A DEFINITION OF TERMS
USED BY CHRISTIANS

 

Abomination  A most serious category of sin; things that God detests. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

Alleluia  Latin transliteration of Hebrew "Hallelujah," or "Praise the LORD!"

Antediluvian  Taking place in or belonging to the era before the Biblical flood.

Antinomian  The belief that one is not obligated to any law because of faith in Christ.  While seeking to elevate God's grace these deny an important element of God's holiness. (Romans 6:1-2)

Apologetics  Giving evidence (not an apology) for the faith.  Although no one can be "argued into heaven," 1 Peter 3:15 charges us to give answers, and to defend our faith.  There are two schools of apologetic thought: (1) Classical or Evidential apologetics is a more foundational approach that appeals to nature and reason to defend the existence of God and the reliability of the Bible. (2) Presuppositional apologetics does not appeal to nature or reason to defend the existence of God or the reliability of the Bible.  It "presupposes" these to be true.

Apostasy  Turning away from God.  Often associated with gross sin.  For we who believe in the security of true believers, there are no true Christian apostates, only those who seemed to be Christian, who, through apostasy, eventually demonstrated that they were not . (1 John 2:19)

Apostle  A few chosen men who had the special office of establishing the church. They wrote and spoke with special authority that no one has had since.  Though some would say that modern missionaries are apostles, and others would say that certain important modern teachers are apostles, there are no apostles in the biblical sense today.

Arminianism  Named for Jacob Arminius, (a.k.a Joseph--late 16th century). One year after Arminius' death his disciples codified his teachings.  The following is a summary of those five points called the Remonstrance.

1) Before the foundation of the world God determined to save through Jesus Christ all who will believe on Him and persevere to the end. Sinful man is never so completely corrupted by sin, however, that he cannot savingly believe the gospel.

2) Christ died for all and redemption is for all, but only those who believe will be saved.  Sinful man is never so completely controlled by God that he cannot reject the gospel.

3) Man is in a state of apostasy and sin and has no saving grace in himself; it is needful that he be born again and renewed, to think, will, and do what is truly good.  God elects to salvation those He foresees will believe.

4) Without the grace of God man can do nothing, but God's grace is not irresistible. Christ's death did not ensure salvation for anyone in particular.  It created a potential for salvation for everyone who will believe.

5) Those who have become partakers of Christ are given sufficient grace to win the victory over all sin, but it is up to each believer to keep himself in a state of saving grace by keeping the faith.  Those who fail will lose their salvation.

These points are error.  The five points of Calvinism were written as a rebuttal of the Arminian position. (See "Calvinism.")

Association A group of like-minded churches that voluntarily band together for the purposes of fellowship, shared ministry, and accountability.

Assurance  The realization that one has eternal life and is secure in Christ.  Assurance is based on the finished work of Christ alone and is not a self-confidence. (1 John 5:11-13; 1 John 2:3-5)  Salvation is by grace, but assurance is based in part on obedience.  Assurance is to be had by mature saints whose track record affords it to them.

Atonement  To make amends in order to reconcile two parties.  Jesus Christ made atonement to God by dying to pay the penalty for the sins of those who would believe in Him thereby reconciling man to God.

Authoritative  The Bible is the sole authority for all matters of faith and practice.  This is so because the Bible is inspired (God-breathed) and therefore without error.

Bible  The 66 books of the Old and New Testaments.  The Bible is inspired (the very words of God), without error, and is the sole authority for all matters of faith and practice.

Bishop  Literally the same as a pastor and elder.  Sometimes used to describe one who is a pastor to pastors and is involved with more than one congregation.  (1 Timothy 3:1-7)

Call/Calling  Refers primarily to the work of God's Spirit by which people are brought to salvation.  The general call is issued whenever the gospel is preached.  By itself, because of the hardness of man's hearts, this will not result in salvation.  The effectual call is issued by the Holy Spirit to the elect, enabling them to understand the gospel, believe and be saved.  (Romans 8:28)

Used another way, we are called to ministry, Christian service and the vocations [callings] in which we work.

