======================================================================== DICTIONARY OF THEOLOGY by Various ======================================================================== A reference dictionary of theological terms and concepts, beginning with common abbreviations like A.D. (Anno Domini). The work provides concise definitions and explanations of key theological vocabulary for students and ministers. Chapters: 381 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 0. Dictionary of Theology 1. A.D. 2. A priori 3. Abaddon 4. Absolution 5. Abyss 6. Active Obedience 7. Adiaphora 8. Adoptionism 9. Advent 10. Agnosticism 11. Albigenses 12. Amillennialism 13. Anabaptists 14. Angel 15. Animism 16. Annihilationism 17. Anthropic Principle 18. Anthropomorphic 19. Antichrist 20. Antinomianism 21. Apollyon 22. Apparition 23. Apocalypse 24. Apocrypha 25. Apollinarianism 26. Apologetics 27. Apostasy 28. Apostle 29. Archangel 30. Argument from Design 31. Argumentum ad hominem 32. Argumentum ad judicium 33. Argumentum ad populum 34. Argumentum ad verecundiam 35. Arianism 36. Ark of the Covenant 37. Armageddon 38. Arminianism 39. Ascension 40. Ascended Master 41. Assumption 42. Assurance 43. Astral Projection 44. Astrology 45. Atheism 46. Atonement 47. Aura 48. Autograph 49. Autonomy 50. Baal 51. Babel 52. Babel, Tower of 53. Baptism 54. Baptismal Regeneration 55. Bible 56. Blasphemy 57. Book of Life 58. Born Again 59. Bride of Christ 60. C.E. 61. Caesar 62. Calvary 63. Calvinism 64. Canon 65. Capital punishment 66. Capital sins 67. Catholic 68. Causality 69. Chakra 70. Channeling 71. Charismatic Gifts 72. Charity 73. Cherub/Cherubim 74. Chiliasm 75. Christ 76. Christian 77. Christology 78. Church 79. Circumcision 80. Cities of refuge 81. Clergy 82. Codex 83. Common Grace 84. Communicatio idiomatum 85. Communion 86. Condemnation 87. Conditional immortality 88. Confession 89. Confessional 90. Confirmation 91. Congregation 92. Consubstantiation 93. Contrition 94. Conversion 95. Conviction 96. Coptic 97. Corban 98. Cosmological argument 99. Cosmology 100. Covenant 101. Covenant Theology 102. Creation 103. Creationism 104. Cross 105. Cult 106. Damnation 107. Deacons 108. Death 109. Decalogue 110. Decrees, of God 111. Deduction 112. Depravity 113. Deism 114. Deity 115. Demon 116. Deontology 117. Determinism 118. Devil 119. Dialectic 120. Diaspora 121. Dichotomy 122. Didache 123. Didactics 124. Diocese 125. Disciple 126. Dispensation, dispensationalism 127. Divination 128. Divinity 129. Docetism 130. Doctrine 131. Dogma 132. Donatism 133. Dowsing 134. Dualism 135. Ecclesiology 136. Edify 137. Efficacy 138. Eisegesis 139. Elect, Election 140. Empiricism 141. Epistemology 142. Eschatology 143. Eternal life 144. Eternal Security 145. Ethics 146. Eucharist 147. Eunuch 148. Eutychianism 149. Evil 150. Evolution 151. Excommunication 152. Exegesis 153. Existentialism 154. Expiation 155. Faith 156. Fall, The 157. False Prophet, (The) 158. Falsifiability 159. Fast, Fasting 160. Fatalism 161. Fellowship 162. Fideism 163. Filioque 164. Firstborn 165. Forgiveness 166. Fool 167. Foreknow, Foreknowledge 168. Free Knowledge 169. Free will 170. Freethinker 171. Gehenna 172. Gentile 173. Gifts, Spiritual Gifts 174. Gnosticism 175. God 176. Gods, False 177. Gospel 178. Grace 179. Great White Brotherhood 180. Guilt 181. Hades 182. Hamartiology 183. Heaven 184. Hedonism 185. Hell 186. Henotheism 187. Heresy 188. Heterodoxy 189. Higher Self 190. Homiletics 191. Holy, Holiness 192. Holy Orders 193. Holy Spirit, The 194. Holy Water 195. Humanism 196. Humility 197. Hypostatic Union 198. Idol, Idolatry 199. Immaculate Conception 200. Image of God 201. Immutability 202. Immortality 203. Impute, Imputation 204. In facto 205. In fieri 206. Incarnation 207. Induction 208. Indulgence 209. Inerrancy 210. Infant baptism 211. Infidel 212. Infinity 213. Infralapsarianism 214. Inspiration 215. Intermediate state 216. Jehovah 217. Jesus 218. Jesus Only Movement 219. Jews 220. Judgment 221. Just, Justice 222. Justify, Justification 223. Karma 224. Kenosis 225. Kingdom of God 226. Laity 227. Naturalistic evolution 228. Law 229. Law of non-contradiction 230. Laying on of hands 231. Liberalism 232. Limited atonement 233. Logic 234. Logos 235. Man 236. Manuscript 237. Martyr 238. Mass 239. Materialism 240. Means of Grace 241. Mediation, Mediator 242. Mercy 243. Messiah 244. Metaphysics 245. Middle Knowledge 246. Millennium 247. Minuscule 248. Miracle 249. Modalism 250. Monarchianism 251. Monergism 252. Monism 253. Monophysitism 254. Monolatry 255. Monotheism 256. Moral government theology 257. Mormonism 258. Mortal Sin 259. Natural knowledge 260. Naturalism 261. Neo-orthodoxy 262. Nestorianism 263. Nun 264. Objectivism 265. Occam's Razor 266. Occult 267. Omnipotence 268. Omnipresence 269. Omniscience 270. Ontological Argument 271. Ontology 272. Oracles 273. Ordination 274. Ordo salutis 275. Original Sin 276. Orthodoxy 277. Panentheism 278. Pantheism 279. Papyrus 280. Parable 281. Paradise 282. Parapsychology 283. Parousia 284. Pascal's Wager 285. Pedobaptism 286. Pelagianism 287. Penance 288. Pentateuch 289. Pentecost 290. Permissive decree 291. Perseverance 292. Person 293. Pharisee 294. Philosophy 295. Pluralism 296. Pneumatology 297. Polytheism 298. Postmillennialism 299. Postmodernism 300. Pragmatism 301. Prayer 302. Pre-Adamites 303. Pre-existence 304. Predestine, Predestination 305. Premillennialism 306. Preterition 307. Priest 308. Prophet 309. Propitiation 310. Purgatory 311. Rapture 312. Rationalism 313. Reconcile, Reconciliation 314. Redemption 315. Regeneration 316. Reincarnation 317. Relativism 318. Religion 319. Repentance 320. Resurrection, resurrection bodies 321. Revelation 322. Righteousness 323. Rosary 324. Sacerdotalism 325. Sacrament 326. Sadducee 327. Salvation 328. Sanctify, Sanctification 329. Sanhedrin 330. Scholasticism 331. Scriptures 332. Second Coming, The 333. Septuagint, The (LXX) 334. Sin 335. Skepticism 336. Sola Fide 337. Sola Gratia 338. Sola Scriptura 339. Son of God 340. Soteriology 341. Soul Sleep 342. Sovereignty 343. Spiritual Gifts 344. Subjectivism 345. Supralapsarianism 346. Synagogue 347. Synergism 348. Synoptic Gospels 349. Tabernacle 350. Teleological argument 351. Teleology 352. Temptation 353. Testament 354. Tetragrammaton (YHWH) 355. Theism 356. Theodicy 357. Theology 358. Theophany 359. Tithe 360. Total Depravity 361. Transcendence 362. Transfiguration 363. Transubstantiation 364. Tribulation, The 365. Trichotomy 366. Trinity 367. Type, Typology 368. Tritheism 369. Uncial 370. Unitarianism 371. Universalism 372. Vellum 373. Venial Sin 374. Vicarious Atonement 375. Word, The 376. Worship 377. Wrath 378. Yin and Yang 379. Yoga 380. Zodiac ======================================================================== CHAPTER 0: DICTIONARY OF THEOLOGY ======================================================================== ======================================================================== CHAPTER 1: A.D. ======================================================================== From the Latin, "Anno Domini," which means in the year of our Lord. The Western Calendar is dated from the birth of Christ. Therefore, 2000 A.D. means 2000 years after the birth of Jesus. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 2: A PRIORI ======================================================================== Knowledge, judgments, and principles which are true without verification or testing. It is universally true. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 3: ABADDON ======================================================================== The Hebrew word for "destroyer" whose Greek equivalent was "Apollyon." Abaddon is the satanic angel of the Abyss (Rev. 9:11 ). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 4: ABSOLUTION ======================================================================== In Catholicism, the act of releasing someone from their sin by God, through the means of a priest. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 5: ABYSS ======================================================================== The abode of the dead and the place where evil spirits are imprisoned (Rev. 9:1-11). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 6: ACTIVE OBEDIENCE ======================================================================== As distinguished from passive obedience in Reformed Theology. Active obedience is Jesus' actively fulfilling all the law of God. This active obedience is imputed to the believer when he believes; that is, God reckons to the believer the righteousness of Christ when the believer trusts in Christ and His work. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 7: ADIAPHORA ======================================================================== Teachings and practices that are neither commanded nor forbidden in scripture. An example might be whether or not to use a sound-board in a church, to meet in a tent or a building, to have two or more services or simply one on the day of worship. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 8: ADOPTIONISM ======================================================================== Adoptionism is an error concerning Jesus that first appeared in the second century. Those who held it denied the preexistence of Christ and, therefore, His deity. Adoptionists taught that Jesus was tested by God and after passing this test and upon His baptism He was granted supernatural powers by God and adopted as the Son. As a reward for His great accomplishments and perfect character Jesus was raised from the dead and adopted into the Godhead. Please see Heresies for more information. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 9: ADVENT ======================================================================== From the Latin, “coming.” The coming of or the arrival of something very important as in the advent of Christ’s return. Advent is also a Christian time of preparation preceding Christmas. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 10: AGNOSTICISM ======================================================================== The belief that it is not possible to know if there is or is not a God. (Compare Atheism, Deism, and Theism.) ======================================================================== CHAPTER 11: ALBIGENSES ======================================================================== A heresy during the middle ages that developed in the town Albi in Southern France. This error taught that there were two gods: the good god of light usually referred to as Jesus in the New Testament and the god of darkness and evil usually associated with Satan and the "God of the Old Testament." Anything material was considered evil including the body which was created by Satan. The soul, created by the good god, was imprisoned in the evil flesh and salvation was possible only through holy living and doing good works. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 12: AMILLENNIALISM ======================================================================== The teaching that there is no literal 1000 year reign of Christ as referenced in Revelation 20. It sees the 1000 year period spoken of in Revelation 20 as figurative. Instead, it teaches that we are in the millennium now, and that at the return of Christ (1 Thess. 4:16 - 5:2) there will be the final judgment and the heavens and the earth will then be destroyed and remade (2 Pet. 3:10). The Amillennial view is as old as the Premillennial view. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 13: ANABAPTISTS ======================================================================== Any of a group of sects of the early Reformation period of the 16th century that believed in rebaptism of people as adults. Infant baptism was not recognized as valid and the Catholic Mass was rejected. Anabaptist means “one who baptizes again.” They believed in non-violence and opposed state run churches. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 14: ANGEL ======================================================================== Angel means messenger. Angels are created (Psalm 148:2,5; Col. 1:16), non-human, spirit beings (Heb. 1:14). They are immortal (Luke 20:36), innumerable (Heb. 12:22), invisible (Num. 22:22-31), sexless (Matt. 22:30), and do the will of God (Psalm 103:20). These angels have a ministry to believers. They guide (Gen. 24:7, 40), protect (Psalm 34:7), and comfort (Acts 27:2, 24). There are good angels (Gen. 28:12; Psalm 91:11) and bad angels (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). The only angels mentioned by name are Gabriel (Dan. 8:16; 9:21 ), Michael (Dan. 10:13,21; 112:1), and Lucifer (Luke 10:18). Michael is always mentioned in the context of battle (Dan. 10:13) and Gabriel as a messenger (Luke 1:26). Of course, Lucifer, who became Satan, is the one who opposes God. Angels were originally created for the purpose of serving and carrying out the will of God. The fallen angels rebelled and became evil angels. Satan is such an angel (Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:12-15). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 15: ANIMISM ======================================================================== The belief that everything in the universe contains a living soul. The belief that every object is indwelt by a spirit. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 16: ANNIHILATIONISM ======================================================================== The teaching that when a person dies, he is annihilated, most often this doctrine is applied to the wicked, thereby negating eternal hell fire. This is contradicted by the Bible in Matt. 25:46 which says “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Also, degrees of punishment will be given on the Day of Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). If all, or only the wicked are annihilated, then degrees of punishment would be pointless. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 17: ANTHROPIC PRINCIPLE ======================================================================== The idea that the universe exhibits elements of design specifically for the purpose of containing intelligent beings; namely, humans. Much debate surrounds this issue. Is the universe necessarily arranged by God so as to make life possible or is it simply that the universe is godless and that life came into existence due to the chance state that we now find it in? ======================================================================== CHAPTER 18: ANTHROPOMORPHIC ======================================================================== Manifesting in human form. It is from the Greek "anthropos" meaning "man" and "morphe" meaning "form." In biblical theology, God is described in anthropomorphic terms; that is, in human terms with human attributes. For example, God has hands and feet in Exodus 24:9-11 and is loving (1 John 4:8). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 19: ANTICHRIST ======================================================================== A figure who opposes God. The word is used to describe a spirit of rebellion against God, "...the spirit of the Antichrist..." (1 John 4:3) and of a specific future person identified as the man of lawlessness (2 Thess. 2:3). He actively opposes Christ (2 Thess. 2:4) and when he arrives, he will be able to perform miracles (2 Thess. 2:9). Some believe he will be an incarnation of Satan and as such will be able to deceive many. His number is 666 (Rev. 13:18). A further possible description of him might be found in Zech. 11:15-17). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 20: ANTINOMIANISM ======================================================================== The word comes from the Greek anti, against, and nomos, law. It is the unbiblical practice of living without regard to the righteousness of God, using God's grace as a license to sin, and trusting grace to cleanse of sin. In other words, since grace is infinite and we are saved by grace, then we can sin all we want and still be saved. It is wrong because even though as Christians we are not under the Law (Rom. 6:14), we still fulfill the Law in the Law of love (Rom. 13:8,10; Gal. 5:14; 6:2). We are to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27) and, thereby, avoid the offense of sin which cost God His only begotten Son. Paul speaks against the concept of antinomianism in Rom. 6:1-2: "Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?". We are not to use the grace of God as a means of sin. Instead, we are to be controlled by the love of God and in that way bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 21: APOLLYON ======================================================================== Greek for "destroyer." He is the angel of the Abyss, "They have as king over them, the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon," (Rev. 9:11 ). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 22: APPARITION ======================================================================== An unexpected, supernatural appearance of a ghost or a person. Folklore of apparitions are particularly strong among Catholics who claim appearances of the saints, Mary, and Jesus with messages of repentance and turning to the Catholic sacraments and confession. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 23: APOCALYPSE ======================================================================== From the Greek word for "revelation," or "unveiling." It is synonymous with Armageddon and refers to those future things dealing with the return of Christ and the great battle of Armageddon. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 24: APOCRYPHA ======================================================================== The word apocrypha means hidden. It is used in a general sense to describe a list of books written by Jews between 300 and 100 B.C. More specifically, it is used of the seven additional books accepted by the Catholic church as being inspired. The entire list of books of the apocrypha are: 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, the Rest of Esther, the Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, (also titled Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, The Letter of Jeremiah, Song of the Three Young Men, Susanna, Bel and the Dragon, The Additions to Daniel, The Prayer of Manasseh, and 1 and 2 Maccabees. The books accepted as inspired and included in the Catholic Bible are Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees Wisdom of Solomon Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus), and Baruch The Jews never recognized these books as being canonical (inspired). There is no record that Jesus or the apostles ever quoted from the apocryphal books. The Septuagint (LXX) includes the books, not as scripture, but as part of the translation of the Hebrew manuscripts as a whole. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 25: APOLLINARIANISM ======================================================================== Apollinarianism was the heresy taught by Apollinaris the Younger, bishop of Laodicea in Syria about 361. He taught that the Logos of God, which became the divine nature of Christ, took the place of the rational human soul of Jesus and that the body of Christ was a glorified form of human nature. In other words, though Jesus was a man, He did not have a human mind but that the mind of Christ was solely divine. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 26: APOLOGETICS ======================================================================== The word "apologetics" is derived from the Greek word "apologia," which means to make a defense. It has come to mean defense of the faith. Apologetics covers many areas: who Jesus is, the reliability of the Bible, refuting cults, biblical evidences in the history and archeology, answering objections, etc. In short, it deals with giving reasons for Christianity being the true religion. We are called by God to give an apologia, a defense: "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" (1 Pet. 3:15). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 27: APOSTASY ======================================================================== The falling away from the faith. It is a revolt against the truth of God’s word by a believer. It can also describe a group or church organization that has "fallen away" from the truths of Christianity as revealed in the Bible. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 28: APOSTLE ======================================================================== Someone sent with a special message or commission. Jesus is called the apostle and high Priest of our confession in Hebrews 3:1. The twelve apostles of Jesus were Simon Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. Paul became an apostle after Jesus' resurrection (2 Cor. 1:1), along with Barnabas (Acts 14:14), and others. Apostles established churches (Rom. 15:17-20), exposed error (Gal. 1:6-9), and defended the truth of the gospel (Phil. 1:7,17). Some were empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform Miracles (Matt. 10:1,8) and they were to preach the gospel (Matt. 28:19,20). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 29: ARCHANGEL ======================================================================== In the Bible, a Greek word found only in the New Testament in two places: 1 Thess. 4:16, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first"; and Jude 9, "But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you.'" Archangels seem to of a class of angels of great rank and power. Apparently, there are three archangels named: Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 30: ARGUMENT FROM 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 31: ARGUMENTUM AD HOMINEM ======================================================================== An irrelevant attack upon a person to deflect the argument from the facts and reasons. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 32: ARGUMENTUM AD JUDICIUM ======================================================================== An argument where appeal is made to common sense and the judgment of people as validating a point. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 33: ARGUMENTUM AD POPULUM ======================================================================== An argument where appeal is made to emotions: loyalties, patriotism, prejudices, etc. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 34: ARGUMENTUM AD VERECUNDIAM ======================================================================== An argument using respect for great men, customs, institutions, and authority in an attempt to strengthen one's argument and provide an illusion of proof. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 35: ARIANISM ======================================================================== An ancient theological error that appeared around the year 320. It taught that God could not appear on the earth, that Jesus was not eternal and could not be God. Additionally, it taught that there was only one person in the Godhead: the Father. Jesus, then, was a creation. It was condemned by the Council of Nicea in 325. The Jehovah's Witness cult is an equivalent, though not exactly, of this ancient error. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 36: ARK OF THE COVENANT ======================================================================== Also called the "Ark of the Testimony" (Ex. 30:6), "Ark of God" (1 Sam. 3:3), and the "Ark of the covenant of the Lord" (Deut. 10:8). The Ark of the Covenant was very sacred to the Ancient Jews. It was a rectangular box made of Acacia wood about 4 x 1.5 x 1.5 feet. It was covered with gold and was carried by poles that were inserted into rings located on the four corners. On top was a lid called "The Mercy Seat" which had two Cherubs with outstretched wings pointing towards each other. Inside of the Ark were the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron's Rod that budded (Heb. 9:4). It served as the symbol of the very presence of God. The Ark of the Covenant was place in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. Once a year, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies and sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat. This was symbolic of the forgiveness of the sins of the Jewish nation. