The Home Bible Study Library

A Concise Glossary
of the Terms of
Theology

Edited By Dr Terry W. Preslar

Copyright (C) 2007. Terry W. Preslar All rights reserved.

“...when thou comest, bring with thee...the books,

but especially the parchments. (2 Tim. 4:13)
Psalms 107:2 S É S Romans 12:1-2
P.O. Box 388 Mineral Springs, N.C. 28108
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E-Mail: preslar12@windstream.net
 The Home Bible Study Library
A Concise Glossary of the Terms of Theology

Compiled & Edited by Dr. Terry W. Preslar

Copyright (C) 2003 Terry W. Preslar All rights reserved.

No part of this publication (in the printed form or the electronic form) may be reproduced in any
form, by Photostat, microfilm, xerography, or any other means, which are now known, or to be invented,
or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written
permission of the copyright owner.

Terry W. Preslar - PO Box 388 - Mineral Springs, NC 28108-0388 - USA

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 The Home Bible Study Library
A Concise Glossary of the Terms of Theology
(Editor’s Preface)
There has been a need for this booklet for some time and it is hoped that this glossary will fill the gap
between the larger Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias and the students handheld need. Daily Bible study
takes all of us into books and through research material that is written in the vernacular of the scholar’s
English (as it should be). Many of these terms may not appear in a standard English desk dictionary. The
definitions used here are intentionally kept short to render a small, handheld booklet. Space has determined
the terms that deal with doctrine and dogmatics. It is hoped that the reader will add more in the study that
is done with the aid of this glossary.
The Editor disclaims originality. Other men have labored, I have but entered into their labors. The results
of the study of God’s Word by learned and spiritual servants, in every division of the church and in many
lands, has netted a bounty of wonder in the matter of Bible study. The Editor has only proposed to himself
the modest task of summarizing, arranging and condensing this mass of material into a convenient form.

–A–
Abrahamic Covenant – The covenant God made with Abraham and his Seed in Genesis 15 and 18. (See
Covenant)
Accommodation Theory – In general this theory refers to the adaptation of statements or events to
communicate within a certain context. It is used positively to account for God’s truth being expressed
in ways understandable to man, especially with reference to figures of speech and so forth within
Scripture. It is used negatively and erroneously to say that such adaptation cannot occur without
compromising the truth of the communication.
Adamic Covenant – The Adamic Covenant is often called the covenant of works or the covenant of
creation. It refers to the covenant God made with Adam promising him eternal life or eternal death
according to the success of his priestly kingship during his probation period in the garden of Eden. Jesus
Christ, the last Adam, satisfied this covenant through His human obedience. (See Covenant)
Agape – A Greek word for “holy love” in contrast to eros, “sensual love” and or philios, “friendship, filial
love.” The term is applied also to the common religious meal in use in the early church in close relation
to the eucharist.
Agnosticism – A view which denies the ability to know anything specific about God, ultimately including
even His existence.
Amanuensis – Someone employed by ancient authors as a secretary. The author would dictate, and the
amanuensis would write. Sometimes the author would tell the amanuensis the substance of what he
wanted to say, and the secretary would write it in his own words. his practice is clearly reflected in the
New Testament in Rom. 16:22; 1 Cor. 16:21, Gal. 6:11; 2 Thess. 3:17; and 1 Pet. 5:12.
Amillennialism – Amillennialism is derived from the Latin prefix a- meaning “no” plus the word mille
meaning thousand and annus meaning year. The initial a is a negative particle; therefore the term means
“no millennium.” Adherents to this system of thought anticipate no future earthly manifestation of
Christ’s kingdom. They view pasages such as Rev. 20:1-6 as figurative and in some sense fulfilled
through the reign of Christ (1) in the hearts of believers, and/or (2) in heaven, meaning that to them we
are in the Millennium now.
Annihilationism – This belief (sometimes identified also by the term “conditional immortality”), held by
several cults, teaches that the destiny of the lost is that they will cease to exist in any form. This denies
the biblical teaching about hell (e.g., Mark 9:44-48) and is a concept unknown in either the Old

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 Testament or New Testament. This view has also gained in popularity among more liberal theologians
and same neo-evangelicals.
Antediluvian – Antediluvian is derived from the two Latin words ante meaning “before” and diluvium
meaning “a flood.” The period before the great deluge of Genesis 7 is referred to as the antediluvian
world.
Antinomy – The mutual contradiction of two principles or inferences founded on equally valid premises.
Antinomianism – Antinomy is derived from the two Greek words anti meaning “over against” and nomos
meaning “law” meaning literally “against law.” An antinomian is one who denies that there is any
objective law or standard of obedience in the New Testament age to which the believer is accountable.
This view teaches that the forgiveness found in Christ eliminates the need for any governing law and
thus makes it legitimate for a Christian to do things which the Bible forbids (but see 1 Cor. 9:21). (See
Leagelism)
Antithesis – Antithesis is derived from the Greek words anti meaning “over against” and tithenai meaning
“to set.” Antithesis in literary terms refers to the scheme in which the author juxtaposes two
contrapositional tenets in order to demonstrate a dialectic. In philosophical terms antithesis is that utter
dialectic opposition of two presuppositions.
Anthropology – Anthropology is derived from the two Greek words anthropos meaning “man” and logos
meaning “word.” Biblical anthropology deals with the study of the Bible’s revelation of the nature of
man both before and after the fall and both before and after regeneration. A fundamental idea in Biblical
anthropology is the image of God.
Apocalypse – This is the English form of the Greek apocalupsis (“revelation,” “unveiling”). The last book
of the Bible is sometimes called “The Apocalypse.”
Apocalyptic – From the Greek apocalypsis, an “uncovering” or “revealing.” The word describes a particular
belief of how the world would end. Jews, as well as the early Christians, each had (differing) convictions
that God had revealed to them the secret that the world very soon would come to some kind of
cataclysmic end, and a new and better world would take its place according to divine plan.
Apocalyptic Literature – The contents of these books concern “revelations.” Frequently these “revelations”
are communicated through visions or symbols. Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation are such
books, as are many ancient Jewish books not included in the Protestant Bible.
Apocrypha – From the Greek apocryphos, “hidden.” Books found in the Greek translation of the Hebrew
scriptures made in the third to first centuries B.C. (the Septuagint) that were later rejected by Judaism
but retained by Christians. At the Reformation, Protestants adopted Jewish practice with regard to these
books, while Roman Catholic and Eastern Churches retained them as part of their Hebrew scriptures.
Apocryphal – “Apocrypha,” meaning ‘hidden,” is a reference to the somewhat mysterious contents of many
Jewish books which are not regarded as inspired Scripture by either the Jews or most early Christians.
Eastern Orthodox Christians and, since the sixteenth century, Roman Catholics accept some of these
books as part of the O.T., while the rest of the religious world has rejected them, insisting that the Old
Testament contains only the traditional thirty-nine books.
Apologetics – Apologetics is derived from the Greek word apologia meaning “defense” or “answer.”
Apologetics is giving a reason for the hope of Christianity and a defense of the gospel. Because of the
identity of Christians with the One true God, the Christian worldview is antithetical with the world of
unbelievers who hate their Maker and thus Christianity as well. Christian apologetics serves its Creator
by affirming Him as the basis and purpose of rationality before men, and showing that the basis of other
worldviews cannot account for the reality they live in. The goal of reformed apologetics is to defend the
gospel from the wisdom of the world by silencing its foolishness and offering the only possible
interpretation of reality in light and hope of Jesus Christ.
A Priori – “From first [to last]” A priori is a Latin phrase which designates deduction; from cause to effect;
from generalization to peculiars. Opposed to a posteriori.

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Apostasy – This is a reference to the abandonment of true Christian faith, i.e., a denial of the truths essential
to the gospel or a ceasing of one’s profession to be a Christian. In Christian theology, the personal,
knowledgeable, willful total rejection of one’s Christian faith, after which repentance is impossible.
Apostolicity – This has reference to the authorship of a book by an apostle or by one associated with an
apostle. This was a crucial criterion for accepting a book into the New Testament canon.
Arianism – The heretical teaching of Arius, who was condemned by the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325,
maintained that Jesus Christ was a created being, that He was not eternal, that though He might be called
“God” as a courtesy title, He did not share in the essence or being of the Father and thus was not truly
God.
Arminianism – A system of soteriology which emphasizes the role of man in salvation, and believes that
God’s granting of salvation to individuals is based upon His foreknowledge of their respective acts of
faith. This theological system also teaches that genuinely saved people can lose their salvation and that
some do through apostasy. Arminianism is usually contrasted with Calvinism. In Christian theology, the
label attached to proponents of the view of salvation that says humans can repent or desire to repent
before God apart from God’s specific, supernatural intervention or enabling process. The system is
named after Jacob Arminius. (See Calvinism)
Asceticism. This doctrine advocates rigid self-discipline, often to the point of selfdenial and sometimes even
deprivation of all but the most basic necessities in order to coerce the subordination of the body to the
spirit. Though self-denial is taught in Scripture this form, prompted by its erroneous motivation, is
foreign to the Bible.
Atonement – The work of Christ on the cross is the means by which sinners can be brought into a right
relationship with God. Christ. as Man, willingly bore the punishment of sinners in their place (Is. 53:5,
6), and, as God. sufficiently paid the penalty for sin.
Attributes of God – These characteristics or qualities of God include His eternality, self-existence,
omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, etc.
Autograph – This refers to the original manuscfipt of a book of the Bible.
–B–
B.C.E.; C.E – Abbreviations for “Before the Common Era” and “Common Era,” used as non-theological
replacements for B.C. and A.D.
Basileia – The Greek word basilei/a means “kingdom.”
Baptism – The immersion in water of one who trusts Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. This immersion
in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) or of the Trinnity (Matt. 28:19) neither saves nor contributes to
salvation in any way. Whereas only faith is essential for salvation (John 3:36), Christ commanded that
those who become His disciples should be baptized (Matt. 28:19), making baptism essential to
obedience. This witness to salvation is testimony of the believer’s obedience to the command of Christ.
Only immersion fulfills the symbolism: (1) pointing back in history to the death, burial, and resurrection
of Christ; (2) emphasizing the present in showing the believer’s death to sin and resurrection to union
with and new life in Christ; and (3) looking to the resurrection of the body when Christ comes again (See
Rom. 6:3-5. The term is also used in reference to the coming of the Holy Spirit into the life of unbeliever
at the point of regeneration (1 Cor. 12:13).
Baptists – Members of a Christian denomination who profess a personal religion based on the principle of
religious liberty stressing the total separation of church and state; also baptism by immersion as a
profession of Faith, the Spiritual rebirth, and the acceptance of Christ as personal Saviour. With no
official creed and no hierarchy, individual churches are autonomous. Historically, they have roots in the
first century AD with the early Christian churches. Modern Baptist have developed, mostly, from the
Reformation Anabaptists, but there can be a case made that Baptist have their start in the ministry of
Christ (Matt. 16:18). They continue to practice baptism of believers only through immersion. Insisting
on freedom of thought and expression, they developed a democratic government. The Baptist World

