Name: Sophie Baker
Writing Style Used: MLA
Course and Section Number: THEO 104
In response to my friend who requests information about spiritual gifts and the concept of
speaking in tongues, I would explain the difference between spiritual gifts and the Fruits of the
Spirit. When speaking of systematic theology, I would also explain how the Fruits of the Spirit
relate to the maturity of the believer. I would also want to explain to this friend the biblical
purpose of the ability to speak in tongues. To further expand on this topic, I would describe
baptism in the Holy Spirit. As it applies, I would want to inform my friend whether speaking in
tongues is valid today. I would also want to provide my friend with biblical evidence supporting
this information.
Romans 12:6-8 says, “then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith.” Everyone is given a
spiritual gift or gifts once they accept Jesus Christ into their hearts. These gifts are given to
believers by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is
given to every man to profit withal. Spiritual gifts are used by Christians to further spread the
Gospel (Elwell,1135). When explaining the concept of spiritual gifts to my friend, I would
ensure that they did not confuse these spiritual gifts with the Fruits of the Spirit.
The Bible says in Galations 5:22¸”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control; against such things there is no law..”
Like spiritual gifts, the Fruits of the Spirit are given to by the Holy Spirit and dwell within
Christians. Whereas spiritual gifts are abilities given to Christians for His service, Fruits of the
Spirit are qualities the mature with the believer’s relationship with God. Spiritual gifts, on the
other hand, do not signify development in a Christians walk with Christ.
One of the many spiritual gifts is the ability to speak in tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:27-28
says, “If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn,
and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent
in church and speak to himself and to God.” This verse states that if a Christian speaks
in tongues, and there is no one who can interpret what has been spoken, then that person
should keep quiet about what was spoken to them. The purpose of speaking in tongues is
to spread the Gospel to others who speak a differing language. Another purpose of
speaking in tongues is the ability to enlighten a person Acts 1:8 says, “But you will
receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This verse
shows that God asks believers to take His Word to the ends of the earth. If speaking
in tongues is a gift Christ has given to a Christian, that believer should use this gift
to serve Him.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the association of the Holy Spirit filling a person once
they have become saved by accepting Jesus Christ into their life. Speaking in
tongues is not a necessary sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. A person could be
baptized in the Holy Spirit without the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. 1
Corinthians 13:8-10 mentions that spiritual gifts “will cease” when the “perfect
comes.” I do believe the gift of speaking in tongues could potentially be valid today.
I do think this occurrence has become less common today.
Word Count: 611
Bibliography
Elwell, Walter. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 1984. Reprint, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker
Book House, 2001.
The Holy Bible (English Standard Version). Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2007. Print
