The Validity of Speaking in Tongues: Then and Now

Introduction:

One of the most debated topics in the Christian world Today is the gift of speaking in tongues and the operation of the spiritual gifts. Some argue that the gifts, particularly tongues, were only for the early church and are no longer valid. Others believe these gifts are still active Today as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Today, we'll explore what Scripture says about tongues and the gifts of the Spirit, seeking to understand their purpose and validity for believers Today.

**1. The Biblical Foundation for Speaking in Tongues**

The first instance of speaking in tongues occurs on the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, and they began speaking in tongues, understood by people from different nations. The immediate effect was a miraculous sign that validated the apostles' message, drawing attention to the Gospel and leading to the salvation of about 3,000 people.

**Scripture Reference:**

*"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." * — Acts 2:4 (NIV)

Here, tongues served a clear purpose: the proclamation of the Gospel in various languages. But this was not the only instance. Later, in **Acts 10:44-46**, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles, and they too spoke in tongues, signifying their acceptance into the family of God. Again, in **Acts 19:6**, when Paul laid hands on some believers, they also spoke in tongues.

**Opinion:**

These passages show that tongues were not isolated to the Day of Pentecost. The gift continued to signify the Spirit's work in the early church. It wasn't just about communicating the Gospel in different languages—it was also a powerful Spiritual experience, demonstrating the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

**2. The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues and the Gifts Today**

To understand whether tongues are still valid, we must explore **1 Corinthians 12-14**, where Paul addresses Spiritual gifts, including tongues. Paul emphasizes that the gifts are given for the building up of the church and are distributed by the Holy Spirit as He wills.

**Scripture Reference:**

*"Now to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."* — 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV)

*"Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?"* — 1 Corinthians 12:30 (NIV)

Paul lists tongues as one of the gifts and places it alongside prophecy, healing, discernment, and other gifts. He does not indicate that tongues would cease during the apostolic era. He places great value on the gift, mainly when it accompanies interpretation.

However, in **1 Corinthians 13:8-10**, Paul does say that tongues, prophecies, and knowledge will pass away "when completeness comes," which some interpret as the end of the apostolic age or the completion of Scripture. But the context of this passage points to the return of Christ when we will know fully and no longer need partial gifts. Until then, these gifts—including tongues—are still required to build the church.

**Illustration:**

Consider a construction site. Workers are given different tools, each designed for a specific purpose. Some tools are for heavy lifting, others for precision work. Until the building is complete, all tools are necessary. Similarly, until Christ returns, all gifts of the Spirit—including tongues—are essential for improving the body of Christ.

**Opinion:**

The gifts remain active Today because the church has not yet reached "completeness." We are still in the process of growing, maturing, and advancing the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit equips us with gifts to fulfill our mission. Tongues, like the other gifts, play a role in this process, particularly in personal improvement and prayer (as Paul mentions in **1 Corinthians 14:4**).

**3. The Role of Tongues in Personal Edification and Corporate Worship**

Paul explains the role of tongues in **1 Corinthians 14**. He distinguishes between tongues used for personal improvement and tongues used in the corporate gathering of believers. When someone speaks in tongues without interpretation, it benefits the individual, as it directly communicates with God.

**Scripture Reference:**

*"Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church."* — 1 Corinthians 14:4 (NIV)

However, in the corporate setting, Paul urges using tongues with interpretation so that the whole church may be edified. Paul does not discourage using tongues in public worship but insists on order and understanding. The gifts are not for chaos but for building up the body of believers.

**Illustration:**

Think of tongues as a personal Spiritual tool, like a prayer language that strengthens you. However, when shared in the church, it becomes like a message in a foreign language that needs interpretation to benefit everyone. When both are present—tongues and interpretation—the church strengthens.

**Opinion:**

I believe that tongues are still valuable Today for personal Spiritual growth and in the corporate church setting, provided they are used in an orderly way. Tongues with interpretation can bring a powerful message from God to the congregation, while tongues without interpretation serve the individual's spiritual communion with the Lord.

**4. The Misunderstanding of Cessationism**

Some teach that the gifts of the Spirit, including tongues, ceased with the apostolic age. This view, known as cessationism, is often based on **1 Corinthians 13:8-10**, as mentioned earlier. However, nowhere in Scripture is there a clear indication that the gifts would stop after the apostles. On the contrary, the New Testament consistently shows the Holy Spirit working through gifts in the church as it grows and spreads.

**Quote:**

D.A. Carson, a well-respected theologian, writes: *"There is nothing in the New Testament that teaches that certain gifts of the Spirit were to be withdrawn before the return of the Lord. To the contrary, there is every reason to believe that these gifts continue to be given by the Spirit to improve the church."*

**Scripture Reference:**

*"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." * — Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

This verse reminds us that Jesus's nature and work through the Spirit haven't changed. His gifts to the early church are still available to the Church Today.

**Opinion:**

I do not believe Scripture supports cessationism. The gifts, including tongues, were intended for the first generation of believers and the church until Christ's return. The Holy Spirit continues distributing gifts to improve and grow the church Today.

**Conclusion: The Continuing Need for All the Gifts**

The gifts of the Spirit, including speaking in tongues, are still valid and necessary for the Church Today. They serve multiple purposes: personal improvement, the church's building up, and the Gospel's spreading. These gifts will remain active and essential until we reach completeness at Christ's return.

**Scripture Reference:**

*"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues."* — 1 Corinthians 14:39 (NIV)

Paul's instruction is explicit: We should desire spiritual gifts and not be forbidden from using tongues. Let us embrace the fullness of what the Holy Spirit wants to do in and through us, trusting that God is still at work Today as He was in the early church.

Final Opinion:

Based on my study of Scripture and understanding the gifts of the Spirit, I firmly believe that speaking in tongues—and all the gifts—is still valid Today. The Holy Spirit gave them to the church for the edification and growth of the church, and we are still in the process of maturing in Christ. Let's continue to seek and use these gifts as God intended for His glory and to strengthen His people.