Print Page
|
Add
To Favorites
|
Close Window | Send To A Friend | Save This Page
FAQ # 12
QUESTION 12
: I know I've had an experience with the Lord, or a touch from the
Lord, but I've never spoken in tongues. If I'm not born again or saved,
then what am I?
The spiritual truths of God have always been brought out and revealed
by means of natural similitudes (see Rom.1:20). The truth of the new birth
is no different. In the natural realm, a baby is conceived in a
woman well before birth. From the time of conception until the time that
the birth takes place, a baby has many life experiences such as movement,
receiving nutrition, and maybe even hearing. If the natural processes
continue, the baby will eventually be born and become a citizen of this
world. But if something happens to prevent the birth, the baby will never
be recognized as a citizen of this life.
Jesus used this likeness to demonstrate to His disciples their spiritual
condition while He was yet with them (Jn. 16:20-22). He referred to them
as a conceived child and also as the expectant mother. Both applied to
them because their new birth experience, which was yet to come at Pentecost,
would establish them as the mother (the Church) and as the children
that would be born, seeing they were the beginning of the New Testament
Church.
The record of the conversion of the Samaritans in Acts chapter 8 is an
excellent reference for confirmation of this truth. The Samaritans experienced
faith, deliverance, healing and great joy through the preaching and ministry
of Phillip, but they did not receive the Holy Ghost until Peter
and John came from Jerusalem to lay hands on them and pray for them to
receive it; at which time they were baptized with the Spirit. And it is
quite evident that they spoke with tongues and were visibly moved and
changed powerfully, even though these things are not specifically mentioned.
Otherwise Simon the sorcerer, a man greatly intrigued with the supernatural,
would not have reacted as he did, offering money in order to possess the
power that he saw manifest on the Samaritans when Peter and John laid
hands on them. Had they not received this experience they would not have
had the remission of their sins, nor would they have been in the body
of Christ (1 Cor. 6:11; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:13; Titus 3:5).
Hosea, in prophecy said the Lord would give His people "a miscarrying
womb and dry breasts" (Hos. 9:14) for their sins. This prophecy has
certainly been fulfilled in the Church, as false teachings like "getting
saved," "accepting the Lord," "confessing Jesus,"
"repeating the sinners prayer," etc. have replaced the truth
about the new birth; thus stopping many souls short of the true born again
experience. And many other false teachings, as well as these, have deprived
those who have been baptized with the Spirit.
{Source:
Daniel,
BroLary@ByOneSpirit.com}
|