An Annotated Glossary of Biblical Christianity

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Please see Acknowledgements at the end of this Glossary.

Abiding in Christ – Essential agreement with the teachings and commandments of Christ (1 John 2:24) that is maintained by resisting temptation to sin (1 John 2:1). "Abiding in Christ" is synonymous with "fellowship with Christ." The Christian is either (a) in carnality, resulting from personal sin, or (b) in fellowship with God, resulting from personal, private, confession of sin directly to God as a part of our priestly ministry. Thus, confession of personal sin—an admission of personal responsibility—is the basis for our restoration to fellowship with God and the filling by means of the Holy Spirit. Subsequently, the believer has the ability to be spiritually self-sustaining—to maintain fellowship with God. (Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9; Luke 15:18).

Abiding is both necessary and indispensable for spiritual growth and fruit production. (John 15:1-10). In fellowship with God, the believer's task is to mature, to grow in the knowledge of Biblical truth, and to handle the blessings and trials of life in occupation with Christ. Abiding in Christ is not a result of a pious life, acts of penance, asking for forgiveness, feeling sorry for sin, or any other emotion, feeling, or work. (see Sanctification and Spiritual (2))

Abrahamic Covenant – An unconditional covenant between God, as party of the first part, in favor of Abraham and his progeny, as the parties of the second part. This is a grace covenant from God, promising a progeny (Genesis 12:2), real estate for the Jewish race (Genesis 12:1; Genesis 13:14-15), a king from among Abraham’s progeny (Genesis 17:6), and a heritage of blessing (Genesis 12:3). See Covenants to Israel.

Abraham's Bosom – See Hades. 

Accommodation – The adaptation of eternal truth to the human frame of reference through verbal plenary inspiration, using figures of speech and other human language terms. God knew, at the time of the writing of the books of the Bible, all the scientific knowledge which would be accumulated throughout all time. However, He did not force the writers of the Scriptures to eliminate their contemporary idiomatic phraseology. For example: "The four corners of the earth .." (Revelation 7:1). God knew the earth was round (Isaiah 40:22; Job 26:10) but did not force John to change his vocabulary. Thus, God accommodated (or adapted) human language to divine revelation. God's use of anthropopathisms and anthropomorphisms is another example of the principle of accommodation. A modern example of accommodation is our use of the term sunrise. Sunrise is observational, but not scientific. Many similar phrases occur in Scripture. The understanding of this principle serves as an important preservation of the integrity of God’s word.

Adam's Original Sin –  See Fall of Man.

Adoption – In the Bible, adoption has more than one meaning. It has the more usual meaning of placing one into the position of a legal child, as in the case of Esther's adoption (Esther 2:7; Esther 2:15). It is used in a spiritual sense for the placement of the nation of Israel above other peoples (Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 32:6; Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 31:9; Romans 9:4). It is used in a spiritual sense at salvation for the placement of the born again child of God into the position, rather than relationship, of privilege and responsibility attached to an adult son [uios] (Galatians 3:26; Galatians 4:1-6). One of the privileges of an adult son is heirship. The full realization of the believer's sonship awaits the ‘redemption of the body,’ at the Rapture of the Church (Romans 8:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; Ephesians 1:14; 1 John 3:2).

Advocate –  After the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, He ascended into Heaven and sat down at the Father's right hand in the throne room of Heaven. The Greek word Diabolos (DiaboloV) means “accuser,” “slanderer,” or “maligner.” Satan sometimes accuses us before the Father's Throne of Grace. The present ministry of our Lord includes being our advocate or defense attorney. (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1).

Age of Accountability – The moment when a human being reaches God-consciousness, recognizing the existence of a supreme being, and able to understand the Gospel. The age of the individual may differ in various life situations and cultures, even extending well into adulthood. From this moment, each individual is responsible to God for his eternal disposition. This age is associated with the understanding of right and wrong from God’s law (Romans 7:7-11).

Agnosticism –  A system of belief which claims that God cannot be known, either in full or in part. Unlimited agnosticism claims that God and all reality is completely unknowable. Limited agnosticism claims only that God is partially unknowable because of the limitations of man’s finitude and sinfulness. (Psalm 14:1).

Ambassador for Christ –  Though all believers in Jesus Christ are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven (Philippians 3:20), they remain in this world as personal representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Amillennialism –  The eschatological position in theology which denies the existence of a literal, earthly, thousand year reign of Christ. This view contradicts a natural interpretation of Revelation 20:2-7.

Angel – There exists a superior race of beings who were created before man. This race is divided into two groups—“elect” and “fallen” angels. Elect angels are those who have remained faithful to God (1 Timothy 5:21; Mark 8:38). The fallen angels, also called demons, are those who followed Satan in his prehistoric arrogance (Revelation 12:4); they are hostile enemies of God who are actively engaged in the deception and destruction of man under the leadership of Satan. The fallen angels have a hierarchy (Ephesians 6:12), and hence are organized toward their objective. They further divide into two sub-categories—imprisoned (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6) and operational (1 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 16:14). Angels are identified as servants of God (Psalm 103:20-21; Hebrews 1:14) they are the messengers and heralds of God (Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 28:1-7), and they are guardians (Genesis 3:24; Daniel 12:1). Angels also observe human history (1 Timothy 3:16; Luke 15:10), and through observation, the angels learn the Justice and wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10). They also worship God (Revelation 7:11). At the end of human history, angels will be judged by believers, (1 Corinthians 6:3). Every book of the Bible speaks of angels except Ruth, Nehemiah, Esther, James, and the Epistles of John.

Angel of the LORD – A pre-incarnation appearance of Jesus Christ. Also known as “Angel of Jehovah” and “Angel of Yahweh.” See Theophany.

Angelic Conflict – The invisible spiritual warfare, between God and Satan, in which the forces of Satan are warring against the forces of God (Michael, an archangel, and the elect angelic forces). It was ignited by the prehistoric revolt of Satan (Ezekiel 28:11-19) who also carried off in deception one-third of the angelic creation (Revelation 12:4), whereupon Satan apparently challenged God's decision to cast the fallen angelic creation into the Lake of Fire (Matthew 25:41). Considering that Satan is not in fact in the Lake of Fire, prepared for that purpose, one may conclude that God postponed Satan's punishment (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10). The Angelic Conflict thus continues as spiritual warfare in human history (Daniel 10:13; Ephesians 6:10-18). The Church Age is the intensified stage of this Angelic Conflict (1 Peter 5:7-9). This conflict has real impact on Christians, and thus, they are to prepare themselves for effective spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:11). The study of this conflict provides the answers to the age long questions regarding “Why Man?”; “Why Sin?”; “Why Suffering?”; and “Why the Church?”

