Question: “From my readings of the book of Acts, speaking in tongues is the sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit; why don’t SDAs believe in that? In Corinthians the Bible talks about the gifts of the Holy Spirit which include the gift of prophecy, words of wisdom, words of knowledge, diverse kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. These gifts are meant for spiritual edification. Why are they not exercised in the SDA church?”
Answer: “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God” (Acts 2:1-11, NKJV; see also 1 Corinthians 14:1-28, NKJV).
“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:28-31, NKJV).
Seventh-day Adventists do believe in and exercise the gift of tongues, but in the biblical context. According to Acts 2 and the meaning of the word “tongue” (“language” in the Greek), the gift of tongues is actually the gift of speaking and understanding languages. Speaking in other languages, though a sign of the Holy Spirit, is not the only sign of the Holy Spirit. In fact, it is last on the list of God’s gifts to the church. In addition, the Bible urges the believers not to speak in tongues unless what is spoken can be understood or interpreted by someone and bring edification to those who listen. Otherwise, as far as speaking in another language, we should keep “silent” in the church. The apostle Paul warned us that the gift of tongues was being misused by believers in Corinth for self-edification. His conclusion was that he would rather we spoke “five words” with understanding than “ten thousand words” in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:1-28).
