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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
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The Hebrew term goyim designates all non-Jews as "heathen" or "gentiles." The final step in the process of salvation. Glorification involves completion of sanctification and removal of spiritual defects. Like the other facets of salvation, it is a result of union with Christ. It is the perfection of one's spiritual qualities. (Erickson, p.64) From the Hebrew kabod and the Greek doxa. In the Old Testament God's glory denoted the manifestation of light by which God revealed Himself or was a special manifestation of God. In the New Testament the use of doxa is used in reference to God's majesty and perfection. As with the Old Testament, God's glory is also a physical manifestation of His radiance, described in the transfiguration and the manifestations of the Lord after His resurrection. (Harrison, p.236) also see Shekinah Not to be confused with agnosticism, gnosticism also comes from the Greek word gnosis, meaning "knowledge." It was a second century philosophical system built upon Greek philosophy that stressed matter was evil but spirit was good. Gnostic teaching declared that because the flesh is evil, Jesus Christ was not truly a man. Instead, the Gnostics believed that He only appeared to be a man, but was not truly flesh and blood. Therefore, the Gnostics accepted the deity of Christ, but denied His humanity. Gnostics claimed that they had received a special knowledge or enlightenment that gave them knowledge that other, unenlightened men did not possess. Because of this special knowledge they were not constrained by the moral law, but instead, saw themselves free to obey or disobey the moral law as they saw fit. It is not known what this special knowledge was or where it was received from. From the Greek word eusebeia, meaning "piety or reverence towards God." In 1 Timothy 2:10 the Greek word for godliness is Theosebeia. The two elements of godliness are a right attitude towards God and the appropriate conduct reflecting that right attitude. Godliness is not inherent in man, but is the reflection of God working in the regenerate believer. It is right belief coupled with right action. (Harrison, p.248) An attribute of God, goodness refers to the perfection of God's nature. God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. - 1 John 1:5 "There is such an absolute perfection in God's nature and being that nothing is wanting to it or defective in it, and nothing can be added to it to make it better." (Pink, p.57) It is God's goodness that causes Him to deal kindly with all of his creation. The result of this goodness is common grace. God's goodness and benevolence are revealed in His care for all His creatures. Liberal thinkers would have us believe that man is good, just as God is good. But that is false teaching. Man is, by nature, wicked and deceitful. As Jesus said, Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; - Matt. 19:17 From the Greek word euaggelion, it literally means "good news" or "good tidings." The word euaggelion is used 75 times in the New Testament and refers to the "good news" of salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. (Harrison, p.255) The unmerited or undeserved favor of God to those who are under condemnation. There are two types of grace; common grace and efficacious (irresistible) grace. (Enns, p.196) The Scriptural definition of grace is given in Ephesians 2:8-9. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. also see Common Grace and Efficacious Grace |