A9.8 – VARIOUS DIMENSIONS OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES

There are three major dimensions of speaking in tongues:

1. Speaking in Tongues as Initial Sign of Baptism in the Holy Spirit

a) All believers must have the initial experience of speaking in tongues as a sign of having been baptized in the Holy Spirit, Mark 16:17

b) It is possible for the believer to utter speeches as given by the Holy Spirit in a human language understood only by the hearers and not by him. In such a case, it serves as signs to unbelievers, 1 Cor 14:22

2. Prophecies in Interpretable Tongues

a) After the initial speaking in unknown tongues confirming that the believer has been baptized in the Holy Spirit, it is possible for some believers to be able to prophesy in tongues, 1 Cor 12:28-30

b) In other words, not all those baptized in the Holy Spirit possesses the ability of continual prophesying or giving messages in tongues, 1Cor 14:5-9

3. Prayers in Tongues

a) This is when believers offer prayers in ‘other tongues.’ It is usually for prayers, edification and praises to God. It does not require any interpretation since God understands all tongues, 1 Cor 14:2

b) It is imperative for all believers to edify themselves while speaking in unknown tongues because it is one of the signs to follow all believers, Mark 16:17

c) The will of God is for all believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues but all Christians may not be speaking in unknown tongues as a result of ignorance or inability to appropriate all the promises of God, 1 Cor 14:5

d) After being baptized in the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in unknown tongues, all believers can and should the develop habit of praying in tongues as often as possible. 1Tim 2:8