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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
A refinement of Sir Isaac Newton's theory of mechanism, uniformitarianism is an evolutionary theory based upon the work of James Hutton (1726-1797) and Sir Charles Lyell (1797-1875). A geologist, Hutton theorized that the way we see things today can be used to explain how things must have been in the past. Lyell later enthusiastically expanded upon the work of Hutton in developing modern geological theory. (Sarles, Anthropology, p.6-3) The incorrect belief that God is a one-personed God, rather than a Triune God. The belief that Christ died for all men and that eventually all shall be saved, either in this life or at a future time. (Boettner, p.47) Logically, universalists deny the doctrines of election, predestination, and reprobation. The universalist believes that all men will be saved, contrary to the overwhelming evidence of Scripture. As understood by evangelicals, Unlimited Atonement means that Christ's death was sufficient for every person but His death is efficient only for those who believe the gospel. The arguments for unlimited atonement are as follows. 1. If the statements of the New Testament are interpreted literally, then it is evident that Christ died for everyone. 2. Limited atonement is not based on exegesis of the texts of Scripture but more on the logical premise that if Christ died for everyone and everyone is not saved, then God's plan is thwarted. 3. The world, as John describes it, is "God-hating, Christ-rejecting, and Satan-dominated. Yet that is the world for which Christ died." (cf. John 1:29; 3:16; 17; 4:42; 1 John 4:14) These passages emphasize a universal atonement. 4. The word whosoever is used more than 110 times in the New Testament and always with an unrestricted meaning. 5. The word all, or an equivalent term, is used to denote everyone. Christ died for the ungodly, and everyone is ungodly. 6. 2 Peter 2:1 indicates Christ died for the false teachers who were "denying the Master who bought them." The context indicates these are heretics doomed to destruction, yet it is said of them "the Master bought them." This militates against the limited atonement view. 7. The Bible teaches that Christ died for "sinners" (1 Tim. 1:15; Rom. 5:6-8). The word 'sinners' nowhere means 'church' or 'the elect', but simply all of lost mankind. (Enns, p.327) The humanistic philosophy that actions are right because they are useful. (MacArthur, Charismatic Chaos, p.170) see Humanism Vicarious Death of Christ - see Death of Christ The Latin translation of the Bible. This translation was the crowning achievement in the life of Jerome (347-419). Also known as Methodism, the Wesleyan school of thought was founded by John Wesley (1703-1791), the 18th century English preacher who preached Arminian doctrine. Wesleyanism is essentially the same as Arminianism, which sees man as playing a part in his own salvation. This theology says that God offers salvation to all men, but each man is responsible for accepting God's offer. Wesleyanism does not see man in a fallen state as a result of Adam's sin. Instead, Wesleyanism sees man as only partially effected by Adam's sin and not totally depraved, capable of righteousness apart from God. (Enns, p.312) Will of God - see Decrees of God, Decretive Will of God and Preceptive Will of God. From the Greek words martys, or "one who testifies," and martyreo, meaning "testimony." A Christian witness is one who testifies to Christ and his saving power. It is from the transliteration of the Greek words that we get the English word martyr, meaning one who suffers or dies rather than give up his faith. (Harrison, p.555) see Martyr An attribute of God, His wrath is his vengeance, fury and detestation of unrighteousness. As much as love, patience and mercy are divine attributes, so also are His wrath, justice and judgment. It is interesting to note that there are more references to God's anger, fury and wrath than there are to His love, mercy and grace. (Pink, p.9) Our God is a God of love and wrath, mercy and justice, patience and judgment. Those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior will graciously be spared God's eternal wrath. But those who reject salvation through Jesus Christ will experience the full fury and wrath of God. For it we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge His people." It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. - Hebrews 10:26-31
Similar to an anthropomorphism,
a zoomorphism is a figure of speech which ascribes animal
characteristics to God. The
purpose of a zoomorphism is give us an understanding of an aspect of
God by using an illustration of an animal characteristic. (Zuck,
p.152) He will cover you with
His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness
is a shield and bulwark. - Psalm 91:4
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