“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4
The use of speaking in tongues in prayer, praise and worship is not something new. It has been a characteristic of a Spirit-filled church, even since when the church was first established, as written in the book of Acts.
Speaking in tongues (in Greek is called ‘glossolalia’ or ‘glossais lalo’) is a sign that follows after a baptism of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues is also used by the apostles as a confirmation that the Holy Spirit is within a believer. However, there are still many people who question the validity of the use of speaking in tongues. This can arise from a misunderstanding or the influence of the belief that speaking in tongues is false teaching. Is this true? The answer is no!
Let us learn deeper about speaking in tongues. First, it is the gift of the Holy Spirit for those who believe. 1 Corinthians 12:4-10 clearly says that speaking tongues is a gift. Just like the other gifts of the Spirit, it is only given to those who believe, those who made Jesus their personal Lord and Savior in their lives. What is unique is that other than being a gift, it is also a sign that follows after someone is baptized with the Holy Spirit, as written several times by apostle Luke in the book of Acts. Same with the other gifts of the Spirit, speaking in tongues also has purpose and function when it is gifted to the believers.
Second, speaking in tongues is for praying and speaking to the Lord. Apostle Paul says that those who speak in tongues speak to God (1 Corinthians 14:2). By showing his example, Paul reveals that he often prays to the Lord with speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18). He even praises and worships the Lord in the Spirit! (verse 15). From understanding 1 Corinthians 14, it is not prohibited to speak in tongues. Therefore, using this chapter to prohibit speaking in tongues or to reveal that it is false, is wrong. We have to pray, praise and worship in the Spirit. We have to do it more because we are now in the end times. Praying in the Spirit will strengthen us to face ungodliness in the end times, as written by Judas in his book.
Through this, let us become more aware of how important speaking in tongues is. Don’t ignore what has been spoken by the Word of God: pray, praise and worship the Him in the Spirit. God bless.
Source: Article from GBI Gatot Subroto, Jakarta