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 Alliance, an advisory group, convenes every five years. Baptists comprise one-third of Non-Catholics
in the United States.
Bema – This Greek term is used in Rom. 14:10 and 2 Cor. 5:10 concerning the judgment of Christians. In
many Greek and Roman cities the bema was a prominent judicial landmark where awards were given
and justice was administered.
Berith – The Hebrew word berith means “covenant.”
Bible – From the Greek biblios or “little books” (papyrus rolls at first, later in codex form). The “Bible” is
a compilation of canonized hooks.
Biblical Theology – Biblical theology is the discipline which traces the organic self-revelation of God
through the history of Special revelation. (See Theology)
Bishop – The New Testament word, a translation of episkopos, is used interchangeably with the words
translated “elder” and “pastor.” It portrays the pastor in his function of being an “overseer” of God’s
work.
Blasphemy – This refers to an insult to the honor of God directly or to one of His representatives. The term
is also used in a weaker sense to refer to any verbal abuse.
–C–
Calvinism – A system of soteriology developed from the teachings of John Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564). This
theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God in predestinating and electing some to salvation, based
solely upon God’s free and unmerited grace. In Christian theology, the label attached to proponents of
the major views taught by John Calvin, especially relating to God’s sovereignty and human freedom, and
usually incorporating the Calvinist “TULIP” -- T = Total depravity, U = Unconditional election, L =
Limited (or definite) atonement, I = Irresistible grace, and P = Perseverence of the saints (eternal
security). His teachings have remained foundational in the reformed church over the ages. In 1619 the
Synod of Dordtrecht systematized his teachings on soteriology in response to the remonstrance of James
Harmenz (Latin Arminius). Since then, Calvinism has been identified with the five creedal doctrines
which the Synod of Dort laid out. (See Arianism).
Compatibilism – One of the views within determinism that seeks to reconcile God’s sovereignty and human
“free” will and moral responsibility by adopting a view of circumstantial freedom of self-realization.
Canon – From the Greek kanon, which means something made of reeds or something straight like reeds.
It came to be used as an authoritative list. In the Christian church it was used as a list of regulations,
hence “canon law”; as a list of clergy or saints, hence “canonize”; and as a list of books to be read in the
churches, hence “canon of the New Testament”, and “canon of the Old Testament.”
Carnal – This word, used theologically, refers to the sin nature. A carnal Christian is one is who more
attentive to physical life and its temporary allurements and satisfactions than he is to the spiritual life
of the Lord.
Catechism – Catechism is a derivative of the Latin word chatechismus meaning a handbook of questions
and answers. To catechize is to teach or instruct using the repetition of questions and answers.
Catholic – From the Latin catholicus, “universal” or “general.” It is used in connection with the later letters
in the New Testament, the “Catholic Epistles,” because they are addressed to the church at large rather
than to individuals or separate churches. It is then used of the church as a whole as distinct from one
particular part of the church, e.g., the “catholic church” as distinct from the “Syrian church.” In
discussing the period after the Reformation it distinguishes the Roman Catholic church from the
Protestant churches. In the last context it is always capitalized, “Catholic.”
Charismata – Abilities given to each believer by God according to God’s own will for the building up of
the body of Christ, the church, are identified as charismata (Gk.), “grace gifts,” or pneumatikon (Gk.),
“spiritual gifts.”
Christian – A person who has put his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice to save him
from the guilt and penalty (hell) of sin (Acts 16:29-31; Rom. 10:9).

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Christology – The doctrine concerning the Person and work of Christ.From the Greek Christos, “anointed”
and logos, “word” or “teaching.” The critical, philosophical, or historical study of Christ; the response
to Christ. Christology is the study of the Messiah. Traditionally this deals with the science of Christ’s
incarnation, seeking to understand the relationship between the divine and human nature of Christ. As
a theological discipline, Christology is that study of the Messianic content of a passage of Scripture.
Christophany – When such an appearance of Jesus before His incarnation occurs in the O.T., He is often
called “the Angel of the LORD. An appearance of Christ after resurrection, especially as recorded in the
Gospels and the Acts.
Church – The local body of believers who have borne witness to that belief through baptism and who have
covenanted together in fellowship for evangelism, edification, and the observance of the ordinances.
Every believer belongs to the body of Christ, which is sometimes called the universal church, i.e., the
whole company of the redeemed. While a number of New Testament references refer to the universal
church (e.g.. Eph. 1:22, 23), most refer to the local church.
Codex – Ancient book or unbound sheets in manuscript, distinguished from scroll.
Coram Deo – Latin, literally: “in the presence of God.”
Commentary – A discussion of one or more books of the Bible that treats linguistic, literary, formal,
historical, religious and theological meanings one unit at a time. Generally an introduction discusses the
book as a whole.
Communion – Another term for the Lord’s Supper.
Confession – (1) The act of concurring with God about the presence and nature of sin in one’s life. When
the believer confesses his sin to God, he receives forgiveness (I John 1:9). (2) A statement by an
individual, a church, or a group of churches, showing in a formal way the nature of their doctrinal
commitment.
Congregationalism – The system of church government in which each local church is autonomous,
governing itself through democratic processes seeking to determine corporately the direction of the Holy
Spirit.
Conscience – The moral faculty in man whereby he attempts to differentiate between right and wrong. At
times, conscience may be deceptive and misleading. Only the Bible is a certain guide to right and wrong.
Conservative – The theological position which recognizes the full truth and authority of the Bible in all
matters of faith and practice and in so doing emphasizes the preservation of the essential doctrines of
Christianity. (See Liberalism)
Corporate Personality – Corporate personality is the doctrine of collective identity of the church or the
people of God within the covenant . In other words, being joined to Christ is induction into the
membership in Christ’s body and no longer does one find his identity in himself apart from the body;
but as a part of the body, his existence serves the church. It is the church for whom Christ died, and He
died for individuals as they are part of that body. The doctrine of corporate personality is provisional and
eschatological. God’s covenant dealings with His people are always corporate and collective. The
biblical language describing God’s covenant people likewise is always collective.
Cosmonogy – Cosmonogy is derived from the two Greek words cosmos meaning “order” or “universe” and
gonos the base of gign = gignesthai meaning “to produce.” Cosmonogy is the origin or generation of
the universe; or the account of the creation of the cosmos.
Cosmology – Cosmology is derived from the two Greek words cosmos meaning “universe” or “order” and
logos meaning “word.” Cosmology is the study of the universe, (or cosmos). This study encompasses
not only the physical, but the metaphysical means by which God governs and sustains creation.
Cosmology therefore deals with time, and seeks to understand the Creator’s relationship with His
creation, from the beginning, to the end of time.
Covenant – An agreement between two parties. The agreement, according to Ancient Near East custom,
consists of five parts: 1) Identification of parties, 2) Historical prologue where the deeds establishing the

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 worthiness of the dominant party is established, 3) Conditions of the agreement, 4) Rewards and
punishments in regard to keeping the conditions, and 5) Disposition of the documents where each party
receives a copy of the agreement (e.g. the two tablets of stone of the 10 Commandments). Ultimately,
the covenants God has made with man result in our benefit. We receive eternal blessings from the
covenant of grace. (For further study see Gen. 2:16, 17; 9:1-17; 15:18; 26:3-5; Gal. 3:16-18; Luke 1:68-
79; Heb. 13:20).
The Bible speaks of five specific covenants. These are entered into my the adherents and the maker
of the covenants. These covenants are in some state of completion :
(1) Noah’s covenant (Gen. 8). God gave the rainbow to symbolize his covenant with Noah and His
promise never again to destroy the world with water.
(2) Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 12:1-3,7; 13:14-18; 15:1-21). God promised to bless Abraham and
his nation and the entire world through his Seed. Jesus Christ is Abraham’s Son and inherits
these blessings and bestows them upon those who believe (Matt. 1:1; Gal. 3:6-29). The national,
physical aspects of Abraham’s covenant will yet be fulfilled to the nation Israel (Jer. 30-33).
(3) Mosaic covenant (Ex. 19-24). This is also called the Old Covenant (Testament), or the Law of
Moses. The Mosaic covenant was a system of law God gave to Israel on Mt. Sinai. The purpose
of this law was to prepare Israel and the world for the Savior.
(4) Davidic covenant (2 Sam. 7:12-17). The Davidic covenant is an extension of the covenant God
made with Abraham. In the Davidic covenant God reaffirmed and detailed the kingdom aspect
of the Abrahamic covenant.
(5) New Covenant (Jer. 31-33; Heb. 8:7-13; 10:9-22). This is God’s promise to give free blessing
to men through Jesus Christ. It was given to the nation Israel (Je. 31-34), but Christians also
share in the spiritual aspects of the New covenant through Christ (Heb. 8:7-13). The New
covenant with Israel promises that God will restore them to their promised land and give them
a new heart to obey Him. This will happen when Jesus returns from Heaven (Rom. 11:25-27;
Zec. 13-14).
Covenant Code – A title given to the self-contained body of laws and traditions found in Exodus 20-24.
Covenant-Redemptive – The hermeneutical approach is based on the presupposition that God works
through progressive covenants which reflect His eternal covenant nature and purpose of redemption.
(See Covenant)
Covenant Theology – A system of theology that views God’s dealings with man in respect of covenants
rather than dispensations (periods of time). It represents the whole of scripture as covenantal in structure
and theme. Some believe there is one Covenant and others believe two and still others believe in more.
The two main covenants are the covenant of works in the O.T. made between God and Adam, and the
Covenant of Grace between the Father and the Son where the Father promised to give the Son the elect
and the Son must redeem them. Some consider these to be one and the same. The covenants have been
made since before the world was made (Heb. 13:20). (See Covenant; Dispensationism) (See also outside
this document “The Sum of Saving Knowledge”)
Creation – The act of God whereby He brought all things into existence. (Gen.1:1; John 1:1-4) The
“creation”includes everything that exists except God himself. This includes material as well as
immaterial things and time. God is the creator, (Heb. 11:3) we are the creatures. The creator/creature
distinction must be maintained to properly remain in humble relationship with God. We are not God,
cannot create, nor can we help ourselves do good in order to be saved. Only God is God. Only He can
create. And, only He has the ability to save man. (Acts 4:12)
Creed – A statement of faith which is binding upon a given religious body.
Criticism – In biblical studies, criticism refers to efforts to subject a biblical passage, or the Bible as a
whole, to various questions, tests, and/or interpretive methodologies in order to establish a firm
understanding of its content and meaning. Lower or textual criticism is concerned with the precise

