THE CHARISMASTIC MOVEMENT
This chapter will be a brief study of the history of the current "charismatic" movement and its human traditions. There has been resurgences of the practices characteristic of the Charismatics throughout history, particularly centering around a "second-grace" experience which follows conversion, identified by them as a "baptism of the Holy Spirit" and accompanied by "speaking in tongues."
This new wave of the old practice of ecstatic utterances is not confined to minority religious sects, but has spread from the early 1960's throughout Protestantism and Catholicism. We could say that Pentecostalism "spilled over" denominational lines when Dennis Bennett, rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Van Nuys, California, experienced what he called baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues. The movement has touched the lives of individuals from nearly every educational, economic and cultural background with several million adherents claimed in the United States alone.
A prime force in the education and popularization of this movement is the FGBMFI - The Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International. This organization has grown from a small beginning in 1952 in Los Angeles to many thousand adherents, always boldly advocating its experiential religion with emphasis on Holy Spirit baptism and "speaking in tongues." The thrust of the movement has been accelerated by spectacular claims of flamboyant personalities through multi-million dollar television ministries. Healings of all kinds are claimed: lengthened legs, straightened spines, cancer removed, even puppies raised from the dead, washing machines "healed", empty gas tanks supernaturally filled, and one lady reported being given a new "belly-button"!
The need for spiritual warmth has done much to foster this movement, as has a lack of vibrant Bible study in orthodox established denominations. The "Jesus" movement in the 1960's led to this movement in a great part, as younger people were looking for brotherly love to replace dead ritual and traditional hang-ups. Here they could participate, cry, testify, get help and a hug. Emotions, commitment, warmth, excitement, love and enthusiasm characterize the charismatics, contrasted with the funeral-type "services" in many churches. The early church was never intended to be a mental mausoleum.
For a fuller treatment for a history and doctrines advanced in the charismatic movement, confer Glossolalia - From God or Man? by Jimmy Jividen ( published by Star Bible, Ft. Worth, Tx 76118) and The Charismatics by John F. Mac-Arthur, Jr. (Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI 49506).
73 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
• Christians are still receiving by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, direct revelation from God when teaching, preaching, writing songs in books and when making decisions. Example: Bill and Gloria Gaither’s secretary said concerning their son, The King is Coming: “that song has been a gift from God… came quickly to them…they feel that to dissect the song would be tampering with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit who inspired the song.”[From a standard form letter sent out by the Gaithers.]
• The Bible is not our final source of God’s revelation but simply “witness” to additional revelation that He is giving today. [Rodman Williams, President of Melody Land School of Theology in Anaheim, quoted in “The Era of the Spirit, 1971, p 16.”
• God put his words into the mouth of the Old Testament prophets (Jeremiah 1:7, 9; Ezekiel 3:4, 10-11; 2 Peter 1:21).
• “The faith” of Christ was once and for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). “The” points to the one and only system of doctrine (also see Galatians 1:23 and 1 Timothy 4:1).
• Any new doctrine or revelation is false, and his bearer must be rejected. (2 John 9:10).
• There is no other gospel. Any who proclaim anything different are “cursed” (Galatians 1:8-9).
• Montanus, in the second century, claimed the church had “spiritual” members (who followed him in his direct revelations from God) and “carnal” members who only had “dead letter” of Scriptures. The charismatic movement of today is NeoMontanusism. Roman Catholicism also claims an open-ended revelation for her hierarchy, as do many other leaders of Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Sun Myung Moon, Children of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, etc.
• Anyone who questions tongue-speaking today or other aspects of the charismatic movement is condemned and lined up with the Pharisees who criticized Jesus and accused Him of doing His work by the power of Satan. [Charles and Frances Hunter, Why Should I Speak in Tongues?, Houston, 1976]
• Matthew 12:22-31 speaks of the sin against the Holy Spirit. No one questioned the miracles Jesus did, not even His enemies.
• It is a gross misapplication of this Scripture when Charismatics accuse those who question the authenticity of their claims of “miracles” as opponents of the Holy Spirit. Many devout Christians today doubt or deny the authenticity of modern “signs” and “miracles”.
74 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
• If Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit “yesterday,” then surely He will continue today and tomorrow [Charles and Frances Hunter, Ibid, p 13]
• Hebrews 13:8 does not say or imply that Jesus always will do what He ever did. He created the world; but he does not continue this (Hebrews 1; John 1). During His personal ministry, He did not speak in tongues. He once inhabited a body, but shall no more “today or tomorrow” (2 Cor. 5:16). God’s law has changed (Heb. 7:12), but His truth, integrity, love, etc. never changes. He died on the cross “once,” but does not continue to die again and again (Heb. 9:38).
• Concerning gifts, they were not to continue forever (1 Cor. 13:8-10). Hebrews 13:8 is distorted by Charismatics who force a meaning which established rules of hermeneutics will not allow, in order that they might justify their contention that tongues, miracles and healings are happening today.
• “Today… signs are following the preaching of the gospel.” [Oscar Vouga, Our Gospel Message, p.20]
“The New Testament … is a blueprint of what should happen in every generation until Jesus comes” [David duPlessis, “Pentecost Outside Pentecost”, p6]
• Mark 16:17-18 is a key proof-text used by Charismatics. However, they fail to deal with everything mentioned in the text. They are as silent as a tomb concerning taking up deadly serpents and drinking deadly poison, unless they insist this is done “by accident”! The Bible does not say “by accident”, and history has proven repeatedly that God does not protect believers today against purposely or “accidentally” drinking poison or “accidental” snake bite.
• The truth is that this promise was not given to the whole church for all time. The promise was to “them,” the antecedent of which is the apostles. The apostles did all these things and the Book of Acts records them all (except drinking poison). Either all five signs are valid for today for all
75 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
believers, or none are valid.
