To search the Bible for a particular word in this study, just click on the following link Concordance and type in the search word or words you wish to find; for example "God," and then what you want to use to help your search, for example; KJV with "Strong's Numbers," and then what part or all of the Bible you wish to use to search in; for example the "whole Bible," and then click "Find." After the verses are pulled up, just click on the word you are searching for, for example "God", in the verse to get its definition.

Alphabetical list of Theological Terms

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A

Accountable / Free Will The issues as to how much humans are “free moral agents” has divided the theological and philosophical worlds. If a person is NOT a free moral agent, then how can they be held accountable? The Bible presents the idea that humans are “judged” based on “their choices,” and our own judicial system supports that.
The second issue is theological. How does God interact with our free will? If God is sovereign, then how does that take into account humanity’s free will? Can humans divert the will of God? Can we freely choose to love and obey God, or disobey Him, or are we just robots? For love to be love it must be given out of ones own free choice. The two schools of thought in the protestant world differ between what John Calvin or James Arminius taught.

Adamic we all have a common heritage from the same original parents Adam and Eve (Gen.1:26, 27). Therefore we have a shared nature. "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them." Gen.2.7, "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
The Hebrew word for Adam means “reddish” or from the root word for blood. Eve means “mother of all the living”. The woman proceeded from the man Gen.2:21, 22. The Hebrew word for Man and Woman are ish = man / isha = woman. The word for Woman means “bride.” This is to be a type or foreshadowing of the Godhead's relationship with humanity, one of bride and groom.

Adoption / Glorification (Rom.8:14-17, Heb.2:7-10) is that in which the saints, being raised from the dead, are at the last day solemnly owned to be the children of God, and enter into the full possession of that inheritance provided for them. We have received the “Spirit of Adoption” (Rom.8:23, Gal.4:5-7, Eph.1:5) proof of our relationship to God as His Children.

Allegorical interpret the book of Revelation as having no single historical fulfillment, only transcendent principles and recurrent themes. Much of scripture is symbolic. They do not take certain apocalyptic events as being literal. The Church is Christ on this earth. They do believe in a final return of Jesus to the earth but to Rome as the center of Christianity.

Anthropology (The Study of Humanity).

Anti-Christ (I John 2:18, 22, 4:3, II John 1:7), False Prophet (Rev. 16:13, 19:20, 20:10) Beast spoken of in the Book of Daniel and 25 times in the Book of Revelation (Dan. 7:6, 11, Rev. 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20).

Apostolic Succession a claim to direct succession of Bishops from Peter to the present in the Roman Catholic Church. Also see Pope.

Armageddon / Final battle between good and evil / Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev.16:16, Chapters 19, 20).

Ascension (John 16:28, Acts 1:9) The effects or ends of Christ's ascension were, 1. To fulfill the prophecies and types concerning it. 2. To take upon him more openly the exercise of his kingly office. 3. To receive gifts for men both ordinary and extraordinary, 4. To open the way into heaven for his people, Heb.10:19, 20. 5. To assure the saints of their ascension also, John 14:1, 2.

Assumed into Heaven this was declared as the 4th Dogma of Mary at the First Vatican Council in 1870. There is no earthly record of where Mary was buried. Her death is recorded but not her place of burial. It is taught not that she ascended as Jesus did, but that she was assumed into heaven after her death, a foreshadowing of what will occur to all believers. This is not just based upon history, but theological and biblical. We see in (Rev.11:19-12:1-) that the woman referred to as the “ark of the Covenant” and in (Rev.12:5) as the mother of the messiah, is in heaven. She is also called the "Queen of Heaven."

Atonement / Propitiation to atone means to make amends, to repair a wrong done. Biblically, it means to remove sin. The Old Testament atonements offered by the high priest were temporary and a foreshadow of the real and final atonement made by Jesus. Jesus atoned for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). This atonement is received by faith (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9).
Man is a sinner (Rom. 5:8) and cannot atone for himself. Therefore, it was the love of the Father that sent Jesus (1 John 4:10) to die in our place (1 Pet. 3:18) for our sins (1 Pet. 2:24). Because of the atonement, our fellowship with God is restored (Rom. 5:10). Propitiation means the turning away of wrath by an offering. It is similar to expiation but expiation does not carry the nuances involving wrath. For the Christian the propitiation was the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. It turned away the wrath of God so that He could pass "over the sins previously committed" (Rom. 3:25). It was the Father who sent the Son to be the propitiation (1 John 4:10) for all (1 John 2:2).

Attributes of God classified as Moral or Non-moral.

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B

Baptism originally called in Hebrew a “Mikvah.” It was a ritual immersing into water done weekly, or in preparation for special Holy Days, and even marriage. It represented birth and death (Rom.6:1-14). It is done in the name and authority (Acts 4:7) of Christ with the baptismal formula of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). (I Pet.3:21, Col.2:11,12, Eph.4:5). It came to replace and represent “circumcision.” Baptism is given to adults and children.

Bibliology (The Study of the Bible) Special Revelation.

Birth Pains (Mat.24:8, Rom. 8:18-23, II Cor.5:1, 2, 4, I Cor.15:53, 54) All of creation is going through a process theologically called “birth pains of the Messiah.” All of creation groans with expectation for the “revelation / birth of the Sons of God.”

Body of Christ (I Cor.12:27, Eph. 4:2) The Church is Christ’s visible presence on this earth created to carry out His will.

