Is Speaking in Tongues and Gifts of the Spirit still available today?

[Truth Seeker]

The question of whether speaking in tongues and other spiritual gifts are still available today lies at the heart of a longstanding theological debate. On one side, cessationists argue that gifts like tongues and prophecy were specific to the apostolic age, serving as signs to confirm the authenticity of the early church and ceased with the completion of Scripture (1 Corinthians 13:8-10, often cited as support). They assert that these miraculous gifts were foundational but are no longer necessary now that the "perfect" (often interpreted as the canon of Scripture) has come.

On the other side, continuationists maintain that the gifts of the Spirit, including tongues, prophecy, and healing, continue to be available to believers today as expressions of God's power and presence (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). They point to passages like Joel 2:28-29, which speaks of God pouring out His Spirit "in the last days," and 1 Corinthians 14, where Paul gives practical guidelines for the use of tongues in the church—suggesting an expectation that these gifts would persist.

This question invites us to explore theological perspectives on God’s ongoing relationship with His people, the role of spiritual experiences in the modern church, and the nature of the Holy Spirit's work today. How we interpret the purpose, duration, and application of these gifts has profound implications for worship, doctrine, and Christian life. So, do the gifts remain as part of God's active ministry, or were they intended only for the foundational period of the church?

 

[Lamb]

Today's "tongues" is just gibberish. The Holy Scripture's tongues could be interpreted.

 

[Truth Seeker]

The question of whether modern tongues are genuine or “gibberish” often comes from a desire for authenticity and alignment with Scripture. In Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 14, we see that the biblical gift of tongues had a purpose and structure: it was a real language that could be understood or interpreted, edifying the church and drawing people to God.

Today, we must approach the matter with humility and discernment, testing everything against Scripture. The Holy Spirit still moves in powerful ways, but Paul urged that all things be done "decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40). When tongues are expressed in corporate worship, it’s essential for there to be interpretation if they’re meant for the congregation, to ensure clarity and edification.

As we seek God’s truth on this matter, let's prioritize love and unity, recognizing that our desire is to glorify God and encourage each other in our faith journey.

 

[tango]

Today's "tongues" is just gibberish.

Do you believe that to be universally true, or true in some sections of the silly fringes of the charismatic movement?

The Holy Scripture's tongues could be interpreted.

No arguments there. Paul specifically told the Corinthians that tongues should be interpreted.

 

[Frankj]

Perhaps I shouldn't say this but I will: How does apparently babbling incoherently spread the word of salvation and reconciliation with God to those who haven't yet accepted it or maybe even have never heard it?

I don't know the truth or falsity of God, just wonder how it helps fulfill the Great Commission which I believe should be the purpose of every Christian life.

Apologies if I've offended anyone.

 

[Truth Seeker]

Perhaps I shouldn't say this but I will: How does apparently babbling incoherently spread the word of salvation and reconciliation with God to those who haven't yet accepted it or maybe even have never heard it?

I don't know the truth or falsity of God, just wonder how it helps fulfill the Great Commission which I believe should be the purpose of every Christian life.

Apologies if I've offended anyone.

It wouldn't being alone. But if Biblically followed and accompanied by Interpretation could possibly and has in my experience brought the entire congregation to the altar.

 

[Castle Church]

Babbling incoherently and talking in the "language of angels" is ridiculous and does not help spread the Gospel. Any "interpretation" that I have heard was worthless as well - why interpret a fake language in the first place? The "word" that is being transmitted may as well have been give in English (or whatever real language). It seems in the scriptures "tongues" was really actual languages, someone given the gift to speak real languages to real people to spread the Gospel.

 

[Truth Seeker]

Babbling incoherently and talking in the "language of angels" is ridiculous and does not help spread the Gospel. Any "interpretation" that I have heard was worthless as well - why interpret a fake language in the first place? The "word" that is being transmitted may as well have been give in English (or whatever real language). It seems in the scriptures "tongues" was really actual languages, someone given the gift to speak real languages to real people to spread the Gospel.

