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Abrahamic Covenant

There are three main features of the Abrahamic Covenant. First, the promise of land (Gen. 12:1) is given to Abraham by God. Second, it is the promise of descendants (Gen. 12:2) as God promised Abraham that He would make a great nation out of him. Third, there is the promise of redemption and blessing (Gen. 12:3) made by God to bless Abraham and the families of the earth through him. (Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, p.51)

The Abrahamic Covenant is first stated in Genesis 12:1-3 and later restated in Genesis 15:1-21. The Abrahamic Covenant is a three part covenant. First, it is an unconditional covenant. God attached no conditions to it. Second, it is a literal covenant in which the promises of God should be understood literally. Third, it is an eternal covenant. also see Covenant

Absolution

From the Latin word absolvo, meaning "to set free," absolution is used in theology to denote the forgiveness of sin. Scripture teaches us that all sin is against God. Therefore, only God can grant absolution from that sin. Contrary to some of the teaching of man, a priest, pastor or minister does not have the authority to grant absolution to sinners. Absolution is the sole prerogative of God. (Harrison, Baker's Dictionary of Theology, p. 19)

Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight, so that Thou art justified when Thou dost speak, and blameless when Thou dost judge. - Psalm 51:4

Adoption

From the Greek word huiothesia, meaning "placing as a son." Adoption describes the rights and privileges as well as the new position of the believer in Christ. The word is taken from Roman custom where, in a legal ceremony, the adopted son was given all the rights of a natural-born son. In this rite, four things happened. First, the adopted person lost all rights in his old family and gained all the rights of a fully legitimate son in his new family. Second, he became heir to his new father's estate. Third, the old life of the adopted person was completely wiped out. For instance, legally all debts were canceled; they were wiped out as if they had never been. Finally, in the eyes of the law the adopted person was literally and absolutely the son of his new father. (cf. Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5) (Enns, p.329)

He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will - Ephesians 1:5

Agnosticism

From the Greek word gnosis, meaning "knowledge," and the prefix a, which in the Greek negates the preceding statement. An agnostic believes that we cannot know if there is a God because the existence of God cannot be verified scientifically. (Ibid., p.185)

Allegorization

Searching for a hidden or a secret meaning underlying but remote from and unrelated in reality to the more obvious meaning of a text. (Zuck, Basic Bible Interpretation, p.29) The allegorizing approach to interpreting Scripture sees the text of Scripture as being symbolic instead of literal. Such events as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Noah and the great flood, and David slaying Goliath are interpreted as not having literally occurred, but only have some symbolic meaning.

Amillennialism

The a- in amillennialism negates the term, meaning an amillennialist believes there will not be a literal future millennium. Amillennialists do not deny the literal return of Christ, but they reject a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on the earth. (Enns, p.380)

Anathema

The Greek word anathema means "accursed" and implies moral worthlessness. The word is used twice in Galatians 1:8-9 by the Apostle Paul to warn those who would teach a false gospel.

But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. - Galatians 1:8-9

Angel

Translated from the Greek word angelos, an angel is a "messenger." Also identified in Hebrew as malak, angels are created beings. In the New Testament the use of angels almost exclusively refers to the created order of beings that exist outside the realm of humanity. While angels have appeared in bodily form to men (Genesis 19:1), their appearing is rare and only when directed by God.

All angels were originally created by God without sin. Foremost among the angels was Lucifer, now called Satan. But God allowed Lucifer to fall into sin, while one-third of the angelic realm also fell. These fallen angels are called demons. The remaining two-thirds of the angelic realm continue to serve God. The theological study of elect and fallen angels is covered in angelology.

Angelology

The doctrine of angels, both elect and fallen, including Satan and his demons, are included in this theology.

Annihilationism

The belief that the wicked simply cease to exist after their mortal life. There is no belief in a literal hell. Annihilationists believe that after life there is simply a ceasing to exist (annihilation).

Anthropocentrism

The Trinitarian doctrine that attempts to understand the nature of God by reconstructing Him from what we know of man. Inevitably this leads to a wrong understanding of God as man tries to define God instead of (rightly) the other way around. (Sarles, Christology, p.3-6)

Anthropology

The doctrine of man. From the Greek words anthropos, meaning "man," and logos, meaning "word" or "discourse." Biblically the term anthropology refers to the study of the doctrine of man from a biblical standpoint. Within the doctrine of man are contained the theologies of the creation of man, original sin and the fall of man, and the origin of the soul and spirit .

Anthropomorphism

From the Greek words anthropos, meaning "man," and the word morphe, meaning "form." Thus an anthropomorphism is a figure of speech that is used in Scripture to ascribe human physical attributes or form to God. Examples of anthropomorphisms in Scripture describe God as having feet (Gen. 3:8), hands (Ex. 24:11), mouth (Num. 12:8; Jer. 7:13), and arms (Deut. 5:15).

