Speaking in Tongues – what does the Bible actually instruct us to do?

Intelligibility in worship

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.”

(1 Corinthians 14 - New International Version)

Having had some interesting experiences in a variety of churches and ‘religious gatherings,’ I have heard many differing views about ‘speaking in tongues’. It has always been a thorny subject that has caused me some concern.

As we can see from 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 we are encouraged in the use of speaking in tongues, but it is clear that if a person is praying or singing in tongues they are doing so to speak directly to God, not other people. It is also clear that speaking in tongues in not as important as some people make it out to be; prophecy is much more important.

The problem I often have with people speaking in tongues is that they do so in contradiction of the ways in which scripture instructs it to be done. I worry that there are too many people out there who have learned to ‘babble in gibberish’ and have fooled themselves, and others, into thinking it is from God and via the Holy Spirit. Babbling in gibberish is NOT something that God wants us to do. It is sometimes excused as speaking in an ‘angelic’ or ‘holy’ language, but that doesn't have any scriptural foundation.

In every case in the Bible where an angel has appeared there is no mention that they have spoken to their audience in an ‘angelic’ or ‘holy’ language (sometimes referred to as Glossolalia). They have spoken to the recipients in a language which they could easily understand - a real human language.

“Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

(1 Corinthians 14:6-12 - New International Version)

Speaking in tongues is designed, as stated here, to build up the church. Paul makes it clear that speaking in tongues should be used to reveal knowledge or give some form of instruction. Unfortunately, in many churches, this does not happen and congregations are encouraged to babble in what is mistaken for speaking in tongues. This babbling, which is rarely if ever translated, seems to be more for show than for edification. What does it actually achieve? Is it a form of spiritual one-upmanship? Keeping up with the spiritual Joneses? Where does it say in the Bible that any of the apostles spoke in tongues that were not real languages?

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.”

(Acts 2:4-6 - New International Version - UK)

The purpose of speaking in tongues is for the recipient – as we can see here in Acts 2. The Spirit descended on the apostles, they did speak in other tongues, but each was a REAL language which was then able to be interpreted by someone listening. Don't be fooled by misquoting of scripture which only mentions the “other tongues” part as an explanation of this use of 'Glossolalia' without clarifying what "other tongues" actually means. It does not mean the babbling gibberish ‘language’ which is used incorrectly in many churches today; it means REAL HUMAN LANGUAGE other than that normally spoken by the person speaking in tongues. For example...I don't speak Chinese, but the Spirit could allow me to do so in order to pray for someone who spoke only Chinese. In comparison, what good would 'Glossolalia' do them?

“For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an enquirer, say ‘Amen’ to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

(1 Corinthians 14:13-17 - New International Version)

It is clearly shown here that speaking in tongues in church should ALWAYS be interpreted, not just used as an alternative form of prayer or worship. Speaking in tongues is clearly shown to be something to edify the people hearing it, which cannot happen if no-one interprets it.

Some people will argue that 1 Corinthians 13:1 is 'proof' of an angelic language. Have a look here for an explanation and deconstruction of this argument.

Why doesn't interpretation happen very often? Why is prophecy considered to be better?

Speaking in tongues is sometimes used without interpretation as it can make the person or church using it seem ‘super-spiritual’. It is often used wrongly by people in positions of authority in churches. Why they do so – what is their motivation? Is it because when interpretation does not occur, these ‘prayers’ are never tested for accuracy as would happen with prayers or prophecy in an understandable or interpreted tongue? Paul makes this very clear when he adds:

“But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.”

(1 Corinthians 14:19 - New International Version)

So what therefore is the use of this unintelligible babbling? It’s of no use at all except for making the person or church doing it seem like they are ‘in touch with God’. Do they do so with deceit in mind? Hopefully not, especially as it is so clear in scripture what speaking in tongues should be used for and how it should be structured.

How SHOULD speaking in tongues be used in church?

Paul gives VERY clear instructions as to the use of tongues. They are unambiguous and if not followed, then what is happening is NOT of God, as the Bible does not allow for contradiction of itself. It is not a pick ‘n’ mix where you can discard the bits that do not suit your personal preferences.

“If anyone speaks in a tongue, two – or at the most three – should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.”

One at a time – not babbling in a large group or congregation, either spoken or singing.

Two or three at most in a service – not tens, hundreds or thousands corporately ‘speaking in tongues’.

A REAL language - not the babbling 'Glossolalia'.

