Definitions:
As is the case when venturing into a new area, there are terms and words that are commonly used, but uncommon to the new person. I don't think there is any area that demonstrates that more than the field of computers. We all had to let terms that were completely new to us. So we should be surprised the learn that the same is true when one begins to investigate the Bible and the Christian faith.
The following are some terms that might be new to you or terms that have never been fully explained to you. We would encourage you to read through this list of words and their definitions even if you think you know and understand them. We have found that some of these words have either been misunderstood, or there is more to the meaning of the word or phrase than is commonly known.
We include a Glossary in each of our studies so that as additional words, phrases or ideas are discussed, you will be continually expanding your understanding of new terms.
Anointed:
To pour or rub oil or ointment on, to put oil on in a ceremony of making sacred or consecrating to high office. In the sacred sense - symbolical anointing of Christ as the anointed one of God. One title for Christ - literally means the Anointed One. Believers are said to have "an anointing from the Holy One" indicating that this anointing renders them holy - separating them to God.
Baptize - Baptized - Baptism:
In the original Greek, it simply meant to dunk, dip, or immerse. Although the church through the years has used several modes of baptizing individuals, such as sprinkling, pouring, dipping, or immersion, a person who knows the Greek language knows that to baptize is to dunk or immerse something or someone. For our purpose it means to immerse a person in water. Baptism is done because we have accepted Salvation through Jesus. We are not baptized to become saved, but because we are saved. Another way of putting it is, "Baptism is an outward sign of an inward cleansing." There are other kinds of baptism in the Bible besides water. We will look at those in another study.
Born again:
Refers to a spiritual birth as opposed to a physical birth. This birth takes place when a person:
1. Recognizes their sin and need of a Savior.
2. Repents of their sin.
3. Turns to God for forgiveness of their sin, asking for God's help to live according to God's Word, the Bible.
This person can then say that they are or have been born again. See John 3 where Jesus introduces this term and concept.
Faith:
To trust or confide in. Unquestioning belief in God based on His Word, the Holy Bible.
Gospel:
Originally, "good spell, good story, good news, good tidings," but later shortened by dropping one of the "o's" it became "godspel" as if God + spell, story,or history - gospel. The teachings of Jesus. The history and life and teachings of Jesus. The first four books of the New Testament; Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
Kingdom of God - Kingdom of Heaven:
A phrase used interchangeably and speaks primarily of a spiritual, unseen, intangible Kingdom where God is King and Lord and His subjects are the ones who have submitted themselves to His Lordship allowing Him to influence and direct their lives.
Lost:
A person is said to be lost when they do not have a proper, Biblical relationship with God. When God is asked to become their Savior, they are said to be saved from their lost condition.
Pentateuch:
The first five books of the Old Testament, called by the Israelites, the Law, the Law of Moses, the Book of the Law, or the Book of Moses. In the old Hebrew manuscripts they were considered as one book.
Prayer:
An earnest request, entreaty, supplication addressed to God. It is also communicating with God, indicating a two-way conversation. There are different kinds of prayer such as: Intercession - praying for others, Requests, petitions, supplications, Thanksgiving.
Saved - Salvation - Savior:
Traditionally, salvation has simply meant a person being saved - rescued from the control of sin in their lives. However, a closer, more detailed look at the Greek work from which we get the English word "saved," we find that it means a total deliverance: Deliverance from sin, sickness and poverty.
Scriptures:
Comes from the word "script" and originally, anything written; a writing, manuscript, document, etc. In the time of Christ, it was a word that referred primarily to the Old Testament writings. Today, it's common use pertains to the entire Bible.
Sin - Sinner:
The breaking of religious law or a moral principle, especially through a willful act. The one who breaks such laws or moral principle is said to be a sinner. The Bible plainly states that we have all sinned and fall short of God's glory. That is why man needs a Savior - to save us from sin.
Word:
When capitalized in the Bible and other writings, it usually refers to the Bible or a part of the Bible. In the first chapter of the Gospel of John, it is referring to Jesus Christ Himself.
(Note:)
When you see words capitalized like, He, Him, His, Your, etc. it is in reference to God or Jesus.
(Note:) If you see a reference in one of these lessons that gives a reference similar to this: John 16:11a or John 16:11b, the small "a" refers to the first half of the verse while the small "b" refers to the last half of the verse.
