Can I be confident that I actually have the Holy Spirit if do not speak in tongues? Did I really experience the ‘baptism of the Holy Spirit?’ Didn’t the Holy Spirit fill the Christians on the day of Pentecost and empower them to speak in tongues (Acts 2:4)? Shouldn’t we expect this today? Aren’t there many Christians today who speak in tongues?
I recently preached on Acts 2:1-13 at our church and these kinds of questions naturally arise. After studying the issue afresh—and after thinking about it over the past 20 years of being a Christian—I am persuaded that all Christians have the Holy Spirit and have experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit, even they never speak in tongues. In fact, I think that speaking in tongues, as the Bible defines it, was a supernatural gifting unique to the apostolic era, and not something we should expect to see today. It was a phenomenon unique to the 1st century church—like the presence of living apostles, miraculous healings of the kind done through the apostles, and writing of Scripture. What we see today by those who claim to speak in tongues is different from what we see in the book of Acts. Thus, it is a mistake to claim that a Christian has not received the Holy Spirit if he never speaks in tongues.
Here are 3 reasons why this is so (I drew these from my sermon notes on Acts 2:1-13):
1. Speaking in tongues in Acts 2:1-13 refers to speaking in other human languages understood by other humans.
I believe John Stott in his commentary was right to say that this passage in Acts is how we ought to interpret other passages in the Bible that refer to speaking in tongues. Acts 2:1-13 gives us the clearest picture of what ‘speaking in tongues’ looks like when it is actually happening. If we see speaking in tongues today, it will look like this. But, as other cessationists argue, this is not something we see today.
Miraculously speaking about Jesus Christ in foreign languages one does not know was a sign that God the Holy Spirit gave at unique moments in the Early Church to validate and confirm the reality of the gospel. As the gospel spread to new people groups, we see at times God bring about this supernatural experience (Acts 10:44-48; 19:6).
As Stott and others note, today when we send out missionaries to foreign countries, we enroll them in intensive language learning programs, so that they can speak and communicate the gospel in foreign languages—we do not rely on those who are able to speak in tongues, because we don’t see that happening today as we saw it in in the Bible.
2. The Apostles taught that not every Christian is gifted to speak in tongues.
God gave different gifts to different people (1 Cor 12:8-11). Some Christians were given the gift of tongues in the Early Church, but others were given different gifts: “There are varieties of gift, but the same Spirit” (1 Cor 12:4). This means that even if the experience of speaking in tongues practiced by Pentecostals and continuationists today is what the Bible is speaking about, it is false and misguided to assume that all Christians should speak in tongues—or to claim that Christians who do not speak in tongues have yet to experience ‘the fullness of the Holy Spirit’ or the ‘baptism of the Holy Spirit.’ God the Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people, and not every Christian was (or is) gifted with speaking in tongues. (Paul rhetorically asks in 1 Cor 12:30 “Do all speak in tongues?” with the assumption that the reader would answer, ‘No, not all speak in tongues.’).
3. Everyone who becomes a Christian has experienced what is called the ‘baptism of the Holy Spirit.’
Several years ago, I heard a sermon by British preacher Dick Lucas where this became clear in mind. Titus 3:4-7 makes the connection between justification by grace and the experience of the Holy Spirit. If you have one, you have the other:
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)
If you are a Christian, you have been “justified by his grace” (Titus 3:7) and you also have experienced “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Evidence that this baptism of the Holy Spirit has occurred is that you have repented of sin and believed in Jesus Christ, and now, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are starting to live a holy life—putting sin to death in the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:13).
In the end, I find the cessationist position most convincing. (You can find a good primer on it here). I love my continuationist brothers and sisters, but I disagree with their understanding of speaking in tongues today. If we want to understand what it means to speak in tongues, then Acts 2:1-13 is the clearest picture and we need to ask if what we see today looks like that.
AUDIO: For those interested, here’s the audio for my sermon on Acts 2:1-13.
44 replies on “Do I REALLY Have the Holy Spirit if I Do Not Speak in Tongues?”