Calvinism  An unfortunate and misleading term.  Associated with John Calvin although not originated by John Calvin, a 16th century Reformer. Calvinism stresses the sovereignty of God in all things, especially salvation. The purpose of this emphasis is to magnify God, His grace and the sovereignty of God over all things. 

Calvinism is in many ways the theology of St. Augustine (4th century). Augustinian theology is simply Pauline (of the Apostle Paul) theology. 

Although many feel that Calvin overemphasized God's sovereignty, it should be noted that Martin Luther (15-16th century) wrote with stronger emphasis on the subject of sovereignty than did Calvin.

The Five Points of Calvinism: John Calvin did not invent this doctrine. Actually John Calvin didn't even write these terms in the manner in which we have them. The five points of Calvinism were written as a rebuttal to the Remonstrance of Arminianism. (See "Arminianism.") The five points are named with the acrostic TULIP.  The names given originally to the tulip are misleading at best.  The following are the five points with their original names, followed by more descriptive terms and a brief explanation of each:

1) Total Depravity or pervasive evil. All men are sinners, and therefore under condemnation. This does not mean men are as totally sinful as they could be, but rather that mankind is totally sinful -- all men are sinners, and therefore sinful. In addition, every area of man's being has been adversely affected by sin.

2) Unconditional Election or sovereign election. Those who are elected by God to be saved, were not chosen on the basis of any personal merit, but by God's sovereign will for reasons known only to Him. (Acts 13:48)

3) Limited Atonement or particular redemption. Every individual that God has elected to be saved, will be saved.  This does not mean that Christ's death cannot atone for the sins of all men, but that it will not atone for the sins of those who ultimately are lost. This point is intended to refute universalism, not to limit Christ's redemptive ability.

4) Irresistible Grace or effectual calling. The sinful nature of the elect is not greater than the grace of God. Those whom God has chosen to save will not be lost.

5) Perseverance of the Saints or faithfullness of God Those who are truly saved will persevere to the end -- none of them will fall away, because God is faithful to keep those whom He has saved. This is due to His faithfulness, not ours!

Canon of Scripture  The collection of books that have been historically considered to be authoritative and included in the Bible.  (See "Bible.")  The word literally refers to a "rule" or a "standard."

Catholic  Literally, universal.  Commonly used to refer to the Roman Catholic Church. 

Cessationist/Non-Cessationist  The former believes that the miracle or "sign-gifts" of the Holy Spirit ceased when the original Apostles died.  The latter believes they did not cease when the original Apostles all died.  

Charismatic  Christians who emphasize the power or sign-gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Not all who believe these gifts still exist are charismatic.  Those who emphasize these gifts to an extreme are pentecostal. (See "Cessationist" and "Pentecostal.")

Church  All of God's redeemed people in both testaments.  There are several phrases that use the word church, each with different meanings. The universal church refers to all believers from all of time.  The visible church refers to people who profess to be Christians and/or those who participate in churches.  The invisible church refers to true believers alive now.  Local churches are bodies of believers in which Christians serve.  The marks of a biblical local church are: a) they preach the word,  b) administer the sacraments, c) are willing to exercise church discipline as needed, and d) have a vision to evangelize the lost.

Church Discipline  The church must maintain purity both in doctrine and in practice.  To maintain this purity, the church is charged with the responsibility to discipline church members who are in serious, especially scandalous, error and who refuse to repent.  Discipline may take the form of pleadings, warnings, withholding of the sacraments, or exclusion from fellowship.  The goal is never to be punitive, but always restorative.  When an erring believer repents, the discipline has been successful.  The repentant one is to be restored to fellowship.  (1 Cor. 5:2-5; Cor. 2:5-11)

Church Growth Movement  A popular movement among many church leaders that seeks to facilitate numerical growth in local churches.  The emphasis on communicating the gospel in terms that are easily understood in modern society is noble.  Many however, have gone too far and have compromised the integrity of the gospel for the sake of results.  This kind of pragmatism is wrong.

Communion  A name by which the Lord's Supper is called.

