Bible Terms

Short list of key Bible Terms - there are many very long Bible dictionaries and glossaries online. This is a short list of just key terms. All links are to the website pages unless noted otherwise. Ext. Link Glossary

God of the Bible: The God of the Bible is the Creator of All, loves everyone, wishes that all would love Him in return, and is revealed in Nature (what He created) and in His Son (God in the Flesh, Jesus Christ, who will return for those who, of their free will, trust in Him). Is preparing a New Creation, as this one will end someday. God Is page

Grace: God's unmerited, free gift of love, favor, and salvation to humanity, revealed through Jesus Christ, not earned by works. It acts as a divine power that forgives and justifies believers. It provides strength in weakness and empowers believers to live for God. Eph. 2:8-9, Rom. 3:24, and 2 Cor. 12:9, 1 John 1:9

Mercy is God withholding the punishment humanity deserves (compassion). Not getting what one desires. Micah 6:8, Exodus 34:6-7, 2 Corinthians 1:3, Ephesians 2:4-5

Justice: Achieving a fair, deserved, and often legal resolution after being wronged, ensuring proper treatment or punishment is served. It implies restoring balance, obtaining rightful compensation, or having a wrong corrected. "Getting what one desires", for the wrongs (sins) one has done. One can avoid God's justice by accepting God's Grace, Mercy, and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. Psalm 89:14, John 3:16.

Justification: Being declared righteous before God. "Just as you had done nothing wrong in your whole life". Your sins are removed and placed on Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ's righteousness is placed on you. Justification is by faith. This is called substitutionary atonement; Jesus died in the place of sinners to pay the penalty for one's sins (wrongdoings). Romans 3:21–26, Romans 5:1, Romans 4:5, and Galatians 2:16.

Sin: All the wrong actions and thoughts that are against God and others, done out of our Sin Nature. Sin Nature, humans are sinners by our nature from birth. When we are babies, we are just not able to express our sinful nature, but as we grow, we are able to act out our nature. Our sin nature is linked to our free will. Romans 3:23, 1 John 3:4, James 1:14 Sin Nature: Because humans are spirit beings and have 100% frew will, we have a sin nature, that is, all are capable of sin (wrong words, thoughts, and actions to others and God). Jews call it the evil inclination. When no one is looking, we sometimes head towards the wrong. Romans 8:7-8 and Galatians 5:17

Sins: Individual acts against God and others. Mark 7:21-23, Galatians 5:19-21, Hebrews 3:12, and Romans 1:29-31

Atonement: process of reconciling humanity with God by repairing the breach caused by sin, making one "at-one" with God. It involves reparation, satisfaction, or payment for sin, through the sacrificial death (payment) of Jesus Christ, which removes the obstacles to restored fellowship with God. Isaiah 53:5, Romans 5:8, 1 John 2:2 , and Hebrews 9:12.

Righteousness: 1) Is a gift of right standing with God obtained through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than earned by works. It is the imputation of Christ's perfection to the believer, allowing them to be viewed as justified and blameless before God the perfect, consistent, and holy nature of God, wherein He acts according to His own absolute standards of justice and purity. 2) God's intrinsic righteous character, holy without sin or evil. 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Romans 5:8

Salvation: Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, involving justification, sanctification, and redemption. John 3:16, 1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10

Redemption: The act of buying back or liberating from sin. Ephesians 1:7, Titus 2:14, Colossians 1:13-14, Galatians 3:13.

Cross: Where Jesus Christ died for the sins of everyone (past, present, and future). Cross in both instruments of execution and as a powerful symbol of redemption, sacrifice. Displayed as a reminder of the scores of our forgiveness. Just as people today will make memorials to loved ones lost at the site of their death. Differance Jesus willingly gave up His life for mankind. Proof, fulfilled prophecies, His resurrection, 2,000 years of changed lives around the world, in every nation. Protestant churches normally do not have Jesus on the cross as He is alive and the 2nd commandent. Catholic and Orthodox crosses usually have Jesus on the cross, emphasizing the suffering of Christ. Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Galatians 6:14.

Humans, Mankind: Made in the image of God. Made of Body, soul (personality), and unique to humans a spirit. As such, live on after death. God gave us 100% free will, thus able to do very good, not to the benefit of oneself (altruism), and also very evil deeds (beyond what nature only would predict). This free will gives humans the greatest capaitiy to love others and God. A robot programmed to say "I love" means nothing. Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:13–14, Jeremiah 1:5, and Ephesians. 2:10 See Free Will page, Human Uniqueness page, Human Origins page, Pain and Suffering page

Prayer: A spiritual conversation with God used to build relationships, seek guidance, offer thanks, and request help. It is the first step in becoming a believer and receiving God's forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. In prayer should be: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (ACTS). God can reply, though: speaking to our conscience, through others, reading the Bible, sometimes dreams (not all dreams are from God), events in our lives, a pastor's message, and much more. Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:9–13, Psalm 141:2, Romans 12:12, Romans 10:9-10.

