit, Jesus said “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) But false preachers will seek money in exchange for their gifts.

Jesus was filled with the Spirit of God. And so he also described to us by prophesy what the Spirit of God would do in him:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” ~ Luke 4:18

The true Holy Ghost will inspire us the same way to do the following:

Preach the gospel to the poor. We will not be seeking for people who have money, so that we can receive money from them.
Heal the brokenhearted. Sin produces broken relationships. The true Holy Spirit heals relationships, starting with a relationship with God, by removing the sin that broke the godly relationship in the first place.
Preach deliverance to the captives. A true minister will show people how to be delivered completely from sin, through the true Holy Spirit.
Recovering of sight to the blind. The true Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth. He will never lead you into scriptural error, where you believe in manifestations of the spirit that work contrary to what the word of God teaches.
To set at liberty them that are bruised. The true Holy Spirit sets you free. He does not force you to do anything. He is the true Spirit of sacrificial love. He inspires you by love, but he will not force himself upon you. There is a false Holy Spirit today that takes control over people, and causes them to do things which they cannot control. Even falling on the floor and speaking things that they cannot understand. That definitely is not the true Holy Spirit. That is the way Satan works when he takes control. He forces himself on people.

First let us understand that God directs everything in the true church, through his three witnesses in the earth.

1 John 5:6-9
[6] This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
[7] For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
[8] And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
[9] If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

The “water” spoken of in this passage is the Word of God that washes us of our own thinking and our own ways.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” ~ Ephesians 5:25-26

So in the scripture from 1st John it clearly shows us that there are three that bear witness to us in the Earth: the Spirit, the Word, and the blood. And their witness agrees together. So the true Spirit will not witness contrary to the Word. And yes, even the blood witnesses.

“And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” ~ Hebrews 12:24

If you are saved, the blood witnesses of your innocence before God. But if you are still committing sin, it witnesses of your blood guiltiness.

“Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” ~ 1 Corinthians 11:27

These witnesses are faithful to every soul that will listen to them. But most have chosen to ignore them. They would rather listen to a preacher, without taking the time to thoroughly study the Word themselves. So they also will not listen to the faithful three witnesses that God has provided: the Word, the Holy Spirit, and the blood.

So now, what are the gifts that the true Holy Spirit gives, and why does he give them, and whom does he give them to? Answering these questions will witness to you from both the Word and the true Holy Spirit. Chapter 12 of 1st Corinthians gives us instruction.

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:1-2

First the apostle Paul warns us that spiritual gifts can become an idol. And when they do, they can deceive us and lead us away. Today that warning is being fulfilled. There are many false Holy Ghost gifts that are deceiving many, by the power Satan has to present himself as an angel of light.

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” ~ 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Revelation 16:14
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

It is clear that there are false Holy Ghost spirits that deceive. So we must know the difference, or we will be deceived!

So what does the Holy Ghost do in people?

“Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:3

The Spirit of God will not lead you to judge another Christian (another part of the body of Christ) by cursing them (trying to destroy their testimony). And no one can say in truth that Jesus is their Lord (fully owns their life) except that they have consecrated their life completely to the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7
[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

The Holy Ghost gives different gifts and ministries, and he operates differently, according to the need. He does not do this to profit the one with the gift, but rather to profit others.

1 Corinthians 12:8-11
[8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
[9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
[10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
[11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

He gives different gifts, and everyone does not have the same gift. And he only gives gifts according to his own will, not the will of the individual. Today we have a common situation where people believe everyone who is filled with the Holy Ghost, will have the same gift of tongues. But that belief is not supported anywhere in scripture. Will you consider what the scripture says?

Because of the many misrepresentations of the gift of tongues today, let us completely study this “tongues” gift from the scriptures. And let us start at the beginning.