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 wording of the original text as written by the authors of Scripture. Higher or historical criticism is
concerned with the historical circumstances and literary characteristics of a passage. There are many
types of higher criticism (e.g. form criticism, redaction criticism, source criticism, structural criticism,
literary criticism). Traditionally historical criticism has been carried out from the standpoint of
presuppositions which deny the utter truthfulness of Scripture, and thus it has been destructive and
hurtful. The use of critical methodologies for biblical study does not require such presuppositions.
Cult – A religious group which denies at least some of the fundamental truths of the gospel. The doctrines
of Christ and salvation are almost always perverted, and an extrabiblical source of authority utilized. The
term is usually reserved for groups founded after 1750.
–D–
Davidic Covenant – The everlasting kingship covenant God made with David and his Seed in 2 Samuel
7. (See Covenant)
Deacon – One set apart by the church to take care of certain matters in order that the elders might
concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the Word. Acts 6:1-7 appears to record the appointment of the
first deacons; 1 Tim.3: 8-13 states the qualifications for being a deacon. The word is derived from a
Greek word (diakonia) meaning “servant.”
Dead Sea Scrolls – This collection of Jewish writings on papyrus and parchment scrolls and fragments
written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, discovered in 1947 and later, in a group of caves near the
northwest corner of the Dead Sea is often called the Qumran Scrolls because of the proximity of the
caves to the community of Qumran. These were an order of Jews calld Essenes who occupied a nearby
monastic complex now called Khirbet Qumran. The writings date from 150 B.C. to A.D. 100. (See
Essenes)
Decalogue – The Ten Commandments as recorded in Ex. 20 and Deut. 5.
Deism – This non-Christian rationalistic view affirms a creator-God but denies the involvement of God in
the affairs of the world, and thus ultimately denies the possibility of any special revelation from God.
Deity – The essential nature of the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and of no other.
Demons – Fallen angels who serve the devil.
Depravity – A reference to the corruption of man’s nature as a result of sin. The fall has so affected man
that the totality of his nature - understanding, emotions, will, body - is warped by sin (total depravity),
and all his actions are tainted by sin so that he is incapable of doing anything good in any ultimate sense
(Is. 64:6). This condition of his moral nature makes it not only possible but also certain that man will
sin (Ps. 51:5; Jer. 17:9). In Christian theology, the doctrine that an agent (human, angel, or demon) is
completely unable to rise above or act against his sinful nature without direct intervention by God.
Determinism – Generally, the doctrine that every fact in the universe is guided entirely by law (in Christian
theology, by God’s law). All facts in the universe are dependent upon and conditioned by their causes.
“Soft” determinism removes the ultimate cause from the immediate cause of a fact; “hard” determinism
describes every fact as directly caused by law.
Devil – The devil is the angel who led a rebellion against God (Is. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:1217), that malignant
spirit, evil to the core of his being, the instigator of all sin. He is the ruler of this world (John 14:30), the
father of lies (John 8:44), the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10), a roaring lion seeking whom he may
devour (1 Pet. 5:8). His power was broken by Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection from the grave
(Col. 2:15). His doom has been prophetically sealed (1 Cor. 15:25). The devil has purposed to encourage
doubt about God, to discredit God’s Word, and to attempt to direct the whole world to destruction (See
Rev. 12:9; 20:2).
Deuteronomy (D) – All or part of a scroll found during a reform of the temple carried out by Josiah in 620
B.C., Deuteronomy is one of the four strata comprising the Torah (Pentateuch).
Dialectic – (formerly logic) Question and answer method of arriving at logical points.
Diatheke – The Greek word diatheke means “covenant.”

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Didactics – Didactics is derived from the Greek word didaktikos meaning “apt to teach.” Didactics is the
art of science of teaching; pedagogy.
Didache – The word means doctrine and refers to a short Christian manual by an unknown author of the first
or second century on morals and church practice. Rediscovered in 1875.
Dispensation – A historical age or cosmos, in which God provides the environment through which men
relate with Him, and His righteousness and love. The Old Testament is best interpreted as the history
foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah. In Old Testament days, the giving of the Law through Moses
marked a change in the way God governed the lives of His people. Because the history before Christ
could not perfectly represent God to men, God’s people belonged to a burdensome age looking forward
to the one who could mediate the promises of God, and could uphold their obligations to God. The New
Testament. era, or church age, following the coming of Christ, the new covenant, Pentecost, and the
giving of the New Testament, is clearly distinct from what preceded it. Following the coming of Christ,
we now experience an age where the promises of God have been realized historically in Jesus Christ,
and historically belong to all those who believe in His name and eagerly await His return. The
Millennium, with the presence of the glorified Christ on the earth will be different again. Such distinct
periods are termed dispensations.
Dispensationalism – This system of biblical interpretation and theology, strongly based upon the idea of
dispensations within the revelation of God (See Dispensation), is primarily known for its literal
interpretation of Scripture, a distinction between Israel and the church, and a pre-tribulation, pre-
millennial eschatology.
The word is found in I Corinthians 9:17, Ephesians 1:10, Ephesians 3:2, and in Colossians 1:25. A
dispensation is basically a period of time in which God DISPENSES to man (or to nations) certain
responsibilities, and He rewards or judges man for fulfilling or not fulfilling his responsibilities.
According to the system od Dispensationalism; there are seven major dispensations in the Bible, and
each has a different set of responsibilities for man to fulfill. Each of the seven also ends with failure and
judgment. The seven are as follows:
Innocence – from Adam's creation to Adam's fall.
Conscience – from the fall of Adam to the Flood.
Human Government – from the Flood to the Tower of Babel.
Family (Promise) – from Abraham to Moses.
Law – from Moses to Christ at Calvary.
Grace – from Calvary to the Second Coming.
Righteousness – the 1000 year kingdom of Christ.
The study of dispensations is a matter of "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). Major
confusion and heresy can erupt when dispensational divisions are ignored. For example, no one can
please God today by keeping the law of Moses, because Jesus Christ is the END of the law for everyone
who believes (Rom. 10:4; John 19:30; Col. 2:14). A definite division must be made between Law and
Grace, and this same rule applies to all dispensations. (See Covenant Theology)
Docetism – This heretical view, which arose very early in church history, taught that Jesus was not
genuinely a man but only appeared to be.
Doctrine – Doctrine is derived from the Latin word doctrina meaning “teachings.” Something taught as a
the principle or creed of a religion.
Dogmatics – Dogma (Greek dogma, literally “decree”) is a doctrine of practice or a body of doctrines
formally and authoritatively affirmed (Not necessarily, but oftn man made teaching). Dogmatics is the
study of religious dogmas.
Doxology – From the Greek doxologia, “a praising.” The act of praising God. In New Testament studies
specifically used in connection with formal praises of God to be found in prayers, letters, and church
liturgy.

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Dualism – Christianity rejects this view that there are two fundamental but opposing realities in the
universe, i.e., good and evil, asserting instead that God is sovereign and that He alone is the ultimate
source of reality.
–E–
Ecclesia – The Greek word ecclesia means “church” or “assembly.” A church, either the body of members
or the building.
Ecclesiology – Ecclesiology is derived from the two Greek words ecclesia meaning “assembly” or “church”
and logos meaning “word.” The doctrine of the nature and ministry of the church.
Ecumenical – Ecumenism from the Greek oikou, derives from the Greek words oikos meaning “house” and
meno meaning “to remain.” In general ecumenical means simply “universal.” In religious terms,
ecumenical refers to the Christian church as a whole. The “Ecumenical Movement” seeks to unite all
Christian denominations, though at the expense of a firm commitment to biblical doctrine. The World
Council of Churches, established in 1948, is perhaps the primary focal point and channel of
ecumenicism. Ecumenism is the doctrine of the universal (holy catholic) church.
El; Elyon – A Canaanite word for “god” and also the name of the fattier of the Canaanite pantheon, El Eyon
was his designation in Canaanite Jerusalem, but he came to be identified with Yahweh when David made
Jerusalem his city.
Elder – Synonymous with “bishop” (Titus 1:5-7 Acts 20:17, 28) and “pastor” (1 Pet. 5:1-4). The elders,
whose qualifications are given in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:9, rule, i.e., lead the local church. Some elders
worked full-time in preaching and teaching (1 Tim. 5.17). Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every
church (Acts. 14:23). (See Bishop)
Election – God’s act, before the foundation of the world, of choosing individuals for His divine purposes.
This action is based upon God’s foreknowledge and expresses His action as consequent to His purpose
(Rom. 8:29; 9:11; Eph. 1:4, 5).
Elohim – The Hebrew word for “god,” used both of gods in general and of Yahweh, the God of Israel, in
particular.
Episcopacy – This church government is by bishops who are thought of as being on a level above pastors
or elders and thus having charge over a diocese rather than a local church. This system developed early
after the apostolic period but is foreign to the N.T.
Epiphany – A sudden, usually dramatic appearance of a deity, often accompanied by unusual events in
nature (Exodus 19 and 24; Isaiah 6; Ezekiel 1).
Epistemology – Epistemology is derived from the two Greek words epistemon meaning “understanding”
and logos meaning “word.” Epistemology is the science of knowledge. Epistemology seeks to find the
true assumptions that account for reality. Biblical epistemology acknowledges that apart from God’s
personal self-revelation in His word and by His Spirit, no man can make right judgments about God,
himself, or any of God’s creation.
Eschatology – Eschatology is derived from the two Greek words eschatos meaning “final” or “last” and
logos meaning “word.” Formally, eschatology means “the study of the last things”. In a broad sense,
eschatology seeks to understand the relationship between the eternal decisions or decrees of God through
time, which were made before time, and were revealed to us at the fullness of time in Jesus Christ. In
a corporate sense, eschatology is catagorized by those who are in Christ, clothed with His righteousness
and obedience, and those who are in Adam, clothed in his wickedness and disobedience. Eschatology
concerns itself with the judgement confirming righteousness, and the judgement condemning
wickedness. The doctrine of last things or the events which are awaiting a future fulfillment.
Essenes – An ascetic Jewish community, most of which was located north of En Gedi near the Dead Sea.
From this community or other similar groups came the scrolls of Qumran, which are known today as the
Dead Sea Scrolls. (See Dead Sea Scrolls)
Eternal Security – The view that genuinely regenerate believers are divinely secure in their salvation and

