Bible Question:
Dear Saints and fellows, Again I ask for help in creating a primer for new Christians and those 'on the brink.' The first class will be Christian-Bible terminology. I would like to give basic definitions pertinent to starting a life in Christ Jesus. Please rememeber that I am living in a country with less than 1 percent Christian population (Japan), and very little knowledge of things many would take for granted. A few terms I would like to bring up are: God, Holy Spirit, Trinity, Messiah-Christ, heaven, hell, salvation, justification, redemption, Bible-Old Testament-New Testament, prophecy, ministry, faith, baptism...etc. Please give me a definition of one or more of the above, with a clear Bible reference (Not too many!) Let me know what you might want to add to the above list. Please, do not 'wax poetic' or philosophize. Also, don't refer me to another book or web-site...tell me what YOU think. Be brief; I want to give a list of basic definitions, explain the basics, then have some free discussion, all in about 90 minutes. Think what is most important to you. Thank you all for you help. I plan on publishing the course outline on my homepage as an 'open source.' I pray that it will be a blessing to many in non-Christian nations, and maybe in some so-called 'Christian nations' as well. Blessing to all in Christ Jesus, charis |
Bible Answer: Following are suggested definitions of some of the terms you listed. These are synonyms -- not the theological or Bible dictionary definitions, but merely simplified definitions. There's no need for anyone to disagree with me or correct me re these terms. I am not saying the definitions I give are the only correct definitions. It's just my way of defining these terms. Anyone or everyone may have better definitions than those I present here. justify/justification means (receive) God's approval; acquit; righteous Redeemer/redeem means defender, relative, buy back, reclaim. testament means covenant or promise. prophecy means prediction. ministry means service. faith means belief, reliance (upon); trust (in) ****************************** Suggestions for words to add to the list: abomination means disgusting thing atonement means make acceptable, make peace with, pay, forgive, payment for sins sin iniquity means guilt, sin Law of Moses means Moses' Teachings gospel means good news grace means God's undeserved kindness, God's unmerited favor blaspheme means curse, dishonor (God), slander consecrate means set apart, set aside, dedicate, holy covenant means agreement, promise, arrangement, pledge, treaty covet means desire, greed deliver means rescue, save born again regenerate/regeneration elders firstfruits forsake gentiles Holy of Holies host means armies house of Yahweh, Jehovah means LORD parable perish propitiation means atoning sacrifice, satisfaction Hope some of these will be useful and helpful to you. |