Confess, Confession  (1) To agree with God regarding sin.  True confession is more than an admission of guilt; it requires repentance to be genuine. (1 John 1:9)  (2) A Confession is a relatively brief presentation of a practical systematic theology.  Confessions must not be allowed to take the place of the Bible, but they do provide excellent clarification of biblical doctrines.  Grace Bible Church adheres to the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689.

Conservative Theology  Beliefs based on adherence to the historic tenets of the Christian faith, i.e., the inerrancy and inspiration of the Bible, the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, the physical resurrection, the literal return of Christ, and many more. (See "Liberal Theology" and "Fundamentalist.")

Convert/conversion  Referring to salvation, this term speaks of the change a person undergoes when saved.  (Acts 3:19)

Covenant  An agreement between two parties. God has made several covenants with man. The last and everlasting covenant is based on salvation through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  (Romans 11:27)

Covenant Theology  God has made two over-arching covenants with man.  God made the covenant of works with Adam, which Adam broke.  He made the covenant of grace, which depends on God's grace rather than man's works.  All subsequent covenants are expressions of the covenant of grace.  The covenant of grace was fully revealed in Christ's sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection.

Cult  As used by Christians, any group that does not hold to the essential historic doctrines of the faith, i.e., inspiration of scripture, deity of Christ, virgin birth, the Trinity, and many more. Examples of cults: Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientology.  Different from occult, which is openly satanic.

Deacon  A serving church leader. Qualifications are found in Acts 6:3 and 1 Timothy 3. 

Decalogue  A term for the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20).

Deism The belief that an impersonal God created everything and then removed Himself from active involvement in His creation.  Deism is not Christian.

Dispensationalism  A system of biblical interpretation that divides history into time periods, called dispensations, wherein God is believed to have dealt with people and related to people differently.  The most important mark of dispensationalism is a separation between Israel and the Church as two completely separate and distinct entities with whom God deals differently.

Other common marks of dispensationalism, though not universally held, are: a) the division between the law and grace; and b) prophecy concerning Christ's return.

Dispensationalist  One who holds to the dispensational system of biblical interpretation.

Ecclesiology  The branch of theology that deals with the doctrines of the Church.

Eisegesis  The study of scripture that reads into the scripture what it is not really saying. Usually based on a preconceived opinion. Different from exegesis which is the study of scripture that seeks to simply draw out what a text actually says.

Elder  A governing church leader. Qualifications are found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.  Pastors are elders.  (See "Pastor" and "Bishop.")

Election  God's choosing of His people to be saved from eternity past.  The elect are destined to salvation.  (See "Predestination.")

Epicureanism  The belief that there is no afterlife and therefore no need to do anything other than that which would satisfy the desires of the physical self.

Epistle  Greek word meaning "letter." The New Testament epistles are letters written from early church leaders to each other and various churches.

Eschatology  The branch of theology that deals with future prophecy, especially the time of Christ's return.

Evangelism  The process whereby people are told of the Gospel.  Evangelism does not depend on the conversion of the lost, but rather on the proclaiming of the gospel.  True evangelism contains the three-point message that: a) man is spiritually ruined due to his sin and therefore subject to the wrath of God; b) that Jesus Christ is the only remedy for man's hopeless situation; and c) each person must receive Jesus Christ by faith in order to enjoy the benefits of salvation.

Evangelist  One who has the gift of communicating the gospel in a way that brings people to salvation.

Evangelical  A person or the belief system that holds to the Christian gospel, tends to be more on the conservative side and understands that the church is to evangelize the lost.

Exegesis  The study of scripture that seeks to draw out exactly and only what the scripture says. Different from eisegesis that seeks to read into the passage what it may not say.

Expositional Teaching/Preaching  Teaching or preaching that explains the content of a passage of the Bible.  Expositional preaching may be through a book or based on a topic, as long as it explains the text, rather than using texts to support an idea that is not supported by the text.

Excommunication  The most extreme form of church discipline in which an erring Christian is excluded from the church until he repents.  Excommunication does not revoke a person's salvation.  The church has no such authority.  (See "Church Discipline.")