Born Again (I Pet.1:23) The new birth enjoyed by a Christian upon his conversion and regeneration. It is a work of the Holy Spirit within a believer. It is related to faith in Christ and Him crucified (John 3:3-5). It means that the person is no longer dead in sins (Eph.2:1), no longer spiritually blind (1 Cor.2:14), and is now a “new creation” in Christ Jesus (2 Cor.5:17).

Bride of Christ (John 3:29, Eph. 5:23-33, II Cor.11:2, Rev. 19:7, 21:2, 9, 10, 22:17) the Church is symbolized as being a “spotless bride” for Christ. In the Old Testament, Israel is referred to in the same way.

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C

Calling /Gifts Gifts (Rom.8:28, 11:29) the elect are those called by God to salvation. This election occurs before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4) and is according to God's will not man's (Rom.8:28-30, 9:6-23) because God is sovereign (Rom.9:11-16).

Canon literally means rule or measure. As it applies to the Bible, it refers to the authorized books of the Bible both Old and New Testaments.

Christology (The Study of Christ).

Church / Ecclesia / Catholic (Mat.16:16-20, 18:17) those who are called out, or an assembly. It is understood of the collective body of Christians, or all those over the face of the earth who profess to believe in Christ, and acknowledge him to be the Savior of mankind: this is called the visible church, (Eph. 3:21, 4:11,12, 1 Tim. 3:15). It is the whole body of God's chosen people, in every period of time: this is the invisible church. It also said that the Church is “universal” or “Catholic”. Pillar and Ground of Truth (I Tim.3:15) as Christ’s Body on this earth, the Church is entrusted with presenting the truth’s of Christ and interpreting and applying the scripture, which is the word of God. Discharges offices (Priest, Deacon, Elder / Pastor, Bishop) (Eph.4:11, I Tim.3:1-15, 4:14, 5:19) Holy Priesthood (Ex.19:5, 6, Deut.14:2, I Pet.2:9) Israel was also called to be a nation of priests. Distributes Sacraments / Means of Grace is a manner in which the Lord imparts grace to a believer as he partakes in the sacrament. A sacrament is a visible manifestation of the word. a. Proclaim the Gospel to the whole world (Mat.28:16-20) b. To be a witness of Unity (John 17:20, 21, Eph.4:3-6) c. To teach sound doctrine (II Tim.4:2, 3). d. We have the Ministry of Reconciliation (II Cor.5:18).

Communion of Saints the communion of saints is the spiritual solidarity which binds together the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven in the organic unity of the same mystical body under Christ its head, and in a constant interchange of supernatural offices. The participants in that solidarity are called saints by reason of their destination and of their partaking of the fruits of the Redemption. The damned are thus excluded from the communion of saints. The living, even if they do not belong to the body of the true Church, share in it according to the measure of their union with Christ and with the soul of the Church. Heavenly saints are able to intercede on behalf of those on the earth (Rev.7:9-17, 8:3,4). See also "Canonization of Saints and Martyrs."

Condemnation Declaring an evildoer to be guilty; the punishment inflicted. Without Jesus we stand condemned before God not only because of the sin of Adam (Rom. 5:16-18) but also because of our own sin (Matt. 12:37). However, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death" (Rom. 8:1-2). Christians have passed out of condemnation because they are forgiven in Christ.

Confession (Mat.18:15-20, James 5:13-16, I Jh.1:9). The Church's authority to remit or retain sins.

Conscience Is the human conscience innate, or developed? It is universal that humanity is able to make “moral choices.” But do we all share a common sense of what is right and wrong? Is the conscience like the idea of instinct, something that is innate, or must it be “educated?” The Bible speaks of the idea that each person has a conscience and that ones conscience can be severed or darkened (Rom.2:25). Therefore, the conscience is something innate in a human that must be educated.

Conversion turning from evil to God. God converts (Acts 21:19) the unsaved into the saved, from the unregenerate to the regenerate. It is produced through the preaching of the gospel (Romans 10:14; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and results in repentance (Acts 26:20) and a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The fruits of conversion are listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

Conviction The work of the Holy Spirit where a person is able to see himself as God sees him: guilty, defiled, and totally unable to save himself (John 16:8). Conviction of the Holy Spirit of an unbeliever reveals sinfulness and guilt and brings fear. Conviction of the Holy Spirit of the believer brings an awareness of sin and results in confession and cleansing. This conviction is produced by the Holy Spirit (John 16:8), the Gospel (Acts 2:37), the conscience (Rom. 2:15), and the Law (James 2:9). Conviction of our sins brings us to the cross. It shows us our need for forgiveness.

Convict / Repentance / Teach / Guide into all truth (John 14:26, 16:7-11, Rom.2:4, I John 2:27) It is the mercy and kindness of God through the Holy Spirit that leads us to repentance, or a changing of mind. His role is to convict us of sin that leads us to repentance. He also is the great teacher. Jesus said that there were many things that the apostles were not yet prepared to know and that it would be through the work of the Holy Spirit that they would be guided in to all truth. We have received an “anointing” or endowment from the Holy Spirit that helps us to understand God’s truth.

Cosmological An attempt to prove that God exists by appealing to the principle that all things have causes. There cannot be an infinite regress of causes, therefore, there must be an uncaused cause: God.

Creed / Dogma a biblical teaching structured as a statement of faith.

Crucifixion (Rom.6:3-10) through Christ’s death all of humanity died “In Him”.