1 Corinthians 14:21-22
[21] In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
[22] Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

Most recognize that this scripture is referring directly to the event that happened on the day of Pentecost. But only within the last hundred years or so, people have become confused about what those “other tongues” were. Since the beginning it was recognized that these “other tongues” were languages of people from other countries. In fact the original meaning of the word “tongue” in this scripture above is: “one who speaks a foreign language.” And every use of the word “tongues” in reference to the Holy Ghost gift of tongues, means “a human foreign language.”

But let us look at the exact context of the full scripture within Acts chapter 2, that describes the day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:4-11
[4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
[5] And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
[6] Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
[7] And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
[8] And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
[9] Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
[10] Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
[11] Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

This scripture account of Pentecost is extremely clear. The people heard the apostles speak in their own mother tongue, from their own country. And this agrees with the original word meaning for “tongue”: a foreign language from another country. And every place in the scripture where it uses the word “tongue” it is speaking of a foreign language from another country. And if you care enough about God’s word to respect it, and to take the time to look up the original word’s meaning so you know what God intended to say, you will find that this is always true.

Later in Acts, Peter and other Christian Jews visited the gentle family of Cornelius. Peter and these Jews were not convinced yet that the gentiles could be saved without following the Mosaic law. But the Holy Ghost manifested that he had filled those gentiles, by showing the gift of tongues (languages) in them. Peter and the Jews, heard the gentiles magnify God in a language that both Peter and the Jews understood.

Acts 10:44-47
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Notice that they of the circumcision believed in Christ, but they did not believe the gentiles could be saved without being circumcised. They were unbelievers concerning how the gentiles could be saved. But now after witnessing the Holy Ghost filling them and giving them the gift of tongues (and understanding what they were saying); now these of the circumcision also believed that the gentiles could be saved without being circumcised. Because they “received the Holy Ghost as well as we.” The gift of tongues worked the same way for these gentiles, as it had worked for Peter and the Jews on the day of Pentecost.

“Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.” ~ 1 Corinthians 14:22

The ability to speak in a foreign language that you never learned, helps the unbeliever to be convinced. Because it is impossible to speak a foreign language without spending much time learning. Only a supernatural influence can cause this language learning to happen instantly.

Now, because of what happened on the day of Pentecost, and what happened later with Peter, (and then again later in Acts 19:6), some have come to the conclusion that tongues are the witnesses that you have received the Holy Ghost. But yet there are over 40 places where the Bible speaks of being filled with Holy Spirit, and yet it says nothing about the manifestation of the gift of tongues. Including in Acts 8:14-20 where they laid hands on the Samaritan’s that they might receive the Holy Ghost, and there was no mention of tongues. If there were tongues manifested in Acts 8:14-20, they certainly would have mentioned it, just as at other times.

Acts 8:14-20
[14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
[15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
[16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
[17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
[18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
[19] Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
[20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Additionally 1st Corinthians the 12th chapter plainly tells us there are a number of other gifts of the Holy Ghost, and that not everyone has the gift of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:28-31
[28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
[29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
[30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
[31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

So now let’s talk about the most Holy Ghost filled person that ever lived on the face of the earth: Jesus Christ. In the power of the Spirit, Jesus: cast out many devil’s, healed multitudes, did many miracles, raised the dead, and taught with incredible authority. Yet while doing all this, he never was moved to manifest the power of the Holy Ghost by speaking in tongues. And he most certainly never spoke or prayed in an unintelligible language that nobody understood. Why?

Jesus showed by example that the gifts of the Spirit are only used for the need. Jesus said: “…I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24) Jesus was only sent to people who spoke the same language. The gift of tongues is not for the individual to put on display, to show that the individual has the Holy Ghost. It is given so that we can serve the gospel needs of others, by preaching to them in a language that they understand.

So it should be clear that tongues is not the only gift. Also, everyone filled with the Holy Spirit, will not have the the gift of tongues. So tongues cannot be the only witness of the Holy Ghost in someone.

