Are the Gifts of the Spirit Still for Today? — Tongues, Power, and the Proof of Salvation

[Gerbolski]

People who claim they can on their command alone are lying.

Hi MedicBravo, by what you are saying here do you mean that people who claim that they can speak in tongues on command, without the touch of the Holy Spirit are lying, is that what you mean ?

 

[Gerbolski]

I was reading a bit of past threads about tongues, on Talk Jesus, and now I am starting to know were some stand.

And no tongues cannot be taught.

Act 2:4
(4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

It is the Spirit that gives the utterance, that allows someone to be able to speak in tongues, it has to be real, or else it is fake.

 

[Gerbolski]

That which is in part shall be done away

1Co 13:8-10
(8) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
(9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
(10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

So when shall prophecies fail, tongues cease, and knowledge vanish away ? ? ?

Did all these things cease, vanish away, or fail, when the bible was complete, with the last book of Revelation ?

Or will they vanish away, fail, and cease, at the rapture of the church ?

Or is there an actual other view, that most have not thought of ? ? ?

We have to look carefully at the words that it says ?

And we have to prove by scripture that the view we espouse, matches up with other scripture, or else we will just mess the scriptures up.

The standard cannot be, oh I did not experience this or that, therefore it is that, that would be more a kind to self righteousness, making ourselves the standard.

 

[Bill]

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences — especially the part about discernment and the danger of pride. You’re absolutely right that any spiritual gift, if it isn’t grounded in humility and tested by Scripture, can easily drift into confusion or even self-promotion. I’ve seen that too, and it grieves me the same way.


Where I think our perspectives differ isn’t on whether gifts can be misused (they certainly can), but on what the New Testament describes as the initial sign of the Spirit’s arrival versus the ongoing function of the gifts inside the church.


For me, Acts 2, Acts 10, and Acts 19 aren’t about church-service gifts like interpretation or public tongues — they’re describing what happened when someone received the Holy Ghost for the first time. Those moments weren’t about edifying the congregation; they were about God marking a transition from death to life. That’s why interpretation isn’t mentioned in any of those salvation contexts — it wasn’t a message to others, it was a sign of the Spirit taking residence inside an individual.


Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12–14, which you mentioned, is talking about tongues in the assembly, where interpretation is required for the sake of order. But the same Paul still says, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all” (and he wasn’t always doing that publicly). So I don’t see the private prayer language or the initial evidence as contradicting Paul — they’re just different categories than the public gift that requires interpretation.


I absolutely agree with you that discernment is necessary. Not every utterance in a service is genuine, and not every translation is trustworthy. But I don’t believe the misuse of a gift invalidates the gift itself any more than false prophecy invalidates true prophecy. Abuses just make us more careful, not less open.


And I also agree with you about faith in the “big things.” Most of us trust God easily in theory but wrestle in practice — even Peter sank when he took his eyes off Jesus, and he had the greatest faith in the boat. So I don’t use tongues as a measure of spiritual superiority or maturity. It’s not a badge you earn — it’s simply the sign God repeatedly used when someone crossed from the old life into the new.


At the end of the day, I’m not trying to diminish anyone’s walk with God. I’m only trying to stay close to the pattern I see repeated in Scripture. If God chose tongues as the first evidence of the Spirit in Acts, I don’t want to explain it away just because some people have misused it. The answer isn’t to avoid the gift — it’s to embrace it with humility, order, and discernment.


Thanks again for sharing your heart. These are the kinds of conversations that actually help us grow instead of just defending our camps.

May Jesus fill us with his love and wisdom

Thank you that was a really good read by the way, what you wrote.

 

[MedicBravo]

Hi MedicBravo, by what you are saying here do you mean that people who claim that they can speak in tongues on command, without the touch of the Holy Spirit are lying, is that what you mean ?

Yes.
By default, it IS given by the Holy Spirit. Not when a man thinks he should.
Acts 2:1-13 at Pentecost.
God miraculously enabled believers to speak real human languages they did not previously know.