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D

Day of the Lord / Coming of the Lord a day of God's wrath (Isa.13:6, Joel 1:15, Mat.24:3, 36, Acts 2:20, I Thes.5:2, II Pet.3:10). See also "Parousia."

Decrees The Decrees of God is His eternal purpose, according to His will, whereby He has foreordained whatever comes to pass. His Decrees do not negate the responsibility of people for their sins nor does it mean that God is responsible for sin.

Dichotomy / Trichotomy The Scriptures teach that God formed the body of man of the dust of the earth, and breathed into him the breath of life and he became a living soul. According to this account, man consists of two distinct principles, a body and a soul / spirit: the one material, the other immaterial; the one corporeal, the other spiritual. It is involved in this statement, first, that the soul of man is a substance; and, secondly, that it is a substance distinct from the body, so that in the constitution of man two distinct substances are included. The Bible also speaks of 3 parts; body, soul and spirit (Heb.4:12). We are judged based upon what we have done in our body, and in our soul and spirit. The Bible uses the words spirit and soul of man hundreds of times separately as if they are separate.

Divine / Perfect The word is also used figuratively for any thing that is excellent, extraordinary, and that seems to go beyond the power of nature and the capacity of man.

Doctrine / Orthodoxy / Catechism synonymous terms meaning authoritative teachings or beliefs.

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E

Ecclesiology (The Study of the Church)

Election The elect are those called by God to salvation. This election occurs before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4) and is according to God's will not man's (Rom. 8:29-30; 9:6-23) because God is sovereign (Rom. 9:11-16). The view of election is especially held by Calvinists who also hold to the doctrine of predestination.

Eschatology (The Study of End Things / Events).

Eternal That God is without end, may be proven from, 1. His spiritually and simplicity, Rom.1:23. From his independency, Rom.9:5. From his immutability, 2 Pet.1:24, 25. Mal.3:6. Psal.3:26, 27. From his dominion and government, said never to end, Jer.10:10, Psal.10:16. Dan.4:3.

Eternal / Everlasting Life (John 3:16) Life everlasting in the presence of God. "This is eternal life, that they may know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou has sent" (John 17:3). There are two senses in which this is used. First, as Christians we possess eternal life (1 John 5:13), yet we are not in heaven or in the immediate presence of God. Though we are still in mortal bodies and we still sin, by faith we are saved (Rom. 4:5; Eph. 2:8-9) and possess eternal life as a free gift from God (Rom. 6:23). Second, eternal life will reach its final state at the resurrection of the believers when Christ returns to earth to claim His church. It is then that eternal life will begin in its complete manifestation. We will no longer sin.

Eternal Soul Is the soul eternal? Is eternal life something that is given, or are humans eternal upon their creation? Does the body and soul cease to exist after death and can it be annihilated? In Gen.3:22, it says that after they had sinned that God made them leave the garden, “Behold the man is become as one of us, knowing good and evil: now therefore lest perhaps he put forth his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever; therefore God took them from the garden.” Was God keeping humans from living eternally in a corrupted body, or was he saying that humanity is not eternal? The Church teaches that humans are eternal beings and that they can NOT be annihilated, but live eternally in or out of God’s presence.

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F

Filioque is a theological formula of great dogmatic and historical importance. It expresses the Procession of the Holy Ghost from both Father and Son as one Principle. This doctrine divided the Eastern and Western Church.

Filled / Baptized (Acts 1:5, 8, 2:4, 4:31, Eph.5:18) terms used interchangeably, symbolizing an immersing into God, more of us given to God.

Flesh / Carnal a term used in (Romans chapter 7) referring to the sinful part of us wherein lies sinful desires.

Foreordains / Foreknowledge Is God's foresight or knowledge of every thing that is to come to pass, Acts 2:23. It is the knowledge of God about things that will happen. Past, present, and future are all "present" in the mind of God. But God’s foreknowledge is NOT causative.

Forgiveness There are seven words in Scripture which denote the idea of forgiveness: three in Hebrew and four in Greek. No book of religion except Christianity teaches that God completely forgives sins. God remembers our sins no more (Hebrews 10:17). God is the initiator of forgiveness (Colossians 2:13). For man to receive forgiveness, repentance is necessary (Luke 17:3-4). For the holy God to extend forgiveness, the shedding of blood is necessary (Hebrews 9:22; Leviticus 17:11). Forgiveness is based upon the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal.5:22, 23, I Cor.13) symbolic of the “first-fruit of Pentecost.” They are the character in which the Gifts of the Spirit are to be used. Our “fruit” is judged by God, not our gifts.

Futurist also called dispensationalist or millenarians, see the book of Revelation and the prophecies of Jesus as still needing to be fulfilled. Most futurists see the Catholic Church as the whore of Babylon and the Pope as the false Prophet. They see society as getting worse and culminating with the Rapture of the Church prior to the final earthly Battle of Armageddon and ushering in the return of Jesus to Israel in order to usher in a literal 1000 year reign of Jesus on this earth in Israel. After 1000 years Satan will be loosed and thus a final angelic battle leading up to a new earth, heaven and Jerusalem.

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Gifts of the Holy Spirit (I Cor.12, Eph.4:10-13, Rom.12:6-8) given by God in order to “equip” the Church and lead it into “maturity.” They are also used in order to be a “witness” to the world.