Someone MUST interpret – if this does not happen it is not scripturally sound.

If there is no interpreter, the person speaking in tongues should KEEP QUIET in church.

If these instructions are not followed then the modern church becomes like the church in Corinth. Paul wrote this epistle to instruct them how to worship correctly, as they had become corrupted. The Corinthians’ worship services demonstrated their problem with pride and self-centredness and Paul gave these instructions to them and through the Bible us, so we would not become proud or self-centred too.

“So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and enquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?”

(1 Corinthians 14:23 - New International Version)

Paul clearly states that when this corporate use of speaking in tongues occurs, even if it is all in intelligible ‘real’ languages, it will sound like the babblings of madmen. Should the church sound like this? Is it edifying? Does it instruct? No…and for those reasons it should not be done.

Speaking in tongues is definitely something that is a gift from God...but only if it is REAL and used in the right way.

What can I do when my faith is weak?

“A bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.”

(Matthew 12:20 - New International Version)

I know, without a doubt in my heart, that there is a God, that Jesus died and was resurrected and that the Holy Spirit is real. So, why do I sometimes feel weak in my faith? Unfortunately my brain and my feelings often get the better of me.

FACT: I've experienced God.

It was not a delusion, it was not a hallucination, there was no brainwashing or anything of that sort involved. I like to think that I am intelligent enough to know whether or not I am being manipulated, and in fact have recognised this in the past and walked away from a church which was guilty of just that sort of immoral practice.

I’m going through the doldrums right now in my faith, struggling with feeling God’s presence. Only a couple of months ago I was on a peak as high as a mountain, yet have dropped down unexpectedly and seemingly without rhyme or reason.

It’s taken a while for me to get to a place where I have not only recognized this, but am able to do something about it...but what exactly can I do?

Fortunately Jesus and the Apostles were only too aware that the Christian life is a struggle, faith can sometimes wax and wane and they left some instructions and encouragement.

What should I do when my faith becomes weak?

“He remembered our utter weakness, for his loving-kindness continues forever.”

(Psalm 136:23 - Living Bible)

One of the first things to do is pray. It is the simplest and most obvious thing to do, yet

often our last resort. We humans seem so determined to mine our own limited resources first, despite knowing that they are not enough, before turning to the inexhaustible power of Jesus. Jesus clearly tells us that if we believe, we can do anything and that He can help us to overcome our doubts and weakness.

‘“If you can”?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’

(Mark 9:23-24 - New International Version)

You may think to yourself, like I have, that it would have been much easier to have a consistently strong faith if you were with Jesus during his time on Earth, but we see in the Bible that the Apostles regularly needed a boost in their personal faith. You only need to look at the time when Peter, the rock on whom the church as built, denied knowing Jesus THREE TIMES, to realize that even the strongest faith can find itself wanting.

“The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

Luke 17:5 - (New International Version)

If the Apostles needed Jesus’ help to strengthen their faith, then there is no shame in us acknowledging that we are weak and that we need Jesus to help us too. Therefore pray, speak to Jesus, ask for an increase in faith. He will deliver it.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”

Ephesians 3:16 - (New International Version)

Reading the Bible and studying the Word of God is another way of making sure your faith regains its previous vigour. Reading about all the amazing things that God has done and the miracles that Jesus did can remind you why you chose to follow Him in the first place.

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

Romans 10:17 – (New International Version)

Another part of the message of Romans 10:17 is about making sure that you get to church, so you can hear His words and have their meaning explained to you by your pastor, priest or preacher. Sometimes the Bible can be tricky to study, so having someone explain it to you can be a real blessing in times of struggle.

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

(Ephesians 4:16 - New International Version)

Often when your faith is weak you feel a little oversensitive about it. I sometimes feel that people at church will be able to look at me and see horns growing out of my head, or equally ridiculous things. The temptation then is to avoid spending time with other Christians, but in fact the exact opposite is what you need to do when your faith is weak. Being part of some form of mid-week group is a real boost, as church and Christianity is not just about going along on a Sunday to sing and listen.

You aren't the first, you won’t be the last, but it isn't the end.

Something else to remember is that we are not alone in our feelings of weakness and inadequacy. The Bible is quite literally lettered with examples of those who we usually consider to be the strongest in their faith, who clearly experienced God or even walked physically alongside Jesus, showing their weakness.

Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden in the presence of God – they were weak.

Abraham was guilty of telling lies.

