I keep hearing that it's THE evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. That way I can know I've got it.
As if I wouldn't be able to tell that God did something so significant in my life without it.
But I'd be interested in what the tongues defenders have to say.
That is what I keep hearing as well.
"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. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not:..." 1 Cor. 14:21.
Who is Paul referring to when he states "In the law it is written.."? The Jews, of course. Who is "unto this people"? The Jews, of course.
Who are "them that believe"? "Saying, Go unto this people (Israel) and say, Hearing ye shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:....Be it known therefore unto you (Israel), that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they (The Gentiles) will hear it." Acts 28:26,28.
Therefore, BUT NOW the "tongues are for a sign, NOT to them that believe (Gentiles), but for them that believe NOT" (The Jews, Israel as a Nation).
If, while God was dealing with Israel as a Nation, tongues were given to Gentiles and the few Jews those who BELIEVED, then what would have happened to those tongues when those who BELIEVED NOT (The nation Israel) were set aside? The tongues, the sign to the Jews, would have been also set aside.
Which is exactly what happened when Israel was blinded and set aside. I've given you Paul's writings during God's dealings with Israel as a nation, then the setting aside of Israel, and I will gladly do it again for a refresher if necessary.
Tongues, today, would be a sign for Jews who believe NOT. But God is not dealing with Israel as a nation today. So, I ask again, what is the purpose for speaking in tongues today? Unless you were a Jew, present at Pentecost, or a Jew, present during the tribulation, God has no need of a "sign" nation. He is forming a Body of Christ. Where there is neither Jew nor Gentile. And all our blessings are spiritual blessings, in heavenly places, in Christ. Not on this earth. Where we walk by faith, and not by sight.