Glorification / Exaltation (Acts 2:33, 5:31, Phil.2:9-11) It was only upon Jesus glorification and exaltation whereby we are saved and can have confidence in our salvation.

Goodness Relates to the absolute perfection of God's own nature, and his kindness manifested to his creatures.

Gospel / Good News The Gospel is the good news that we have forgiveness of sins through Jesus. Specifically, the gospel is defined by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: "Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." The gospel comes from God (Galatians 1:10-12), is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16), is a mystery (Ephesians 6:19), and is a source of hope (Colossians 1:23), faith (Acts 15:7), life (1 Corinthians 4:15), and peace (Ephesians 6:15).

Guilt Being responsible for and accountable for an offense. Biblically, it is the state of being under a present or pending consequence due to a sin against God’s Law. It is also an emotional state as well as legal condition. Guilt feelings are used by the Holy Spirit to inform the sinner of broken fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:2; John 16:8). Because of our guilt before God, we need reconciliation (Rom. 5:6-9).

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H

Harmartiology (The Study of Sin).

Heart of Man considered to be the seat of decision making (Romans 10:9, 10). It also can be deceitful and hardened.

Heaven / Paradise (Lk.23:43, II Cor.12:4, Rev.2:7, 22).

Hell / Hades / Gehenna / Sheol (Rev.20:14) a place of constant burning outside of the presence of God. Lake of Fire / Second Death (Rev.20:14).

Historical scripture is also placed within an historical context that must be examined in order to determine its context. It is not some mythical literature that is apart from human history.

Historicist believe that the book of Revelation surveys the whole of church history combining it with 7 periods of secular history. The final period is yet to be fulfilled. Most Historists see the Catholic Church as the whore of Babylon and the Pope as the false Prophet which will be done away with upon the return of Jesus. They believe in a literal interpretation of prophecy. Many early Protestant leaders taught this.

Holy Is the purity and rectitude of God's own nature. It is an essential attribute of God, and what is the glory, lustre, and harmony of all his other perfections, Ps.27:4. Exod.15:11. “Be holy for I am holy.”

Holy Spirit referred to in the Bible as the; Spirit of God / Lord, Ruach, Paraclete. (John 4:24, 7:38, 39, 14:16, 17, 26, 16:7-11, 13, Rom.8:26, 27, II Cor.3:17). Can be Blasphemed / Lied to / Tested / Resisted / Quenched (Mark 3:29, Acts 5:3, 9, 7:51,
(I Thes.5:19).

Holy Tabernacle Mary is presented as a “type of Ark of the Covenant.” Since the OT Ark of the Covenant contained the very presence of God within it, so too Mary contained the very presence of God (incarnation) with Jesus within her. In (Luke 1:43) Elizabeth upon seeing Mary with child quotes (II Sam. 6:9) which refers to the “Ark of the Covenant coming to David.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for 3 months which was the same number of months the Ark stayed with Obed-Edom. "The Ark of the Covenant "remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months" on its way to Jerusalem" (2 Samuel 6:11).
In (Rev.11:19) we also see that the woman is referred to as the “ark of the Covenant.” The Ark of the Covenant was the sign of God's real presence among His people. In Jesus Christ, born of Mary, God was really present among his people in an even more direct way. The Ark held the Word of God written in stone. Mary bore the Word of God in flesh. The Ark held the bread from heaven, a foreshadowing of the Eucharist (see 1 Corinthians 10:1-4). Mary bore the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ (see John 6:48-50). The Ark contained the rod of Aaron, symbol of his priesthood. Mary bore Jesus Christ, our High Priest (see Hebrews 3:1). If the Ark of the Covenant was holy, then by the same standards Mary is even holier. As Mother of God, she is the Ark of the New Covenant, bearing Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the Bread of Life, our great High Priest. That is not a re-interpretation of the Gospel: it is a truth made clear by the New Testament writers themselves.

Humiliation / Kenosis (Phil.2:5-11, Rom.8:3) This is a teaching concerning Jesus' incarnation. The Kenosis attempts to solve some paradoxes between the nature of God and of man as united in Jesus. For example, how could an all knowing God become a baby, or how could God be tempted? The Kenosis maintains that God when becoming a man divested Himself of some qualities of being a man. Compare with Hypostatic Union.

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I

Illumination the ability God gives humanity to see beyond its own understanding.

Immaculately Conceived the 3rd Marian Dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary was defined in the Constitution Ineffabilis Deus of 8 December, 1854, Pius IX pronounced and defined that the Blessed Virgin Mary in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin.
This term many times is confused to be referring to the birth of Jesus, which is the Incarnation, when it actually refers theologically to the birth of Mary. Simply stated, Mary was kept from the “stain of original sin” upon her conception because of the future birth of Jesus.
Just as Eve was created without the stain of sin, so too, Mary as the New Eve, was born without the stain of Original Sin. This didn’t mean that she was not in need of salvation like the rest of humanity, but that she being a special holy vessel of God was kept from the stain of sin.
Also, the term “full of grace” (Luke 1:28) does not just mean favored, but full of God’s sacramental graces. This is a greeting found nowhere else in Scripture. Kecharitomene, the word translated "favored one," or "full of grace" is extremely rare, used only in the annunciation text and in Paul's Letter to the Ephesians. In each case, the verb is used to indicate an action that causes some effect in the object of the verb. Paul speaks of how God "granted" or bestowed His grace upon us in Jesus (see Ephesians 1:6-7). In this instance, Paul uses the word to describe how God's grace causes a transformation in us - forgiving our sins, making us His adopted sons and daughters. In the same way, the use of kecharitomene in the angel's address implies that Mary has been favored by the bestowal of God's grace.