Joseph killed an Egyptian when overcome by his temper.

Moses didn’t feel able to speak for God and quite literally had to be given a staff to lean upon.

David was overcome by lustful temptation, leading to committing adultery.

Elijah got depressed and wanted to die.

Jonah was disobedient and ran away.

Peter was afraid and denied he knew Jesus, just as foretold, despite saying he would never do so.

Despite their weaknesses God used them, He never abandoned them, and through them He did amazing things. God will never abandon any of us, despite our weakness, and he can do amazing things through us too.

Now to take note of all of this and ask Jesus to strengthen MY faith.

Why Some People Don't Believe in God....and Why I Do.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them – bringing swift destruction on themselves.”

(2 Peter 2:1 - New International Version)

When I get asked why I believe in God it is sometimes hard to answer, as for me, for the last 25+ years, it’s been the case of ‘How could I NOT believe in God?’

It is a difficult concept for those who don't believe in God to understand, as many people say they need proof in order to agree with something and unfortunately, no matter what you say to these people, whatever evidence you present them with, they are always able to ‘rationalise’ their way round the concept of the existence of God, yet don’t do the same with their own beliefs.

Most people are only too willing to accept the existence of scientific concepts and theories that have no concrete proof…such as the ‘Big Bang’ or gravity. Scientists cannot prove exactly how gravity works or why it behaves the way it does, yet everyone would agree that there is a force that prevents us all flying off into space. We don't need to be able to prove something to know it exists and feel it at work.

Thinking about gravity, and what the scientists DO know, just serves to reinforce my belief in God. Scientists agree that if gravity were different, even if only a fraction stronger or weaker, then the universe as it is could not exist. In other words, the force of gravity is at the perfect strength for the universe to exist…as if it had been created that way on purpose.

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

(Colossians 1:16 - New International Version)

Also, people are all too ready to accept other ‘theories’, such as evolution, that over billions of years one single celled life form developed and changed enough to form the millions of different species of life that now exist on Earth, despite there being no concrete proof that it is the case, only scientific conjecture. Just as those who do not believe don’t want to believe that God created the world, I don’t want to believe that the world was created by random chance.

On Wikipedia it says: “in science, empirical evidence is required for a hypothesis to gain acceptance in the scientific community. Normally, this validation is achieved by the scientific method of hypothesis commitment, experimental design, peer review, adversarial review, reproduction of results, conference presentation and journal publication.”

Evolution and the ‘Big Bang’ don't meet these criteria, yet people often form concrete beliefs in them. I wonder if they do so in order that they don't have to believe in God.

There is a desire within humans to believe in something, that’s clear from the way people find it so easy to attach themselves to unproven scientific theories. There is an ability to accept that something exists without needing to understand exactly how or why it exists.

Why then do people choose NOT to believe in God? Here are a few thoughts:

1)   It would involve changing their lives. God, Jesus and the Apostles all say that we should live our lives in certain ways that may be contrary to their current lifestyles. They decide it’s easier to deny the existence of God than to accept that how they live might be wrong.

2)   Lack of knowledge – rather than look at the Bible in depth and find out what it actually says, it is easier to rely on what other naysayers have told them and that it cannot be accurate. (However, historians generally agree on the factual accuracy of the Bible as a historical document).

3)   Fear – it is a frightening concept to believe that God exists…because then you have to believe in Heaven…and in Hell. Not many people want to believe in the concept of Hell and that there might be consequences for their thoughts, words and deeds.

4)   They know that believing in God is not going to provide an easy life. Jesus said that those who believe would be persecuted and ridiculed for following Him. Those who choose NOT to believe aren't always able to accept the challenges involved in having faith.

“On hearing it, many of his disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?’ Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, ‘Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you – they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.”

(John 6:60-64 - New International Version)

Why I DO believe in God

I believe that my existence is more than a chance combination of chemicals.

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13 - New International Version)

I know that I could not have survived the situations I have been through in life on my own as there have been times I would have given up without God on my side.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 - New International Version)

If there were no God then what would be the purpose of living; why are we here? I believe we are here to worship God and have relationship with Him because He loves us.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17 - New International Version)

I believe that there must be something beyond physical death…or what would be the point? If when we die there is nothing afterwards then our existences seem pointless. I believe that life can't just be about procreation.

“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (Jude 1:21 - New International Version)

I have felt God’s presence – I’ve seen the happiness and peace in people who know Him – I have seen the amazing things that people have achieved through prayer and know that God was with them when they reached out to Him.

