Christian Terms and Definitions...

So be it. A solemn, formal assertion of acceptance.

A person who defends an idea, faith, cause, or institution.

Jesus authorized agents or representatives sent out with a special commission; messenger.

Reconcile with God.

Satisfaction for sin by which forgiveness is had.

An outward expression of something new that has happened in one’s heart after accepting Jesus as Savior.

Not belief “about” God but trust IN Him. A “fully devoted follower” of Jesus Christ has accepted Jesus as his or her own personal Savior and Lord; has trusted Him to forgive his/her sins and asked Him to take control of his/her life. This is someone who seeks to have an authentic and personal relationship with Jesus, being obedient to the will of God; taking responsibility for one’s thoughts, words and actions; and striving in everything to reflect the beautiful character of God. The “fruits of the Spirit” are evident.

A “Cosmetic” Christian, is one who wears the Christian label, often attending church and going through the motions in a more “legalistic” way (looking good on the outside but perhaps more “religious” than having a relationship with God. This person’s “walk” is not authentic.

Defamatory or other wicked language directed against God.

The ultimate well-being and distinctive spiritual joy of those who share in the salvation of the Kingdom of God. One from whom joy radiates to others.

Accepting Jesus as one’s Lord and Savior and receiving a new spiritual life; spiritual birth; to become alive spiritually; to become a new creation as a result of Christ’s sacrifice (payment) for one’s sins.

To feel deeply so that you want to enter the suffering of the person who is hurting, to give aid, support, or to rescue.

To acknowledge personal responsibility for a sin; to agree with. We admit, own up to, tell the truth about our sin and take responsibility for our thoughts, words and actions that are wrong---anything that does not reflect the beautiful character of God.

A pupil or scholar; apprentice; the follower of a public teacher.

Not belief “about” God but trust “in” him. Believing God’s promises regardless of our circumstances; choosing to believe in something without having tangible proof; taking God at His word. Forsaking All, I Trust Him = F. A.I.T.H.

As listed in Galatians 5:22 --- Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

The Good News about Jesus; the chance to be reconciled with God through Christ's sacrifice. Note that this word also refers to the four biblical accounts of the life of Jesus--the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Given something not deserved. God’s inexplicable kindness; unconditional forgiveness; a gift we don't deserve.

Projecting something which is false (designed to deceive); sin.

Not guilt feeling but a consequence of sin which makes a sinner subject to punishment by God.

God’s power and presence in the lives of His people.

A place of fire and unending punishment for Satan and his followers.

Separated or set apart for God.

Confident expectation.

To prevent or pollute that which is good.

To ask God to have a personal relationship with you by asking Jesus to take control of your life, trusting Him to forgive your sins and accepting Him as your own personal Savior. See “Believer” or “Christian” and Born Again.

Getting what is deserved.

Acquitted in the court of heaven; forgiven; made right; guilty but forgiven; excused; made JUST as IF I never sinned.

The Kingdom of God is: (a) anywhere that the reign and rule of God is found; (b) anywhere God’s will is being done, (c) is supreme; (d) where God is recognized as King; (e) where His will is obeyed; (f) where the subjects of the Kingdom reap the benefits of His rule.

Relying on good works rather than God.

Without Christ in ones life; estranged from God; hopeless; off course; needing to be found or saved; trying to find eternal life and hope.

Seeking the highest good for another. A caring commitment in which affection and delight are shown to others, which is grounded in the nature of God himself. An act of the will; a vital emotion that grows or dies in direct proportion to one’s thinking pattern. God initiated love; Jesus embodied love; the Holy Spirit pours out that love on us.

Obedience to His words.

Withholding something deserved.

Supernatural happenings. Direct, unmistakable, supernatural act performed by God that cannot be explained by natural means; intended as evidence of His power and purpose.

Making public (proclaiming) an understandable message.

Freed from bondage; bought back with a price; rescued; released upon payment of a ransom.

A military term meaning to make a l80-degree turn; to ask forgiveness; to make an about -face; to turn away from a wrong behavior; to change ones mind and actions.

To surrender; to change your mind or heart which then leads to a change in actions. Change how you view life, God, one’s self and others, and instead viewing from God’s perspective. We admit to the truth of our situations, confessing our sins.

In right standing before God; declared legally perfect; aligned to the standard; upright; pure at heart; blameless.

Giving up something of great value to gain something of greater value.
Salvation Deliverance from sin. The result of being saved; the promise of eternal life; being rescued from eternal death in hell; to receive spiritual life; deliverance from the consequences of one's sinful actions (see also Saved).

The accuser; also called Lucifer, Devil, Evil One, great serpent, etc.

To be rescued from a deserved penalty; to be given eternal life; to have eternal fellowship with God; to have a relationship with Christ; to not go to hell.

One who is seeking to understand what his or her relationship to God should be, hopefully culminating in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

To talk to someone; to express an opinion or relate an experience; to offer information; to open up your heart to someone; to talk confidentially.

Originally an archery term meaning "to fall short of, or miss the mark"; imperfect deeds that separate a person from God; wrongdoing; disobedience to God’s divine law; self-centeredness; failing to do what is required to do; rebelling against or changing God's standard; choosing one’s own way instead of God's way. An attempt to meet a God created need in a God forbidden way. Any thought, word or action that is not like God ---that does not reflect the character of God.

The desire and tendency to choose to disobey God.

The fact that God is free and able to do all that He wills; that He reigns over all creation and that His will is the final cause of all things. This is often expressed in the language of kingship.

An exercise or practice we do for training (meant to develop spiritual muscles) as solitude, silence, prayer, fasting, studying God’s word, scripture memorization, worship, and service.

Refers to one who is seeking to understand his or her relationship with God (see Seeker and Walk) and also to everyone who is continuing to grow in relationship with God. Our spiritual lives are a journey on which we should always be growing deeper in relationship and fellowship with our Lord.

Interpreting a message. Making practical and personal interpretation from a proclamation.

An inward pull to do wrong.

Insisting on doing what is forbidden to do.
Truth Ultimate reality; the absolutes given to man through the Bible; Jesus is the personification of truth.

One's relationship with Christ; a spiritual journey; step-by-step, day-by-day relationship with Jesus Christ; the Christian life.

The Bible, both Old and New Testaments; the Scriptures; Jesus.

Culture around us. In scripture (A) People: Object of God’s love; or (B) The enemy: An organized system of earthly values that are opposed to the values of God.

Honoring God with praise; praising God for who He is and what He has done. Telling God how great He is (not just for what He has done)! This may be either private or corporate.