Image of God (Imago Dei) “Theology of the Body” (Gen.1:26, 27) What does it mean to have been created in the image of God? We share with God certain moral attributes, but not non-moral attributes. We also share a physical bond with God, we are able to procreate.

Immutable The divine attribute of unchangeableness. God said in Exodus 3:14, "I AM that I AM," signifying His eternal sameness and His sovereignty. He cannot change His moral character, His love, His omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, etc. God is "From everlasting to everlasting," (Psalm 90:2).

In Him (II Cor.1:20, 5:18-21, Eph.1:4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13) God was “In Christ” reconciling the world unto Himself. It is then the role of the Holy Spirit to continue that ministry of reconciliation through us.

Incarnation / Divinity / Hypostatic Union (Col.1:19, 2:9) Simply put, it is God becoming man. The addition of human nature to the nature of God the second person of the Trinity. It is where God became a man (John 1:1,14; Philippians 2:5-8). It was the voluntary act of Jesus to humble Himself so that He might die for our sins (1 Peter 3:18). Thus, Jesus has two natures: Divine and human. This is known as the Hypostatic Union. The doctrine is of vital importance to the Christian. By it we understand the true nature of God, the atonement, forgiveness, grace, etc. It is only God who could pay for sins. Therefore, God became man (John 1:1, 14) to die for our sins (1 Peter 2:24) which is the atonement. Through Jesus we have forgiveness of sins. Since we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) it is essential that our object of faith be accurate. The doctrine of the incarnation insures accuracy, the knowledge that God died on the cross to atone for sin and that the God-man (Jesus) is now in heaven as a mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) between us and God. Jesus came to reveal the Father (Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22), to do His will (Hebrews 10:5-9), to fulfill prophecy (Luke 4:17-21), to reconcile the world (2 Corinthians 5:18-21), and to become our High Priest (Hebrews 7:24-28). Contrast with Kenosis.

Indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment due to sin, the guilt of which has been forgiven.

Inspiration / Inerrant (II Tim.3:16, II Pet.1:20, 21) The doctrine that the Bible was written by the influence of God. It is, therefore, without error. It is accurate and authoritatively represents God's teachings. As such it is a revelation from God which implies direct knowledge about God, creation, man, salvation, the future, etc. It is an illumination in that it shows us what we could not know apart from it.

Intelligent Design An attempt to prove God's existence by arguing that the universe and things in it exhibit attributes of design. A design must have a designer. Since the Universe appears designed, it had to have someone who designed it.

Intercession (Rom.8:26, 27) the Holy Spirit prays for us according to the “will of God.” We too are called as the Church to intercede (I Tim.2:1-4, Heb.10:25).

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Jealous (Ex.20:5) not the human emotion, but God’s great desire to be unity with His creation.

Judgment / Particular (I Cor.3:12-16, II Cor.5:10, Rom.14:10-12) Final Judgment / Great White Throne Room (Rev.20:11-13)

Just / Merciful / Forbearance / Longsuffering Just is that perfection whereby God is infinitely righteous and just, both in himself and in all his proceedings with his creatures. Mercy Is his readiness to relieve the miserable and to pardon the guilty. 1. It is essential to his nature, Exod.34:6, 7; not, indeed, as a passion or affection, as it is in men, but the result of his sovereign will, and guided by his infinite wisdom. Patience Is his long suffering or forbearance. He is called the God of patience, not only because he is the author and object of the grace of patience, but because he is patient or long suffering in himself, and towards his creatures.

Justification To be justified is to be made righteous. It is a divine act where God declares the sinner to be innocent of his sins. It is not that the sinner is now sinless, but that he is "declared" sinless. This justification is based on the shed blood of Jesus, "...having now been justified by His blood..." (Rom. 5:9). When God sees the Christian, He sees him through the sacrifice of Jesus and "sees" him without sin. This declaration of innocence is not without cost for it required the satisfaction of God's Law, "...without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Heb. 9:22). By the sacrifice of Jesus, in the "one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men" (Rom. 5:18). In justification, the justice of God fell upon Himself--Jesus. We receive mercy--we are not judged according to our sins. And grace is shed upon us--we receive eternal life. This justification is a gift of grace (Rom. 3:24), by faith (Rom. 3:28) because Jesus bore our guilt (Isaiah 53:12).

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Kingdom of God The kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven seem to be variations of the same idea. A kingdom implies a king. Our king is Jesus. Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). Jesus' authority did not come from man but from God (Luke 22:29). Entrance into the kingdom of God is by a new birth (John 3:5), repentance (Matthew 3:2), and the divine call (1 Thessalonians 2:12). We are told to seek the kingdom of God first (Matthew 6:33) and to pray for its arrival (Matthew 6:10). "The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). It is also a future kingdom where full rulership in the actual presence of the king Jesus will occur when He returns to earth.

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Law / Torah / Tutor if humanity is unable to obey God, then what use was the Law of God? (Gal.3:24) to lead humanity to Christ. Some are "antinomian" or against the Law.

