A Glossary of Biblical/Theological Terms

Already/Not Yet
Jesus taught that the Kingdom (reign) of God was "already" here in his own life and ministry, but is not yet fully here and will not be until his second coming. Often spoken of by Jesus with the terms "this age" and "the age to come". Also known as inaugurated eschatology.

Amillenialism
The rejection of the notion of a 1,000 year reign of Christ upon this earth.; at Christ's return the general resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous will take place, followed immediately by the final judgment and the eternal state

Antinomianism
Literally, "anti-law." Theologically, it denotes those who oppose or dismiss God's law in the Bible. There are two classifications of antinomians. Explicit antinomians are the unconverted who display a flagrant disregard for the law of God (Rom. 1, 2). Implicit antinomians are professed Christians who hold that God's law is not relevant in the present era. They often substitute subjective, arbitrary standards like the so-called "leading of the Spirit" for God's written revelation.

Apocrypha
A Greek adjective in the neuter plural (from apokruphos, “hidden, concealed”) denotes strictly “things concealed.” Old Testament Apocrypha, specifically the fourteen books written after the Old Testament canon was closed and which, being the least remote from the canonical books, laid strongest claim to canonicity...The body of Jewish literature written between the second century B.C. and the second century A.D., not included in the canon of the Hebrew Bible.

Apologetics
The science of defending the faith. The root word means to apologize, to answer, to defend. It is the art of defending or explaining the faith to a nonbeliever.

Arminianism
The extension of the views of late sixteenth-century Dutch theologian Jacob Arminius (Arminius' views were somewhat more Reformed than those of his successors). Arminianism generally holds that God chooses men to salvation on the basis of some foreseen faith or goodness in their intent, that Christ died in order to save every man, that God's grace and will can be resisted, and that Christians can forfeit their salvation. The position was adopted by John Wesley, the father of Methodism.

Atonement
A term originally coined by William Tyndale to translate the Latin term reconciliatio, which has since come to have the developed meaning of "the work of Christ" or "the benefits of Christ gained for believers by his death and resurrection."

Augustinianism
A term used in two major senses. First, it refers to the views of Augustine of Hippo concerning the doctrine of salvation, in which the need for divine grace is stressed. In this sense, the term is the antithesis of Pelagianism. Second, it is used to refer to the body of opinion within the Augustinian order during the Middle Ages, irrespective of whether these views derive from Augustine or not.

Baptism
The application/immersion in water in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (see "Sacraments") The Bible compares Baptism with the Old Testament practice of Circumcision (see Colossians 2: 9-15). From the earliest days, the Christian Church practiced infant baptism. Some churches teach a non-Sacramental adult "believers baptism" by immersion, others baptize in Jesus name only, while others reject "water baptism" and believe that baptism is an inward act of the Holy Spirit (see Romans 6: 1-7).

Bible
From the Greek biblos, meaning "book(s), roll, papyrus." See Phil. 4:3; Rev.3:5, for examples.

Biblical theology
A branch of theology that describes spiritual doctrines in context with the individual writers concepts. While it deals with the same doctrines as systematic theology, it considers each teaching as the individual writer uses it. An example would be how Paul describes the atonement in accounting terms, John describes atonement in judicial terms, and the writer of Hebrews describes the atonement as a sacrificial transaction. Biblical theology does not always consider how one doctrine is connected to another, that is the purpose of systematic theology.

Calvinism
An ambiguous term, used with two quite distinct meanings. First, it refers to the religious ideas of religious bodies (such as the Reformed church) and individuals (such as Theodore Beza) who were profoundly influenced by John Calvin, or by documents written by him. Second, it refers to the theology of John Calvin himself (1509-1564). The key emphasis of this theology is presented as an acronym called "TULIP". Total depravity of man, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the Saints. Salvation of individuals is determined by a "decree" of God, made before the foundation of the world. Although the first sense is by far the more common, there is a growing recognition that the term is misleading.

Catechism
A popular manual of Christian doctrine, usually in the form of question and answer, intended for religious instruction.

Charisma, charismatic
A set of terms especially associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In medieval theology, the term "charisma" is used to designate a spiritual gift, conferred upon individuals by the grace of God. Since the early twentieth century, the term "charismatic" has come to refer to styles of theology and worship which place particular emphasis upon the immediate presence and experience of the Holy Spirit.

Christology
The section of Christian theology dealing with the identity of Jesus Christ, particularly the question of the relation of his human and divine natures.