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 thus will never lose it. (See Perseverance of the Saints)
Etymology – Etymology is derived from the Greek word etymon meaning “a sense” and logos meaning
“word.” Etymology is the study of the original meaning and development of a word tracing its meaning
back as far as possible.
Evangelical – The theological position which affirms the fundamental doctrines of Christianity. These
doctrines include the sole authority, the verbal inspiration, and the inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures; the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as a Triunity, three Persons but one God, the Person of Christ as full
deity and full humanity; His virgin conception, His substitutionary atonement, His death, bodily
resurrection, and visible return; justification through faith by grace alone; the eternal security of the
believer resulting ultimately in a home in heaven and the eternal punishment of the unconverted in hell.
Evangelism – The presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the unconverted. This task of leading others
to trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior should be a priority of every Christian.
Evangelist – From the Greek euangelion, “good news.” The word means “one who preaches the gospel.”
Though the New Testament sees every Christian as an evangelist, it also recognizes a specific gift of
evangelism to some within the church (Eph. 4:11). These “evangelists” were probably those who went
into pagan territories, led men and women to Christ, and established churches. Sometimes it refers, in
the New Testament studies, the author of one of the Gospels.
Exegesis – Exegesis is derived from the Greek word exegesis, and means simply “interpretation”
(“explanation”). Exegesis is a historical discipline that attempts to ascertain the meaning of a text by
seeking the intent of the author/speaker and the likely impact of this intention on the reader/hearer. As
a theological discipline, exegesis is the study, including critical anaylisis, of a passage of Scripture in
order to derive the authorial intent of the relevant word of truth for God’s people. Once the original
intent and impact of a text have been determined as fully as possible, other meanings assigned to the text
by later readers are often considered as well. This is to be distinguished from the error of eisegesis, i.e.,
reading a meaning into the text. Exegetical preaching, then, deals with the verse-by-verse explanation
of a text. (See Hermeneutics)
Existentialism – A philosophy adopted by some theologians emphasizing subjective experience as opposed
to historically objective truths, thus an encounter with God at the expense of the authority of the Bible.
More specifically, existentialism is the philosophical cult of nihilism, that is that each man exists as an
individual in a purposeless universe, and that he must oppose this hostile environment through the
exercise of his free will. As a whole, it results in the distortion of biblical truth. It plays down the
importance of history in order to magnify the importance of present experience.
Expiation – The removal or cancellation of sin or guilt. Though this is part of the New Testament idea of
atonement, this term is not an adequate translation for the word (hilasmos, Gk.) which the KJV
accurately translates as “propitiation” (Rom. 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).
External Evidence – Evidence which is outside or independent of a particular book under study. For
example, this could come from other biblical books, early church fathers, or later copies of the book in
question. (See Internal Evidence)
–F–
Faith – Several meanings appear in the New Testament for this word: (1) an intellectual acceptance of
spiritual truths (James 2:19); (2) the fundamental doctrinal content of Christianity (Jude 3); (3) saving
faith, which rejects all confidence in human effort and instead relies upon Jesus Christ alone to give to
the sinner a right relationship with God (Phil. 3:2-9). Scripture speaks of the second meaning as
unchanging and the third as an ongoing process.
Fall – The first sin of Adam and Eve. with its effects on all their descendants (Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12-21). (See
Depravity)
Federalism – Federalism is derived from the Latin word foederis, meaning “by contract or treaty.”
Federalism was a term used by previous generations of reformed scholars to refer to the doctrine of the

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 covenant.
Foreknowledge – God’s act of predestination is preceded by His foreknowledge (Rom. 8:29). This means
that He chooses those whom He knows beforehand. The main views have been three: (1) “know” is here
used in the Hebrew sense, with the meaning “come into a loving relationship with”; (2) God chooses
those whom He knows will come to faith (3) God chooses those whom He knows will cooperate with
the Holy Spirit as He draws them to Christ.
Foreordination – God’s eternal determination of all that comes to pass, which is in such a way that He is
not the author of sin, nor does He violate the will of His creatures or take from them their responsibility
for what they do.
Former Prophets – The traditional name for the section of the Old Testament composed of Joshua, Judges,
1 and 2 Samuel, and I and 2 Kings.
Fortune-telling – (See Spiritualism)
Free Agency – A person’s freedom of choice and action, from which his decisions and behaviar reflect and
express his inner character rather than being imposed upon him from outside himself.
Free Will – A term frequently used for man’s moral responsibility or free agency, which is the better term.
A man is free to act in accordance with his own nature, and he is responsible as he does so.
Free Will Theism – Generally, the view within Christian theology affirming that agents created by God are
endowed with the ability and inclination to make choices, commitments, decisions, etc. without being
bound to do so by God. Specifically, the view within the general view that God grants such freedom and
consequently God can only know what is present or past, but not what is conditionally future.
Freedom – The autonomy or self-determination of rational beings.
Fundamentalism – Insistence upon the fundamentals, i.e., the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. (See
Evangelical)
–G–
Gehenna – Hell. This Hebrew term means “the Valley of Hinnom.” The Jews believed that the last
judgment would take place in this valley. As a place for the disposal of refuse, it provided an ideal
analogy to describe the place of eternal judgment.
Ginosko – The Greek word ginosko means “to know” and carries connotations of personal covenant
knowledge; even marital, one-flesh intimacy. (See Gnosticism)
Glorification – The final act of God in salvation, in which the physical bodies of justified men are raised
and transformed into the likeness of the resurrected body of Jesus (Rom. 8:30). Though these bodies will
have reality, they will not suffer the limitations of the present spatiotemporal continuum.
Gnosticism – From the Greek gnosis meaning “knowledge.” A prevalent belief in the first century in which
the adherents held a dualistic view of the world. Believing they had secret knowledge imparted by Jesus,
they considered themselves to be part of the spiritual realm. The Gnostics, associating the Old Testament
and its work with the evil creator, denied its authority, accepting only selected writings of the New
Testament. (See Ginosko)
Gospel – From the Middle English godspell, “good spell,” i.e., “good news.” It translated Greek euangelion
“good news.” Originally, it referred to the good news of what God had done in Christ, then to tile literary
form created to narrate and proclaim the event.
Grammatico-Historical – The hermeneutical approach which is aimed at descrying the intent of the human
authors of a text to their immediate audience. That intent, grammatico-historians insist, is the sole intent
of God for all generations of readers in that passage.
–H–
Hades – The New Testament equivalent of she<ol (Heb.), the place of the dead. As in Jewish thought after
the Old Testament was written, the idea is present that there are two divisions of Hades in which the
righteous and the wicked receive a foretaste of their eternal state. It is usually inaccurate to translate
Hades as “hell.”

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Haggadah – Narratives dating from the first centuries A.D. that supplement and illustrate the Torah.
Halakah – Rules and legal interpretations dating from the first centuries A.D. that apply the Torah to the
lives of Jewish individuals and communities.
Hamartiology – The doctrine of sin and its consequences.
Heaven(s) – (1) The space which contains the sun and other “heavenly bodies” (Ps. 19:1-6). (2) The spiritual
realm (Eph. 6:12). (3) The present dwelling place of God and His angels (Matt. 7:21, Mark 13:32). (4)
The Jews often said “heaven” in order to avoid saying “God” (Luke 15:18). (5) The final state of the
believer will be in the Holy City, i.e., New Jerusalem, which is seen coming down out of (the new)
heaven (Rev. 21:1, 10).
Hebrew Bible – The scriptures written in the Semitic language of the ancient Hebrews. (See Septuagint,
LXX).
Heilsgeschichte – German; literally “sacred history.” (See Redemptive-history)
Hell – The final state of the wicked. The language used in the New Testament about hell shows it tube a
state of unending, conscious torment (Matt. 25:46: Mark 9:47. 48).
Hellenism – (adjective: Hellenistic) From the Greek Hellenismos, “imitation of the Greeks,” the culture that
developed in the world conquered by Alexander the Great as that world adopted the Greek language and
imitated Greek ways.
Heresy – A teaching which denies one or more doctrines essential to the existence of the gospel. Such
essential doctrines include the sole authority of Scripture, the Triunity of God, the full deity and full
humanity of the Savior, the substitutionary atonement, Christ’s bodily resurrection, and justification
through faith alone. (See Evangelical)
Hermeneutics – Hermeneutics is a technical term derived from the Greek hermeneutiko meaning “the
science of interpretation,” This science of biblical interpretation involves the establishment and
recognition of principles which govern the practice of exegesis. In biblical terms “especially the branch
of theology dealing with the principles of exegesis.” The science of understanding a message or complete
thought, especially that which is communicated through written text. In other words, hermeneutics seeks
to know how to interpret the actual intended conveyence of a message. A term denoting application of
the rules and principles used in interpreting ancient texts to a new and different setting; for example,
applying the oracles of Isaiah of Jerusalern, originally addressed to the people of Jerusalem in the eighth
century B.C., to modern Americans. (See Exegesis)
Hexateuch – The first six books of the O.T.; Genesis through Joshua.
Higher Criticism – (See Criticism)
Historical Criticism – Studying a text in the context of its time and place of authorship; seeking also to
understand the persons, dates, and events mentioned in the text and the history surrounding them.
Homiletics – Homiletics is derived from the Greek word homiletikos which means “conversation.” More
specifically, homiletics deals with the art of writing or delivering sermons as a means of communication
of God’s truth to His church.
Hypostatic Union – The substantial union of the divine and human natures in the one person of Jesus
Christ. This was formally accepted at Chalcedon in A.D. 451.
–I–
Illumination – The act of the Holy Spirit in which He enables men truly to understand and respond to
spiritual truths (2 Cor. 4:4, 6). Without this, man cannot receive spiritual truth (1 Cor. 2:14).
Imago Dei – Imago Dei is Latin for image of God.
Immutable – An attribute of God meaning “unchangeable” with reference to His character and essence.
Imputation – This has special reference to a believer’s justification, which is possible only when and
because God credits or transfers, i.e., imputes, the righteousness of Christ to the trusting sinner whose
sin has been transferred or imputed to Christ at His death on the cross.
Incarnation – Literally, the word means “in flesh,” and it refers to the coming of the eternal Son of God.