Angelology – The study of the first created beings—angels—both elect and fallen, and includes the study of their origin, nature, purpose, and their relationship to God and Man. Angelology is a major division of Systematic Theology. 

Anthropological Argument – The argumentum a posteriori, from naturalistic theism, that asserts the existence of God from several specific features in man's essence. Evolutionary and other theories for man's existence, while claiming to understand man's biological life, do not and cannot explain the origin of man's immaterial human life, intellect, sensibility, will, conscience, or his inherent belief in God. These attributes of man can be accounted for on no other ground than that man has come forth from One who possesses all these attributes to an infinite degree. Taking just one of the foregoing for an example, man's conscience recognizes his violations of a moral law outside of himself, and such violations are followed by a feeling of foreboding and fears of judgment. Since this moral law is not self-imposed, and these threats of judgment are not self-executing, they respectively argue the existence of a holy will that has imposed the law, and a punitive power that will execute the threats of a moral nature. (also, see Cosmological, Congruity, Teleological, and Ontological Arguments). 

Anthropology – The study of Man—a major division of Systematic Theology—including his origin, nature, purpose, and relationships to God, angels, the World System, and the Dispensation in which he lives. Biblical anthropology is distinct from secular anthropology by its biblical authority.

Anthropomorphism –  Ascribing some human physical characteristic to God that He does not actually possess, such as “eyes of the Lord,” (Proverbs 5:21) “hand of God,” (Psalm 118:15-16) “arm of the Lord” (Isaiah 51:9), etc. An anthropomorphism is a figure of speech using human language to accommodate Divine Revelation. Such language helps man to comprehend God's divine policy, character, and function.

Anthropopathisms –  Ascribing human feeling or emotion to God such as “repentance,” “grief,” “anger,” etc. An anthropopathism is a figure of speech using human language to accommodate Divine Revelation.  

Antinomianism –  From the Greek words “anti” (against) and “nomos” (law), antinomianism has come to represent that particular perversion of the Gospel that implies that, since believers are saved by the free grace of God, and that the Mosaic Law was fulfilled in Christ, they are not responsible to live according to the moral law of God, or even to live in holiness. Antinomianism finds expression in various kinds of lascivious behavior, including immorality. The writers of the New Testament dealt with this in the harshest terms (Romans 3:8; Romans 6:1, 15; 2 Corinthians 12:21).

Anti-Semitism –   Though certain Arab groups are Semitic, because of sharing a common ancestor with Jewish groups, the term “anti-Semitism” is generally attributed to attitudes and actions that are hostile to the Jews, including prejudice, intolerance, and even criminal activity.  God has promised retribution to those who practice anti-Semitism (Genesis 12:3).

Apostasy –  Apostasy is a willful standing apart from the Christian faith (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:3) and a falling away from relationship with God (Hebrews 3:12). It is distinguished from heresy, which is a belief which is held in variance with Biblical truth. Historically, heresy has indicated a refusal to accept a prescribed article of faith. Both apostasy and heresy should be distinguished from common error, which involves a non-Biblical interpretation of a minor doctrine. A gospel built on works or legalism is an example of apostasy (Galatians 1:6-8).

Apostleship – The temporary spiritual gift of authority delegated by the Lord Jesus Christ to the eleven disciples and Paul in the first century A.D. The word in the Greek means “sent forth,” and the true nature of the apostles is that they were sent forth personally by the Lord. There are four distinguishing characteristics of the apostle: (1) He had to receive his call directly from Christ. (Galatians 1:1; Luke 6:13) (2) He had to be an eyewitness to the incarnation of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1; 1 Corinthians 15:8) (3) He had to possess authority in communicating Divine Revelation (Galatians 1:11-12; Acts 26:22-23) (4) He had to have the validating signs of apostleship (Acts 2:43; Acts 5:12). Apostles had authority that extended to all churches (2 Corinthians 11:28; 1 Corinthians 14:37).

Aramaic – A language in which a small part of the Scriptures (Daniel 2:4—7:28; Ezra 4:8 – 6:1; Ezra 7:12-26; Jeremiah 10:11; Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34) were written. See Languages of Scripture.

Ark of the Covenant – See Day of Atonement.

Armageddon – The last battle of the last campaign of the last war of human history, that takes place on the plain of Esdraelon near the city of Megiddo, in which the forces of the returned Lord Jesus Christ defeat the forces of gentile empires mobilized to annihilate Israel (Revelation 16:16). Armageddon is not a biblical term, but a theological one.

Arminian Viewpoint – The heretical viewpoint of Jacobus Arminius, who advocated a broader view of the doctrines of hamartiology, election and predestination than did John Calvin. It is the belief that mankind does not inherit a sinful nature from Adam, and that man is inherently capable of producing good. Mankind is able to cooperate with the grace of God, and when he does, he receives election into a predetermined class according to the determination of God. Man may also freely repent of his decision and fall from grace, losing eternal salvation.

Ascension and Session of Christ – Seven weeks after His resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ, in His humanity, ascended into Heaven, where He sat down at the right hand of God until the resurrection of His Church. The ascension is the terminal event of Jesus Christ’s first advent, proclaiming the work of the first advent as finished to the satisfaction of God the Father, (Hebrews 10:12-13). The ascension completes the glorification of Christ in hypostatic union (Acts 2:33; Philippians 2:9; 2 Peter 3:22), declaring Christ as greater than the angels, (Hebrews 1:3-13). The session ministry of Jesus Christ describes His work as the High Priest for His people, wherein He is a Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Hebrews 9:24; Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1-2). The ascension and session of Christ work together as a proclamation that the first advent is finished, the Rapture is imminent, and the work of Jesus Christ continues in the mean time.

Assurance – Assurance is the believer’s confidence in Eternal Security.

Atheism – A contradictory and therefore false system of belief, which asserts that God does not exist. Atheism assumes omniscience, a god-like knowledge of all things, for in the proclamation of God’s non-existence there has to be complete knowledge of all things. In any corner of ignorance God may exist! Consequently, the atheist assumes to himself two of the very characteristics—omnipresence and omniscience—of the God he rejects.

