1. Introduction
Within Charismatic and Pentecostal theology, Rhema is often described as a specific, spoken word from God to an individual or situation, distinguished from Logos, the general written Word (Scripture). This raises critical theological questions:
- Are Rhema words new revelation equal to Scripture?
- Does believing in Rhema undermine the sufficiency of Scripture (Sola Scriptura)?
2. Definitions and Distinctions
2.1 Logos
- Generally understood as the written Word (Bible) and also used for Christ Himself as the divine Word (John 1:1–14).
2.2 Rhema
- Defined in Charismatic contexts as:
A specific word quickened by the Spirit, often for guidance, prophetic utterance, or personal encouragement.
- Biblically, rhema means “that which is spoken” (e.g. Luke 1:38; Romans 10:17), often overlapping with logos in general meaning.
3. Scriptural Sufficiency: The Doctrine
3.1 Definition
Sufficiency of Scripture asserts that:
- The Bible contains all the divine words necessary for salvation, faith, and obedience (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:3).
- No further normative revelation is needed beyond what is contained in the canonical Scriptures (Grudem, 1994).
3.2 Finality of Revelation
- Hebrews 1:1–2: “In the past God spoke… through the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.”
This indicates Christ as the climactic revelation, with the New Testament apostolic witness completing the foundation (Ephesians 2:20).
4. Are Rhema Words New Revelation?
4.1 Cessationist View
- Rhema words, understood as new propositional revelation, are rejected as undermining the closed canon.
- God guides today only through Scripture and its application by the Spirit, without giving fresh words equivalent to Scripture.
4.2 Continuationist (Charismatic/Pentecostal) View
- Rhema is not new doctrinal revelation, but:
Illumination, application, or Spirit-inspired guidance within the framework of Scripture’s final authority (Fee, 1994).
4.2.1 Categories of Rhema Words
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Illuminated Scripture | When a verse is deeply impressed upon a believer for a situation. |
| Prophetic Utterance | Spirit-inspired words for edification, exhortation, or comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). |
| Guidance Promptings | Inner conviction aligning with biblical principles for decisions. |
4.3 Safeguards Against Canonical Equivalence
Charismatic theologians emphasise:
- Rhema is always subject to Logos (Scripture) (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21).
- Rhema does not add to the closed canon but applies it dynamically.
- Prophetic words are evaluated and tested; they do not carry the binding universal authority of Scripture (1 Corinthians 14:29).
5. Theological Implications
5.1 Does Rhema Undermine Scriptural Sufficiency?
| If Rhema is treated as… | Implication |
|---|---|
| New doctrinal revelation | Undermines Scripture’s sufficiency and finality, creating risk of error or cultic teaching (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18–19). |
| Spirit-applied illumination or guidance | Upholds Scripture’s sufficiency, as Rhema functions under its authority, not as additional canonical revelation. |
5.2 Biblical Precedent
- Acts 13:2: The Spirit speaks to set apart Barnabas and Saul.
- Acts 21:10–11: Agabus prophesies Paul’s arrest.
In both cases:
- The Rhema word did not add to doctrinal canon but gave situational guidance within God’s redemptive plan.
6. Summary Table
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Scriptural sufficiency | The Bible is complete and final for all faith and obedience matters. |
| Rhema words | Spirit-quickened applications or guidance, not adding to Scripture but working under its authority. |
| Theological caution | Treating Rhema as new doctrinal revelation risks undermining biblical sufficiency and opens potential for untested error. |
7. Conclusion
Rhema words are not new canonical revelation, but should be understood as Spirit-applied illumination or specific guidance subordinate to Scripture. When properly discerned and tested, they do not undermine the sufficiency of Scripture, but demonstrate God’s dynamic and personal application of His unchanging Word to His people today.
8. References
- Carson, D. A. (1996). Exegetical Fallacies (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker.
- Fee, G. D. (1994). God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul. Peabody: Hendrickson.
- Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Leicester: IVP.
- Packer, J. I. (1996). Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs. Wheaton: Tyndale.