The continuationist position — that tongues and other spiritual gifts continue in the church today — has stronger biblical support than cessationism. The cessationist claim that gifts ceased with the apostolic age requires an argument that is not explicitly made in Scripture (1 Corinthians 13:10's 'when completeness comes' does not clearly refer to the completion of the canon). Both positions are held by serious Christians. 70/100 Spiritually Safe — a significant intra-evangelical debate where both positions deserve charity.
1 Corinthians 12-14 is the primary biblical text on spiritual gifts, including tongues. Paul establishes: tongues are a genuine spiritual gift distributed by the Holy Spirit (12:4-11), the church should seek gifts that build up the body (14:1-5), tongues in corporate worship require interpretation to be edifying (14:13-19), and "do not forbid speaking in tongues" (14:39). Acts documents tongues at Pentecost (Acts 2), in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-46), and at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7).
Mark 16:17 — "And these signs will accompany those who believe... they will speak in new tongues." Whether this refers to continuing gifts or the apostolic founding period is part of the debate.
Cessationism holds that the sign gifts (tongues, prophecy, healing) ceased with the apostolic age — their purpose was to authenticate the apostles and the gospel before Scripture was complete. The primary proof-text: 1 Corinthians 13:10 — "when completeness comes, what is in part will pass away." Cessationists argue "completeness" refers to the completed New Testament canon.
Problems with cessationism: 1 Corinthians 13:10 does not mention Scripture or canon — in context "completeness" more naturally refers to the eschaton (the return of Christ). The New Testament gives no explicit statement that gifts would cease. Cessationism is largely an inference from church history and theology rather than direct biblical statement. Respected cessationist scholars include John MacArthur and the Strange Fire conference participants.
Continuationism holds that all spiritual gifts, including tongues, continue in the church today. The arguments: Paul's command "do not forbid tongues" (1 Cor 14:39) has no expiration date in the text. James 5:14-15 (prayer for healing) shows no sign of being temporary. The global Pentecostal and charismatic movement (500+ million Christians) is the fastest-growing expression of Christianity. Respected continuationist scholars include Wayne Grudem, Sam Storms, and Gordon Fee.
Problems with some charismatic practice: Paul's careful regulations for tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 are widely ignored in charismatic worship — tongues require interpretation in corporate settings (14:27-28), and the gift should build up others (14:4-5). See our Theology hub and our guide on Is Bethel Church a Cult? The Gospel Coalition's treatment of tongues presents both positions fairly. GotQuestions provides thorough exegetical background.
For the foundational question of who the Holy Spirit is, see our guide Who Is the Holy Spirit?
For what a biblical prophet actually is, see our guide What Is a Prophet in the Bible?