Atonement – The word “Atonement” is used collectively to include the whole efficacious, sacrificial, and redemptive work of Christ on the cross on behalf of mankind. It is not a New Testament word, only occurring in one English mistranslation (KJV Romans 5:11) where the Greek word katallagh should have been translated “reconciliation.” A careful student of the Scriptures will be influenced by the fact that the Holy Spirit confined the word “atonement” to the Old Testament, and did not use the term in any way to describe any aspect of the New Testament believer's relationship to God. The word “atonement” is from the Hebrew KAPHAR — to cover. Atonement looked forward to the Cross. When a Jewish believer participated in a sacrifice, the blood covered the sin. On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest sprinkled blood on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, which covered the sin, represented in the Ark by the broken tablets of the Law, Aaron’s rod that budded, and a pot of manna (Leviticus 16; Leviticus 23:26-32; Hebrews 9:3-7). Actually, Hebrews 10:4 declares that “it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sin.” In the atonement, God simply covered over the sin until Christ actually “took away” the sin, once “covered” by sacrifice (Romans 3:23-26; Hebrews 9:15). The extent of the collective atonement is unlimited (2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Timothy 4:10; Titus 2:11; Hebrews 2:9; 1 John 2:2). “And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the entire world.”

Atonement, Day of –  One of the clearest examples of Old Testament Shadow Christology occurred in the ritual observed by the Levitical Priesthood on the Day of Atonement. The Ark of the Covenant was a teaching device that represented the Jewish Messiah bearing the sins of the world. It was a wooden box (representing the Humanity of the coming Messiah), covered with gold (Deity of Christ), bearing the broken tablets of the Law (man's sin against God's law), bearing Aaron’s rod that budded (man's sin against God's divinely appointed authority), and bearing a golden pot of manna (man's sin against God's provision). On top of the Ark were two golden cherubim (representing God's Righteousness and Justice) looking downward toward the “sin” in the Ark. In the line of sight of the cherubim was a golden “mercy seat” (Exodus 25:10-22). On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) the high priest would enter the holy of holies and sprinkle the blood of a sacrificed animal on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:1-28). The Righteousness and Justice of God would then see the blood covering the sin and be satisfied (doctrine of propitiation). The high priest would sacrifice a bull for his own sins and a goat for the sins of the people. This ritual and the tabernacle / temple articles taught that until the Messiah would come, God would look forward to the cross of Christ for forgiveness of the believers’ sins. While Christ's work on the cross accomplished many different things, the accomplishment that is pertinent in this context is that, “He took away pre-cross sin, once covered by sacrifice.” 

Attributes of God – The individual qualities or characteristics which are intrinsic to the Essence of God. 

Authority of the Scriptures – Since the Bible’s ultimate Author is God, it is without error and is our authoritative guide—the Supreme Court—in all matters of faith and practice (John 16:12-15).

Baptism – The word indicates an act of dipping, dyeing, staining, or identification. There are seven different kinds of baptism revealed in the Scriptures. Theologically, there are two general types of baptisms—real and ritual. Ritual Baptisms associate the objects of the baptism with water: In these cases, water is representative of some principle of doctrine in the spiritual realm. And, the object of the baptism is identified with something that the water represents.

(1) In the baptisms by John "the Baptist" (during the Age of Israel), the water represented the Kingdom of which the King was being presented and was representative of repentance in preparation for the kingdom (Matthew 3:1-2, 11). The recipients were thus identified with the Kingdom to come.

(2) In the baptism of Jesus, the water represented the Plan of God the Father (Matthew 3:13-17); through it, Jesus was declared the beloved Son of God and Messiah. Jesus identified Himself with paying the penalty for the sins of all mankind. No one "follows the Lord in baptism," for this baptism was unique.

(3) In the baptisms of early Church Age believers, the water identified new believers with the name (and thus the character) of God (Matthew 28:19), signifying the new life of discipleship in Christ. The early believers were identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Real Baptisms were an actual identification with something other than water.

(4) In the baptism of Moses (1 Corinthians 10:2), Moses was identified with the very dry path through the sea, while the Israelites were identified with Moses. The only ones who got wet were the Egyptians.

(5) In the baptism of the Cross ("Cup" of Matthew 20:22), Jesus Christ was identified with our sins.

(6) In the baptism by means of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; 1 Corinthians 12:13), the believer in the Church Age is identified with his position In Christ.

(7) In the baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11; Matthew 13:25-30; Luke 3:16-17), the unbeliever is identified with everlasting judgment.

Baptism of Fire – The baptism of fire is the judgment of the Tribulational unbelievers at the Second Advent (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). They are removed from the earth and placed in fire for 1,000 years until the Last Judgment. Both Jews and Gentiles who are tribulational unbelievers are involved in this Second Advent judgment. This judgment takes place before the Millennium and includes unbelievers only. (Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16-17) There are five parables which describe the baptism of fire:

(1) The wheat and the tares, (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-40);

(2) The good and bad fish, (Matthew 13:47-50);

(3) The ten virgins, (Matthew 25:1-13);

(4) The sheep and the goats, (Matthew 25:31-46); and

(5) The talent test, (Matthew 25:14-30).

Baptism by means of the Holy Spirit – In the Church Age, every believer in Jesus Christ is baptized into union with Christ, by means of the Holy Spirit, at the moment of salvation (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:5; Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 2:12; Acts 1:5; 11:15-17), effecting a change from a "position in Adam" to a "position In Christ." The Greek word en plus the dative case of Pneuma always indicates the means by which the baptism is accomplished. Jesus Christ is the subject, He accomplishes the action, and He uses the Holy Spirit to effect our union with Christ (see Positional Truth).

Barrier Between God and Man – See Reconciliation.

Believe –  See Faith in Jesus Christ

Bible – The Holy Scriptures are the infallible, inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings. The Bible is His complete revelation for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3, 20-21; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12-13; Psalm 138:2). See Canonicity and Authority.

Bible Doctrine –  Biblical Truth, Spiritual Truth. The believer in Jesus Christ learns Biblical truth in order to use it in his life to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Biblical truth is called "the mind of Christ" in 1 Corinthians 2:16 and "the word of God" in dozens of verses (e.g. Hebrews 4:12). Doctrine was taught by Jesus Christ and the apostles (Mark 4:2; Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 3:10). Pastor-Teachers are exhorted to teach Doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9).  

Biblical Theism – Biblical theism is the exposition of God from the Bible. It is the function of Biblical Theism to recognize, classify, and exhibit the truth about God as set forth in His revelation of Himself as recorded in the Scriptures. This is in contrast to the function of Naturalistic Theism which establishes arguments for the existence of God based solely on the grounds of reason in the mentality of the soul.

Bibliology – The Study of the Bible—a major division of Systematic Theology—including its origin, preservation, interpretation, inerrancy, infallibility, canonicity, authority, and languages.

