| Amillennial
The rejection of the notion of a 1,000 year
reign of Christ upon this earth. Most "amillennialists" are
preterists. They believe that biblical prophecies were
fulfilled in the first 300 years of Christian history.
Antinomian
Literally, against the law. Antinomians
teach that the law is no longer applicable in the life of
the Christian. (see "Legalism").
Apostasy
To fall away from the truth by embracing
false teaching or heresy.
Arminianism
A position taught by Dutch Reformed
theologian Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609). Arminius, reacting
against Calvinist predestination (see "Election"),
taught that there is no conflict between the sovereignty (see
"Sovereignty") of God and human free will. The position
was adopted by John Wesley, the father of Methodism. (see
"Decision Theology"). Arminianism rejects human total
depravity. (see "Total Depravity")
Atonement
A description of the work of Jesus Christ
on our behalf. We are restored in our relationship with God
through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross for the
forgiveness of our sins. Jesus "atoned" for our sins. He
paid the penalty. The word "atonement" occurs in Romans 5:
11.
Baptism
The application of water in the Name of
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (see
"Sacraments") The Bible compares Baptism with the Old
Testament practice of Circumcision (see Colossians 2:
9-15). From the earliest days, the Christian Church
practiced infant baptism. Some churches teach a
non-Sacramental adult "believers baptism" by immersion,
others baptize in Jesus name only, while others reject
"water baptism" and believe that baptism is an inward act of
the Holy Spirit (see Romans 6: 1-7).
Charismatic
From the Greek word charisma which means
"gift." In modern usage, a Charismatic is one who claims to
have received spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit such as
speaking in tongues (see "Glossolalia"), healing,
miracles (see 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11). The theology
of Charismatics is similar to Pentecostalism (see
"Pentecostalism") and includes the second experience or
baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Church Growth Movement
A movement that originated at Fuller
Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Growing out of
a concern for diminishing church membership, the movement
offered practical suggestions to "grow a church." While
there is no doubt that the Church Growth Movement has
produced some positive results, it has been widely
criticized for attempting to appeal to the modern culture.
Cult
Christian researchers are divided over the
definition of a cult. Some say cults are only characterized
by aberrant teaching, such as denial of the doctrine of the
Trinity, while others include in the definition the use of
psychological techniques for capturing adherents.
Decision Theology
Arising out of a reaction to the Reformed
teaching on predestination (see "Election"),
advocates teach that man is saved and born-again when he
makes a decision to accept Jesus Christ (see "Arminianism").
Dispensationalism
A nineteenth century distortion of
Biblical history. Dispensationalists teach that there are
seven distinct "dispensations" within biblical history. The
seventh being the 1000 year reign of Christ or the
millennium. The primary error is the "two covenant"
teaching. According to Dispensationalists, God's covenant
with Israel continues even through the present "church age."
Most Protestants believe that the new covenant in Christ
replaces the old covenant with Israel (see "Premillennialism").
Election
Also known as "predestination." The
Grolier's Encyclopedia states: "Predestination is a
Christian doctrine according to which a person's ultimate
destiny, whether it be salvation or damnation, is determined
by God alone prior to, and apart from, any worth or merit on
the person's part." While Martin Luther acknowledged Divine
Election, he believed that it was a part of God's secret
wisdom and was only a secondary concern since we do not know
the mind of the Lord. Divine Election is applicable to the
Christian who doubts his salvation. Luther believed that
debates over Election led to confusion and were "of the
devil." Debates over the subject produced the distortions of
Arminianisn (see "Arminianism") and Universalism (see
"Universalism").
Evangelicalism
Originally applied to Christians who
center their theology in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
(literal: Good News). Modern Evangelicalism took shape in
the American revivals of the 18th and 19th centuries. New or
neo-Evangelicalism arose in the 40's and 50's to refine
anti-intellectual Fundamentalism (see
"Fundamentalism"). Modern day Evangelicalism has widely sold
out to modern culture and thereby lost sight of the
centrality of the Gospel.
Faith
The Bible teaches that we are saved by
grace through faith. (see Ephesians 2: 8-9) What is
faith? Since God has completed our salvation in Christ
Jesus, faith receives or apprehends that finished
work. Faith is produced by the Holy Spirit through the
hearing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (see Romans
10: 14-17). It is a supernatural work. It is a dangerous
error to teach that faith causes salvation to occur. This is
called synergism (see "Monergism") and leads to the
errors in the Word/Faith Movement (see "Word/Faith
Movement").
