Terms in Theology
based upon Debbie Dodd, WorldVenture
Click any expression to reveal its meaning.
(Aramaic word: abba, father.) A name for God in the New Testament. It is the name children used for their fathers. Therefore, it shows close family relationship and intimate respect. It is used by Jesus in Mk. 14:36. Also, Paul uses it in Rom. 8:15-16 and Gal. 4:6.
(From Latin: absolvo, to set free.) To announce that sins are forgiven. In Roman Catholic practice, a person must first be sorry for their sins (contrition), then confess them to a priest. Next, that person must do penance (actions to pay for sins done). Then the priest announces that a person's sins are forgiven (absolution). (See also Confess, Confession; Forgiveness; Penance.)
A system of ethics (rules for good and evil) which says there are rules or laws or truths which should never be broken. Those laws are always true in every place and time. (See also Ethics.)
Adapting a message to fit the hearers. In theology, it is the principle that God communicated the gospel in a way we as humans could understand. There are two views regarding accommodation. (1) Some use it to interpret anthropomorphisms (descriptions of God using human terms). (2) Others use it to interpret the words of Jesus. They claim Jesus said things which were not true just to agree with the Jewish beliefs of his day. (See also Anthropomorphism; Contextualization.)
(Hebrew word: 'adonai, my lord.) Name for God meaning ruler over everything. It is used for either a human or divine master by a servant.
The part of salvation in which God makes the sinner his child. It is a result of conversion. That person now has the rights and responsibilities of being part of God's family. Only Paul uses the term.
The view that Jesus was just a good man before becoming God. During his life (usually seen to be at his baptism), God "adopted" him to be his son. They believe man became God, not God became man. This view is not accepted by orthodox Christians today. (See also Christology; Hypostatic Union.)
. (From Latin: adventus, coming, arrival.) The coming of Jesus. (1) His first advent is when he was born of a virgin as a Jew in Bethlehem. (2) His second advent is the second coming, when he returns at the end of the age. (3) It is also a season during the church year. It is the four Sundays before Christmas in which believers celebrate his first coming.
The belief that Jesus will return at any time. When he returns he will set up his 1000- year rule on earth (millennium). (2) It is most often used for the Seventh-day Adventists denomination.
Someone who is against you or who is your enemy. In the Bible it describes Satan. He is the enemy of God and of God's people. (See also Satan.)
Life after death. It is the place or nature of a person after physical death. It may refer to heaven or hell, resurrection of the body, life forever, etc.
A long period of time. In the Bible it is usually specified only by the context. In the NT there are two ages: "this age" and "the age to come." "This age" is the present time. Earth is its focus. Satan is its ruler (2 Cor. 4:4; Gal. 1:4). "The age to come" is the time of peace and righteousness promised by the OT. It the time of the Messiah. It will be fulfilled completely in the future time after Jesus returns. He will be the ruler and it will be the time of eternal life (Mk. 10:30). But he has broken into this present age in the resurrection of Jesus and in the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is also called "the end of the age" (Matt. 24:3). (See also Eschatology; Inaugurated Eschatology.)
(From Greek: agnosis, unknown.) The belief that we cannot know God. An agnostic believes two things. (1) We cannot know if there is a God or not. (2) If there is a God, we cannot know him. (See also Atheism; Theism.)
Being separate from God. Sin has destroyed the relationship with God. All humans are born alienated from God because we are born as a part of Adam's family. (See also Original Sin.)
(From Greek: allegoria, describing something in the image of another.) A way of interpreting the Bible. It looks for a hidden, symbolic meaning instead of the plain, ordinary sense that the whole context requires (literalism). It then says the hidden meaning is the true meaning and gives authority to it. Allegorical interpretation was used mostly in the Middle Ages. It is rejected by most Bible interpreters today. This is different from the allegorical form of speech found in the Bible. This form of speech is specifically stated (Gal. 4:21ff) or clear by the context (Prov. 5:15ff).
