Are Tongues Still Valid For Today?

I was watching a Christian TV Channel where the Pastor asked a question, "Are Tongues still valid for today?". He amazed me with his answer, as he said NO. I decided to write my thoughts here and to see what others believe in.

If we claim baptism of Holy Spirit today then tongues are also valid. For all the gifts of Holy Spirit go together, if one is still valid so is the other. Tongues attest to the validity of the baptism with Holy Spirit, and therefore, tongues are an important part of God's redemptive plan, which is ongoing and centered around the baptism of believers with the Holy Spirit.

Peter quoted Joel's prophecy from the Old Testament (Joel 2:28-29) to show the Jews that speaking in tongues was the outward manifestation of the baptism with the Spirit which the disciples had just received in accord with the prophecy (Isaiah 28:11-12). Paul quoted Isa 28:11-12 in 1Cor 14:21, which also proves that tongues are an integral part of God's ongoing redemption plan (Mk 16:17; Ac 2:36-39; 5:32). Them that believe in Mk 16:17, all that are afar off in Ac 2:36-39, and them that obey in 5:32 all refer to every believer in Christ from the day of Pentecost until God's redemptive plan is fulfilled in the very last repentant sinner saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit. This spans the whole period of time from the day of Pentecost onward. It includes us today and all who will believe in Christ in the future. Jesus qualifies the life-span of what Mk 16:17, Ac 2:36-39 and 5:32 teaches with His statement in Mt 28:20 "…and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Mt 28:19-20). That clearly refutes any teaching that something integral to God's redemptive plan was only a temporary activity that would cease with the first century church. Christ was not only talking to His disciples of that era but to His disciples throughout the whole of the church age. Furthermore, neither Isaiah nor Joel's prophesies have been fulfilled yet, and they cannot be while ever there are repentant sinners to be saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit. Paul teaches in 1Cor 14:22 that the main purpose of tongues is for a sign to unbelievers of the supernatural presence of God among His people (Ac 8:14-21; 10:44-47 (also 11:5-17); 19:6). The word matter in Ac 8:21 is from the Greek word Logos, which means something said, utterance, word, speech, divine expression. Simon wanted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit because he heard those believers speak in tongues when Peter and John laid hands on them.

Tongues will cease one day, as also will prophecies and knowledge, when "that which is perfect is come," but that time is not yet (1Cor 13:8-12). Most Bible commentators agree that when "that which is perfect is come" refers to the end of this present age and Jesus comes for the church. When we see Him face to face in the eternal state there will be no longer any need for tongues, or prophecies, or knowledge. Some commentators however claim that 1Cor 13:8-12 teaches that tongues ceased with the first century church, but there is no indication whatever in 1Cor 13:8-12 or anywhere else in scripture that validates their claim. Until that which is perfect has come, tongues will not only continue to attest to believers being baptized with the Spirit, they will also continue to be the doorway to a deeper life in the Spirit for believers (Ro 8:26-27). Here we see that when we pray in tongues the Holy Spirit helps us to pray the way that God would have us pray over that situation (Jude 20). Constantly praying in tongues builds up our faith in God as the source of all supply - as our all-sufficiency. Tongues can also be a prophetic gift of the Spirit (1Cor 12:1-11). Though all who are baptized in the Spirit talk in tongues, not all have the gift of tongues. The Holy Spirit only gives this gift according to His will (V11 with V27-30). The gift of tongues is only for specific occasions and must always be interpreted if spoken in public meetings. They are no profit to the public unless interpreted (1Cor 14:1-6).

I agree that Tongues are still valid as it one of the gifts of powers of Holy Spirit. However, it is NO sign of baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is one of the gifts and given to those who ask for it.

thank you for such a thought provoking and attention driving article to an important aspect of the gifts of the holy spirit. issuses like this must be addressed at length and paid attention to as there are a lot of misconceptions about the Biblical concepts and they must be corrected.
Godbless you

I agree with you Daniel but I have read many articles that say that speaking in tongues in necessary for a person to know that he is baptized with Holy Spirit. Will you please support your stance with verses from the Bible?

In Christ

Saved wrote:I agree with you Daniel but I have read many articles that say that speaking in tongues in necessary for a person to know that he is baptized with Holy Spirit. Will you please support your stance with verses from the Bible?

Here are the verses from the Bible (1 Corinthians) that show speaking of Tongues in no proof of baptisim of Holy Spirit. I know that Daniel would agree to these verses.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men...To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the means of same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of helaing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:4-10)

One person can have different gifts of Holy Spirit, and some may have one. But this verse shows that, speaking in Tongues is no proof of baptism of Holy Spirit. It depends on what you ask God.

In Christ

Interesting topic but I believe that mostly Pentecostal Ministry claim this philosophy. They speak in Tongues, they shake and run up and down the Church to show that Holy Spirit on them. They are more into showing off with no reality. This really gives a bad image of Christianity and our faith to non-believers. This what Paul wrote:

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophecies speaks to men for their strenghtening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in tongue edifies himself, but he who prophecies edifies the Church. I would like everyone of you to sepak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophecies is GREATER than the on who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the churh may be edified.

Now brothers, I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? (1 Corinthians 14:1-6)

Paul is also clear that we must ask God for these gifts, instead of just acting to have these gifts and impress others around us in the Church.

God bless

Thank you Daniel, you have it so right having the gift of tongues does not mean being filled. Being filled with the Spirit is when one is singing to God in his or her heart Ephesians 5:18-21 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Submitting to one another in the fear of God. And this is being filled. About tongues I believe in the gift but 4Christ is right People act like wild beast in Churches and woman speak in tongues without covering their heads and Pastors do it with no interpreter. So no Again some things are out of control in the Church. But Jesus said leave them alone for if they are not against me they are for me. We will love them and let God judge them. One thing I got to say about Pentecostals they tell you not once save always saved and God has given them all the air to broadcast His message around the world. While the other churches that preach this abomination, never grows just like their people, always stay saved and secure in one false message so why grow from glory to glory, I am saved no matter what. forhisglory