Speaking in tongues is evidence of Spirit baptism or a Spirit Gift?
Is speaking in Tongue evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit or one of the Spiritual Gifts? It depends on the theological framework you are coming from:
Classical Pentecostalism (e.g., Assemblies of God, Church of God, Pentecostal Holiness) holds to Position 1, emphasizing that the initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. This belief is based on passages such as Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46, and Acts 19:6, where believers spoke in tongues immediately after receiving the Holy Spirit.
Charismatic and Some Evangelical Traditions lean toward Position 2, which acknowledges tongues as a sign but does not necessarily insist on it as the only or universal evidence. Some argue that other spiritual gifts can also serve as evidence of being filled with the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Final Analysis:
If you are coming from a Pentecostal viewpoint, Position 1 is more accurate because it aligns with the doctrine of initial evidence—a core belief in traditional Pentecostalism. However, Position 2 is broader and may be preferred by those who acknowledge tongues as a sign but do not see it as the required initial evidence for all believers.