I understand that the subject of speaking in tongues can often be a source of confusion and misunderstanding. The purpose of tongues and their interpretation is not primarily for spreading the Gospel. Biblically, speaking in tongues serves multiple functions within the church, one of which is as a sign of God's supernatural presence and as a form of personal edification (1 Corinthians 14:2-4). In public setting, meaning, during times of reverent silence in the Church (not during Altar call or song service) Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 14:27-28, emphasizing the need for interpretation when tongues are spoken. This interpretation is meant to edify and encourage the gathered believers, revealing a word or message from God meant specifically for the congregation's spiritual growth and encouragement.

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he did not dismiss the practice of speaking in tongues but sought to bring order to it, urging that if tongues are spoken in the assembly, they should be interpreted so that the church may be strengthened and encouraged. Interpretation, therefore, is not about translating a language for the purpose of evangelism but about making the mysterious communication of the Spirit intelligible so that the whole congregation may receive the benefit of what the Spirit is speaking. It is an act of faith, where what is revealed is not merely human wisdom but a demonstration of the Spirit's power and God's direct word to His people (1 Corinthians 2:13).

 

[Castle Church]

Agree to disagree about the interpretation of why Paul was writing. It can also be read as I am saying, that it simply means languages as someone speaking in "your" language when they did not know how to speak it is certainly a powerful movement of the spirit and demonstration of the Spirit's power. I am sorry, I just see little evidence to support a none-existent "tongues" language or why God would use it, or how to verify that it is being "interpreted" correctly.

 

[Uncle_Sol]

Rest of gifts - yes.

(Clue to thinking: imagine tongues wasn't in the list.)

The gifts are especially for weekday living and not much to overtly obtrude in the services.

The fivefold (as well as all the others) belong to us all however lowly and not just the boss class.

They are unvetoed (in God's eyes).

The are consequent upon Ascension.

 

[Castle Church]

about making the mysterious communication of the Spirit intelligible so that the whole congregation may receive the benefit of what the Spirit is speaking

Does the Spirit speak to us in our native language as well?

 

[Uncle_Sol]

Does the Spirit speak to us in our native language as well?

Yes "in our heads" as it were, and through what some people called "promptings" (both of which may be a from a mixture of sources), and providentially when people share insights with us (likewise); and when we read and hear Scriptures . . .

 

[Mercury]

Speaking in tongues is a psychological manipulation imo. Seen it done many times. Just utter gibberish from one person followed then by another person who supposedly translates the message into English (or presumably any other native language). It's divisive and farcical.

If you apply critical thinking, which we should ALL always do, then you can reason as follows:

Simple logic:

1. Does an all-knowing God know what language people speak in the congregation ? Answer has to be Yes

2. Does it benefit anyone to broadcast a message in a language that the congregation can't speak or understand - Answer No

3. Is God stupid? Answer No

If God wants to communicate a message to people then logically it makes sense to use their native language.

Speaking in tongues is pointless.

I feel the same way about Christian Churches who still require women to wear some kind of head covering. It makes zero sense to me.

When I've asked elders why women are required/asked to wear a headcovering I am told:

"It's to show that you submit to the authority both of God and of your husband"

So I apply critical thinking thusly:

1. Does an all-knowing God know whether you in your heart submit to God's authority or does he need you to wear a headscarf to let him know? Answer - obviously God already knows regardless of what you wear

2. Does a loving husband know whether you in your heart submit to his authority or does he need you to wear a headscarf to let him know? Answer - obviously he already knows regardless of what you wear


Conclusion - any requirement to wear a headscarf or any other head covering for the purpose of showing that you submit to God's authority is a pointless activity. He already knows. In fact to wear a covering is suggesting that God doesn't know your heart and mind.

 

[Castle Church]

Yes "in our heads" as it were, and through what some people called "promptings" (both of which may be a from a mixture of sources), and providentially when people share insights with us (likewise); and when we read and hear Scriptures . . .

I agree, so why would the Spirit also speak in a manner that is unintelligible to the congregation, and often even the speaker?

 

[Uncle_Sol]

I agree, so why would the Spirit also speak in a manner that is unintelligible to the congregation, and often even the speaker?

I don't know much about it and it has been made disproportionately prominent, hence how important it is to be aware of all the other gifts in ordinary Christians.

