Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Christianese 101



Christianese 101

Christianese:  The language or vocabulary that Christians use often to describe their beliefs and traditions that is specific to Religion and Spirituality.

Christians sometimes use specific language in conversation that describes their spirituality and understanding of God’s Word. Many people who have not been exposed to the meaning behind such terminology can find it difficult to understand what the person is talking about.

Today we are going to explore some “Biblical Terms” in order that we get a better handle on their meaning and application. Because some of these terms are exclusive to Christianity it is important for us to be able to understand their context and meaning in order to communicate biblical concepts to others as well as grow in our faith and help others do the same. It is important that if we use this kind  of language in conversation, that we not confuse people or turn them off by positioning ourselves with an air of exclusivity.

For example, if you use a term like “Salvation” in the context of a conversation with a non-believer, you should be able to give an explanation of what the word means and communicate that clearly so you can draw a person into some knowledge of your faith. Combine it with a personal story which will certainly help keep their interest. Jesus used stories/parables to communicate a spiritual lesson to His disciples. The clear communication of our faith is very important and we must be sensitive to others not assuming they
know what we are talking about. We should never throw the Bible/God in someone’s face. The Bible tells us how we are to communicate our faith:

1 Peter 3:15 NIV 
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and
respect


OK. Let’s begin.

Here is a list of terms used regularly amongst Christians who have some working knowledge of the Bible:


Anoint:
The act of pouring oil on objects or individuals for the purpose of dedicating them to the
service of God. God commissions or sets apart someone for His service. Symbolic of setting apart to God. (ex. The name Messiah means the Anointed One)

Luke 4:18 NIV   
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,

2 Corinthians 1:21 NIV   
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,
            
Antichrist: 
Anyone who opposes or rejects God. Any person or power opposed to Jesus Christ
A false Christ who is supposed to rise to power during the Tribulation. An antagonist of
Jesus Christ, expected by the early Christians to spread evil throughout the world, but
then to be overcome by the second coming of Christ.  

1 John 2:22 NIV   
Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son.

Apostle:
Commissioned by Jesus to preach the Gospel (ex. Paul in the New Testament,  Acts Chapter 9)

Apostasy:
A “falling away”.  A desertion of or a departure from one’s faith.  Apostasy denies the fundamental
doctrines concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ.  An apostate is one who, after professing
to believe the Gospel, turns away from and refutes his profession.  Apostasy differs from backsliding
in that a true Christian may backslide, but an apostate was never born again.

Atonement
Act by which the barriers of sin between God and sinful people are removed. In the Old
Testament times, sacrifices on the Day of Atonement cleansed the whole nation of sin.
Later, Christ’s death provided the final atonement for believers, making further sacrifices 
unnecessary. (ex. Hebrews 9:28)
 
Hebrews 9:28 NIV
so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.            
                   
Baptism:
A Christian ceremony symbolizing the cleansing from sin and identification with Jesus
either by sprinkling, immersion or pouring of water. An outward public demonstration
of faith by someone who has already become a follower of Christ by receiving Him as
their Lord and Savior.

Consecrate:
To set aside or dedicate for God’s use. (ex. Exodus 13:2)

Exodus 13:2 NIV
"Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether man or animal."

Covenant
A mutually binding agreement between 2 parties. In the Old Testament God entered
into a covenant with Israel. God set the conditions to this agreement where He promised
to protect and love Israel in return for their loyalty and obedience. With the New Covenant, God
brought Salvation to His people through the shedding of Jesus’ blood.

Genesis 17:7 NIV   
I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

Hebrews 9:15 NIV   
For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.


Day of the Lord:  
(Please spend more time researching this topic. There is a lot more info to glean)
Most people associate “the Day of the Lord” with a period of time or a special day
that will occur at the end of time when God’s will and purpose for His world and for
mankind will be fulfilled. In the Old Testament God says He will one day vindicate
the righteous and judge the wicked.