• Supernatural gifts of the Spirit are discussed in 1 Cor. 12, 13 and 14. Their purpose was to confirm the message was recorded, but when that “perfect” work was accomplished, miracles were no longer needed (1 Cor. 13:8-10; Heb. 2:3-4).
• It is cruel to tell Christians that if they are “spiritual enough” they can claim the signs of Mark 16:17-18 and be healed. This leads thousands of sick believers on a tremendous guilt syndrome – all because of “wrestling,” or “distorting” and “stretching” the Scripture beyond its true meaning (2 Peter 3:16).
• We are healed of our physical diseases by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. [This is commonly claimed by all Charismatics.]
• 1 Peter 2:24 says” by whose stripes ye are healed.” “Healed” in this context is speaking of the bearing of our sins on the cross, not our physical sickness. The verse says we are to “live unto righteousness,” not “unto health.” Man’s sin-sick soul was healed on the cross.
• Romans 8:23 shows Christians continue to suffer and “groan” in this body, still subject to sickness, infirmities and pain. Why else would Oral Roberts build a hospital?
• Isaiah 53:5 is quoted in 1 Peter 2:24. The context there also is spiritual healing that Israel needed, not physical. Jesus does sympathize with us because of our pain. We must be faithful in handling the word of God (2 Tim 2:15), and not distort it and destroy ourselves like the “ignorant and unstable” do (2 Peter 3:9)
• The “Baptism of the Spirit” is the distinctive work of the Charismatic system of theology; it is an experience sought diligently after a person has “the new birth
• (A) Baptism in the Spirit was a promise to the apostles (Acts 1:5) a few days before Pentecost. The promise was fulfilled to these chosen twelve (Acts 1:26-2:4), and
76 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
experience.”
• to Gentiles (Acts 10:1-11:18), thus “poured upon all flesh” both Jews and Gentiles.
• (B) the “gift of the Holy Spirit” comes to dwell in every believer who obeys in repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38; 5:32). This indwelling of the Spirit in every Christian is not the same as the baptism of the Spirit.
• (C) There is only ONE baptism today (written about 62 AD, Ephesians 4:5). John’s baptism had passed away (Acts 19:1-5). Baptism in the Spirit (Acts 2 and Acts 10) as a promise had been fulfilled; it was never a general command for all Christians, but the command to obey in baptism can only be administered in water, a baptism to be preached and obeyed until the end of the world (Matt. 28:18-20; mark 16:15-16). This baptism was all through the book of Acts and the Epistles (1 Peter 3:21 also written about 62 AD, speaks of baptism in water for salvation). This has to be the “ONE” baptism of Eph. 4:5, written about the same time.
• Charismatics divide the body of Christ into two parts: those who are saved but have received the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” (a term which incidentally is not in the Bible), and those who have not.
• The body of Christ is His church (Col. 1:18). It is one organism. “By one Spirit we were baptized into one body” (1 Cor. 12:12). This gives evidence that the one baptism in water at the impelling of the Holy Spirits’ Word, inducts us into the church, (Acts 2:38-47; Eph. 4:5; 1 Peter 3:21). We are raised from the water-grave of baptism to walk a new life in Christ
77 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
(Romans 6:3-4).
• Biblically there is no such thing as “Holy Spirit Baptism” or “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”. The unbiblical terms have been devised to designate an unbiblical doctrine.
• When a Charismatic says he has the “baptism of the Holy Spirit”, he thinks the Holy Spirit has something to him. They admit they were baptized earlier soon after their conversion, but insist the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” came later, after they earnestly sought it. But the Bible says the Spirit was the element of that Baptism, not the baptizer or administrator. Acts 2 does not say believers asked for it; it says the apostles (“they” Acts 1:26; 2:1-4) received it.
• Accepting Christ by faith, praying “the sinner’s prayer” asking Him to come into the heart, marks the point when salvation from sin is experienced. [This is common practice, at FGBMFI rallies, at evangelistic meetings and in all books, sermons, etc.]
“Necessary Steps to Salvation:
1. Acknowledge (Ro. 3:23)
2. Repent (Lk. 13:3)
3. Confess (Ro. 10:10)
4. Forsake (Isa. 55:7)
5. Believe (Jn. 3:16)
6. Receive (Jn. 1:11-12)
Heaven is your destination…join a spiritual church…be baptized. If you were baptized before your conversion that does not count. Baptism is a testimony to the world that you are a Christian. It is not doing anything that makes the Christian, but
• (A) “The Sinner’s Prayer” is not in the gospel of Jesus Christ. No alien sinner was ever instructed to pray for salvation or to receive Jesus Christ into his heart or life, although his heart must be “cut”, “contrite” or “pierced” so he can with a proper attitude receive instruction on “what he must do to be saved” (Acts 2:37; 16:30)
• (B) People who had never heard of Jesus were first commanded to believe on Him in order to be saved (Acts 16:31). Since belief comes by hearing the gospel of Christ (Rom. 10:17), the word must then be preached so faith can be produced.
• (C) Those who had heard and believed were commanded to repent and resolve to change their lives (Acts 2:38; 3:19), to abandon sinful practices and show fruit worthy of repentance. An example is the
78 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
receiving Jesus Christ. Bow your head and pray with him as he asks Jesus to come into his life. Then have him thank the Lord for the gift of eternal life…in that instant you will be saved.” [FGBMFI, quoted by Gordon Lindsay in How You May Become A Successful Christian, pp 1-3, 27, 28)
”Water Baptism is… an experience in the life of a New Testament Christian” [p. 26, First Principles, Lesson 5, Shady Grove Charismatic Church.]
• Philippian jailer immediately washed the wounds of Paul and Silas where he has beaten them (Acts 16:33).
• (D) Penitent believers confessed their faith with their mouths (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10) unto salvation.
• (E) Baptism (immersion) was commanded as a final act of disobedience as a part of the conversion process. This immediately transferred the believer “into Christ “ (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27) and promised him assurance of “forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38), “salvation” (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16), “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5; Acts 5:32.