Confession
Although the term refers primarily to the admission of sin, it acquired a rather different technical sense in the sixteenth century - that of a document which embodies the principles of faith of a Protestant church. Thus the Augsburg Confession (1530) embodies the ideas of early Lutheranism, and the First Helvetic Confession (1536) those of the early Reformed church. The term "Confessionalism" is often used to refer to the hardening of religious attitudes in the later sixteenth century, as the Lutheran and Reformed churches became involved in a struggle for power, especially in Germany. The term "Confessional" is often used to refer to a church which defines itself with reference to such a document. Confessions (which define denominations) should be distinguished from creeds (which transcend denominational boundaries).

Covenant
A mutually binding compact between God and His people, sovereignly transacted by the Lord, wherein a promise is made by God which calls for trust on the part of His people and entails obligations of submission which are sanctioned by blessings and curses

Covenant Theology
The position that all of the post-fall covenants made by God are essentially one, centering on God's gracious promise in Jesus Christ, with each successive covenant expanding on previous ones, rather than disgarding them or running parallel to the others; the covenants prior to Christ were marked by anticipation and administered by foreshadows, while the fulfillment or substance was found in Christ's person and redemptive work, establishing the New Covenant today

Creed
A formal definition or summary of the Christian faith, held in common by all Christians. The most important are those generally known as the "Apostles' creed" and the "Nicene creed."

Decalogue
"Ten words." The Ten Commandments.

Decision Theology/Regeneration
Arising out of a reaction to the Reformed teaching on predestination (see "Election"), advocates teach that man is saved and born-again when he makes a decision to accept Jesus Christ (see "Arminianism").

Depravity, Total Depravity
The doctrine that through the fall of Adam in the garden, all of mankind inherits a sinful nature from our parents. This "bent" towards sin makes it essential that any theology must include an initiative of God that changes the nature of man in a way that enables him to respond to any offer of grace. As the first man, Adam made a choice for sin for his entire posterity. We all inherited this fallen nature and its resulting curse which includes sickness and death.

Dispensationalism
Teaches that there are seven distinct "dispensations" within biblical history. The seventh being the 1000 year reign of Christ or the millennium. According to Dispensationalists, God's covenant with Israel continues even through the present "church age." (see "Premillennialism").

Ecclesiology
The section of Christian theology dealing with the doctrine of the church.

Effectual Calling
A term used to describe that part of the ordo salutis (order of salvation) in which the people of God are graciously summoned into the fellowship of Christ and united to Him by faith. In effectual calling God calls them whom he has predestinated to eternal life by his Word and Spirit, out of their state of sin and death. They are regenerated by the work of the Holy Spirit and their wills are renewed and made willing and able to answer the call to come to Christ, which they will most certainly do. The basis of effectual calling is God's grace and not any perceived quality in the individual called.

Election
Also known as "predestination." The Grolier's Encyclopedia states: "Predestination is a Christian doctrine according to which a person's ultimate destiny, whether it be salvation or damnation, is determined by God alone prior to, and apart from, any worth or merit on the person's part." While Martin Luther acknowledged Divine Election, he believed that it was a part of God's secret wisdom and was only a secondary concern since we do not know the mind of the Lord.

Eschatology
The section of Christian theology dealing with the "last things," especially the ideas of resurrection, hell, and eternal life.

Eucharist
The term used in the present volume to refer to the sacrament variously known as "the mass," "the Lord's supper," and "holy communion."

Evangelical
A term initially used to refer to the nascent reforming movements, especially in Germany and Switzerland, in the 1510s and 1520s. The term was later replaced by "Protestant" in the aftermath of the Diet of Speyer. In modern times, the term has come to be used of a major movement, especially in English-language theology, which places especial emphasis upon the supreme authority of Scripture and the atoning death of Christ.

Evangelicalism
A massive, popular Christian movement that grew out of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century British and American revivals. Its chief distinctive is preoccupation with the individual conversion experience. It often neglects or downplays the objective authority of the entire Bible, the centrality of doctrine and theology in the church, and God's law as an abiding ethical standard for man. For most evangelicals, Christianity is chiefly an experience and morality, not a doctrinal confession of faith.

Exegesis
The science of textual interpretation, usually referring specifically to the Bible. The term "biblical exegesis" basically means "the process of interpreting the Bible." The specific techniques employed in the exegesis of Scripture are usually referred to as "hermeneutics."

Faith
A sure knowledge of the divine favor toward us, founded on the truth of a free promise in Christ, both revealed to our minds, and sealed on our hearts, by the Holy Spirit.

