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A Layman's Reference Guide to Selected |
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Theological "-ism"s, "-ology"s, "-tion"s
and Other Terms |
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by Randy Smith |
A B C D E F G H I-J K-L M N O P-Q R S T U-Z
Title Page Acknowledgments Bibliography Scripture Index
Derived from the Greek word baptisma, denoting the act of washing or plunging into water. Baptism is a physical act that involves the application of water to the body of a person. It is generally viewed as an act by which the believer enters the fellowship of the church. There are three views on the purpose for baptism. In the Sacramental view baptism is the means by which God conveys His grace upon the person being baptized. By undergoing this rite, the person baptized receives remission of sins and is regenerated. Both Roman Catholics and Lutherans believe this is the function of baptism. In the Covenantal view baptism is seen as the means of salvation. Baptism serves the same purpose for New Testament believers that circumcision did for Old Testament believers. For the Jews, circumcision was the external and visible sign that they were within the covenant that God had established with Abraham. Converts to Judaism (or proselytes) also had to undergo this rite. But now, under the new covenant, baptism instead of circumcision is required. In the Symbolic view baptism is an outward indication of the inner change which has already occurred in the believer's life. The regenerate believer is making a public testimony of the change that has occurred in his life. It is baptism into the body of believers. Jesus commanded that this be done and He gave us the example by being baptized Himself. Thus, baptism is an act of obedience, commitment, and proclamation. According to this understanding of baptism, no spiritual benefit occurs because of baptism other than declaring one's membership in the church. (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) A benediction is the pronouncement of blessing. The two best-known benedictions are the Aaronic benediction (Numbers 6:24-26) and the New Testament benediction found in 2 Cor. 13:14. The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. - Num. 6:24-26 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. - 2 Cor. 13:14 A narrower focus of study within Systematic Theology, emphasizing the study of theology within a particular area, era, writer or book. Biblical theology uses detailed exegesis and exposition as its foundation. This is to counter the liberal interpretation of Scripture that has emerged during the past 200 years by biblical scholars such as Rudolph Bultmann (see Bultmannism) who have made existential, non-biblical assumptions and challenge the unity and authenticity of Scripture. The doctrine of the Bible. The word Bible is derived from the Greek word biblion, which means "book" or "roll." Bibliology includes the study of the revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, canonicity, reliability, illumination and interpretation of the Bible. (Enns, p.13) The title derived from the Greek word presbuteros, meaning "presbyter," and from the Greek word episkopos, meaning "overseer." Bishop is the title many churches use to denote a high rank within Church leadership. During the early years of the Church, Bishop was the title given to an authoritative teacher who emerged as the leader of a specific congregation or region, such as Apollinarius, Bishop of Laodicea (circa 361 A.D.). (Harrison, p.97) From the Greek word blasphemeo, meaning "to defame or speak evil of someone." In the New Testament the word blasphemy is used concerning offenses against God. Jesus Christ was repeatedly charged with blasphemy by those who rejected His deity. (Ibid., p.97) From the Hebrew word barak and the Greek word eulogeo, from which we derive the English word Eulogy. Both words mean "to bless or pronounce blessing." Generally, in the Old Testament usage of barak, the object of blessing is God. In both the Hebrew and Greek usages, when God is the object of blessing, "the reference is to praise and thanksgiving" to God and the realization that everything good comes from God. When man is the object of blessing, it is recognized that it is God who bestows both temporal and spiritual well-being and good and is the result of God's gracious favor. Generally, in the New Testament the use of "blessed" indicates spiritual blessing, such as the nine "blessings" recorded in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-11. (Ibid., p.99) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. - Matt 5:3-11 Anthropologically, the body represents everything material in man. The body is the physical manifestation of man, while the soul is the immaterial aspect of man. (Sarles, Anthropology, p.2-1) The Bride of Christ is the true Church. Throughout the New Testament there are numerous references to the Bridegroom (Matt. 9:15; 25:1-13; Mark 2:19-20; Luke 5:34-35; John 3:29). The Bridegroom is Jesus Christ and we are His bride. We have been betrothed to Christ. When Christ comes again, at the rapture, He will be coming to take His bride to be wed to Him at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9). Based upon the theology of Rudolph Bultmann (1884-1976) and influenced by the German philosopher Martin Heidegger (1889-1976), Bultmannism takes an existential approach to the Bible. This movement, also called "the new hermeneutic," declares that the biblical text can mean whatever the reader wants it to mean. Truth is whatever you want it to be. (Zuck, p.54) |