Since God is spirit and is not confined to a physical body, as many would imagine, our finite minds have difficulty comprehending God. To make Himself understandable to us, God uses anthropomorphisms in Scripture to allow us a way of understanding His awesome power in finite human terms.

Anthropopathism

From the Greek words anthropos, meaning "man," and pathos, meaning "actions or emotions." An anthropopathism is a figure of speech used in Scripture as a way of ascribing human emotions to God. Examples include God "remembering" the Israelites enslaved in Egypt for 400 years (Ex. 2:24) and God's "jealousy" for Israel (Zech. 8:1).

Antinomianism

Antinomianism makes the claim that faith replaces the need for obedience to the moral law. The antinomian recognizes the principle of grace (although misunderstanding and abusing it) but denies the principle of law and, therefore, also fails to demonstrate righteousness by adherence to God's moral law. (Heinze, Trinity & Triunity, p.38)

Antinomianism is grace without law. This heretical doctrine perverts Romans 6:14, which states For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.

Apocalypse

From the Greek word apocalupsis, meaning "revelation, unveiling." Apocalypse is the term used to identify events pertaining to real or alleged revelations of heavenly secrets or of the events which will occur during the end times and will inaugurate the kingdom of God. Apocalyptic literature includes that which contains eschatological themes, such as the books of Daniel and Revelation, to name two. (Harrison, p. 50)

Apocrypha

From the Greek words ta apocrypha, meaning "the hidden things." The Apocrypha is comprised of thirteen books: I and II Estdras, Tobit, Judith, The Rest of Esther, The Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, The Letter of Jeremiah, The Additions to Daniel, The Prayer of Manasses, I and II Maccabees. These books were uniformly rejected by the Jews for inclusion in the canon of the Old Testament but were inserted into the Septuagint as an addendum. Interestingly, the New Testament authors cite none of the Apocrypha. (Harrison, p.55) also see Pseudepigrapha

Apollinarianism

The heresy named for Apollinaris that was in direct opposition to the heresy of Arianism. Apollinaris' Christology retains the deity of Christ, but denies the genuine humanity of Christ. Apollinaris and his theory were condemned at the Council of Constantinople in 381 A.D. Apollinaris claimed that Jesus was indeed God in human form, but that human form was not completely human. Apollinaris felt that because man is by his nature wicked and sinful, Christ could not have been fully man because that would mean that He was equally sinful by nature. (Enns, p.421)

Apologetics

Christian apologetics is the task of showing on what grounds the Christian religion possesses knowledge of God. Apologetics is essentially the defense of Christianity. Because of a general misunderstanding of early Christianity and the slander that resulted, there arose prominent Gentile Christians who wrote "apologies" in defense of Christianity. But over the centuries apologetics has become more than simply an apology or defense of the Christian faith, it is a theological study into the fundamentals of the Christian faith. (Harrison, p.55)

Apostasy

From the Greek apostasia meaning "to fall away." Apostasy is used of a person who professes faith, but eventually abandons or "falls away" from the faith, indicating that he or she never actually possessed true faith. They went out from us, because they were not really of us, for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us. - 1 John 2:19

Apostate

A person guilty of apostasy. see Apostasy

Apostle

From the Greek word apostolos, meaning "sent ones," Apostle is the title given to those men in the New Testament who were commissioned by God and given the authority and responsibility to govern the early church and spread the gospel throughout the world. By the authority of God, Apostles were given the spiritual gifts of speaking in tongues, miracles, prophecy and knowledge. All men who were commissioned as Apostles were first-hand witnesses to the ministry and miracles of Jesus Christ. The duties of Apostles were to preach, teach and administrate the early church.

Arianism

The Christological heresy named for Arius of Alexandria who lived during the fourth century A.D. Arius taught that God is a one-personed God, not a Triune God (see Trinity). Arius argued that to accept Jesus Christ as a member of the Godhead would affirm two Gods, or polytheism. Arius thus taught that there was a time when God was not Father, that He was alone and not yet Father. Arius believed that Jesus Christ was a created being, there was a time the Son was not, that Christ was created by God the Father and ranks first among all created beings.

Arianism was condemned by the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. The Council adopted a creed that affirmed the Father and Son as God. (Sarles, Christology, p.5-3)

Arminianism

A term used to describe the theological views on salvation of Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609) and the movement that followed his teachings. The Arminian position was expressed in detail by followers of Arminius in the Remonstrance, a document produced in 1610, formally protesting the strict Calvinism in the Netherlands. (Enns, p.489)

According to Arminianism, salvation is accomplished through the combined efforts of God (who takes the initiative) and man (who must respond), with man's response being the determining factor.

The major theological emphases of Arminianism are known as the "Five Points" of Arminianism. They are:

1. Free Will or Human Ability - each sinner possesses a free will and his eternal destiny depends on how he uses it. Faith is the sinner's gift to God; it is man's contribution to salvation.