Read the major accounts in the Book of Acts of the conversions where the same message and response always follows the same pattern as outlines above:
1. Acts 2:1-42
The Jews in Jerusalem
2. Acts 8:26-38
Ethiopian treasurer
3. Acts 16:22-34
Jailer in Philippi
4. Acts 19:1-5
Ephesians
5. Acts 9:1-22
Paul (Also Acts 22:3-16)
• Charismatics and others who rely upon a conversion experience or encounter which does not conform to the biblical record of conversions in the New Testament are guilty of following hypocritical traditions of men. Jesus said this is a “fine way of setting aside the commands of God…”(Mark 7:6-9)
79 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
• The church, the body of Christ, consists of all who have confessed Christ in all denominations, even though they do not agree on names, doctrines, organization or worship.
• (A) Jesus prayed for a perfect unity of all believers on the basis of the word of His apostles (John 17:20-21), a unity like He and they Father have.
• (B) Paul commanded Christians to agree so that there no divisions, “ perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Cor. 1:10-13)
• (C) The Holy Spirit revealed a plan for unity in Eph. 4:1-6. God recognizes only one body (church) as surely as He recognizes only one Lord, Jesus the Christ (1 Cor. 12:20).
• People who follow the Scripture will reject party names, man-made doctrines, organizations and worship. They will seek unity by only “speaking the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
• Tongues are for today; they do not have to distinguishable foreign languages. Other miraculous gifts of the Spirit are for today also.
• “The language I speak is an angelic language; no linguist could analyze it or measure it by man’s standard,” is often asserted by Charismatics.
• (A) “Tongues” in Acts 2 were distinguishable foreign languages, causing amazement by all the foreigners present. This was a miracle.
In 1976, Pentecostals held a world conference to celebrate “the ongoing miracle of Pentecost.” BUT, they had to interpreters and headphones for the delegates to understand in their own languages. It is no wonder that Charismatics insist their “tongues” do not have to be known foreign languages, but are tongues they speak in private devotions which are unintelligible to men, referring to 1 Cor. 14.
Angels speak and communicate in understandable languages and secondly Dr. Samarin says, “There is no difference linguistically between the verbal nonsense that the Pentecostals relate to of 1 Corinthians 12:10 and 1 Corinthians 14:2. Those who make that statement can’t prove it under linguistic survey.”
80 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
The objections produced by those who practice tongues-speaking do no hold ground in the light of the facts. The results of all linguistic analysis concludes that glossolalia is not a foreign language, living or dead
When a person of the English language is speaking in tongues, he is simply using a few of his English sounds and re-arranging those sounds in a non-English patter and also he uses some syllables over and over again.
In a national survey of many renowned language professors, not one linguist said that glossolalia was a foreign language. Yet may I share just one letter out of many. A letter form Bruce R. Gordon, Head of the Department of Linguistics and Foreign Languages, University of Alaska at Fairbanks, says that he remains skeptical, not only because of the linguistic material, but he also verified two cases of speaking in actual foreign languages which he proved fraudulent beyond any question. Bruce goes on to say, “In the one case, despite denials, the person involved had lived in Africa and had had direct contact with several African tongues.” In all the chances, the tongue-speaker has had to convince the language expert he has failed to do so. Since the tongues movement has not convinced the language experts, we can only logically conclude that Jesus is not the author of this deception.
Let me close with this profound statement by Dr. William Samarin, (University of Toronto):
81 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
“Although speaking in a real language is claimed by Christian Charismatists to be part of the tongue-speaking experience, they would be unable to provide a case that would stand up to scientific investigation.”
The miraculous (supernatural) gifts of the spirit (see 9 types listed in 1 Cor. 12:8-10) were given to the apostles by their baptism in the Holy Spirit. They could pass this power on to others by the laying of hands (Acts 8:1-25; 19:6), but others could not pass on the gifts. When the apostles dies (those who had been eyewitnesses of the Lord’s resurrection Acts 1:21-22; 1 Cor. 15:1-10), and those died upon whom they had laid their hands, the age of miraculous signs came to an end. The New Testament, God’s “perfect” law for mankind, was completely given by this time, hence the need for miracles ceased (James 1:25; Jude 3; Heb. 2:3).
Since the tongues movement has not convinced the language experts, we can only logically conclude that Jesus is not the author of this deception.
[For a full treatment of the tongues phenomenon in pagan’ religions and among modern Charistmatics, see Glossolalia, by Jimmy Jividen, 1971, published by Star Bible.]
• If doubters seek proofs of miracles, validity of tongues, healings, etc., they are “tempting God” and “quenching the Spirit.” Charismatics expect the world to believe their claims without questionings or proofs
• The Bible commands: “Prove (test) all things” (1 Thess. 5:21)
• There are counterfeit miracles and lying wonders done by Satan and his servants, and many false prophets are in the world (1 John 4:1-3; 1 Tim. 4:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Thess. 2:9-12 – “…all kinds of counterfeit
82 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
miracles, signs and wonders.”)
This writer has on numerous occasions followed instructions to get evidence from those who have supposedly been healed by a miracle. He has written many letters and traveled many miles in search of proof of a cure of cancer, heart, disease, withered limbs, etc.., but has invariably met with dead end leads or threats to leave them alone.
One man, an M.D., Dr. William Nolen, wrote a book from an objective point of view called Healing: A Doctor In Search of a Miracle. He has a section on Charismatic healers with particular reference to Kathryn Kuhlman who he studied in detail. He described the hopelessness, the tears of the parents as they pushed their children to the elevators, the victims getting back to their wheelchairs after s short lived “cure”. His conclusion was that her suggestion can often influence some types of ailments which are not miraculous cures but corrections the patient makes by his autonomic nervous system…in “functional” diseases (a sore arm), never in “organic” diseases (a withered arm or no arm at all). [pages 60, 239, 259-260. pub. by Random House, 1974.]
