In another article we
looked at the word logos (Logos) which is translated "Word" and refers to the
total communicative power of God especially as expressed in His son Jesus
Christ. This week, I'd like to give equal time to the word reima
which is also translated "word." This word refers to the spoken or
revealed Word of God.
Whereas Logos refers to the total communication of God to man, Reima is
more specific. It refers to the Word of God given in a very specific way to
mankind. There are two kinds of Reima which you might receive. The
first is general revelation and the second is special revelation.
General revelation is a phrase Bible scholars use to refer to scripture. It is
general because it is meant for everyone. The Bible is really a remarkable
book. It has 66 books written over a period of 1500 years by more than 30
authors in three different languages. The fact that it has survived in tact is
amazing. Many dictators, kings, even religious leaders have tried to destroy
it, but none could. The harder they tried to suppress it, the more copies were
distributed.
The transforming power of the Bible is legendary. Many are the stories of
skeptics who sought to debunk the Bible becoming convinced of its truth by
careful study. And how often have we heard of people becoming Christians just
by reading a scrap of scripture found in a jail cell, gutter or cheap motel
room. Such is the power of the Reima Word of God in written form.
The second type of revelation is called special revelation. This is where God
speaks locally to a specific person or group of people about a situation which
is specific to that time and place. Specific revelation may come from a
variety of sources. It could be a prophetic utterance by a person to another
person or a congregation. It could be an inner conviction. It could be hearing
an audible voice. It could be the quickening of a scripture text to your heart
giving it a special meaning for your circumstances.
However, the revelation comes, if it is of God, it can be a certain as the
written word of God. You can trust special revelation for guidance in your
life. Of course, the general revelation of scripture must be considered
primary in importance. But this usually isn't a problem since God doesn't
contradict himself. He will never give you a special revelation which is
contrary to the written Word of God.
I thank God for the Reima word. It is living and personal. It is my
guide in life and my comfort in times of adversity. As the old saying goes,
"God said it. I believe it. That settles it. Forever."