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 Jesus, in the flesh of man through His birth in Bethlehem.
Indeterminism – The theory that volitional decisions are in certain cases independent of antecedent
physiological and psychological causation.
Inerrancy – The quality of freedom from error which is possessed by the Bible. This applies to all that it
affirms, including statements on history and science as well as those on morals and theology. The nature
of the Bible, as consisting of God-breathed words (2 Tim. 3:16), ensures this accuracy. (See Infallibility)
Infallibility – The quality of never misleading or deceiving. The Bible possesses this quality because it is
inspired by God, who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). (See Inerrancy)
Infralapsarianism – The view within Calvinism that places God’s decrees chronologically or logically after
Adam’s fall in the Garden rather than before. Concerning the order of the divine decrees before creation
infralapsarianism is the belief that God decreed to redeem mankind after God decreed the fall of
mankind. Thus the fall brought about a proliferation of human life on the earth, all those whom God had
not elected. (SeSeupralapsarianism)
Inspiration – The process by which the Bible was produced. Second Timothy 3:16 speaks of the Scriptures
as theooneustos (Gk.), i.e., “breathed out by God.” In view of this origin of the Scriptures, they are the
believer’s sole guide to faith and practice. Though the Bible says little about how this process was
carried out, it continually affirms the fact.
Internal Evidence – Evidence from within a particular book under study includes the claims of a book
about itself, together with stylistic and doctrinal considerations. (See External Evidence)
Interpretive Maximalism – (see Maximalism)
Irrestistible Grace – The fourth tenet of Calvinism, the doctrine of irresistible grace teaches that all those
for whom Christ died are those in whom the Holy Spirit works regeneration, and that the Holy Spirit’s
working is irresistible, that is no human being who is engaged by the Holy Spirit rejects His working.
–J–
Justification – The experience of a guilty sinner receiving the position of righteousness before God.
Scripture is very clear that this is possible only on the basis of the individual’s personal faith in the work
of Christ.
–K–
Kenosis – A reference to the “emptying” of the Son in the incarnation (Phil. 2:7). Biblically it entails the
temporary and voluntary surrender of the exercise of certain divine attfibutes by the Son of God while
He was on the earth.
Kerygma – The Greek word for proclamation. It is used to denote the preaching, proclamation, or central
message of the New Testament as a whole or of any part of it, and similarly of the church as a whole or
of any part of it.
Kingdom – The kingly reign of Jesus Christ. This rule, which was initiated during His earthly ministry
(Matt. 12:28), continues as He reigns from the Father’s fight hand during the present age (Acts 2:33-36)
and climaxes in His thousand-year earthly reign after His return (Matt. 16:28; 25:31-34), after which the
Son, having completed His kingly task, will hand over the kingdom to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24, 25).
Koine – The Greek word for “common.” It describes the form of Greek which became the lingua franca,
the common language, of the Hellenistic world.
–L–
Latter Prophets – The traditional name for the section of the Old Testament consisting of Isaiah, Jeremiah,
Ezekiel, and the twelve “Minor Prophets” which follow the Book of Daniel.
Law – The first traditional division of the Old Testament (towrah, Heb.), the other two being the Writings
and the Prophets. It contains the five books of Moses (Luke 24:44; Acts 13:15).
Legalism – An insistence upon the observation of human regulations, as if one’s fellowship with God were
dependent upon that observation. In New Testament times, another form of legalism insisted upon the
observation of Old Testament rules and ceremony which had been fulfilled in Christ and thus were no

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 longer binding upon the Christian. The letter to the Galatians was written to attack legalism and assert
Christian freedom.
Lexicon – A dictionary defining the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words found in the Bible. Unlike a
concordance, a lexicon is designed for those who wish to read the Bible in the original languages.
Liberalism – A theological attitude which enthrones human reason as the ultimate authority instead of the
Bible. This view ignores the effect of the Fall on the mind. Liberal theologians vary in their conclusions
and generally deny or redefine some or all of the essential doctrines of Christianity. (See Conservative)
Libertarian Freedom – Another label for a freewill theist, especially one who affirms not only God’s
knowledge of present and past, but also his knowledge of the future.
Limited Atonement – (see Particular Atonement)
LXX – The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament The “LXX” abbreviation is used
because of the apocryphal story that approximately seventy scholars made the translation. (See
Septuagint)
–M–
Major Prophets – The books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, a descriptive term based solely on the length
of these records.
Maranatha – An Aramaic word, usually translated in the imperative, “O Lord, come.” Its use by St. Paul
reflects the strong eschatological hopes of the early Church.
Mariolatry – The worship and veneration of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Masoretic Text – About A.D. 500, a group of Hebrew scholars named the Masoretes added critical
annotations to the margin of the Hebrew Old Testament and developed a system for recording the vowels
in what had previously been a consonantal text. Th Masoretes gave fixed form to the Hebrew text in the
seventh through the ninth centuries A.D. and stands as the standard text today. This work became known
as the Masoretic Text.
Maximalism – Maximalism in literature is the scheme in which the author invests each character, image,
section, and chapter of the narrative with a reflection of the entire plotline of the story. When we speak
of interpretive maximalism with reference to Scripture we mean that principle of hermeneutics by which
we recognize that the Author of Scripture has invested reflections of his plan of redemption in each of
the many characters, passages, themes, and sections of the Bible; and thus we recognize God’s
sovereignty and gracious self-revelation. Interpretive maximalism is a difficult chore, because a thorough
understanding of the plot-line is pre-requisite. Thus, any error in one’s understanding of the plot-line is
multiplied exponentially in each sub-section.
Metanoia – In Greek, “to change one’s mind.” A fundamental transformation of mind or character, a
spiritual conversion. (See Repentance)
Methodists – A Protestant denomination that was originally a reform movement within the Church of
England. Initiated by Charles and John Wesley, George Whitefield, and others in the late 1720s at
Oxford. In 1738 there were public meetings held outside by Whitefield because the English church
reflised to allow him to speak in its churches. After John Wesley joined these meetings, a new movement
was formed, which was at first spread by traveling preachers. After spreading to Ireland and Scotland,
Methodism was brought to North America by lay assistants and then later by appointed ministers, two
being the famous Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury.
Theologically, Methodism is anti-Calvinist, in that it supports free will, although much of the focus
in Methodism is away from theology and concentrated on direct experience of God. The church is now
worldwide and is one of the largest Protestant churches in the United States.
Midrash – A Hebrew term, based on a word meaning “to search out,” that is applied to commentary or
interpretations of units of scripture. Collections of such interpretations are often called Midrashim,
especially collections of Halakah and Haggadah.
Midtribulationism – Some premillennialists believe that the taking away of the church will take place at

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 the midpoint of the Great Tribulation, before the most awesome aspect of the Tribulation period begins.
Millennium – This Latin word means “thousand years.” It is used for the thousand-year reign of Christ
spoken of in Rev. 20:1-6, in which prophecies like Is. 2:2-4; 11:6-9; and Rom. 8:19-23 will be fulfilled.
Minor Prophets – Prophetic books that were brief enough to be placed all together on one scroll: I Hosea,
Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.
Mishnah – A collection of Pharisaic oral interpretations (Halakah) of the Torah that was formed and put
into writing under Judah the Patriarch around 200 A.D.
Modalism – One of the three basic errors (See Subordinationism” and “Tritheism”) into which men have
frequently fallen with reference to the doctrine of God. Modalism maintains that there is one God who
manifests Himself successively as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit but who is not contemporaneously all
three.
Monotheism – Belief in only one God.
Mosaic Covenant – (See Covenant; Sinaitic Covenant)
Mystery – In the Bible, a term used to describe something that God reveals over time or sequentially, or for
something about which we lack sufficient information to understand, but which is not actually
contradictory. It should not be used as a palatable term for “contradiction.”
–N–
Natural Freedom of Self-determination – One of the labels used to describe those who reject determinism
(including Calvinistic determinism) and who affirm genuine human free will and moral responsibility.
(See Determinism)
Natural Man – An unregenerate person who has never put his trust in Jesus Christ.
Necromancy – The attempt to communicate with the dead. God so abhors this practice that He commanded
the children of Israel to execute any who had a familiar spirit or who acted as a medium (Lev. 20:27; See
1 Chr. 10:13, 14).
Neo-orthodoxy – The heretical system of theology/philosophy. A movement, represented by Karl Barth,
which reacted against extreme liberalism by maintaining the transcendence of God and the sinfulness
of man, but still refused to accept the Bible as the infallible, inerrant Word of God. It holds that the Bible
contalas the Word of God or can become the Word of God. Neo-Orthodoxy drives a wedge between the
ontological God and the redemptive-historical (objective) God.
New Age Movement – A synthesis of Eastern and mystery religions adapted and modified for Western
civilization. Common emphases include philosophical monism, theological pantheism (or pan-en-
theism), psychological self-realization, mystical expefience(s), reincarnation, evolution, and utopianism.
Though it is identified as new, in actuality the movement is as old as Gen. 3, when Satan deceived man
into believing he could become as God by his own efforts.
Noahic Covenant – The covenant God made with Noah and his descendents and with the whole new
creation after the destruction of the antediluvian world in the flood. (See Covenant)
Numerology – The study of the significance of numbers in Scripture. (See Typology)
–O–
Omnipotence – The attribute of God which indicates His possession of all power and the ability to do
anything which He wills to do. (See Attributes of God)
Omnipresence – The attribute of God which speaks of His presence in all places at all times, yet distinct
from and transcending all creation. (See Attributes of God; Pantheism)
Omniscience – The attribute of God which descfibes His knowledge of everything, even to the utmost
detail. He knows all things, actual or possible, past, present, future, hidden or revealed, exhaustively,
immediately, perfectly, and from all eternity. (See Attributes of God)
Ontology – Ontology is derived from the two Greek words ontos meaning “to be” and logos meaning
“word.” Ontology is the science or study of being.
Oracle – This reference to divine utterance or communication is based on the word logia (Gk.). It is used

