What are the definitions of some common theological terms?
Expanded Theological Terms
Apologetics
The defense of the Christian faith through reasoned arguments and evidence to explain and vindicate biblical truth.
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15)
Adoption
The act of God by which believers are brought into His family and given the rights of children of God.
"Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will." (Ephesians 1:5)
Anthropomorphism
The attribution of human characteristics or behavior to God, helping humanity understand His nature and actions.
"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry." (Psalm 34:15)
Antinomianism
The belief that Christians are under no obligation to obey the moral law because of grace. This doctrine is contrary to Scripture.
"What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!" (Romans 6:15)
Apostasy
A willful falling away or abandonment of the faith by someone who previously professed to follow Christ.
"Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition." (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
Blasphemy
Speaking or acting in a way that dishonors or shows contempt for God, His nature, or His works.
"He who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death." (Leviticus 24:16)
Canon
The collection of books that make up the inspired Scriptures, recognized as authoritative and divinely inspired.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
Concupiscence
A strong desire or lust, often referring to the sinful inclinations of the human heart.
"But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead." (Romans 7:8)
Depravity
The moral corruption and sinfulness of humanity as a result of the Fall.
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)
Eternal Security
The doctrine that those who are truly saved cannot lose their salvation because they are kept by God’s power.
"And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:28)
General Revelation
God’s self-disclosure to all people through creation and the moral order.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." (Psalm 19:1)
Hypostatic Union
The theological doctrine that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man in one Person.
"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)
Intercession
The act of Christ or the Holy Spirit mediating on behalf of believers before God.
"It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." (Romans 8:34)
Just War
A doctrine that outlines the conditions under which war is morally permissible according to biblical principles.
"For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil." (Romans 13:4)
Kenosis
The self-emptying of Christ in taking on human nature and humbling Himself for the sake of redemption.
"But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:7)
Martyr
A person who suffers death as a witness to their faith in Jesus Christ.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." (Revelation 12:11)
Mediator
Jesus Christ as the One who intercedes between God and humanity, making reconciliation possible.
"For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5)
Monotheism
The belief in one God, as opposed to polytheism or atheism.
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!" (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Pentecost
The event in which the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and the church was empowered to begin its mission.
"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." (Acts 2:1)
Theophany
A visible manifestation of God to humanity, often in the form of a natural phenomenon or a vision.
"And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed." (Exodus 3:2)
Vicarious Atonement
The doctrine that Jesus Christ took the place of sinners by bearing their sin and suffering their punishment.
"Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed." (1 Peter 2:24)
Wrath of God
God’s holy and just response to sin, characterized by righteous anger and judgment.
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness." (Romans 1:18)
Ascension
The physical and visible departure of the risen Lord Jesus into heaven, marking the conclusion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly intercession as our Great High Priest.
"Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.'" (Acts 1:9–11)
Atonement
The act by which Jesus Christ reconciled sinful humanity to God through His sacrificial death on the cross, satisfying divine justice and turning away God’s wrath.
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11)
"And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world." (1 John 2:2)
Bema Seat
Another term for the Judgment Seat of Christ, where believers will stand before Christ to give an account of their lives, not for salvation but for rewards.
"For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." (Romans 14:10)
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Christ
The Greek term for “Anointed One” or “Chosen One,” referring to Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies.
"He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which is translated, the Christ)." (John 1:41)
Confess
To agree with God regarding the truth of one’s sin, acknowledge one’s need for forgiveness, and declare faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Covenant
A divinely initiated agreement between God and humanity that establishes promises and obligations. Examples include the Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants.
"This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised." (Genesis 17:10)
"This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:20)
Day of the Lord
A future period when God will intervene decisively in human history to execute judgment, bring justice, and establish His kingdom.
"For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; who can endure it?" (Joel 2:11)
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night." (2 Peter 3:10)
Dispensation
A period in history where God administers His plan for humanity in a particular way. Dispensational theology often identifies distinct eras, such as the Age of Law and the Age of Grace.
"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son." (Hebrews 1:1–2)
Elect
Those whom God has chosen according to His sovereign will for salvation, service, or blessing.
"Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." (2 Timothy 2:10)
Exegesis
The careful interpretation and explanation of Scripture based on its context, language, and historical background to determine its intended meaning.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)
Faith
A confident trust in God’s character and promises, especially in His provision of salvation through Jesus Christ.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
Fall of Man
The event in which Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, resulting in humanity’s separation from God and the entrance of sin into the world.
"Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned." (Romans 5:12)
Grace
God’s unmerited favor, freely given to undeserving sinners, which brings salvation and enables holy living.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8–9)
Great White Throne Judgment
The final judgment of unbelievers, where they will be condemned to eternal separation from God.
"Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them." (Revelation 20:11)
Hermeneutics
The science and art of interpreting the Bible to ensure its proper understanding and application.
"The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130)
Illumination
The work of the Holy Spirit in helping believers understand and apply the truths of Scripture.
"Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law." (Psalm 119:18)
Immutability
An attribute of God signifying that He does not change in His nature, character, or promises.
"For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob." (Malachi 3:6)
Impute
To credit or assign something to someone’s account, such as the righteousness of Christ being credited to believers.
"Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin." (Romans 4:8)
Incarnation
The act of God the Son taking on human nature to redeem humanity.
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory." (John 1:14)
Justification
The judicial act of God by which He declares sinners righteous on the basis of faith in Christ.
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1)
Sanctification
The process by which believers are set apart for God and progressively conformed to the image of Christ.
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification." (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
Trinity
The doctrine that God is one in essence but exists in three coequal, coeternal Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
This complete and expanded version includes all the terms from the original list and ensures clarity, biblical accuracy, and alignment with Baptist theology. Let me know if further additions or refinements are needed!
Remaining Theological Terms
Indwelling
The work of the Holy Spirit in which He takes up permanent residence in the believer at the moment of salvation, empowering and guiding the Christian life.
"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?" (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Inerrancy
The doctrine that Scripture, in its original manuscripts, is free from error or falsehood and is completely trustworthy in all matters it addresses.
"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." (Psalm 19:7)
Iniquity
A biblical term for sin that emphasizes its perversity, deviation, or corruption in violating God’s standards.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6)
Inspired
Refers to Scripture being “God-breathed,” meaning that God supernaturally directed human authors to write His words without error while preserving their individual personalities and styles.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
Messiah
The Hebrew term meaning “Anointed One,” referring to Jesus Christ as the Savior and King promised in the Old Testament.
"Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks." (Daniel 9:25)
Omnipotence
The attribute of God that denotes His all-powerful nature, capable of doing anything consistent with His character.
"Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You." (Jeremiah 32:17)
Omnipresence
The attribute of God by which He is present everywhere at all times.
"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" (Psalm 139:7)
Omniscience
The attribute of God by which He knows all things—past, present, and future—perfectly and simultaneously.
"Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite." (Psalm 147:5)
Predestination
The doctrine that God, in His sovereignty, foreordains all things, including the salvation of those who would believe in Christ.
"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." (Romans 8:29)
Propitiation
The act by which Jesus Christ satisfied the wrath of God against sin through His sacrificial death, making reconciliation possible.
"And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world." (1 John 2:2)
Rapture
The future event in which Christ will take His church (living and dead believers) out of the world to meet Him in the air.
"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)
Reconciliation
The act of restoring peace and fellowship between God and humanity through Christ’s atoning work.
"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:18)
Redemption
The act of God purchasing believers from the bondage of sin through the blood of Christ, setting them free for His purposes.
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7)
Regeneration
The spiritual rebirth of a person through the work of the Holy Spirit, making them a new creation in Christ.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:5)
Remission
The forgiveness or cancellation of sin’s penalty through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
"And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22)
Repentance
A change of mind that leads to a change in behavior, involving turning away from sin and turning to God.
"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19)
Revelation
God’s act of making Himself known to humanity through His Word, His works, and ultimately through Jesus Christ.
"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son." (Hebrews 1:1–2)
Righteousness
The perfect holiness of God, which is imputed to believers through faith in Christ and demonstrated in their lives through obedience.
"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Sin
Any thought, word, or action that violates God’s holy standard, whether by commission (doing wrong) or omission (failing to do right).
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
Sovereignty
God’s absolute rule and authority over all creation, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled.
"The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:19)
Temptation
An enticement to sin, originating from the world, the flesh, or the devil, yet never directly caused by God.
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Transfiguration
The event in which Jesus’ divine glory was revealed to His disciples, foreshadowing His future exaltation.
"And He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." (Matthew 17:2)
Transgression
A specific act of disobedience or rebellion against God’s law.
"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." (Psalm 32:1)
Virgin Birth
The miraculous conception of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, ensuring His sinless nature.
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’" (Matthew 1:23)
Worship
The reverent devotion, honor, and praise directed toward God alone as the Creator and Redeemer.
"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." (Psalm 95:6)