Forgiveness
God forgives our sins because of the death
of Jesus Christ on the Cross. God does not merely overlook
our sins. He demands that payment be made (see
"Redemption"). Our sins are forgiven because the penalty for
those sins was paid by Jesus. The just demands of God have
been met. The assurance of our forgiveness is only found in
the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ (see
"Sacrifice").
Fundamentalism
A late 19th and early 20th century
Protestant movement that opposed the accommodation of
Christian doctrine to modern scientific theory and
philosophy, specifically Darwinian evolution. Identified as
anti-intellectual, Fundamentalism prompted the rise of
neo-Evangelicalism.
Glossolalia (literal:
"tongue-speaking")
A biblical experience described in Acts 2:
4; 10: 46; 19: 6; 1 Corinthians 14.
Charismatics and Pentecostals claim to
speak in tongues but there is little evidence (such as
actual languages being identified) to support the claim.
While the Bible does not promise that speaking in tongues
would continue, neither does it say that speaking tongues
would not continue.
Gospel
The "good news" of what God has done for
us in Christ Jesus. The Gospel is a message of pure grace, (see
"Grace") having nothing to do with our response, feelings,
faith, decision, good works, "Jesus in our hearts," or the
Law. To preach the Gospel is to preach what God has done,
not what we should do or have done.
Grace
The undeserved favor of God whereby he
forgives (see "Forgiveness") our sins and makes us
right with him (see "Justification") through Jesus
Christ.
Hermeneutics
The study of the methods and techniques
for the interpretation of Scripture.
Historical-Critical Method
A method of interpreting Scripture whereby
human reason, based on critical analysis, determines the
validity of the biblical text. The hallmark of liberal
theology manifested in the present day Jesus Seminar.
Holiness Movement
A 19th century movement producing the
"Holiness Churches." Primary doctrinal emphasis is on entire
sanctification by which believers are freed from original
sin via a "second work of grace" (see
"Sanctification").
Incarnation
Jesus Christ, the pre-existent Son of God,
came "into the flesh" through the Virgin Mary (literal: "in
the flesh").
Inerrancy (Biblical)
The Bible, in all points, is without
error. A truth affirmed against 19th century liberalism.
Inspiration (Biblical)
The writers of the words of the Bible were
inspired (literal: "in-breathed") by the Holy Spirit.
Justification
The cardinal doctrine of the sixteenth
century Reformation. Luther rediscovered that the
"righteousness of God" in Romans 1:17 was not a quality in
God but the gift of righteousness which God gives to those
who trust Jesus. This righteousness is legally imputed to
the sinner and is always outside of the sinner. We cling to
Jesus! His righteousness causes us to become acceptable to
God. Objective justification means that God has declared the
entire world of sinners to be right with him. Subjective
justification occurs when the sinner comes to faith in Jesus
Christ as a result of the preaching of the word.
Law
God's commandments telling us what we
should do and not do. The divine Law has a threefold
purpose: To hinder the outbreak of sin (curb); to
demonstrate sin in preparation to hear the Gospel (mirror)
(see "Gospel"); and to guide the Christian life (rule)
(see "Antinomianism").
Legalism
The wrong use of the Law as the basis for
righteousness or sanctification.
Lord's Supper, The Sacrament of the
Altar, Holy Communion, the Eucharist.
The Lord's Supper was instituted by Jesus
on Maundy Thursday evening. In the Sacrament (see
"Sacrament"), Jesus gives to us his true body and blood in,
with, and under the physical elements of bread and wine for
the forgiveness of our sins (see "Forgiveness" and
"Sin").
Mariolatry
The non-Biblical traditions that have
arisen within Roman Catholicism concerning the role of the
Virgin Mary. Romans Catholics believe that Mary was
conceived without sin, was bodily assumed into heaven, and
intercedes for Christians as their co-redeemer.
Monergism (literal "one work.")
Monergists correctly assert that
conversion is the single work of God. It is God who saves
through Christ. It is God who creates faith through the
hearing of the Gospel. As opposed to synergism. Synergists
believe that conversion is a cooperative work between man
and God (see "Pelagianism").