2. Conditional Election - it is left entirely up to man as to who will believe and therefore as to who will be elected unto salvation. Thus the sinner's choice of Christ, not God's choice of the sinner is the ultimate cause of salvation.

3. Universal Redemption or General Atonement - although Christ died for all men and for every man, only those who believe on Him are saved. Christ's redemption becomes effective only if man chooses to accept it.

4. The Holy Spirit Can Be Effectually Resisted - but inasmuch as man is free, he can successfully resist the Spirit's call. Man's free will limits the Spirit in the application of Christ's saving work.

5. Falling From Grace - those who believe and are truly saved can lose their salvation by failing to keep up their faith. (Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, p.433-436)

Armageddon

"The place of the last decisive battle at the day of judgment." (Harrison, p.64) The term Armageddon is an apocalyptic term used to refer to final battle of the end times. The term is derived from the place Har-Magedon, located on the plane of Megiddo in Israel. Har-Magedon is the location of the final battle between the armies of the earth and the Lord Jesus Christ. The details of this final battle are recorded in Revelation 19:11-21.

And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon. - Rev. 16:16

Ascension

The act of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ where He ended His post-resurrection appearances to His disciples and departed to Heaven, where He will remain seated at the right hand of God until He returns in the clouds for the Church at the rapture. And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. - Acts 1:9

Asceticism

From the Greek askesis for "exercise or training." Asceticism refers to the practice of self-control or self-discipline. The Bible has numerous examples of ascetic practices, such as Elijah undertaking a 40 day fast on his journey to Horeb (1 Kings 19:8) and Jesus beginning his ministry with a 40 day fast in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1). There are also examples of self-imposed asceticism, such as Paul's desire to remain celibate (1 Cor. 7:32).

Three points about asceticism must be remembered: 1) there is nothing to suggest that the practices being avoided are evil; 2) there is nothing universal or permanent in ascetic practices; 3) Asceticism is not an end in itself, but simply a practice designed to help a person reach a certain goal, such as a obedience to God. (Harrison, p.68)

Assurance

The doctrine stating that only true believers, by the working of the Holy Spirit, have confidence that they are in the state of grace and thereby have eternal life. Unbelievers do not have such confidence. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. - 1 John 5:13

Atheism

From the Greek word theos, meaning "God," and the prefix a, which negates the preceding statement. Therefore, the term refers to a person who denies the existence of God.

Atonement

The English word atonement comes from the Hebrew word kapar, meaning "to cover over, propitiate, pacify." In the Old Testament the meaning was used to describe a blood sacrifice in order to atone for sin. The shedding of the blood of sacrificial animals covered, or atoned, for the sin of men. (Vine, Vines's Dictionary of Bible Words, p.45)

Although the word atonement is not a New Testament word, it designates what Christ accomplished on the cross through His suffering and death. Within Christianity there is disagreement about the extent of atonement offered by Christ's death. For an explanation of these, see Limited Atonement and Unlimited Atonement.

And according to the Law, one may almost say, all thing are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. - Hebrews 9:22

Attributes of God

The perfections and traits of God's divine character. These attributes are a mental concept that God has given to man of Himself through self-revelation in the Scriptures. Though these attributes of God reveal something of God, they do not reveal His attributes completely. It is all the attributes of God taken together that provide an understanding of the nature and Person of God. Some of God's attributes include (but are not limited to): His self-existence, spirituality, eternity, sovereignty, immutability, infinity, holiness, omnipresence, omnipotence, will, righteousness, wrath, love, justice, mercy, foreknowledge, wisdom, truth, goodness, grace, faithfulness, patience. (Sarles, Theology, p.1-6) For a more complete understanding, look up the definitions of the individual attributes throughout this book.

Augustinianism

Named after Augustine (354-430 A.D.), the champion of salvation by grace. Augustine is sometimes called the greatest theologian between the Apostle Paul and Martin Luther. (Enns, p.629)

The works and philosophy of Augustine brought the theological advances of the first four centuries A.D. to a successful conclusion. It was Augustine's work and advances on the doctrines of the Trinity, sovereignty of God, total depravity of man, predestination and election that greatly influenced Calvin, Luther and other Reformers. It was also Augustine's work in the doctrines of the church and baptismal regeneration that influenced the Roman Catholic Church's doctrines concerning the church and its sacraments. (Harrison, p.80)

Autosoterism

From the Greek words autos, meaning "self," and soterian, meaning "salvation." The term literally means "self salvation." Autosoterism is the belief that salvation is man-centered. It is the denial of the true God and gift of His grace, instead believing that salvation can be secured by man's own power and wisdom. Therefore, all religions except Christianity are autosoteric. This is also known as Heathenism. (Warfield, The Plan of Salvation, p.35)