Clear definitions for words that matter.

Adoption emphasizes accepted status and heirship before God. Through Christ, believers are received into God's household as His children and heirs.

See: Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:15–17; Galatians 4:4–7

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The word apostle means "sent one." Scripture uses the term in more than one sense, though always with the idea of authorized representation and mission.

See: Exodus 3:10–15; Luke 6:13; Acts 13:1–4; Hebrews 3:1; Ephesians 2:20

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Biblical assurance rests ultimately upon the character and promises of God, not merely upon fluctuating emotions or personal performance.

See: Romans 8:14–16; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Hebrews 10:22; 1 John 5:13

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Through His death and resurrection, Christ bore sin, satisfied divine justice, and brought peace between God and man.

See: Romans 3:25–26; 2 Corinthians 5:18–21

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Baptism visibly proclaims union with Christ and reception into the visible fellowship of the church.

See: Matthew 28:19–20; Romans 6:3–5

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In the New Testament, the terms bishop and elder are used for the same office, emphasizing different aspects of the role. Elder highlights maturity and leadership, while bishop emphasizes oversight and responsibility.

Bishops are entrusted with the spiritual care of the congregation. Their responsibilities include teaching sound doctrine, guarding the church from error, providing leadership, and caring for the flock of God. The New Testament consistently presents this office as one of service rather than domination.

Alongside shepherd imagery, the title bishop reminds believers that church leaders serve under the authority of Christ, the Chief Shepherd and Head of the church.

See: Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:7–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4

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Scripture describes believers as members of a single body, united to Christ as their Head and joined to one another through the work of the Holy Spirit. This image emphasizes both unity and diversity: every believer belongs to the whole, yet each serves a distinct function within it.

The Body of Christ is not merely a metaphor for cooperation. It describes a living relationship in which Christ directs His people and supplies what they need for growth, service, and maturity. No member exists independently; each is called to contribute to the health and mission of the whole body.

See: Romans 12:4–5; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 1:22–23; Ephesians 4:11–16; Colossians 1:18

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The new birth is not merely moral improvement, but the beginning of new spiritual life and origin in Christ.

See: John 3:3–8; 1 Peter 1:23

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Scripture speaks of calling both in salvation and in service. Through the Gospel, God calls sinners to repentance, faith, and life in Christ.

See: Romans 8:28–30; Ephesians 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:9

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The New Testament word ekklesia means assembly or congregation. The church is not merely all believers abstractly considered, but a visible gathered people living under the authority of Christ.

See: Acts 2:41–47; 1 Timothy 3:15

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Discipline is not punitive but restorative, reflecting the Father's care for His children.

See: Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1

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While the New Testament does not present membership through modern administrative procedures, it consistently assumes identifiable congregations whose members worship, serve, submit to spiritual leadership, and care for one another.

Membership reflects the biblical reality that Christianity is not intended to be lived in isolation. Believers are called into fellowship with God's people and are expected to participate in the life, mission, worship, and accountability of the local church.

See: Acts 2:41–47; Romans 12:4–5; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Hebrews 10:24–25; Hebrews 13:17

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Communion refers both to the spiritual fellowship believers share in Christ and to the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, which visibly proclaims that fellowship.

See: Luke 22:19–20; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17

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Biblical covenants define how God relates to His people and how they are to live under Him.

See: Jeremiah 31:31–34; Hebrews 8

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Human beings remain image-bearers of God, yet every aspect of human life has been distorted by sin.

See: Genesis 6:5; Romans 3:10–18; Ephesians 2:1–5

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A disciple is a learner, follower, and servant who submits to the authority of Jesus and seeks to obey His teaching.

Christian discipleship involves more than acquiring information. It includes spiritual growth, obedience, transformation of character, and participation in the life and mission of the church. Jesus commanded His followers not merely to make converts but to make disciples, teaching them to observe all that He commanded.

Discipleship is therefore both personal and relational. Mature believers help younger believers grow, while the whole church participates in the work of spiritual formation.

See: Matthew 4:19; Matthew 28:18–20; Luke 9:23; John 8:31–32; 2 Timothy 2:2

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God disciplines His people not for destruction, but for maturity and holiness.

See: Hebrews 12:5–11

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The New Testament presents elders as shepherds of God's people who are entrusted with guiding, protecting, and caring for the congregation.

The term emphasizes maturity, character, and wisdom rather than status or authority alone. Elders are expected to meet the qualifications outlined in Scripture and to lead by example as servants of Christ.

In the New Testament, the offices of elder, bishop, and pastor describe different aspects of the same leadership role.

See: Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17–28; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4

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Believers are elect in Christ and called to holiness, service, and participation in God's redemptive plan.

See: Ephesians 1:4–5; Isaiah 42:1

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Eschatology includes the return of Christ, resurrection, judgment, the kingdom of God, and the renewal of creation.

See: 1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 21–22

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The term comes from the biblical word meaning "good news" and refers to announcing what God has done through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son.

While all believers are called to bear witness to Christ, some are especially gifted for evangelistic ministry. Evangelism is a central part of the church's mission and plays an essential role in making disciples of all nations.

