Abrahamic Covenant

The covenant God made with Abraham and his Seed in Genesis 15 and 18.

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.

Amillennialism

Amillennialism is derived from the Latin prefix a- meaning “no” plus the word mille meaning thousand and annus meaning year. Amillennialism is the belief that the history between Christ’s ascension and His second coming is the period referred to in Revelation 20 as the millennium in which Christ presently reigns with the church of triumphant saints in heaven over all things to the glory of God.

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.

Antinomianism

Antinomy is derived from the two Greek words (anti) meaning “over against” and (nomos) meaning “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.

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.

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.

Apophatic

A term used to refer to a particular style of theology, which stressed that God cannot be known in terms of human categories. “Apophatic” (which derives from the Greek apophasis, “negation” or “denial”) approaches to theology are especially associated with the monastic tradition of the Eastern Orthodox church.

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.

Arminianism

The heretic Arminius led a revolt in the reformed church in 1616. His denial of the Christian doctrines of God’s sovereignty and human depravity have since been controversial in the protestant church.

Basileia

The Greek word basilei/a means “kingdom.”

Berith

The Hebrew word (berith) means “covenant.”

Biblical Theology

Biblical theology is the discipline which traces the organic self-revelation of God through the history of Special revelation.

Calvinism

Jean Caulvin (1509-1564) was a prominant French reformer and pastor in Geneva. 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.

Cataphatic

 Of or relating to the religious belief that God can be known to humans positively or affirmatively.

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.

Christology

Christology is derived from the two Greek words (Christos) meaning “anointed one” or “messiah” and (logos) meaning “word.” 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.

Coram Deo

Latin, literally: “in the presence of God.”

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 (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

A covenant is an agreement upon the promises concerning the relationship between two or more parties. In Biblical terms the covenant is the prime agency of God’s self-revelation in history. God reveals Himself to be the covenant God. The essence of the covenant between God and man is “I will be your God, and you will be My people.” The probationary covenant of life by which man was to keep God’s commandments perfectly was ultimately and consummately fulfilled by Christ, God in the flesh. The covenant of grace is that by which God’s elect are attributed Christ’s satisfaction by faith. An understanding of the covenant is central to understanding the history of redemption.

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.

Covenant Theology

Covenant theology is that system of theology which recognizes the successive covenants of Scripture as a unity, and the means by which God orders His creation and brings about redemption for His elect.

Davidic Covenant

The everlasting kingship covenant God made with David and his Seed in 2 Samuel 7.

Diatheke

The Greek word (diatheke) means “covenant.”

Didactics

Didactics is derived from the Greek word (didaktikos) meaning “apt to teach.” Didactics is the art of science of teaching; pedagogy.

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. 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. 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.

Doctrine

Doctrine is derived from the Latin word doctrina meaning “teachings.” Something taught as a the principle or creed of a religion.

Dooweerdian

Dogmatics

Dogma (Greek dogma, literally “decree”) is a doctrine of practice or a body of doctrines formally and authoritatively affirmed. Dogmatics is the study of religious dogmas.

Ecclesia

The Greek word (ecclesia) means “church” or “assembly.”

Ecclesiology

Ecclesiology is derived from the two Greek words (ecclesia) meaning “assembly” or “church” and (logos) meaning “word.” Ecclesiology is the science of the church.

Ecumenism

Ecumenism from the Greek oikos/meno, 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. Ecumenism is the doctrine of the universal (holy catholic) church.

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 categorized 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 judgment confirming righteousness, and the judgment condemning wickedness.

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.

Exegesis

Exegesis is derived from the Greek word (exegesis), and means simply “explanation.” As a theological discipline, exegesis is the study, including critical analysis, of a passage of Scripture in order to derive the authorial intent of the relevant word of truth for God’s people. Exegetical preaching, then, deals with the verse-by-verse explanation of a text.

Existentialism

Broadly existentialism is the philosophy of existence or experience. 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.

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 covenant.

Form Criticism

Framework Model

The framework model is the theory that the Genesis one creation account follows a pattern of two triads of day-frames, and that those day-frames are not necessarily 24 hour periods.

Ginosko

The Greek word (ginosko) means “to know” and carries connotations of personal covenant knowledge; even marital, one-flesh intimacy.

Gnosticism

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.

Heilsgeschichte

German; literally “sacred history.” (see Redemptive-history)

Heresy

Hermeneutics

Hermeneutics is a technical term derived from the Greek (hermeneutikos) meaning “the science of interpretation,” 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.

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.

Imago Dei

Imago Dei is Latin for image of God.

Indicative/Imperative

Infralapsarianism

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.

Interpretive Maximalism

(see Maximalism)

Irresistible 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.

Johannine

Klinean

Liberalism

Limited Atonement

(see Particular Atonement)

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.

Mosaic Covenant

(see Sinaitic Covenant)

Neo-Calvinist

Neo-Orthodoxy

The heretical system of theology/philosophy represented by Karl Barth which teaches among other things that the Scriptures do not contain truth, but are merely a means of accessing truth in the individual and that truth is relative to the individual. Neo-Orthodoxy drives a wedge between the ontological God and the redemptive-historical (objective) God.

Neo-Puritan

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.

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.

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.

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.

Parousia

The Greek word, parousi/a, meaning “presence” or “appearance.” The term is used almost exclusively to indicate Christ’s second coming.

Pauline

Pelagianism

The heresy of Pelagius, a 4th century British monk, which denies original sin and maintains that man has absolute free will.

Pericope

Pronounced pehr·i´·coh·pee

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.

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.

Platonism

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 belief that the millennial reign takes place as the world becomes Christianized and the operates according to Christian principles while sin is reduced to a minimum.

Premillennialism

The belief that Christ’s second coming inaugurates an earthly millennial reign.

Presbyterianism

From the Greek (presbyterion) meaning “body of elders.” Presbyterianism is the form of church government in which hierarchical groups or courts of elders gather to determine cases of church polity, dogma, discipline, and doctrine. The presbyterian form of government finds biblical precendent in Acts 15.

Presuppositionalism

Presuppositions 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.

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.

Probation

Prophetic Idiom

Protology

Protology derives from the Greek words (protos) meaning “origin” and (logos) meaning “word.” Protology means the science or truth of the origin of beginning of things.

Redaction Criticism

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.

Reprobation

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).

Semper Reformanda

The motto of the reformed church. Latin meaning “always reforming.”

Sinaitic Covenant

The covenant God made with Israel and their descendents at Sinai mediated by Moses, also known as the covenant law.

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.

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 of salvation. Salvation is not only an “A-Okay” from God. It involves not only the forgiveness of sins, but the power over them. Soteriology studies God’s historical deliverence 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.

Supralapsarianism

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.

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.

Systematic Theology

Systematic theology is that branch of theology which deals with the logical categoration of Biblical truths.

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.

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.

Theology

Theology is derived from the two Greek words (Theos) meaning “God” and (logos) meaning “word.” Formally, theology means “the study or science of God.” 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.

Theonomy

Theonomy is derived from the two Greek words, (theos) meaning “God” and (nomo) 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.

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.

Typology

Typology is derived from the two Greek words (typo) 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 archetypal figure or condition.

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.

Vantillian

After the teaching of Cornelius Van Til.

Vosian

After the teaching of Geerhardus Vos.

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.”

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.

Zeitgeist

Zeitgeist is a German word. Zeit meaning “time” and Geist meaning “ghost,” Zeitgeist means the spirit of the age or times. The trend of thought and counter-thought specific to a certain temporo-spatial environs.

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 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.