A priori
Knowledge, judgments, and principles
which are true without verification or testing. It is
universally true.
Absolution
In Catholicism, the act
of releasing someone from their sin by God, through the means of
a priest.
Adiaphora
Teachings and practices that are neither commanded
nor forbidden in scripture. An example might be whether or
not to use a sound-board in a church, to meet in a tent or a
building, to have two or more services or simply one on the day
of worship.
Adoptionism
Adoptionism is an error concerning
Christ that first appeared in the second century. Those who held
it denied the preexistence of Christ and, therefore, His deity.
Adoptionists taught that Jesus was tested by God and after
passing this test and upon His baptism, He was granted
supernatural powers by God and adopted as the Son. As a reward
for His great accomplishments and perfect character Jesus was
raised from the dead and adopted into the Godhead. Please see
Heresies for more information.
Advent
From the latin, “coming.”
The coming of or the arrival of something very important as in
the advent of Christ’s return. Advent is also an Christian
time of preparation preceding Christmas.
Agnosticism
The belief that it is not possible
to know if there is or is not a God. (Compare Atheism, Deism, and
Theism.)
Albigenses
A heresy during the middle ages
that developed in the town Albi in Southern France. This error
taught that there were two gods: the good god of light usually
referred to as Jesus in the New Testament and the god of darkness
and evil usually associated with Satan and the "God of the
Old Testament." Anything material was considered evil
including the body which was created by Satan. The soul, created
by the good god, was imprisoned in the evil flesh and salvation
was possible only through holy living and doing good works.
Please see Heresies for more information.
Amillennialism
The teaching that there is no
literal 1000 year reign of Christ as referenced in Revelation 20.
It sees the 1000 year period spoken of in Revelation 20 as
figurative. Instead, it teaches that we are in the millennium
now, and that at the return of Christ (1 Thess. 4:16 - 5:2) there
will be the final judgment and the heavens and the earth will
then be destroyed and remade (2 Pet. 3:10). The Amillennial view
is as old as the Premillennial view. (Also compare to
Postmillennialism).
Anabaptists
Any of a group of sects of the early
Reformation period of the 16th century that believed in rebaptism
of people as adults. Infant baptism was not recognized as valid
and the Catholic Mass was rejected. Anabaptist means “one
who baptizes again.” They believed in non-violence and
opposed state run churches.
Angel
Angel means messenger. Angels are
created (Psalm 148:2,5; Col. 1:16), non-human, spirit beings (Heb.
1:14). They are immortal (Luke 20:36), innumerable (Heb. 12:22),
invisible (Num. 22:22-31), sexless (Matt. 22:30), and do the will
of God (Psalm 103:20). These angels have a ministry to believers.
They guide (Gen. 24:7, 40), protect (Psalm 34:7), and comfort (Acts
27:2, 24).
There are good angels (Gen. 28:12;
Psalm 91:11) and bad angels (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). The only angels
mentioned by name are Gabriel (Dan. 8:16; 9:21 ), Michael (Dan.
10:13,21; 112:1), and Lucifer (Luke 10:18). Michael is always
mentioned in the context of battle (Dan. 10:13) and Gabriel as a
messenger (Luke 1:26). Of course, Lucifer, who became Satan, is
the one who opposes God.
Angels were originally created for
the purpose of serving and carrying out the will of God. The
fallen angels rebelled and became evil angels. Satan is such an
angel (Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:12-15).
Animism
The belief that everything in the
universe contains a living soul. The belief that every
object is indwelt by a spirit.
Annihilationism
The teaching that when a person dies, he
is annihilated, most often this doctrine is applied to the
wicked, thereby negating eternal hell fire. This is contradicted
by the Bible in Matt. 25:46 which says “And these will go
away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Also, degrees of punishment will be given on the day of
judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). If all, or only the wicked are
annihilated, then degrees of punishment would be pointless.
Anthropic Principle
The idea that the universe exhibits
elements of design specifically for the purpose of containing
intelligent beings; namely, humans. Much debate surrounds
this issue. Is the universe necessarily arranged by God so
as to make life possible or is it simply that the universe is
godless and that life came into existence due to the chance state
that we now find it in?
Anthropomorphic
Manifesting in human form. It is
from the Greek "anthropos" meaning "man" and
"morphe" meaning "form." In biblical
theology, God is described in anthropomorphic terms; that is, in
human terms with human attributes. For example, God has
hands and feet in Exodus 24:9-11 and is loving (1 John 4:8).