Isaiah 2:12 NIV
The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled),

The New Testament goes further to say that this event is specifically Jesus’ second coming.
Christ returns to earth to redeem His faithful believers. Those who have rejected Him will getwhat they desire: eternal separation from God.

1 Corinthians 1:8 NIV
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Besides being a time of judgment, The Day of The Lord will also be a time of salvation as God will deliver the remnant of Israel, fulfilling His promise that “all of Israel will be saved” forgiving their sins and restoring His chosen people to the land He promised to Abraham.

Romans 11:26 NIV
And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

Deity Of Christ:
Divinity; the divine nature or character of God

Disciple:
A follower of Jesus. A person who follows the teachings of Jesus.

Eschatology:
Doctrine of last things, particularly those dealing with the second coming of Christ and the events
preceding and following this great event. The study of what the Bible says is going to happen in
the end times. The Bible describes a terrible period of Tribulation in Revelation chapters 6-18.

Fruit:
Abundantly productive, producing results for God’s Kingdom. This can only happen through
the Holy Spirit working through us. Also it is a sign of our spiritual growth and maturity.

John 15:4-5 NIV
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Fruit of the Spirit :
Visible growth in Jesus Christ. The "Fruit of the Spirit" is a biblical term that sums up the nine visible
attributes of a true Christian life.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.

Glorification:
With Christ’s return, the third step in the justification-sanctification-glorification process in us.
When the sanctification process is complete, our bodies will be changed, the old sin nature will
be eliminated. Referring to Jesus and to His state after the resurrection.

1 Peter 1:21 NIV 
Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Gospel: (Good News)
The Good News of Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again. The Gospel is the
Main message of Christianity. It is also referred to as the first 4 books of the New Testament
(Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) where the record of Jesus’ life teaching and miracles are found.

The Gospel message we have come to know from the Bible:

John 3:16-17 NIV
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Jesus has also given us the authority to go into the world be his disciples and share the good news:

The Great Commission:

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Grace:
Unmerited favor, unearned benefit, undeserved kindness.  What God has freely given. God’s
gift of forgiveness of sin through Christ. An expression of God’s love toward His people.

John 1:17 NIV 
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:24 NIV 
and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:7 NIV 
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

Ephesians 2:8 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

Hallelujah:
Means praise the Lord.

Justification:
An act of God that declares us innocent from guilt or blame placing us in a right relationship
with Him. Justification takes place when the believer's sins are removed by the blood of Jesus Christ
through His work on the Cross. To declare righteous; to make one right with God. Justification is God
declaring those who receive Christ to be righteous, based on Christ’s righteousness being imputed
(attribute or credit to) to the accounts of those who receive Christ. We are justified, declared righteous,at the moment of our salvation. Justification does not make us righteous, but rather pronounces our righteousness. Our righteousness comes from placing our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:21-26 NIV
Righteousness Through Faith
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Liturgy: (Work Of the People)
In the Church a predetermined or prescribed set of rituals that are performed.
The order of service, especially in Christian worship. Formal rituals and procedures for services
and prayers. Example: the preparation and celebration of the Lords Supper/Communion.

Son of Man:
The title Son of Man is Messianic in nature. Jesus used this phrase to describe Himself in the context
of His mission and purpose.

Matthew 20:28 NIV
...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Luke 9:22 NIV
And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."

         Jesus used the name Son of Man to reinforce that He was the Messiah. The Prophet Daniel
         describes the Son of Man/Messiah in this Prophecy:
         
Daniel 7:13-14 NIV
"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.  He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples,  nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his
kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Parable:
A parable is a brief, succinct story, in prose or verse, that illustrates a moral or religious lesson.
Jesus told many parables to drive home a spiritual point while teaching His disciples.

Here is a link to an alphabetical listing of Jesus’ parables and where they can found in the 4 Gospels: http://www.lifeofchrist.com/teachings/parables/

Precepts:
Guiding principles of God’s Word. A rule of moral conduct.