Purpose: Prayer, worship, and personal edification — unless accompanied by interpretation.
Paul gives extensive teaching about this second type:

✔ A language directed​

• “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.”
  — 1 Corinthians 14:2

✔ Edifies the speaker​

• “He that speaks in a tongue edifies himself.”
  — 1 Corinthians 14:4

✔ Requires interpretation in church​

• “If there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church and speak to himself and God.”
  — 1 Corinthians 14:28

✔ Paul accepts and participates in tongues​

• “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all.”
  — 1 Corinthians 14:18

✔ But he insists on order​

• “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
  — 1 Corinthians 14:40

Biblical meaning here:
A Spirit-given prayer language used in private or public worship, but interpretation is required for congregational use.
I wonder. Every time this comes up someone "claims" they have or can with zero evidence.
If they haven't they "know someone" who has and can and again with no evidence.

 

[Gerbolski]

Yes.
By default, it IS given by the Holy Spirit. Not when a man thinks he should.
Acts 2:1-13 at Pentecost.
God miraculously enabled believers to speak real human languages they did not previously know.

Purpose: Prayer, worship, and personal edification — unless accompanied by interpretation.
Paul gives extensive teaching about this second type:

✔ A language directed​

• “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.”
  — 1 Corinthians 14:2

✔ Edifies the speaker​

• “He that speaks in a tongue edifies himself.”
  — 1 Corinthians 14:4

✔ Requires interpretation in church​

• “If there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church and speak to himself and God.”
  — 1 Corinthians 14:28

✔ Paul accepts and participates in tongues​

• “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all.”
  — 1 Corinthians 14:18

✔ But he insists on order​

• “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
  — 1 Corinthians 14:40

Biblical meaning here:
A Spirit-given prayer language used in private or public worship, but interpretation is required for congregational use.
I wonder. Every time this comes up someone "claims" they have or can with zero evidence.
If they haven't they "know someone" who has and can and again with no evidence.

Ya you give a good basis on the overall usage on tongues.

Thou there is a difference between other, and unknown.

Other tongues does not need interpretation, for another person will already know this or that known language, and what is said.

And of course, which I am totally sure you know, the gift of interpretation is not talking about natural interpretation.

1Co 14:28
(28) But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

This no doubt speaks of in the church, but it does not speak of total silence, but the person, which it is still speaking of in the church, can still do so as long as it is to one self and to God, which is still speaking of while in the service.

If an unknown tongue is spoken to one self and to God one can do so, no interpretation is needed but if not done towards oneself and to God, then it does need interpretation, otherwise God would not say what he just said, of continuing to speak but to one self and to God.

 

[MedicBravo]

Ya you give a good basis on the overall usage on tongues.

Thou there is a difference between other, and unknown.

Other tongues does not need interpretation, for another person will already know this or that known language, and what is said.

And of course, which I am totally sure you know, the gift of interpretation is not talking about natural interpretation.

1Co 14:28
(28) But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

This no doubt speaks of in the church, but it does not speak of total silence, but the person, which it is still speaking of in the church, can still do so as long as it is to one self and to God, which is still speaking of while in the service.

If an unknown tongue is spoken to one self and to God one can do so, no interpretation is needed but if not done towards oneself and to God, then it does need interpretation, otherwise God would not say what he just said, of continuing to speak but to one self and to God.

What "unkonwn tongue" is this then?
Why would God need or want to use a language to me in private that is not English? No one knows God's Playbook and whether one has any Gift doesn't make them better than the rest of us.
1 Cor 14:27-28: (27-28) Instructions for speaking in tongues publicly.
"If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God."

a. Two or three at the most: If you must speak in tongues at your church meetings, do not do much of it. Don’t focus on tongues. - There's a problem in the church where too many try to "learn" it. This leads to them being boastful and prideful of their "accomplishment">
b. Each in turn: more than one person should not be speaking in tongues to the congregation at any one time.
c. And let one interpret: don’t speak in tongues at all – even two or three at the most or each in turn – if you will not have an interpretation. - How likely is it that should it happen there happens to be someone else who naturally speaks this random Earth language? Gift of Interpretation fits here.
d. If no interpreter, "speak to God" and be silent in the church".

I've never seen it and EVERY person who claims to have or know "someone" can't provide evidence.
*Cellphones are almost everywhere and there'd be good quality video and audio.
**They also get angry when you call them out on their "I say...." with no evidence.
Too many false prophets in the church. Everybody lies and everyone has a price.

