Truths on Tongues

One of the most disregarded and misunderstood Biblical topics is the spiritual gift of tongues. The "go-to" renewal passages in scripture are often found alongside many depictions of the spiritual gift at work and recently I've been asked some questions regarding this specific gift. What does the Bible say about tongues?

1. The gift of tongues is a real gift of the Holy Spirit. If we were forced to chart out viewpoints on tongues we would see a polarized graph of views. On one side of the line is a pentecostal viewpoint that places high importance on the spiritual gift. A traditional baptist viewpoint is on the opposite side of the scale. Many traditional baptist churches try and avoid the topic at all costs due to fear, or lack of an informed response. The Bible does teach though that the gift of tongues is a real, legit gift of the Holy Spirit.

2. Gifts are just that: given. Believers don't get to pick and choose which gifts we are given. That's why it's referred to as a gift. Today, churches try and hand these gifts out to anyone that has a desire to use them. Unfortunately that's not how these gifts work. We're given them by God to use for His glory, not for our own personal use.

3. All believers are filled with the Holy Spirit. I've been approached by many concerned pentecostals who've stated their opinion that I wasn't Spirit filled. The gift of tongues isn't the only gauge (or fruit) of the Spirit. Also, if you look at the church in Corinth (1 & 2 Corinthians) it's clear that Paul understands that all believers are filled with the Spirit even though not all the believers in Corinth spoke in tongues.

4. Tongues and other charismatic-like gifts (miracles, prophecy, etc.) are not as prevalent as they were in the Biblical time period. Please don't misunderstand me. I never said tongues and miracles don't exist today. In fact, I've witnessed many miracles even in my own life. They just don't happen as often as they used to, and there's good reason. As people and society change, tactics of angels and demons have changed too. Look at Satan's temptation of Jesus; he tried one thing and when it didn't work, he went back to the drawing board and tried something else. Our society has gone through "modernity" or the age of science and reasoning. We now attempt to explain everything using logic and reason. These charismatic events won't be as effective in a society such as ours.

Tongues is easily one of the most underestimated, misunderstood, and most debated topic in the Bible today. Let's start the conversation! Leave a comment below...