“God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. “For in him we live and move and have our being.” As some of your own poets have said, “We are his offspring.” (Acts 17:27-28 - New International Version)

The Importance of Repentance

“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offences; then sin will not be your downfall.”

(Ezekiel 18:30 - New International Version)

"'The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”

(Mark 1:15 - New International Version)

The modern secular world is almost exclusively centered on the self. If you look on any online book store, the amount of self-improvement books outnumbers almost any other category.

As of today, on Amazon, there are 343,407 books listed when you search for “self-help”

There is a selfishness which is pervasive within many areas of society, where morals and integrity are easily set aside as long as people are able to “get theirs”. By this, I mean what people believe they are owed by society, or deserve from society, whether or not their perception of being deserving is true.

The concept of repentance is a polar opposite of this secular selfishness. Repentance is all about turning away from oneself, sacrificing oneself and looking towards God. It is the sincere and heartfelt desire to turn away from selfish worldly desires and instead accept that God has a plan for us which is so much better than any we could devise.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”

(Ephesians 2:8-9 - New International Version)

Our salvation cannot come from ourselves. Faith in God is the requirement. There is nothing we can do to ensure our eternal life in Heaven except to choose to repent and ask God for the gift of forgiveness. In writing “Not from yourselves,” Paul clearly shows that an inward turning and focus on the self will not save us. It is turning away from the self and our desires and towards God that brings salvation.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’”

(Matthew 16:24 - New International Version)

This denial of self is vital in repentance; it is the accepting of the need to turn away from earthly desires which do not match the principles of a Christ-like life. It should come from within, but should also be visible outwardly. Carrying the cross was a very visible outward sign of Christ’s faith in His Father and the plan for salvation of mankind. In telling us to take up our crosses, Jesus is imparting the idea that we should be visible outwardly as His followers – our lives should be a visible example of repentance and self-denial, as this will show the importance and love of Jesus to those around us. The selflessness and denial of repentance is a powerful witness to those who don’t know God as it goes so clearly against the grain of much of modern life.

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

(2 Corinthians 7:10 - New International Version)

Repentance is not the same as feeling guilty. The vast majority of people follow the rules of society, avoid breaking the law and try not to hurt others, as this is their expectation of what a ‘good person’ does. When they fall short of these ideals they will feel a sense of sorrow and guilt, but it is not the same as true repentance. When we repent we should not just feel sorrow. Instead there should also be hope and determination. The hope that we find in the forgiveness we receive through Jesus, and a determination to lead lives that do not lead us to further sin. Judas felt worldly sorrow when he sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. However, he did not repent and because of this did not receive salvation.

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

(1 Peter 3:12 - New International Version)

“We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.”

(John 9:31 - New International Version)

Repentance is also not a one-time deal…it is an ongoing process. We have to recognise that, despite our best efforts and good intentions, we will sin from time to time. Fortunately God’s supply of forgiveness is more plentiful than our seemingly inexhaustible sources of sin!

“Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations”

(from Luke 24:47 - New International Version)

Therefore, it’s important to be vigilant and avoid sinful words, thoughts and deeds, but more important to recognise when we fall and do something about it. That something is to repent. Again, it is a turning away from sin, towards God, and the recognition that we are not strong enough alone. We need Him. Sin is bad, but even worse is to sin and not repent. God will ALWAYS forgive. We must ensure that we encourage others to repent and turn to Christ…it is part of the great commission and the most important choice they will ever make in their whole lives.

One of the defining characteristics of true repentance is the way that it comes through love, rather than fear. When we repent it should be because we love God and do not want to do things that trouble Him. When we know a loved one is hurt by something we do, we try not to do that thing as we love then and want to avoid them being upset. Therefore, because we know that God detests sin we should be determined not to sin because of our love for Him. Those who only fear the consequence of sin are being self-centred; they don’t turn towards God and repentance - they don’t regret the sin, they regret being caught.

"He, who truly repents, is chiefly sorry for his sins. He, whose repentance is spurious, is chiefly concerned for their consequences. The former chiefly regrets that he has done evil; the latter that he has incurred evil. One sorely laments that he deserves punishment; the other that he must suffer punishment. One approves of the Law which condemns him; the other thinks he is hardly treated, and that the Law is rigorous. To the sincere penitent, sin appears exceeding sinful; to him who sorrows after a worldly sort, sin, in some form, appears pleasant. He regrets that it is forbidden. One says it is an evil and bitter thing to sin against God, even if no punishment followed. The other sees little evil in transgression if there were no painful consequences sure to follow."