See: Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13–17; 2 Timothy 4:5

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While propitiation emphasizes the satisfaction of God's righteous wrath, expiation emphasizes the removal of guilt and defilement.

See: Leviticus 16:20–22; Hebrews 9:26; 1 John 1:7

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Biblical faith is not mere belief or emotion, but trust that brings life into alignment with truth.

See: Hebrews 11:1; Romans 1:17

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Fellowship is not merely social gathering, but spiritual union made visible through shared life in Christ.

See: Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 10:16–21; 1 John 1:3

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Just as sheep depend upon a shepherd for guidance, protection, and provision, believers depend upon Christ and the spiritual care provided within the church.

Scripture frequently describes the church as a flock, Christ as the Good Shepherd, and church leaders as under-shepherds who care for those entrusted to them. The image emphasizes both the responsibility of leaders and the dependence of believers upon God's care.

See: Psalm 100:3; John 10:1–18; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2–4

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God's foreknowledge involves more than passive observation of future human actions; it is personal and covenantal.

See: Romans 8:29; Acts 2:23; 1 Peter 1:1–2

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The glory of God is most clearly revealed in Christ, where holiness, truth, justice, mercy, love, and power are displayed together.

See: Psalm 19:1; Isaiah 6:1–3; John 1:14; John 17:1–5

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It is the announcement of what God has done, not advice about what man must achieve.

See: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Romans 1:1–4; Mark 1:14–15

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Grace is not license, but the very power that trains us for godly living.

See: Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 2:11–12

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Hell does not exist because God delights in suffering, but because God is holy, just, and opposed to evil.

See: Matthew 25:41–46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9; Revelation 20:11–15

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Holiness reflects God's character and demonstrates the reality of the gospel to the world.

See: Leviticus 20:26; 1 Peter 1:15–16; Romans 12:1

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The Spirit does not draw attention to Himself but glorifies Christ. At Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out as the promised gift of the risen and enthroned Christ.

See: John 14:26; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:33

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Through imputation, believers are counted righteous in Him and accepted before God on the basis of His finished work rather than their own merit.

See: Romans 4:3–8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9

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It is participation in His completion, not striving for our own.

See: Ephesians 1:3–10; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17

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At the cross, the justice and mercy of God meet together. Sin is not ignored, yet forgiveness is extended through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ.

See: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 89:14; Romans 3:25–26

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It is a legal declaration, not an internal transformation. God pronounces the guilty righteous on the basis of Christ's finished work.

See: Romans 3:24–26; Romans 5:1; Philippians 3:9

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It is not a geographical territory, but the active rule of God over redeemed hearts and history.

See: Mark 1:14–15; Luke 17:20–21; Romans 14:17

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The Law was never intended to save sinners through human effort. Rather, it reveals guilt, restrains evil, and points ultimately to Jesus Christ.

See: Exodus 20; Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:24

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Because Christ is Lord, no area of life stands outside His claim. Worship, morality, relationships, work, thought, and obedience all fall under His rightful rule.

See: Matthew 28:18; Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:9–11

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Biblical love is fundamentally an act of commitment rather than a passing emotional state. Love remains rooted in faithful action aligned with the character of God.

See: John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:7–12

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While grace gives what is not deserved, mercy withholds what is deserved.

See: Ephesians 2:4; Luke 18:13; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 4:16

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The New Testament identifies Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this type. He is both the true mercy seat and the final sacrifice whose blood covers sin eternally.

See: Exodus 25:17–22; Leviticus 16:14–15; Romans 3:25

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The church exists not only to worship and grow but also to bear witness to Christ, make disciples, and proclaim the gospel to all nations.

Biblically, mission begins with God's own purpose. The Father sent the Son, the Son sent His disciples, and the Holy Spirit empowers the church to continue Christ's witness. Mission therefore belongs to the identity of the church, not merely one of its programs.

The church's mission includes evangelism, discipleship, church planting, teaching, and the display of Christ's character before the world.

See: Matthew 28:18–20; Luke 24:46–49; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20

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Scripture presents obedience not as the cause of salvation, but as the fruit of genuine faith and spiritual life.

See: John 14:15; Romans 1:5; Philippians 2:8; James 1:22

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Most evangelical churches recognize two ordinances: baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Ordinances do not impart saving grace, but they visibly proclaim and reinforce spiritual realities taught in the gospel. Baptism identifies believers with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, while the Lord's Supper proclaims His sacrifice and anticipates His return.

Because ordinances are given by Christ to His church, they are acts of obedience, worship, and public testimony.

See: Matthew 28:19–20; Luke 22:19–20; Acts 2:41–42; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

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The word emphasizes the responsibility of spiritual supervision and care within a local church.

Overseers are entrusted with guarding sound doctrine, leading the congregation, caring for God's people, and protecting the church from error. The New Testament uses the terms elder, bishop, and overseer interchangeably for the same office.

See: Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:7–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4

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Scripture closely connects the work of pastor, elder, and overseer, presenting them as different aspects of the same spiritual leadership.