(From Greek: allegoria, describing something in the image of another.) A form of speech which uses a picture to express an abstract truth. It is longer and has more detail than a metaphor. It is used as an illustration like in Gal. 4. Daniel and Revelation are other examples which use allegory. This is specifically stated (Gal. 4:21ff) or clear by the context (Prov. 5:15ff). In this way, it is different from the allegorical method of interpreting the Bible. (See also Allegorical Interpretation, Allegorizing; Analogy.)
The names of the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. It is used as a title for God and Christ (Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:13). The phrase means "the beginning and the end." It shows God's eternity. He began everything and will bring it all to an end. (See also Eternity.)
(From Latin: a-, not, mille, thousand, and annus, year.) The belief that the rule of Christ is happening now. It is not a future event. That rule is spiritual, not visible. The 1000 years in Rev. 20:4-6 is understood as the period of time between the cross and the end of the age.
(From Greek: analogia, proportion, correspondence.) A way of describing something by the use of something that is similar. The two are like each other in some ways, but different in other ways. An unknown object or idea is described by something like it that is known. Something in creation is often used as an analogy to describe God. For example, when Ps. 18:2 says "My God is my Rock" it does not mean that God is stone. It is an analogy to show that he is a place of safety and protection.
The belief that the Bible is a unified whole in what it teaches. It does not contradict itself. So what the Bible teaches in one place must agree with what it teaches in other places. Therefore, we can use the rest of the Bible and theology to evaluate a theological statement. This is based on a high view of the authority and inspiration of the Bible. Out of this belief comes a principle of interpreting the Bible. It says that the clearer parts of the Bible guide our interpretation of the less clear parts. Sometimes a distinction is made between "Analogy of Faith" (creedal statements) and "Analogy of Scripture" (theological statements).
(From Greek: angelos, messenger.) A heavenly being created by God. They do the work of God, worship and serve Him. They also minister to believers. Cherubim and seraphim are names for different types of angels. (See also Angelology; Demons, Demon Possession.)
(From Greek: angelos, messenger, and logos, word.) The part of theology that deals with spiritual beings. It is the teaching about angels, demons, and Satan. It includes both who they are and what they do.
(From Latin: animus, breath, soul.) One of the major religions of the world. It is the belief that all physical objects (i.e., stones, trees, etc.) have living spirits in them. Therefore, they must be worshipped. It is a part of many non-Christian religions. It is also called "primitive religions."
(From Latin: nihil, nothing.) The belief that some people will stop existing after death. It usually means hell will only be for a short time or not at all. It comes from the view that being able to live forever is a gift that God only gives to some people (conditional immortality). Annihilationism is not taught in the Bible.
The act of putting oil on a person or thing. This sets apart that person or thing for God. It is done to give a special job, blessing or power. Kings were anointed in Bible days. Messiah, one of the titles for Jesus, literally means "The Anointed One." The Roman Catholic Church also has a sacrament of anointing called "unction."
(From Greek: anthropos, human, and kentrikos, center.) The belief or practice that humans are the center of everything, not God. Humans and their needs and values are most important. (See also Theocentric.)
(From Greek: anthropos, human.) The attempt to prove there is a God based on what humans are like. A common form of this is the moral argument.
(From Greek: anthropos, human, and logos, word.) (1) In theology, it is the part of the theological system that deals with humanity. It describes their origins, nature and destiny. (2) It is also the academic study of people and their ways. The subject is the physical nature of people and their ways of living.
(From Greek: anthropos, human, and morphe, form.) Describing God in human ways. It attributes human qualities, actions or feelings to God. It is looking at God from a human perspective. For example, the arm of God in Jer. 32:17 does not mean a physical arm, but is used to show his power.
The hatred of Jewish people.
(From Greek: anti, against, and Christos, Christ.) (1) The person who is the great enemy of Christ. He will come in the last days saying he is the Christ. Only 1 Jn. 2:18, 22; 4:3 speaks of him by name. (2) However, the NT often speaks of enemies of Christ. Throughout history, some have called certain people or offices (i.e., leaders, governments, churches, etc.) the Antichrist.