Dr. William S. Plumer (1802-1880)

What is The Holy Trinity?

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

(2 Corinthians 13:14 - New International Version)

One of the hardest aspects of the Christian faith is understanding the concept of the Holy Trinity. The word “trinity” itself is derived from this Holy triumvirate and literally means the three persons of God: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. The problem for humankind in understanding the Trinity is that it defies logical understanding, as there is nothing else in all of creation which can be used to make a 'perfect' and 'easy to understand' comparison.

Understanding the Trinity requires a leap of faith and thinking, trusting that what God, Jesus and the Apostles all said is true, even when it is hard to fully comprehend. We also need to recognise that the mind of God is far above our understanding.

“For, ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.”

(1 Corinthians 2:16 - New International Version)

“Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counsellor?”

(Isaiah 40:13 - New International Version)

The Bible is an account of and a revelation of God and God has NO LIMITS, unlike us. When we recognize this limitless nature of God we have to accept that we are going to come across concepts which we will find hard to grasp. We are dealing with an all-powerful God who exists in all places and at all times. This is not a cop-out or excuse, but an admission that God’s workings are not something we can always fully understand; we simply aren't as clever as He is!

Three and One – One and Three

The difficult part is understanding that the Trinity are three separate entities, with distinct and separate characters, yet are all part of one being (God) at the same time. This is not a form of multiple personality disorder, which some people jokingly dismiss it as in order to belittle Christian beliefs. Instead, the Trinity is a demonstration of the omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence of God, that He can divide Himself into three distinct, yet inherently linked, parts which form a coherent whole.

“A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.”
(Galatians 3:20 - New International Version)

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus”

(1 Timothy 2:5 - New International Version)

For example, in Galatians and 1 Timothy Jesus is referred to as a mediator, but as can be seen, although Jesus is an individual being, having individual characteristics and this specific mediation role, He remains part of one God. The trinity exists as three separate persons, yet with the same divine will, plan and abilities. Each one, despite having different roles, has the same essence and nature.

Jesus, in the way He spoke of the Trinity, identified its separate parts. In John 14 Jesus reveals to the Apostles that He will pray to His Father and ask for the Holy Spirit to come to them and live in them. Jesus also acknowledged that humankind would find the whole concept of the Holy Spirit, and therefore the Trinity, pretty complex and so many would reject it.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

(John 14:16-17 - New International Version)

Jesus was not praying to Himself, he was praying to the Father. In speaking of the Spirit, Jesus was not talking about Himself. This shows the separate entities of the Trinity.

Those who choose to believe in God feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and therefore are better able to accept the Trinity, despite (and maybe even because of) its complex nature. Why do I say because of? Perhaps it is because I see this complex tripartite nature as a revelation of God’s awesome power. My view is that there are so many things in the universe which humankind doesn't understand, but we don't deny them just because we don't understand them and we can marvel at them nonetheless.

A Quick Illustration

A simplistic way of thinking about the Trinity is in a similar way to the covenant of marriage, as it's described in the Bible. The man and woman, despite being two separate and distinct beings, become “one flesh” and from that moment on exist as a single entity with two parts.

The Trinity functions in a similar, but far more powerful and fundamentally linked way, where the three separate parts are ONE GOD.

The Father IS God

"So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Romans 15:6 - New International Version)

Paul clearly identifies that God and Father are one entity. The first century Christian writers all acknowledged that the Father is God. Jesus calls the Father our "heavenly Father" in reference to Him being God.

“One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

(Ephesians 4:6 - New International Version)

This verse from Ephesians is just one of the many reiterations of this point, that the Father is God and God is the Father. 

Jesus IS God

“Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

(Deuteronomy 6:4 - New International Version)

“I and the Father are one.”

(John 10:30 - New International Version)

Jesus makes it very clear in this statement in John 10:30, as He does many other times, that whilst being a man and living among His people, He is always God. He is in a flesh and blood bodily form, but at the same time, He is God. He is the part of God which became flesh and blood, living and dying as a man to fulfil the plan of the redemption of sin. Again, Jesus separates His identity from that of His Father, identifying them as separate parts of the Trinity which comprise God.

The Holy Spirit IS God

“As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.”