 

[Gerbolski]

When that which is perfect is come

1Co 13:8-10
(8) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
(9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
(10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

1Co 13:12
(12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.


When it speaks of seeing face to face, is it speaking seeing face to face with the bible, seeing face to face with a person, or face to face with a certain reality ?

 

[Gerbolski]

What "unkonwn tongue" is this then?
Why would God need or want to use a language to me in private that is not English? No one knows God's Playbook and whether one has any Gift doesn't make them better than the rest of us.
1 Cor 14:27-28: (27-28) Instructions for speaking in tongues publicly.
"If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God."

a. Two or three at the most: If you must speak in tongues at your church meetings, do not do much of it. Don’t focus on tongues. - There's a problem in the church where too many try to "learn" it. This leads to them being boastful and prideful of their "accomplishment">
b. Each in turn: more than one person should not be speaking in tongues to the congregation at any one time.
c. And let one interpret: don’t speak in tongues at all – even two or three at the most or each in turn – if you will not have an interpretation. - How likely is it that should it happen there happens to be someone else who naturally speaks this random Earth language? Gift of Interpretation fits here.
d. If no interpreter, "speak to God" and be silent in the church".

I've never seen it and EVERY person who claims to have or know "someone" can't provide evidence.
*Cellphones are almost everywhere and there'd be good quality video and audio.
**They also get angry when you call them out on their "I say...." with no evidence.
Too many false prophets in the church. Everybody lies and everyone has a price.

I have seen it were there was a tongue and interpretation, though not often.

And no whether you speak in tongues or not, is not a question of being better, no one is better than anyone, and there needs to be order and balance in the church.

Many churches via this realm, are not balanced, and yes there are fake tongues out there, and God does give discernment on things like this.

The bible says pray in the spirit and with the understanding, and forbid not to speak with tongues, but their needs to be balance and not chaos.

I speak in tongues.

 

[Gerbolski]

Concerning tongues which need interpretation, it seems to have a similar standard as prophesying, which in both instances, let it be by 2 or 3, and that by course.

But when the focus is unto oneself and to God, it seems very different, for it is not something spoken to the congregation, but rather to oneself and to God.

 

[Gerbolski]

When that which is perfect is come

1Co 13:8-10
(8) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
(9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
(10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

1Co 13:12
(12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.


When it speaks of seeing face to face, is it speaking seeing face to face with the bible, seeing face to face with a person, or face to face with a certain reality ?

I am hoping to see replies on this especially.

That is especially on what I asked: "When it speaks of seeing face to face, is it speaking seeing face to face with the bible, seeing face to face with a person, or face to face with a certain reality ?".

I think we could have a potential good talk on these issues, but whether that will happen, hmmm remains to be seen.

I pray that honesty will prevail.

 

[MedicBravo]

I have seen it were there was a tongue and interpretation, though not often.

And no whether you speak in tongues or not, is not a question of being better, no one is better than anyone, and there needs to be order and balance in the church.

Many churches via this realm, are not balanced, and yes there are fake tongues out there, and God does give discernment on things like this.

The bible says pray in the spirit and with the understanding, and forbid not to speak with tongues, but their needs to be balance and not chaos.

I speak in tongues.

Right. There it is.
Speaking without rambling isn't Tongues.
Getting your prayer together before you do it isn't Tongues.
Evidence??

 

[Gerbolski]

Tongues are real

One has to be careful in judging things, there are times, even often, to were some will totally reject tongues, most of the time it is due to their doctrine, but for some just because they have not experienced tongues, they will deny tongues, which is not a good basis of judgment.

We should never be the standard of judgment.

When it is tongues that are real, it will be done in the right spirit, and you will sense the Spirit of God, and the fruit of the Spirit will be in some manner mixed in.

When it is fake, it will be as we say fleshy.

And some things can begin in the Spirit, then eventually turn fleshy because of no longer being in the Spirit.

 

[Gerbolski]

Things on tongues

The bible explains itself.

It even explains what other tongues are without needing a private interpretation.

