Why Speak In Tongues

Eight Scriptural Reasons Why You Should Speak in Tongues

Dr. Russell K. Tardo

Why speak in tongues? What good is it? How can it be profitable if I don’t understand what I’m saying?

Many people question the validity of the Pentecostal experience (the baptism of the Holy Spirit) and even those who accept its validity question the use of tongues. This short outline will simply point out some scriptural reasons for speaking in tongues. We want to examine the scriptural basis for why we believe this doctrine is still very significant for believers, from the time of the initial experience in the Upper Room at Pentecost, right up until today.

1. Jesus said His followers would speak in tongues

17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. [Mark 16:17-18]

It was Jesus Himself who said that believers would speak in tongues. We see from the above scriptural passage that the experience was instituted by Jesus.

2. A believer’s prayer in tongues is a direct prayer to God.

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. [1 Cor. 14:2]

3. Praying in tongues magnifies God.

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.... [Acts 10:46]

4. Edification is an inner work. When one prays in the spirit, he edifies himself.

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself.... [1 Cor. 14:4]

5. Praying in tongues brings to the one praying a spiritual rest and a spiritual refreshing.

11For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

[Isa. 28:11-12]

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. [1 Cor. 14:21]

6. Believers should pray in tongues for personal intercession

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [Rom. 8:26]

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7. Believers should pray in tongues to intercede in behalf of others

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. [Rom. 8:27]

8. Praying in tongues builds up the believer’s faith. Prayer in tongues is faith food.

But ye, beloved building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. [Jude 20]