The Narrow Path Ministries

Hello Steve,

I have heard and read Christian preachers/authors on the use of the word rhema to refer to a special Spirit-given revelation meant for a specific time and purpose in a individual's or church's life. Sometimes this rhema word does not necessarily relate to any Scripture. Also, they use the word logos to narrowly refer to the written Word of God, i.e. Bible, perhaps with the implication that it may not be Spirit-empowered at all times. The more evangelical ones will remind their audience that the rhema will never contradict the logos/Bible.

However, looking up logos and rhema in a Greek lexicon, the two words seem to have a variety of meanings, several of these definitions overlap.

Does the Bible use these words dichotomously as these preachers suggest? (A quick review of verses seems to suggest a negative answer.) What should be the Christian's response to such teaching?

[You might have already mentioned this on a tape somewhere. So you can always point me to the relevant lecture.]

Hi Ben,

I encountered this kind of dichotomy being presented by charismatic preachers in the seventies. Rhema and logos both mean "word" and are both translated that way in scripture, as you know. It always seemed strange to me for preachers to limit rhe logos to the inscripturated word, when, in fact, the pre-existent Christ is refered to as the logos, not the rhema (John 1:1ff).

I later read a book by D.A. Carson, called "Exegetical Fallacies," in which Carson dealt with this question. He demonstrated that logos and rhema are sometimes used interchangeably in the New Testament. This seems to illegitimaze any attempt to draw firm boundaries between the range of meanings of the two Greek words.

There should be a distinction between the logos and rhema. Yet there should be precautions for following this, and those who are taught it need to be discipled so they don't get tossed to and fro. An example of God's rhema/spoken word to a believer is when a pastor or teacher is ministering to an audience, and God takes that word and speaks it directly to a believer's heart releasing the life of God into their heart. It is essential to understand this to properly hear and discern God's voice, yet there are some dangers that need to be known.

Any objections, feel free to speak them .

SoaringEagle

Hi Soaringeagle,

You have given us a correct example of the way "rhema" and "logos" are distinguished in modern popular usage. I believe the original question was concerned with the actual meanings of the two words in the Greek language in New Testament times. I am not sure that this kind of distinction between the two words was recognized in the first century Greek-speaking world.

The Word of Faith people use Rhema to mean revelation knowledge and Kenneth Hagin's church and it's offsprings are called Rhema Churches. And they believe "the rock" that the RCC believes is Peter and many Christians believe is Christ is actually the revelation or "rhema" given to Peter by God to see Jesus was the Christ.

STEVE7150 wrote:The Word of Faith people use Rhema to mean revelation knowledge and Kenneth Hagin's church and it's offsprings are called Rhema Churches. And they believe "the rock" that the RCC believes is Peter and many Christians believe is Christ is actually the revelation or "rhema" given to Peter by God to see Jesus was the Christ.

huh

Are you sure about that Steve71? I have heard it taught differently.

Steve, I what I consider a very well in depth teaching on this particular subject, by a close friend of mine who is actually a mentor/spiritual father. Maybe I could send it to you, and you could check it out. Not to convince you of this or that, but if it is correct, and knowing that a good teachers like you have a teachable humble way of thinking, I think that you'd be blessed by it. Would you be interested in it?

SoaringEagle

Soaring Eagle, Are you referring to the rock?

I must confess, I don't know how the discussion of the rock found its way into this thread. What is the connection?

The lady who brought me to the Lord is a Word of Faith follower and she learned from Kenneth Copeland that they believe the "revelation" that Peter received from God that "Jesus is the Christ" is Rhema knowledge and that rhema knowledge is the ROCK spoken of. Just thought i'd mention it cause i thought it was interesting.