Act 2:4
(4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Act 2:8
(8) And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?


So obviously "other tongues" refer to speaking in a language you do not know, but that somebody else knows.

And the bible all by itself, without needing a private interpretation explains what an "unknown tongue " is.


1Co 14:2
(2) For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.


It is not saying some men understandeth the person speaking in an unknown tongue, but no man understandeth the person speaking in an unknown tongue, it is an emphatic statement.


1Co 14:27-28
(27) If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
(28) But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

It is to be an unknown tongue that needs interpretation, which it shows here.

And if no interpretation, let him keep silence, but not complete silence, for it says to speak to oneself and to God, if speaking to oneself and to God, God shows that that is ok, but if not, it needs interpretation.

And then there are theses verses:

1Co 12:10-11
(10) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
(11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.


So in the case of 1 Corinthians chapter 12, one gift mentioned is the interpretation of tongues, and another one mentioned is having the gift of divers kinds of tongues,.

Now in the case of having the gift of divers kinds of tongues, it may refer to both "other tongues", and "unknown tongues".

Now the kinds that need interpretation mentioned in 1 Corinthians chapter 14, are "unknown tongues".

But the tongues that happened on the day of Pentecost, which were "other tongues" did not need interpretation, for the people who knew the languages, could clearly hear what was said in their own language.

Now could it be in certain cases that say one who does not know Chinese, but only knows English, begins to speak in an "other tongue" which in this case is Chinese, but no one in the congregation knows Chinese, can an interpretation come in in that case ?

It is very possible, God can do that, but example wise, via the bible, the example we have of an "other tongue" is in the book of Acts which did not need an interpretation, and in 1 Corinthians chapter 14, it clearly shows "unknown tongues" needing interpretation.

 

[Gerbolski]

When that which is perfect is come

1Co 13:8-10
(8) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
(9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
(10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

1Co 13:12
(12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.


When it speaks of seeing face to face, is it speaking seeing face to face with the bible, seeing face to face with a person, or face to face with a certain reality ?

Concerning this face to face thing, it is actually my wife through the Holy Spirit , that showed me what this face to face thing was meaning.

 

[MedicBravo]

Tongues are real

One has to be careful in judging things, there are times, even often, to were some will totally reject tongues, most of the time it is due to their doctrine, but for some just because they have not experienced tongues, they will deny tongues, which is not a good basis of judgment.

We should never be the standard of judgment.

When it is tongues that are real, it will be done in the right spirit, and you will sense the Spirit of God, and the fruit of the Spirit will be in some manner mixed in.

When it is fake, it will be as we say fleshy.

And some things can begin in the Spirit, then eventually turn fleshy because of no longer being in the Spirit.

I'm sure they are. They are very RARE.
The Bible has been translated into almost all known languages. Interpreters are a thing.
The need for "tongues" is highly minuscule.
In the long age of liars and deceivers even Christians need evidence in this.

 

[Gerbolski]

A Christian guy that I know, when he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, at that time he never even heard of tongues, but when he got baptized he began to speak with tongues.

 

[Gerbolski]

The gift of interpretation of course is different from regular interpretation, regular interpretation can be done by whosoever, and is not one of the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in Corinthians.

I can interpret from French to English and vice versa, but that is not one of the gifts of the Spirit.

In the gift of interpretation, one by the unction of the Holy Spirit, reveals what the tongue is saying, but it is a tongue they do not know.

 

[MedicBravo]

A Christian guy that I know, when he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, at that time he never even heard of tongues, but when he got baptized he began to speak with tongues.

Right.
"A Christian guy that I know" - It's ALWAYS someone someone else knows. No name is given as no evidence.
In a church of English only speakers is makes NO sense for someone to "suddenly speak a non-English language no one knows" and that the person does not know.

 

[Gerbolski]

Right.
"A Christian guy that I know" - It's ALWAYS someone someone else knows. No name is given as no evidence.
In a church of English only speakers is makes NO sense for someone to "suddenly speak a non-English language no one knows" and that the person does not know.

I can easily say the person's name, I know this person personally, I know of many who speak in tongues, but I do not like mentioning people's name, I like to keep people's name private, unless I ask them, and they say to mention their name.