DEFINITION | CHARISMATIC

1. Definition of Chrismatic

a) The Greek word translated into our English word Charismatic is charisma (Strong's Concordance #G5486). Chrisma, however, is usually translated in the King James Version Bible and New King James Version Bible Translation as gifts. The apostle Paul used charisma in 1 Corinthians 12 to designate the supernatural gifts made available to individuals through the power of the Holy Spirit. These are sometimes referred to as the charismatic gifts of Christianity.

i) 1. Now brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant concerning the spiritual gifts.  

ii) 4. Now there are differences of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6. And there are differences of operations, but it is the same God Who is working all things in all.  

iii) 7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the benefit of all. 8. For to one, a word of wisdom . . . knowledge . . . faith . . . healing . . . miracles . . . prophecy . . . and to a different one, various languages . . . 11. But the one and the same Spirit is operating in all these things, dividing separately to each one as God Himself desires. (1 Corinthians 12)

b) When applied to religious-related groups like churches or teachers the word Charismatic generally implies that those involved believe all New Testament gifts (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12,etc) are available today to believers. Additionally, they believe each Christian should expect to experience one or more of them on a regular basis - including such manifestations as tongues speaking and healing. This term is also used in secular settings to indicate a non-spiritual quality of strong personal appeal and powers of persuasion (such as a politician or speaker who is said to have charisma).