Fall  Genesis 3 records man's first sin that plunged all of mankind into sin, resulting in death and judgment.  Key points regarding the Fall are: (1) man distrusted and disobeyed God's Word; and (2) as the federal representative for the human race, Adam's sin caused all of mankind to be fallen sinners by nature, not merely by choice.

Faith  New Testament saving faith is more than a mental agreement with a set of facts.  It is a total reliance upon Christ and an abandonment of reliance on anything else for salvation.  (Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 11:6)

Faith Teachers, Faith Movement  (also Word of Faith Movement)  False teaching that says faith is a power that we can use to create reality. This heresy places man in charge and makes God man's servant who will do man's bidding if man correctly employs the power of faith. Three of the popular leaders in this movement who should be avoided are Kenneth Hagin (deceased), Kenneth Copeland, and Fred Price.

Fellowship  Christians working together for mutual edification and ministry. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Five Point Calvinist  One who holds to all five of the points of Calvinism.  (See "Calvinism.")

Foreknowledge  God's knowledge of all things before they happen. (Acts 2:23, 1 Peter 1:2)

Four Point Calvinist  One who holds to four of the five points of Calvinism.  The one usually rejected is Limited Atonement.  Four pointers believe they are magnifying God's grace by saying that Jesus actually died for the sins of all human beings.  What they fail to understand is that if that is so, either all men are saved (universalism), or there will be people lost for eternity whose sins were forgiven by Christ.  This would mean that Christ's work failed in the cases of those who ultimately were lost.  Both of these notions we firmly reject as untrue.  (See "Calvinism.")

Free Will  It is commonly believed that human beings have free will, or the ability to choose to follow Christ or not.  While we do have limited freedom to choose some things, the ability to choose to follow Christ is not within the grasp of unregenerate people. The reason is that unsaved people are "slaves to sin" (John 8:34; Romans 6:15-23).

Friendship Evangelism  Evangelism that seeks to establish friendships with non-believers as a basis for sharing the gospel.

Fundementalist  One who holds to the basic tenets of the Christian faith.  To many, a fundementalist is a narrow-minded, intolerant, religious zealot.  That is a definition given by the godless who oppose all thongs Christian.  (See "Conservative Theology.") 

Glorification  The last step of our salvation whereby we are released from this earth, brought into the presence of the Lord, and receive new bodies.  This is as good as done in God's eyes but is not experienced by the Christian until either death or the Lord's return. (Romans 8:30, 1 Cor. 15:35-44)  (See "Salvation," "Justification," and "Sanctification.")

Glory  Importance, weight, great honor, praise and adoration.  A distinction given by common assent.  Majestic beauty and splendor.  The peak of achievement. (Isaiah 42:8)

Gnostic, Gnosticism  Religious or philosophical beliefs based on "higher knowledge."  Gnostics usually insist on a stark line of division between physical and spiritual.  The result is usually one of two things: a) the belief that what one does physically does not matter at all, or b) the belief that one must withdraw from the world altogether.  The Book of Colossians was written to correct errors of Gnosticism.

Gospel  Literally, "good news."  The Christian gospel is Christ's death and resurrection on behalf of sinners for their salvation, received through faith.  The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

Grace  Unmerited favor from God toward man.  A gift that was totally undeserved and not sought after.  Everything that we have is ours by God's grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Hallelujah  Hebrew for "Praise the LORD!"

Heaven  The place where the redeemed will spend eternity in the presence of God.  Heaven is more wonderful than the human mind can comprehend (1 Corinthians 2:9). 

Hell  The place where the lost will spend eternity experiencing the eternal wrath of God.  Heaven is more wonderful than the human mind can comprehend.  Conversely, hell is more terrible than can be comprehended (Revelation 20:10-15, 21:8).

Hermeneutics  The science of studying and interpreting the scriptures.

Heresy  Literally to be divisive.  Specifically it refers to dividing the church over false doctrine.  Any doctrine (or practice) that is unbiblical is heretical.  (Titus 3:9-10)

High Worship, or High Church  Worship, especially in music that is more formal, and often quite liturgical with supreme emphasis on the person and attributes of God.  (See "Worship.")

