Is speaking in tongues the evidence that someone has received the Holy Spirit?
The gift of tongues is exactly that—a gift (see 1 Corinthians 12:10). It is just one of the gifts of the Spirit, but many people assume that because receiving the Holy Spirit is essential for salvation, then everyone must have the experience the disciples did on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. But while everyone must fully surrender to the Holy Spirit to be saved, not everyone will be given the same gifts. Let’s look at what Paul says:
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:4–11
Notice that Paul confirms that God distributes the gifts of the Spirit, “to each one individually as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). This means that while we should all seek to receive the Holy Spirit, not all of us will receive the same gift. We will receive a gift, but God decides which gift He bestows upon us, according to His will. Paul re-confirms this later in the same chapter:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 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?” 1 Corinthians 12:27–30
Paul makes the point that while we are all equal parts of the body of Christ (the Church), we are not all of the same gift or calling. He proves his point by asking, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets?” Obviously, not everyone is called to be a prophet.
He continues, “Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues?” Again, not everyone has the gift of healing, or the gift of miracles, or the gift of teaching—and in the same way, not everyone receives the gift of tongues. So to teach that the evidence of the Holy Spirit is the gift of tongues is completely unbiblical, and not at all in harmony with what Paul taught. God chooses the gifts, and not everyone receives the same gift.
What is the real evidence that the Holy Spirit is working in someone’s life? The fruit of the Spirit:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22–23
If someone were to point to a tree and tell you that it is an apple tree, how would you be able to really know if it is an apple tree? You would be looking for the evidence hanging from the branches, right? Someone may call themselves an airplane pilot, but until you see them in action, their words are just words.
The same principle applies to professed Christians. One may profess to the world that they’re a Christian, but until you see the clear evidence in their life and character bearing witness to their testimony, then they’re just speaking words. This is why Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits….” Matthew 7:16.
The evidence that one is truly led by the authentic Spirit of God is the fruit of the Spirit, and no one can really manifest any gift of the Spirit until they first show forth the proof that they possess the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, the gift of tongues is not the main evidence by which we determine if one has received the Spirit of God.