See: Jeremiah 3:15; Ephesians 4:11–12; 1 Peter 5:1–4

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Biblical peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ's lordship.

See: Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:7; John 14:27

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Pentecost marks not the invention of the church from nothing, but the Spirit-filled beginning of its public mission.

See: Acts 2:1–4; Joel 2:28–32; John 7:39

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Perseverance does not deny the reality of false profession. True perseverance reveals genuine participation in Christ.

See: John 15:1–6; Romans 8:35–39; Hebrews 3:12–14

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Predestination does not rob human responsibility; it secures the certainty of God's redemptive purposes.

See: Ephesians 1:5, 11; Romans 8:29

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The cross reveals both the holiness and love of God together. The Father Himself provided the Son so that justice would be satisfied and mercy extended.

See: Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Hebrews 9:5

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Through Christ, believers are no longer enemies, but are brought near as children, citizens, and members of the household of God.

See: Romans 5:10–11; 2 Corinthians 5:18–21; Ephesians 2:13–16

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Believers are redeemed not merely from something, but unto Someone. Having been bought with a price, they no longer belong to themselves, but to the One who redeemed them.

See: Mark 10:45; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18–19

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It is monergistic—accomplished solely by God—and precedes faith as the Spirit awakens the spiritually dead.

See: John 3:3–8; 1 Peter 1:23; Hebrews 3:12–14

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It is not mere sorrow for wrong, but a change of mind so real that it changes direction.

See: Mark 1:15; Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10

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The resurrection of Christ is also the beginning of the future resurrection of believers. Resurrection is therefore not merely survival after death, but the restoration and glorification of life.

See: Matthew 28:5–7; John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 3:20–21

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In Christ, rest is entered through His finished work, not achieved through our striving.

See: Matthew 11:28–30; Hebrews 4:9–10; John 19:30

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Throughout Scripture, God restores individuals, relationships, communities, and ultimately creation itself.

Restoration is closely connected to redemption. Through Christ, sinners are reconciled to God and begin experiencing renewal in the present. Yet restoration also points forward to the future when Christ will remove the curse, defeat evil completely, and establish a renewed creation.

Because of this, restoration includes both present transformation and future hope.

See: Psalm 51:12; Acts 3:21; Galatians 6:1; Colossians 1:19–20; Revelation 21:1–5

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Scripture uses the term both for God's own perfect holiness and for the standing granted to believers through faith in Jesus Christ.

Because all people are sinners, no one possesses a righteousness capable of justifying them before God. The gospel declares that God provides righteousness through Christ. His righteousness is credited to those who believe, giving them a right standing before God apart from works.

Righteousness therefore includes both a legal and a practical dimension. Believers are declared righteous in Christ, and they are also called to pursue righteous living as the fruit of their new life.

See: Genesis 15:6; Romans 1:16–17; Romans 3:21–26; Romans 4:1–8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9

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Salvation includes forgiveness, reconciliation, redemption, justification, new birth, sanctification, and final resurrection.

See: John 3:16–17; Romans 1:16; Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 3:5

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Sanctification is synergistic: God works, and we respond in obedience, discipline, and means of grace.

See: 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 2:12–13

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Scripture frequently uses shepherd imagery for both God's relationship to His people and the ministry of church leaders.

Jesus identified Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Under His authority, pastors and elders are called to serve as under-shepherds, caring for the flock entrusted to them. Biblical shepherding involves teaching, spiritual oversight, protection from error, encouragement, and loving care.

The image reminds both leaders and believers that the church ultimately belongs to Christ, the Chief Shepherd.

See: Psalm 23; John 10:11–18; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 5:1–4

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Sin is not merely broken rules; it is broken relationship, requiring reconciliation through Christ.

See: Genesis 3:1–6; Romans 3:23; 1 John 3:4; James 1:14–15

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Human beings remain morally responsible for their actions even under God's sovereign rule. God truly reigns, and man is truly accountable.

See: Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 46:9–10; Daniel 4:35; Romans 8:28

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Every believer receives gifts according to God's design and is called to use them for the benefit of others rather than personal advancement.

The New Testament describes a variety of gifts, including teaching, service, leadership, encouragement, mercy, evangelism, and others. While gifts differ from one believer to another, all are intended to contribute to the health and mission of the Body of Christ.

Spiritual gifts are not signs of spiritual superiority but tools entrusted by God for faithful ministry.

See: Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–31; Ephesians 4:11–16; 1 Peter 4:10–11

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Truth is personal in Christ, propositional in Scripture, and practical in obedience.

See: John 14:6; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; Psalm 119:160

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The Gospel is unconditional in its offer, but not meaningless in its effect. God does not save because man is worthy; He saves because He is merciful.

See: Romans 9:16; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9

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The cross reveals both the seriousness of wrath and the greatness of God's love together.

See: Romans 1:18; John 3:36; Romans 5:8–9; Ephesians 2:3–5

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True worship flows from revelation, is sustained by truth, and produces holiness.

See: John 4:23–24; Romans 12:1; Psalm 95; Hebrews 13:15–16

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