Antichrist
A figure who opposes God. The word
is used to describe a spirit of rebellion against God, "...the
spirit of the Antichrist..." (1 John 4:3) and of a
specific future person identified as the man of lawlessness (2
Thess. 2:3). He actively opposes Christ (2 Thess. 2:4) and when
he arrives, he will be able to perform miracles (2 Thess. 2:9).
Some believe he will be an incarnation of Satan and as such will
be able to deceive many. His number is 666 (Rev. 13:18). A
further possible description of him might be found in Zech. 11:15-17).
Antinomianism
The word comes from the Greek anti,
against, and nomos, law. It is the unbiblical practice
of living without regard to the righteousness of God, using God's
grace as a license to sin, and trusting grace to cleanse of sin.
In other words, since grace is infinite and we are saved by
grace, then we can sin all we want and still be saved. It is
wrong because even though as Christians we are not under the Law
(Rom. 6:14), we still fulfill the Law in the Law of love (Rom. 13:8,10;
Gal. 5:14; 6:2). We are to love God with all our heart, soul,
strength, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27)
and, thereby, avoid the offense of sin which cost God His only
begotten Son. Paul speaks against the concept of antinomianism in
Rom. 6:1-2: "Are we to continue in sin that grace may
abound? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live
in it?". We are not to use the grace of God as a means
of sin. Instead, we are to be controlled by the love of God and
in that way bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25).
Apocrypha
The word apocrypha means hidden.
It is used in a general sense to describe a list of books written
by Jews between 300 and 100 B.C. More specifically, it is used of
the seven additional books accepted by the Catholic church as
being inspired. The entire list of books of the apocrypha are: 1
Esdras, 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, the Rest of Esther, the Wisdom
of Solomon, Sirach, (also titled Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, The
Letter of Jeremiah, Song of the Three Young Men, Susanna, Bel and
the Dragon, The Additions to Daniel, The Prayer of Manasseh, and
1 and 2 Maccabees.
The books accepted as inspired and
included in the Catholic Bible are Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2
Maccabees Wisdom of Solomon Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus),
and Baruch
The Jews never recognized these books as
being canonical (inspired). There is no record that Jesus or the
apostles ever quoted from the apocryphal books. The Septuagint (LXX)
includes the books, not as scripture, but as part of the
translation of the Hebrew manuscripts as a whole.
Apollinarianism
Apollinarianism was the heresy taught by
Apollinaris the Younger, bishop of Laodicea in Syria about 361.
He taught that the Logos of God, which became the divine nature
of Christ, took the place of the rational human soul of Jesus and
that the body of Christ was a glorified form of human nature.
In other words, though Jesus was a man, He did not have a human
mind but that the mind of Christ was solely divine.
Apologetics
The word "apologetics"
is derived from the Greek word "apologia," which means
to make a defense. It has come to mean defense of the faith.
Apologetics covers many areas: who Jesus is, the reliability of
the Bible, refuting cults, biblical evidences in the history and
archeology, answering objections, etc. In short, it deals with
giving reasons for Christianity being the true religion. We are
called by God to give an apologia, a defense: "but
sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to
make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for
the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence"
(1 Pet. 3:15).
Apostasy
The falling away from the faith. It is a
revolt against the truth of God’s word by a believer. It can
also describe a group or church organization that has "fallen
away" from the truths of Christianity as revealed in the
Bible.
Apostle
Someone sent with a special
message or commission. Jesus is called the apostle and high
Priest of our confession in Hebrews 3:1. The twelve apostles of
Jesus were Simon Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John,
Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus,
Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. Paul became an
apostle after Jesus' resurrection (2 Cor. 1:1), along with
Barnabas (Acts 14:14), and others.
Apostles established churches (Rom.
15:17-20), exposed error (Gal. 1:6-9), and defended the truth of
the gospel (Phil. 1:7,17). Some were empowered by the Holy Spirit
to perform Miracles (Matt. 10:1,8) and they were to preach the
gospel (Matt. 28:19,20).
Argumentum ad hominem
An irrelevant attack upon a person to deflect the argument
from the facts and reasons.
Argumentum ad judicium
An argument where appeal is made to
common sense and the judgment of people as validating a point.
Argumentum ad populum
An argument where appeal is made to
emotions: loyalties, patriotism, prejudices, etc.
Argumentum ad
verecundiam
An argument using respect for great
men, customs, institutions, and authority in an attempt to
strengthen one's argument and provide an illusion of proof.
Arianism
An ancient theological error that
appeared around the year 320. It taught that God could not appear
on the earth, that Jesus was not eternal and could not be God.