Why follow and meditate on God’s precepts?
Because to do so glorifies God, It honors Him, it is pleasing to God, shows love to Him and honors Him. God wants us to live according to His Word, His commands.

Propitiation:
An action or means by which the wrath of God is turned away from the sinner.
Jesus’ sacrifice satisfies/appeases God, thereby making it possible for Him to show mercy.
God is satisfied that the work of Christ on the Cross covers our sin once and for all.

Rapture:
To be “caught up.” When Christ returns, all of the elect who have died will be raised and
transformed into a glorious state, along with the living elect, and then be caught up to be with Christ
(Election/The elect: the sovereign act of God in grace whereby certain individuals are chosen from mankind for Himself.)

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NIV
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Redemption:
Redemption means to free someone from bondage. It often involves the paying of a ransom,
a price that makes redemption possible. The Israelites were redeemed from Egypt.
Redemption is God's paying the ransom or price for sin Himself. Redemption is deliverance by the
payment of a price. Jesus paid the price for our sins bringing about deliverance and freedom from the
penalty of sin.

Deuteronomy 7:8 NIV    
But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Ephesians 1:7 NIV
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

Repentance:
Feeling regret for sins committed and asking for forgiveness. Repentance is complete remorse and sorrow for one's sins, which are the transgression of the holy laws and commandments of God, whether in the letter or the spirit of the law. Turning back to God, redirecting one's life towards God means a change of mind. The sinner comes unto "the knowledge of sin and its consequences. It is a genuine sorrow over sin. It is a deeper sorrow than "being caught. Shifting from sin-centeredness to God-centeredness.

Matthew 3:1-3 NIV
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'  

Matthew 3:11 NIV
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Romans 3:20 NIV
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

Acts 26:20 NIV
First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.

Resurrection: (Again, a lot involved in this topic. Do further research)
An act of the dead coming back to life. Christ’s rising from the dead after the Crucifixion. The Resurrection of Christ from the dead on the third day after his death; commemorated on Easter Sunday.  The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a gift from God and a fulfillment of His promise. It is the very foundation of Christianity. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very heart of Christianity.

1 Corinthians 15:14-20 NIV
And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

On the great day of the Second Coming of the Son of Man, the general Resurrection of the Dead will
occur. All people will rise from their graves in a transformed state.

John 5:28-29 NIV
"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.

The Bible tells us that when Jesus returns to earth, he will physically raise all those who have died,
For those who are in Christ will receive new resurrection bodies. They will be transformed into
a glorified state, freed from suffering and pain. A new imperishable body.

1 Corinthians 15:42 NIV 
 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;

Revelation:
The disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things
clear; bringing hidden matters to light. Refers to the process by which God tells people about himself,
whether through nature or by specifically speaking to them. The Last Book of the Bible/New Testament.


Righteousness:
Righteousness is the condition of being in right standing or relationship with God. This can only
happen through total faith and dependence upon Christ.

Romans 3:21-22 NIV
Righteousness Through Faith
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,

Abrahams faith and relationship with God was credited to Him by God as righteousness.

Genesis 15:6 NIV
Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Romans 1:16-17 NIV
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."


Sacrifice:
A gift or offering to God. Something offered to God to atone for sin.
Based on God’s plan of Salvation, Jesus’ sacrifice paid the price for our sin once and for all.
Jesus’ work on the Cross.

1 John 4:10 NIV
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Part of our Worship to God is the way we sacrificially live for Him.

Romans 12:1 NIV
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.


Sacrament:
A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. The two great sacraments are Baptism and Communion.

Salvation:
The act of delivering from sin or saving from evil. The state of being saved or preserved from harm
God’s plan to save His people from eternal separation from Him due to their unrepentant sin.
God’s plan to deliver his people from the bondage of sin and condemnation through the work of Jesus
on the cross.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIV For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 5:7-10 NIV
During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.  Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be
high priest in the order of Melchizedek.