Body of Christ – The phrase used to designate all Church-age believers in their relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:5) and one another. The Body is formed by the baptism by means of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). Jesus Christ is the Head of the Body (Colossians 1:18). The metaphor teaches the unity of the church universal (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), and the importance of each member of a local team (1 Corinthians 12:14-26). Christ established peace by making both Gentile and Jewish believers into one body. He created the Church from the two groups. He reconciled both Gentile believers and Jewish believers to God. Therefore, both Gentile and Jewish believers have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:14-22).

Body, Soul, and Spirit –  See Body, Soul, Spirit, Trichotomous.

Book of Life – In time, the book of life is a registry containing the names of every member of the human race. In eternity, it is the registry of all believers. When a person dies as an unbeliever, his name is removed from the book of life (Revelation 3:5). Therefore, in eternity, only the names of believers remain in the book of life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:12, 15).

Born Again –  See Regeneration.

Bridegroom – One of seven figures relating Christ to His Church. This eschatological figure is the subject of Ephesians 5:23-32, wherein the Bride, the Body of Christ, is not yet joined to her Husband, who is in Heaven preparing a place for His Bride (also John 14:2). The Bride, also, is being prepared for her future marriage (Revelation 19:7-9) through the washing of the Word, a progressive sanctification. The coming of the Bridegroom will be at the Rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Canonicity and Authority – Canonicity and Authority are terms that refer to the acceptance of the books of the Bible as being divinely inspired, and the official recognition of them as Holy Scripture. The canon of Scriptures is a closed (completed) collection of writings, consisting of only those writings inspired by God. The 39 books of the Hebrew Old Testament and the 27 books of the Greek New Testament comprise the whole canon of Scriptures ( 2 Timothy 3:16; Jude 1:3; Revelation 22:18-22). Because Scripture is God’s only written revelation to men, it is our sole source of infallible guidance for faith and practice. Biblical Christianity does not accept the apocryphal books as canonical ( Matthew 5:17-18; cp. Revelation 22:18-19; Jude 1:3). Canonicity includes the reasoning that establishes the authenticity of the Scriptures. One example would be that Jesus attested to the Old Testament books as being part of the Scriptures ( Luke 11:51; Luke 24:27, 44).

Capital Punishment – Putting someone to death for a capital crime. The sections which deal with the classification of capital crimes in the Old Testament are Genesis 9:6; Exodus 20; Numbers 35:16-22; Deuteronomy 18:20; 19:11-13. The punishment must be preceded by trial authorized within the judicial function of government.  There must be an objective judge who can recognize and admit true evidence; hearsay and prejudice are rejected.  When evidence points to a capital crime having been committed, there must be punishment such that the criminal suffers by dying, and others must witness the execution for the purpose of deterrence. ( Genesis 9:6)  See Divine Establishment.

Carnality – From the Greek adjective /sarkikos/. The believer who is living under the control of the sinful flesh, acting as a babe in Christ, unable to tolerate much truth, (1 Corinthians 3:1; Romans 7:14-24). The carnal believer operates under the thinking and power of the sinful nature, much the same as an unbeliever, and is the enemy of God (1 Corinthians 3:3; Romans 8:6-7). The carnal state begins at the commission of a personal sin, and ends when that sin is confessed to God. At the confession of any sin committed during the carnal state, God cleanses the carnal believer from all the sins of that carnal time, and restores him to fellowship (1 John 1:9). Carnality is an absolute state, and mutually excludes Fellowship with God (1 John 1:5-6). (see Spirituality.)

Christ – see Jesus Christ

Christianity – A personal relationship with God begins at the moment of faith alone in Christ alone, in which one has believed in the finished work of Christ for eternal life. Christianity is not considered a religion. 

Christian Life – Every believer in Jesus Christ is baptized into union with Christ by the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation, and shares Christ’s Priesthood. Every Christian is to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through the Word of God. A believer is to bear witness by life and by word to the truths of the Holy Scriptures, to remember the work of the Lord in prayer, and to support it with his means as the Lord has prospered him. ( 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6; Matthew 4:4; Psalm 138:2; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 16:2). See Spiritual Life. See Believer-Priest.

Christology – The Study of Christ—a major division of Systematic Theology—including the Biblical truth regarding His deity and attributes, His pre-existence, His incarnation and humanity, the hypostatic union, His deaths, burial, resurrection, ascension and session, and second coming.

Christophanies – Appearances of Jesus Christ after His resurrection. To Mary (Matthew 28:1, 9; John 20:14-18). To Mary Magdalene ( Matthew 28:1, 9; John 20:14-18; Mark 16:9). To Simon Peter ( Luke 24:34; John 21:1-14; 1 Corinthians 15:5). To the Eleven ( Matt 28:16; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:33, 36; John 20:26; John 21:1-14; 1 Corinthians 15:5,7). To the 500+ (1 Corinthians 15:5-6). To James ( 1 Corinthians 15:7); To Saul/Paul (1 Corinthians 15:5-8; Acts 9:1-8; Acts 18:9; Acts 22:17; Acts 23:11; Acts 27:23). To Cleophas ( Luke 24:18). To Joseph {Barsabas} Justus (Acts 1:22-23). To Matthias (Acts 1:22-23). To Stephen ( Acts 7:56, 59). To John (Revelation 1:12-20; Revelation 22:20). Appearances of Christ before the incarnation are called Theophanies.

Church – see Ecclesiology.

Church Age – The current dispensation of human history began on the day of Pentecost ( Acts 2:1. ca. A.D. 33 Harold Hoehner, Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ pg 143), fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and will terminate with the Rapture of the Church. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Citizen's Responsibility to His Nation – Citizens of a nation have a responsibility to their nation, including (a) Obeying the Laws, (b) Voting, (c) Paying Taxes (Matt 22:17-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:19-26; Romans 13:7), (d) Jury Duty, (e) Military Service, for males, (f) Patriotism, and for Believers (g) honoring the Salt of the Earth Principle. See Nation's Responsibility to its Citizens.

Civil Government – God has willed human government for the promotion of justice and order in the world, which are the best conditions for the dissemination of the Gospel (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Governments sustain internal freedom through laws, law enforcement, and judicial procedure and punishment (Genesis 9:5-6; Romans 13:1-7), and external freedom through diplomacy and military force. – Citizens of a nation have a responsibility to their nation, including (a) Obeying the Laws (Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:13-17), (b) Paying Taxes (Matthew 22:17-22; Romans 13:7), (c) Honoring the Salt of the Earth Principle (in which spiritual growth and maturity have an impact on the nation), and (d) Praying for Government Leadership (1 Timothy 2:2). Furthermore, in nations that have participatory government, the believer may enjoy many vital forms of Christian service. Voting, service in government leadership and administration, military service, jury duty, and many others qualify. See also Nation's Responsibility to its Citizens.