Good post, Tom. I agree, the supernatural “sign gifts” of the Holy Spirit are no longer required, since the ordinary preaching of the Word, combined with the closing of the Scriptural canon, are indeed sufficient for us. There is no need for any new revelations, or prophecies, etc. Also, there is no need for modern apostles like the ones we had in the first century, who were given the “sign gifts” to demonstrate the authority they had in Christ – until the New Testament books were written and the canon of Scripture was closed. Lastly, regarding the primary role of the Holy Spirit, it is the Spirit who convicts (John 16:7-11), regenerates (John 3:1-5; Rom. 8:11; Titus 3:5-6), indwells (1 Cor. 6:19-20; Rom. 8:9), baptizes into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12-13; Col. 1:13), seals (Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30), fills us with the fullness of Christ (Eph. 5:18; Col. 3:16), empowers the preaching of the gospel (1 Pet. 1:12), and works in us to grow in the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-25).
thanks Dan. And I like what you added in your comment.
Brothers,i was giving the gift of speaking in tongues 4 years ago after a supernatural healing i started to speaking in tongues as i started praying,is being 4 years and i have totally gave my life to jesus, i dont make up words, the tongues or lenguage or say Holly Spirit speaks and i know sometimes when he tells me about something,and others i just pray and the words come out,sometimes sound hebrew o like different dilects , but my speaking when i pray its amazing to me cuz it takes over and i cant stop,but i know what iam saying and hear my self, comes to so normaly, but you have to totally give u self to God then the Holly Spirit does the rest,the bible say that the things of the spirit only the spiritual understand them,but we should not teach that them are not for today,because you dont know,if you dont have them does not mean that them are not real,actually get toguether with believers that really give up the world and fallow jesus and learn more about what jesus said,cuz if you have not received the gift of tongues might be cuz there are parts of your life u have not totally give up yet,i used to go to church for years ,but now i dont want nothing from this world,that is the difference of a real cristian from a warm cristian,please seek the gifts of the Holly spirit,you just need to ask the Holly Spirit to feel you,if you give up the world totally he will feel you,he knows your heart if you believe he will do it,he will give you the gift dont miss out on the gifts of the Holly Spirit….
I think this is a perfect response. I have been going to a church for 6 months that some speak in tongues and I have wanted to know why I don’t. I think this is a perfect explanation. My fiancée and I have been participating in fornication for about a year. With brief periods of abstinence. I recently gave up secular music entirely. That and sobriety are something I have struggled with my entire adult life. I’m 42 and I was 8 or 9 when I originally got saved. Yesterday I made my mind up that I would and wanted to give up sex. To live in obedience not because she was convicted and respectfully not initiate. But in her moments of weakness recently I made no effort to resist, my flesh.
I have a question for who dose have the gift of tongues, a pastor I just meet prayed for me so I can speak in tongues, I was expecting for him to pray in English, but he right away start talking in another language. Im not going to lie, I didn’t feel nothing. My question is ,is this something u would do because after that I felt negative. I did my research and now that I read this page here I feel better and not alone.
Thank you for this. I was very recently Apostolic and my former church insists that you must receive the holy Spirit to enter heaven and you must speak in toungs as evidence. They coach new members to say Hallelujah over and over until it becomes babbel and that becomes the evidence. I actually believed there was something wrong with my relationship with God because I didn’t feel anything at the time and I forced the “toungs” due to church pressure.
I was baptized last year at a pentacostal church. I still go but I haven’t went in three weeks. I also goto bible study ever Thursday night. But a few of my fellow parishioners say that I do not have the holy spirit. Yet I do speak another language than they do and pray in that language. It is getting frustrating as they continually say to me that I do not, yet I feel the holy spirit in me.
Only you and God know if you are filled with the Holly spirit. It is a personal experience. It speaks in the bible how we can be in the infant stage of Christianity. I would say that is probably where you are. Stay in the word. The bible has all the answers you need.
You have nailed it very true
God breathed on Abraham and filled him with the Holy Spirit , not everyone has the same gifts
I beg to differ, the sign gifts of the holy spirit is needed even more today, because of increase atrocities, even the word of God says that in those that’s is this days knowledge will increase, people will come to the mountains to know him, how do they do it if not by knowledge and revelation.
Thanks for this clarification. A sermon I heard today insisted that speaking in tongues is THE evidence of the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit & it seemed a great pressure to put on people, almost a failing in following Christ, in being a child of God, to not demonstrate this gift. After praying, reading scripture & being directed to this explanation I feel much more confident about any future discussions about this topic.