(Matthew 3:16 - New International Version)

When writing his account of Jesus’ baptism Matthew referred to the Holy Spirit with a capital S, making it clear that the Spirit is a separate entity as well as being part of God. If the Spirit were not a separate entity then Matthew would have used ‘spirit’ with a lower case s. It is not a grammatical slip or typographical error; it is a considered linguistic choice used to make a deliberate point.

The ‘Mathematics of the Trinity’

Finally, for those of you who prefer mathematics, a way of thinking about the Trinity which I’ve seen (and that makes complete sense to me) is this:

It isn’t:  1(God) + 1(Jesus) + 1(Spirit) = 3(Trinity)

It is:       1(God) x 1(Jesus) x 1(Spirit) = 1(Trinity)

Who is the Holy Spirit?

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

(Acts 2:1-4 - New International Version)

Not just a force or feeling

Something that needs to be understood is that the Holy Spirit has a personality. The Holy Spirit is not a simple conduit for God’s power or way of channeling God. The Holy Spirit is a being in His own right. This can be seen through scripture as the Spirit demonstrates aspects of having character. The Spirit feels emotions, thinks for himself and has a will of his own.

MIND - “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:27 - New International Version)

EMOTIONS – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30 - New International Version)

WILL – “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:11 - New International Version)

Again, it is also important to note the personhood denoted in the use of the pronoun “he”. The Spirit is one of the Trinity: God – Christ – Spirit. He is part of God, yet separate from God, in a similar way to how Jesus was part of God, yet separate.

The Holy Spirit IS God

The Spirit is not just a bolt-on to the Christian experience that brings us gifts; the Spirit shares the same powers and attributes of God, just as Jesus did as God made flesh in the form of man. He is a part of God, a person in the trinity. Peter clearly knew this and referred to it in the following Scripture. In lying to the Holy Spirit, Ananias was lying TO GOD. This shows that God and the Holy Spirit are one and the same, as parts of the trinity.

“Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.’”

(Acts 5:3-4 - New International Version - UK)

The Holy Spirit is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent…just like God…because he is a part of God. When the Holy Spirit comes to live in you, when you give your life to God, you quite literally have a part of God Himself living inside you. How incredible is that!

God’s Spirit lives in Christians –“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11 - New International Version)

In doing so, in living within those who believe, the Holy Spirit brings us life from God which is far greater than the life we have through our weak, limited and ultimately destined to die, flesh and blood.

The Spirit gives us life – “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you – they are full of the Spirit and life. “(John 6:63 - New International Version)

God is the only holy being in any world religion that does this. No other religion tells its followers that the one being worshipped will come and live in those who worship. Only God does this, through His Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit, having given our lives to Christ, we are guaranteed ETERNAL LIFE in the presence of God.

What does the Holy Spirit do?

After the resurrection Jesus ascended to Heaven, God did not leave His people alone, without assistance. God knew that we could not do His will alone, that we would need to be guided and supported in our lives as we spread the word of Jesus’ teachings. Jesus told the Apostles that the Holy Spirit would come once He had departed.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

(John 14:26 - New International Version)

So the Holy Spirit brings new teaching, reminds us of what Jesus taught, and is an advocate for us. Again the use of the word advocate is well chosen, as it means ‘a person who supports’.  Again this shows the personhood of the Holy Spirit, as well as defining what the Spirit would do.

The Spirit supports us when we are weak and responds to our prayers - “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (Romans 8:26 - New International Version)

The Holy Spirit also teaches us how to live. When we live spirit filled lives the world, and the desires it encourages in people, no longer have power over us. The Holy Spirit helps us to follow the will of God, not the will of the world. Jesus’ sacrifice, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, means that we are no longer held subject to all of the laws from the Old Testament. We no longer need to make animal sacrifices as atonement for what we do wrong…Jesus paid for it all. There were so many rituals and rules which Old Testament believers had to follow as they did not have Jesus to turn to for forgiveness. We are very fortunate that our lives are no longer bound by such laws.

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

(Galatians 5:16-18 - New International Version)

A Generous Guest

The Holy Spirit, as an advocate (supporter), also brings us gifts from God so that we can be successful in the Great Commission to spread the Good News of Christ. These gifts are given according to the decision that the Holy Spirit makes, again showing his personhood, using the wisdom that comes from being part of God to decide which is best for each person and in each situation.

“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

(1 Corinthians 12:8-11 - New International Version)

The Holy Spirit wants to live in us all…what we need to do is dedicate our lives to Christ and invite Him in.