Common Grace – Common grace is the general blessing God displays towards all mankind. It includes material provision, (Matthew 5:45), the restraint of sin and of judgment as evidenced by man’s ability through the ministry of the Holy Spirit to come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ and salvation. (Luke 6:35; Romans 3:25; Ephesians 2:7; Titus 3:4)

Communion – See Lord's Table.

Confession – From the Greek word /homologeo/, which literally taken means to agree, or say the same thing, but especially in a judicial context, to agree to the charges of wrongdoing. In the Bible, to confess our sins means to agree with God that what we thought, said, or did is in violation of what He defines as right. Confession is the basis for our restoration to fellowship. When we confess our sins, He responds in a faithful and just manner to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9). God is faithful and just because He is satisfied with Christ’s work on the cross regarding that sin. (1 John 2:1-2). See Abiding in Christ.

Congruity Argument – An argumentum a priori, from Naturalistic Theism, that asserts the existence of God in the following syllogism: Major Premise: The postulate which best explains the related facts is probably true. Minor Premise: The existence of God best explains the facts related to our mental, moral, and worshipping nature, as well as the facts of the material universe. Conclusion: God—the ultimate architect—must exist. (see Anthropological, Cosmological, Teleological, and Ontological Arguments).

Conscience – A native human faculty, placed in the human soul by God, that monitors human action according to a system of norms and standards (Romans 2:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:12; Tit 1:15). The human conscience provides a major argument for the existence of God, in that it recognizes that violations of a moral law outside of oneself are followed by a feeling of foreboding and fear of judgment. Since this moral law is not self-imposed, and the threat of judgment is not self-executing, they respectively argue for the existence of a holy will that has imposed the law, and a punitive power that will execute the threats of judgment.

Convicting Ministry – This is a present ministry of God the Holy Spirit, by which He causes the individual sinner to comprehend Gospel truths related to the "sin, righteousness, and judgment" of John 16:7-11. Scripture reveals that the minds of unbelievers are blinded by Satan to the light of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:3; 2 Corinthians 4:4). The veil over the eyes of the unbeliever is removed by the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit. "Sin" refers to the unpardonable sin— "they believe not on me" ( John 16:9). "Righteousness" is the imputed righteousness of Christ, without which the unbeliever must rely on his own inadequate relative righteousness. "Judgment" is an allusion to the Cross of Christ, where He efficaciously ( John 1:29) bore the sin of the world and wrought a judgment against "the prince of this world," Satan ( John 16:11; cf. Colossians 2:14-15). The unbeliever is then convinced that it is a pardon which he cannot achieve on his on behalf, but rather, he must believe in the work of Christ, as his substitute, for salvation.

Cosmogony – That branch of cosmology that seeks to explain the origin of the universe and its diverse parts.

Cosmological Argument – The argumentum a posteriori from Naturalistic Theism, asserts the existence of God, and has as the Major Premise: Everything begun (every effect) must have an adequate cause. The effect is dependent upon its cause for its existence, and no effect can be its own cause. It is not possible to assert that that which does not exist could be a cause, since nothing could produce something. (Ex nihilo, nihil fit, i.e. "out of nothing, nothing can arise.") The cause must be sufficient and appropriate to the effect. Minor Premise: The universe is an effect. Conclusion: The universe must have an adequate and sufficient cause. This Cause must be self-sufficient, self-existent, and eternal. And, only God can fulfill this. Proponents of this approach have been John Locke (1632-1704) and John Howe (1630-1705). (see Anthropological, Congruity, Teleological, and Ontological Arguments).

Cosmology – "A cosmology is a world-view, a philosophy of life and meaning, and provides the basic ontological framework within which are found a person's interpretations and decisions. A cosmology seeks to understand the origin, meaning, and destiny of all things. The two dominant extant cosmologies are evolutionary uniformitarianism and Biblical. The evolutionary uniformitarianism cosmology attributes the origin and development of all things in the universe to innate laws and processes eternally resident therein, without beginning or end, and without recourse to a transcendent Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The Biblical cosmology insists that the origin, nature, and destiny of the universe can only be fully comprehended in terms of the creating, sustaining, and consummating activity of a transcendent—yet personal—God, as uniquely revealed in the Book which is His written Word." (H. M. Morris).

Cosmos – From the Greek word for organization (also, known in theology as Cosmos Diabolicus). Satan’s organization for evil (Ephesians 6:11-12), which has the ultimate objective of glorifying Satan above God (Isaiah 14:12-14). It is Satan’s intent to devour human beings and especially Christians toward this goal (1 Peter 5:8). The content of the cosmic system is deceptive human viewpoint projected through the world system (1 John 2:15-17). Satan has been a deceiver from the beginning of human history (Genesis 3:1-6). The fleshly body, which contains the sin nature, is a key asset of Satan’s cosmos (1 Peter 2:11), but also demons, and demon-possessed and demon-influenced humanity work together in the cosmos toward his aims (1 Timothy 4:1).

Covenant Theology – A system of theology (replacement system of theology) which views the whole of Scripture as being covered by two covenants: the covenant of works and the covenant of grace. It rejects the dispensational position that God administers different periods of history in different ways.

Covenants to Israel – A series of five unconditional and conditional treaties between God and the Jewish race (progeny of Abraham and Sarah). The unconditional covenants rely solely upon the character of God for fulfillment. The Mosaic Covenant was a conditional and temporary covenant. ( Exodus 19:5). The unconditional covenants include the Abrahamic Covenant, which establishes the Jewish race and the future nation of Israel (Genesis 12:1-3); the Land Covenant which secures the deed to the Land ( Genesis 15:18; Numbers 31:1-12; Deuteronomy 30:1-9; Joshua 1:3-4; Isaiah 11:10-12; Jeremiah 23:3-8; Ezekiel 37:21-25); the Davidic Covenant, which established the perpetuity of the throne of David through Christ (2 Samuel 7:8-16; Psalm 89:20-37; 2 Chronicles 21:7; Isaiah 55:3 cf. Acts 13:34; Luke 1:32; Acts 2:29-30); and the New Covenant, which will embody the salvation and regeneration of all Israel (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The "signs" associated with the covenants to remind people of God's plan are: Noahic = rainbow; Mosaic = Sabbath; Abrahamic = circumcision; Land = Jews in the Land; Davidic = a descendant of David on the throne.

Other non-Jewish covenants include the Edenic (Genesis 2:16), Adamic (Genesis 3:15), and Noahic (Genesis 9:6) covenants.