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 37: ARMAGEDDON ======================================================================== The word "armageddon" only occurs in Rev. 16:16. It is the location of the final great battle between good and evil called the Great Day of God Almighty. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 38: ARMINIANISM ======================================================================== There are five main tenets of Arminianism: 1) God elects or reproves on the basis of foreseen faith or unbelief, 2) Christ died for all men and for every man, although only believers are saved, 3) Man is so depraved that divine grace is necessary unto faith or any good deed, 4) This grace may be resisted, 5) Whether all who are truly regenerate will certainly persevere in the faith is a point which needs further investigation ======================================================================== CHAPTER 39: ASCENSION ======================================================================== The bodily taking up of Jesus into the heavens to be at the right hand of God the Father. The account of Jesus' ascension is record by Luke in Acts 1:4-11. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 40: ASCENDED MASTER ======================================================================== A New Age term designating a person of great learning and wisdom who lives on the astral plane. They are not physical beings. An astral plane is another dimension of reality beyond our world and is outside of time and space. Supposedly, Jesus, Buddha, Confuscious, etc. were Ascended Masters. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 41: ASSUMPTION ======================================================================== In Catholicism, the taking of the body and soul of Mary, by God, into glory. Catholic doctrine, apparently, does not state whether or not Mary died, but tradition holds that she died and was immediately afterward assumed into heaven both body and soul. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 42: ASSURANCE ======================================================================== Theologically, assurance is the state of being confident in a condition or outcome. Usually it is applied to one’s assurance of salvation. Texts often used to support assurance of salvation are John 10:28 “and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand,” and 1 John 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.” This assurance is given by the Holy Spirit. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 43: ASTRAL PROJECTION ======================================================================== In Eastern metaphysical and new age philosophies, astral projection is the practice of the soul leaving the human body and traveling around this world or other planes of existence. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 44: ASTROLOGY ======================================================================== A system of divination using the positions of stars, planets, and the moon, in the twelve Zodiac signs, as a means to predict the future. One's birth date falls into a Zodiac sign and this is used in determining predictive events in relation to the astral body positions. Astrology is very prominent in the New Age. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 45: ATHEISM ======================================================================== This word comes from two Greek words, a the negator, and theos, God. Atheism teaches that there is no God of any kind, anywhere, anytime. Some atheists claim to "exercise no belief in a god" the same way they would exercise no belief in pink unicorns. Logically, an atheist would be an evolutionist. The Bible teaches that all men know there is a God (Rom. 2:14-15). Therefore, they will be without excuse (Rom. 1:20 ) on the Day of Judgment. Instead, atheists willingly suppress the knowledge of God by their unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18-19). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 46: ATONEMENT ======================================================================== 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). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 47: AURA ======================================================================== A term frequently used by New Agers to describe a field of energy emitted by every living thing, particularly people. This aura takes on different colors depending on the person's mood, state of wellness, etc., and some New Age practitioners claim the ability to interpret the colors and diagnosis various conditions and states of mind of the person with the aura. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 48: AUTOGRAPH ======================================================================== An original writing of a biblical document. The original manuscript written. The autographs would be the actual, original written document from which copies are made. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 49: AUTONOMY ======================================================================== Freedom from all external constraints. Independence consisting of self-determination. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 50: BAAL ======================================================================== A Canaanite god. The word means "lord" or "husband." He was a god of weather, associated with thunder, which appointed the times of the rains, and was considered to be the son of the pagan god Dagon. The ancient Jews were often tempted to follow Baal because so much of their lives depended upon the rain that fed the crops. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 51: BABEL ======================================================================== The Hebrew name for Babylon, one of the cities founded by Nimrod. In Gen. 11:1-9, it is the location where the entire world spoke a single language and worked together to build a tower into the heavens. It was representative of the great pride of man. God confused their languages. The building of the tower ceased and they dispersed. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 52: BABEL, TOWER OF ======================================================================== The tower built the builders at Babel constructed which became a symbol of their defiance against God (Gen. 11:1-6). It was probably modeled after a ziggurat which is a mound of sun-dried bricks and was probably constructed before 4,000 BC. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 53: BAPTISM ======================================================================== An immersion or sprinkling of water that signifies one's identification with a belief or cause. In Christianity it is the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:4-54). 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). It does not save us (1 Pet. 3:21). However, it is our obligation, as believers, to receive it. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 54: BAPTISMAL REGENERATION ======================================================================== The belief that baptism is essential to salvation, that it is the means where forgiveness of sins is made real to the believer. This is incorrect. Paul said that he came to preach the gospel, not to baptize (1 Cor. 1:14-17). If baptism were essential to salvation, then Paul would have included it in his standard practice and preaching of the salvation message of Jesus, but he did not. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 55: BIBLE ======================================================================== A book or collection of sacred writings. The term "bible" is best known in reference to the Christian Scriptures consisting of the both the Old and New Testaments. The word comes from the Greek, biblios, meaning "book." ======================================================================== CHAPTER 56: BLASPHEMY ======================================================================== Speaking evil of God or denying Him some good which we should attribute to Him. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is stating that Jesus did his miracles by the power of the devil (Matt. 12:22-32) and is an unforgivable sin (Mark 3:28-30). Blasphemy arises out of pride (Psalm 73:9,11), hatred (Psalm 74:18), injustice (Isaiah 52:5), etc. Christ was mistakenly accused of blasphemy (John 10:30-33). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 57: BOOK OF LIFE ======================================================================== A book kept by God with the list of names of people who will escape God's wrath (Psalm 69:28; Rev. 21:27). Those who names are not in the book of Life are cast into hell (Rev. 20:15). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 58: BORN AGAIN ======================================================================== 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). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 59: BRIDE OF CHRIST ======================================================================== A symbolic term used to designate the Christian church in its relation to Christ as one who is a pure virgin (2 Cor. 11:2), loved by Christ (Eph. 5:22-33), who will be in the marriage supper to the Lamb (Rev. 19:7). Rev. 21:9 says, "And one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues, came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I shall show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." ======================================================================== CHAPTER 60: C.E. ======================================================================== Common Era. Another designation for dates. It replaces A.D. Hence, "I was born in 1960 ======================================================================== CHAPTER 61: CAESAR ======================================================================== A title used for a Roman emperor from about 30 B.C. to 70 A.D., derived from the line of Julian. There were several Caesars: Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius I, and Nero. The word then became the title to designate the Ruler of the Roman Empire. References to Caesar in the Bible can be found in Matt. 22:17; Luke 2:1; John 19:12; Acts 25:11-12; etc. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 62: CALVARY ======================================================================== Calvary is the site of the crucifixion of Jesus. The word derives from the translation of word calvaria in the Latin Vulgate. Calvary was known in the New Testament as Golgotha which means "Place of the Skull" (Matt. 27:33). It was located outside the city of Jerusalem. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 63: CALVINISM ======================================================================== A system of Christian interpretation initiated by John Calvin. It emphasizes predestination and salvation. The five points of Calvinism were developed in response to the Arminian position (See Arminianism). Calvinism teaches: 1) Total depravity: that man is touched by sin in all parts of his being: body, soul, mind, and emotions, 2) Unconditional Election: that God’s favor to Man is completely by God’s free choice and has nothing to do with Man. It is completely undeserved by Man and is not based on anything God sees in man (Eph. 1:1-11), 3) Limited atonement: that Christ did not bear the sins of every individual who ever lived, but instead only bore the sins of those who were elected into salvation (John 10:11,15), 4) Irresistible grace: that God's call to someone for salvation cannot be resisted, 5) Perseverance of the saints: that it is not possible to lose one's salvation (John 10:27-28). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 64: CANON ======================================================================== This is another word for scripture. The Canon consists of the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New. The Canon is closed which means there is no more revelation to become Scripture. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 65: CAPITAL PUNISHMENT ======================================================================== The death penalty. The execution of a prisoner for a capital crime. In the Bible, capital punishment was the punishment for murder (Num. 35:16), adultery (Lev. 20:10), incest (Lev. 20:11), bestiality (Lev. 20:15), homosexuality (Num. 18:22), etc. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 66: CAPITAL SINS ======================================================================== In Catholicism, the seven causes of all sin: pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, sloth ======================================================================== CHAPTER 67: CATHOLIC ======================================================================== Universal, the entire Christian Church. Often applied to the Roman Catholic Church. Actually, the word simply means universal. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 68: CAUSALITY ======================================================================== The relationship between cause and effect. The principle that all events have sufficient causes ======================================================================== CHAPTER 69: CHAKRA ======================================================================== In Yoga, an alleged focal point of energy in the human body with its own frequency. It is a Hindu term. Supposedly, there are seven chakras located in the head, throat, chest, abdomen, groin, etc. Chakras are often utilized in New Age practices. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 70: CHANNELING ======================================================================== A new age practice where a person goes into an altered state of consciousness and allows another spirit or entity to enter him/her in order to communicate to us. According to New Age teaching, this spirit or entity can be from another dimension, the spirit realm, or from another part of the galaxy or universe. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 71: CHARISMATIC GIFTS ======================================================================== The special spiritual gifts given to the church. They are for edifying and building up the church. They are mentioned in Rom. 12, 1 Cor. 12, and 1 Cor. 14: Word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 72: CHARITY ======================================================================== An archaic English form of the Greek word "agape" which means love. The King James Version translated the Greek word for love as "charity." See 1 Cor. 13:8-13 in the KJV for examples of this. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 73: CHERUB/CHERUBIM ======================================================================== A type of angel usually involved in sacred work before God. They are generally described as winged creatures with feet and hands. The word(s) occurs over 90 times in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament at Heb. 9:5, "And above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail." Apparently, there are different kinds of Cherubim. Two golden Cherubim are on the Mercy Seat (Exodus 25:18). They were put in Eden "to guard the way of the tree of life," (Gen. 3:24). An interested description of them is given in Ezek. 1:5-11,13,14. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 74: CHILIASM ======================================================================== Also known as millennialism. The belief that there is a future 1000 year reign of Christ where perfect peace will reign and the Lord Jesus will be King on earth. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 75: CHRIST ======================================================================== Christ is a title. It is the N.T. equivalent of the O.T. term "messiah" and means "anointed one." It is applied to Jesus as the anointed one who delivers from sin. Jesus alone is the Christ. As the Christ He has three offices: Prophet, Priest, and King. As Prophet He is the mouthpiece of God (Matt. 5:27-28) and represents God to man. As Priest He represents man to God and restores fellowship between them by offering Himself as the sacrifice that removed the sin of those saved. As King He rules over His kingdom. By virtue of Christ creating all things (John 1:3; Col. 1:16-17), He has the right to rule. Christ has come to do the will of the Father (John 6:38), to save sinners (Luke 19:10), to fulfill the O.T. (Matt. 5:17), to destroy the works of Satan (Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8), and to give life (John 10:10,28). Christ is holy (Luke 1:35), righteous (Isaiah 53:11), sinless (2 Cor. 5:21), humble (Phil. 2:5-8), and forgiving (Luke 5:20; 7:48; 23:34). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 76: CHRISTIAN ======================================================================== The word "Christian" comes from the Greek word christianos which is derived from the word christos, or Christ, which means "anointed one." A Christian, then, is someone who is a follower of Christ. The first use of the word "Christian" in the Bible is found in Acts 11:26, "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." It is found only twice more in Acts 26:28 and 1 Pet. 4:16. However, it is important to note that it is the true Christ that makes someone a Christian, not the Mormon one (brother of the devil), or the JW one (Michael the Archangel), the New Age Jesus (a man in tune with the divine Christ Consciousness), etc. The true Christ is God in flesh (John 1:1,14; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 1:8): Jesus. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 77: CHRISTOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of Christ (Jesus) as revealed in the Bible. Some of the issues studied are: 1) His deity, 2) His incarnation, 3) His offices (See Christ), 4) His sacrifice, 5) His resurrection, 6) His teaching, 7) His relation to God and man, and 8) His return to earth. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 78: CHURCH ======================================================================== The word is used in two senses: the visible and the invisible church. The visible church consists of all the people that claim to be Christians and go to church. The invisible church is the actual body of Christians; those who are truly saved. The true church of God is not an organization on earth consisting of people and buildings, but is really a supernatural entity comprised of those who are saved by Jesus. It spans the entire time of man's existence on earth as well as all people who are called into it. We become members of the church (body of Christ) by faith (Acts 2:41). We are edified by the Word (Eph. 4:15-16), disciplined by God (Matt. 18:15-17), unified in Christ (Gal. 3:28), and sanctified by the Spirit (Eph. 5:26-27). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 79: CIRCUMCISION ======================================================================== An operation (note the shedding of blood) that entered one into the covenant in O.T. times. It was instituted by God (Gen. 17:10-14) and performed on the eighth day after birth (Luke 1:59). It was a sign of the covenant God made with Abraham (Gen. 17:12; Rom. 4:11). In the N.T. the physical operation is not practiced. Instead, a circumcision of the heart of the Christian is taught (Rom. 2:29; Col. 2:11-12). This is the true circumcision (Rom. 2:29). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 80: CITIES OF REFUGE ======================================================================== Six cities that were designated by Moses at the command of God as locations to which Israelites could flee in order to be safe from retribution of other Israelites for offenses committed against others. Num. 35:9-16 gives a description of their purpose. In that culture the responsibility of retribution against a family member who had been killed or seriously injured rested on the "goel," the next of kin. The person was required to stay in the city until the death of the High Priest of that city (Num. 35:25-28). Then he was free to return to his home and retribution was not allowed upon him. Note they typology here. When the high priest dies, the offender is set free. In other words, when Jesus our High Priest died on the cross, we sinners were set free from sin. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 81: CLERGY ======================================================================== Clergy are the body of people ordained to perform religious tasks. Laity are those who are members of a religion but not of the clergy. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 82: CODEX ======================================================================== An early book form made from papyri leaves cut, folded, and sewn together in the middle to make a book. First used in the 2nd century. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 83: COMMON GRACE ======================================================================== The grace of God given to the creation as a whole. God still allows the sun to shine upon the unsaved. He feeds them, allows them to work, and have joy. It is common grace that "restrains" the wrath of God until a later time. It is in special grace that salvation is given to the Christians. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 84: COMMUNICATIO IDIOMATUM ======================================================================== The theological position that the properties of both the human and the divine natures of Jesus are attributed to the one person of Christ. For example, John 17:5 is where Jesus, the man, says, "And now, glorify Thou Me together with Thyself, Father, with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was." We see here that Jesus who was born on earth says He had glory with the Father before the world was. This is because the one person of Christ has two natures: God and man. Jesus is the Divine Word made flesh (John 1:1,14). We see in the single person of Christ both the attributes of divinity and humanity. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 85: COMMUNION ======================================================================== The Lord's Supper (Matt. 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Cor. 1:23-26). It is the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42,46) and a time to give thanks (Luke 22:17,19). It was originally instituted by Jesus (Matt. 26:26-29) on the night of the Passover meal which was an annual occurrence celebrating the "passing over" of the angel of death that claimed the firstborn of every house in Egypt (Exodus 12). The Lord's Supper, or communion, replaces the Passover meal with the "body and blood" (Mark 14:22-24) of Jesus. It is to be taken only by believers (1 Cor. 11:23-28). (For further study see John 6:26-58 and 1 Cor. 11:27-34). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 86: 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 87: CONDITIONAL IMMORTALITY ======================================================================== The view that immortality is given only to those Christians who believe in Christ. The rest are destroyed and do not exist. Some adherents to conditional immortality believe that the wicked will be punished in hell for a period proportional to their sins and then they are annihilated. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 88: CONFESSION ======================================================================== The act of disclosing one's sins. In Catholicism, it is telling sins to a priest and the Lord forgives the person through the priest. Biblically, confession of sins is done to the one offended without the mediatorship of a priest. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 89: CONFESSIONAL ======================================================================== In Catholicism, a small compartment where the priest hears the confessed sins of a sinner. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 90: CONFIRMATION ======================================================================== In Catholicism, a ceremony performed by a bishop that is supposed to strengthen a person and enable him to resist sin. It is usually done at the age of 12. The Bishop dips his right thumb in holy oil and anoints the person on the forehead by making the sign of the cross and says, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." ======================================================================== CHAPTER 91: CONGREGATION ======================================================================== A gathering of people, usually of believers, in a common religious faith. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 92: CONSUBSTANTIATION ======================================================================== It means an inclusion of one substance in another where the body and blood of Christ co-exist in the elements of the Supper. It suggests that a third substance is formed. The body and blood of Christ are "in, with, and under" the elements. There is no permanent relationship with the elements. Instead, the association is limited to the sacramental action. The transformation is effected by the Word of God and not by a priest. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 93: CONTRITION ======================================================================== In Catholicism, extreme sorrow for having sinned with a deep repentance concerning that sin. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 94: 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 (Rom. 10:14; 1 Cor. 15:1-4) and results in repentance (Acts 26:20) and a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). The fruits of conversion are listed in Gal. 5:22-23. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 95: 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 96: COPTIC ======================================================================== The Afro-Asiatic language of the Copts, which survives only as a liturgical language of the Coptic Church. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 97: CORBAN ======================================================================== An offering dedicated to God. It is referenced in Mark 7:11 and is alluded to in Lev. 1:2. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 98: COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT ======================================================================== 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 99: COSMOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of the origin and structure of the universe. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 100: COVENANT ======================================================================== An agreement between two parties. The agreement, according to Ancient Near East custom, consists of five parts: 1) Identification of parties, 2) Historical prologue where the deeds establishing the worthiness of the dominant party is established, 3) Conditions of the agreement, 4) Rewards and punishments in regard to keeping the conditions, and 5) Disposition of the documents where each party receives a copy of the agreement (e.g. the two tablets of stone of the 10 Commandments). Ultimately, the covenants God has made with man result in our benefit. We receive eternal blessings from the covenant of grace. (For further study see Gen. 2:16-17; 9:1-17; 15:18; Gen. 26:3-5; Gal. 3:16-18; Luke 1:68-79; Heb. 13:20). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 101: COVENANT THEOLOGY ======================================================================== A system of theology that views God's dealings with man in respect of covenants rather than dispensations (periods of time). It represents the whole of scripture as covenantal in structure and theme. Some believe there is one Covenant and others believe two and still others believe in more. The two main covenants are covenant of works in the O.T. made between God and Adam, and the Covenant of Grace between the Father and the Son where the Father promised to give the Son the elect and the Son must redeem them. Some consider these to be one and the same. The covenants have been made since before the world was made (Heb. 13:20). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 102: CREATION ======================================================================== Everything that exists except God himself. This includes material as well as immaterial things and time. God is the creator, (Heb. 11:3) we are the creatures. The creator/creature distinction must be maintained to properly remain in humble relationship with God. We are not God, cannot create, nor can we help ourselves do good in order to be saved. Only God is God. Only He can create. And, only He has the ability to save man. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 103: CREATIONISM ======================================================================== The position that God created the universe. Young earth creationists generally believe that God created the universe, the earth, and living things on the earth and that the Old Testament literally describes six, 24 hour periods. Therefore, they maintain that the universe is, more or less, anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 years old. They further maintain that speciation occurred during this time as a result of the extant genetic information and environmental pressures. Old earth creationists still maintain that the universe, the earth, and all living things were created by God, but that the Universe is very old. Compare with Natural Evolution and Evolution. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 104: CROSS ======================================================================== As relates to Christianity, it is the instrument of crucifixion. It is a single vertical stake with a cross member near or at the top by which a person is either nailed and/or tied with outstretched arms. Jesus was nailed on a cross, not a stake since in John 20:25, Thomas stated that he would not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he saw "...in His hands the imprint of the nails..." A cross would require at least two nails, one for each outstretched hand. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 105: CULT ======================================================================== A religious group that follows a particular theological system. In the context of Christianity, and in particular, CARM, it is a group that uses the Bible but distorts the doctrines that affect salvation sufficiently to cause salvation to be unattainable. A few examples of cults are Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, Christadelphians, Unity, Religious Science, The Way International, and the Moonies. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 106: DAMNATION ======================================================================== The righteous judgment of God upon a sinner where the sinner is cast out of the presence of God into Hell for ever. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 107: DEACONS ======================================================================== Biblically, this designates a servant in the church but not someone who is a slave since the latter refers to a slave/master relationship. It has become an office of the church where individuals are designated to help in the ministry, sometimes serving communion, sometimes by taking care of such needs as church welfare, feeding the homeless, taking care of the sick in the church, etc. It comes from the Greek word diakonos and is translated as "servant" in John 6:25; 12:26, "minister" in Rom. 13:4. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 108: DEATH ======================================================================== The word "death" is used in two main ways in the Bible. First, it is used to describe the cessation of life. Second, death is used in reference to the lost. This refers to their eternal separation from God as a result of sin (Isaiah 59:2), in a conscious state of damnation without hope (1 Thess. 4:13; Rev. 20:10,14,15). Death to humans is unnatural. When God created Adam and Eve, death was not part of the created order. It was not until they sinned that death entered the scene (Rom. 5:12; 6:23). Death will be destroyed when Christ returns and the believers receive their resurrected bodies. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 109: DECALOGUE ======================================================================== The Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20. Deca means ten in Latin. Logue comes from "logos" which means "word." ======================================================================== CHAPTER 110: DECREES, OF GOD ======================================================================== 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. But, it necessarily is true that God knows all things actual as well as potential, and that that which exists, exists due to His creative effort. It also follows that God has eternally known all events that have occurred, are occurring, and will occur in this creation including the fall, redemption, glorification, etc. Yet, God is not the one responsible for the sin in the world but has decreed, by His permission, that it be allowed to exist. Isaiah 46:9-10 says, "Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, 10Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure." God's efficacious decrees are those decrees which God has purposed and determined to occur, i.e., Acts 2:23 "this Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death." God's permissive decrees are those decrees where He permits things to occur such as evil. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 111: DEDUCTION ======================================================================== A system of logic, inference and conclusion drawn from examination of facts. Conclusions drawn from the general down to the specific. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 112: DEPRAVITY ======================================================================== Moral corruption, a state of corruption or sinfulness. Total depravity is the teaching that sin has touched all aspects of the human: body, soul, spirit, emotions, mind, etc. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 113: DEISM ======================================================================== The belief that God exists but is not involved in the world. It maintains that God created all things and set the universe in motion and is no longer involved in its operation. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 114: DEITY ======================================================================== That quality possessed by God alone that distinguishes Him from every other thing. It is the essential nature that makes God what He is. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 115: DEMON ======================================================================== A fallen angel that assists Satan in the opposition of God. Demons are evil (Luke 10:17,18), powerful (Luke 8:29), and under the power of Satan (Matt. 12:24-30). They recognized Christ (Mark 1:23,24) and can possess non-Christians (Matt. 8:29). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 116: DEONTOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of moral obligation. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 117: DETERMINISM ======================================================================== The teaching that every event in the universe is caused and controlled by natural law; that there is no free will in humans and that all events are merely the result of natural and physical laws. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 118: DEVIL ======================================================================== Greek is "diabolos," which means accuser. The greatest of all the fallen angels. He opposes God and is completely evil. He is often called Lucifer which is a Latin translation of "light bearer" found in Isaiah 14:12, and also the accuser of the brethren in (Rev. 12:10), dragon (Rev. 12:9), the devil (Matt. 4:1), the tempter (Matt. 4:3), the accuser (Rev. 12:10), the prince of demons (Luke 11:15), the ruler of this world (John 12:31), See Isaiah 14:12-15 for a description of the fall of the devil. Upon Jesus' return, the Devil will be vanquished -- depending on the eschatological position. His future is the eternal lake of fire. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 119: DIALECTIC ======================================================================== The practice of examining ideas and beliefs using reason and logic. It is often accomplished by question and answer. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 120: DIASPORA ======================================================================== Dispersion. Biblically, it refers to the dispersion of the Jews outside of Israel from the time of the Babylonian Captivity until now. It has also been applied to the dispersion of Christians after 70 A.D. when Rome sacked Jerusalem and thousands of Christians fled and dispersed throughout the Mediterranean area. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 121: DICHOTOMY ======================================================================== The teaching that a human consists of two parts: body and soul. Sometimes the soul is also referred to as spirit. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 122: DIDACHE ======================================================================== From the Greek "didoskolos" meaning "teacher." The Didache (pronounced did-a-kay). It was possibly written around 65-80 A.D. and is supposed to be what the twelve apostles taught to the Gentiles concerning life and death, church order, fasting, baptism, prayer, etc. There is debate as to its authenticity. The work is cited by Eusebius who lived from 260-341 and Athanasius (293-373). The Didache is not inspired, but is valuable as an early church document. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 123: DIDACTICS ======================================================================== The branch of education dealing with teaching. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 124: DIOCESE ======================================================================== In Catholicism, an area of many parishes presided over by a bishop. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 125: DISCIPLE ======================================================================== A pupil or follower of a religion, a person, or a movement. As Christians we are to be disciples of Jesus (Luke 14:26,27). We follow in the teaching and example of what He said and did. A disciple is a convert but not all converts are disciples. As disciples we are to bear our cross daily (Matt. 16:24). This means to live and die for Him if necessary (Matt. 16:25). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 126: DISPENSATION, DISPENSATIONALISM ======================================================================== In the Scofield Reference Bible a dispensation is "a period of time during which man is tested in respect of obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God" Dispensationalism says that God uses different means of administering His will and grace to His people. These different means coincide with different periods of time. Scofield says there are seven dispensations: of innocence, of conscience, of civil government, of promise, of law, of grace, and of the kingdom. Dispensationalists interpret the scriptures in light of these (or other perceived) dispensations. Compare to Covenant. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 127: DIVINATION ======================================================================== The practice of predicting the future and/or securing for a person the services of supernatural powers. It is also used as a means to gain knowledge. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 128: DIVINITY ======================================================================== The nature or quality of being God. It belongs to God alone. Jesus was divine in nature (Col. 2:9) as well as being a man. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 129: DOCETISM ======================================================================== Docetism was an error with several variations concerning the nature of Christ. Generally, it taught that Jesus only appeared to have a body, that he was not really incarnate, (Greek, "dokeo" = "to seem"). This error developed out of the dualistic philosophy which viewed matter as inherently evil, that God could not be associated with matter, and that God, being perfect and infinite, could not suffer. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 130: DOCTRINE ======================================================================== A set of accepted beliefs held by a group. In religion, it is the set of true beliefs that define the parameters of that belief system. Hence, there is true doctrine and false doctrine relative to each belief set. In Christianity, for example, a true biblical doctrine is that there is only one God in all existence (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8). A false doctrine is that there is more than one God in all existence. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 131: DOGMA ======================================================================== A generally held set of formulated beliefs. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 132: DONATISM ======================================================================== Donatism was the error taught by Donatus, bishop of Casae Nigrae that the effectiveness of the sacraments depends on the moral character of the minister. In other words, if a minister who was involved in a serious enough sin were to baptize a person, that baptism would be considered invalid. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 133: DOWSING ======================================================================== A form of divination using a forked rod or bent wire often used to find objects, people, or things. A person holds the dowsing instrument and is "lead" around by it until the object is, allegedly, found. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 134: DUALISM ======================================================================== In theology, the concept that the world is controlled by two opposing forces, i.e., good and bad, God and Satan. In Philosophy the idea that the world consists of two main components: thought and matter. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 135: ECCLESIOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of the Christian church, its structure, order, practices, and hierarchy. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 136: EDIFY ======================================================================== To build up. In the Christian context it means to strengthen someone, or be strengthened, in relationship to God, the Christian walk, and holiness. As Christians, we are to "let all things be done for edification" (1 Cor. 14:26). We are edified by the Word of God (Acts 20:32) and by love (1 Cor. 8:1). (See also Rom. 14:19; Eph. 4:29 and 1 Cor. 3:1-4; James 4:1-6). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 137: EFFICACY ======================================================================== Producing a result. Christ's atonement was efficacious; it produced the result of forgiveness of sins for the elect. The atonement is efficacious grace in action. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 138: EISEGESIS ======================================================================== Eisegesis is when a person interprets and reads information into the text that is not there. An example would be in viewing 1 Cor. 8:5 which says, "For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many," (KJV). With this verse, Mormons, for example, bring their preconceived idea of the existence of many gods to this text and assert that it says there are many gods. But that is not what it says. It says that there are many that are called gods. Being called a god doesn't make it a god. Therefore, the text does not teach what the Mormons say and they are guilty of eisegesis; that is, reading into the text what it does not say. See also exegesis. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 139: ELECT, 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 140: EMPIRICISM ======================================================================== The proposition that the only source of true knowledge is experience. It is the search for knowledge through experiment and observation. Denial that knowledge can be obtained a priori. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 141: EPISTEMOLOGY ======================================================================== The branch of philosophy that deals with the area of knowledge, its source, criteria, kinds, and the relationship between what is known and the one who is knowing it. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 142: ESCHATOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of the teachings in the Bible concerning the end times, or of the period of time dealing with the return of Christ and the events that follow. Eschatological subjects include the Resurrection, Resurrection, the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium, the Binding of Satan, the Three witnesses, the Final Judgment, Armageddon, and The New Heavens and the New Earth. In the New Testament, eschatological chapters include Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 17, and 2 Thess. 2. In one form or another most of the books of the Bible deal with end-times subjects. But some that are more prominently eschatological are Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Joel, Zechariah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, 2 Thessalonians, and of course Revelation. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 143: ETERNAL LIFE ======================================================================== 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 144: ETERNAL SECURITY ======================================================================== The doctrine that salvation cannot be lost. Since it is not gained by anything we do, it cannot be lost by anything we do. This does not mean that we can sin all we want (Rom. 6:1-2) because we have been freed from sin and are set apart for holy use (1 Thess. 4:7). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 145: ETHICS ======================================================================== The study of right and wrong, good and bad, moral judgment, etc. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 146: EUCHARIST ======================================================================== The elements of the communion supper in Christian Churches where the bread and wine are consumed as a representation of the sacrifice of Christ. They correspond, representatively, to the body and blood of Christ. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 147: EUNUCH ======================================================================== A male who has been castrated; that is, had the testes removed. Eunuchs were often used as guards of harems. In Acts 8:27, a Eunuch was "a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure." Biblically, some people are born Eunuchs and others are made Eunuchs (Matt. 19:12). They were forbidden to enter into sacred duty (Deut. 23:1). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 148: EUTYCHIANISM ======================================================================== This is similar to Monophycitism. It states that Christ's natures were so thoroughly combined -- in a sense scrambled together -- that the result was that Christ was not really truly able to relate to us as humans. The problem is this implies that Jesus was not truly God nor man. Therefore, He would be unable to act as mediator and unable to truly atone for our sins. (See Hypostatic Union, which is the correct view of Christ's two natures, and also Nestorianism and Monophycitism which are the incorrect views of Christ's two natures.) ======================================================================== CHAPTER 149: EVIL ======================================================================== Moral rebellion against God. It is contrary to the will of God. There is natural evil (floods, storms, famines, etc.) and moral evil (adultery, murder, idolatry, etc.). Natural evil is a result of moral evil. Adam's sin resulted in sin entering the world allowing floods, storms, famines, etc. Evil originated with Satan (Isaiah 14:12-15) and is carried on by man (Matt. 15:18-19). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 150: EVOLUTION ======================================================================== The theory that all living things on earth evolved from a single source and driven by genetic mutation and natural selection gave rise to all the various life forms on earth. This evolutionary process was without the intervention of a divine being or beings. The theory has undergone many changes since its inception in the 1800's. The Scriptures do not speak about evolution but instead negate the theory by stating that God created all things (Gen. 1). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 151: EXCOMMUNICATION ======================================================================== The act of discipline where the Church breaks fellowship with a member who has refused to repent of sins. Matt. 18 is generally used as the model of procedures leading up to excommunication. Those excommunicated are not to partake in the Lord’s supper. In the Bible, serious offenders of God’s law, who were supposed to be Christian, were "delivered over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh" (1 Cor. 15:5; 1 Tim. 1:20). However, upon repentance, the person is welcomed back into fellowship within the body of Christ. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 152: EXEGESIS ======================================================================== Exegesis is when a person interprets a text based solely on what it says. That is, he extracts out of the text what is there as opposed to reading into it what is not there (eisegesis). There are rules to proper exegesis: read the immediate context, related themes, word definitions, etc., that all play a part in properly understanding what something says and does not say. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 153: EXISTENTIALISM ======================================================================== A philosophical viewpoint that emphasizes human freedom and abilities. Therefore, subjectivity and individual choice are elevated often above conceptual and moral absolutes. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 154: EXPIATION ======================================================================== The cancellation of sin. Expiation and propitiation are similar but expiation does not carry the implication of dealing with wrath, of appeasing it through a sacrifice. Generally speaking, propitiation cancels sin and deals with God's wrath. Expiation is simply the cancellation of sin. Jesus was our propitiation (1 John 2:2; 4:10 -- "atoning sacrifice" in the NIV). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 155: FAITH ======================================================================== "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). It is synonymous with trust. It is a divine gift (Rom. 12:3) and comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 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 (Eph. 2:8). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). It is by faith that we live our lives, "The righteous shall live by faith" (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 156: FALL, THE ======================================================================== The fall is that event in the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve disobeyed the command of God and ate of The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen. 2 and 3). Since Adam represented all of mankind, when He sinned, all of mankind fell with Him (Rom. 5:12). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 157: FALSE PROPHET, (THE) ======================================================================== The second beast of Revelation (Rev. 13:11-18). He is a person who will manifest himself near the culmination of this epoch shortly before the physical return of Christ. He will be a miracle worker and during the Tribulation period will bring fire down from heaven and command that people worship the image of the Beast (Rev. 11:15). See also (13:16-17). Jesus warned about false prophets in Matt. 24:24 stating that in the last days many false prophets would arise and deceive, if possible, even the elect. False prophets teach false doctrine and lead people away from the true gospel message and teaching of God found in the Bible. Examples of modern day false prophets are Joseph Smith (Mormonism), Charles Taze Russell (Jehovah's Witnesses), Mary Baker Eddy (Christian Science), etc. Each of them distorts the truth sufficient to cause damnation. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 158: FALSIFIABILITY ======================================================================== The ability of something to be proven false. A non falsifiable statement would be, "There is a green lizard sitting in a rocking chair on the fourth largest moon of Jupiter." This statement is not falsifiable in that it cannot be proven false because it cannot be verified or denied. Jesus' resurrection was falsifiable in that all the critics had to do was produce the body, but they did not. Falsifiability, generally, is a test of the validity of a belief or occurrence. Something that is not falsifiable can be said to be untrue since it cannot be confirmed or denied. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 159: FAST, FASTING ======================================================================== Depriving oneself of food for a period of time for a specific purpose, often spiritual. It is the "weakening" of the body in order to "strengthen" the spirit. It is interesting to note that sin entered the world through the disobedience of eating (Gen. 3:6). We are called to fast in the N.T. (Matt. 6:16 ). (See also 1 Kings 21:27; Psalm 35:13; Acts 13:3; 2 Cor. 6:5). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 160: FATALISM ======================================================================== The idea that all things are predetermined to occur and that there is no ability of the person to alter the predetermined plan of God in any event. This is not the correct biblical view. The Bible teaches us that we can influence God with our prayers (James 5:16). How this influence is worked out by God who knows all things from eternity is something apparently unexplainable in Christianity. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 161: FELLOWSHIP ======================================================================== There is no specific definition given in the N.T. But we are called into fellowship with one another (1 John 1:3, with Jesus (1 Cor. 1:9), with the Father (1 John 1:3), and with the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14). Fellowship implies sharing common interests, desires, and motivations. Fellowship requires that time be spent with another communicating, caring, etc. It carries with it a hint of intimacy. As Christians we fellowship with one another because of our position in Christ, because we are all redeemed and share an intimate personal knowledge of Jesus. We share a common belief (Acts 2:42), hope (Heb. 11:39-40), and need (2 Cor. 8:1-15). The Greek word for fellowship is koinonia. This word is also translated communion in 1 Cor. 10:16 in the KJV. This is where we get the term the communion supper. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 162: FIDEISM ======================================================================== The position that religious doctrines rest not on reason, but only on faith. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 163: FILIOQUE ======================================================================== The doctrine that the Holy Spirit proceeds equally from both the Father and the Son. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 164: FIRSTBORN ======================================================================== The first of the mother's offspring. It stands figuratively for that which is most excellent. The firstborn male of the family carried certain familial rites and privileges (Gen. 27:1-29; 48:13-14) and was given a double portion of the inheritance (Deut. 21:17). The term is also applied to Christ as the pre-eminent one and the first one raised from the dead (Col. 1:15,18). It does not mean first created as Jehovah's Witnesses believe. In fact, the firstborn rites were transferable. Compare Jer. 31:9 with Gen. 41:50-52. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 165: FORGIVENESS ======================================================================== There are seven words in Scripture that 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 (Heb. 10:17). God is the initiator of forgiveness (Col. 2:13). There is only one sin for which the Father does not promise forgiveness: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28; Matt. 12:32). The contexts suggest this to be the sin of attributing to unclean spirits the work of the Holy Spirit. 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 (Heb. 9:22; Lev. 17:11). Forgiveness is based upon the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 166: FOOL ======================================================================== Hater of God. One who is morally weak, who misuses what God has given him for selfish purposes. He is lustful (Prov. 7:22), lazy (Ecc. 10:15), does not fear God (Prov. 14:1), hates knowledge (Prov. 1:22), and is self-righteous (Prov. 12:15). As Christians, we are to avoid foolishness (Eph. 5:4). (See Ecc. 7:25; Prov. 3:35, 10:8.) ======================================================================== CHAPTER 167: FOREKNOW, FOREKNOWLEDGE ======================================================================== It is God's knowledge about things that will happen. Past, present, and future are all "present" in the mind of God. He inhabits eternity (Isaiah 57:15). God has infinite knowledge (Isaiah 41:22,23) and knows all things in advance. In the N.T. it does not always mean "to know beforehand" but also to cause to be. See 1 Pet. 1:2,20. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 168: FREE KNOWLEDGE ======================================================================== The free act of God’s will where, after His free act of creation, He knows all things that are going to happen and that this knowledge is contingent upon His free creative will. Therefore, the free knowledge of God would be different if He had chosen a different creative fiat. In other words, because God created one possible existence instead of another, the range of His knowledge regarding actual existence would have been different had He created something different in the first place. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 169: FREE WILL ======================================================================== Freedom of self determination and action independent of external causes. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 170: FREETHINKER ======================================================================== A person who forms his opinions about religion and God without regard to revelation, scripture, tradition, or experience. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 171: GEHENNA ======================================================================== Originally, a location southwest of Jerusalem where children were burned as sacrifices to the god Molech. It later became a garbage dump with a continuous burning of trash. Therefore, it was used biblically, to illustrate the abode of the damned in Christian and Jewish theology. Gehenna is mentioned in Mark 9:43ff and Matt. 10:28 as the place of punishment of unquenchable fire where both the body and soul of the wicked go after death. It is apparently the future abode of Satan and his angels (Matt. 25:41). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 172: GENTILE ======================================================================== Those who are not Jews. Gentiles were used by God to punish apostate Judea (Deut. 28:49; 1 Kings 8:33) and often included in blessings by God upon the Jewish people. "Gentiles" is often used biblically in reference to nations. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 173: GIFTS, SPIRITUAL GIFTS ======================================================================== Spiritual abilities given by God for the purpose of building up the church. Every Christian has at least one (1 Cor. 7:7). They are listed and discussed in different places in the N.T. (Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28-30; Eph. 4:7-12). Following is a list of the gifts arranged in two groups. The first are gifts that require supernatural intervention and are possessed only by true Christians. The second are gifts that do not require supernatural intervention. Even non-Christians can have the second group of gifts. A further issue is whether or not the gifts are still in use today. Some believe they ceased with the apostles and the closing of the Canon (the completion of the writings of the Bible) and they are no longer needed for the building up of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12). Others believe the gifts are still in use but not in the pure apostolic sense. In other words, they are still in use but not in the same way possessed by the apostles. Instead, they are available to the believer if and when God decides it is beneficial to use them. Spiritual Gifts 1 Salvation Rom. 6:23 2 Word of Wisdom 1 Cor. 12:8 3 Word of Knowledge 1 Cor. 12:8 4 Faith 1 Cor. 12:9 5 Healing 1 Cor. 12:9 6 Miracles 1 Cor. 12:10 7 Prophecy Rom. 12:6 1 Cor. 12:10 8 Distinguishing of Spirits 1 Cor. 12:10 9 Tongues 1 Cor. 12:10 10 Interpretation of Tongues 1 Cor. 12:10 1 Serving Rom. 12:7 2 Teaching Rom. 12:7 3 Exhortation Rom. 12:8 4 Giving Rom. 12:8 5 Leading Rom. 12:8 6 Showing mercy Rom. 12:8 ======================================================================== CHAPTER 174: GNOSTICISM ======================================================================== A theological error prevalent around the time of Christ. Generally speaking, Gnosticism taught that salvation is achieved through special knowledge (gnosis). This knowledge usually dealt with the individual's relationship to the transcendent Being. It denies the incarnation of God as the Son. In so doing, it denies the true efficacy of the atonement since, if Jesus is not God, He could not atone for all of mankind and we would still be lost in our sins. For more information. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 175: GOD ======================================================================== The supreme being of the universe. He is the creator of all things (Isaiah 44:24). He alone is God (Isaiah 45:21,22; 46:9; 47:8). There have never been any Gods before Him nor will there be any after Him (Isaiah 43:10). God is God from all eternity (Psalm 90:2). In Exodus 3:14, God revealed His name to His people. The name commonly known in English is Jehovah. This comes from the four Hebrew consonants that spell the name of God. (See Tetragrammaton.) God is a Trinity, knows all things (1 John 3:20), can do all things (Jer. 32:17,27 - except those things against His nature like lie, break His word, cheat, steal, etc.), and is everywhere all the time (Psalm 119:7-12). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 176: GODS, FALSE ======================================================================== Gods that are not real, but invented by men or inspired by demons the purpose of which is to deceive people so they do not believe in the true and living God. Some of the false gods listed in the Bible are Adrammelech and Anammelech (2 Kings 17:31), Asherah (1 Kings 15:13; 18:19), Ashtoreth (1 Kings 11:5,33), Baal (1 Kings 14:23; 2 Kings 23:7), Baalzebub (2 Kings 1:1-16); Luke 11:19-23), Dagon (Judges 16:23-30), Molech/Moloch (Lev. 18:21; 20:1-5), Rimmon (2 Kings 5:18, and Tammuz (Ezekiel 8:14). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 177: GOSPEL ======================================================================== The Gospel is the good news that we have forgiveness of sins through Jesus. Specifically, the gospel is defined by Paul in 1 Cor. 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 (Gal. 1:10-12), is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16), is a mystery (Eph. 6:19), and is a source of hope (Col. 1:23), faith (Acts 15:7), life (1 Cor. 4:15), and peace (Eph. 6:15). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 178: GRACE ======================================================================== Grace is unmerited favor. It is God's free action for the benefit of His people. It is different than Justice and Mercy. Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we do not deserve. In grace we get eternal life, something that, quite obviously, we do not deserve. But because of God's love and kindness manifested in Jesus on the Cross, we receive the great blessing of redemption. 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 (Eph. 2:8-9). We are no longer under the Law, but under grace (Rom. 6:14). (See 1 Cor. 15:11; Rom. 5:2, 15-20; 2 Cor. 12:9; and 2 Cor. 9:8). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 179: GREAT WHITE BROTHERHOOD ======================================================================== A New Age term designating the spiritual organization of Ascended Masters (great spiritual leaders of this world and other worlds) who have moved from the mortal realm to the Astral Plane (another dimension) and exist in a state of immortality. The members of the Great White Brotherhood often communicate to mortals here on earth through channeling. "White" refers to the light (aura) around the great spiritual teachers throughout history. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 180: 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). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 181: HADES ======================================================================== New Testament term for the Hebrew “sheol,” which is the abode of the conscious dead. It is apparently a place (Acts 2:31). In Revelation it is referred to as a creature on a horse (Rev. 6:8). In Rev. 1:18, it says that Christ holds the keys to death and Hades. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 182: HAMARTIOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of the doctrine of sin. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 183: HEAVEN ======================================================================== Heaven is the dwelling place of God and for those who go there a place of everlasting bliss. Scripture implies three heavens, since "the third heaven" is revealed to exist (2 Cor. 12:2). It is logical that a third heaven cannot exist without a first and second. Scripture does not describe specifically the first and second heaven. The first, however, apparently refers to the atmospheric heavens of the fowl (Hosea 2:18) and clouds (Dan. 7:13). The second heaven may be the area of the stars and planets (Gen. 1:14-18). It is the abode of all supernatural angelic beings. The third heaven is the abode of the triune God. Its location is unrevealed. (See Matt. 23:34-37; Luke 10:20; and Rev. 22:2, 20-27). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 184: HEDONISM ======================================================================== The teaching that pleasure is the principle good and proper goal of all action. Self indulgence. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 185: HELL ======================================================================== Hell is the future place of eternal punishment of the damned including the devil and his fallen angels. There are several words rendered as Hell: Hades - A Greek word. It is the place of the dead, the location of the person between death and resurrection. (See Matt. 11:23; 16:18; Acts 11:27; 1 Cor. 15:55; Rev. 1:18; 6:8). Gehenna - A Greek word. It was the place where dead bodies were dumped and burned (2 Kings 23:13-14). Jesus used the word to designate the place of eternal torment (Matt. 5:22,29,30; Mark 9:43; Luke 12:5). Sheol - A Hebrew word. It is the place of the dead, not necessarily the grave, but the place the dead go to. It is used of both the righteous (Psalm 16:10; 30:3; Isaiah 38:10) and the wicked (Num. 16:33; Job. 24:19; Psalm 9:17). Hell is a place of eternal fire (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 19:20). It was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41) and will be the abode of the wicked (Rev. 22:8) and the fallen angels (2 Pet. 2:4). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 186: HENOTHEISM ======================================================================== The teaching that there are many gods but that only one of them must be honored and worshipped. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 187: HERESY ======================================================================== A doctrinal view that deviates from the truth, a false teaching. We are warned against it in Acts 20:29-32 and Phil. 3:2. Heresies include teachings that Jesus is not God and that the Holy Spirit is not a person (Jehovah's Witnesses, Christadelphians, The Way International), that men may become gods (Mormonism), that there is more than one God (Mormonism), that Jesus lost His divinity in hell and finished the atonement there, and that good works are necessary for salvation (all cults say this), to name a few. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 188: HETERODOXY ======================================================================== A set of beliefs or opinions that are not in agreement with accepted doctrinal beliefs of a church. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 189: HIGHER SELF ======================================================================== A New Age term used to signify the divine part of each person that is capable of attaining the knowledge of perfection and "ultimate truth." ======================================================================== CHAPTER 190: HOMILETICS ======================================================================== That branch of theology concerned with preaching and sermons and the proper way in which to deliver them. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 191: HOLY, HOLINESS ======================================================================== A quality of perfection, sinlessness, and inability to sin that is possessed by God alone. As Christians we are called to be holy (1 Pet. 1:16). But this does not refer to our nature. Instead, it is a command of our practice and thought. We are to be holy in obedience (1 Pet. 1:14). God has made us holy through His Son Jesus (Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 2:9). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 192: HOLY ORDERS ======================================================================== In Catholicism, one of the seven sacraments by which men, bishop, deacons, and priests, are given the power and authority by a bishop to offer sacrifice and forgive sins. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 193: HOLY SPIRIT, THE ======================================================================== The third person of the Godhead. He is completely God. He is called God (Acts 5:3-4), has a will (1 Cor. 12:11), speaks (Acts 8:29; 13:2), and knows all things (John 14:17). He is not an "active force" as the Jehovah's Witnesses mistakenly teach. The Holy Spirit is alive and is fully and completely God. He is called the Spirit of God (Gen. 1:2), Holy Spirit (Psalm 51:1), the Helper (John 14:16,26), and Eternal Spirit (Heb. 9:14). He knows all things (1 Cor. 2:10-11), is all powerful (Luke 1:35), and is everywhere (Psalm 139:7-13). (See Trinity and Holy Spirit.) ======================================================================== CHAPTER 194: HOLY WATER ======================================================================== In Catholicism, special water that has been blessed by a priest, bishop, etc. or a liturgical ceremony. It is used to bring a blessing to a person when applied. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 195: HUMANISM ======================================================================== A philosophical system of thought that focuses on human value, thought, and actions. Humans are considered basically good and rationale creatures who can improve themselves and others through natural human abilities of reason and action. Secular Humanism is a late development emphasizing objectivity, human reason, and human standards that govern art, economics, ethics, and belief. As such, no deity is acknowledged. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 196: HUMILITY ======================================================================== The attitude of the Christian that teaches us not to "...think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment..." (Rom. 12:3). It teaches us to prefer others over ourselves (Rom. 12:10). It is knowing our true position before God. It is not self-abasement or demeaning one's self. "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Humility is necessary to be a disciple of Jesus (Matt. 18:3-4). The humility of Jesus is described in Philippians 2:5-8, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" (NIV). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 197: HYPOSTATIC UNION ======================================================================== This is the union of the two natures (Divine and human) in the person of Jesus. Jesus is God in flesh (John 1:1,14; 10:30-33; 20:28; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 1:8). He is fully God and fully man (Col. 2:9); thus, He has two natures: God and man. He is not half God and half man. He is 100% God and 100% man. He never lost his divinity.1 He continued to exist as God when He became a man and added human nature to Himself (Phil. 2:5-11). Therefore, there is a "union in one person of a full human nature and a full divine nature."2 Right now in heaven there is a man, Jesus, who is our Mediator between us and God the Father (1 Tim. 2:5). (For related information on Jesus and His two natures, see Incarnation, and the errors concerning His natures known as Eutychianism, Monophycitism, and Nestorianism.) ======================================================================== CHAPTER 198: IDOL, IDOLATRY ======================================================================== An idol is a representation of something in the heavens or on the earth. It is used in worship and is often worshiped. It is an abomination to God (Exodus 20:4). Idolatry is bowing down before such an idol in adoration, prayer, or worship. In a loose sense, idolatry does not necessitate a material image or a religious system. It can be anything that takes the place of God: a car, a job, money, a person, a desire, etc. Idolatry is denounced by God at the beginning of the Ten Commandments and is considered a form of spiritual fornication. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 199: IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ======================================================================== The teaching that Mary was conceived without original sin. Typically believed as true in Roman Catholicism. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 200: IMAGE OF GOD ======================================================================== Man was made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26). The image of God is generally held to mean that people contain within their nature elements that reflect God's nature: compassion, reason, love, hate, patience, kindness, self-awareneness, etc. Though we have a physical image, it does not mean that God has one. Rather, God is spirit (John 4:24), not flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 201: IMMUTABILITY ======================================================================== 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). Immutability does not mean that God does not vary. The incarnation is just such an example of variation. Also, God's attitude toward a person is changed when the person becomes a Christian. For example, the enmity between God and man is removed (Rom. 5:10). Mormonism denies the immutability of God. It says that God was not always God, that He was a man on another planet who became a God (Mormon Doctrine, by Bruce McConkie, p. 321.). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 202: IMMORTALITY ======================================================================== Life without death anytime in the future. God is immortal. The souls of people are immortal though their bodies are not. All people can die in a physical sense but they continue on after death. Therefore, it is the soul that is immortal. However, after the return of Christ and the resurrection, the Christians' bodies will also become glorified and immortal (1 Cor. 15:50-58). The wicked will likewise be resurrected to immortality but they will be cast into hell for eternity. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 203: IMPUTE, IMPUTATION ======================================================================== To reckon to someone the blessing, curse, debt, etc. of another. Adam's sin is imputed to all people (Rom. 5:12-21), therefore, we are all guilty before God. Our sins were put upon, imputed, to Jesus on the cross where He became sin on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:21) and died with them (Isaiah 53:4-6). Therefore, our sins are forgiven. Understanding imputation is very important. Imputation is the means of our salvation. Our sins were put upon, imputed, to Jesus on the cross. Our sins were "given" to Jesus. When He died on the cross, our sins, in a sense, died with Him. The righteousness that was His through His perfect obedience to the Father in His complete obedience to the Law is imputed, given, to us. In short, our sins were given to Jesus. His righteousness was given to us. Technically speaking our sins were imputed to Jesus. His righteousness was imputed to us. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 204: IN FACTO ======================================================================== Something that exists and is complete. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 205: IN FIERI ======================================================================== Beginning to be, but not yet complete. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 206: INCARNATION ======================================================================== 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; Phil. 2:5-8). It was the voluntary act of Jesus to humble Himself so that He might die for our sins (1 Pet. 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 Pet. 2:24) which is the atonement. Through Jesus we have forgiveness of sins. Since we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9) it is essential that our object of faith be accurate. The doctrine of the incarnation ensures 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 Tim. 2:5) between us and God. Jesus came to reveal the Father (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22), to do His will (Heb. 10:5-9), to fulfill prophecy (Luke 4:17-21), to reconcile the world (2 Cor. 5:18-21), and to become our High Priest (Heb. 7:24-28). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 207: INDUCTION ======================================================================== A system of logic where specific facts are used to draw a general conclusion. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 208: INDULGENCE ======================================================================== In Catholicism, a means by which the Catholic church takes away some of the punishment due the Christian in this life and/or purgatory because of his sin. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 209: INERRANCY ======================================================================== Without error, non-errant. In Christianity, inerrancy states that the Bible, in its original documents, is without error regarding facts, names, dates, and any other revealed information. Inerrancy does not extend to the copies of the biblical manuscripts. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 210: INFANT BAPTISM ======================================================================== The practice of baptizing infant children of believing parents. In the Catholic Church infant baptism washes away original sin and is regenerative. In Reformed circles, infant baptism is not regenerative but covenantal and validated through the believing parent(s). There are no explicit accounts of infant baptism in the Bible. However, it cannot be completely excluded as a possibility given that entire households were baptized Acts 16:15, 33; 18:8. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 211: INFIDEL ======================================================================== A person who does not believe in any particular religious system. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 212: INFINITY ======================================================================== The state or quality of being infinite, unlimited by space or time, without end, without beginning or end. God is infinite in that He is not limited by space or time. He is without beginning and without end (Psalm 90:2). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 213: INFRALAPSARIANISM ======================================================================== An issue within Reformed theology dealing with what may have happened in God's mind regarding the logical order of His considering whom to elect into salvation before the foundation of the world. The word means "after the fall." The position is that God first decided he would allow sin into the world and second that he would then save people from it. By contrast, the supralapsarian ("before the fall") position holds that God first decided that he would save some people and then second that he would allow sin into the world. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 214: INSPIRATION ======================================================================== 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 (2 Tim. 3:16). 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. One of the ways to prove that the Bible is inspired is to examine the O.T. prophecies fulfilled in the N.T. concerning Jesus (Luke 24:27-45). Because the Bible is inspired, its words are unbreakable (John 10:34-36), eternal (Matt. 24:35), trustworthy (Psalm 119:160), and able to pierce the heart of man (Heb. 4:12). Additionally, the inspired Word of God will not go forth without accomplishing what God wishes it to (Isaiah 55:11). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 215: INTERMEDIATE STATE ======================================================================== The period between death and resurrection. The condition of the person in the intermediate state is debated. One theory is that the person is without a body, yet is conscious, and that he will receive his body at the resurrection. Another theory states that the person has a different sort of spiritual body that will be lost at the resurrection when body and soul are reunited (2 Cor. 5:1-4). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 216: JEHOVAH ======================================================================== An anglicized pronunciation of the Hebrew tetragrammaton, YHWH, which are the four consonant letters used to spell God’s name in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14). The Hebrews considered the name of God too holy to pronounce and substituted the word “Lord” (adonai) when the text was read. The vowels of the word “adonai” was combined with YHWH to get the word “Jehovah” which was first used in the 12th century. A more accurate pronunciation of YHWH would be “Yahweh.” However, the exact and proper pronunciation has been lost. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 217: JESUS ======================================================================== The Bible is about Jesus (Luke 24:27,44; John 5:39; Heb. 10:7). The prophets prophesied about Him (Acts 10:43). The Father bore witness of Him (John 5:37, 8:18). The Holy Spirit bore witness of Him (John 15:26). The works Jesus did bore witness of Him (John 5:36; 10:25). The multitudes bore witness of Him (John 12:17). And, Jesus bore witness of Himself (John 14:6, 18:6). Jesus is God in flesh (John 1:1,14). He is fully God and fully man (Col. 2:9) thus, He has two natures: God and man. He is not half God and half man. He is 100% God and 100% man. He never lost his divinity. He existed in the form of God and when He became a man, He added human nature1 to Himself (Phil. 2:5-11). Therefore, there is a "union in one person of a full human nature and a full divine nature."2 Right now in heaven there is a man, Jesus, who is Mediator between us and God the Father (1 Tim. 2:5). Jesus is our advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). He is our Savior (Titus 2:13). He is our Lord (Rom. 10:9-10). He is not, as some cults teach, an angel who became a man (Jehovah's Witnesses) or the brother of the devil (Mormonism). He is wholly God and wholly man, the Creator, the Redeemer. He is Jesus. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 218: JESUS ONLY MOVEMENT ======================================================================== This is a movement in some Pentecostal circles. It is an error in the understanding of the nature of the Trinity. The biblical Trinity consists of three persons simultaneously and eternally existing in one God. The Jesus Only Movement maintains that there is only one person in the Godhead: Jesus. It teaches that the person of the Father became the person of the Son who then became the person of the Holy Spirit and that the persons are consecutive not simultaneous. This movement is incorrect in its Trinitarian interpretation. Additionally, they mistakenly believe that baptism is necessary for salvation and that tongues are evidence of true conversion. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 219: JEWS ======================================================================== Originally, a Jew was a member of the state of Judah during the period of the division of Israel into two nations: Judah and Israel. It became a common reference from the 8th century B.C. Today it is used of adherents of the Jewish religion. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 220: JUDGMENT ======================================================================== Condemnation. There are several judgments: the judgment of the believer's sins (John 5:24), the judgment of the believer's self (1 Cor. 11:31-32), the judgment of the believer's works (2 Cor. 5:10), the judgment of the nations (Matt. 25:31-46), and the judgment of the wicked (Rev. 20:11-15). There is no judgment for the Christian in respect to salvation (Rom. 8:1). We were judged in Christ on the cross 2000 years ago. However, as Christians we will be judged according to our works (2 Cor. 5:10) with, most probably, varying degrees of rewards. But, remember, the judgment of our works does not affect our salvation. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 221: JUST, JUSTICE ======================================================================== The due reward or punishment for an act. Justice is getting what is deserved. God is merciful but He is also just (Deut. 32:4 - righteous) and must punish sin. In the grace of God, justice fell upon His Son so that mercy would fall upon us. (See also Prov. 8:15; Gen. 18:19; Heb. 10:38). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 222: JUSTIFY, 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, NASB). 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). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 223: KARMA ======================================================================== In Hinduism, the total compilation of all a person's past lives and actions that result in the present condition of that person. Normally, it is associated with reincarnation. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 224: KENOSIS ======================================================================== 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. In a sense, the Kenosis is God minus something; God subtracting some qualities of deity to become a man. The Hypostatic Union is God plus something; God adding human nature to Himself. The Kenosis, then, jeopardizes the true incarnation because it puts in doubt the full indwelling of God among men in the person of Jesus. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 225: 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 (Matt. 3:2), and the divine call (1 Thess. 2:12). We are told to seek the kingdom of God first (Matt. 6:33) and to pray for its arrival (Matt. 6:10). "The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 14:17). It is also a future kingdom where full ruler-ship in the actual presence of the king Jesus will occur when He returns to earth. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 226: LAITY ======================================================================== The members of the church who are not in the clergy. Clergy are the body of people ordained to perform religious tasks. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 227: NATURALISTIC EVOLUTION ======================================================================== The theory that the universe is many billions of years old and that after a long period of time, all galaxies, stars, planets, and life on earth evolved. This evolution was without divine intervention. Compare with creationism. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 228: LAW ======================================================================== The Law is God's instructions concerning the moral, social, and spiritual behavior of His people found in the first five books of the Bible. The Law is the very reflection of the nature of God because God speaks out of the abundance of what is in Him. Therefore, since God is pure, the Law is pure. Since God is holy, the Law is holy. The Law consists of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20), rules for social life (Exodus 21 - 23), and rules for the worship of God (Exodus 25 - 31). It was a covenant of works between God and man and was (and is) unable to deliver us into eternal fellowship with the Lord because of Man's inability to keep it. The Law is a difficult taskmaster because it requires that we maintain a perfect standard of moral behavior. And then when we fail, the Law condemns us to death. We deserve death even if we fail to keep just one point of the law: "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all" (James 2:10). The law made nothing perfect (Heb. 7:19). That is why the Law has shown us our need for Jesus and the free gift we receive through Him (Gal. 3:24). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 229: LAW OF NON-CONTRADICTION ======================================================================== The Law of non-contradiction is the law that something cannot be both true and not true at the same time when dealing with the same context. For example, the chair in my living room, right now, cannot be made of wood and not made of wood at the same time. In the law of non-contradiction, where we have a set of statements about a subject, we cannot have any of the statements in that set negate the truth of any other statement in that same set. For example, we have a set of two statements about Judas. 1) Judas hung himself. 2) Judas fell down and his bowels spilled out. Neither statement about Judas contradicts the other. That is, neither statement makes the other impossible because neither excludes the possibility of the other. The statements can be harmonized by stating: Judas hung himself and then his body fell down and his bowels spilled out. In order to make the set of statements contradictory, we would have something like: 1) Judas hung himself. 2) Judas did not hang himself. Since either statement excludes the possibility of the other, we would then have a contradiction. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 230: LAYING ON OF HANDS ======================================================================== Physical contact by touching of the hands. In the OT and NT it was sometimes used in reference to doing physical harm (Gen. 22:12; Luke 20:19). In the NT it is also used to signify an attempt at healing (Acts 9:12) and commissioning of Holy Work (1 Tim. 4:14). Usually, during the ordination of an elder, hands are laid on him as symbol of a transfer of authority and power. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 231: LIBERALISM ======================================================================== In Christianity, the movement away from traditional orthodoxy often in an attempt to harmonize biblical teachings with science, humanism, or other secular fields. The result is often a denial of essential biblical doctrines such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, His virgin birth, His resurrection, and salvation by grace. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 232: LIMITED ATONEMENT ======================================================================== The teaching held in Reformed (Calvinist) circles of Christianity that Jesus bore only the sins of the elect, and not that of the entire world. It maintains that the sacrifice was sufficient for all, but intended for the elect. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 233: LOGIC ======================================================================== From the Greek “logos” meaning “word.” Logic is study of the principles of reasoning. A set of premises that are examined and arranged so as to bring a conclusion. If A = B and B = C, then A = C. Deductive logic is the method of validating a claim by means of supportive information where both the claim and the information are necessarily true. For example, People exist. All people breathe. Therefore, all people breathe. Inductive logic is the method of drawing a conclusion from a set of supportive information, yet the conclusion has not yet been verified. For example, each night I get tired at 10 PM. Therefore, I conclude that tonight, I will be tired at 10 PM. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 234: LOGOS ======================================================================== The Greek word for "word." Mentioned only in the writings of John. John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word [logos] and the Word [logos] was with God and the Word [logos] was God." The Logos is sometimes used to refer to the second person of the Trinity as the Son in pre-incarnate form. Jesus is the word [logos] made flesh (John 1:1,14). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 235: MAN ======================================================================== Man is the creation of God. It is man alone who reflects God. The first man, Adam, was made in God's image (Gen. 1:2627), and placed in the Garden of Eden for the purpose of enjoying the fellowship of the Lord and fulfilling the purpose of God's creation. He was told to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth" (Gen. 1:28). When Adam and Eve sinned, all of humanity fell with them (Rom. 5:12-21). Adam represented all humanity: "In Adam all die..." (1 Cor. 15:22). As a result of Adam's disobedience, condemnation resulted to all men (Rom. 5:18). Therefore we are by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:3). We do not seek God (Rom. 3:11) nor can we understand the spiritual things of God (1 Cor. 2:14). Since this is the condition of man in his natural state, salvation is then impossible for us to achieve (Matt. 19:26). That is why we need the free gift of salvation (Rom. 6:23) given by God to Christians through faith in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 236: MANUSCRIPT ======================================================================== A document or a copy of an original writing. There are thousands of existing manuscripts of the biblical documents ranging from vellum (animal skins) to papyri (plant material) upon which the original and copies of the original writings were made. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 237: MARTYR ======================================================================== Someone who dies for a belief or cause. A Christian martyr would be a person who dies because of his or her faith in Christian principles. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 238: MASS ======================================================================== In Catholicism, a reenactment of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross in a ceremony performed by a priest. This ceremony is symbolically carried out by the priest and involves Consecration where the bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Jesus. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 239: MATERIALISM ======================================================================== The position that only material things exist and that all other things can be explained in terms of matter and the physical properties of matter. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 240: MEANS OF GRACE ======================================================================== This is associated with sacramental theology. A 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. The bread and wine in the Lord's Supper are considered sacraments in that they are visible manifestations of the covenant promise of our Lord: "In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'" (Luke 22:20). Generally, the means of grace are considered to be the Gospel, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. The Catholic church has seven total: baptism, confirmation, communion, penance, extreme unction, holy orders, and matrimony. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 241: MEDIATION, MEDIATOR ======================================================================== A mediator is someone who intervenes, someone who conveys and conciliates. The word "mediator" is not found in the O.T., but its principle is. God gave the Law to the people through a mediator, Moses (Gal. 3:19), who was a type of the true mediator, Jesus. 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). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 242: MERCY ======================================================================== Mercy is the act of not administering justice when that justice is punitive. Because of our sinfulness we deserve death and eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23; Isaiah 59:2), but God provided an atonement for sin and through it shows us mercy. That is, He does not deliver to the Christian the natural consequence of his sin which is damnation. That is why Jesus became sin on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:21) and bore the punishment due to us (Isaiah 5345). It was to deliver us from damnation. (Compare with justice and grace.) God saved us according to His mercy (Titus 3:5) and we can practice mercy as a gift (Rom. 12:8). "Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 243: MESSIAH ======================================================================== Messiah is a Hebrew word. It means "anointed one." It is the equivalent of the N.T. word "Christ" which also means "anointed." Jesus, as the messiah, was anointed by God (Matt. 3:16) to carry out His three-fold ministry of Prophet, Priest, and King. As the messiah He has delivered the Christian from the bonds of sin and given to him eternal life. In that sense, messiah means deliverer, for He has delivered us. The Messiah was promised in the O.T. in the seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 244: METAPHYSICS ======================================================================== The branch of philosophy involved with examining and discussing the ultimate nature of reality. The term comes from "meta" which means "after" and "phusika" which means "physics." Around A.D. 70 Andronicus applied to the section of Aristotelian writings that came after the physics section; hence, metaphysics. In the New Age, metaphysics deals with spiritual concepts such as reincarnation, auras, chakras, Ascended Masters, etc. and other such ideas of a spiritual nature not generally associated with Christianity. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 245: MIDDLE KNOWLEDGE ======================================================================== That knowledge of God dealing with what individuals will do in a given set of circumstances. God has an infinite set of potential circumstances that could exist and knows all actual choices that would be made by individuals in each set. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 246: MILLENNIUM ======================================================================== Literally, this word means 1000 years. In the study of end time doctrines (eschatology) the millennium is the period of time of Christ's rulership. The debate has been over when the millennium will take place and what what form will it actually be. The terms that have arisen out of this debate are premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism. Premillennialism teaches that the millennium is yet future and that upon Christ's return He will set up His earthly kingdom. Amillennialism teaches that the millennium is a figurative period and that Christ's rule began when He first became man. Postmillennialism teaches that through the preaching of the Word of God, the world will be converted and will then usher in Christ and the kingdom of God. There are good arguments for each position. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 247: MINUSCULE ======================================================================== The Greek characters of lower case: abgde, etc. Different copies of Greek manuscripts appear in minuscule form. By contrast, uncials are the Greek characters in upper case. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 248: MIRACLE ======================================================================== A miracle is an out-of-the-ordinary direct and divine intervention in the world. Examples would be the parting of the Red Sea, Jesus walking on water, the resurrection of Lazarus, etc. Some hold that it is a violation of the natural order of physical laws. Others maintain that there is no such violation upon God's part but only a natural manifestation of His work. They are also known as powers and signs (Mark 9:39; Acts 2:22, 19:11) and mighty works (John 10:25-28). They are a manifestation of the power of God over nature (Joshua 10:121-14), animals (Num. 22:28), people (Gen. 19:26), and illness (2 Kings 5:1014). They are produced by God's power (Acts 15:12), Christ's power (Matt. 10:1), and the Holy Spirit's power (Matt. 12:28). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 249: MODALISM ======================================================================== The error that there is only one person in the Godhead who manifests himself in three forms or manners: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 250: MONARCHIANISM ======================================================================== Monarchianism (mono - "one"; arche - "rule") was an error concerning the nature of God that developed in the second century A.D. It arose as an attempt to maintain Monotheism and refute tritheism. Unfortunately, it also contradicts the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity. Monarchianism teaches that there is one God as one person: the Father. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 251: MONERGISM ======================================================================== The teaching that God alone is the one who saves. It is opposed to synergism which teaches that God and man work together in salvation. Cults are synergistic. Christianity is monergistic. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 252: MONISM ======================================================================== The view that there is only one basic and fundamental reality, that all existence is this one reality even though we perceive different aspects of this reality. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 253: MONOPHYSITISM ======================================================================== This is an error regarding the two natures of Jesus (See Hypostatic Union). It states that Jesus' two natures are combined into one new one; the problem here is that neither God nor man was represented in Christ but a new third thing. (Other errors regarding the two natures of Christ are Nestorianism and Eutychianism.) ======================================================================== CHAPTER 254: MONOLATRY ======================================================================== The belief that there is more than one God, but only one is served and worshiped. Mormonism is an excellent example of monolatry. Mormonism teaches the existence of many Gods of many worlds, yet worships only the one of this planet. Therefore, monolatry is a division of polytheism, the belief in many gods. It is a false teaching contrary to Scripture. See Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8; 45:5-6. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 255: MONOTHEISM ======================================================================== The belief that there is only one God in all places at all times. There were none before God and there will be none after Him. Monotheism is the teaching of the Bible (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8; 45:5,14,18,21,22; 46:9; 47:8; John 17:3; 1 Cor. 8:5-6; Gal. 4:89). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 256: MORAL GOVERNMENT THEOLOGY ======================================================================== A theological error that maintains that God is not immutable but changes His mind, that He does not exercise sovereign control over earthly matters, that He does not know all future events - particularly the free-will choices of individuals, etc.. It denies that the atonement pays for our sins, denies Jesus’ substitutionary death, and denies the imputed righteousness of Christ to the believer. It asserts that people are capable of keeping the whole Law of God, that there is no depravity of human nature, and that salvation is up to a person’s free will choice. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 257: MORMONISM ======================================================================== A non-Christian cult begun in 1830 by Joseph Smith. The Mormon church, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, denies the historic Trinity and efficacious atonement. Some of its unique doctrines are that God used to be a man on another world who became a God and came to this world with one of his wives. We all are literally born in heaven as spirit brothers and sisters and then inhabit human bodies on earth. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 258: MORTAL SIN ======================================================================== In Catholicism, a serious and willful transgression of God's Law. It involves full knowledge and intent of the will to commit the sin. If left unrepentant, according to Catholicism, can damn someone to eternal hell. Mortal sin is more serious than venial Sin. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 259: NATURAL KNOWLEDGE ======================================================================== A term used in describing a type of knowledge possessed by God. Often it is raised in discussions dealing with individuals’ free will and God’s infinite knowledge. God’s natural knowledge would be His knowledge of all things of potential existence influenced by individuals though not necessarily in actual existence. God knows this set of knowledge from all eternity, before the creation of the universe. It is called natural because it is a natural attribute of God’s existence. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 260: NATURALISM ======================================================================== The belief that all of human experience can be described through natural law. It asserts that biological evolution is true and that there are no supernatural realities. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 261: NEO-ORTHODOXY ======================================================================== A focus on existential and psychological aspects of religious experience and denounces the literalism of the Bible. Experience with the divine is what makes scripture real, not biblical revelation, not reason. Neo orthodoxy is subjective and selective in its "orthodox" positions. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 262: NESTORIANISM ======================================================================== States that the two natures of Christ were so separated from each other that they were "not in contact"; the problem here is that worship of the human Jesus would then not be allowed. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 263: NUN ======================================================================== Especially in the Roman Catholic Church, those women who consecrate their lives to spiritual service and various religious orders. They do not marry and are normally virgins. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 264: OBJECTIVISM ======================================================================== A branch of philosophy which asserts that reality exists apart from the human mind and that the knowledge of this reality is based upon observation. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 265: OCCAM'S RAZOR ======================================================================== The philosophical rule that the simplest explanation is preferred over the more complicated one and that explanations should be first proposed in relation to concepts that are already known. Another way of seeing it is to say that the fewer assumptions that need to be made to support an explanation of something, the better. The principle is attributed to William Occam of the fourteenth century. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 266: OCCULT ======================================================================== Occult means "hidden". It covers practices that are not approved of by God e.g., astrology (Isaiah 47:13), casting spells (Deut. 18:11), consulting with spirits (Deut. 18:11), magic (Gen. 41:8), sorcery (Exodus. 22:8), witchcraft (Deut. 18:10), and spiritism (Deut. 18:11). Occult practices such as Ouija boards, tarot cards, astrology charts, contacting the dead, séances, etc. are to be avoided by the Christian and Jews alike. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 267: OMNIPOTENCE ======================================================================== 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 268: OMNIPRESENCE ======================================================================== An attribute of God alone. It is the quality of being present in all places at all times (Jer. 23:23.4). 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 269: 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 270: ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT ======================================================================== 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 271: ONTOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of the nature of being, reality, and substance. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 272: ORACLES ======================================================================== Oracles are the divine revelations given to God's people. God's method of communicating these oracles varied from dreams and visions (Num. 12:6-8), to wisdom (Prov. 30:1), and even the Urim and Thummim (Num. 27:21; 1 Sam. 14:337). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 273: ORDINATION ======================================================================== In Christianity it is the ceremony of consecration to ministry. It is usually administered by a commissioning and a laying on of hands. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 274: ORDO SALUTIS ======================================================================== Latin for “order of salvation.” Theologically it is the order of decrees by God in bringing about the salvation of individuals. In the Reformed camp, the ordo solutis is 1) election, 2) predestination, 3) calling, 4) regeneration, 5) faith, 6) repentance, 7) justification, 8) sanctification, and 9) glorification. In the Arminian camp, the ordo soluits is 1) calling, 2) faith, 3) repentance, 4) regeneration, 5) justification, 6) perseverance, 7) glorification. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 275: ORIGINAL SIN ======================================================================== This is a term used to describe the effect of Adam's sin on his descendants (Rom. 5:12-23). Specifically, it is our inheritance of a sinful nature from Adam. The sinful nature originated with Adam and is passed down from parent to child. We are by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:3). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 276: ORTHODOXY ======================================================================== Belief in the standards of accepted and true doctrines taught in the Bible. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 277: PANENTHEISM ======================================================================== The belief that the universe is contained within God. The universe is a part of God, but not all of God. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 278: PANTHEISM ======================================================================== This is an identification of the universe with God. With this view there is a blurring of the distinction between the Creator and the creation as well as an attack upon the personality and nature of God. Pantheism tends to equate God with the process of the universe and states that the universe is God and God is the universe. This is not true because God is the creator of the universe (Isaiah 44:24) and therefore separate from it. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 279: PAPYRUS ======================================================================== A plant growing along the Nile in Egypt during biblical times. It was used as writing material. Papyrus scrolls were made by cutting and pressing sections of the papyri plant together at right angles. The typical maximum length of a scroll was about 35 feet. The scribe, when using papyrus, would often use the natural horizontal fibers of the papyrus plant as guidelines. He would take a blunt instrument and score horizontal lines and then score two or more vertical lines as margins for the edge of the sheet or to define columns on it. We get the word "paper" from this word. Many of the biblical manuscripts were on papyrus. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 280: PARABLE ======================================================================== An illustrative discourse or story that uses common events and culture and is meant to convey a meaning or lesson. Jesus used parables extensively. Some of the OT parables are Trees Making a King (2 Sam. 12:1-4); The Thistle and the Cedar (2 Kings 14:9); Israel, a Vine Planted by Water (Ezek. 24:1014), etc. Some NT parables are The Sower (Luke 8:5-8); the Ten Virgins (Matt. 25:1-13); The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37); The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), etc. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 281: PARADISE ======================================================================== Biblically, paradise is the place of uninterrupted bliss. The Garden of Eden was considered a paradise. Jesus mentioned paradise while on the cross (Luke 23:43) and Paul also mentioned Paradise (2 Cor. 12:1-4). Some consider paradise to be the abode of people in the intermediate state while others believe it is the permanent location of the saved. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 282: PARAPSYCHOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of things not generally explainable by the scientific method. Examples of subjects studied by parapsychologists would be telepathy, clairvoyance, ghosts, etc. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 283: PAROUSIA ======================================================================== (par-ooo-see’-a) A Greek term that means “arrival” or “coming.” The term is often referred to as the time of Christ’s return; hence, the Parousia, i.e., 2 Thess. 2:1. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 284: PASCAL'S WAGER ======================================================================== The argument that believing in God is the most logical thing to do since if there is a God and you deny him, then you are in trouble. If there is no god and you accept him, there is no problem because it doesn't matter. Logically, it is better to not deny that God exists than to deny he does. There is truth to this argument, but the problem is that it does not define which "god" to believe in since in many religions, believing in a different god brings a punishing judgment. Nevertheless, this does not excuse a person from at least trying to discover if there is a God or not and who He might be. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 285: PEDOBAPTISM ======================================================================== The practice of infant baptism. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 286: PELAGIANISM ======================================================================== The teaching of a monk named Pelagius in the fifth Century. He taught that man's will was and still is free to choose good or evil and there is no inherited sin (through Adam). Every infant born into the world is in the same condition as Adam before the fall and becomes a sinner because he sins. This is opposed to the Biblical teaching that we are by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:3) and that we sin because we are sinners. Pelagius said we are able to keep the commandments of God because God has given us the ability. Therefore, there is no need of redemption and the crucifixion of Jesus is merely a supreme example of love, humility, obedience, and sacrifice. This heresy has its relatives in the form of the cults that deny the total dependence upon God and maintain that salvation is obtainable through our own efforts. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 287: PENANCE ======================================================================== In Catholicism, a means by which all sins committed after baptism are removed. The means are assigned by a priest and usually consist of special prayers or deeds performed by the sinner. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 288: PENTATEUCH ======================================================================== This word is from the Greek penta, "five" and teuchos, "a tool". It refers to the first five books of the Bible known as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. All five were authored by Moses and are also known as "the Law". ======================================================================== CHAPTER 289: PENTECOST ======================================================================== The word comes from the Greek which means fifty. So, Pentecost was a celebration on the fiftieth day after Passover. It was a culmination of the feast of weeks (Exodus 34:22,23). Pentecost in the NT is the arrival of the Holy Spirit for the church (Acts 2). At Pentecost the disciples of Jesus were gathered and upon the filling of the Holy Spirit, they heard a great wind and spoke in tongues as tongues of fire that settled upon them. The significance of the fire can be found in recognizing it as a symbol of the dwelling of the Spirit of God (Exodus 19:18; 1 Pet. 4:14). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 290: PERMISSIVE DECREE ======================================================================== In Christian theology, those decrees (ordained events) of God that are different from His direct decrees. An example of a permissive decree would be the fall of Adam into sin. God does not desire sin, yet He permitted its occurrence. He decreed that it would occur by permission, not by direct action of His will. A direct decree of God would be the incarnation of the Son. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 291: PERSEVERANCE ======================================================================== To endure to the end. Theologically, the term “perseverance of the saints” is the teaching that salvation cannot be lost, that the saints will preserver to the end. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 292: PERSON ======================================================================== A variety of definitions can be offered from a human being to a legal organization with rights. In biblical reference it is generically a fleshly individual capable of free choice. In reference to the Trinity as three persons, the word refers to the attributes of personhood: self-awareness, choice, can reason, love, possessing a will and consciousness, etc. Humans possess these attributes as well. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 293: PHARISEE ======================================================================== The Pharisees were a Jewish sect from the second century B.C. to the first century A.D. They considered the entire old Testament to be authoritative, unlike the Sadducees who only accepted the first five books. The Pharisees believed in life after death, the resurrection, the existence of angels and demons, and that the way to God was through keeping the law. "According to Josephus, the Pharisees were the group most influential with the people, were noted for their accurate and therefore authoritative interpretations of Jewish law, and had their own traditions and way of life to which they were faithful. They had a simple standard of living and cultivated harmonious relations with others. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 294: PHILOSOPHY ======================================================================== The study of seeking knowledge and wisdom in understanding the nature of the universe, man, ethics, art, love, purpose, etc. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 295: PLURALISM ======================================================================== The idea that reality consists of different kinds of things. The term is used in different fields of study. Social pluralism deals with the many different types of social structure. Cultural pluralism deals with the many different types of culture, etc. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 296: PNEUMATOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of the Holy Spirit, His person, works, relation to the Father and Son, relation to man, ministry in salvation and sanctification, conviction, and indwelling. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 297: POLYTHEISM ======================================================================== The teaching that there are many gods. In the Ancient Near East the nation of Israel was faced with the problem of the gods of other nations creeping into the theology of Judaism and corrupting the true revelation of God. Baal was the god of rain and exercised a powerful influence over the religion of many pagan cultures and even into the Jewish community. This is so because rain was essential to survival. Rain meant the crops would grow, the animals would have water, and the people would be able to eat. If there was no rain, death prevailed. Such visible realities as rain, drought, crops, and death often carried the spiritual character of the nation of Israel into spiritual adultery: worshiping other gods. The Bible does recognize the existence of other gods, but only as false gods (1 Cor. 8:5-6; Gal. 4:8-9) and clearly teaches that there is only one true God (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8; 45:5,14,18,21,22; 46:9; 47:8;). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 298: POSTMILLENNIALISM ======================================================================== The belief that through the preaching of the word of God, the entire world will be converted to Christianity and this will usher in the kingdom of Christ. This is when Christ will return. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 299: POSTMODERNISM ======================================================================== A relativistic system of observation and thought that denies absolutes and objectivity. Postmodernism has influenced theology, art, culture, architecture, society, film, technology, and economics. Traditional social, art, social, and cultural, constructs are discarded and reinterpreted in relativistic terms. An example of postmodern thought would be the validation of homosexuality as an equally legitimate sexual expression over and against the Judeo-Christian ethic of heterosexual monogamy. In other words, previously taboo practices and beliefs are given equal validity to traditional values and norms often to the point of displacing the latter. This equalization and displacement are not restricted to religious realms, but affect all circles of human interaction. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 300: PRAGMATISM ======================================================================== A method in philosophy where value is determined by practical results. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 301: PRAYER ======================================================================== A privilege and an obligation of the Christian where we communicate with God. It is how we convey our confession (1 John 1:9), requests (1 Tim. 2:1-3), intercessions (James 5:15), thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6), etc., to our holy God. We are commanded to pray (1 Thess. 5:17). Some personal requirements of prayer are a pure heart (Psalm 66:18), belief in Christ (John 14:13), and that the prayer be according to God's will (1 John 5:13). We can pray standing (Neh. 9:5), kneeling (Ezra 9:5), sitting (1 Chron. 17:16-27), bowing (Exodus 34:8), and with lifted hands (1 Tim. 2:8). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 302: PRE-ADAMITES ======================================================================== The teaching that there was a race of people before Adam and Eve lived in the Garden and that the fall of Satan caused a widespread destruction of the world. The result of this destruction was so vast that the world needed to be re-made with Adam and Eve being the first of the new order. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 303: PRE-EXISTENCE ======================================================================== The teaching that before our existence here on earth, we had a prior existence. Biblically, we do not pre-exist. Our beginning is at our conception. Many aberrant groups teach pre-existence such as the Mormons and the Shepherd’s Chapel. Also, all groups that teach reincarnation affirm the idea of pre-existence. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 304: PREDESTINE, PREDESTINATION ======================================================================== The doctrine that 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. For example, the crucifixion was brought about by sinful men who unjustly put Jesus to death (Acts 4:27); yet, in that death, we are reconciled to God (Rom. 5:10). Predestination maintains that God is the one who decides who will be saved (Rom. 9:16) and that it is not up to the desire of the person (John 1:13). God is the one who ordains the Christian into forgiveness, "...and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48). Also, "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and who He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified" (Rom. 8:29-30). Further verses to examine are Eph. 1:4,11; Rom. 9. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 305: PREMILLENNIALISM ======================================================================== This is a teaching concerning the end times (eschatology). It says that there is a future millennium (1000 years) where Christ will rule and reign over the earth. At the beginning of the millennium Satan and his angels will be bound and peace will exist on the entire earth. At the end of the 1000 years Satan will be released in order to raise an army against Jesus. Jesus will destroy them and then the final judgment will take place with the new heavens and the new earth being made. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 306: PRETERITION ======================================================================== The act of passing over something, or neglecting it. In theology, it is the Reformed doctrine that God passed over people by not electing them into salvation. Instead, only those elected to salvation will be saved and passed over all others. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 307: PRIEST ======================================================================== A person having the ability to perform certain religious rites, sacraments. Generally, a priest stands between God and Man and administers the ceremonial rites on behalf of the individuals as an offering to God. In many churches (Catholic), the priest is below the Bishop in ecclesiastical order and rank. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 308: PROPHET ======================================================================== Someone who is the mouthpiece of God. He stands between God and man to communicate to man the word of God. When the prophet spoke as the mouthpiece he was inspired and without error. The prophet, though, is not a puppet or a mindless repeater of what he hears. Instead, he retains his own will, mind, and thoughts as he speaks for God. God would put His words in their mouths (Deut. 18:18; Jer. 1:9). A prophet was God's servant (Zech. 1:6) and messenger (2 Chron. 36:15). The prophecies fell into three categories: concerning the destiny of Israel, the messianic prophecies, and eschatological prophecies. The term Law and Prophets refers to the writings of the OT divided into two categories. The Law is the Pentateuch, or Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Prophets are all the rest of the OT books. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 309: PROPITIATION ======================================================================== This 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). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 310: PURGATORY ======================================================================== An incorrect doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. Purgatory is the belief that there exists a place after death where some of the sins of people are purged through suffering. After a period of time corresponding to the suffering necessary for the sins committed, the person is then set free and enters heaven. "Gifts or services rendered to the church, prayers by the priests, and masses provided by relatives or friends in behalf of the deceased can shorten, alleviate or eliminate the sojourn of the soul in purgatory."1 This is an unbiblical doctrine rejected by the Protestant church. It reflects the misunderstanding of the atonement of Christ as well as adding insult to the finished work of the cross. The error of purgatory is the teaching that we might perfect ourselves and remove sin through our sufferings. If that were possible, then why did Christ need to die? Gal. 2:21 says, "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" (NIV) Additionally, on the cross Jesus said, "It is finished" (John 19:30). In the Greek, this was an accounting term which meant a debt was paid in full. If the payment for our sins was paid in full on the cross, then how could purgatory be a reality -- especially when the scriptures don't mention it and even contradict it: "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Heb. 9:27). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 311: RAPTURE ======================================================================== The rapture is an eschatological (end times) event whereupon the return of Christ the true believers who are "alive and remain shall be caught up together with them [those who already died as Christians] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air..." (1 Thess. 4:17). This is the time of the resurrection where the Christian receives his resurrected body. First to receive their new bodies are those who have died as Christians, and then "those who are alive and remain." There is much debate over the time of the rapture. Does it occur at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the tribulation period? ======================================================================== CHAPTER 312: RATIONALISM ======================================================================== A branch of philosophy where truth is determined by reason. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 313: RECONCILE, RECONCILIATION ======================================================================== 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 (Eph. 2:3), and are at enmity with God (Eph. 2:11-15); but, "...we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son..." (Rom. 5:10). 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 (Rom. 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 Cor. 5:18). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 314: REDEMPTION ======================================================================== 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 (Gal. 3:13) through Jesus (Rom. 3:24; Col. 1:14). We were bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 315: REGENERATION ======================================================================== 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 316: REINCARNATION ======================================================================== The belief in the birth and rebirth of a person's soul over and over again in different human bodies throughout history. Some forms of reincarnation include incarnations into animals, plants, or inanimate objects. The purpose of reincarnation is to allow the individual to learn spiritual lessons through life so that he/she may return to God from whence the soul came. Reincarnation is closely tied to Karma. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 317: RELATIVISM ======================================================================== The view that truth is relative and not absolute. Truth varies from people to people, time to time and there are no absolutes. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 318: RELIGION ======================================================================== An organized system of belief that generally seeks to understand purpose, meaning, goals, and methods of spiritual things. These spiritual things can be God, people in relation to God, salvation, after life, purpose of life, order of the cosmos, etc. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 319: REPENTANCE ======================================================================== To repent means to turn. In the NT repentance means to turn from sin. We were called by God to turn from sin. In fact, all men everywhere are commanded by God to repent of their sins (Acts 17:30). God's longsuffering leads us to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9) as does His kindness (Rom. 2:4). There is true and false repentance, "For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death" (2 Cor. 7:10). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 320: RESURRECTION, RESURRECTION BODIES ======================================================================== Resurrection means to be raised from the dead (John 5:28,29). The word is used in different contexts in the Bible. Lazarus was raised from the dead (John 11:43). This is a resurrection, but it is not part of the resurrection that occurs when we receive our new bodies when Christ returns (1 Thess. 4:13-18), on the last day (John 6:39-44) when the last trumpet is blown (1 Cor. 15:51-55). Lazarus died again. The resurrection of Jesus is promissory in that as we know He was raised, so we will be raised also. In that context, Jesus is the only one who has received a resurrected body. That is why He is called the first-fruit from the dead (1 Cor. 15:20-23). We will receive our bodies either at the rapture or when Jesus returns to earth. The resurrected body is not subject to death or sin. We know very little about it except what was manifested by Jesus after His resurrection; namely, that He was able to move about as He desired -- in and out of rooms without the use of doors. Other than that, the rest is conjecture. (See 1 Cor. 15). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 321: REVELATION ======================================================================== This means the disclosure of something that was unknown. There are two types of revelation: natural and special. Natural revelation is that which is revealed about God through what we can see in creation (Rom. 1:20 ). Through creation we may learn that there is a God, that He is in control, that He has an order, and that He is concerned for our welfare. However, through natural revelation, we are not able to discover the plan of salvation. That comes from special revelation. Special revelation is that which is given to us through Prophets, the Bible, and even visions and dreams (Num. 12:6-8). The ultimate in revelation is the incarnation of Jesus because He came to reveal the Father to us (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22; Heb. 1:1-3) and to communicate to us the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4 by which comes salvation. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 322: RIGHTEOUSNESS ======================================================================== 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 (Phil. 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. As a result, we will spend eternity in the presence of the holy, pure, loving, kind, gentle, and righteous God who is our righteousness. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 323: ROSARY ======================================================================== In Catholicism, a string of beads containing five sets with ten small beads. Each set of ten is separated by another bead. It also contains a crucifix. It is used in saying special prayers, usually to Mary where the rosary is used to count the prayers. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 324: SACERDOTALISM ======================================================================== The teaching that ordination imparts special abilities/powers necessary for the operation of the ministry. Also, the teaching that grace is administered through the one so ordained. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 325: SACRAMENT ======================================================================== A visible manifestation of the word. The bread and wine in the Lord's Supper are considered sacraments in that they are visible manifestations of the covenant promise of our Lord: "In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'" (Luke 22:20). God, in the OT, used visible signs along with His spoken word. These visible signs, then, were considered to have significance. "Among the OT sacraments the rites of circumcision and the Passover were stressed as being the OT counterparts of baptism (Col. 1:10-12) and the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 5:7)." ======================================================================== CHAPTER 326: SADDUCEE ======================================================================== A group of religious leaders in the Jewish religion from the second century B.C. to the first century A.D. In Hebrew their names mean "the righteous ones." They were smaller in size than the group of the Pharisees. The Sadducees were generally on the upper class, often in a priestly line, and the Pharisees in the middle class, usually merchants and tradesmen. The Sadducees accepted only the Torah, the first five books of the old Testament, as authoritative. They held rigidly to the old Testament law and a denying the life after death, reward and punishment after death, the resurrection, and the existence of angels and demons. They controlled the temple and its services and were unpopular with the majority of the Jewish population. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 327: SALVATION ======================================================================== Salvation is the "saving" of a sinner from the righteous judgment of God. When someone appeals to God and seeks forgiveness in Jesus, his sins are forgiven. He is cleansed. His relationship with God is restored, and he is made a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). All of this is the work of God, not man. Salvation is a free gift (Rom. 6:23). We are saved from damnation. When anyone sins, and we all have (Rom. 3:23; 6:23), he deserves eternal separation from God (Isaiah 59:2). Yet, because of His love and mercy, God became a man (John 1:1,14 ) and bore the sins of the world in His body on the cross (1 Pet. 2:24; 1 John 2:2). We are forgiven when we realize that there is nothing we can do to earn the favor of God and we put our trust in what Jesus did for us on the cross (Eph. 2:8-9; 1 Cor. 15:1-4). Only God saves. The only thing we bring to the cross is our sin. Both God the Father (Isaiah 14:21) and Jesus (John 4:42) are called Savior; that is, deliverer from sin. Remember, it was the Father who sent the Son (1 John 4:10) to be the Savior. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 328: SANCTIFY, 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 (1 Tim. 4:4).1 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 329: SANHEDRIN ======================================================================== The Sanhedrin was a council of 71 individuals, around the time of Christ that was comprised of Pharisees and Sadducees who governed the Jewish nation while under the rule of Rome. It often served as a court to settle legal and religious matters. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 330: SCHOLASTICISM ======================================================================== The method of study in the Middle Ages which was used to support the doctrines of the church through reason and logic. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 331: SCRIPTURES ======================================================================== The scriptures are, quite simply, the Bible which consists of 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Each one is inspired, without error, and is completely accurate in all things it addresses. The entire Bible, though written by many people over thousands of years is harmonious in all its teachings. This is because each book of the Bible is inspired. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 332: SECOND COMING, THE ======================================================================== The Second Coming is a term applied to the return of Christ. If there is a second coming, it follows that there must have been a first. The first coming of Christ was His incarnation when He was born. At the Second Coming of Christ every eye will see Him (Rev. 1:7) as He descends from heavens in the clouds (Matt. 24:30; Mark 14:6). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 333: SEPTUAGINT, THE (LXX) ======================================================================== The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Old Testament. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew. It was during the reign of Ptolemy Philadelphus (285-246 B.C.) that the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, were translated into Greek. Shortly afterwards the rest of the Old Testament was also translated. This translation was done by approximately 70 translators. Hence, the Septuagint is known by the letters LXX, the Roman numerals for seventy. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 334: SIN ======================================================================== Sin is anything that is contrary to the law or will of God. For example: if you lie, you have sinned. Why? Because God has said not to lie (Exodus 20:16). If you do what God has forbidden, then you have sinned. In addition, if you do not do what God has commanded, you sin (James 4:17). Either way, the result is eternal separation from God (Isaiah 59:2). Sin is lawlessness (1 John 1:3) and unrighteousness (1 John 5:17). Sin leads to bondage (Rom. 6:14-20) and death (Rom. 6:23). Paul, in the book of Romans, discusses sin. He shows that everyone, both Jew and Greek, is under sin (Rom. 3:9). He shows that sin is not simply something that is done, but a condition of the heart (Rom. 3:10-12). In Ephesians Paul says that we are "by nature children of wrath" (Eph. 2:3). Yet, "while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly" (Rom. 5:6). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 335: SKEPTICISM ======================================================================== Skepticism is the philosophical approach that denies that the world can be objectively known in any absolute sense. It further denies the true knowability of God. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 336: SOLA FIDE ======================================================================== The teaching that faith alone saves a person when he places his faith and trust in the sacrificial work of Christ. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 337: SOLA GRATIA ======================================================================== The teaching that God pardons believers without any merit of their own based solely on the sacrificial work of Christ. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 338: SOLA SCRIPTURA ======================================================================== The teaching that the Scriptures contain all that is necessary for salvation and proper living before God. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 339: SON OF GOD ======================================================================== This is a title of Jesus. It implies His deity (John 5:18) because the title is one of equality with God. In the OT it was figuratively applied to Israel (Exo 4:22). In the NT it is applied to Christ (Luke 1:35). It has many facets, for example: It shows that He is to be honored equally with the Father (John 5:22-23). That He is to be worshiped (Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; John 9:35-38; Heb. 1:6); called God (John 20:28; Col. 2:9; Heb. 1:8); prayed to (Acts 7:55-60; 1 Cor. 1:1-2). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 340: SOTERIOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of the doctrine of salvation. It is derived from the Greek word soterious which means salvation. Some of the subjects of soteriology are the atonement, imputation, and regeneration. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 341: SOUL SLEEP ======================================================================== The teaching that when a person dies his soul ceases to exist. On the final judgment day he is brought back to life and judged. This is not a heresy, only an error of interpretation. The Bible is not specific on the condition of the person between death and resurrection. However, there are scriptures that strongly suggest man's continued self-awareness and continued existence after death (Luke 16:19-31; 2 Cor. 5:1-10; Phil. 1:21-23). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 342: SOVEREIGNTY ======================================================================== The right of God to do as He wishes (Psalm 50:1; Isaiah 40:15; 1 Tim. 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 power and control according to His will. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 343: SPIRITUAL GIFTS ======================================================================== Spiritual gifts are gifts given by Jesus to His church. Spiritual gifts are discussed in 1 Cor. 12 - 14 and Rom. 12. They vary in degree and nature. There are some that are obviously supernatural in the usage: speaking in tongues, discerning of spirits, healing, etc. There are others that are not so supernatural: administrations, help, admonition, etc. There is debate over the continuance of the gifts. Some say that the gifts have ceased because we now have the Bible. They argue that the gifts were used for the building of the body of Christ during the beginning of the Christian church when the Bible was not complete. Since the Bible is complete there is no further need for the revelatory gifts like speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues. Others maintain that the gifts are all for today though to a lesser degree. There are good arguments on both sides. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 344: SUBJECTIVISM ======================================================================== The teaching that the individual is the source and judge of all religious knowledge based upon his own knowledge and experience. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 345: SUPRALAPSARIANISM ======================================================================== An issue within Reformed theology dealing with what may have happened in God's mind regarding the logical order of His considering whom to elect into salvation before the foundation of the world. The word means "before the fall." This position holds that God first decided that he would save some people and then second that he would allow sin into the world. By contrast, the infralapsarian ("after the fall") position is the reverse in that it holds that God first decided he would allow sin into the world and second that he would then save people from it. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 346: SYNAGOGUE ======================================================================== A Jewish house of worship. Traditionally the first synagogues were established during the Babylonian exile. The early synagogues had a place in the center of the room where the sacred scrolls were kept and from where they were read. It is from the worship order established in synagogues that our modern church patterns of reading and expounding upon scripture from the pulpit are derived. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 347: SYNERGISM ======================================================================== The teaching that we cooperate with God in our efforts of salvation. This is opposed to monergism which is the teaching that God is the sole agent involved in salvation. Cults are synergistic in that they teach that God's grace combined with our efforts are what makes forgiveness of sins possible. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 348: SYNOPTIC GOSPELS ======================================================================== The first three gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They are referred to as the synoptic gospels because of their great similarity. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 349: TABERNACLE ======================================================================== The tabernacle was the structure ordered built by God so that He might dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8). It was to be mobile and constructed to exacting specifications. It is referred to in Exodus 25-27, 30-31, 35-40; Num. 3:25ff.; 4:4 ff.; 7:1ff. In all of scripture more space is devoted to the tabernacle than any other topic. Many books have been written on the spiritual significance of the tabernacle, how it represented Christ, and how it foretold the gospel. The tabernacle consisted of the outer court and the tabernacle. The outer court was entered from the East. The outer court contained the altar of burnt offering (Exodus 27:1-8) and the bronze laver (Exodus 30:17-21). The tabernacle stood within the court (Exodus 26:1ff.). It was divided into two main divisions: the holy place and the holy of holies which were separated by a veil (Exodus 26:31 ff.), the same veil that was torn from top to bottom at the crucifixion of Jesus (Matt. 27:51). Where the veil had represented the barrier separating sinful man from a holy God (Heb. 9:8), its destruction represented the free access sinners have to God through the blood of Christ (Heb. 10:19ff.). The tabernacle was a place of sacrifice. The holy place contained three things: first, a table on which was placed the shewbread, the bread of the presence (Exodus 25:23-30), second, a golden lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40) and third, an altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-7). In the Holy of Holies was the ark of the covenant which contained the Ten Commandments (Exodus 25:16). The holy of holies was entered only once a year by the high priest who offered sacrifice for the nation of Israel. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 350: TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT ======================================================================== An attempted proof of God's existence based upon the premise that the universe is designed and therefore needs a designer: God. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 351: TELEOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of final causes, results. Having a definite purpose, goal, or design. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 352: 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). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 353: TESTAMENT ======================================================================== The word testament is a derivation of the Latin word testamentum, which was used in Jerome's Vulgate to translate the Hebrew word b'rith, covenant. The Greek equivalent is diatheke, which also means covenant. The word has come to be used in describing the two main divisions of the Bible: The Old Testament and The New Testament. It should be understood then, that the Bible is generally to be looked at as a covenant between God and man. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 354: TETRAGRAMMATON (YHWH) ======================================================================== This is a term applied to the four Hebrew letters that make up the name of God as revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. God said to Moses, "And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” YHWH makes up the base of the verb "to be" from which God designated His own name as "I AM." In English the letters are basically equivalent to YHWH. It is from these four letters that the name of God is derived and has been rendered as Yahweh and Jehovah. The true pronunciation of God's name has been lost through lack of use, because the Jews, who were first given the name of God, would not pronounce it out of their awe and respect for God. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 355: THEISM ======================================================================== The teaching that there is a God and that He is actively involved in the affairs of the world. This does not necessitate the Christian concept of God, but includes it ======================================================================== CHAPTER 356: THEODICY ======================================================================== 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? The answer has been debated for as long as the church has existed. We still do not have a definitive answer and the Bible does not seek to justify God's actions. It is clear that God is sovereign, and that He has willed the existence of both good and evil, and that all of this is for His own glory. Prov. 16:4 says, "The LORD works out everything for his own ends -- even the wicked for a day of disaster"; Isaiah 45:7 says, "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things." ======================================================================== CHAPTER 357: THEOLOGY ======================================================================== The study of God, His nature, attributes, character, abilities, revelation, etc. True theology is found in the Bible which is the self-revelation of God. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 358: THEOPHANY ======================================================================== A theophany is a visible manifestation of God usually restricted to the Old Testament. God has appeared in dreams (Gen. 20:3-7; Gen. 28:12-17), visions (Gen. 15:1-21; Isaiah 6:1-13), as an angel (Gen. 16:7-13; 18:1-33), etc. There is a manifestation known as the Angel of the Lord (Judges 6:20f.) and seems to have characteristics of God Himself (Gen. 16:7-9; 18:1-2; Exodus 3:2-6; Joshua 5:14; Judges 2:1-5; 6:11). Such characteristics as having the name of God, being worshiped, and recognized as God has led many scholars to conclude that the angel of the Lord is really Jesus manifested in the Old Testament. This does not mean that Jesus is an angel. The word "angel" means messenger. Other scriptures that describe more vivid manifestations of God are Gen. 17:1; 18:1; Ex. 6:2-3; 24:9-11; 33:20; Num. 12:6-8; Acts 7:2. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 359: TITHE ======================================================================== A portion of one’s earnings, usually one tenth, that are given to those who perform the work of the Lord since it belongs to the Lord (Lev. 27:30-33). Those who received tithes the OT consisted of priests (Num. 18:21-32). Further OT references are Gen. 14:20; 28:22; 2 Chron. 31:5f; Mal. 3:7-12). In the NT there is no command to tithe a tenth (since we are not under law but grace). But the tithe is mentioned in Luke 18:9-14; 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 360: TOTAL DEPRAVITY ======================================================================== The doctrine that fallen man is completely touched by sin and that he is completely a sinner. He is not as bad as he could be, but in all areas of his being, body, soul, spirit, mind, emotions, etc., he is touched by sin. In that sense he is totally depraved. Because man is depraved, nothing good can come out of him (Rom. 3:10-12) and God must account the righteousness of Christ to him. This righteousness is obtainable only through faith in Christ and what He did on the cross. Total depravity is generally believed by the Calvinist groups and rejected by the Arminian groups. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 361: TRANSCENDENCE ======================================================================== A theological term 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 362: TRANSFIGURATION ======================================================================== This refers to the mysterious change that occurred to Jesus on the mount: "Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white." (Matt. 17:1-2). The transfiguration preceded Jesus' time on the cross and may have been the Father's preparatory provision to strengthen Jesus as He prepared to bear the sins of the world. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 363: TRANSUBSTANTIATION ======================================================================== The theory accepted by Catholicism, that in the Lord's Supper, the elements are transformed into the actual body and blood of Jesus. However, there is no perceptible or measurable change in the elements. The transformation occurs during the Mass at the elevation of the elements by the priest. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 364: TRIBULATION, THE ======================================================================== According to premillennialism, this is a seven year period that immediately precedes the return of Christ and the millennial kingdom of His rule which lasts for 1000 years. It will be a time of great peace (the first 3 ½ years) and great war (the second 3 ½ years) when the Antichrist rules over many nations. At the midpoint of the tribulation (at the end of the first 3 ½ years) the Antichrist will proclaim himself worthy of worship. Many will bow down and worship the Antichrist and many will refuse. Those who refuse to worship the Antichrist will be killed. The second half of the tribulation is called the Great Tribulation. It will involve the whole world (Rev. 3:10). There will be catastrophes all over the world. (See Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 17.) ======================================================================== CHAPTER 365: TRICHOTOMY ======================================================================== The teaching that the human consists of three parts: body, soul, and spirit. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 366: TRINITY ======================================================================== The word "trinity" is not found in the Bible. Nevertheless, it is a word used to describe one fact the Bible teaches about God: Our God is a 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. The person of the Father is not the same person as the Son. The person of the Son is not the same person as the Holy Spirit. The person of the Holy Spirit is not the same person as the Father. If you take away any one, there is no God. God has always been a trinity from all eternity: "From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God" (Psalm 90:2). God is not one person who took three forms, i.e., the Father who became the Son, who then became the Holy Spirit. This belief is known today as the "Jesus Only Movement". It is taught by the United Apostolic and United Pentecostal churches, and is an incorrect teaching. Nor is God only one person as the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Way International, and the Christadelphians teach (These groups are classified as non-Christian cults). For proof that there is more than one person in the Godhead, see the Plurality Study. The Bible says there is only one God. Yet, it says Jesus is God (John 1:1,14); it says the Father is God (Phil. 1:2); and it says the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4). Since the Son speaks to the Father, they are separate persons. Since the Holy Spirit speaks also (Acts 13:2), He is a separate person. There is one God who exists in three persons. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 367: TYPE, TYPOLOGY ======================================================================== A type is a representation by one thing of another. Adam was a type of Christ (Rom. 5:14) and so was Isaac (Heb. 11:19). The Passover was a type of Christ (1 Cor. 5:7). There are many types in the Bible and most of them are too extensive and deep to be listed. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 368: TRITHEISM ======================================================================== Tritheism is the teaching that the Godhead is really three separate beings forming three separate gods. This erring view is often misplaced for the doctrine of the Trinity which states that there is but one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 369: UNCIAL ======================================================================== The Greek characters of upper case: ABGDE, etc. Different copies of Greek manuscripts appear in Uncial form. Minuscules are the lower case letters of the Greek alphabet order and rank. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 370: UNITARIANISM ======================================================================== A theological error that holds to the unity of God by denying the Trinity, the deity of Jesus, and the deity of the Holy Spirit. Unitarians teach the unity of God and hold to a common system of believing as you will about God, salvation, sin, etc. They often profess to have no dogma. Unitarians also hold to the universal redemption of all mankind. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 371: UNIVERSALISM ======================================================================== The teaching that all people will eventually be saved through the universal redemption of Jesus. Some universalists teach that even the devil, after a time of punishment, will be redeemed. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 372: VELLUM ======================================================================== A material used for writing, like paper. It was made from animal skins, usually from cattle, sheep, goats, and antelope. The hair was scraped off of the skins, then they were washed, smoothed, and dressed with chalk. Vellum was used until the late Middle Ages until paper was introduced into Europe from China via Arab traders. Vellum lasted longer than papyrus and was tougher, but the edges sometimes became torn and tattered. The two oldest parchment manuscripts are the Codex Vaticanus (from Egypt) and the Codex Sinaiticus. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 373: VENIAL SIN ======================================================================== In Catholicism, a sin but not as bad as mortal Sin. It lessens the grace of God within a person's soul. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 374: VICARIOUS ATONEMENT ======================================================================== The theory of the atonement which states that Christ's death was "legal." It satisfied the legal justice of God. Jesus bore the penalty of sin when he died on the cross. His death was a substitution for the believers. In other words, he substituted himself for them upon the cross. Jesus hung in our place as He bore our sin in his body on the cross. See 1 Pet. 2:24. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 375: WORD, THE ======================================================================== In Greek the word for "word" is logos. It is used in many places, but of special interest is how it is used of Jesus. In John 1:1 it says, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." The Word is divine and the word "became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). In other words, Jesus is the Word of God who represents God to us and us to God. The term is also used to describe the Scriptures (Rom. 9:6; Heb. 4:12), Christ's teaching (Luke 5:1), and the gospel message (Acts 4:31). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 376: WORSHIP ======================================================================== The obligation of God's creation to give to Him all honor, praise, adoration, and glory due Him because He is the holy and divine creator. Worship is to be given to God only (Exodus 20:3; Matt. 4:10). Jesus, being God in flesh (John 1:1,14 ; Col. 2:9), was worshipped (Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; John 9:35-38; Heb. 1:6). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 377: WRATH ======================================================================== Biblically, it is the divine judgment upon sin and sinners. It does not merely mean that it is a casual response by God to ungodliness, but carries the meaning of hatred, revulsion, and indignation. God is by nature love (1 John 4:16), however, in His justice He must punish sin. The punishment is called the wrath of God. It will occur on the final Day of Judgment when those who are unsaved will incur the wrath of God. It is, though, presently being released upon the ungodly (Rom. 1:18-32) in the hardening of their hearts. Wrath is described as God's anger (Num. 32:10-13), as stored up (Rom. 2:5-8), and as great (Zech. 7:12). The believer's deliverance from God's wrath is through the atonement (Rom. 5:8-10). "For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 5:9). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 378: YIN AND YANG ======================================================================== A dualistic philosophy of passive and active, good and bad, light and dark, positive and negative, male and female, etc., and that they are in opposition, each is part of the whole and works together. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 379: YOGA ======================================================================== A philosophical as well as physical way of life emphasizing harmony of body and mind. The philosophy of yoga is based in Eastern Metaphysical beliefs. The goal of the philosophy is to help a person become balanced in mind and body and attain self-enlightenment. Yoga, apart from its metaphysical teachings, is beneficial to the body. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 380: ZODIAC ======================================================================== The stars in the heavens divided into twelve main groups. Imaginary patterns are imposed upon various star patterns as an aid to remember the stars. In Astrology, the Zodiac signs signify personality types for the people born under them. The Zodiac signs are determined by durations of time in the calendar. The twelve signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/books/dictionary-of-theology/ ========================================================================