Holy  Absolute purity; freedom from all evil and contamination.  Supreme integrity; no possibility of contradiction or injustice.  Set apart; separate from, other than all else.  Holy can only be used accurately in the literal sense, in describing God, yet by His grace He declares we who are in Christ to be holy. (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Immutable, Immutability  Literally, unchangeable.  This is true of God alone.  (James 1:17)

Inerrancy  The Bible is without error or contradiction in the original manuscripts because it is inspired, or God-breathed.  It is therefore the sole authority for all matters of faith and conduct.  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Inspired  God breathed.  The scriptures are inspired.  They are the very words of God, though transmitted through human writers, their personalities and writing styles. Because the Bible is inspired, it is inerrant, and therefore authoritative. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Jehovah  A transliteration from the Hebrew word for God.  Literally in Hebrew YHWH had no vowels.  This way the name of God would not be pronounced and thereby further revered.  When we refer to Jehovah, we do so to differentiate between the one true God and other false gods.  This word is translated "Lord" in the Bible.

Judaizers  Jewish teachers in the early church that insisted that keeping the law and observing Jewish traditions were necessary for salvation.  This salvation by works is in contradiction to the biblical truth of salvation by grace alone through faith alone.  (Galatians 1:6-9)

Justification  To be declared not guilty by God.  Justification is available to man only through faith in Jesus Christ.  Justification, the first of three steps in our salvation is coincident with regeneration.  (Romans 3:24-30) (See "Salvation," "Sanctification," and "Glorification.")

Law  The Law of God reveals the righteous standards of God, restrains evil and convicts sinners of their need of salvation.  The Law must not be ignored as irrelevant because it is revealed in the Old Testament, because it is in contrast with grace, or because it cannot save.  It must be preached to bring people to grace. (Romans 7:12)

Legalism  Legalists seek to relate to God based on human effort rather than based upon God's grace.  Legalists add to God's Word.  Believers who have strict convictions about secondary issues are often called legalists.  Strict convictions are not necessarily legalism, unless they are deemed necessary for salvation.  (Galatians 5:1-4)  (See "Liberal Theology.")

Liberal Theology  Beliefs based on the denial of the historic tenets of the Christian faith, i.e., the inerrancy and inspiration of the Bible, the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, the physical resurrection, the literal return of Christ, and many more.  Liberals take away from scripture.  (See "Conservative Theology," "Fundamentalist," and "Legalism.")

Licensious/ness  Christians are "free from the Law" but they are not free to live lawlessly.  When a person perverts freedom as a cloak for sin, he is licensious.  (Galatians 5:13)

Life-Style Evangelism  A method of evangelism that seeks opportunity to share the gospel as a matter of course in everyday life as opposed to relying solely upon special techniques and rallies, etc.

Literalist  One who reads the scriptures literally in every case, not taking into account that the Bible, like other kinds of literature, contains hyperbole, poetic allegory, and figurative language.  Literalism is at the root of the false teachings of many Christian sects and cults.

Lord  A title ascribed to Jesus Christ that describes His supreme rank and authority over all.  When seen in the Bible in all upper cases letter, [LORD] indicates the name of God (YHWH or Jehovah) as opposed to simply a title.

Lost  The condition of those who have not received Jesus Christ by faith.  Being lost refers to being separated from God by sin and without hope.

Liturgy (Liturgical) Primarily associated with worship.  Liturgy is a more formal order of worship, often including congregational or responsive readings.  Liturgy is not considered spontaneous.  Virtually all churches have a form of liturgy or order; some are simply more structured than others.

Means of Grace  The various ways in which God communicates His grace to His people.  These include preaching, prayer, the sacraments, fellowship.

Millennium  A 1,000 year time period referred to in Revelation 20. There are four schools of thought regarding the millennium.

1) Amillenialism  The belief that the millennium is not to be taken literally as a 1,000 year period, but rather as a figurative long period of time during which Christ rules, that began with, and continues throughout the church age, after which Christ will return.  This view became prominent as a part of Augustinian teachings and was the prominent view throughout the medieval ages.