Pelagianism
The fifth century heresy of Pelagius who
taught that man is not totally corrupt and can be saved by
an act of his own will (see "Arminianism," "Monergism,"
"Revivalism," "Total Depravity").
Pentecostalism
A movement that arose in the beginning of
the 20th century resulting in the Pentecostal denominations.
Emphasized the second experience of the "baptism in the Holy
Spirit," and the gifts of the Spirit, especially speaking in
tongues. Forerunner of the modern Charismatic Movement (see
"Charismatics," "Glossolalia.").
Perfectionism
God demands perfect righteousness but
grants it as a gift. Charles Finney (see
"Revivalism") and the Holiness Churches (see
"Holiness Movement," "Sanctification") teach that a
Christian can arrive at inherent spiritual perfection in
this life. Perfectionism undermines the truth of
justification (see "Justification") since the
righteousness of Christ is unnecessary.
Perseverance of the Saints
The last point of "Five-Point Calvinism."
Those elected will be eternally saved.
Some Arminians (see "Arminianism")
teach a doctrine of Eternal Security or "once saved, always
saved" based upon regeneration (see "Regeneration"),
not election. Once born-again, it is claimed that the
Christian cannot be "unborn-again."
Lutheranism teaches that a Christian can
fall away by rejecting Christ. For Luther, eternal security
was found in Christ.
Post-millennialism
The end-time belief that Jesus will
physically return after (post) the Church has established
his 1000 year reign in the earth (see "Reconstructionism,"
"Theonomy").
Pre-millennialism
The end-time belief that Jesus will return
physically to the earth to establish a 1000-year reign. Most
pre-millennialists are dispensationalists (see "Dispensationalism")
who believe in the Rapture (see "Rapture") and a
literal seven year tribulation (see "Tribulation) in
which the anti-Christ will appear.
Promise Keepers
A popular modern men's movement with
Charismatic roots (see "Charismatic") calling
Christian men to make seven promises relating to their
Christian life (see "Legalism").
Propitiation (literal: "causing one
who has been justly hostile to another to become favorable
via a payment.")
Jesus is our payment or "propitiation" (see
"Reconciliation," "Redemption" ). Redemption (literal: "to
buy back.") Jesus redeemed us, "not with gold or silver, but
with his holy precious blood and his innocent suffering and
death (Luther)" (see "Atonement," "Propitiation,"
"Reconciliation.").
Rapture
A 19th century end-time notion based upon
a faulty interpretation of 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-17.
Rapturists believe that they will be "snatched" out of this
world prior to the great tribulation (see
"Tribulation"). Those who believe in a rapture are pre-millennialists
(see "Pre-millennialism") and are a thorn in the side
of the post-millennialists. (see
"Post-millennialism") Amillennialists (see "Amillennialism")
simply smile and say, "You're both wrong!"
Reconciliation (literal:
"overcoming an estrangement")
Theologically, because of the sacrificial
(see "Sacrifice," "Atonement") death of Jesus Christ,
God has reconciled sinners unto himself. God has made us his
friends because of Christ (see "Propitiation").
Reconstructionism
The Post-millennial (see
"Post-millennialism") teaching that the Church, by the
preaching of the Gospel, will be enabled to reconstruct the
culture around biblical laws (see "Theonomy").
Reformation Theology
A theology based upon the three solas
(literal: "alone") of the 16th century Reformation. We are
saved by Grace Alone, through Faith Alone. These truths are
drawn from Scripture Alone. Today there is a significant
revival of Reformation theology to counter the
experience-based theology of modern Evangelicalism (see
"Evangelicalism") and the Pelagianism (see "Pelagianism")
of Revivalism (see "Arminianism," "Revivalism").
Renewal or Renovation
The change that takes place in the
Christian's life as a result of being brought to faith in
Jesus Christ through the Gospel and being born-again (see
"Gospel," "Faith," "Regeneration," "Sanctification.").
Such renewal is merely begun in the Christian's life (see
"Perfectionism").
Regeneration (literal: "to be
born-again" John 3: 3-5)
We need to be born-again because we were
born wrong (in Adam) the first time. The new birth is
totally the work of God (see "Monergism"). Much
controversy exists over when that new birth takes place.
Lutherans believe in "baptismal regeneration" (see
"Baptism").