Peace of Christ
Not everyone that say Lord will enter,that is preasure ,ask the Holly Spirit to feel you,it say in the bible to ask for this gifts,please do, one of the reson we dont get it is cuz we dont believe is for us,or because to get it we have to try to live sanctified lifes must times we dont want to leave tjings from this world,if jesus you will receive a counselor,guide,the Holly Spirit ask him to come into your life with that special anointing,he will help you santified your life here while we wait for Jesus, do we want conforting teachings or we want the truth??? Are we cristians to have a calm life,??? Or to serve Jesus even if we get punish for fallowing him??? because being a cristian is pick up you cross and fallow me.. speking in tongues is a gift, ask with u heart and turn from this world and he will feel you,you will never be the same,hang with all believers yes is ok,but hang more with the Holly Spirit feel ones so you can learn more of what God has for us, look for Jenny weaver,isaih saldivar,Daniel Adams,the demon slayers,you will learn so much more that God wants you to know,the bible is a guide inspired by the Holly Spirit….believe and he will open ur understanding by the Holly Spirit…blessings…amen…
Hi Sue, I don’t like hearing that someone is telling you that you are not filled with the Holy Spirit if you are unable to speak in tongues. However, I do believe that we are all capable of speaking in tongues. There are several scriptures in 1 Corinthians 14 that back this claim. Our walk with Jesus is our own personal journey. If it is something you desire, then continue to pray about it. Stay in the word. Jesus will give you the understanding. The bible is God’s words.
Thank you. This was a very clear and concise answer.
Thank you for letting me know that I don’t have to speak in tongues to have the Holy Spirit.
I really thank you for clearing that up. I knew that I have the spirit but heard things like prayer language and other things that had me wanting to reclarify that point in my mind. Thanks again!
Well if there is a prayer lenguage that comes from God,would u want it or your fine just without??? I have knowing jesus for 51 years but was feeled with the Holly Spirit 4 years ago when i gave up the world and only one to serve God nothing else, find out who the chossen ones are this days,we are getting closer to jesus coming or to dying of different things if you was called (die) today are u sure you going to be with the Lord??? There is more secrets to being a cristian than just going to church the Holly Spirit is in you YES,but there is more to the Holly Spirit, do u want more or you find with what u got or u want all God has for u…??? Love u in the Lord…
Thanks
Thank you so much for the clarification, I really thought that if I don’t speak in tongues means that I’m not filled with the Holy Spirit. May God bless you
I have been in church for years and do not speak in tongue. I also went through accusations about my status with the Lord, concerning the Holy Spirit. I am not taking away from the fact that the Holy Spirit is real, but what I did observe by being among them who spoke in other tongues. Was the fact they spoke in tongues but they had no power. They didn’t elevate in anything showing the power of God was living in them. I watch them dance and nothing moves forward to move mountains, changing things in the world for God. Nothing just praising dancing crying but no movement for the kingdom. So I cried to God because I didn’t see the God that was in my heart in the churches. He told me to come from among them and He gave me a particular Preacher to listen to. Which advantage my listening to more established Preachers. Now I am not saying I don’t believe in tongues, but I am not going to believe that tongues are more important than communing with God and moving forward in what He has given you to do in this life for the edification of this world and His kingdom: Than to waste your time listeniing to people telling you that you don’t have the holy Spirit once you have given your life to God. Ephesians 1:13 The Bible says that “when you heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. It is not for us to compete as to when you begin to talk in tongues, it’s more important for us to hear the Word of God and put action to the things that will cause lives to be changed and healed to the will of God. Also, read Acts 2:7-12 seek Him without judgment one to another, and let us build the kingdom He has put in us. 1Cor12:12-27 We are one body we all are needed for whichever area He has put in our spirit to fulfill. I love you my sister and brothers be encouraged to seek God, not man and He will not keep any good thing from you.
Though I understand your reasoning behind the article and agree that speaking in tongues itself is not necessary, as Christians are fill with the spirit upon acceptance and surrendering all to Christ, I see no where biblically that the gifts were taken away or removed.