2) Dispensational Premillennialism  The belief that Christ will return to take the church out of the world (rapture) just prior to the "great tribulation," during which God will once again deal with Israel as a nation, after which Christ will return to judge the world and establish a 1,000 year reign on earth.  This view surfaced in the mid 1800s and has been the prominent view among evangelicals since.

3) Historic Premillennialism  The belief that Christ will return at the end of the "great tribulation" to establish a 1,000 year reign on earth.  This view claims to be the historic view held by the church in the first century.

4) Postmillennialism  The belief that the millennium will be ushered in after the world has been "Christianized" by the Holy Spirit through the church, followed by the return of Christ.  This view became prominent at the time of the Reformation in the 16th century.

Missiology  The branch of theology that deals with evangelism and missions.

Missionary  One who goes to people other than those of his own ethnic or cultural background to preach the gospel and/or establish churches.

Monotheism  The belief in only one God.  (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:5) (See "Polytheism.")

Normative Principle  Primarily associated with worship, this principle says that if a thing is not forbidden in scripture, it is permissible.  This is in contrast with the "Regulative Principle."  This attempt to remain open may open the door to untold unbiblical practices.  A "sanctified common sense principle" is preferred: do what scripture commands, do not do what scripture condemns, and use sanctified common sense regarding those things about which scripture is silent.

Occult  Having to do with the devil and demons.  Different from cult.  (See "Cult.")

Omnipotent  Having all power.  Only God is omnipotent. (Psalm 147:5)

Omnipresent  Being everywhere present at all times.  Only God is omnipresent. (Psalm 139:7-10)

Omniscient  Possessing all knowledge and wisdom without ever having learned anything.  Only God in omniscient. (Psalm 139:1-6)

Openness Theology  Akin to Process Theology; the belief that God is not omniscient and that even He does not know how everything will turn out.  This is heretical.

Ordinance  A God-ordained and commanded rite or symbol administered by the church.  There are two ordinances:  Baptism and the Lord's Supper.  (See "Sacrament.")

Orthodox, Orthodoxy  Adhering to the historical doctrines of the Christian faith.  Orthodoxy is not to be confused with the Orthodox Church, which is not orthodox.

Pantheism  The belief that God is in everything from rocks to birds to water to air.  This belief is false.

Pastor  Literally the same as elder or bishop.  Practically, the pastor of a church is a vocational elder, rather than a layman.  The pastor oversees the affairs of a local church, teaching, and giving care to its members. (Ephesians 4:11, 1 Timothy 3:1-7)  (See "Elder" and "Bishop.")

Pelagianism  The belief that man has no original or inherited sin from Adam; that each person is created with perfect freedom to do good or evil; that the law, the gospel and divine grace are not necessary for salvation but are helpful; and that Christ helps us by His example.  These beliefs are false and the founder of them, a 5th century British monk named Pelagius, was denounced as a heretic at the Council of Ephesus in A.D. 431. (See "Semi-Pelagianism.")

Pentecostal  See "Charismatic," and "Cessationist."

Perfectionism  The belief that Christians can, and do, reach a level of sinlessness while in this life.  This belief is false.  (See "Sanctification.")

Polity  The form of church government.  There are three basic forms.

1) Congregational Polity  There are two ways of understanding congregationalism.  The first refers to the local church having no body outside of itself that has jurisdiction over local church affairs.  The second refers to church government by popular vote of the members of the congregation, a democratic style.

2) Episcopal Polity  Church government by a hierarchy who rules, a monarchical style.

3) Presbyterian Polity  Church government by elder rule, a representative republic style.

Polytheism  The belief in more than one God. This belief is false.  Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses are polytheists although they try to deny it.  (See "Monotheism.")

Practical Theology  The practical application of theological study.  All true theology is practical.

Praise  A form of worship wherein we thank God for all He has done as opposed to emphasis on who He is.  (See "Worship.")

