When it comes to speaking in tongues, it is ultimately upto the
particular believer as to whether he or she can accept it or not.
There are enought arguments to field both sides.
Personally, I pray in tongues and believe that there is great
benefit to be derived from praying in tongues.
Lets see what the bible says about this:
Mark 16:17 NKJV
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they
will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
Acts 10:44-48 NKJV
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell
upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision
who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because
the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles
also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify
God.
Then Peter answered, 47 Can anyone forbid water, that these should
not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Which shows that speaking in tongues was also for the gentiles
which is us non-jewish believers.
1 Corinthians 12: 28-31 NKJV
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles,
second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of
healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all
apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of
miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with
tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best[d]
gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
It can be seen from this verse that God appointed tongues for the
church. Some may argue that this was for the church then and not
now, but remember that our God is an unchanging God and is
consistent in all He says or does. It also hints at that not all
may speak in tongues, but it is a valid gift. Paul here says that
to desire the gift. So if you want to speak in tongues you have to
desire the gift first. God/The Holy Spirit is a gentleman, you will
not speak in tongues unless you genuinely desire to, then go and
ask God for this gift.
1 Corinthians 14: 1- 5 NKJV
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you
may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men
but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he
speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and
exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies
himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all
spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for[a] he
who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless
indeed he interprets, that the church may receive
edification.
From this verse we see Pual telling us to desire spiritual gifts,
and we see that when we speak in tongues, we speak to God and not
men, and we speak mysteries. It is good for personal edification,
but when interpreted in a church setting, it is good for all the
church as all receive edification.
1 Corinthians 14: 22 NKJV
22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but
to unbelievers;
1 Corinthians 14: 39 NKJV
39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not
forbid to speak with tongues.
Hope that this gives you a biblical perspective on speaking in
tongues. It is a gift from God, and we are to desire it, for
personal edification and also desire the interpretation of tongues
for the edification of the body of Chirst as a whole and even more
than that, desire to prophesy which edifies the church!
