Must one speak in tongues to be saved?

From pastorchris29: Have you read Romans 10:9-13? Where in the Bible does it say that one must speak in tongues or you will not have eternal life?

Response: The Bible does not say “you must speak in tongues or you will not have eternal life.” Speaking in tongues is not a requirement for salvation.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:5 – “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues…” (NASB – “wish”).

The greek word is “Thelo” which means “to desire, want, wish, love, etc.” – that everyone of you would speak in tongues (other languages). Romans 10:9 says:

Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

If you confess Jesus as your Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you are saved. Nothing you say, do, or accomplish is going to make your salvation any more complete.

We cannot do anything to earn our salvation. We were bought with a price, and we must put faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ.

In our article, “What is Speaking in Tongues and why does God say to do it?” we said…

“Speaking in tongues is the only absolute proof a Christian has that he is born again.”

All Christians can speak in tongues (via the gift of God’s holy spirit), whether or not you choose to act out on it is your choice. Paul was convinced that you would benefit from it and so are we.

Give it a shot!