The only three genuine kinds (with proviso) are:

- in congregation or small group, followed by interpretation, sometimes by someone else. (Some of these are too anodyne; and some misleading.) (I've occasionally been present when it was a largish group and it was fairly useful)
- so called "personal prayer language" (probably a babbling habit from some) (I've not been "into" this)
- when a stranger providentially overhears a "tongue" in their actual language (I've heard testimony about this)

The content of the above three kinds should always confirm Scripture in some relevant way, it is never to be extra to it

I'm never impressed when a "tongue" appears to happen during a so called "worship event" (variations in amplifying can be manipulative). Staid liturgies can be just as Spirit-filled, without "tongues" or other "interruptions" - or more so.

 

[Uncle_Sol]

... how to verify that it is being "interpreted" correctly.

That comes with experience and fellowship with others exchanging their insights and above all our Scripture knowledge.

The same applies to any "words of knowledge or wisdom". Deference to the unscrupulous or careless breeds gullibility. O God may spiritual eyes be opened, Amen!

Many Christians are practising a lot of the gifts of the Holy Spirit fairly well as it is. There will prove to be a providential reason for collectively giving some thought to it. Mrs Jessie Penn-Lewis, a great heroine, and genuine pentecostal believer of her day, devoted great effort to exposing fakes (her book was almost always bowdlerised by adversaries to distort it).

Pentecost Sunday was already a refilling because the birth of the Church was as they came down from the mountain of Ascension.

(In the upper room they had inbreathing, like indwelling. One Holy Spirit, more than one action.)

(They had had three years' instruction. The proper Gospel and Great - not Small - Commission consist of more detail than is commonly alleged. In some traditions the Sermon on the Mount is dissected after some teachings on the kerygma and the work of the Holy Spirit have been imparted because the Sermon is prophetic of how we shall live; hence literally "shall" in future tense like the 10 Commandments also!)

 

[Uncle_Sol]

In the NT we see two models recounted, receiving in two steps, AND receiving in one step. The crucial factor both ways is that our belief be full, whether it is explained before or after. Any manifestations are not compulsory on refilling, regardless of what you are told. We must evade pushy personalities that claim extra gifts for themselves and fewer for us (mission creep). I am distilling what I have absorbed over the years with the emphasis on what I picked up in the early years. It's not compulsory to get emotionally excited: Jesus likes deadpan (which is different from po faced). Pray lots - general / set prayers as well as specific ones - then it will work.

 

[BruceLeiter]

The question of whether speaking in tongues and other spiritual gifts are still available today lies at the heart of a longstanding theological debate. On one side, cessationists argue that gifts like tongues and prophecy were specific to the apostolic age, serving as signs to confirm the authenticity of the early church and ceased with the completion of Scripture (1 Corinthians 13:8-10, often cited as support). They assert that these miraculous gifts were foundational but are no longer necessary now that the "perfect" (often interpreted as the canon of Scripture) has come.

On the other side, continuationists maintain that the gifts of the Spirit, including tongues, prophecy, and healing, continue to be available to believers today as expressions of God's power and presence (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). They point to passages like Joel 2:28-29, which speaks of God pouring out His Spirit "in the last days," and 1 Corinthians 14, where Paul gives practical guidelines for the use of tongues in the church—suggesting an expectation that these gifts would persist.

This question invites us to explore theological perspectives on God’s ongoing relationship with His people, the role of spiritual experiences in the modern church, and the nature of the Holy Spirit's work today. How we interpret the purpose, duration, and application of these gifts has profound implications for worship, doctrine, and Christian life. So, do the gifts remain as part of God's active ministry, or were they intended only for the foundational period of the church?

The spiritual gifts still reside in true Christians nowadays, but they are God's gifts to them. We can't conjure them up. Tongues are not given to every Christian. Just compare the lists of the gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. The gifts like tongues are not mentioned in the latter two lists, leading us to conclude that the lists describe those churches' gifts rather than the gifts everyone in every church had.

God gave me the gifts of prophecy (preaching) and teaching for 27 years as a pastor, but as soon as I retired, even though I thought that I would preach and teach here and there, God gave me the spiritual gift of creativity through writing to make me a published author instead.