And today many are confused about what the gift of tongues actually is. But this confusion did not exist among churches until around the beginning of the 1900s. (Modern day Pentecostalism and Pentecostal churches never existed before the 1900s. You can research it yourself as it is well documented on the Web, including within Wikipedia and the Britannica.) Around the 1900s, there slowly began an unusual manifestation of a spirit with an unintelligible voice. This voice previously was only known as being part of pagan worship. As pagans have had this practice of unintelligible tongues for thousands of years, and they still do today. (Yes, pagan religions of many types still practice these same unknown tongues.) And since the early 1900s, many around Pentecostal churches would begin to claim that this unknown strange tongue was of the Holy Ghost. And as people became more familiar with this new form of Holy Ghost, they also began to lose self control to it. They not only lost control of their voice, but they also lost control of their body, and would fall on the ground shaking. And this is also how the pagans practice it.

So how did the notion that there could be a “gift of unknown tongues” ever get introduced as a doctrine in the 1900s? It principally started with an incorrect translation/assumption concerning the apostle Paul’s teaching on the use of foreign languages within 1 Corinthians 14. Corinth was a major seaport city. Consequently many people of different languages would pass through and stay there. And in the early church many were being converted to Christianity. And so they also came to the places of worship to pray, testify, and sing in worship with their foreign language. But most in church did not understand the language of these foreigners. And this caused confusion in the church.

Note: the confusion caused in the Corinthian church was not caused by the Holy Ghost. The true Holy Ghost does not cause language problems. He solves them.

In the early 1900s the most used translation of the Bible was the King James Version (KJV). This translation was created in the year 1611. And at that time they chose to add the word “unknown” to the word “tongue” in 1 Corinthians 14. They did this to try to convey to the reader that this was a foreign language not known by a majority of the people in the congregation. No one in the year 1611 had any thought that this represented a strange language that no one on earth knew. The only unknown tongues that existed in 1611 were in pagan religions. But in the 1900s, 300 years later, the modern Pentecostal churches started to promote the teaching that (KJV) 1 Corinthians 14 was teaching that the Holy Ghost caused people to speak in unintelligible tongues that no one can understand. They ignored that the KJV version italicizes the word “unknown” so that people can know that the word “unknown” was never part of the original scripture.

Today all the modern reputable versions of the Bible have corrected what the (KJV) did. So they do not use the word “unknown” in 1 Corinthians 14. Actually the term “unknown tongue” does not exist anywhere in the Bible.

So now let’s talk about 1 Corinthians 14. What is the Apostle Paul telling us? Let us read the chapter as it was originally written, using the modern New King James Version, published on 1982.

[1] “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”

In your desire for spiritual gifts, seek especially that you would be able to prophesy. Why is prophesy more important? Because it is that which ultimately edifies and builds up the soul.

[2] “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”

First of all let’s look up what the word “tongue” means in the original Greek in this scripture: “tongue – the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations”

So in verse 2 the person is speaking in a language, but men don’t understand him. By original word meaning, it is a language of another country. So only God understands him, because God understands all languages. So it is a spiritual conversation, with God alone. As no one else present understands him.

[3] “But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.”

So a prophesy in a language people cannot understand, is not really prophesying, because no one is being prophesied too. But when people understand what we are saying, then the purpose of prophecy takes place: “edification and exhortation and comfort to men.”

[4] “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”

The prophecy in a foreign language is not benefiting men. So now, it is only for the individual himself, because he understands his own language. But when he prophesies to the church (in a language they understand) the church is benefited.

[5] “I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.”

I wish you all could speak with foreign languages. But more important is that you would prophecy (speak to edification and exhortation and comfort to men.) Unless there is an interpreter of the foreign language, there is no benefit to the church.

Note: there is a very distinct difference between the true Holy Spirit gift of tongues and the false one. The true one brings clear understanding of scriptural communications. But the false one removes scriptural understanding from communications.

[6] “But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?”

In speaking languages, what profit is in it, unless I am able to communicate to you understanding in what is said.

[7] “Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?”