It has always been my conviction that these gifts were given to us for the work that we are to do as Christians. As James 2:14-26 states, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works ?…
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
Since we are not to change the word of God, Mathew 4:4 “ But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceed with out of the mouth of God.” Saying that because the times have changed Gods word has changed would be an agreement that the culture we live in determines what Gods word says.
I agree. I appreciate the article and clarification on spiritual tongues for testament of the Holy Spirit but I do think we still receive gifts from Holy Spirit in modern day, even tongues. There’s nothing biblically that mentions gifts were reserved to the first followers of the church. I think we don’t see many gifts manifest now because not many people avail themselves to the Holy Spirit. It’s mentioned in Romans and Ephesians that a gift is bestowed to everyone to build up the body of Christ and each other. So, it doesn’t make sense for modern Christians to be deprived of such gifts…
Amen! Thanks for sharing
I appreciate the clarification. You receive the filling of the Holy Spirit when you believe and receive the Gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Each gift of the Holy Spirit is given to each believer as the Holy Spirit determines (1 Corinthians 12: 1-31). Please notice that “to each is given the manifestation of the Holy Spirit for the common good.” This means that a “private prayer language” is not the gift of tongues.
Having the gift of tongues is NOT required to be filled with the Holy Spirit. “For to one is given…., to another…, to another… but all through one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12: 1-31) No where in Scripture have I found “You must have the gift of tongues to prove you’re filled with the Holy Spirit.” I have been given the gift of prophecy which is to encourage, edify & uplift the body of Christ. I do NOT have the gift of tongues and for anyone to tell me I’m not filled with the Holy Spirit because I don’t speak in tongues is a lie from the pit of hell. I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for over 45 years and am an ordained minister.
The gifts of the spirit are still in operation today, all 9 of them: Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, working of Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment, Tongues & Interpretation.
May this information help & bless you.
Love in Christ Jesus.
Amen brother, thank you
Beautifully said!!
Thank you so much for your clarification I’ve been struggling with this very thing as the church I’d been attending made me feel as if I wasn’t a good Christian because I didn’t have the gift of tongues I’ve prayed about it and I believe God led me to your response to help me again thank you and God bless you
Thank you !!!!
I enjoyed the comments Shirley Whitlock makes and also agree with her. Because, I know people who are saved and do not speak in tongues. I am one from the old-school TEARING FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT,BY CALLING ON THE NAME OF JESUS. I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY GHOST I KNOW HE IS R E A L!!!!!!
Thank you for this article. Rev. Sara Lain-Moneymaker (above) said exactly what I would say. I have been made to feel guilty because I have never spoken in tongues in my 78 years. That feeling of guilt is from the accuser of the brethren. Please don’t point your finger at me just because God has given me a gift you don’t have. Shalom!
Susan the apostle Paul taught that the gift of tongues was the least of the gifts.People use it as an outward display but the Holy Spirit wants to change us from the inside.The Holy Spirit was sent to teach and guide us into the truth about Christ.The Holy Spirit uses the word or God to build up the people of God,who are the church of God.All the gifts of the Spirit were given to build up the church,if they are used for any other reason they are false.The result of being filled with the Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit not the gifts of the Spirit.May the Holy Spirit guide you into all truth.
Tom, great subject matter, but I only agree in part with what you have said here in this article.
I believe that speaking in tongues is not the intial or only “first” sign of a person who has believed on Christ has been baptized into the Holy Spirit.
You made very good points. You lost me though when you agree with cessionist beliefs ( namely 1 Corinthians 12 “when the perfect comes”) i find it no where in scripture that the working of gifts if the Spirit, as in the apostles and early church would stop, let alone stopped or ended with the apostle John, which many cessionists claim.
People have jot because they ask not and if they ask they ask doubting. This subject matter alone and questions people ask all the time in my experience is proof to me. I’m only concerned with what the bible actually says. I see no reason and no scriptures that prove the workings of the Holy Spirit as in the days of the early church ended and if it did then nothing like it would ever of happened since that time apart from a sovereign act of God. My opinion is that Cessionists put God in a box and hyper-Charismatics think they can force the hand of God. I’m sticking with what the bible actually says. John 17 Jesus prays for unity of those who believe, the same unity as He and the Father have…..where is it? We need figure it out and be the answer to that prayer in this day. Thanks. John
My understanding is that when you get born again, that’s when you are baptized into the Holy Spirit. Every Christian who is truly born again has the Holy Spirit.