Additionally, it taught that there was only one person in the
Godhead: the Father. Jesus, then, was a creation. It was
condemned by the Council of Nicea in 325.
The Jehovah's Witness cult is an
equivalent, though not exactly, of this ancient error. Please see Heresies for more
information.
Arminianism
There are five main tenets of
Arminianism: 1) God elects or reproves on the basis of foreseen
faith or unbelief, 2) Christ died for all men and for every man,
although only believers are saved, 3) Man is so depraved that
divine grace is necessary unto faith or any good deed, 4) This
grace may be resisted, 5) Whether all who are truly regenerate
will certainly persevere in the faith is a point which needs
further investigation. (Compare with Calvinism)
Assumption
In Catholicism, the taking of
the body and soul of Mary, by God, into glory. Catholic
doctrine, apparently, does not state whether or not Mary died,
but tradition holds that she died and was immediately afterward
assumed into heaven both body and soul.
Assurance
Theologically, assurance is the state of
being confident in a condition or outcome. Usually it is applied
to one’s assurance of salvation. Texts often used to support
assurance of salvation are John 10:28 “and
I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no
one shall snatch them out of My hand,” and 1 John 5:13, “These
things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son
of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.”
This assurance is given by the Holy Spirit.
Atheism
This word comes from two Greek
words, a the negator, and theos, God. Atheism
teaches that there is no God of any kind, anywhere, anytime.
Some atheists claim to "Excercise no belief in a god"
the same way they would exercise no belief in pink unicorns.
Logically, an atheist would be an evolutionist.
The Bible teaches that all men
know there is a God (Rom. 2:14-15). Therefore, they will be
without excuse (Rom. 1:20 ) on the day of judgment. Instead,
atheists willingly suppress the knowledge of God by their
unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18-19).
Atonement
To atone means to make amends, to
repair a wrong done. Biblically, it means to remove sin. The Old
Testament atonements offered by the high priest were temporary
and a foreshadow of the real and final atonement made by Jesus.
Jesus atoned for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). This
atonement is received by faith (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9).
Man is a sinner (Rom. 5:8) and
cannot atone for himself. Therefore, it was the love of the
Father that sent Jesus (1 John 4:10) to die in our place (1 Pet.
3:18) for our sins (1 Pet. 2:24). Because of the atonement, our
fellowship with God is restored (Rom. 5:10). (See Reconciliation.)
Autograph
An original writing of a biblical
document. The original manuscript written. The autographs would
be the actual, original written document from which copies are
made.
Autonomy
Freedom from all external
constraints. Independence consisting of self-determination.
Babel, Tower of
The tower built the builders at Babel
constructed which became a symbol of their defiance against God (Gen.
11:1-6). It was probably modeled after a ziggurat which is
a mound of sun-dried bricks and was probably constructed before 4,000
BC.
Baptism
An immersion or sprinkling of
water that signifies one's identification with a belief or cause.
In Christianity it is the believer's identification with Christ
in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:4-54). It is done
in the name and authority (Acts 4:7) of Christ with the baptismal
formula of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). It does
not save us (1 Pet. 3:21). However, it is our obligation,
as believers, to receive it.
Some maintain that baptism is
necessary for salvation. It is not. If you want to read more on
this see Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
Baptismal
Regeneration
The belief that baptism is
essential to salvation, that it is the means where forgiveness of
sins is made real to the believer. This is incorrect. Paul said
that he came to preach the gospel, not to baptize (1 Cor. 1:14-17).
If baptism were essential to salvation, then Paul would have
included it in his standard practice and preaching of the
salvation message of Jesus, but he did not. (See also Col. 2:10-11.)
For more information on this see Is Baptism Necessary for
Salvation?
Blasphemy
Speaking evil of God or denying
Him some good which we should attribute to Him. Blasphemy of the
Holy Spirit is stating that Jesus did his miracles by the power
of the devil (Matt. 12:22-32) and is an unforgivable sin (Mark 3:28-30).
Blasphemy arises out of pride (Psalm 73:9,11), hatred (Psalm 74:18),
injustice (Isaiah 52:5), etc. Christ was mistakenly accused of
blasphemy (John 10:30-33).
Born Again
The new birth enjoyed by a Christian
upon his conversion and regeneration. It is a work of
the Holy Spirit within a believer. It is related to faith
in Christ and Him crucified (John 3:3-5). It means that the
person is no longer dead in sins (Eph. 2:1), no longer
spiritually blind (1 Cor. 2:14), and is now a new creation in
Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17).