It seems there has been a lot of resistance to the so called “New Apostolic Reformation” and the operation of the gifts, sometimes called the “Charismatic Movement.” Some people even question the source of gifts such as speaking in tongues, alleging that the manifestations are from the devil or demons. I think this is a dangerous position in light of Jesus’ warning about blasphemy of the Holy Spirit:
Matthew 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
So, if the gift being displayed IS from God through the Holy Spirit, then the voices defaming those gifts may be guilty of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
The other morning while listening to the Daily Audio Bible I felt like the LORD showed me the answer to this issue. In Exodus 7, God specifically gave Moses and Aaron the sign of having their rod turn into a serpent to confirm that they were sent by God to speak to Pharaoh. However, after seeing this sign from God, Pharaoh’s magicians were also able to perform the same sign – they threw down their rods and they also became serpents. Did Pharaoh’s magicians receive this power and authority from God? No, the Bible says they did it by enchantments. But, here’s the important part, Moses and Aaron definitely did receive their power and authority to perform this sign from God. The Bible specifically says so. This clearly shows that there were two sources of power that manifested a sign that appeared identical to the watchers. So, how do we know the source of power enabling someone to speak in tongues or manifest another gift or sign? It seems simple to me in light of:
Matthew 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
If I ask God to give me the gift of speaking in tongues, then by faith I accept that I receive that gift from Him. I trust Him to give me good things and not evil.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Of course, in all things we should search the scriptures to verify whether something lines up with the Word of God or not. This is why it is so important for us to read the Bible, so we can discern truth from lies in all that comes before us to be judged.
May God bless you and keep us all in His Way, Truth and Life!