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 as a reference to the Old Testament (Rom. 3:2, similarly in Heb. 5:12), to the law (Acts 7:38), and in an
analogous sense of the proclaiming of God’s Word (1 Pet. 4:11).
Ordain – Appoint. The word has come to be sed for the formal setting apart of men to Christian ministry
by the laying on of hands and by prayer.
Ordinance – A ceremony which the Lord commanded that His church should observe and one in which the
gospel is portrayed. An ordinance is practiced as a memorial act of obedience rather than as a sacrament.
There are two such ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (See Sacrament)
Ordo Salutis – Latin, “the order of salvation.” The ordo salutis is the doctrine that deals with the logical
sequencing of the various elements of redemption.
Organic (nature of redemptive revelation) – When we speak of the organic nature of Biblical theology,
we refer to that quality of redemptive revelation which is complete and sufficient in all of its stages of
development. That concentrated truth develops as subsequent redemptive acts and covenants bring to
light those multifarious aspects of redemption which were periphery or indistinguishable earlier, but
were nonetheless present. The organic nature of Biblical theology means that at every stage of
development the full substance of redemption present, though early on many elements are
indistinguishable. New revelation does not “add” to previous, but rather develops or brings to light the
multiformity of what was latently present earlier. Affirming the organic nature of special revelation via
history is a defense against dispensationalism.
Orthodox – That which is consistent with correct doctrine and practice as established by the authority of
Scripture.
–P–
Pantheism – The non-Christian view that in one way or another fails to see God as distinct from the
creation. God is equated to all that exists and all that exists is God. (See Omnipresence)
Papyrus – An ancient form of paper, made from the pith of the papyrus plant, which was common in Egypt.
The original copies of the New Testament books would have been written on this paper. The discovery
in the twentieth century of hundreds of pieces of papyri containing passages from the New Testament
has been most significant. (See Parchment)
Paradigm – A pattern, example or model: from the Greek para and deigma, “example.”
Paradise – The location of the saved after death (Luke 23:43); the “third heaven,” i.e., the very presence of
God (2 Cor. 12:2, 4); or the New Jerusalem, in which is located the Tree of Life (Rev. 2:7; 22:2).
Parchment – A writing materfial more durable than papyrus. It was made of specially prepared animal
skins. In New Testament times the Jews used it for copies of Old Testament books, and this appears to
be the reference in 2 Tim. 4:13. (See Papyrus)
Parenesis – From the Greek parainesis, “exhortation,” “advice.” A technical term used to denote
exhortation, advice, instruction, encouragement, with implications for daily living.
Parousia – From the Greek word for “presence.” One of the words used to describe the return of Christ.
Basically, the Greek word simply emphasizes the “presence” of Christ. In early Christianity it came to
mean the expected return or “coming” again of Christ, at which time he would judge and redeem. (See
Return of Christ)
Partial Rapture – This version of pretfibulationism holds that only part of the church will be taken out of
the world before the Tribulation and that the rest who have not been faithful will suffer the trials of the
Tfibulation.
Particular Atonement – The third tenet of Calvinism, the doctrine of particular atonement teaches that
Christ died not for all men, but for only those whom the Father gave Him. (See Atonement).
Passion – When used alone (“Passion” or “the passion”), this term always refers to the suffering and death
of Jesus. The “passion narrative” is the narrative account of that suffering and death.
Pastor – The New Testament pictures the local rh.’rrh as a flock of sheep, and it sees the spiritual leaders
of the church as its pastors or shepherds. They are to shepherd the flock (1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28), and are

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 answerable to Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4; see Heb. 13:20, John 10:11-16). As a shepherd
protects, guides, and feeds the sheep, the pastor should do the same for the church. Pastors are also called
elders, emphasizing their spiritual maturity, and bishops, stressing their function as overseers of the
church. (See Elder, “”Bishop)
Pelagianism – A heresy named after Pelagius, who was active in Rome A.D. 400. Pelagius held that man
is born with no bias to evil and is capable of freedom from sin and of salvation by works. He taught that
man sins because of his environment alone and not at all because of his nature.
Pentateuch – A technical term for the first five books of the Bible, also call the Torah. The “Five Books
of Moses.”
Pentecost – The festival celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. It was called “the Feast of Weeks” or
“Day of the Firstfruits” in the O.T., “Pentecost” is the Greek term meaning “fiftieth.” The feast marked
thanksgiving for the completion of the grain harvest. The initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the
church came on the first day of Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2).
Perfectionism – The erroneous view that a Christian can live without sin in this life. It is almost always
linked with a weak definition of sin and with spiritual pride, which is itself a sin. It is based on a
misunderstanding of teleios (Gk.), which means “mature.” It ignores 1 John 1:8,10.
Pericope – From the Greek peri, “about,” and koptein, “to cut”: An extract from a larger work; a unit of
narrative or discourse.
Perseverance of the Saints – The fifth tenet of Calvinism, the doctrine of perseverance of the saints teaches
that all those who are truly redeemed are sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit unto the day of the
Lord. (See Eternal Security)
Peshitta – The authorized translation of the Bible for the early Christian churches in Syria, done in the fifth
century A.D.
Pharisees – A large sect within Judaism, prominent in Israel in the 1st century AD, before the destruction
of the 2nd temple in 70. The name of the sect means “separated,” indicating their emphasis on purity and
freedom from sin and thought they could best serve God by strictly obeying the laws of the Old
Testament as well as their own teachings. Stressing oral tradition, they were concerned with the
education of the people, and for this reason, are seen as the ancestors of the rabbis of today. They were
unjustly condemned in the New Testament as hypocrites, while they strove for imitation of God. (See
Essenes, Sadducees)
Phenomenology – Phenomenology is derived from the two Greek words phainomenon and logos meaning
“word.” Phenomenology is the branch of existentialism which deals with phenomena with no attempt
at explanation.
Phinehaitic Covenant – The covenant of everlasting priesthood which God made with Phinehas in
Numbers 25. (See Covenant)
Plenary Inspiration – The doctrine that the Bible is fully inspired. This inspiration is not only in its ideas
but also in its verbal expression of those ideas; it is fully inspired in every part and fully in every book.
Pneumatology – Pneumatology derives from the two Greek words pneuma meaning “spirit” and logos
meaning “word.” Generally the study or science of things spiritual. In Christian theology pneumatology
is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
Postmillennialism – The teaching that the return of the Lord Jesus Christ will postdate, or come after, and
climax the Millennium. This view envisions that the world will increasingly become better until
eventually the Millennium will have arrived, and thus Christ’s millennial reign will not have been in
person.
Posttribulationism – The view held by some premillennialists that the rapture of the church takes place in
conjunction with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation. Thus, according
to this view, the church will be present on earth during the Great Tribulation. This view is inconsistent
with a literal interpretation of Rev. 7:1-8. (See Rapture)

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Predestination – The doctrine that all events of human lives, even one’s eternal destiny, are determined
beforehand by God; used in the Bible to refer to Christ (Acts 1, Rom. 8, etc.) and to those who are “in
Christ” by means of his representation.
Premillennialism – The teaching that the return of the Lord Jesus Christ will precede, or come before, and
establish the Millennium. Importance is attached to the fact that Rev. 19:11-21 precedes Rev. 20: 1-6,
and thus the Millennium is viewed as naturally following the return of Jesus.
Presbyterianism – From the Greek presbyterion meaning “body of elders.” The form of church government
in which the churches are governed by elders, i.e., both ministers and others, who meet together to
determine cases of church polity, dogma, discipline, and doctrine; who are responsible for the churches
in an area, and who answer to a series of higher courts, the highest of which is the general assembly. The
presbyterian form of government finds biblical precedent in Acts 15.
Presuppositionalism – There are many presuppositions. They are the foundational assumptions, basic
committments, or heartfelt convictions which determine how a person interprets reality. In other words,
a presupposition provides the metaphysical basis by which a person claims to understand sensation,
experience, and reason. Not all presuppositions are true, and thus those who base their lives on false
presuppositions, live a life of error, no matter how consistent they are with respect to those
presuppostitions.
Presuppositionalism is a philosophical approach which states that a person’s presuppositions
determine his Weltanschauung.
Pretribulationism – The teaching that the rapture, or snatching away, of the church immediately precedes
the seven-year period Great Tribulation, after which the Lord Jesus Christ will return to initiate the
Millennium. (See Rapture)
Preterism – Preterism derives from the Latin word praeteritus meaning “to go beyond.” When we speak of
preterism with reference to Biblical prophesy we refer to what extent that prophesy has been fulfilled.
Thus a hyper-preterist would believe that all of the prophesies of Scripture have already been fulfilled
and that we now have our resurrection bodies and are in heaven. (Such people (full-preterists) do exist.)
More common, however are full preterists, who contend that a majority of the prophesies of the New
Testament were exhausted in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
Progressive Revelation – The idea that God revealed His truth to His people in stages and through various
means in history (Heb. 1:1).
Propitiation – That which turns aside the wrath of God from the sinner. The atonement of Jesus propitiates
or satisfies the just demands of the righteousness and wrath of God against sin (Rom. 3:25; 1 John 2:2;
4:10). (See Expiation)
Providence – God’s governing of all that takes place. This means that the world is ruled by God, not by
chance or fate. At the same time, men are responsible for their own decisions and actions (See Rom.
8:28; Eph. 1:11).
Pseudepigrapha – Literally “false writings.” Jewish writings not included in the Old Testament or the
Apocrypha were called by this term because many of them were published under an assumed name,
usually of a spiritual giant such as Enoch or Ezra, in order to gain authofity for the book.
Pseudonymity – The practice of ascribing a work to someone, often it notable from the past, who was not
the actual author, as is the case with the Book of Daniel.
–Q–
Quakers (Members of the Society of Friends) – A religious movement founded in the later stages of the
Protestant Reformation in England. They regard George Fox (1635-1691) as their founder. Quaker
theology has its roots in English liberal Protestantism. It focuses on what Fox called the “doctrine of the
inner light,” which puts one into direct relationship with God over and above any church or state
authority. Puritan in spirit, they suffered persecutions in England and encountered difficulties in the
American colonies. Through voluntary suffering, they bear witness to God. The purpose of life is to