Lord’s Supper / Communion / Eucharist – Real Presence (Mat.26:26-29, John 6:51-56, I Cor.10:16, 16, 11:23-30)
Transubstantiation the bread and wine change to become the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ. Consubstantiation the substance of Christ's Body exists together with the substance of bread, and in like manner the substance of His Blood together with the substance of wine. In remembrance of and Symbolic (Luke 22:19, I Cor.11:24, 25). Also called an "Agape Feast."

Love of God God is Love 1 John 4:19.

Lust / Covet used interchangeably to describe an inordinate desire to possess things or people which inevitable leads away from God and His will (James 1:13-15).

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Magisterium the authoritative teachings of the Church through the centuries.

Mariology (The Study of Mary).

Marriage (Eph.5:22-33) Symbolizes the type of relationship that Christ has with the Church, His bride.

Mediation / High Priest (I Tim.2:5, Rom.8:34, Heb.4:14-16, 7:25) Jesus “sits on the right hand of the Father” in a place of equality, authority and representation as our intercessor.

Mediatrix / Co-advocate / Co-Redemptrix. Simply stated, since Christ is our Mediator, Advocate and Redeemer, Mary as His mother participates in this aspect as well. Mary is told this by Simeon in (Luke 2:35) that “a sword shall pierce your soul.” Mary participates in the suffering of Christ as her Son. She provided the Redeemer, so then she is a participant as a co-redeemer.
In Jewish history, the mother of the King (I Kings 2:18, 19, Jer.13:18) was called the “queen mother” and sat at the right hand of the King as mediator to the king. All through the history of the kingdom, the Queen Mother occupied that place, second only to the king in the kingdom. There was a special word for the Queen Mother in Hebrew: she was called Gebirah, or "Great Lady." We must also remember that we too are called to participate in the “sufferings of Christ.” We too are called to “intercede as advocates and mediators” for all people.

“Millennium” and “New Jerusalem” and “New Heavens and Earth” (Rev.21, 22) these terms have been taken literally and figuratively. Literally speaking they refer to a literal 1,000 years that is ushered in upon the return of Jesus to the earth and that Christ rules and reigns on the now physical earth and then after the 1,000 years there is a “recreation” of the heavens and the earth and a New Jerusalem descends from heaven to the earth. Figuratively speaking it refers to a time of new beginnings ushered in upon the return of Jesus at the end of time / age.

Moral / Anthropological every man has in himself the same irresistible evidence that God is an extramundane personal Being; that He is intelligent, voluntary, and moral; that He knows; that He has the right to command; and that He can punish and can save.

Moral Depravity / Total Depravity / Distorted / Wounded Calvinism teaches the “total depravity” of humanity as a result of original sin as part of the 5 tenants (TULIP). Other theologies teach that humanity has become distorted or wounded as a result of sin and that we are in need of being “spiritually healed” (Isa.53:3-5).

Moral Evil is the disagreement between the actions of a moral agent, and the rule of those actions.

Mother of God / Theotokos (God Bearer) was the first Marian dogma to be defined in 431AD at the Council of Ephesus, the term “Mother of God” as it refers to Mary was defined. Since Jesus was God and Man upon His incarnation, Mary being the mother of Jesus is referred to as the Mother of God. In (Luke1:43) Elizabeth refers to Mary as the “mother of my Lord.” The term Lord there means God.

Mother of the Church since Mary is the mother of Jesus, who is the bridegroom of the Church, she is then the Mother of the Church.

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Natural Evil is whatever destroys or in any way disturbs the perfection of natural beings; such as blindness, diseases, death.

New Covenant / Mediator (Jer.31:31-33, Heb.8:6) The word occurs only a few times in the N.T.: 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24. It is in the N.T. that the true nature of mediation is understood in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the mediator of a better covenant (Heb. 8:6). He was able to become our mediator by becoming man (John 1:1,14) and dying as our substitute (1 Pet. 1:18,19; 2:24). He reconciled us to God (Eph. 2:16).

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Omnipotent An attribute of God alone. It is the quality of having all power (Psalm 115:3). He can do all things that do not conflict with His holy nature. God has the power to do anything He wants to.

Omnipresent An attribute of God alone. It is the quality of being present in all places at all times (Jer.23:23). He is not bound by time and space. This does not mean that nature is a part of God and is, therefore, to be worshiped. Creation is separate from God, but not independent of Him.

Omniscience An attribute of God alone. It is the quality of having all knowledge (Isaiah 40:14). Omnipotence, Omnipresence, and Omniscience represent the nature of God concerning His relation to the creation.

Ontological An attempt to prove God’s existence first postulated by Anselm. In brief, it states that God is a being of which no greater thing exists or can be thought of. Therefore, since we can conceive of God as the greatest of all things that exist, then God must exist.

Original Sin / Fall of Man (Gen.3) We use the theological term “original sin” when referring to Adam and Eve’s sin, or fall from grace, in the Garden of Eden. This sin affected all of humanity in every way possible, but God had already planned a way of salvation for humanity. For through humanity God would provide salvation (Gen.3:15, I Cor.15:22, 45-50).

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Parousia / “Coming of the Lord” / The Return of Jesus to the Earth / "Caught Up," Rapture (II Cor.12:2, 4, I Thes. 4:17, Rev. 12:5). Parousia a Greek term that means “arrival” or “coming.” The term is often referred to as the time of Christ’s return; hence, the Parousia, 2 Thes.2:1. See also "Day of the Lord."

