Is speaking in tongues for today?

This has been a question that has been a source of contention in the church for many years. Some are well-meaning, while others are downright mean-spirited about the whole subject. But we believe it is important to talk about this because God said that He "would not have us be ignorant concerning Spiritual gifts" (I Cor 12).

Perhaps it is because of the excesses and abuses that we see, that tend to make us leery of things that we don't understand. Surely, as there are counterfeit dollar bills that mimic real money, there are those who would pervert and counterfeit the genuine gifts of the Spirit. But it would be foolish to discredit the genuine just because a counterfeit exists. We don't get rid of all paper money because there are a few phonies out there do we? My contention is that there would be no need for a counterfeit if there were not indeed a genuine gift of the Holy Spirit.

But of course, it isn't enough merely to use an example of human reasoning. The scriptures must be our ultimate source of truth and doctrine. And the scriptures do have quite a bit to say on the subject. When Jesus was issuing the "Great Commission" (as we have aptly named it), He said that one of the signs that would follow those who..."believe in my name" is that they would speak with "new tongues."

Common objections

One of the first objections to the present day operation of the gift of tongues is the notion that the gift ceased when the last apostle died or the closing of the canon of scripture (completion of the bible). This assertion has no scriptural basis for support. Let's look and see what the scriptures say about the matter. First of all, the scriptures tell us how long that the gifts are in operation.

I Cor 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift;waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

We can see from this passage, that the gifts of the Spirit are in operation until the coming of Christ for His church. We must also note, that the apostles were not the source of the power but Jesus Himself.

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire

Well, one might say "that was only while He walked the earth." True, He did do wonderful miracles while He walked the earth. But according to the Word, He hasn't changed.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever

Confusion about the 13th chapter of I Corinthians

Perhaps this chapter has been the source of some of the most confusion and contention where the gift of tongues is concerned. Let's take a look at the passage:

I Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

I have placed emphasis on the major points of contention, so let's examine them more in-depth.

Most who claim that the gifts of the Spirit are not for this present dispensation (also called cessationists), point to the latter part of verse 8 and say that tongues have now ceased. But rightly dividing the whole passage will show the error in that line of thinking. First, it is interesting that prophecy and knowledge are also mentioned in that passage, and yet few would claim that they have also ceased. Now much of this thinking hinges on verse 10 which speaks of "that which is perfect." Cessationists will say that refers to the canon of scripture which is now closed. According to this reasoning, since the bible is now complete, there is no further need for additional revelation. While that is true in the sense that the bible is complete, we shouldn't make the error of trying to make the bible say something it isn't saying.

In order to clear up the error about "that which is perfect" ,we must use the context of the passage as a whole as the instrument of interpretation. While it may make sense to think of the bible as the "that which is perfect" being referred to, we need to apply it to the entire passage and see if it still fits. Certainly the law of the Lord is perfect (you won't get any argument from me on that). But in this passage, I believe it is referring to the coming of the LORD (remember chapter 1 and verse 7?). Notice it says "now we know in part", but thenthat which is in part shall be done away. Do we have full knowledge now? I think not! Then it says "now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face." Let me ask you a question. Do we have full knowledge of all the mysteries of life now? Have we seen the LORD face to face? Do we know even as we are known (remember Christ promised the overcoming church they would have "a new name".(do we know that yet?) When we apply the proper methods of biblical study, we can see that the closing of the canon did not usher in these things mentioned later on in the chapter. Praise God for His written Word. But we are still looking through the glass darkly, and we need the gifts and administrations of the Holy Ghost even in this present dispensation.

Confusion about tongues and interpretation

Unfortunately, because of abuses in the biblical practice of speaking in tongues, some have avoided the topic altogether. But we shouldn't "throw the baby out with the bathwater" because of the ignorance of some. Remember Paul said "I would not have you ignorant concerning spiritual gifts." Why is it then, almost 2000 years later, we are still in turmoil over this very issue? A proper understanding of this subject would eliminate much division and strife. A failure to differentiate between the private and public administration of the gift of tongues is the primary cause of confusion.

Scriptural guidelines for the public manifestation of the gift

I Cor 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

There are tongues to God, and tongues to the church
I Cor.14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries

Notice that this is a prayer to God (no need for interpretation because it is not for man's benefit).Contrast that with this:

I Cor 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

Here we see that God speaks to the church through tongues and interpretation (which is equal to prophecy according to I Cor 14:5)

If there is a message to be given to the church via the gift of tongues, then these are the guidelines. At the most there should be three who speak by course, with one interpreting. Remember Paul said that he would rather speak 5 words "with my understanding" than 10, 000 words in an unknown tongue in order that he might teach those in the assembly. The church is not edified if a message is not interpreted for the benefit of all those who hear. BUt.........notice the last part of verse 28. Some people stop at the "keeping silent" part , but it says to let him speak to himself and to God. In other words, it isn't unlawful for him to speak in tongues altogether, but rather for him to address the congregation without an interpreter.

The private operation of the gift

Failure to distinguish between the public and private operation of the gifts, can cause people to miss out on a real blessing from the LORD.

I Cor. 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Here we see the contrast. When the "church" (or public assembly) is concerned, prophecy/interpreted tongues take precedence. But the uninterpreted tongue (for private prayer) is a tool of edification for the believer. Remember this verse in Jude?

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost

The conclusion of the matter

This debate probably will not be settled until the LORD comes. Our intent, with this article, is to try and educate those who are confused about this subject. This is not an exhaustive study on the topic, as there is much more which could be written and said about it, but just a general overview of the common concerns/objections.

I'll leave you with some wonderful advice from the scriptures.

I Cor 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Maranatha!