Predestination  God's choosing of His people to be saved and conformed into the image of Christ from eternity past.  (Romans 8:29-30)

Preterition  The passing over of those not chosen to be saved.  This is not the same as choosing them to be lost.  People are lost due to sin, not God's choosing.  All are commanded to repent and believe in Jesus.  Because the lost are slaves to sin, none will choose to follow Christ apart from God's saving grace.  God chooses some to save by grace and those who are not chosen are allowed to choose for themselves. (Romans 9:21-24)

Process Theology  The false belief that God is "becoming."  This postulates that God does not know the future and is not sovereign.  Also known as the "openness of God."

Propitiation  That which appeases the wrath of God.  Jesus Christ is the propitiation that appeases the wrath of God on sinful men who have faith in Christ.  (1 John 4:10)

Priest  One who speaks to God for men.  In the Old Testament the Levite tribe served as priests for God's people.  In the New Testament, all believers are priests in one sense (Revelation 1:6, 5:10), but there is only One Priest in the literal sense; and that Priest is Jesus.  (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 9:11)

Progressive Revelation  God has been coninuing to reveal more of Himself throughout the ages.  Noah and Abraham knew less of God's truth than we who live this side of the cross.  The revelation has never changed, it has merely been expanded upon.  This gives no place for pride, but it makes us more accountable.

Prophet/Prophecy One who speaks to men for God.  Sometimes prophets foretell the future, but that is not the only way prophets speak for God.  They also declare God's Word, even through authoritative preaching.  (Ephesians 4:11)

Protestant/ism  After 1,000 years of the medieval ages, during which the most of the church strayed from her biblical moorings, God was pleased to restore His church to biblical doctrine.  Those who lead and followed this "Reformation" were called "Protestants" because they were perceived as "protesters" against the Roman Catholic church.  The Reformers did not want to break away from the Roman church, preferring to "Reform" it.  That proved to be impossible.  Christians who are not Roman Catholic are called Protestant, but in reality, only those who hold the doctrines of the Reformation are true Protestants.

Puritan  Puritans were 17th century Christians in England and in America who sought to purify the Church of England.  In our day, they are unfairly maligned as the worst possible type of person.  They were, in fact, some of the finest examples of biblical Christianity in the history of the church.  Christians today should learn about, and from, the Puritans and seek to be like them.

Quietism  The belief that since the believer can do nothing apart from the Holy Spirit, that he should do nothing; instead, quietly waiting on God to accomplish His will through passive believers.  This is the idea "let go, and let God." Although based on a true premise, the conclusion is not biblical.

Reconcile  To bring peace to warring parties.  Man declares war on God through sin.  Jesus Christ reconciles man to God by paying the penalty for man's sin for him. (Romans 5:11, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

Redeem/Redemption  Man sold himself into slavery to sin by sinning.  Jesus purchased His people back from this slavery, or "redeemed" them from sin for Himself. (Titus 2:14)

Reformation  A movement of God in the 16th century that separated Protestants from the Roman Catholic Church.  Led by Martin Luther, John Calvin and others.  The issues were theological not merely methodological.

Reformed (Reformed Theology)  The doctrines of Christianity as rediscovered and emphasized by the Reformers at the time of the Protestant Reformation (16th century).  These emphases include, but are not limited to, the following: salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone; the sovereignty of God in all things; a high view of scripture as the only source authority for all matters of faith and practice; and the priesthood of all believers.  (See "Solas.")

Regeneration  The work of God whereby new life is given to the elect.  When one is born again he is regenerated.  Regeneration is a work of God, not of man, nor is regeneration a result of man's faith.  (John 3:3, 7,; 1 Peter 1:23)

Regulative Principle  Primarily associated with worship, this principle says that if a thing is not commanded in scripture, it is forbidden.  This is in contrast with the "Normative Principle."  This attempt to hold a high view of scripture breaks down, since there are many things that are not mentioned in scripture that are good and profitable.  A "sanctified common sense principle" is preferred: do what scripture commands, do not do what scripture condemns, and use sanctified common sense regarding those things about which scripture is silent.

Repentance  A genuine changing of mind that results by change in life-style.  Repentance is a necessary aspect of Christian salvation.  We can only repent because God grants us the grace to repent, but we are responsible to repent. (Acts 11:18, 17:30)

Reprobate  One who is destined to damnation.