Creationism – This term is used in two contexts: the first is in the area of origins for a belief in an ex nihilo creation of the universe, in contrast to evolutionary theories of the origin of the universe and life; the second is in the area of the origin and transmission of the soul, in contrast to Traducianism.

Creationism (Immediate vs. Mediate) – Immediate creation indicates the direct, creative act of God ex nihilo, i.e. without the use of existing materials or secondary causes. He brought into being, immediately and instantaneously, our entire visible and invisible universe (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Mediate creation contemplates “those acts of God which are also denominated ‘creation,’ but which do not originate things ex nihilo; they, instead, shape, adapt, combine, or transform existing materials” [Thiessen, p. 161]. Both the man (the dust of the ground, Genesis 2:7) and the woman (Adam, Genesis 2:20-22) were created mediately out of existing materials. All biological human life since the original creation of Adam has been formed mediately through human procreation.

Creationism (Ex-Nihilo Creation of the Universe) – When applied to the universe, creationism indicates the theological view that the heavens and earth resulted from the act of an infinite and eternally sovereign God who created ex nihilo, rather than according to any of the theories proposed by evolutionary uniformitarianism. The original creation of the universe is attributed in the Scriptures to the Second Person of the Trinity (Revelation 4:11; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17), was accompanied by the celebration of the "morning stars" with the joyous shouts by "all of the sons of God" (Job 38:4-7), and neither determines nor demands a young or an old age of the earth. The best of scholars have disagreed on the interpretation of Genesis 1 and 2; however, three views of the historical creation are prominent among conservative theologians. (For a summary of the three main views see Allen P. Ross, Creation & Blessing, A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis, Baker, 718-723).

1. Original creation: Original creation was a perfect creation from a perfect God (Genesis 1:1, 31; Isaiah 45:18), accomplished by our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17), and celebrated by the angels (Job 38:4-7). Genesis 1.1 is an introduction. Genesis 1.2 describes the state of the primordial building blocks at the beginning of the six 24-hour days of creation. And Genesis 1:3 ff describes the activities of God over the seven literal days, while He fashioned the earth for the habitation of a new order of creation—man. The fall of Satan occurred either (a) after the seventh day, but before the fall of man, (b) before creation began, with no physical effect on the earth, or (c) before creation was completed, with no physical effect on the earth.

2. Original creation and restoration (The Gap View): Original creation was a perfect creation from a perfect God (Genesis 1:1,31; Isaiah 45:18), accomplished by our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17), and celebrated by the angels (Job 38:4-7). However, creation became "without form and void" (Genesis 1:2); such chaos is presumed to be associated with the fall of Satan. The Holy Spirit was the agent in the ensuing activities (Genesis 1:3 ff), accomplished in a literal seven-day period, for the purpose of restoring a judgment-ridden earth in preparation for the habitation of a new order of creation—man. Two restoration views have been held through the centuries. Evidence exists that as early as the second century A.D. a time lapse between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 was understood as the time of the angelic revolt. A modification of this ancient view came into vogue in the early 19th century as a way to compromise a literal interpretation of Genesis with the long ages alleged by historical, uniformitarian geology. This view held to an old age of the earth, and attempted to insert the geologic ages and the evolution of man into the gap.

3. Restoration or A Relative Beginning: This view is similar to the gap view, because it assumes that the fall of Satan brought about judgment and chaos, but it places that period of indeterminate duration before Genesis 1:1. In this view, Genesis 1:1 is an introduction to the narrative of restoration—a summary statement for Chapter 1:3—2:3. Genesis 1:2 has three circumstantial clauses or statements about what the earth was like when “God said” in Genesis 1:3. This restoration was a relative beginning, not original creation, and was necessitated by the fall of Satan and subsequent judgment. Genesis 1:2 describes the chaos at the time when God began restoration. Genesis 1:3–ff provides the details of the restoration of earth for man’s habitation. John 1:3 precedes Genesis 1:1.

Creationism (Human Soul) – When applied to the human soul, creationism is meant to distinguish between the origin of man's soul and the origin of his body. According to this view, each human soul is immediately created by God and simultaneously imparted to the body at birth.

Creator – Scripture is clear in describing our Lord Jesus Christ as the Creator of the universe. ( Revelation 4:11; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:10-11 cf., Psalm 102:25-26; Hebrews 11:3) Genesis 1:2, Job 26:13 refer to the participation by the Holy Spirit in creation as well as God the Father’s instrumentality in Psalm 104:30 and Malachi 2:10. (See also Psalm 102:25; 1 Corinthians 8:6).

Crucifixion – The torture and execution of a person by fixation to a cross. This barbaric method of capital punishment originated with the Phoenicians and Persians, was practiced by Alexander the Great, and spread to the Roman Empire. There it was applied for the most serious of capital crimes.

Culpability – The important principle from the Mosaic Law which states that each person is responsible for his own sins (Deuteronomy 24:16). This principle is an important clarification of the four-generation curse (Exodus 20:4-6; Deuteronomy 5:8-10). While it is true that a person inherits the sin nature from his father, he does not inherit the actual sins of his father, and is not culpable for them. If, however, the son repeats the sins of his father, he is culpable for those repeated sins.

Cycles of Discipline – A system of discipline for Israel, the counterpart of the system of blessing (Leviticus 26:1-3). God disciplined Israel to get them to return to His plan and purpose for them. Each of the five "cycles" (Thieme), or "Chastisements" (Scofield), is more intense and becomes increasingly harsh, ending with the destruction of the nation because of hardened rejection of God and His national plan for Israel. (Leviticus 26:14-17; Leviticus 26:18-20; Leviticus 26:21-22; Leviticus 26:23-26; Leviticus 26:27-39).

Davidic Covenant – See Covenants to Israel.

Day of the Lord – A period of time extending from the Rapture of the Church to the creation of the new heavens and the new Earth. (Revelation 19:19 *see Scofield notes; Isaiah 10:20; Joel 1:15*; Zephaniah 1:7)

Death, Christian – At physical death, the believer's soul and spirit separate from the human body and are immediately in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8). For the believer, death involves a promotion (Philippians 1:21,23), being face to face with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8), a new home (John 14:1-6), eternal life (John 11:25; John 20:31; 1 John 5:11-12), and an eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:4-5). Moreover, death for the believer does not involve condemnation or judgment (Romans 8:1), or more death, sorrow, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4).

