CONCEPTS

CONCEPTS VS DECLARATIONS

an idea or thought, esp. a generalized idea of a thing or class of things; abstract notion

SYN. idea

Etymology

[L conceptus: see conceive]

THERE ARE MANY WORDS THAT COME INTO USE TO SERVE AS A TOOL OR AID IN UNDERSTANDING OR INTERPRETING MESSAGES OF THE BIBLE.

UNDERSTANDING VS. INTERPRETING.

DOES THE CONCEPT MATTER? OR ARE WE ARGUING ABOUT NOTHING?

TRINITY

1 the condition of being three or threefold

2 a set of three persons or things that form a unit

3 [T-] Christian Theol. Trinity Sunday

the Trinity

Christian Theol. the union of the three divine persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in one Godhead

Etymology

[ME trinite < OFr trinité < L trinitas, triad, in LL(Ec), the Trinity (infl. by Gr trias) < trinus: see trine & -ity]

The coexistence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the unity of the Godhead (divine nature or essence). The doctrine of the trinity means that within the being and activity of the one God there are three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Although the word trinity does not appear in the Bible, the "trinitarian formula" is mentioned in the Great Commission <Matt. 28:19> and in the benediction of the apostle Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians <2 Cor. 13:14>.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Matt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

2 Cor 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

I Jn 5:

7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the <9999> Father <9999>, the <9999> Word <9999>, and <9999> > Holy <9999> Ghost <9999>: and <9999> these <9999> three <9999> are <9999> one <9999>. the <9999

8 And <9999> there <9999> are <9999> three <9999> that <9999> bear <9999> witness <9999> in <9999> earth <9999>, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

Combining:

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

To wit: there are 3 that bear record that JESUS is the son of GOD. The SPIRIT of GOD that dwells in him, the WATER of BAPTISM and the BLOOD to be shed for all.

PURGATORY

1 [often P-] Theol. a state or place in which, in Rom. Catholicism and other Christian doctrine, those who have died in the grace of God expiate their sins by suffering

2 any state or place of temporary punishment, expiation, or remorse

Etymology

[ME purgatorie < OFr & ML(Ec): OFr purgatoire < ML(Ec) purgatorium < LL purgatorius, cleansing < L purgare: see purge]

RAPTURE

1 the state of being carried away with joy, love, etc.; ecstasy

2 an expression of great joy, pleasure, etc.

3 a carrying away or being carried away in body or spirit: now rare except in theological usage

vt.

-tured, -tur•ing [Now Rare] to enrapture; fill with ecstasy

SYN. ecstasy

the rapture [often the R-] in some Christian theologies, the bodily ascent into heaven just before Armageddon of those who are saved (see save¹, vt. 7)

rap¿tur•ous

adj.

rap¿tur•ous•ly

adv.

Etymology

[ML raptura: see rapt & -ure]

FULFILLED PROPHECY

Predictions about the future and the end-time; special messages from God, often uttered through human spokesmen, which indicate the divine will for mankind on earth and in heaven.

INSPIRED WORD OF GOD

Jer 30:2 Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.

2 Pet 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

PRAYING TO SAINTS (PATRON SAINTS)

a saint looked upon as the special guardian of a person, place, institution, etc.

SAINTS

People who have been separated from the world and consecrated to the worship and service of God. Followers of the Lord are referred to by this phrase throughout the Bible, although its meaning is developed more fully in the New Testament. Consecration (setting apart) and purity are the basic meanings of the term. Believers are called "saints" <Rom. 1:7> and "saints in Christ Jesus" <Phil. 1:1> because they belong to the One who provided their sanctification.

When Christ returns, the saints will be clothed in their "righteous acts" <Rev. 19:8> because they will have continued to live in faith through God's power <1 Sam. 2:9> and Christ's praying for them <Rom. 8:27>. The saints are also those to whom the privilege of revelation <Col. 1:26; Jude 3> and the task of ministry <Eph. 4:12> are committed.

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

VIRGIN MARY

FREE WILL/PREDESTINATION

PRECEPTS OF JESUS

STAGES OF THE CROSS

NAMES OF THE "KINGS" AT THE MANGER

AGNOSTIC

a person who believes that the human mind cannot know whether there is a God or an ultimate cause, or anything beyond material phenomena

adj.

of or characteristic of an agnostic or agnosticism

SYN. atheist

ag•nos¿ti•cal•ly

adv.

Etymology

[coined (1870) by Thomas Henry Huxley < a-² + gnostic]