Repentance (literal: "to change
your mind")
Reformation theology (see
"Reformation Theology") teaches that repentance is the
combination of contrition (sorrow over sin) and faith in the
forgiveness of sins promised in Jesus Christ. Such
repentance is the result of hearing the Law and the Gospel.
Many Evangelicals (see
"Evangelicalism") erroneously teach that repentance is a
human decision to forsake sin and live a moral life prior to
coming to faith.
Revivalism.
A 19th century movement spearheaded by
Charles Finney.
Finney, a classic Pelagian, (see "Pelagianism")
taught that man is not dead in his trespasses and sin (see
"Decision Theology," "Total Depravity") but is capable of
deciding to be a Christian. The new birth (see
"Regeneration"), according to Finney, was nothing more than
an individual deciding to repent (see "Repentance")
and live a moral life. Finney was a perfectionist (see
"Perfectionism") who rejected the cardinal truth of
justification (see "Justification"). His influence is
widely felt today in much of Evangelicalism (see
"Evangelicalism").
Sacrament (literal: from the Latin
sacramentum, "mystery")
According to the Reformation perspective:
A sacrament is a sacred act, instituted by the Lord Jesus,
containing visible elements in which God promises and offers
the forgiveness of sins. According to this definition, there
are two sacraments: Baptism (see "Baptism") and the
Lord's Supper (see "Lord's Supper"). The Roman
Catholic definition of a sacrament allows for five
additional sacraments: Confession, confirmation, marriage,
ordination, and last rites.
Sacrifice
God appointed sacrifices as a means
whereby the guilty could offer acceptable worship. The idea
of sacrifice pervades the whole Bible.
Old Testament sacrifices were of two
kinds:
1. Unbloody, such as (1) first-fruits and
tithes; (2) meat and drink-offerings; and (3) incense.
2. Bloody, such as (1) burnt-offerings; (2) peace-offerings;
and (3) sin and trespass offerings.
We learn from Hebrews that sacrifices had
no inherent value or efficacy. They were the "shadow of good
things to come" and pointed to Jesus' death on the cross.
Salvation (literal: "to be
delivered, taken out of a snare, or set free.")
Salvation involves the totality of what
God has done for us in the death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ. We have been delivered from sin, death, and the
power of the devil. It is God who has saved us in Christ.
Sanctification (literal: "to be set
apart or separated")
As a theological category, sanctification
defines the Christian life lived as a result of
justification (see "Justification"). While
justification and sanctification must be distinguished and
not confused, they can never be divided. While justification
is a completed work in Christ, sanctification is
progressive.
Sin
The transgression of God's Law. Original
sin defines human nature (see "Total Depravity").
Actual sins are thoughts, words, and deeds contrary to God's
Law or the failure to do the good that God commands. We sin,
because we are sinners from birth.
Theonomy (literal: "God's Law.")
The post-millennial (see
"Post-millennialism") view that God's Law will be
established in the earth prior to the coming of the Lord
Jesus (see "Reconstructionism").
Trinity
The biblical doctrine specifically
formulated at the Council of Nicea (325 A.D.) defining the
person of God. There is one God in Three Persons: the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All Christian
denominations embrace the Doctrine of the Trinity.
Total Depravity
Also know as the doctrine of Original Sin.
Man from birth is spiritually dead and alienated from God
and totally unable to contribute anything toward his
salvation (see "Monergism")
Tribulation
The view taught by pre-millennialists. (see
"Pre-millennialism") The tribulation is a seven year period
of time in which the anti-Christ will be revealed prior to
the coming of Jesus to establish his earthly reign. Most
teach that Christian will not experience the tribulation but
will be raptured (see "Rapture").
Word/Faith Movement
A distorted and in some cases heretical
view held by many Charismatics (see "Charismatic").
Word/Faith teachers claim that faith is a power which, when
joined to a positive confession and, for some,
visualization, will produce results. Our words have the same
power and effect as God's Word. It is claimed that we are
"little gods." Also known as "name it and claim it," or
prosperity teaching.
Worship
A response to what God has done for us,
especially in Christ Jesus. We are enabled to worship God
because God himself has made us holy and acceptable to him
in Christ Jesus (see "Justification," "Sacrifice").
Historic Christian worship is a structured response to God
in which context his grace is also received in the Word and
the Sacraments. |
Dictionary
of Theological Terms