(From Greek: anti, against, and legein, to say; literally: to disagree.) A term used for the NT books which were not universally accepted as part of the Bible. Some sections of the church said they should be accepted. Others said they should not. They included James, 2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, and Jude. These were not the books that everyone agreed should be in the Bible (homologoumena). These were also not the books that everyone agreed should not be in the Bible.
(From Greek: anti, against, and nomos, law.) The view that the believer should not follow the moral laws of the OT. This is because we are saved by grace. It says grace excuses us from the need for discipline or holy living. If we follow the law then we reject grace. It is grace which both saves and sanctifies us. It is based heavily on Galatians.
(From Greek: anti, against, and nomos, law.) Two or more true statements that seem to contradict each other. But, if we understood things like God does, they would not contradict each other. An example is that Jesus is both God and man.
(Greek word: apokalypsis, to remove a covering from.) (1) A type of book which reveals or shows us something about spiritual mysteries. They include visions of prophecies and many symbols. They speak of judgment and the end of the age. Daniel and Revelation are the main books of this type in the Bible. There are also other smaller parts of books (i.e., Isa. 13; 65-66). (2) It is also used to describe the coming of the Day of the Lord. It will come suddenly and destroy all evil. It will come from outside this world. (3) The book of Revelation is also called The Apocalypse.
(From Greek: apokrypha, the hidden things.) A group of books which were not included in the Protestant or Eastern Orthodox Bibles. These churches decided they were not inspired by God. The books of the OT Apocrypha were written in the time between the OT and NT. These books are included in the Roman Catholic Bible. The books of the NT Apocrypha were written after the first century after Christ. They are not included in any Bible.
A view of Christ started by Apollinarius (c. 361-390), Bishop of Laodicea. It teaches that Christ was fully God, but not fully human. He only took on a human body and soul, not a human spirit. The divine spirit replaced the human spirit. This view is not accepted by orthodox Christians today.
(From Greek: apologia, to defend, give an answer.) The intelligent defense of the Christian faith. It answers honest questions about the truthfulness of the gospel. Its tasks are to (1) defend the gospel against attacks or errors and (2) give reasons for its truth. (1 Pet. 3:15.)
(From Greek: apo, away, and stasis, standing.) Choosing to turn away from Christ after believing in him. It can be a definite choice to reject Christ. Or it can be a result of a continual lack of interest in Christ. Judas Iscariot is a NT example of an apostate. It is different from backsliding because the unbelief is permanent, not just for a short time. It is also different from heresy because apostates do not call themselves Christians anymore.
(From Greek: apo, from, and stellein, to send.) A person called and sent out for a certain purpose with the authority of the one who sent them. (1) In the NT, it is most often used for the twelve men Jesus chose as his special disciples. (2) Also, Paul and a few other people are called apostles. (3) Jesus is also called "the Apostle" (Heb. 3:1). (4) Roman Catholics use it for their missionaries. Some Protestants believe today the spiritual gift of apostles (1 Cor. 12:28) is given to missionaries.
The belief that the authority of a church has been passed on from person to person from the apostles to leaders today. These leaders then pass it on to others that they choose. It is taught in Roman Catholic and some other churches with an Episcopal church government.
A view of Christ started by Arius (c. 250-336), a North African priest. It teaches that Jesus is not fully God. There can only be one God. So they say Jesus was created by God out of nothing and is very special. He is the first and greatest creature. He is like God, but he is not God. Today, Jehovah's Witnesses teach this view. This view is not accepted by orthodox Christians today.
The wooden box that was placed inside the Holy of Holies in the temple. It was about 4 x 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 feet (120 x 76 x 76 cm) and covered with gold. The lid was called the mercy seat. Inside were the two tablets of the ten commandments, a pot of manna (the food God gave during the Exodus), and Aaron's rod (Exod. 25:10-22). It was the place where God met with the high priest once a year (Lev. 16). It is also called the Ark of Testimony or the Ark of the Lord.
