Pentecostal denominations believe speaking in tongues is ongoing in the present day; however, many reformed and dispensational Christians believe tongues died out with the passing of the original apostles. So, the question remains: Is speaking in tongues biblical?
Speaking in tongues is a hotly debated topic among Christians throughout the world. Some Christians believe speaking in tongues is still in effect today, while others do not. Pentecostal denominations believe speaking in tongues is ongoing in the present day; however, many reformed and dispensational Christians believe tongues died out with the passing of the original apostles. So, the question remains: Is speaking in tongues biblical?
Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in tongues is a biblical concept confirmed by the apostles who spoke in tongues. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended and enabled the people to speak in tongues (Acts 2:4). The biblical definition of tongues is speaking in languages previously unknown. Speaking in tongues does not mean a person is speaking in incoherent words that do not make sense. Rather, speaking in tongues means you are speaking in a language you previously did not know. As an example, if a person’s native language was Hebrew when the Holy Spirit descended on them and gave them the gift of tongues, they would be able to speak in a previously unknown language to them, such as Greek, Latin, Aramaic, or another language. The Bible tells us that when the gift of tongues was being spoken, it was done by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:6).
Speaking in tongues was not a skill or talent that could be cultivated by a person in their life. Rather, it was a gift of the Holy Spirit. In fact, Paul refers to speaking in tongues as a gift from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12-14). Speaking in tongues was a signature spiritual gift for the Jews, as was prophecy, gifts of healing, and miraculous powers. However, Paul tells us that speaking in tongues was pointless unless a person could interpret the message being spoken by the person speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:6). If a person started speaking in tongues and there was no interpreter present, the message would not be understandable. It is only when an interpreter is present to interpret the tongue that the congregation can be edified.
Speaking in tongues in the modern-day most often is not associated with speaking in true languages. When congregations speak in “tongues” they are not speaking in the true tongues of the Bible. A more literal interpretation of the term “tongues” should be “languages” because the apostles were speaking in different languages—not nonsensical words as displayed in mainstream media. The gifts of tongues ceased with the dying out of the apostles. Paul informed us that the gift of tongues would die out (1 Corinthians 13:8). The gift of tongues, speaking in Greek, Latin, Aramaic, etc., was a sign for the Jews, not for modern-day unbelievers. The tongues spoken of in mass congregations are not the same speaking of tongues that is seen in the Bible. The tongues, as spoken in the Bible, are biblical, yet the tongues spoken today in many congregations are modern-day languages: English, Spanish, French, etc. Biblical "tongues" and modern-day "languages" are two different things.
Speaking in Tongues Today?
This is a widely debated topic; however, I personally believe speaking in tongues in the modern day is not biblical as the Bible demonstrates the sign gifts died out with the passing of the apostles. Throughout Bible college and seminary, I was taught that the gift of tongues had ceased in the modern-day as the gifts of tongue had died out in the first century around the time of the passing away of the original apostles. It is possible that the gift of tongues could occasionally show up if God saw it was a necessity, such as a missionary on the mission field communicating with someone who spoke a different language? This seems rare, but I don’t want to be dogmatic in the sense that I undermine God’s ability and power. God can do anything and we should not limit His ability. If it was in His will for a person to speak in tongues for a short duration of time, then we cannot question God’s divine workings.
We can decipher true biblical tongues from babble tongues by listening to see if there is a true, audible language being spoken by the person who is supposedly speaking in tongues. If the person who claims to be speaking in tongues simply recites nonsensical words, then they are not truly speaking in tongues. Many churches still adhere to the belief of speaking in tongues in the congregation; however, we can decipher if the “tongues” that the congregation is speaking are true tongues if they are speaking in genuine languages and there is someone there to interpret the tongue. Speaking in tongues is not speaking in an “angelic language” nor a “heavenly language.” Tongues are literal, known languages spoken by believers for the edification of the church. Most of the supposed and claimed “tongues” being spoken of in many congregations are nonsensical words that are not translated for the rest of the congregation.
Can I Have the Gift of Tongues?
As I have stated, the gift of tongues has ceased for believers today; however, that does not mean this gift doesn’t occasionally show up throughout the course of history. It is possible in rare circumstances for a person to receive the gift of tongues; however, it is extremely rare. The gift of tongues is not needed today because in modern-day times, we can learn different languages through studying books, podcasts, and taking classes. Some people are more prone to picking up on languages than others; however, this doesn’t mean they have the gift of tongues. Speaking in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit. In other words, you cannot achieve or strive after obtaining this gift. Just like other spiritual gifts, they are given by the Holy Spirit and are not chosen according to our wants, efforts, or desires.
Even though the gifts of speaking in tongues has ceased in the modern-day, there are many other spiritual gifts that a believer can receive such as serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, mercy, words of wisdom, words of knowledge, faith, and helps (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Although speaking in tongues would be quite useful sometimes, the other gifts are more needed in our era today. You can discover your own unique spiritual gifts by praying to God and asking Him to reveal your gifts as you actively volunteer and serve within the church. It can take some time to distinguish your gifts, but God will reveal them to you when the time is right.
Although speaking in tongues was a true occurrence in New Testament times, it is not the norm today. Speaking in tongues is only biblical when it adheres to the biblical definition of speaking in tongues, which means a person has to be speaking in a previously unknown language for the edification of the Gospel, Jesus, and the congregation. Modern-day demonstrations of speaking in tongues are not biblical because they are not speaking in true, knowable languages. While it is completely possible for God to still bestow this spiritual gift on His children, it is not common. The Holy Spirit has many unique spiritual gifts to distribute among believers; however, speaking in tongues is not one of the more common gifts He gives out to believers today.
Thus, speaking in tongues is biblical solely if it is in congruence to the biblical definition of speaking in tongues.
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