In the Bible, the miracles were never disputed. They were always visible, instantaneous and complete.
• Special music, including prominent instrumental arrangements, are developed “as it relates to the Charismatic ministry,”
• There is no record of mechanical instruments of music being employed by the Lord, His apostles or any of the first
83 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
creating a feeling of grandeur, power and exciting emotion [See Catalog, Christ For The Nations, p. 51.]
century congregations. Their praise was from the heart, expressed by singing “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs,” using only the instrument provided by God, the heart (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)
To worship God in ways not authorized by Scripture adds to and therefore violates the word of truth (John 4:24) and imitates pagan and Roman Catholic tradition. Jesus said worship is vain when traditions of men are followed rather than the commands of God (Matt. 15:7-9).
Although orchestras, etc. are designed to be pleasing to men, Charismatics should rather respect the truth that God’s ways, and thoughts are not man’s, and pleasing Him must be the goal (Isa. 55:8; Gal. 1:10).
• “The Second coming of Christ includes… the actual, visible return of Christ with the Saints (the church) to reign with Him on earth for 1,000 years…will bring the salvation of National Israel.” [CFNI Catalog, “Fundamental Truths, p. 12.]
The resurrection of the wicked will be 1,000 years later than the resurrection of the righteous.
• A Christ’s return the second time, all the dead will be raised at the same hour (John 5:28-29), there will be a general judgment (Heb. 9:27), the earth will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10), and the saved will meet Christ in the air an shall ever be with Him in glory (1 Cor. 15:23-24).
• There is no Bible verse that teaches Jesus will ever set foot on this earth again. He will never be seen in the flesh again (2 Cor. 5:16)
• Local churches denominate themselves by a variety of name such as Living Word Church, Souls Harbor Church, Midway Bible Church, Word of Life, Shady Grove Church, Action Revival Church, Full Gospel Holy Temple, Church on the Rock, and many more. [See yellow pages of phone book under “Charismatic” or “Full Gospel”]
• The church Jesus built was referred to by various designations, but by none of those listed. There is no biblical reference that justifies wearing any of the names shown at the left, although there are 50 terms by which God’s people are identified in the Bible.
• It must not be assumed that Charismatic churches have no traditions of men simply because they do not wear “standard” denominational names such as
84 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist or Pentecostal. Their “traditions spring form holiness, Pentecostal or modern Charismatic movements: [CFNI Catalo], and must be avoided by those who follow the Bible only.
• True Spirituality is through an ecstatic experience, usually speaking in tongues, called by some Charismatics, your “divine zap”! “May Jesus zap you” is a common exhortation by Charismatics, making two levels of Christianity, the “zapped and the unzapped”. “Baptism in the Holy Spirit is considered an essential and primary requisite for a fully developed spiritual life and ministry” (Melvin Hodges, Spiritual Gifts, p. 16).
Trouble with passion and sexual immorality of all kinds plagues Pentecostals just the same as others, and many leaders have fallen into the grossest of immoralities (Parham, Aimie Semple McPherson and many others).
[See C.R. Smith, Tongues in Biblical Perspective, p. 23.]
• All Christians are spiritual because they possess the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 5:32); Romans 8:6-9). They will grow in their knowledge and practice as they continue to learn and follow Jesus (1 Cor. 2:14-15; 3:1-3; 2 Cor. 3:18). Paul was among the greatest of apostles and came behind in nothing but he wrestled daily with his sinful nature. (1 Cor. 15:31; Gal. 5:16-25; 1 Tim. 1:15; 1 Cor. 9:27; Rom. 7)
Charismatic books, pamphlets, TV Shows, etc, are filled with testimony on how special experiences brought higher degrees of spirituality, usually with emphasis on the gift of tongues. The Bible does not support this. The Corinthians were not lacking in any gift (1 Cor. 1:7), but their problems in spirituality and carnality were more numerous than in any other church
Paul list of spiritual attainments were not the same as the prosperous Spirit-filled Super Stars of today (Oral Roberts, Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagen, etc.), but rather see them in 2 Cor. 12: beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, hunger, robbed, etc. Even his “thorn”, a physical ailment, was never removed despite his repeated prayers. He was in a constant state of tension, fightings, fear, stress. His list wouldn’t bring in many dollars on a TV Charismatic show nor rate very high on polls or best-seller charts. Rather he
85 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
gloried in his weaknesses and how they have glory to God (2 Cor. 12:9)
• The “filling of the Spirit” in Charismatic testimonies published in profusion in Charismatic books, TV Shows, etc., is accompanied by ecstatic experiences, especially tongue-speaking.
• In the New Testament, being “filled with the Spirit” brings forth the FRUIT of the Spirit, not miraculous GIFTS of the Spirit. See Eph. 5:19-6:9 for a list of specifics.
We are to be wise, walk carefully, soberly, not foolishly but are to understand the will of the Lord, not be drunk - - all of which is the antithesis of being filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:15-18)
When we allow the word of Christ to dwell in us richly it will produce obedient employees, fair and honest dealings, loving and obedient children and wives, hearty workers (Col. 3:16-22). A Spirit-filled Christian is Christ-conscious and totally captive and involved in all there is to know about Him.
How can you know if you are filled with the Spirit? Are you singing hymns of praise to God (Eph. 5:19)? Paul did not say “making great music with all kinds of mechanical instruments,” but the instrument was “the heart”. Are you giving thanks to God always (Eph. 5:20)? Are there right relationships in your life (Eph. 5:21-6:9) with neighbors, friends, fellow workers, friends, fellow workers, spouse, children, civil authorities, leaders in the church, etc.? Is there unconfessed sin (Luke 5:8)? Are you living a pure life, praying, reading the Bible regularly, assembling with the Saints (Heb. 10:25; 2 Tim. 2:15)?
There is no easy way; no single “zap” that does the job.