(Greek word: harmagedon, name of a place, Armageddon.) A place spoken of in Rev.16:16. The armies of God and Satan will fight the final battle at the end of the ages there. There are many questions about where it is. However, most scholars think it refers to the mountain of Megiddo, about 50 miles (80km) north of Jerusalem.
The system of theology started by Jacob Arminius (1560-1609), a Dutch theologian.Human freedom is its focus. It has five main points. (1) God saves those sinners he knows ahead of time will believe. (2) Christ died for all people, not just the elect. (3) A person needs God's grace to believe. (4) All humans can freely respond to or resist God's grace. (5) Christians can lose their salvation if they stop believing. These are in response to Calvinistic theology.
(From Latin: ascendere, to go up.) The time when Jesus went up bodily from earth into heaven. It happened forty days after his resurrection.
(From Greek: askein, to work, train the body, exercise.) The method of trying to be holy by discipline and giving up the things of the world. The three marks are usually poverty, chastity (living without the pleasures of this world), and obedience to God.
(From Latin: a-, from, and se-, oneself.) To have life within oneself. God has life in himself. He does not need anyone else so that he can live. Jn. 5:26 and Acts 17:23-25 teach this. In contrast, we need God so we can live (Acts 17:28). God is the only one who has aseity.
The sure knowledge God gives a believer that they are saved. The believers know they are children of God and that their sins are forgiven. The sure knowledge is based on 1 Jn. 5:11-13.
(From Greek: a-, without, and theos, God.) The belief that there is no God. Practical atheism means living life without God.
Bringing God and believers back into a good relationship. Sin broke the relationship with God. In the OT, atonement was made by performing sacrifices. In the NT, Christ's death on the cross took away the barriers so there could be a relationship again. There are many different theories about how that could happen.
The question of whom Christ died to save. Some say it was only for the elect, those chosen by God (limited). Others say it was for all people (unlimited).
The view that says the purpose of Christ's death was to satisfy God's justice. It says God is like a ruler and has to uphold his moral law. When we sin we break it. God wants very much to forgive people. So Christ died to show us how bad sin is and how important it is to follow God's law. It is often a part of Wesleyan theology. It was started by Hugo Grotius (1583-1645) of Holland.
The belief that Christ died for only the elect, those chosen by God. It is often called definite atonement. It is part of Calvinism and is the "L" in TULIP.
The view that the purpose of Christ's death was to show us how much God loves us. That should make us love others. Abelard (1079-1142) of Brittany, started this view.
The view that Christ died to take the penalty of sin. The judgment for sin is death. Christ paid it for us. He was our sacrifice.
The view that Christ's death was a payment to Satan. Sinful humans belong to Satan. Therefore, he has a right to demand a price to free them. Christ took their place so that they could be freed from Satan's control.
The view of Christ's death started by Anselm (1033-1109) of Canterbury. Humans robbed God by sinning. We broke God's honor. So Christ became a man so he could take our place. He was also God so he could pay a big enough price. His death paid God what we owed him and gave him back his honor.
The view that Christ died in our place. We should have died, but he died instead of us. It is usually a part of the penal view.
The belief that Christ died for all people, not just the elect. However, this does not necessarily mean that all people will be saved. People must believe to be saved.
The view that Christ's death was on behalf of sinners. We got the benefits. He did something for us. It is often contrasted with substitution where Christ took the exact penalty of our sin.
The qualities or characteristics of God. They describe God. They are a part of who God is, not just added to Him. Without them he would not be God. Examples are love, mercy and eternity.
The system of theology and philosophy of Augustine (354-430), Bishop of Hippo. A main point is that humans are not able to do anything to save themselves. Therefore, God chose certain people to be saved before the world began (predestination). Another main point is that faith is more important that reason. In many ways it is a combination of the philosophy of Plato and Christian theology. Calvinism is a kind of Augustinianism.
The right to command action or belief. (1) It is used in many ways in the Bible: to forgive sin (Lk. 5:24); to make demons leave a person (Mk. 6:7); for government leaders (Rom. 13:1), etc. God is the highest authority. (2) In theology, it is used of both the Bible and the church.