Even musical instruments provide no value if there is not a distinction in how the sounds are presented. It needs to produce a melody that we can understand.

[8] “For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?”

Trumpets were used in the Old testament to warn the people. How disastrous it would be for the people if they could not understand the warning by the sound of the trumpet. A certain sound told them to gather for worship. And another sound told them to gather for battle. Again, similar to languages, both musical instruments and trumpets must provide understanding in their sounds that they make. This is the point that he is making.

[9] “So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.”

“So likewise” – just like the musical instrument and the trumpet, if you do not provide understanding in the words that you speak, you are just making noise into the air, because no one understands you. There is no benefit.

[10] “There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance.”

There are multitudes of languages in the world. And each one of them is distinct.

[11] “Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.”

Therefore if I’m spoken to in a foreign language that I don’t understand, then the person will be a foreigner to me. We cannot communicate and help one another.

[12] “Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.”

So as you are desiring gifts from the Spirit of God, be sure that you are asking for the right reason: so that you can serve and edify others with the gift. (As we already read in 1st Corinthians the 12th chapter, gifts of the Spirit are for serving others.)

[13] “Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.”

Therefore if you don’t know the language of the others at church, pray that the Lord would enable an interpreter for them.

[14] “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.”

Now he is talking about praying in a foreign language. And this discussion includes verse 14, 15, 16, and 17.
So if I pray in a foreign language, my spirit prays, but this understanding is unfruitful for others. (And that is exactly what he states in the following scriptures that are part of the same thought.)

[15] “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”

Whether I pray or sing, there needs to be understanding. That is the conclusion or the purpose of what Paul is telling us. And this is further made clear by his following statements in the next scriptures.

[16] “Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?”

If you are praying a blessing, how will anyone else be able to agree in prayer and say “Amen” if you are speaking in a foreign language?

[17] “For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.”

You are giving thanks in prayer, but the other one is not benefited by your prayer because they don’t understand it. And so they also cannot agree with you in prayer.

Jesus told us in Matthew 18:19 that agreement in prayer insures that prayers will be answered. Paul is concerned that if they can’t agree, it will hinder their prayers being answered.

[18] “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;”

The Apostle Paul was a very learned man. Because of his education and upbringing, he could speak many different languages.

[19] “yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”

But Paul would rather speak five words that could benefit those listening, than to speak 10,000 words in a language they can’t understand.

[20] “Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.”

Don’t be a child in your understanding and use of foreign languages. Be mature. Be responsible.

[21] “In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.”

This prophecy is true, as it came to pass especially on the day of Pentecost. There were people from many different countries and foreign languages present on that day. And although there were many that did obey what was preached, there were others that mocked the Apostles and said that they were drunk. They would not hear what the Lord was telling them, even though they were spoken to in their own foreign language, through the gift of the Holy Spirit tongues.

[22] “Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.”

Speaking to them in their own foreign language is a sign to unbelievers. But an unbeliever will not receive prophecy, because they don’t believe it. And so prophecy is for those that believe.

[23] “Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?”

If you all are speaking or praying in foreign languages that people don’t know, will they not think that you are crazy?

[24] “But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.”

But if you all speak to them in their own foreign language, then they are convinced of everyone.

[25] “And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.”

And therefore because they hear what you are saying in their own language, they are convinced that God is amongst you.

[26] “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”

Don’t be focused on yourself. But rather focus on how that others can be helped and edified. Including by speaking a language that they can understand.

[27] “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.”

If one is speaking in a foreign language, be sure that there is someone to interpret it for everyone else.

[28] “But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.”

If there is no interpreter, let him be silent in the church. And yet he can speak to God directly within in his own heart.

[29] “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.”

Take turns in your prophesying so that there is order and no confusion.

[30] “But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.”

If someone gains understanding from what is prophesied, then next allow the one who was benefited speak.

[31] “For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.”

With a proper order, everyone can be given an opportunity to prophesy.

[32] “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”

The Spirit of God does not cause someone to lose control of themselves. Neither of their tongue. Nor of their body.

