By One Spirit — Holy Ghost Ministry

Lary and his beloved dog Champ welcomed by Jesus into a radiant garden of flowers, waterfalls, and golden light — Remembering the ministry and teachings of Lary R. Hale

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Legacy · Q&A

Tongues, Salvation, and Christian Traditions

By Lary R. Hale

Raphael-inspired painting of a white dove above a peaceful assembly in flowing luminous light. — © By One Spirit Ministries

Question:

Hi, Lary. April again here with another question. If speaking in tongues is the sign of (and therby the requirement for) what is traditionally thought of as "salvation" or eternal life, then why does Paul say in Romans 10?9-10 "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Although baptism of the Holy Spirit is definitely mentioned in Scripture, it is not mentioned here as a requirement for salvation. Another Scripture that seems to contradict your teaching: "EXAMINE YOURSELVES to see whether you are in the faith; TEST YOURSELVES. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?" (II Corinthians 13:5, emphasis added) Although I agree with you whole-heartedly that only God can truly know a man's heart (meaning that we cannot judge others, because we do not know their hearts), Paul is clearly stating here that we are to examine our own hearts, so that we can know that our faith is sincere. He goes on to say in verse 6, "And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test." The Corinthians were demanding proof that Christ was speaking through Paul. If it is true that the only way to determine one's true faith is by the sign of speaking in tongues, why wouldn't Paul just refer to that as a measure of faith, instead of instructing the Corinthians to examine he and themselves? I appreciate your input on this.

Answer:

Hi Again April,

Once again, thanks much for writing and sending good questions along. Rom. 10:9,10 is one of, if not THE MOST misused passage of scripture being used

today. The Apostle was speaking to, and instructing people, WHO WERE ALREADY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST. That particular message was the new testament equivalent of Deut. 30:10-14, which also was spoken to people who were already in covenant with God. In both of these instances, these men of God

were admonishing and exhorting GOD'S PEOPLE to continue in the faith that they had begun in. This is how that in both cases they (Moses and Paul) could say that "the word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart." The word was in THEIR mouths and hearts because they had received it and known it for some time already. You can also see the same apostle exhort the Corinthian congregation in the exact same manner, with a little bit different wording (I Cor. 15:1-4) To use this passage of scripture in Rom. 10 as an evangelical call to sinners as a means of being born again, is to completely and perilously strip the passage of its true and divine context.

So the real issue is how these people got into the body of Christ, and how that

anyone has ever become a member of that body; and that is by the baptism of the

holy Ghost (I Cor. 12:13 - Paul) The true holy Ghost baptism is the same one that John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize with (Mk. 1:6-8), and the same one that Jesus commanded His followers to wait for when He ascended back to Heaven (Acts 1:4,5). As I'm sure you know, when that baptism came, everyone who received it spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4).

And every time that the details of HOW someone became a member of the body of Christ, are broken down for us to see in the book of Acts, they always spoke in tongues likewise. Although it is only a small part of the understanding about

speaking in tongues at the new birth, the account in Acts 10:44-46 very powerfully demonstrates that this is how the apostles and early elders were able to determine when someone had received the Spirit. And without receiving the Spirit there is no new birth (Jn. 3:5; Rom. 8:9), or remission of sins (I Cor. 6:11). God has never changed this initial sign of receiving the holy Ghost, though man has certainly done so to his own confusion and harm. April, as I said, these are good questions that you have asked, and they carry eternal weight; so the only way you want to be utterly assured of the answers is to really seek God earnestly, humbly, openly, perseveringly; and without reservation. He is well able and more than willing to show you the truth, and He knows how to let you know WHEN He shows you. Your correspondence is always welcome. I also send tapes,

cd's and/or dvd's of our radio or tv broadcasts, or our home Prayer Meeting/Bible Studies, free of charge if you think you would like to have any of these. Once again, may the Lord bless and enrich you in every way known and unknown!

Sincerely,

Lary

Answer:

Hi Again April,

In going back over your second e-mail that you sent, I realized that I didn't say anything about your question on "Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith..." Again, he was speaking to people who had already been in the assembly of God's people for some time, meaning that they had already been baptized by one Spirit into one body (I Cor. 12:13). He referred again to this issue in the following passage: "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged" (I Cor. 11:28-31). In this passage Paul was warning the congregation that if they came together and partook of the communion of the holy Ghost and the word of God with sin in their lives, they would be chastened of the Lord for doing so, so that they would learn to live in obedience and not be damned with the rest of the world. In both places he was admonishing believers to take inventory of themselves to be certain they were not retaining any kind of sin in their lives. Though they were born again through the Spirit baptism, they or anyone are not continuing in the faith unless they are continuing in righteousness and true holiness, meaning pureness of heart, or being

without sin (Mat. 5:8; Heb. 12:14; Tit. 2:11,12; I Jn. 3:3; etc.).

