Attributes Of Deity
The Intrinsic Essence of God – His Divine Characteristics called His Attributes. See term: “Deity of Christ.”
Category: Terms and Definitions
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: Matthew 26:28; Luke 24-26; Acts 17:2 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; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 1:3;…
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
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 – the redistribution of wealth – 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…
Assurance Of Salvation/Doctrine Of Eternal Security
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; Colossians 2: 6-14; 3:1-4). See…
Ascension/Session/Advocacy
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 (1 John 2:1) on behalf of believers; the time from the ascension to the second coming of Messiah when his enemies will…
Allegorical/Metaphors
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 thousand words. Poetry…
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 at which each individual becomes conscious of God and is able to understand the Gospel (See “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, where they are located and He is more than…
Apostasy/Apostate
When one is in 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 of the inadequate (sub-standard) teaching of the…
Advent
A Latin word which means “coming.” The creation awaits the second advent (or second-coming) of Messiah — Jesus Christ.
Accommodation
Throughout Scripture, God uses language that accommodates mankind. An infinite God does not think or act like His finite creation (Isaiah 55:8,9). The supreme example of God accommodating mankind is the Incarnation of His only begotten Son – Jesus Christ. God became man (the incarnation) to accommodate man. Accommodation is God’s own presentation of Himself through communication that provides thought-waves…
Abyss
From the Greek abussos which means “bottomless.” This word is used in Luke 8:31; Revelation 9:1,11; 11:7; 17:8; and 20:1. Satan and his demon followers will be incarcerated in an abyss during the millennial reign of Christ.
Absolute
From the Latin absolutus meaning complete, totally free from restriction. God is absolute Truth. To deny absolute truth is to deny God. God is the all-inclusive embodiment of true reality. God is the only necessary being which means that He depends on nothing, and everything that is anything depends on God. There can be only one absolute in existence.