Righteous/ness  Literally justice or uprightness.  God alone is righteous in the truest sense.  When a person is saved, not only are his sins forgiven, but he is given the righteousness of Christ, making him acceptable to God. (Philippians 3:8-9)

Saints  All Christians are saints because all Christians are sanctified.  Both words share the same root. (1 Corinthians 1:2)

Sacrament  An outward physical symbol of an inward spiritual reality.  The Lord's Supper and Baptism are sacraments.  (See "Ordinance.")

Sanctification  Saints are declared holy when they are justified.  The life-long process of sanctification follows during which we grow in actual holiness.  This process is completed when we are glorified at death and freed from all sin into the presence of God.  No one ever reaches the point of perfection while in this life.  (See "Perfectionism" and "Salvation.")  (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

Salvation  To be rescued from the deserved wrath of God on sinful men.  Salvation is based on belief in Jesus Christ.  Salvation consists of three parts: justification, sanctification, and glorification. (Romans 1:16)

All three are accomplished in the eternal plan of God from before time began. All three were secured when Christ died on the cross. All three belong to the Christian from the time he receives the grace to receive Christ by faith. Positionally we have all three. 

Conditionally, or practically speaking, we are justified when we believe, we are sanctified as we grow in grace and we will be glorified when we go to be with the Lord either when we die or when He comes again.

Scripture  Christian scripture is the Bible.  (See "Bible.") (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Sect  A group that, although marginally Christian in doctrine, is led by a dictatorial leader or leaders, is legalistic, and/or has an air of exclusivity.

Semi-Pelagianism  Slightly modified form of Pelagianism. Equally false.

Sin  Any thought or deed that is less than the perfection of God. (Romans 3:23)

Socratic Method  A method of teaching popularized by Socrates whereby students are asked questions to help them discover answers.  This is in contrast with lecture style teaching.

Solas, The Five  Five major tenants of the Protestant Reformation. 1) Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone. 2) Sola Gratia: Salvation by grace alone (not by works). 3) Sola Fide: Grace received by faith alone (not by works). 4) Sola Cristus: Salvation is through Christ alone (not by any other mediator). 5) Soli Deo Gloria: All for the glory of God alone.

Soteriology  The branch of theology that deals with salvation.

Synagogue  A place of religious instruction (without sacrifices) that took the place of the temple for those Jews who moved away from Jerusalem, and for all Jews once the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D.

Systematic Theology   The systematic categorization of biblical truth into topics. In a truly systematic theology, all aspects must be wholly integrated with no contradictions.

Tabernacle  The tent, or temporary dwelling place, of God wherein He was to be worshipped in the Old Testament.  (Leviticus 9:23)

Temple  The more permanent structure that replaced the Tabernacle. (1 Kings 6:12-14)

Theology  The study of God.  There are numerous aspects of theology.

Trichotomy  The belief that man is made up of three parts: body, soul (the mind, emotions and will), and spirit. Trichotomists see a difference between the soul and the spirit that the dichotomists do not.  (See "Dichotomy.")

Trinity  The doctrine of the Trinity correctly states that the Bible clearly teaches that there is ONLY one God (Isaiah 45:5).  The Bible also clearly teaches, however,  that there is a person called God who is also called the Father (2 Peter 1:17); that there is a person called God who is also called the Son (John 20:26-28); and that there is a person called God who is also called the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-5).

Therefore God is a Trinity made up of three distinct persons who together form one God. They are all co-equal and co-eternal. They are NOT three Gods.  This doctrine is beyond human comprehension but true.  The doctrine of the Trinity is an essential doctrine of the Christian faith.

Trinitarian  One whose theology includes the doctrine of the Trinity. This is in contrast with a Unitarian who denies the doctrine of the Trinity.

Vicarious  Someone taking the place of another. Jesus died a vicarious death since He died in our place.

Worship  Any activity that seeks to exalt, adore and pay homage to God. Usually worship is thought of in musical terms, and although it is most often expressed in music, it is not limited to music.  We worship God for who He is.

 

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