This chapter will be a brief study of the history of the current "charismatic" movement and its human traditions. There has been resurgences of the practices characteristic of the Charismatics throughout history, particularly centering around a "second-grace" experience which follows conversion, identified by them as a "baptism of the Holy Spirit" and accompanied by "speaking in tongues."
This new wave of the old practice of ecstatic utterances is not confined to minority religious sects, but has spread from the early 1960's throughout Protestantism and Catholicism. We could say that Pentecostalism "spilled over" denominational lines when Dennis Bennett, rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Van Nuys, California, experienced what he called baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues. The movement has touched the lives of individuals from nearly every educational, economic and cultural background with several million adherents claimed in the United States alone.
A prime force in the education and popularization of this movement is the FGBMFI - The Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International. This organization has grown from a small beginning in 1952 in Los Angeles to many thousand adherents, always boldly advocating its experiential religion with emphasis on Holy Spirit baptism and "speaking in tongues." The thrust of the movement has been accelerated by spectacular claims of flamboyant personalities through multi-million dollar television ministries. Healings of all kinds are claimed: lengthened legs, straightened spines, cancer removed, even puppies raised from the dead, washing machines "healed", empty gas tanks supernaturally filled, and one lady reported being given a new "belly-button"!
The need for spiritual warmth has done much to foster this movement, as has a lack of vibrant Bible study in orthodox established denominations. The "Jesus" movement in the 1960's led to this movement in a great part, as younger people were looking for brotherly love to replace dead ritual and traditional hang-ups. Here they could participate, cry, testify, get help and a hug. Emotions, commitment, warmth, excitement, love and enthusiasm characterize the charismatics, contrasted with the funeral-type "services" in many churches. The early church was never intended to be a mental mausoleum.
For a fuller treatment for a history and doctrines advanced in the charismatic movement, confer Glossolalia - From God or Man? by Jimmy Jividen ( published by Star Bible, Ft. Worth, Tx 76118) and The Charismatics by John F. Mac-Arthur, Jr. (Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI 49506).
73 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
• Christians are still receiving by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, direct revelation from God when teaching, preaching, writing songs in books and when making decisions. Example: Bill and Gloria Gaither’s secretary said concerning their son, The King is Coming: “that song has been a gift from God… came quickly to them…they feel that to dissect the song would be tampering with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit who inspired the song.”[From a standard form letter sent out by the Gaithers.]
• The Bible is not our final source of God’s revelation but simply “witness” to additional revelation that He is giving today. [Rodman Williams, President of Melody Land School of Theology in Anaheim, quoted in “The Era of the Spirit, 1971, p 16.”
• God put his words into the mouth of the Old Testament prophets (Jeremiah 1:7, 9; Ezekiel 3:4, 10-11; 2 Peter 1:21).
• “The faith” of Christ was once and for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). “The” points to the one and only system of doctrine (also see Galatians 1:23 and 1 Timothy 4:1).
• Any new doctrine or revelation is false, and his bearer must be rejected. (2 John 9:10).
• There is no other gospel. Any who proclaim anything different are “cursed” (Galatians 1:8-9).
• Montanus, in the second century, claimed the church had “spiritual” members (who followed him in his direct revelations from God) and “carnal” members who only had “dead letter” of Scriptures. The charismatic movement of today is NeoMontanusism. Roman Catholicism also claims an open-ended revelation for her hierarchy, as do many other leaders of Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Sun Myung Moon, Children of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, etc.
• Anyone who questions tongue-speaking today or other aspects of the charismatic movement is condemned and lined up with the Pharisees who criticized Jesus and accused Him of doing His work by the power of Satan. [Charles and Frances Hunter, Why Should I Speak in Tongues?, Houston, 1976]
• Matthew 12:22-31 speaks of the sin against the Holy Spirit. No one questioned the miracles Jesus did, not even His enemies.
• It is a gross misapplication of this Scripture when Charismatics accuse those who question the authenticity of their claims of “miracles” as opponents of the Holy Spirit. Many devout Christians today doubt or deny the authenticity of modern “signs” and “miracles”.
74 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
• If Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit “yesterday,” then surely He will continue today and tomorrow [Charles and Frances Hunter, Ibid, p 13]
• Hebrews 13:8 does not say or imply that Jesus always will do what He ever did. He created the world; but he does not continue this (Hebrews 1; John 1). During His personal ministry, He did not speak in tongues. He once inhabited a body, but shall no more “today or tomorrow” (2 Cor. 5:16). God’s law has changed (Heb. 7:12), but His truth, integrity, love, etc. never changes. He died on the cross “once,” but does not continue to die again and again (Heb. 9:38).
• Concerning gifts, they were not to continue forever (1 Cor. 13:8-10). Hebrews 13:8 is distorted by Charismatics who force a meaning which established rules of hermeneutics will not allow, in order that they might justify their contention that tongues, miracles and healings are happening today.
• “Today… signs are following the preaching of the gospel.” [Oscar Vouga, Our Gospel Message, p.20]
“The New Testament … is a blueprint of what should happen in every generation until Jesus comes” [David duPlessis, “Pentecost Outside Pentecost”, p6]
• Mark 16:17-18 is a key proof-text used by Charismatics. However, they fail to deal with everything mentioned in the text. They are as silent as a tomb concerning taking up deadly serpents and drinking deadly poison, unless they insist this is done “by accident”! The Bible does not say “by accident”, and history has proven repeatedly that God does not protect believers today against purposely or “accidentally” drinking poison or “accidental” snake bite.
• The truth is that this promise was not given to the whole church for all time. The promise was to “them,” the antecedent of which is the apostles. The apostles did all these things and the Book of Acts records them all (except drinking poison). Either all five signs are valid for today for all
75 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
believers, or none are valid.