[33] For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

It is disturbing when someone loses control of their mouth, and control of their own body. The Holy Spirit does not cause this, because he does not author confusion. And this is the way he operates in every Church.

I have carefully read 1st Corinthians the 14th chapter so that we can understand the full context of the conversation. Modern day Pentecostal teaching will not do that. But rather it picks a scripture here or there to emphasize certain points without giving you understanding in the complete discussion. And then of course, they also interpret the word “tongues” contrary to what the word actually means in the original Greek language of the Bible.

Finally there is a belief that people can pray in an indiscernible language by a gift of the Holy Ghost. But nowhere in Scripture does it teach that. One of the scriptures they try to use is found in Romans chapter 8 and verse 26.

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

It is very clear here that the person is not speaking, nor making any noise by the Holy Ghost. Because the Holy Spirit is interceding by not making any sound. Groanings that cannot be spoken. It is a grief in the heart that cannot be spoken. But God understands the grief perfectly.

Often the first verse of 1 Corinthians chapter 13 is used to justify praying and speaking in a language of the Angels in heaven.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

So the argument is that I am speaking in an angelic language. And yet when they speak this angelic language, the person doesn’t understand themselves what they are saying. But in the Bible whenever the angels would speak to people on Earth, they would speak in the language of the people they were talking to (for example the angel speaking to Gideon, and the angel Gabriel speaking to Mary). And the people on Earth would speak to them in their own language. So this shows that the angels in heaven have the true Holy Spirit gift of tongues. Because they can speak to whomever God sends them to, regardless of what language those people speak. They don’t speak to the people in their own angelic language. Why? Because the true gift of the Holy Spirit gives clear understanding.

And so again, the important thing about the true gift of tongues, is that both the communicator and the one receiving the communication, are understanding the conversation. Because the tongue is in the language that they both understand.

And so to summarize this article: “True Holy Spirit Compared to Other Spirits”:

The true Holy Spirit delivers people from sin and enables them to live holy. The false spirit will give his gifts to people who still sin.

The true Holy Spirit brings people together into unity. The false spirit will leave people divided into their denominations, and will cause ministers to even fight one another.

The true Holy Spirit will lead people into understanding the burdens of people, and to agree in prayer for those burdens. The false spirit will lead people to pray without understanding a common burden, and without agreeing together.

The true Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. Not just some of the truth. The false spirit will lead you into false doctrines by selecting a few scriptures, while ignoring many others, and ignoring the original meaning of words.

The true Holy Spirit produces a sacrificial love. The false spirit leads us into serving our own selves first.

The true Holy Spirit does not speak of himself. He glorifies Jesus. The false spirit glorifies the preacher by the gifts that he puts on display.

The true Holy Spirit will cause us to go out to all people to share Jesus, wherever people are. The false spirit will work to attract people to the convenience and glory of the preacher.

The true Holy Spirit sets you free. He does not force you to do anything. He is the true Spirit of sacrificial love. He asks you to follow his burden. The false spirit takes control over people, and causes them to do things which they cannot control, nor understand.

The true Holy Spirit enables all his gifts according to his choice. The false spirit presents one gift “tongues” as the principle evidence, and his preachers believe they can choose whom to give this gift to.

The true Holy Spirit gives the gift of tongues so that people can hear the gospel in their own language. The false spirit presents unintelligible noises no one can understand.

The true Holy Spirit gives the true gift of languages to convince those who don’t believe. The false spirit often presents his false tongues to people who claim to be Christian already.

The true Holy Spirit causes clear understanding in all communications: in both speaking and prayer. The false spirit creates confusing noises in both speaking at church, and while in prayer.

The true Holy Spirit gifts are freely given. Jesus said “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) But false spirit preachers will seek money in exchange for their gifts.

Further the scripture tells us:

“Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.” ~ Isaiah 33:19

May we seek the true Holy Ghost, and no longer be deceived by the false one.