Speaking in tongues is one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to those who have been born again, whose hearts bear the seal of the indwelling Spirit. The main points concerning spiritual gifts in general and the gift of tongues in particular can be summarized as follows:

Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for three primary purposes:
(1) to strengthen others;
(2) to build up the Body of Christ—the Church; and
(3) to glorify God.

Because of God’s unchanging nature (immutability), we believe that all the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible, including the gift of tongues, continue to exist until the final day of judgment.

All occurrences of the word “tongues” in 1 Corinthians 12–14 and in Acts come from the same Greek root γλῶσσα (glōssa), meaning “the tongue.”
According to Acts 2, the gift of tongues was given by the Holy Spirit to the disciples of Jesus to speak human languages. The speakers themselves might not have understood what they were saying, but those who spoke that language did understand.

In 1 Corinthians 13:8, the gift of tongues is said to “cease,” meaning that its function would gradually fade. In other words, the gift is not taken away by God, but its usefulness diminishes—it no longer serves the three main purposes previously mentioned.

In 1 Corinthians 14:1–19, there are three main interpretations of the Corinthian believers’ speaking in tongues:

  1. A non-human language understood only by the Holy Spirit. This is the view of many in the Pentecostal Church, who see tongues as a way of communing intimately with the Spirit.

  2. A demonic or pagan tongue, brought into the church by former idol worshippers seeking to display spiritual superiority.

  3. A human language, which requires interpretation so that others can understand.

Tongues are described as a “sign” in 1 Corinthians 14:22. In the Old Testament, tongues were a sign of judgment (Isaiah 28). In the New Testament, they became a sign of grace—marking the beginning of the age of salvation by faith through the grace of God in Jesus Christ. God granted this gift to some of the early disciples in apostolic times to proclaim the Gospel through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Guidelines for the Church

  1. From the standpoint of systematic theology, whatever God gives can only be withdrawn by Him. Spiritual gifts, including the gift of tongues, are given by the Holy Spirit to those who belong to Him. Therefore, they cannot simply disappear. We should not argue that all miraculous or powerful gifts ended with the apostolic age, for doing so limits the power and work of the Holy Spirit. Such a view can cause spiritual life to grow cold and lifeless. The fact that we may not often witness healing or deliverance today—or that some have misused these gifts—does not prove that they have ceased.

  2. We also have no authority to declare which gifts continue and which do not. If the gifts still exist today, then all of them remain; if they ceased after the apostolic era, then all—including teaching, serving, encouraging, prophecy, and knowledge—should have ceased. Yet we know that teaching, service, encouragement, and knowledge are still active in the Church. Prophecy and knowledge will continue “until perfection comes,” that is, after the millennial kingdom. Therefore, it is safest to approach the matter by affirming that all gifts still exist, including tongues.

  3. However, we must be extremely cautious not to fall into temptation or sin by abusing spiritual gifts for personal gain or emotional display. We should not seek after tongues—especially unknown or non-human tongues—for three reasons:
    (1) Tongues will eventually fade in their usefulness for strengthening, edifying, and glorifying God.
    (2) Tongues were given as a sign, not an end in themselves.
    (3) Jesus Himself never spoke in tongues nor prayed in tongues, and He even warned against such practices.

  4. It is certain that miracles happen only by God’s will and at His appointed time. The Bible consistently shows that true miracles lead souls to Christ and bring glory to God. Anyone who claims to perform miracles or healings at any time or under any condition—especially for public display or self-promotion—is a false teacher. Such people blaspheme by assuming authority over God’s power.

  5. Because tongues are meant to edify others, build up the body of Christ, and glorify God, not everyone receives this gift. Therefore, training or teaching people to “speak in tongues” (especially non-human tongues) is impossible and unbiblical.

  6. The safest and most certain way is to seek God’s will through His Word, not through miracles. The greatest miracle God performs for each of us is salvation and transformation—the inner renewal of a sinner’s heart and life. Another great miracle is His common grace, by which He sustains creation, gives light, oxygen, and rain. He continues to perform miracles by saving lost souls and granting us life to participate in His holy work.

  7. Finally, as 1 Corinthians 14:39 teaches:

    “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”
    The Church should earnestly desire the gift of prophecy—that is, understanding, interpreting, sharing, and teaching God’s Word.
    The Church, however, should not encourage the pursuit of speaking in tongues.