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 worship God, and fellowship of spirit is the group form of worship. They approach God directly, with
no need to distinguish a clergy.
–R–
Ransom – The payment of a price in order that a slave may be set free. Christ’s death was the payment of
a price in order that men who are slaves of sin (John 8:34) and captives of the devil (Matt. 12:26-29)
may be set free to know and serve God (1 Cor. 6:20). The process is called “redemption.”
Rapture – The taking up of the church to meet the Lord in the air, as described in 1 Thess. 4:16-17.
Reconciliation – The process of bringing together into a restored fellowship two parties who have been
estranged and who are at enmity. The death of Christ made possible a restored relationship between God
and sinners by dealing with the sin which caused God’s wrath toward the sinner. All who trust in the
Lord Jesus Christ enjoy that restored relationship (2 Cor. 5:18-21).
Redaction Criticism – The usual translation of the German Redaktionsgeschichte (literally “redaction
history”). A study method that seeks to define the methods and intent of editors as they compile and edit
older sources -- for example, those who collected and ordered the oracles of the prophets into the books
as they now exist.
Redactor – An editor; one who collects and shapes older, smaller material into larger, newer compositions.
Redemption – (See Ransom)
Redemptive-History – Redemptive-history is a translation of the German term Heilsgeschichte (heil
meaning “sacred” and geschichte meaning “history” or “story”). History understood as God’s self
revelation to mankind in the person of Jesus Christ, through whom God purposed to love a people as His
own, even to the point of sending His Son in their likeness, being tempted and suffering death on the
cross, bearing the full penalty of their sins, that they may live in Him through His resurrection from the
dead. The life, death, and resurrection of the Savior, being the means of God’s redemptive purpose, was
foreshadowed in all of history, specially revealed in the Bible, that those who follow after Christ by His
death to the age of His resurrection might know God as faithful to His promises, and have complete
access to fellowship with Him without fear of condemnation.
Regeneration – The act of God the Holy Spirit (John 3:5), through the instrumentality of the Word of God
(1 Pet. 1:23), by which one who is spiritually dead is made alive and brought to share in the resurrection
of life (Eph. 1:19-2:6) and is made a child of God (John 1:12-13). Another term for regeneration is “the
new birth.” Matthew 19:28 speaks of regeneration on a cosmic scale as it considers the millennial age
as a time when the earth will be “born again” (See Rom.8:21-22). There is a sense in which the new birth
of the individual is his own early participation in the new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
Remission – Forgiveness; removal of guilt.
Resurrection – (1) The raising of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, leaving the tomb empty. This was
a bodily resurrection as distinct from a spiritual resurrection, though His resurrection body was not
identical in every aspect with the earthly body as now known. He could be felt, He had flesh and bones,
and He could eat, but He could also pass through physical structures. (2) The raising of believers who
have died. This occurs at the rapture. At that point all Christians will be given bodies like Christ’s
resurrection body (1 Cor. 15:35-49).
Return of Christ – Sometimes referred to as the “Second Advent” or “Second Coming.” The personal
return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth at the end of the Great Tfibulation to defeat the forces of Satan
and to initiate the millennial reign (Rev. 19:11-21). (See Parousia)
Revelation – The taking away of the veil or curtain behind which things are hidden or, more specifically,
God’s disclosure of Himself and His will to men. This is usually divided into two types: (1) natural
revelation, in which God shows men enough of Himself through nature to leave them without excuse
(Rom. 1: 19, 20) and in which He writes something of His law on their hearts (Rom. 2:15); and (2)
special revelation, in which God speaks or reveals Himself to man in a specific and particular way. This
is seen often in God’s dealings with the patriarchs, the nation of Israel, and the prophets. The Scriptures,

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 God’s written Word, constitute the most comprehensive special revelation, with Jesus Christ, God’s
living Word, being the climax and embodiment of all special revelation. In keeping with this second type
of revelation, the last book of the Bible is appropriately designated the Book of Revelation because in
it Jesus Christ unveils to John that which God gave Him (Rev. 1:1) concerning the things which were
yet to come.
Rhetoric – The art of discourse, both written and spoken. Techniques, figures of speech, rhythms, structure.
Prose as distinct from verse.
Rhetorical Criticism – A type of analysis that supplements form and literary criticism in not only studying
the literary structures and techniques employed in a unit but in centering attention more on the distinctive
than the typical, taking special note of the unique style of a given author or speaker.
–S–
Sacrament – A religious rite regarded as a visible expression of the mystery of the gospel. It is usually
understood as distinct from the concept of “ordinance” in that the act of the sacrament itself is
considered to be a vehicle or means of grace. The term. therefore, is common in those religious bodies
that believe religious rites play a part in salvation. (See Ordinance)
Sacramentology – Sacramentology is a combination of the Latin word sacramentum meaning “sacred oath”
or “sacred place” and the Greek word logos meaning “word.” Sacramentology is the study of the
sacraments (divine, covenant, ordinances of worship).
Sadducees – A small and powerful group of Jews, developed around 200 BC, who were closely connected
with the high priests. The members were wealthy priests and aristocrats who accepted only the first five
books of the Old Testament as their Bible. They stressed a literal interpretation of written law, and
rejected oral law. They rejected the soul’s immortality and the existence of angels. They were often in
opposition to the Pharisees. Sadducees were based on the temple cult with the priest as central. The sect
disappeared with the destruction of the Temple, AD 70. (See Essenes, Pharisees)
Sanctification – (1) Positional - the work of the Holy Spirit in setting a man apart for Jesus Christ at his
conversion (1 Pet. 1:2). (2) Progressive - the work of the Holy Spirit which continues throughout the life
of the believer and which results in increasing personal holiness. (3) Ultimate - the culmination of the
sanctifying work of the Spifit resulting in glorification in the presence of God.
Schism – A division between Christians, usually splitting one church into two. The sin of schism is
committed by those who cause the division by departing from Christian truth or behavior.
Semper Reformanda – The motto of the reformed church. Latin meaning “always reforming.”
Septuagint – From the Latin word septuaginta “seventy.” (Abbreviation: LXX.) The most important Greek
translation of the Old Testament which, according to classic reports, was made in Egypt in the second
and third centuries B.C., traditionally ascribed to the reign of Ptolemy II . This translation was among
the text of the Old Testament used by the early Christians. Later segments of the Septuagint were
excluded from the standard Hebrew Bible (Masoretic Text) and today comprise the Apocrypha. It
received its name from the legend that it was translated in seventy days by seventy-two translators, six
from each of the twelve Jewish tribes. (See LXX)
Session – The present position of Christ, who is seated at the Father’s fight hand with all authority given
to Him. In reference to church government it indicates the official meeting of the minister and ruling
elders of a Presbyterfian church.
Sheol – The Hebrew word usually used in the Old Testament for the abode of the dead. (See Hades)
Sinaitic Covenant – The covenant God made with Israel and their descendents at Sinai mediated by Moses,
also known as the covenant law. (See Covenant)
Socinianism – A theological movement similar to Unitarianism originating in the sixteenth century.
Sola Dei Gloria – Latin meaning “For God’s Glory alone.”
Sola Fide – Latin meaning “faith alone.” The reformed doctrine of the means of salvation.
Sola Gratia – Latin meaning “grace alone.” The reformed doctrine of the basis of salvation.

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Sola Scriptura – Latin meaning “The Scriptures alone.” The reformed doctrine of infallible authority.
Scripture alone is the infallible and final authority in the Church for matters of doctrine and practice.
Solus Christus – Latin meaning “of Christ alone.” The reformed doctrine of the merit of salvation. Closely
related to the doctrine of Solus Christus is the doctrine of imputation.
Soteriology – Soteriology is derived from the two Greek words soteria meaning salvation and logos
meaning “word.” Soteriology, then, is the science or doctrine of salvation. Preaching about the death of
Jesus as the means of our salvation. It involves not only the forgiveness of sins, but the power over them.
Soteriology studies God’s historical deliverance of His people from the bondage of sin and death and
affliction, to the promise of an eternal life with God in His holy love, through His Son Jesus Christ.
Source Criticism – Analysis of the sources employed in the construction of a particular literary unit. The
four strata, J, E, D and P are the sources that comprise the Torah, for example.
Sovereignty – In the sovereignty/free will debate, the term signifying God’s omnipotence or all-
powerfulness.
Spirfitual Gifts – (See Charismata)
Spiritualism – A more correct term is “Spiritism.” The Bible forbids all fortune-telling or “divination”
(Deut. 18:9-14). (See Necromancy)
Subordinationism – One of the three basic errors (See Modalism” and “Tritheism”) into which men have
frequently fallen with reference to the doctrine of God. Subordinationism views the Son and the Holy
Spirit as essentially and eternally subordinate to the Father.
Supralapsarianism – In Calvinism, the view that places God’s decrees regarding redemption of sinful
humanity before Adam’s fall in the Garden. With reference to the pre-creation decrees of God,
supralapsarianism is the belief that God’s decree of election came before He decreed the fall. Thus, God
chose people for hell and hell free from any influence of what man might do. (See Infralapsarianism)
Summum Bonum – Summum Bonum is Latin meaning “highest good.” Scripture presents God Himself
to be man’s summum bonum.
Suzerain-Vassal Treaty – In ancient times, particularly in the Persian world, the sovereign or “suzerain”
would enter into treaty with his subjects or “vassals” in which he would agree to protect them and be
their king so long as they submitted to his laws and ordinances. Meredeth Kline points out that the
Sinaitic Covenant fits into this ancient treaty format. (See Covenant)
Synoptic Criticism – Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the synoptic Gospels because of the large amount
of material that they have in common. Synoptic criticism seeks to account for the similarities and
differences in emphasis which exist in those Gospels, an issue sometimes referred to as “the synoptic
problem.”
Synoptic Gospels – From the Greek synoptikos, “seeing the whole together,” because they tell the same
general story in the same kind of way. A contrast is intended to the Gospel of John.
Systematic Theology – Systematic theology is that branch of theology which deals with the logical
categoration of Biblical truths.
–T–
Talmud – A vast collection of comments (interpretations) based upon the Law of Moses, incorporating
rabbinical laws and legal decisions, which originated A .D . 400-450. The Mishna (“repetition”) and the
Midrash (“exposition”) are the major sections which make up the Talmud. There are two Talmuds, one
from Palestine and one from Babylon, both shaped during the fifth and sixth centuries A.D.
Targum – Any one of several interpretative translations of portions of the Hebrew Bible from Hebrew into
Aramaic having their origin in the early synagogue practice of reading the Hebrew, then translating it
into Aramaic, with interpretative comments woven into the translation.. Targum is Aramaic for
“translation.”
Teleology – Teleology is derived from the two Greek words, telos meaning “purpose or end” and logos
meaning “word.” Teleology is the study of the end or purpose of things.