End Times, Last Things (Eschatology): Events at End Times: The return of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of the dead and the New Creation for believers. Rev 21, Matthew 24, 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Creation model: A testable and falsifiable Creation Model is a record of the History of the universe and Earth. Science uses models to test competing ideas. The Models make predictions about future discoveries to determine which Creation Model is best. The current old-earth model has done very well over the last 40 years, as a naturalist origin-of-life model has failed; the more time goes by, the less evidence there is for what was in the past. This is what the old-earth model predicted. The other major prediction was the origins of the universe, which would show that an all-powerful Creator made the universe, Space and Time, and designed it for life. Gen 1. Age of Earth

Covenant: a binding agreement. God makes Covenants, binding agreements in the Bible. New Covenant in Christwhich emphasizes grace and internal transformation Luke 22:20, Hebrews 8:10

Repentance: a change of mind, a change in direction. Acts 3:19 (repent and turn to God for forgiveness), 2 Peter 3:9 (God desires all to repent), and 1 John 1:9 (confession leads to cleansing).

Messiah: Means the "Anointed One". In Hebrew, mashiach, or Messiah, in Greek is Christ. The one promised throughout the Old Testament from 3,500 years to 2,400 years ago, as confirmed in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Came the first time as promised in the Book of Isaiah (9:6 and 53), as the suffering servant who took away the sins of all mankind and will return as King to end all evil and suffering. The promises were perfectly fulfilled in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Savior. Isaiah 53 the live of Jesus before his birth. Isaiah 9:6, which prophesies a child born to be "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". Matthew 16:16 ("You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God"), John 4:25-26 (Jesus confirming he is the Messiah), and Micah 5:2, which predicts his birth in Bethlehem and many more

Old Testament: Also called the Jewish Bible. Acurtly covers the creation of the universe and the earth. Then the focus changes to a small tribe that God picked (chose) to reveal Himself through. The tribe started with one man Abrharam, God entered a covenant, a binding agreement, with him and his descendants. The covenant came with a promise that all of mankind would be blessed through him. This has come true: the Messiah promised to him and his descendants, the Lord Jesus Christ, has changed the history of mankind, bringing blessings to every nation. Bible Overview Gen 1

The Law: 1) The first 5 books of the Bible, Torah 2) Israelite Civil Law Exodus 20-23 3) The 10 Commandments 4) The moral code written on everyone's heart. 5) Jesus taught the law of Love: Love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and love one's neighbor as oneself. Bible Overview Gen 1

New Testament: The written record of the promised Messiah, the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Savior. Also, the history of the early believers, Jews, Greeks, and Romans, called the Church (all believers). The letters is of encouragement and instruction on this faith. Ending with a letter about the return of Jesus Christ and the End Times. Bible Overview

Gospel: "Good news" regarding Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. With the main message of the freedom he offers to all. John 3:16, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, and Ephesians 2:8-9. Bible Overview

Gospels: The four written records of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection: (ext) Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each was written to a different type of reader (Jew (Matt), Greek (Luke), Romans (Mark)) and in a different writer's style. John offers a distinct, theological perspective. Bible Overview

Scripture: 1) The Bible: Old and New Testaments 2) The Jewish Bible 2) The first 5 books of the Bible. Check context. Translations, Overview Bible

Bible: Old and New Testaments. Confirm to be true by fulfilled promises, the Dead Sea Scrolls and much more. Canon: The officially recognized list of 66 books in the Bible.

Word of God, Scripture, God reveals Himself to the writer, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Biblical Inerrancy, the Bible is true and error-free. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Psalm 119:160 Bible Overview

Sanctification: The process of being made holy or set apart. The life of a believer. It is an act of God's love. God helps believers through difficult times. 1 Corinthians 6:11, John 17:17, Hebrews 10:14, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Peter 1:2:

Propitiation: That which satisfies the payment due. Jesus satisfies the wrath of God 1 John 4:10 NIV, 1 John 4:10 NKJV

Sovereignty: God's absolute power and authority. Both shows His power and gives us peace as He is in control. Ephesians 1:11: Psalm 103:19. Also see Free will Vs Sovereignty

Church: 1) All believers in Christ (Body of Christ, also called the Saints). 2) Church in a city (Church at Corinth) 3) Church in a Nation (Church in China) 4) Church Denominations 5) Non-denominational Church (no connection to a Denomination). 6) A church building, a house of worship. Eph. 2:19, Matthew 16:18, Hebrews 10:25, and 1 Peter 2:5, 1. Corinthians 12:27 and Ephesians 1:22-23. Romans 16:5.

