Amillennialism
The eschatological position in theology, which denies a millennium either before or after the Second Advent of Jesus Christ – Messiah.
Amen
The original Hebrew root word implied “firmness” or “solidity” meaning “a sure thing.” Jesus Christ is the manifestation of the word Amen. He is “The Great Amen” because He is proof of God’s faithfulness to His promise of Messiah. He came the first time and was rejected by religion. He will come again in great power and victory. He shall…
Ambassador for Jesus Christ
Every believer is a personal representative; a spiritual ambassador; a “Royal Ambassador” of Jesus Christ on earth (in the devil’s world) until Christ comes again (2 Corinthians 5:20). Believers are not citizens of this world, believers are citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3:20). Believers are in the world, but not of the world.
Bible Doctrine
Biblical Truths presented as categories, concepts and/or principles from God’s Word of Truth (Matthew 7:28; Mark 4:2; Romans 16:17; Titus 1:9; Revelation 2;14-15). See also the term “Doctrine.”
Altar
A Greek word thusiasterion, which is derived from thusiazo meaning “to sacrifice.” The altar is a raised place on which sacrifices were made to God (Genesis 4:3; 8:20; Matthew 5:23-24; 23:18-20,35; Luke 11:51). A sacrifice that establishes communion between God and those who eat the thing offered. Christians, during communion, symbolically partake of the Lord’s body until He returns to…
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
This baptism is performed by the Holy Spirit at the instant each person believes in Christ. Salvation and baptism of the spirit are not two different functions, they are one and the same. At salvation the Holy Spirit permanently indwells every church-age believer. Church-age believers are identified with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. Only the church-age believer becomes…
Alpha and Omega
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and a Divine Title for the Lord Jesus Christ in Revelation 22:13, signifying Him as the “eternal one,” the beginning and the end of all that exists. The title also signifies Christ’s place in history as both first and last (John 1:1; Revelation 1:8; 21:6).
Attributes of Deity
The intrinsic essence of God – His divine characteristics called His attributes. Reference “Deity of Christ.”
Atonement
Christ died (atoned or paid) for our sins on the cross, with the result that mankind has been reconciled to God. Reference the following verses to experience Christ’s sacrifice for yourself: Matthew 26:28; Luke 24-26; Acts 17:2 and 20:28; Romans 3:9-24,26; 4:25; 5:1-21; 1 Corinthians 1:17-24; 15:3; Galatians 1:3-4; 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:7; 2:13-18; 5:2,25; Colossians 1:14, 19-22; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10;…
Atheism/Atheist
Derived from the Greek atheos, meaning “godless.” This term is found only once is Scripture in Ephesians 2:12. An atheist is a person who has no invisible means of support.
Alms/Alms Giving
Alms comes to us from the Greek word eleemosune – mercy or pity, used in Matthew 6:1-4; Acts 10:2; 24:17. It refers to being charitable – helping the poor. When we give to the less fortunate God says it is the same as giving to God (Proverbs 19:17). Jesus taught that we should give in secret, not to be seen…
Assurance of Salvation/Doctrine of Eternal Security
The assurance of salvation is to know that you are eternally saved from the wrath of God because God says you are, in Scripture. To lack assurance does not change your eternal position in Christ. The purpose of Bible doctrine is to solidify your faith so that you can be assured (confident) in your eternal security in Christ (Romans 8:29-39;…
Ascension/Session/Advocacy
The ascension refers to the transfer of our Lord’s true humanity from earth to the third heaven in his resurrection body. His session includes the glorification of His humanity, which is His seat at the right hand of the Father. His advocacy on behalf of believers (1 John 2:1) – this encompasses the time from the ascension to the second…
Allegorical/Metaphors
Allegorical – a systematic presentation of an idea that expresses theoretical truths not related to, but obvious, in the text. Revealed or substantiated by comparing Scripture with Scripture to arrive at a conclusion. Metaphors – a metaphor compares two unlike objects or ideas and illuminates the similarities between them. A metaphor evokes a mental picture making a picture worth a…
Apologue
To convey a standard of doctrine or a moral conclusion based on Scripture.
Agnosticism
From the Greek agnostikos meaning unknowing or ignorance of. The argument that by reason men can not know God or prove God. Today, existentialism is a manifestation of agnosticism along with empiricism.
Apologetics
“Apologetics” comes from the Greek word apologia, meaning “defense,” or “answer,” or “vindication.” Accordingly, Christian apologetics is the practice of giving reasons that support the Christian faith and responding to objections raised against it. (Quoted from a portion of the PREFACE of “THE APOLOGETICS STUDY BIBLE,” Copyright 2007 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.) Apologetics is defending the Christian faith and…
Age of Accountability
The age of accountability is the age at which each individual becomes conscious of God and is able to understand the Gospel (Reference “Gospel”). The age varies with each individual as well as the ability to understand. For those who become God-conscious who have never heard the Gospel of Christ, God knows every single person and where they are located,…
Apostasy/Apostate
Apostasy or apostate is when one is in a state of apostasy or considered apostate, both terms refer to those who have fallen away from the consistent, daily intake of God’s Word. The falling away from the faith by denying the divine inspiration (God-breathed), authority, and absoluteness of the Bible. Apostasy has always been a characteristic of the church because…
Advent
A Latin word which means a coming. The creation awaits the second advent (or second-coming) of Messiah – Jesus Christ.
