Gifts or Judgments?

It is interesting to note that three (3) of the most common practices held by most Charismatic and Pentecostal churches--baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and being slain in the Spirit phenomenon--all speak of God’s judgment in some way.

1. Baptism of Fire (Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16)
2. Speaking in Tongues (Gen. 11:1-9; Isaiah 28:11-12; 1 Corinthians 14:21)
3. Slain in the Spirit (1 Samuel 4:18; John 18:1-6)

These seven (7) scripture “proof” texts (Gen. 2:21, 17:3; Matt. 28:4; John 18:6; Acts 9:3-4, 10:9-10; Rev. 1:17) do not teach, or support in any way, the false teaching of the "slain in the spirit" phenomenon as advocated by over-zealous Charismatic preachers who are missionaries for their own cause. As in the words of Jesus, "except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe" (John 4:48). I believe our Pentecostal and Charismatic brothers and sisters in Christ have good intentions in seeking for a much deeper and meaningful relationship with God. However, such a close relationship with the Lord eludes them, because they are seeking spiritual fulfillment in an experience rather than in the Lord Jesus Christ! True spiritual fulfillment comes from obedience and daily yielding to the Lord's will, which will result in having a close relationship with God. (see Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21)

1. Spirit Baptism – adoption into body of Christ as universal church (1 Cor. 12:13)
2. Spirit Sealing – eternal security in God’s salvation and guarantee of it’s claim on us (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13, 4:30)
3. Spirit Filling – daily yielding to the Spirit’s leading in our lives (Acts 4:8, 13:9; Eph. 5:8)