This also is what Jude was referring to in saying that God's people needed to

"earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints." Proving oneself of being in the faith is not a matter of deciding whether or not one believes that Jesus is the Lord, but rather whether or not one is continuing in what the faith of Christ is all about - True, or inner holiness. On a mass scale, this is what Paul was prophesying of when he said that "In the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils" (I Tim. 4:1). That is exactly what has happened on a universal scale now. "Christianity," which is comprised of doctrines that in effect say that sin is taken out of our lives by what Jesus accomplished, and even though we still have to live with sin, we're not accountable for our sins as long as we "believe in Jesus." But the true "one faith" of Christ "that was once delivered unto the saints" clearly states that sin is LITERALLY taken out of our lives AS A RESULT of our faith in Christ, by the holy Ghost baptism (Tit. 3:5; I Cor. 6:11; Heb. 10:4; Heb. 9:13,14; etc.).

Not only so, but to truly be found "in the faith," after this new birth experience, believers are required by God to continue without sin (Rom. 6:1-4,12-15; Tit. 2:11,12; Col. 3:5-10; Rom. 8:12-14; Gal. 5:19-25; etc.). Of course continuing in holiness can also include honest, true repentance if one does fail (I Jn. 1:8-10 & I Jn. 2:1). Nonetheless overcoming sin and all of its works, and being perfected in holiness is what the faith is all about, not just believing that Jesus is the Lord. Anyone can say and even think that they believe that Jesus is the Lord, but it will never do anyone any good without receiving the EXPERIENCE that is the result of truly believing on Jesus according to HIS terms (Jn. 7:37-39). And even receiving the holy Ghost baptism won't account for anything at the judgment unless one has availed himself of the power of that baptism and allowed God to

live through him, by keeping sin literally and truly out of his heart and soul (Heb. 6:4-8; Heb. 10:26-29; II Pet. 2:20-22). Anyway, I hope that helps some. Any other questions that are on your mind are welcome.

Sincerely,

Lary

Follow-up:

Comment:

Thank you for your response, and yes, it did make a lot of sense to me. I do agree with you that many in mainstream Christianity believe that they are no longer accountable for their sin as long as they believe in Jesus. We both know that even the demons believe that Jesus is Lord...and tremble. The church I was brought up in taught that to become "saved" or "a Christian" (basically how to get to Heaven), one needs to first realize and admit that they are a sinner, and confess that sin to God and repent. I was taught, and believe, that repentance is not the same thing as apologizing. It literally means to turn around. So I think that you and I are on the same page, that we are commanded not only to confess our sin and believe, but to turn our lives around, away from sin, and "give God the steering wheel" so to speak. I was also taught that when one is truly in Christ, there will still be temptations, and that none of us are righteous (Rom. 3:23), so sins will still occur. But if the Holy Spirit truly lives within us, we will have no choice other than to desire a life of holiness, pleasing to God, and the Holy Spirit will convict us of our sin, if and when it does occur. I was taught the concept of "once saved, always saved," but at the same time, there are consequences for our actions, and there still will be judgement for our sins, and the Holy Spirit is continually working in our lives. If someone were to have a "salvation" experience, but showed no desire to live a holy life, we could assume that their salvation was not sincere, because otherwise they would be turning away from a life of sin--not running to it. So far, unless I am misunderstanding you, it seems that they way I was brought up parallels what you believe about 80 or 90%. The concept of baptism in the Holy Spirit is a new concept for me, however. I recently started attending a non-denominational church where this is encouraged for all believers, and speaking in tongues is seen as an initial evidence of this baptism, if not THE evidence. That is what brought me to your site. I love my parents, and I don't want to believe differently than they out of a spirit of rebellion. But I realize that thousands of people are brought up in sincere, but false or incomplete beliefs. So logically, it is possible that what I was brought up believing is not entirely true, although those who taught me were sincere and good-hearted. I am now entering a season of my life where I know the Holy Spirit is tugging at me, calling me back to Him, and urging me to pore over this Scriptures, in search of truth. I am not completely sure that I agree with everything that you believe in, but I appreciate you taking the time to listen to me and respond to my questions without being condemning or condescending. I pray that God will bless you and use you to advance His Kingdom. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

April

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In loving memory

Lary R. Hale

November 13, 1954April 21, 2024

Lary smiling with his beloved dog Champ — Lary with Champ

Obituary

A Hero Finally Rests.

Lary Redman Hale of Louisville, KY entered into his greatest joy, the presence of King Jesus himself, welcomed by the cheers of angels and the saints of God on Sunday night, April 21, 2024.

What the outside world would see as the untimely passing of a humble, local minister, heaven saw as the triumphant finale of a valiant warrior's life. He fought the good fight, having kept the faith, and received what Christ himself called "The Champion's Wreath of Victory".

Lary was born November 13, 1954 to Marvin and Norma Hale. Being the youngest of his siblings ensured he had lots of time with his loving mother, from whom he undoubtedly developed his profound sensitivity, heartfelt sentimentality and emotional comfortability - characteristics that were trademarks of his life. He grew up surrounded by cousins and classmates that became his best friends.