Perpetual Virginity of Mary was the 2nd Marian Dogma defined at the Lateran Council of 649 presided over by Pope Martin 1st, states that Mary was a virgin before, during and after the birth of Jesus. All of the protestant reformers believed this. Modern objections to this accepted teaching point to the term “brothers and sisters of Jesus” as referring to additional children that Mary and Joseph had after the birth of Jesus. Simply put, this is a first century grammatical point. The term “brothers and sisters” in the original language of the NT also means cousins or relatives.
Other objections are based on the word “until” in (Mat.1:25). This too is a grammatical issue. The word “until” in the Bible doesn’t always imply that afterward things changed. Another objection is (Lk.2:7) when it states that Mary gave birth to her “firstborn son.” Some say that this implies that she had other children, when in fact it is a term used in the OT to signify a legal terminology of inheritance. One point to consider is that at the cross in (John 19:26, 27) Jesus entrusts John to the care of his mother. If Jesus had other brothers or sisters they would have automatically been in charge of the care of Mary upon Jesus’ death.
One final objection is raised that if Mary and Joseph were married they would have not been considered married until they had sexual relations and that it would have been abnormal for them not to have normal sexual relations. Culturally and religiously speaking, there were those who married who dedicated themselves to virginity even though they were married (Lk.2:36, 37).

Pope a term meaning "father," or patriarch of the faith. Also, the term used to describe the "Vicar of Christ and Bishop of Rome." See also Apostolic Succession.

Pneumatology (The Study of the work of the Holy Spirit).

Predestination (Romans 8:29, 30, Eph.1:5, 11) God has foreordained all things which will come to pass yet He is not the author of sin. He does, however, use sinful things for His glory and purpose.

Preterist see many of the Bible’s prophecy’s as already having been fulfilled with the birth of Jesus to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70ad, the focal point being the destruction of Jerusalem as being the end of the age. They interpret time indicator words such as; “at hand, quickly, this generation and near” as meaning that it occurred within the generation of those hearing the prophecy. They believe that the kingdom of God will be established as a result of God working through the church in human history, eventually culminating with the return of Jesus. Extreme Preterism is called Pantelism.

Prophecy a word in its original import signifies the prediction of future events. But it also is God’s ability to assist humanity through “foretelling and forth telling.” God’s words are not always predictive, but also carries with it admonishment or moral guidance.

Purgatory is a place or condition of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life in God's grace, are, not entirely free from venial faults, or have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their transgressions.

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Reason / Experience refers to the “Methodist Quadrilateral” (Scripture / Tradition / Reason / Experience) as it refers to how we determine was is biblical doctrine.

Reconciliation / In Him (II Cor.1:20, 5:19-21, Eph.1:4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13) Reconciliation is changing for the better a relationship between two or more persons. Theologically it refers to the change of relationship between God and man. We are naturally children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), and are at enmity with God (Ephesians 2:11-15); but, "...we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son..." (Romans 5:10, 11). Because of the death of Jesus, the Christian's relationship with God is changed for the better. We are now able to have fellowship with Him (1 John 1:3) whereas before we could not. So, we are reconciled to Him (Romans 5:10-11). The problem of sin that separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) has been addressed and removed in the cross. It was accomplished by God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Redemption means to free someone from bondage. It often involves the paying of a ransom, a price that makes redemption possible. The Israelites were redeemed from Egypt. We were redeemed from the power of sin and the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13) through Jesus (Romans 3:24, Colossians 1:14). We were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23).

Renew / Regenerate / Transform (Titus 3:5, II Cor.4:16, Eph.4:23, Col.3:10, Rom.12:2) The act of God whereby He renews the spiritual condition of a sinner. It is a spiritual change brought about by the work of the Holy Spirit so that the person then possesses new life, eternal life. Regeneration is a change in our moral and spiritual nature where justification is a change in our relationship with God. Also, sanctification is the work of God in us to make us more like Jesus. Regeneration is the beginning of that change. It means to be born again.

Resurrection through Christ’s resurrection all of humanity was resurrected “In Him”. The Resurrection / Glorification of the Body / Eternal Life (I Cor.15, II Cor.5) believers will experience what Christ has experienced; the transformation and glorification of the human body.

Revelation This means the disclosure of something that was unknown. There are two types of revelation: natural and special.

Righteousness is an attribute of moral purity belonging to God alone (John 17:25). It is He alone who is truly righteous. No one in the world is righteous in the eyes of the Lord, that is, except the Christian. We are counted righteous in the eyes of God when we receive Jesus by faith (Philippians 3:9). Our righteousness is based on what Jesus did on the cross. The righteousness that was Christ's is counted to us. We, then, are seen as righteous in the eyes of God. Though we are actually worthy of damnation, we are made righteous (Isaiah 61:10) by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

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Sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification.

Sacred Tradition / Magisterium authoritative teachings of the church throughout history.

Salvation / Grace / Faith Salvation is the deliverance from sin. When someone appeals to God and seeks forgiveness in Jesus, his sins are removed. He is cleansed. His relationship with God is restored, and he is made a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). All of this is the work of God, not man. Salvation is a free gift (Romans 6:23). Grace is God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Grace rules out all human merit. It is the product of God, that is given by God, because of who He is not because of who we are. It is the means of our salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are no longer under the Law, but under grace (Romans 6:14). (See Acts 15:11; Romans 5:2, 15-20; 2 Corinthians 12:9; and 2 Corinthians 9:8). "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). It is synonymous with trust. It is a divine gift (Romans 12:3) and comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). It is the means by which the grace of God is accounted to the believer who trusts in the work of Jesus on the cross (Ephesians 2:8). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). It is by faith that we live our lives, "The righteous shall live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17).