• Supernatural gifts of the Spirit are discussed in 1 Cor. 12, 13 and 14. Their purpose was to confirm the message was recorded, but when that “perfect” work was accomplished, miracles were no longer needed (1 Cor. 13:8-10; Heb. 2:3-4).
• It is cruel to tell Christians that if they are “spiritual enough” they can claim the signs of Mark 16:17-18 and be healed. This leads thousands of sick believers on a tremendous guilt syndrome – all because of “wrestling,” or “distorting” and “stretching” the Scripture beyond its true meaning (2 Peter 3:16).
• We are healed of our physical diseases by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. [This is commonly claimed by all Charismatics.]
• 1 Peter 2:24 says” by whose stripes ye are healed.” “Healed” in this context is speaking of the bearing of our sins on the cross, not our physical sickness. The verse says we are to “live unto righteousness,” not “unto health.” Man’s sin-sick soul was healed on the cross.
• Romans 8:23 shows Christians continue to suffer and “groan” in this body, still subject to sickness, infirmities and pain. Why else would Oral Roberts build a hospital?
• Isaiah 53:5 is quoted in 1 Peter 2:24. The context there also is spiritual healing that Israel needed, not physical. Jesus does sympathize with us because of our pain. We must be faithful in handling the word of God (2 Tim 2:15), and not distort it and destroy ourselves like the “ignorant and unstable” do (2 Peter 3:9)
• The “Baptism of the Spirit” is the distinctive work of the Charismatic system of theology; it is an experience sought diligently after a person has “the new birth
• (A) Baptism in the Spirit was a promise to the apostles (Acts 1:5) a few days before Pentecost. The promise was fulfilled to these chosen twelve (Acts 1:26-2:4), and
76 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
experience.”
• to Gentiles (Acts 10:1-11:18), thus “poured upon all flesh” both Jews and Gentiles.
• (B) the “gift of the Holy Spirit” comes to dwell in every believer who obeys in repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38; 5:32). This indwelling of the Spirit in every Christian is not the same as the baptism of the Spirit.
• (C) There is only ONE baptism today (written about 62 AD, Ephesians 4:5). John’s baptism had passed away (Acts 19:1-5). Baptism in the Spirit (Acts 2 and Acts 10) as a promise had been fulfilled; it was never a general command for all Christians, but the command to obey in baptism can only be administered in water, a baptism to be preached and obeyed until the end of the world (Matt. 28:18-20; mark 16:15-16). This baptism was all through the book of Acts and the Epistles (1 Peter 3:21 also written about 62 AD, speaks of baptism in water for salvation). This has to be the “ONE” baptism of Eph. 4:5, written about the same time.
• Charismatics divide the body of Christ into two parts: those who are saved but have received the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” (a term which incidentally is not in the Bible), and those who have not.
• The body of Christ is His church (Col. 1:18). It is one organism. “By one Spirit we were baptized into one body” (1 Cor. 12:12). This gives evidence that the one baptism in water at the impelling of the Holy Spirits’ Word, inducts us into the church, (Acts 2:38-47; Eph. 4:5; 1 Peter 3:21). We are raised from the water-grave of baptism to walk a new life in Christ
77 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
(Romans 6:3-4).
• Biblically there is no such thing as “Holy Spirit Baptism” or “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”. The unbiblical terms have been devised to designate an unbiblical doctrine.
• When a Charismatic says he has the “baptism of the Holy Spirit”, he thinks the Holy Spirit has something to him. They admit they were baptized earlier soon after their conversion, but insist the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” came later, after they earnestly sought it. But the Bible says the Spirit was the element of that Baptism, not the baptizer or administrator. Acts 2 does not say believers asked for it; it says the apostles (“they” Acts 1:26; 2:1-4) received it.
• Accepting Christ by faith, praying “the sinner’s prayer” asking Him to come into the heart, marks the point when salvation from sin is experienced. [This is common practice, at FGBMFI rallies, at evangelistic meetings and in all books, sermons, etc.]
“Necessary Steps to Salvation:
1. Acknowledge (Ro. 3:23)
2. Repent (Lk. 13:3)
3. Confess (Ro. 10:10)
4. Forsake (Isa. 55:7)
5. Believe (Jn. 3:16)
6. Receive (Jn. 1:11-12)
Heaven is your destination…join a spiritual church…be baptized. If you were baptized before your conversion that does not count. Baptism is a testimony to the world that you are a Christian. It is not doing anything that makes the Christian, but
• (A) “The Sinner’s Prayer” is not in the gospel of Jesus Christ. No alien sinner was ever instructed to pray for salvation or to receive Jesus Christ into his heart or life, although his heart must be “cut”, “contrite” or “pierced” so he can with a proper attitude receive instruction on “what he must do to be saved” (Acts 2:37; 16:30)
• (B) People who had never heard of Jesus were first commanded to believe on Him in order to be saved (Acts 16:31). Since belief comes by hearing the gospel of Christ (Rom. 10:17), the word must then be preached so faith can be produced.
• (C) Those who had heard and believed were commanded to repent and resolve to change their lives (Acts 2:38; 3:19), to abandon sinful practices and show fruit worthy of repentance. An example is the
78 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
receiving Jesus Christ. Bow your head and pray with him as he asks Jesus to come into his life. Then have him thank the Lord for the gift of eternal life…in that instant you will be saved.” [FGBMFI, quoted by Gordon Lindsay in How You May Become A Successful Christian, pp 1-3, 27, 28)
”Water Baptism is… an experience in the life of a New Testament Christian” [p. 26, First Principles, Lesson 5, Shady Grove Charismatic Church.]
• Philippian jailer immediately washed the wounds of Paul and Silas where he has beaten them (Acts 16:33).
• (D) Penitent believers confessed their faith with their mouths (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10) unto salvation.
• (E) Baptism (immersion) was commanded as a final act of disobedience as a part of the conversion process. This immediately transferred the believer “into Christ “ (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27) and promised him assurance of “forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38), “salvation” (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16), “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5; Acts 5:32.