Forgiveness
God forgives our sins because of the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. God does not merely overlook our sins. He demands that payment be made (see "Redemption"). Our sins are forgiven because the penalty for those sins was paid by Jesus. The just demands of God have been met. The assurance of our forgiveness is only found in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ (see "Sacrifice").

Fundamentalism
A form of American Protestant Christianity which lays especial emphasis upon the authority of an inerrant Bible. Started as a response to liberalism at the turn of the 20th century. It found its beginnings from the publication of a series of books that called Christians back to the essentials of the faith.

Godhead
The term signifies Divinity and unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Synonymous with the term Trinity.

Gospel
The "good news" of what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. The Gospel is a message of pure grace, (see "Grace") having nothing to do with our response, feelings, faith, decision, good works, "Jesus in our hearts," or the Law. To preach the Gospel is to preach what God has done, not what we should do or have done.

Gnosticism
A movement placing especial emphasis upon a contrast between the material and spiritual realms, which became of major importance during the second century. Its most characteristic doctrines include redemption apart from the material world, a dualist worldview which held that different gods were responsible for creation and redemption, and an emphasis upon the importance of "knowledge" (gnosis) in salvation.

Grace
Unmerited and free favor towards the undeserving. Grace is different from mercy in that mercy is the withholding of negative consequences that which we deserve.

Hermeneutics
The principles underlying the interpretation, or exegesis, of a text, particularly of Scripture. Most writings on hermeneutics will include; The law of non-contradiction, the law of context, Historical context, and the importance of investigating original word meanings.

Holy Spirit
The Third person of the Trinity. Also named as the Comforter, Advocate, Paraclete. He is distinct from, but coequal with the Father and the Son. He is the Executive of the Godhead. He executes the will of God upon earth. He confers power, gifts, and guidance to the believer in whom He resides.

Imputation
To reckon, or count. It is used as an accounting term. Many have erroneously defined the term to imply that it posits a transfer of character.

Incarnation
A term used to refer to the assumption of human nature by God, in the person of Jesus Christ. The term "incarnationalism" is often used to refer to theological approaches (such as those of late nineteenth-century Anglicanism) which lay especial emphasis upon God's becoming human.

Justification by Faith, Doctrine of
The section of Christian theology dealing with how the individual sinner is able to enter into fellowship with God. The doctrine was to prove to be of major significance at the time of the Reformation. To declare just, to justify. The act of God whereby He declares the repentant sinner free of all past sin in light of their faith in the atonement of Christ on their behalf. The record of our offense is cleared, and in light of the blank slate, God views us as just, having nothing against us.

Law (Third Use)
God's commandments telling us what we should do and not do. Some see that the divine Law has a threefold purpose: To hinder the outbreak of sin (curb); to demonstrate sin in preparation to hear the Gospel (mirror) (see "Gospel"); and to guide the Christian life (rule) (see "Antinomianism").

Limited Atonement
An approach to the doctrine of the atonement, especially associated with Calvinist writers, which holds that Christ's death is only effective for those who have been elected to salvation.

Liturgy
The written text of public services, especially of the eucharist.

Lutheranism
The religious ideas associated with Martin Luther, particularly as expressed in the Lesser Catechism (1529) and the Augsburg Confession (1530). A series of internal disagreements within Lutheranism after Luther's death (1546) between hardliners (the so-called "Gnesio-Lutherans" or "Flacianists") and moderates ("Philippists"), led to their resolution by the Formula of Concord (1577), which is usually regarded as the authoritative statement of Lutheran theology.

Masoretic Text
The accepted Hebrew text of scriptures.

Mishnah
Code of Jewish law edited by Rabbi Judah HaNasi about 200 CE; together with the Gemara forms the Talmud.

Monergism
"In theol., The biblical doctrine that the Holy Spirit is the only efficient agent in regeneration - that the human will possesses no inclination to Christ or holiness until regenerated, and therefore cannot cooperate in regeneration." In this view, the new birth (or regeneration) precedes faith.

Neo-orthodoxy
A term used to designate the general position of Karl Barth (1886-1968), especially the manner in which he drew upon the theological concerns of the period of Reformed orthodoxy.

Orthodoxy
A term used in a number of senses, of which the following are the most important: Orthodoxy in the sense of "right belief," as opposed to heresy (see pp. 145-9); orthodoxy in the sense of a movement within Protestantism, especially in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, which laid emphasis upon need for doctrinal definition.

Patristic
An adjective used to refer to the first centuries in the history of the church, following the writing of the New Testament (the "patristic period"), or scholars writing during this period (the "patristic writers"). For many writers, the period thus designated seems to be c.100-451 (in other words, the period between the completion of the last of the New Testament writings and the Council of Chalcedon).