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Textual Criticism – The science which seeks to determine the original text of the Hebrew Old Testament
and the Greek New Testament by a careful comparison of the many old copies available, with the intent
of establishing the text probably closest to the original, as well its noting the history of its transmission..
Textus Receptus – The text of the Greek New Testament published by Elzevir in 1633 was given this name.
This text was based on the 1535 edition of Erasmus’s Greek New Testament, the Complutensian
Polyglot published by Cardinal Ximines in 1520, and a handful of other manuscripts. This text is almost
identical with that used by the King James Version translators.
Theism – Theism is derived from the Greek Theos meaning “God” plus -ism. Theism for our intents and
purposes is the belief in the true and living God who is Creator and sovereign Ruler of the universe and
known by voluntary revelation.
Theocracy – Theocracy is derived from the two Greek words Theos meaning “God” and cratein meaning
“to rule.” Theocracy is the civil rule of God. The government of the people of Israel until the
inauguration of Saul is termed a theocracy. The one-thousand-year reign of Christ at the consummation
of history will be such a theocracy.
Theology – Theology is derived from the two Greek words Theos meaning “God” and logos meaning
“word.” Formally, theology means “of the knowledge of or the study or science of God.” Theology seeks
to think God’s thoughts after Him, insofar as He allows man through the Scripture to enter into His
thinking. Informally, theology is the means by which God gives us understanding to the things
concerning Himself and our relationship to Him. In a broader sense, theology is Christ living out His life
in our lives through His Spirit that we may know God as He knows God, and be One with the Father,
as He and the Father are One. Theology properly understood is not just mental knowledge of the Bible.
God is a living God, and His word is living. We know His word through a relationship with Him and
a daily hunger and feeding on His word. Belief, knowledge, or word about God, especially when
methodologically formulated; the critical study of religion and religious ideas.
Theophany – From the Greek theos “god” and phaino “to appear.” A visible appearance of God in bodily
form in Old Testament times. The one who appears is the Second Person of the Triunity (Josh. 5:14;
6:2). (See Christophany)
Theonomy – Theonomy is derived from the two Greek words, Theos meaning “God” and nomos meaning
“law.” Theonomy is the belief that all laws, civil, economic, and social, should be patterned after the
particulars of the Sinaitic covenant which God gave to Israel in the wilderness for her politico-civil
government including in the punishment of criminals.
Torah – A Hebrew term that in its widest sense meant “teaching,” though it came in time to mean “law,”
and was then applied as a title to the first five books of the Bible, which are also called the Pentateuch.
Total Depravity – The first tenet of Calvinism teaches that mankind in its original state is utterly unable
to choose God, but rather chooses only to rebel against his Creator continually. In this state he can do
nothing good and worthy of God’s grace. Every area of his life is affected and infected with sin and
death. (See Depravity)
Tradition Criticism – Study of the origins and development of a particular biblical theme-- for example,
the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel-- as it appears in various parts of the Bible. For
some scholars, tradition criticism centers exclusively on the early and oral stages of development.
Tribulation or Great Tribulation – The seven year period of unparalleled trouble on earth, concluding
with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Tritheism – One of the three basic errors (See also “Modalism” and “Subordinationism”) into which men
have frequently fallen with reference to the doctrine of God. Tritheism asserts that there are three gods
rather than one God who is three Persons.
Triunity (Trinity) – The distinctive and essential Christian doctrine that there is one God in three Persons.
The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. There is a distinction between the Persons
so that the Father is not the Son, the Father is not the Spirit, and the Son is not the Spirit. Each is a

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 Person. The Holy Spirit is not to be envisioned as a mere force or influence.
Type – A biblical type is a person or incident which carries significance beyond itself. For example, the
sacrificial system of the Old Testament was typical, i.e., a prophetic picture of the ultimate sacrifice for
sin, namely, the atonement of Christ on the cross.
Typology – Typology is derived from the two Greek words tupos meaning “type” and logos meaning
“word.” Typology in Biblical and literary terms denotes the authorial use of allusion employing ectypal
figures or conditions to represent an archtypal figure or condition.
–U–
Unconditional Election – The second tenet of Calvinism, unconditional election is the doctrine that God’s
choice (or election) of men to eternal life is not based on any merit of their own but solely on His
sovereign will.
Unitarianism – A religious movement which rejects the Christian doctrine of the Triunity and of the full
deity of Jesus Christ. With too high a view of human reason and too low a view of Scripture, this heresy
also denies other important Christian doctrines.
–V–
Vantillian – After the teaching of Cornelius Van Til.
Verbal Inspiration – The doctrine that not only the thoughts and ideas of the Bible but also the actual
words used are inspired (See Matt. 5:18; 1 Cor. 2:13). (See Inspiration)
Vicarious Death of Christ – An indication that Christ’s death had value and significance in our behalf or
in our place.
Vosian – After the teaching of Geerhardus Vos.
Vulgate – The Latin translation of the Bible made by Jerome in the fourth century A.D.
–W–
Weltanschauung – Weltanschauung is the combination of the German words Welt meaning “world” and
anschauen meaning “to view.” One’s weltanschauung is one’s fundamental beliefs about the world and
life. In English the term is often represented by the phrase “world and life view.”
Wisdom Literature – Within the Bible, the books of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiasticus and the
Wisdom of Solomon are all classed as “Wisdom.”
Writings – The third traditional division of the Old Testament (kethuvim, Heb.), the other two being the
Law and the Prophets. It contains Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations,
Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles.
–X–
Zealot – The term used to designate the more radical party of Jewish rebels against foreign (particularly
Roman) rule. One motivated by zeal for the Jewish Law. Peter was a Zealot and several other of the band
of Jesus’ disciples. (Acts 5:37) (See Essenes, Pharisees, Sadducees)
–Y–
Yahweh – The name of the god of ancient Israel and early Judaism, who was also called Elohim. In time,
Yahweh was no longer pronounced by Jews, who used the title Adonai “my Lord” or Adon “Lord” in its
place.
–Z–
Zarathustra – German for Zoroaster. Also Sprach Zarathustra is a book on philosophy by Friedrich
Nietzsche, the self-attested nihilist and persecutor of existentialism, in which he affirms “God is dead.”
Nietzsche’s attack on Christianity as “herd mentality” is profound and continues to haunt the popular
modern concept of faith in evangelical circles His concepts of the übermensch (superman) and “will to
power” became standard philosophical terms.
Zoroastrianism – Zoroaster was a Persian philosopher and pagan prophet of the 7th century B.C. who
taught that there were two deities who were in eternal struggle; one, Spenta Mainyu, who was the god

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 of good and light and the other, Angra Mainyu, who was the god of evil and darkness. Zoroastrianism
is the belief that there are two equal and opposite deities or powers at work in the universe, and that the
affairs of men are the result of the conflict between the two.
Zwinglian – Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) was an early Swiss reformer who developed the reformed
doctrines of sacramentology refuting the Roman Catholic teaching of transubstantiation. Zwinglian refers
to the teachings of Zwingli.
– Finis –

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“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thes. 5:17-18)

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 About the Electronic Text of this
Christian Bible Study Document
This electronic version of this portion of “The Christian Bible Study
Library” has been prepared and published to you in this format to allow all
readers to have access to the knowledge of the Bible within practical means.
A Copyright for this material is claimed (©2007) to protect the work and
arrangement of this data from some who might squander it and discourage
more from being produced. All rights are reserved for the reproduction of
this document by: Terry W. Preslar through The Fresh Waters Digital
Library – PO Box 388 – Mineral Springs, NC 28108. (704)843-3858. The
reproduction of this document is allowed under the “fair-use” doctrine of the copyright laws of the USA for
academic archival purposes.
The Fresh Waters Digital Library is dedicated to the goal of placing these Bible study volumes and many
classic documents into the hands of the most humble readers. Technology has become advanced enough to
allow the easy and economical publication of this work in the form of an “E-Book.” This is a new method
of distribution but a CD-ROM can be made that contains the complete series of books that make up this
major project.
What Is an E-book?
E-Books, or electronic books are exactly the same as a traditional book, except there is no paper, thus
saving production costs and offering wide distribution over the World Wide Web. The production cost
savings are passed on to the customer, meaning that the price of an e-book is very low as compared to a
traditional printed book and can be distributed on a Web Site. All the books distributed through FWDL are
in the Public Domain, used by the permission of the copyright holder or written by Dr. Terry W. Preslar (The
editor) and all texts are to be used without change or alteration in exchange for this special liberty.
How Do I Read an E-Book?
E-Books can be read on your computer or laptop and several types of electronic organizers. To read our
books, you simply use the web browser in your PC, Laptop or Mac by using the windows help file reader
that comes with windows, the freeware “Adobe Acrobat Reader” or in the case of “HTML” files (The
Internet’s native format) your Browser can read many of them. You do not have to be on-line to read your
E-Books. This (HTML) is the universal format supported by all web browsers. If you have an organizer or
reader with the Windows Mobil operating system, you can load HTML formatted books for reading. You
can use a laptop or notebook computer, then you can curl up on your favorite chair or relax in bed, whilst
studying and reading your favorite Christian Classic. Alternatively, you can print out the book for reading
on paper. We supply a few titles in “HTML” and most of these Special Edition books are in Adobe Acrobat
Format (PDF). These files are Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) files and can be viewed with the free Acrobat Reader
t h at can b e downl oaded from that web site, installed and used freely.
(http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html)

This document is distributed by Gospel Publishing & Colportage through The Fresh Waters
Digital Library as a ministry of The First Baptist Church of Mineral Springs, North
Carolina. For more information on this or other subjects of BIBLE research please call or
write: P.O. Box 388 Mineral Springs, N.C. 28108 1(704)843-3858
Psalms 107:2 S É S Romans 12:1-2
E-Mail: preslar12@windstream.net