Read the major accounts in the Book of Acts of the conversions where the same message and response always follows the same pattern as outlines above:
1. Acts 2:1-42
The Jews in Jerusalem
2. Acts 8:26-38
Ethiopian treasurer
3. Acts 16:22-34
Jailer in Philippi
4. Acts 19:1-5
Ephesians
5. Acts 9:1-22
Paul (Also Acts 22:3-16)
• Charismatics and others who rely upon a conversion experience or encounter which does not conform to the biblical record of conversions in the New Testament are guilty of following hypocritical traditions of men. Jesus said this is a “fine way of setting aside the commands of God…”(Mark 7:6-9)
79 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
• The church, the body of Christ, consists of all who have confessed Christ in all denominations, even though they do not agree on names, doctrines, organization or worship.
• (A) Jesus prayed for a perfect unity of all believers on the basis of the word of His apostles (John 17:20-21), a unity like He and they Father have.
• (B) Paul commanded Christians to agree so that there no divisions, “ perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Cor. 1:10-13)
• (C) The Holy Spirit revealed a plan for unity in Eph. 4:1-6. God recognizes only one body (church) as surely as He recognizes only one Lord, Jesus the Christ (1 Cor. 12:20).
• People who follow the Scripture will reject party names, man-made doctrines, organizations and worship. They will seek unity by only “speaking the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
• Tongues are for today; they do not have to distinguishable foreign languages. Other miraculous gifts of the Spirit are for today also.
• “The language I speak is an angelic language; no linguist could analyze it or measure it by man’s standard,” is often asserted by Charismatics.
• (A) “Tongues” in Acts 2 were distinguishable foreign languages, causing amazement by all the foreigners present. This was a miracle.
In 1976, Pentecostals held a world conference to celebrate “the ongoing miracle of Pentecost.” BUT, they had to interpreters and headphones for the delegates to understand in their own languages. It is no wonder that Charismatics insist their “tongues” do not have to be known foreign languages, but are tongues they speak in private devotions which are unintelligible to men, referring to 1 Cor. 14.
Angels speak and communicate in understandable languages and secondly Dr. Samarin says, “There is no difference linguistically between the verbal nonsense that the Pentecostals relate to of 1 Corinthians 12:10 and 1 Corinthians 14:2. Those who make that statement can’t prove it under linguistic survey.”
80 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
The objections produced by those who practice tongues-speaking do no hold ground in the light of the facts. The results of all linguistic analysis concludes that glossolalia is not a foreign language, living or dead
When a person of the English language is speaking in tongues, he is simply using a few of his English sounds and re-arranging those sounds in a non-English patter and also he uses some syllables over and over again.
In a national survey of many renowned language professors, not one linguist said that glossolalia was a foreign language. Yet may I share just one letter out of many. A letter form Bruce R. Gordon, Head of the Department of Linguistics and Foreign Languages, University of Alaska at Fairbanks, says that he remains skeptical, not only because of the linguistic material, but he also verified two cases of speaking in actual foreign languages which he proved fraudulent beyond any question. Bruce goes on to say, “In the one case, despite denials, the person involved had lived in Africa and had had direct contact with several African tongues.” In all the chances, the tongue-speaker has had to convince the language expert he has failed to do so. Since the tongues movement has not convinced the language experts, we can only logically conclude that Jesus is not the author of this deception.
Let me close with this profound statement by Dr. William Samarin, (University of Toronto):
81 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
“Although speaking in a real language is claimed by Christian Charismatists to be part of the tongue-speaking experience, they would be unable to provide a case that would stand up to scientific investigation.”
The miraculous (supernatural) gifts of the spirit (see 9 types listed in 1 Cor. 12:8-10) were given to the apostles by their baptism in the Holy Spirit. They could pass this power on to others by the laying of hands (Acts 8:1-25; 19:6), but others could not pass on the gifts. When the apostles dies (those who had been eyewitnesses of the Lord’s resurrection Acts 1:21-22; 1 Cor. 15:1-10), and those died upon whom they had laid their hands, the age of miraculous signs came to an end. The New Testament, God’s “perfect” law for mankind, was completely given by this time, hence the need for miracles ceased (James 1:25; Jude 3; Heb. 2:3).
Since the tongues movement has not convinced the language experts, we can only logically conclude that Jesus is not the author of this deception.
[For a full treatment of the tongues phenomenon in pagan’ religions and among modern Charistmatics, see Glossolalia, by Jimmy Jividen, 1971, published by Star Bible.]
• If doubters seek proofs of miracles, validity of tongues, healings, etc., they are “tempting God” and “quenching the Spirit.” Charismatics expect the world to believe their claims without questionings or proofs
• The Bible commands: “Prove (test) all things” (1 Thess. 5:21)
• There are counterfeit miracles and lying wonders done by Satan and his servants, and many false prophets are in the world (1 John 4:1-3; 1 Tim. 4:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Thess. 2:9-12 – “…all kinds of counterfeit
82 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
miracles, signs and wonders.”)
This writer has on numerous occasions followed instructions to get evidence from those who have supposedly been healed by a miracle. He has written many letters and traveled many miles in search of proof of a cure of cancer, heart, disease, withered limbs, etc.., but has invariably met with dead end leads or threats to leave them alone.
One man, an M.D., Dr. William Nolen, wrote a book from an objective point of view called Healing: A Doctor In Search of a Miracle. He has a section on Charismatic healers with particular reference to Kathryn Kuhlman who he studied in detail. He described the hopelessness, the tears of the parents as they pushed their children to the elevators, the victims getting back to their wheelchairs after s short lived “cure”. His conclusion was that her suggestion can often influence some types of ailments which are not miraculous cures but corrections the patient makes by his autonomic nervous system…in “functional” diseases (a sore arm), never in “organic” diseases (a withered arm or no arm at all). [pages 60, 239, 259-260. pub. by Random House, 1974.]