Apostle: A "sent one" or messenger, specifically the twelve disciples and Paul. One who saw and was taught by the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Luke 6:13, Acts 2:42, Romans 1:1

Prophet: Someone who speaks by divine inspiration. Jesus is now our prophet. Matthew 21:11 and Luke 7:16, Deuteronomy 18:18, Jeremiah 1:9, Amos 3:7.

Pharisee/Sadducee: Religious leaders in Jesus' time, often interpreting the Law. Jesus was not happy with their legalism, salvation by works. They put a heavy load on everyone that they themself could not keep. Yet, they called themself better than others. They reject Jesus as Messiah, even though He was written about in their Scripture. Nicodemus looks to be the only one to find Jesus. Matthew 23:23-28, Luke 18:9-14.

Amen: "So be it" or "truly," used at the end of prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:20

Hallelujah (Alleluia): A shout of praise meaning "Praise the Lord". Revelation 19:1-6

Tabernacle/Sanctuary: The portable tent or holy place of God's presence. The tabernacle a place for the Ark of the Covenant till temple is built. Exodus 25:8-10, and Hebrews 9:11.

Temple: Holy Temple: First Temple built by Solomon. The Second Temple was built after the exile in Babylon. Jesus "cleansed", Roman Empire destroyed the temple in 70 AD (CE) Matthew 21:13, John 2:19-21, Luke 2:41-52.

Ark of the Covenant: The sacred chest containing the tablets of the Law. Lost in 70 AD (CE), when the Romans destroyed the temple, as Jesus had foretold. Exodus 25:10-22, Numbers 10:33, Revelation 11:19

Blood: Leviticus 17:11: "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life". Jesus is now our Passover Lamb. 1 Peter 2:24, Hebrews 9:22, Matthew 20:28, 1 Corinthians 5:7, John 1:29

Parable: A short, allegorical story used to teach a moral lesson by Jesus. Three; the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), and the Sower (Matthew 13:3-23)

Golgotha: The "Place of the Skull," where Jesus was crucified. Just outside ancient Jerusalem's walls. Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33

Synagogue: A Jewish house of worship and study. Luke 4:16, Acts 15:21

Gentile: A non-Jew, sometimes also called Greek, as a 1st-century reference to the two cultures in the Holy Land (Jews and Greeks) at the time of the early church. The Israelites foretold that Gentiles, the nations of earth, would be blessed by the coming of the Messiah and share in God's blessings. Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14-16, Ephesians 3:6

Martyr: an individual who suffers persecution, or death for refusing to renounce personal faith in Jesus Christ. From the Greek mártys ("witness"), the term denotes someone who bears testimony to their faith. Martyrs have always caused the Church to grow, starting with the first martyr recorded, Stephen. Rev 6:9-11, Matt 5:10-12, Rev 2:10, Acts 7:54-60.

Israelites: Refers to the ancient Jews, descendants of the patriarch Jacob (later named Israel), organized into twelve tribes. Israelites-Israel became Judah (Jews) later Babylon. They are monotheistic, focusing on the worship of the One True God. They foretold the coming of the messiah, Jesus Christ, who would bless the world. They established the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. They were in exile twice, in Egypt and Babylon, then scattered after the Romans destroyed the Temple in 70 AD (CE), now known as Jews. God kept His promise and they became a Nation again in 1948, but now. Genesis 12:3, Isaiah 49:7, Psalm 25:22 Genesis 18:18, Romans 11:1-8 See Judaism

Heavens and Earth: A Hebrew phrase that is used to describe the entire physical universe, all space, time, matter, and energy (Stars, Sun, planets and Earth and Moon). Gen 1:1, Psalm 89:11, Colossians 1:16, Titus 1:2. Made from that which is not seen, Hebrews 11:3. See Space time page and Age of Earth page

New Creation is also called: Heaven, New Earth, New Heaven and New Earth, New Jerusalem. Not earth restored. No pain, no suffering, no evil, no shame, no death, better than anyone can think or imagine. Will have a new body to live in. See New Creation page Rev 21. 1 Cor 2:9, John 16:33, John 3:16 and Revelation 3:20, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Corinthians 15:50

Another Jesus, Another Gospel, a different Gospel. Today, we call these cults and salvation by works, rejecting the God of the Bible. (As in the New Age Cults) 2 Corinthians 11:4 See Cult page See What it a Cult page