Theological Term Glossary
Understand key theological terms with clear definitions and supporting Scripture. Search by keyword or browse A-Z.
Showing 30 of 30 terms
Agape
The Greek word for the highest form of love — unconditional, sacrificial, and selfless. It describes God's love for humanity and the love Christians are called to show one another, regardless of circumstances.
Atonement
The reconciliation of God and humanity through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It refers to the covering or removal of sin, restoring the broken relationship between a holy God and sinful people.
Baptism
A Christian sacrament of initiation and purification, symbolizing the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It is practiced through immersion, pouring, or sprinkling of water.
Covenant
A solemn agreement between God and His people, establishing a relationship with promises and obligations. The Bible contains several major covenants, including those with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the New Covenant through Jesus.
Depravity
The theological doctrine that every aspect of human nature has been corrupted by sin since the Fall. Total depravity does not mean people are as evil as possible, but that sin affects every part of human existence.
Doxology
A short hymn or expression of praise to God, often used in worship services. The most well-known doxology begins 'Praise God from whom all blessings flow' and is sung in many Christian traditions.
Ecclesiology
The branch of theology concerned with the nature, structure, and mission of the church. It addresses questions about church governance, sacraments, membership, and the church's role in God's redemptive plan.
Eschatology
The study of last things or end times, including the return of Christ, the final judgment, heaven, hell, and the ultimate destiny of humanity. Different traditions hold varying views on the timeline and nature of these events.
Exegesis
The careful, systematic study of Scripture to discover the original, intended meaning. It involves analyzing the text in its historical, cultural, and literary context to draw out what the author meant to communicate.
Faith
Complete trust and confidence in God and His promises. In Christian theology, faith is both a gift from God and the means by which believers receive salvation, going beyond intellectual assent to personal commitment.
Grace
God's unmerited favor and love toward humanity. It is the free and undeserved gift of God that brings salvation, empowers believers for holy living, and sustains them through every circumstance of life.
Hermeneutics
The science and art of biblical interpretation. It involves principles and methods for understanding the meaning of Scripture, considering historical context, literary genre, original language, and theological significance.
Incarnation
The Christian doctrine that the eternal Son of God took on human nature and became man in the person of Jesus Christ. He was fully God and fully human, two natures united in one person.
Justification
The act of God declaring a sinner righteous based on faith in Jesus Christ. It is a legal term meaning the believer is acquitted of guilt and credited with Christ's righteousness before God.
Kingdom of God
The reign and rule of God over all creation, both present and future. Jesus proclaimed the kingdom as already inaugurated through His ministry but not yet fully realized until His return.
Logos
A Greek term meaning 'word' or 'reason,' used in John's Gospel to describe Jesus Christ as the eternal Word of God through whom all things were created and who became flesh to dwell among humanity.
Mercy
God's compassionate treatment of those in distress, withholding the punishment that sin deserves. It is closely related to grace and is demonstrated supremely in God's sending of Jesus to save sinners.
New Birth
Also called regeneration or being 'born again,' it is the spiritual transformation that occurs when a person places faith in Christ. The Holy Spirit gives new spiritual life, changing the believer's nature and desires.
Omniscience
The attribute of God referring to His complete and perfect knowledge of all things — past, present, and future. Nothing is hidden from God, and His understanding is infinite and exhaustive.
Parable
A short story used by Jesus to illustrate spiritual truths through everyday situations. Parables invite listeners to discover deeper meaning and challenge them to respond to the message of God's kingdom.
Propitiation
The satisfaction of God's righteous wrath against sin through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Christ's death turned away God's anger and made it possible for sinners to be reconciled to God.
Providence
God's continuous involvement in sustaining and governing all of creation. It encompasses His preservation of the world, His cooperation with created things, and His direction of all events toward His purposes.
Redemption
The act of buying back or setting free, referring to God's deliverance of humanity from the bondage of sin through the payment of Christ's blood. It emphasizes the cost of salvation and freedom gained.
Sanctification
The ongoing process by which believers are made holy and conformed to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. It begins at salvation and continues throughout the believer's life.
Trinity
The Christian doctrine that God exists as one Being in three co-equal, co-eternal Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each Person is fully God, yet there is only one God — a mystery central to Christian faith.
Union with Christ
The spiritual reality that believers are joined to Christ through faith, sharing in His death, resurrection, and life. This union is the foundation for all spiritual blessings and the basis of the Christian identity.
Vocation
The calling of God upon a person's life, encompassing not only ministry roles but all of life's work and relationships. Every believer has a divine calling to serve God faithfully in their particular station of life.
Worship
The act of ascribing worth and honor to God through praise, prayer, song, giving, and obedient living. True worship involves the whole person — heart, mind, soul, and strength — in response to who God is.
Yahweh
The personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush, often translated as 'I AM WHO I AM' or 'the LORD.' It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant faithfulness to His people.
Zealot
In biblical context, a member of a Jewish political movement that sought to overthrow Roman rule by force. Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus' twelve apostles, representing the diversity of Christ's followers.