In the Bible, the miracles were never disputed. They were always visible, instantaneous and complete.
• Special music, including prominent instrumental arrangements, are developed “as it relates to the Charismatic ministry,”
• There is no record of mechanical instruments of music being employed by the Lord, His apostles or any of the first
83 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
creating a feeling of grandeur, power and exciting emotion [See Catalog, Christ For The Nations, p. 51.]
century congregations. Their praise was from the heart, expressed by singing “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs,” using only the instrument provided by God, the heart (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)
To worship God in ways not authorized by Scripture adds to and therefore violates the word of truth (John 4:24) and imitates pagan and Roman Catholic tradition. Jesus said worship is vain when traditions of men are followed rather than the commands of God (Matt. 15:7-9).
Although orchestras, etc. are designed to be pleasing to men, Charismatics should rather respect the truth that God’s ways, and thoughts are not man’s, and pleasing Him must be the goal (Isa. 55:8; Gal. 1:10).
• “The Second coming of Christ includes… the actual, visible return of Christ with the Saints (the church) to reign with Him on earth for 1,000 years…will bring the salvation of National Israel.” [CFNI Catalog, “Fundamental Truths, p. 12.]
The resurrection of the wicked will be 1,000 years later than the resurrection of the righteous.
• A Christ’s return the second time, all the dead will be raised at the same hour (John 5:28-29), there will be a general judgment (Heb. 9:27), the earth will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10), and the saved will meet Christ in the air an shall ever be with Him in glory (1 Cor. 15:23-24).
• There is no Bible verse that teaches Jesus will ever set foot on this earth again. He will never be seen in the flesh again (2 Cor. 5:16)
• Local churches denominate themselves by a variety of name such as Living Word Church, Souls Harbor Church, Midway Bible Church, Word of Life, Shady Grove Church, Action Revival Church, Full Gospel Holy Temple, Church on the Rock, and many more. [See yellow pages of phone book under “Charismatic” or “Full Gospel”]
• The church Jesus built was referred to by various designations, but by none of those listed. There is no biblical reference that justifies wearing any of the names shown at the left, although there are 50 terms by which God’s people are identified in the Bible.
• It must not be assumed that Charismatic churches have no traditions of men simply because they do not wear “standard” denominational names such as
84 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist or Pentecostal. Their “traditions spring form holiness, Pentecostal or modern Charismatic movements: [CFNI Catalo], and must be avoided by those who follow the Bible only.
• True Spirituality is through an ecstatic experience, usually speaking in tongues, called by some Charismatics, your “divine zap”! “May Jesus zap you” is a common exhortation by Charismatics, making two levels of Christianity, the “zapped and the unzapped”. “Baptism in the Holy Spirit is considered an essential and primary requisite for a fully developed spiritual life and ministry” (Melvin Hodges, Spiritual Gifts, p. 16).
Trouble with passion and sexual immorality of all kinds plagues Pentecostals just the same as others, and many leaders have fallen into the grossest of immoralities (Parham, Aimie Semple McPherson and many others).
[See C.R. Smith, Tongues in Biblical Perspective, p. 23.]
• All Christians are spiritual because they possess the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 5:32); Romans 8:6-9). They will grow in their knowledge and practice as they continue to learn and follow Jesus (1 Cor. 2:14-15; 3:1-3; 2 Cor. 3:18). Paul was among the greatest of apostles and came behind in nothing but he wrestled daily with his sinful nature. (1 Cor. 15:31; Gal. 5:16-25; 1 Tim. 1:15; 1 Cor. 9:27; Rom. 7)
Charismatic books, pamphlets, TV Shows, etc, are filled with testimony on how special experiences brought higher degrees of spirituality, usually with emphasis on the gift of tongues. The Bible does not support this. The Corinthians were not lacking in any gift (1 Cor. 1:7), but their problems in spirituality and carnality were more numerous than in any other church
Paul list of spiritual attainments were not the same as the prosperous Spirit-filled Super Stars of today (Oral Roberts, Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagen, etc.), but rather see them in 2 Cor. 12: beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, hunger, robbed, etc. Even his “thorn”, a physical ailment, was never removed despite his repeated prayers. He was in a constant state of tension, fightings, fear, stress. His list wouldn’t bring in many dollars on a TV Charismatic show nor rate very high on polls or best-seller charts. Rather he
85 | P a g e
Charismaticism
Word of God
gloried in his weaknesses and how they have glory to God (2 Cor. 12:9)
• The “filling of the Spirit” in Charismatic testimonies published in profusion in Charismatic books, TV Shows, etc., is accompanied by ecstatic experiences, especially tongue-speaking.
• In the New Testament, being “filled with the Spirit” brings forth the FRUIT of the Spirit, not miraculous GIFTS of the Spirit. See Eph. 5:19-6:9 for a list of specifics.
We are to be wise, walk carefully, soberly, not foolishly but are to understand the will of the Lord, not be drunk - - all of which is the antithesis of being filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:15-18)
When we allow the word of Christ to dwell in us richly it will produce obedient employees, fair and honest dealings, loving and obedient children and wives, hearty workers (Col. 3:16-22). A Spirit-filled Christian is Christ-conscious and totally captive and involved in all there is to know about Him.
How can you know if you are filled with the Spirit? Are you singing hymns of praise to God (Eph. 5:19)? Paul did not say “making great music with all kinds of mechanical instruments,” but the instrument was “the heart”. Are you giving thanks to God always (Eph. 5:20)? Are there right relationships in your life (Eph. 5:21-6:9) with neighbors, friends, fellow workers, friends, fellow workers, spouse, children, civil authorities, leaders in the church, etc.? Is there unconfessed sin (Luke 5:8)? Are you living a pure life, praying, reading the Bible regularly, assembling with the Saints (Heb. 10:25; 2 Tim. 2:15)?
There is no easy way; no single “zap” that does the job.