Speaking in Tongues
Part I

Throughout Christianity there is a great misunderstanding about speaking in tongues.  The basic problem is that people are not aware of the fact that there are three types of speaking in tongues.  Everyone must experience (1) the speaking in tongues that is connected to the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost and (2) their personal prayer language.  The last type of speaking in tongues (I Cor. 12:10), divers kinds of tongues, can and should be sought by all, but is not necessary to speak for salvation.

The confusion comes from people who mix the last type of speaking in tongues with the first and second, and say that it is not necessary to speak in tongues.  They are making a serious mistake.

The Book of Corinthians was written to people who had already repented of their sins, been baptized in Jesus' name, and received the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.

The epistles are letters written to early Christians.  If people have not obeyed the plan of salvation and read the epistles, they are reading somebody else's mail.  It is no wonder they don't understand.  It is no wonder there is so much confusion.

The apostle Paul was not telling them not to speak in tongues but when and where to properly use them.  If you complete I Cor. 14 it should be obvious that Paul was not saying do not speak in tongues for he said v. 18 "I thank my God I speak with tongues more than ye all" and v. 39 "forbid not to speak in tongues."

2 Tim 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a work man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  Study the following scriptures carefully to understand the differences in the different types of speaking in tongues.

THREE TYPES OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES:

There are three types of speaking in tongues.  Each type has a different purpose.  Everyone in the New Testament experienced the first and second type--the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost and tongues used in personal prayer.  Some people may never experience the third type, which is the gift of tongues, although it is something to which we should definitely aspire.

The following diagram illustrates the three types of speaking in tongues with scriptures that apply to each:

Go to Tongues, Part 2.

Go to Frequently Asked Questions