Pelagianism
A 5th-century heresy taught by Pelagius and his followers which stressed that humans have the ability to fulfill the commands of God apart from Sovereign grace, and which denies original sin. Pelagius' teachings were opposed by the Church and it's leading figure (Augustine) in particular.

Pentateuch
The first five Books of the Bible, the Five Books of Moses.

Pharisees
Religio-political faction in late Second Temple days that wanted to develop Judaism through prayer, study of Torah, and midrashic interpretations of Torah; forerunners of the rabbis.

Pietism
An approach to Christianity, especially associated with German writers in the seventeenth century, which places an emphasis upon the personal appropriation of faith, and the need for holiness in Christian living. The movement is perhaps best known within the English-language world in the form of Methodism.

Postmodernism
A general cultural development, especially in North America, which resulted from the general collapse in confidence of the universal rational principles of the Enlightenment.

Protestant, Protestantism
Describes those who "protest" against the practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic church. As a movement, it denotes those groups who were an outgrowth of the Reformation.

Redemptive History
The special, unified course of historical events by which God prepared, accomplished, and applies redemption for His people and thereby advances His saving kingdom.

Reformed
A term used to refer to a tradition of theology which draws inspiration from the writings of John Calvin (1510-64) and his successors. The term is generally used in preference to "Calvinist."

Reformation
The time period where Martin Luther, Zwingly, John Calvin, and others shifted the world of Christianity away from Roman Catholicism through the emphasis of salvation by faith, and the teaching of "sola scripura" "Scripture only" as the rule of faith for the believer as opposed to Roman Catholicism’s emphasis on the authority of tradition and the Pope.

Reformation Theology
A theology based upon the three solas (literal: "alone") of the 16th century Reformation. We are saved by Grace Alone, through Faith Alone. These truths are drawn from Scripture Alone. Today there is a significant revival of Reformation theology to counter the experience-based theology of modern Evangelicalism (see "Evangelicalism") and the Pelagianism (see "Pelagianism") of Revivalism (see "Arminianism," "Revivalism").

Regeneration
The creative act of God so that the elect are given new life in Jesus Christ and enabled to understand the law and the gospel for the saving of their soul. (Also known as the New birth or Born Again)

Sacrament
In purely historical terms, a church service or rite which was held to have been instituted by Jesus Christ himself. Although Roman Catholic theology and church practice recognize seven such sacraments (baptism, confirmation, eucharist, marriage, ordination, penance, and unction), Protestant theologians generally argue that only two (baptism and eucharist) were to be found in the New Testament itself.

Septuagint
The Greek translation of the Old Testament, dating from the third century BC. The abbreviation LXX is generally used to refer to this text.

Sermon on the Mount
The standard way of referring to Christ's moral and pastoral teaching in the specific form which it takes in chapters 5-7 of Matthew's gospel.

soteriology
The section of Christian theology dealing with the doctrine of salvation (Greek: soteria).

Synergism
"...the doctrine that there are two efficient agents in regeneration, namely the human will and the divine Spirit, which, in the strict sense of the term, cooperate. This theory accordingly holds that the soul has not lost in the fall all inclination toward holiness, nor all power to seek for it under the influence of ordinary motives." Synergism is from the Greek word [synergia], meaning, to cooperate with, or to work together. In Christian theology it is the teaching that man's will works together or cooperates with God to accomplish our Salvation. It is based upon one or more of the theories of prevenient grace, all of which are deficient and biblically unsound. Currently the prevailing belief among evangelicals.

Talmud
Comprised of both the Mishnah and Gemara, the Talmud is the collected legal and ethical discussions of the rabbis, edited around the year 500 CE.

Theodicy
A term coined by Leibnitz to refer to a theoretical justification of the goodness of God in the face of the presence of evil in the world.

Torah
Literally: teaching; in its most narrow sense, it is the first five Books of the Bible, hand-written on a parchment scroll; in its broadest sense, it is all of Judaism, which flows from those Books...Instruction (teaching) or law.

Tosefta (al. Tocefta) - (Supplement) Anthology of tannaitic text parallel to Mishnah, but outside Mishnaic canon, and more expansive. Rabbi Nehemiah, second century, began the work; in the third century it was continued by Hiyya ben Abba and Oshaiah.

Trinity
The distinctively Christian doctrine of God, which reflects the complexity of the Christian experience of God. The doctrine is usually summarized in maxims such as "three persons, one God."

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