At his 50 year class reunion he was overjoyed and excited to catch up with so many of them, smiling and laughing more than he had in a long time. He would often tell stories of how he treasured those times as a young boy riding bikes, shooting B.B guns and playing with his childhood dog Peanuts; all while getting into assorted harmless mischief. He cherished the time he spent living on his parents houseboat and helping his dad, a united states marine veteran, take care of the boat and dock.

His relationship with his dad was only strengthened in their later years as they watched boxing matches almost every weekend for the remainder of his dad's life. He admired his brother Gary for his athleticism and industrious attitude, and thought his sisters Vicki and Mila had hearts of gold just like his mother. In his teen years Lary developed three of his lifelong loves: swimming, cool cars and lifting weights.

Some people said Lary was part fish because of how well he swam, but Lary would correct them, he was actually part dolphin. As a young man he managed a health club where he helped multiple people lose weight and counted that a huge joy. He loved nature and taking photos of it, honing his skills and knowledge in cameras. His vocabulary was second to none and he enjoyed learning new words and using them especially in his writings.

Before he passed he still exercised as much as his body would allow and he longed to return to the ocean and the white sands of Destin, Florida.

Like most disenfranchised teens in the early 70s, Lary indulged in countless vices that left him empty and searching for more. Although his long black curly hair, loud clothes, muscles and muscle cars made him the envy of the boys and the heartthrob of the girls, none of these things satisfied his heart. He pursued a college education briefly, desiring to be a marine biologist or philosopher but found that this was not what he was missing either - he longed for true fulfillment.

Depressed, empty, and feeling hopeless, Lary heard about a particular beautiful girl he had a crush on that was attending a small church where the "Spirit of God" was changing people's lives. After wondering why someone like her would attend a church like that, he began to attend also.

After a few months, he made a simple prayer on his hands and knees, saying "God I can't stop smoking, drinking, raging or any of the other countless vices I have - but if you can set me free from these things, I'll know you're real and that you want me to serve you". The next morning Lary woke up and described the next few hours as "walking on air" realizing he was, in his words "delivered" and never going back to those vices.

This began his life long commitment to glorifying Jesus, the king of glory, for how he transformed Lary's life from darkness to light. Lary would marry that same beautiful girl, the love of his life, Fay Kustes, and they would have two sons together, Benjamin Isaac and Elisha Daniel. Lary's greatest joy in life was being a husband and father.

He was happiest when he was sharing what he was learning in the bible with his family, and teaching them that knowing God was simplistic and yet powerful - that God was not merely a religious concept, but a powerful savior on a day to day basis. As Lary made it his life's goal to find "the lost sheep", he would tap into his multifaceted creativity that went largely underappreciated.

Lary produced well over a thousand episodes of gospel presentations: self-producing, mixing, editing and encoding both a radio and television show. Between the two, he broadcast for over 30 years. All of this in the analog age, where self produced radio and TV shows were nearly unheard of, especially without any budget whatsoever.

Lary was an evangelist in Louisville and southern Indiana, being asked to preach and teach in multicultural and multi-generational churches across the city. The churches he was most loved and welcomed by were the African-American Baptist and Pentecostal churches that loved and welcomed his passionate, excitable and action packed style of preaching.

Once the dawn of the internet came, he immediately worked to have a website published, making his literature and gospel teachings available. Eventually he'd use social media to teach, preach and encourage believers all across the world. He would spend every night praying with and encouraging christians from every nation until the end of his life. Many of which saw him like a second father and all of whom greatly mourn his passing.

Even though he produced over a thousand episodes of media, taught in multiple churches, mentored in multiple countries, and had multiple printed works of literature, he considered his greatest life's work to be his two sons. One of their earliest memories is Lary saying "the most important job in the world is not preaching the gospel, it's raising kids in the gospel". This threaded through his entire life.

In his final week on earth, he reminisced on his life saying "I see my life as the highest success, because my life's work are my two sons, who I am so incredibly proud of - not for their natural achievements but for their love, humility and personal faith in Jesus that is not only evident in their lives but also in their love. Because of them, I know my life is a true success - and I credit Jesus for all of it".

His sons today see him as the most successful man they will ever know. He succeeded in loving them and never hurting them. Leading them and never controlling them. Being there for them and never leaving them. He was a man that would apologize quickly, forgive quickly, and always encouraged his sons to "get up and go from here". He succeeded in teaching them faith, hope and love in a world starving so badly for all three. His ministry lives on in them.

The lives of everyone touched by their lives are forever indebted to this humble, prayerful man of faith.

He is preceded in death by his father Marvin, mother Norma, sister Mila, sister-in-law Marlene, nephew Adam, aunts, uncles, treasured cousins, and his beloved dog of 18 years, Champ.

Until they are reunited in the glory of heaven, he is survived and will be missed by his sons, Benjamin and Elisha (Katrine), his wife of 30 years, Fay, his brother Gary, His sister Vicki (Dan), his cousins, nieces, nephews, his friends, and those that called him their pastor and teacher.

"The righteous perish, and no man lays it to heart: merciful men are taken away and no one considers that the righteous person is being spared from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: he shall rest in his bed, having walked in uprightness." Isaiah 57:1&2

Remember him