Biblical Glossary
Understand the language of Scripture, from Hebrew and Greek roots to major doctrines of the faith.
31 Terms Found
Agape
Agape is a Greek term that denotes selfless, unconditional love, often associated with divine love in Christian theology. It transcends mere affection and is characterized by a commitment to the well-being of others.
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Atonement
Atonement refers to the reconciliation between God and humanity through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It signifies the process by which sin is addressed and forgiveness is granted.
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Baptism
Baptism is a Christian sacrament of initiation and purification that symbolizes the believer's faith in Christ. It represents the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
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Covenant
A covenant is a solemn agreement between God and His people, characterized by promises and obligations. It serves as a framework for the relationship between God and humanity throughout Scripture.
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Eschatology
Eschatology is the study of last things, focusing on the end times and the ultimate destiny of humanity as revealed in Scripture. It encompasses themes of judgment, resurrection, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
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Faith
Faith is the assurance and trust in God and His promises, serving as the foundation of the believer's relationship with Him. It is both a gift from God and a response of the heart to His revelation.
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Gospel
The Gospel refers to the good news of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, which offers salvation to humanity. It is the central message of Christianity, proclaiming God's grace and redemption.
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Grace
Grace is the unmerited favor of God toward sinful humanity, manifesting in salvation and daily sustenance. It is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing God's love and mercy.
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Greed
Greed is an excessive desire for more than one needs or deserves, particularly in terms of wealth and possessions. It is often viewed as a vice that leads to various moral failings and a disconnection from God.
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Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, who empowers, guides, and sanctifies believers. He is God's active presence in the world, working to bring about transformation and spiritual growth.
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Justification
Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. It is a foundational concept in Christian theology, emphasizing grace and the believer's relationship with God.
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Kingdom Of God
The Kingdom of God refers to God's sovereign rule over all creation, both in the present and in the future. It encompasses the reign of God in the hearts of believers and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom at the end of times.
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Logos
Logos refers to the divine Word or reason, central to Christian theology, particularly in understanding the nature of Christ as both fully divine and fully human.
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Mercy
Mercy is the compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially when it is within one's power to punish or harm. It reflects God's character and His desire to forgive and restore humanity.
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Messiah
The term 'Messiah' refers to the anointed one, a savior or liberator in Jewish and Christian belief. It signifies God's chosen agent who will fulfill divine promises and bring redemption.
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Passover
Passover is a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, marked by the sacrifice of a lamb and the ritual meal of unleavened bread and wine. It symbolizes deliverance and divine protection.
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Prophecy
Prophecy is a divine message communicated through a prophet, often concerning future events or God's will. It serves as a means for God to reveal His plans and purposes to humanity.
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Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the process of restoring harmony between God and humanity, achieved through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It signifies the removal of enmity and the establishment of peace.
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Redemption
Redemption refers to the act of being saved from sin, error, or evil through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the restoration of humanity's relationship with God.
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Repentance
Repentance is the heartfelt sorrow for sin and the commitment to turn away from it toward God. It involves both a change of mind and a transformation of behavior.
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Resurrection
Resurrection refers to the act of rising from the dead, a central tenet in Christian faith that signifies victory over death and the promise of eternal life. It is most notably exemplified in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which serves as the cornerstone of Christian hope.
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Righteousness
Righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justifiable in the eyes of God. It encompasses both ethical conduct and the state of being in right relationship with God.
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Sabbath
The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship observed on the seventh day of the week, rooted in God's creation and covenant with His people. It serves as a reminder of God's rest after creation and the liberation of Israel from slavery in Egypt.
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Salvation
Salvation is the act of being rescued from sin and its consequences, leading to eternal life with God. It is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing God's grace and mercy toward humanity.
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Sanctification
Sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. It involves both a positional aspect, where believers are declared holy, and a progressive aspect, where they grow in holiness over time.
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Shalom
Shalom is a Hebrew term that embodies peace, completeness, and welfare. It signifies not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of wholeness and harmony in relationships.
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Sin
Sin is the transgression of God's law and the moral failing of humanity. It represents a separation from God and a failure to live according to His will.
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Tabernacle
The Tabernacle was a portable dwelling place for the Divine Presence among the Israelites, serving as the center of worship during their desert wanderings. It was intricately designed according to God's specifications, representing His desire to dwell among His people.
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Torah
The Torah, often referred to as the Law, encompasses the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. It serves as the foundation of Jewish religious teaching and practice.
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Trinity
The Trinity is the Christian doctrine that defines God as three distinct persons in one essence: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This theological concept emphasizes the unity and co-equality of each person within the Godhead.
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Wrath
Wrath refers to God's righteous anger against sin and injustice. It is a response to human rebellion and a fundamental aspect of His holiness.
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