Sanctification:
Sanctification is the act of setting apart someone or something for a holy purpose and use. Christians
are in a continuing state of sanctification after repentance, baptism and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. Growing in the Lord, becoming holy in life. Sanctification is living every day in light of who we are in Christ. The process of which one is made holy. The process of God's grace by which the believer is separated from sin and becomes dedicated to God's righteousness. Becoming more like Jesus. In heart, mind and character – Christ-like.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV 
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

          The Holy Spirit along with the knowledge and application of God’s Word will help sanctify us.

John 14:26 NIV 
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 17:17-19 NIV
 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.


Saved: (Born Again)
Rescued, delivered, redeemed from the penalty of sin through Jesus ultimate sacrifice.
Refers to one who has accepted Christ as his/her personal Savior, and is thereby saved from the
wrath of God and is assured of an eternity with Christ in heaven.

 

Second Coming:
The great event in which Christ will return to the earth, with His saints, to establish a visible, earthly
kingdom for one thousand years over Israel. In Christianity, the Second Coming is the anticipated return of Jesus Christ from heaven to earth, an event that will fulfill aspects of Messianic prophecy, such as the general resurrection of the dead, the last judgment of the dead and the living and the full establishment of The Second Coming is when Jesus Christ will return to earth in fulfillment of His promises and to fulfill the prophecies made about Him. Jesus Himself promised:

Matthew 24:30 NIV
"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.


Sovereignty
Possessing supreme authority. Absolute power. The supreme authority of God to work all things
after the counsel of His own will. God’s complete power and Control over His creation.

Psalm 115:3 NIV
Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Matthew 19:26 NIV
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Isaiah 46:10 NIV
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

Tithe:
One tenth of a person's income given to support the church annually.
An offering to the local Church based on 10% of the gross of someone’s income.
An offering to God based on the condition of a person’s heart to trust God.
Being a good steward of God’s provision.

Malachi 3:10 NIV 
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty,"and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have roomenough for it.


Tribulation:
A period of seven years of unparalleled suffering, in which the world will experience the wrath of God, along with the reign of the Antichrist.  Because the last three-and-a-half years of this period are more severe in the degree of suffering experienced, they are referred to as the “Great Tribulation.”

Trinity:
"Trinity" is not used in Scripture. This is a term that is used to attempt to describe the triune nature of God. 3 coexistent, co-eternal persons making up 1 God." God exists as three persons. The persons are understood to exist as God the Father, God the Son (incarnate as Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. The word "trinity" is a term used to denote the Christian doctrine that God exists as a unity of three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Each of the persons is distinct from the other, yet identical in essence.  In other words, each is fully divine in nature, but each is not the totality of the other persons of the Trinity. Each is divine, yet there are not three gods, but one God.  The Trinity is one of the important doctrines of classical Christian theology in which God is depicted as being manifest in "three persons:" God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Three persons, but one God.

Here is an example where we see the interaction between the Messiah/Jesus, The Father/God and the Holy Spirit: (Jesus also fulfilled this prophecy)

Isaiah 61:1 NIV
 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners

Here is the Apostle Paul speaking about the triune God:

2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Each person of the Trinity plays an important role:
God carries out creation and is in sovereign over all creation.

Genesis 1:1 NIV
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

1 Corinthians 8:6 NIV
yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

Jesus not only had a part in all creation and holds all of creation together, but also carried out God’s
plan of Salvation and through Him we are rescued from eternal separation from God.

Colossians 1:16-17 NIV
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Romans 6:23 NIV
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:9-10 NIV
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Once we are saved, the Holy Spirit works in us, to help us fulfill our mission and to conform us
into the image of Christ.

Acts 1:8 NIV 
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,  and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth

Titus 3:5 NIV 
he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing
of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

Romans 15:16 NIV 
to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

I hope by providing definitions of these Biblical terms we can better understand the principles of
our faith and translate them to a world that is lost and in need of truth. Continue to research these topics and ask God to help you use this knowledge to fulfill your mission and calling.  

Just Sayin……………..Dave


No comments:

Post a Comment