The Bible encourages believers to speak in tongues. 1 Corinthians 14: 2, 4. This is an experience that I believe one can have when they receive Christ or at a later stage in their Christian walk. This will continue after that. Speaking in tongues help us to have spirit to spirit communication with God. God is a spirit and those that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Worshiping in spirit means in tongues – the heavenly language.
Speaking in tongues edifies you as a Christian, it keeps you spiritually fit, it magnifies God. Tongues magnify God.
My thoughts!!
This is not helping anyone. Your just doing what the person said about christians that don’t speak in tongues do not have the holy spirit. I’m more confused then before i read this article.
Ask Abba Father to reveal it to you
I am looking for an answer about speaking in tongues being another foreign language that some can understand or speaking in tongues being something totally different that no one else understands except possibly the one speaking it or an interpreter who can understand or just God understands. It’s still not clear to me. My preacher speaks in tongues and so do others I know. I’ve tried and even tried making myself but I’m not sure about all this. Is it something every Christian should experience or not? I believe the Holy Spirit speaks with me and guides me. Is it necessary to also speak in tongues? And are we to really believe that what happened with the apostles is a different foreign language or a language sent by the Holy Spirit that’s totally different than anything?
Diane,
From the context of Acts 2, we see that miraculous speaking in tongues was speaking other human languages that were not previously known by the speaker (Acts 2:7-8). I am persuaded, with John Stott and other commentators, that this is what is meant when the Bible refers to “speaking in tongues”–a miraculously sign that took place in the days of the apostles and authenticated the reality and truth of the gospel message. Certainly that is far different from what many people refer to as ‘speaking in tongues’ today.
Evidence that you have the Holy Spirit is faith in Jesus, repentance, conviction of sin, love for God and others, holiness, a growing likeness to Christ, and fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:23).
It is not for just the first century Church. I do speak in tongues. Do I believe that everyone has that gift no the word of God says it is one of the gifts and he gives to each person as he determines. I believe when we get saved we receive God’s spirit. But the baptism of the holy spirit is separate just like in Acts chapter 2. All of the disciples were already saved and God told them Terry in Jerusalem until you are endured with power from on high which is the baptism of the holy Spirit. The baptism of the holy Spirit is the fire and that is what gives you the desire to want to go deeper with the Lord.
in year 2018, i humble myself,out of desperation when i was retrenched in job, i started to pour my heart to GOD, crucify my flesh, my evil desires, self ambition, all works of flesh that mentioned in galations 5:18-21, also bitterness, release unforgiveness, deal with rejection, low self esteem etc, i realised that Holy Spirit start to work in my life. I experiences supernatural healing of uncontrolled rage, anger etc.also through this healing/ deliverances, i receive speaking in tongues, travailing in prayers in Spirit, in tongues for many hours non stop. ALL Glory to GOD Almighty!
GOD often to reveal me in dreams, once i had out of body experience before 7th Oct, when hamas invade israel. I saw big explosions, big giant shining blades fell from heaven, left side lot of people enjoying themselves etc. Believe its end time warning. Pray that all of us will stay sober and viligant till rapture or return of Christ. What matters is our relationship with Trinity of GOD.
This blog’s discussion on the Holy Spitit might be of interest.
https://holyspiritthoughts.blogspot.com
I want the gifts of speaking in tongues but the church that I go to tells us that we got to speak in tongues to get to heaven and the preacher call’s me to the alter pretty much every time I go I feel very pressured to the point where I feel that I’m not worthy of even be in God’s presence please help me if you can I’m at roads end I do love Jesus and no that he died on the cross for us and rose again on the third day that we would have eternal life with him but I’m told that’s not enough
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and you are going to a Church that is making you feel unworthy of salvation please leave that Church. They have elevated speaking in tongues to something not of God or the Spirit. 1Corinthians: 12 very plainly says that different gifts are given according to what the Spirit determines. You received the Holy Spirit when you became a believer.
Very interesting point about the Holy Spirit. People have different perspectives about this. I totally agree with you.