Degrees of Punishment – Scripture teaches that there are degrees of rewards for believers in eternity. However, principles of hermeneutics would demand that the antithesis—degrees of punishment—cannot be assumed, but rather, must be specifically stated. In the case of John 3:36, both thesis and antithesis are stated: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him." Scripture is equally plain that unbelievers all spend eternity in punishment for the same sin—rejection of Christ as Savior. Since all unbelievers will remain in everlasting punishment for the exact same sin, it is not reasonable to conclude that there are degrees of punishment. Furthermore, degrees of punishment would negate the existence of a literal Lake of Fire, as well as the doctrine of unlimited redemption. The phrase in Matthew 10:15 "more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city" may imply that spending eternity in the Lake of Fire will be more frustrating for those unbelievers who personally knew Jesus Christ than for those from Sodom and Gomorrah.

Deism – The belief that God is transcendent but not immanent. That is, God is present in creation only by His power, not in His very being and nature.

Deity, Attributes – (See Essence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Trinity.)

Deity – Essence of the Father – Sovereignty (Matthew 6:13; Matthew 11:25; Ephesians 3:14; Psalm 103:19); Righteousness (John 17:25; 2 Corinthians 5:21); Justice (1 John 1:9); Love (John 3:16; John 16:27; John 17:23-24; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:4; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:9, 16); Eternal Life (John 5:26; Galatians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:2); Omniscience (Matthew 24:36; Matthew 11:27; 1 Peter 1:2); Omnipresence (John 10:38); Omnipotence (Matthew 6:13; Acts 1:7; Acts 2:32; Gal 1:1); Immutability (James 1:17); Veracity (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18)

Deity – Essence of the Son – Sovereignty (Colossians 1:16-17 cf. Psalm 102:24-27 and Hebrews 1:10-11; Matt 28:18; John 1:3, 10, 31); Righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 2:29; 3:5); Justice (John 5:22; John 5:27; Acts 3:14; 2 Pet 3:9; Rev 20:11-12); Love (John 15:13; John 13:1, 34; John 14:21, 31; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John 3:16); Eternal Life (John 1:1-3; John 8:58; John 10:28; John 17:2-5; Ephesians 1:4; Col 1:15-17); Omniscience (Colossians 2:2-3; Matthew 9:4; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 16:21; Matthew 24:25; John 1:49; John 2:24-25; John 4:29; John 6:64, 66; John 10:15; John 12:33; John 13:1, 3, 11; John 16:30; John 21:17; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Colossians 2:2-3; Revelation 2:23); Omnipresence (Matthew 18:20; Matthew 28:20; Colossians 1:27; John 14:23; Acts 17:27; Ephesians 1:23); Omnipotence (John 1:3; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 15:25-28; Philippians 3:21; Colossians 1:16-17); Immutability (Hebrews 1:10-12; Hebrews 6:17; Hebrews 7:24; Hebrews 13:8); Veracity (John 14:6; John 17:17; John 1:14,17; John 8:32; Ephesians 4:21; 1 John 5:20; Revelation 3:7)

Deity – Essence of the Holy Spirit – Sovereignty (1 Corinthians 12:3,11; Job 26:13; Isaiah 48:16; Mark 1:12); Righteousness (Romans 1:4; John 16:7-8; Ephesians 5:9); Justice (Romans 1:4; John 16:8,11); Love (Galatians 5:22; Romans 5:5; Romans 15:30); Eternal Life (Hebrews 9:14; John 6:63; John 14:16; Galatians 6:8); Omniscience (Romans 8:16, 26; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, 14; 1 Timothy 3:16; John 14:26; John 16:12-13); Omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-10; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 2:18-22); Omnipotence (Acts 1:8; Micah 3:8; Zechariah 4:6; Romans 15:13, 19; Ephesians 3:16, 20; 1 Peter 3:18; Genesis 1:2ff; Luke 1:35); Immutability (Hebrews 6:17-18); Veracity (John 16:13; John 14:17; John 15:26; Acts 5:1-11; 1 John 5:6; Ephesians 5:9)

Demon Influence / Activity – Demon influence is thought transference of Satanic doctrine to the soul and personality of the unbeliever, or to the believer living in the cosmic system (1 Timothy 4:1). It is accomplished through both demonic and human agents, primarily through demon possession, and secondarily through every mode of communication, in person to person contact, literature, theatre, music, etc. The degree of demon influence depends on how long the believer resides in the cosmic system without the use of confession of personal sin, restoration to fellowship with God, and the filling by means of the Holy Spirit. Demon influence should be distinguished from demon possession. Demons are active in and behind some religious ritual (1 Corinthians 10:20). (Romans 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 10:14, 19-21).

Demon Possession – Demon possession is defined as demon invasion of the body of the unbeliever only. Generally, this occurs by means of demonic religious ecstasy, and is often accompanied by music which encourages ecstatic experience, and drugs. In contrast, demon influence is the demon invasion of the soul with satanic thought. Satanic thought is not expressed in terms of evil, but in terms of improving this world, doing nice things for one's fellow man, and supporting crusades. It is false thinking, comprised of the policy and principles by which Satan operates.

Depravity – The state of fallen of man from the viewpoint of God. Man was created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). However, in Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, became alienated from God, and man is totally unable to retrieve his lost condition by his own effort (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:22-23; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:12). His sinfulness—upon which the wrath of God is presently being revealed—is characterized by every form of sin in thought, word, and deed (Romans 1:18, 24-32; Romans 3:23). Only by God’s grace, obtained only through personal faith in Jesus Christ alone can salvation and spiritual life be obtained (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Diaspora (Dispersion) – The scattering of the twelve tribes of Israel as a result of the fifth cycle of discipline: Leviticus 26:33, "And I will scatter you among the heathen,..." James 1:1 "... to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad..." (1 Peter 1:1; John 7:35)

Dichotomous – Unregenerate mankind has no active human spirit and consequently consists of only two component parts – body and soul (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12). See Human Spirit.

Dispensationalism – Dispensations pertain to the divine administration of human affairs from Adam through the end of time. A dispensation is defined traditionally as a period of time during which a particular revelation of God’s mind and God’s will is operative, and during which man is tested as to his obedience to that specific manifestation of God’s will, plan, and purpose. Orientation to both time and to human history is vitally necessary for understanding God’s plan and God’s purpose for the believer's life. Each divine administration, or Dispensation, is related to a definite period of human history.

Three major distinctives comprise the sine qua non of a dispensational theology: (1) a literal interpretation of Scripture, where possible, (2) a distinction between Israel and the Church, and (3) the glorification of God as the overall purpose of Scripture and the believer's life. Dispensationalism is in contrast to replacement theological systems.

