Initial evidence

[Amanah]

Thank you Elder, it's really helpful!

[Amanah]

So JW teaches that the first resurrection saints (the Israel of God) will be immortals teaching the nations to obey God's commandments. You are saying essentially the same.

The difference is that in the 2nd resurrection he sees everyone else being resurrected, the wicked being destroyed and the others saved but not immortal.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Amanah

So JW teaches that the first resurrection saints (the Israel of God) will be immortals teaching the nations to obey God's commandments. You are saying essentially the same.

The difference is that in the 2nd resurrection he sees everyone else being resurrected, the wicked being destroyed and the others saved but not immortal.

Well, it's not just "teaching the nations to obey God's commandments", it's the whole Gospel, the whole Bible. I think some people get so caught up in the importance of God's commandments they wind up forgetting about Christ, or relegating Christ to being a means to a more important end, in their mind.

Not saying JW is doing that, of course. Just pointing out some of the pitfalls people fall into.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Amanah

Thank you Elder, it's really helpful!

[Amanah]

Attempting to provide a succinct accurate defense of initial evidence for FB, to counter Jesse White, how is this?

This is still That

The biblical account in Acts 2:4 fulfills Joel 2:28-32, where prophecy refers to speaking in tongues as prophetic utterance inspired by God's Spirit. Acts 2:4 states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." Peter declares, "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" (Acts 2:16), linking the event to Joel's prophecy.

*Initial Evidence vs Spiritual Gifts*

*Initial Evidence*
1. Acts 2:4 describes tongues-speaking as initial evidence of Spirit-filling.
2. Joel 2:28-29 prophesies, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy."
3. This experience is universal, applying to all believers.

*Spiritual Gifts*
1. 1 Corinthians 12-14 presents tongues and interpretation as spiritual gifts.
2. These gifts are distributed among believers as the Spirit wills.
3. Purpose: edification of the church.

*Key Differences*

1. Purpose: Initial evidence signifies Spirit-filling, while spiritual gifts serve church edification.
2. Universality: Initial evidence applies to all, whereas spiritual gifts are distributed selectively.

*Biblical Precedent*

1. Acts 2:4: Disciples spoke in tongues, fulfilling Joel's prophecy.
2. Acts 8:14-19: Samaritans spoke in tongues after receiving the Holy Spirit.
3. Acts 10:44-46: Cornelius' household spoke in tongues, demonstrating Spirit-filling.
4. Acts 19:1-6: Ephesian believers spoke in tongues after Spirit-filling.
5. 1 Corinthians 12-14: Paul teaches tongues and interpretation as spiritual gifts.

*Conclusion*

Acts 2:4 and Joel 2:28-32 establish speaking in tongues as initial evidence of Spirit-filling, distinct from tongues and interpretation as spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14.