Sanctification To sanctify means to be set apart for a holy use. God has set us apart for the purpose of sanctification not impurity (1 Thess.4:7) and being such we are called to do good works (Eph.2:10). Christians are to sanctify Christ as Lord in their hearts (1 Pet.3:15). God sanctified Israel as His own special nation (Ezek. 27:28). People can be sanctified (Exodus 19:10,14) and so can a mountain (Exodus 19:23), as can the Sabbath day (Gen. 2:3), and every created thing is
sanctified through the word of God and prayer (1Tim.4:4). Sanctification follows justification. In justification our sins are completely forgiven in Christ. Sanctification is the process by which the Holy Spirit makes us more like Christ in all that we do, think, and desire. True sanctification is impossible apart from the atoning work of Christ on the cross because only after our sins are forgiven can we begin to lead a holy life. Sanctification / Holiness “Holy Spirit” (Rom.1:4, 8:11) to sanctify means to be set apart for a holy use. God has set us apart for the purpose of sanctification not impurity (1 Thessalonians 4:7) and being such we are called to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Christians are to sanctify Christ as Lord in their hearts (1 Peter 3:15). God sanctified Israel as His own special nation (Ezekiel 37:28). People can be sanctified (Exodus 19:10, 14) and so can a mountain (Exodus 19:23), the Sabbath day (Genesis 2:3), the tabernacle (Exodus 20:39), and every created thing is sanctified through the word of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:4). Sanctification follows (See Justification). In justification our sins are completely forgiven in Christ. Sanctification is the process by which the Holy Spirit makes us more like Christ in all that we do, think, and desire. True sanctification is impossible apart from the atoning work of Christ on the cross because only after our sins are forgiven can we begin to lead a holy life.

Seal / Earnest (II Cor.1:22, 5:5, Eph.1:13, 14, 4:30) given as a sign from God of being saved.

Second Adam / Last Man (Rom.5:14, I Cor.15:22, 45) By Jesus taking on human nature, He became the start of a new generation of humans that He would lead to their glorification “In Him.” Adam was the first Son of God (Lk.3:38).

Septuagint the Old Testament written in the Greek language prior to the first century A.D..

Sin (Rom.3:23) “For all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.” We are in a fallen condition as a result of our parents Adam and Eve and so we are in need of salvation. We have a great capacity for doing good and evil, but our tendency is to choose evil. Sin violates the Holiness of God and His divine Law. Therefore, justice must be required.

Soteriology (The Study of Salvation).

Sovereign / Providential The right of God to do as He wishes (Psalm 50:1; Isaiah 40:15; 1 Timothy 6:15) with His creation. This implies that there is no external influence upon Him and that He also has the ability to exercise His right according to His will. Providence the superintendence and care which God exercises over creation. Providence has been divided into immediate and mediate, ordinary and extraordinary, common and special, universal and particular.

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Teleological An attempted proof of God's existence based upon the premise that the universe is designed and therefore needs a designer: God.

Temptation That which moves us to sin. God cannot be tempted (James 1:13). But we can be tempted by our lusts (James 1:13-15), money (1 Tim. 6:9), lack of self examination (Gal. 6:1), and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:16), to name a few. We are commanded to pray to be delivered from temptation (Matt. 6:13) for the Lord is capable of delivering us from it (2 Pet. 2:9).

Tested (I Pet.1:7) A person can be tested without being tempted to sin. A test confirms what is known / learned and reveals what is not know / learned. It also has the ability to test character and to help develop it. Jesus was tested not tempted.

Theodicy / Miracles / Redemptive Suffering Theodicy is the study of the problem of evil in the world. The issue is raised in light of the sovereignty of God. How could a holy and loving God who is in control of all things allow evil to exist? Does God work within His created order or does He need to work outside of it or supernaturally or miraculously? Redemptive Suffering is God’s ability to use catastrophic events to carry out His will to its ultimate purpose (Rom.8:28). Through suffering all of creation participates with Christ receptively.

Theology (The Study of God).

Transcendent / Metaphysical referring to the relation of God to creation. God is "other," "different" from His creation. He is independent and different from His creatures (Isaiah 55:8-9). He transcends His creation. He is beyond it and not limited by it or to it.

Trinity This means there are three persons in one God, not three Gods. The persons are known as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and they have all always existed as three separate persons. (Deut 6:4) God is a “Composite Unity,” Elohim.

Trustworthy / Truthful Signifies that confidence in, or dependence we place on God. This trust ought to be, 1. Sincere and unreserved, not in idols, in men, in talents, riches, power, in us part, and him part, Prov.3:5, 6. Truth Titus 1:2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie promised long ages ago.

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“Woman” or “New Eve” After the fall of man, it is prophesied in (Gen.3:15) that the “seed of the woman” or the new Eve that would crush the head of the serpent. Jesus is referred to as the new Adam (I Cor.15:45, 47) the "protoevangelium". Christianity has always interpreted this to be referring to the birth of Jesus. But in the NT the term “woman” is used to refer to Mary by Jesus himself (John 2:4, 19:26). In our culture this would be improper, but Jesus is speaking prophetically when using this term. We also see the term “woman” used in (Rev.12:1) which clearly speaks of Mary.

X, Y, Z

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