The vast majority of the Bible deals with three such Dispensations: (1) the Dispensation of Israel, a Theocentric Dispensation from the Exodus to the birth of Christ, (2) the present Dispensation of the Church, a Christocentric Dispensation, from Pentecost to the Rapture of the Church, and (3) the future eschatological dispensation of Christ’s 1000-year kingdom, theologically designated as the Millennium. There should be no blurring or confusion of Israel and the Church.

Dispensationalism is a system of interpreting human history expressed in terms of divine revelation. The inerrancy of the Word of God is the source for looking at history from the Divine Viewpoint. Therefore, dispensation is a technical theological term used primarily by the apostle Paul in the presentation of the mystery doctrine of this Church Age (Eph 3:8-10). In every dispensation, the plan of salvation is identical—God saves man by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Divided Kingdom – After King Solomon, the kingdom of Israel was divided (c. 926 B. C.) into a Northern Kingdom (Israel) under Jeroboam I and a Southern Kingdom (Judah) under Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:1-20). The Northern Kingdom went out under the fifth cycle of discipline, c. 721 B. C., going into the Assyrian captivity, after Samaria fell to Sargon II. The Southern Kingdom also went out under the fifth cycle of discipline into the 70-year Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 25:11), beginning c. 605 B. C., with the first deportation under Jehoiakim, and the last deportation after the fall of Jerusalem, c. 586 B. C. The Babylonian captivity ended by a decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-3), with the return of the remnant and rebuilding of the Temple, c. 536 B. C.

Divine Decrees – The decrees of God are His eternal, holy, wise, and sovereign purpose, comprehending simultaneously all things that ever were or will be in their causes, conditions, successions, and relationships, and determining their certain fruition. This very complex theological doctrine involves God's master plan for the human race, including His plan for every Christian.

Divine Establishment – Laws or Principles ordained by God for the survival, stability, protection, freedom, and perpetuation of the human race, during all of human history, and irrespective of form of government. These principles are for believers and unbelievers alike. They provide for freedom so that the individual has maximum opportunity to fulfill God's plan for his life. Divine establishment includes the four divine institutions of volition, marriage, family, and civil government (Also, see Divine Institutions).

Divine Good – Christian service or deeds performed by a believer who is filled with the Holy Spirit. (Antonym: Human Good)

Divine Institutions – Four founding principles for all mankind ordained by God and governed by the laws of Divine Establishment for the perpetuation, stability, protection, and freedom of the human race: 1. the individual; 2. marriage; 3. family; 4. civil government. Each institution is regulated by a corresponding authority: 1. volition; 2. husband; 3. parents; 4. a system of laws.

Divine Providence – That continuous activity of God whereby He makes all the events of the physical, mental, and moral phenomena work out His purpose, and that this purpose is nothing short of the original design of God in creation. While evil has entered the universe, it is not allowed to thwart God's original, benevolent, wise, and holy purpose. Also, see Preservation and Sustaining Ministries of Christ.

Divine Viewpoint – Divine Viewpoint is the thinking of God as it relates to any subject. It is the goal of the Christian to reach a level of maturity such that his viewpoint on any subject agrees with God's viewpoint, giving him the ability to understand God's plan for his life. Such viewpoint is gained from the inculcation of Biblical truth.

Ecclesiology – Ecclesiology is the study of the Doctrines of the Church—a major division of Systematic Theology. The Church is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons of the Church Age—from Pentecost to the Rapture—irrespective of their affiliation with Christian organizations (Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14). The Church is united together into the Body of Christ, of which He is Head. Every local church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs.

Efficacious Grace – A ministry of the Holy Spirit whereby the faith of an unbeliever is acknowledged and made effective for salvation. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, the volition of an unbeliever could not independently result in eternal life. (2 Corinthians 6:1-2) Synonym: Baptism by means of the Holy Spirit

Elect Angels – A term used (1 Timothy 5:21) to distinguish the angels who remained loyal to God from fallen angels (Matthew 25:41; Jude 1:6). See Angelic Conflict.

Election – Scripture teaches two clear and indisputable doctrinal truths. One truth reveals that God sovereignly chooses His own in Christ; the other truth reveals that man possesses the function of volition, able to receive or reject God’s uniquely born Son. God's Sovereignty is taught in Job 42:2; Psalm 135:6; Isaiah 46:9-10; Jeremiah 1:5; Matthew 24:22, 24, 31; Luke 18:7; Romans 8:29-33; Galatians 1:15; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 1:1-2. Human Volition is taught in Genesis 2:15-17 cf. Genesis 3:6; Genesis 3:16, John 20:30-31; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 10:11-13; 1 John 5:9-13. Also, see Free Will Viewpoint.

Empiricism – The philosophical theory attributing the origin of all knowledge to experience, observation, and experiment — applied especially to British philosophy from Locke to Hume. Empiricism is contrasted with faith, as a system of perception, in that empiricism is meritorious while faith is non-meritorious.

Enduement – During the Age of Israel, a small group of believers—rulers, judges, priests, prophets, writers of Scripture, artisans of the Tabernacle and Temple, and others—were given special powers from the Holy Spirit, providing to them wisdom, understanding of doctrine, leadership qualities, ability to prophesy, etc. (Exodus 31:1-11; Exodus 35:30; Exodus 36:1; 1 Kings 7:14)

Epistle – A written message. The term employed to designate twenty-one of the twenty-seven writings of the New Testament. Paul's Epistles number fourteen (including Hebrews). The General Epistles number seven.

Equality in Christ – All believers are equal in Christ and there are no racial, economic, gender, intelligence, nationality, or social distinctions before God. Galatians 3:28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ." (Romans 10:12; Galatians 5:6; Colossians 3:11).

Eschatology – The study of the End Times—a major division of Systematic Theology. See Rapture, Tribulation, Second Coming of Christ, Millennium, Eternal State.

Essence of God – The nature or attributes of the person of God. Divine essence includes Sovereignty, Righteousness, Justice, Love, Eternal Life, omniscience, omnipresence, Omnipotence, Immutability, Veracity. God is one in Essence and three in personality. (Also, see Trinity, Essence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

Establishment – See Divine Establishment

Eternal Life (1) – The attribute of God that describes His absolute existence outside the boundaries of time. God, being the Author of time, is in no way constrained by it. There has never been, and there never will be a time when He did not or will not exist. His existence has no beginning or ending. Exodus 15:18; Deuteronomy 33:27; Job 19:25; Job 36:26; Psalm 41:13; Psalm 90:2; Psalm 93:2; Psalm 102:27; Psalm 135:13; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 40:28; Lamentations 5:19; Daniel 4:34; Micah 5:2; John 1:1-24; John 5:26; John 8:58; John 10:28; John 14:16; John 17:2-3,5,24; 1 Peter 1:2; Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 3:21; Co