The Language of Faith

A raised structure for offering sacrifices to God. Altars were central to Old Testament worship, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Genesis 8:20

Related: Sacrifice, Temple, Worship

One sent as a messenger with authority. Specifically, the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus, plus Paul, who were commissioned to preach the Gospel and establish the Church.

Matthew 10:1

Related: Disciple, Church, Gospel

The reconciliation between God and humanity accomplished through Christ's sacrificial death. Atonement means 'at-one-ment' — making enemies one again through the cross.

Romans 3:25

Related: Redemption, Sacrifice, Forgiveness

A Christian sacrament of initiation using water, symbolizing cleansing from sin, death and resurrection with Christ, and entry into the community of faith.

Matthew 28:19

Related: Communion, Salvation, Sacrament

A senior church leader who oversees a diocese or group of congregations. The term comes from the Greek 'episkopos' meaning overseer.

1 Timothy 3:1

Related: Elder, Deacon, Church

The sharing of bread and wine in remembrance of Christ's body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. Also known as the Eucharist or Lord's Supper.

Luke 22:19

Related: Eucharist, Lord's Supper, Fellowship

A solemn agreement between God and His people, establishing the terms of their relationship. God made covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and ultimately through Christ.

Genesis 9:13

Related: Testament, Promise, Law

A church servant responsible for practical ministry and care of the congregation. Deacons support the spiritual leadership by managing temporal and charitable needs.

Acts 6:3

Related: Bishop, Elder, Service

Knowing God and living in relationship with Him, both now and forever. Eternal life is not just endless existence but a quality of life found in Christ alone.

John 17:3

Related: Salvation, Kingdom of God, Resurrection

Also called Communion or the Lord's Supper, a sacrament commemorating Christ's sacrifice through the sharing of bread and wine, which represent His body and blood.

1 Corinthians 11:23

Related: Communion, Lord's Supper, Sacrifice

Complete trust and confidence in God and His promises. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, and it is by faith that believers are justified.

Hebrews 11:1

Related: Grace, Justification, Salvation

Voluntarily abstaining from food (or other pleasures) for spiritual purposes. Fasting accompanies prayer, repentance, and seeking God's guidance.

Matthew 6:16

Related: Prayer, Repentance, Discipline

The 'good news' of salvation through Jesus Christ — His life, death, burial, and resurrection. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe.

Mark 1:1

Related: Salvation, Evangelism, Christ

Unmerited favor and love that God shows toward humanity. Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve — salvation, forgiveness, and relationship with Him — freely through Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Related: Faith, Salvation, Mercy

Being set apart for God, reflecting His purity and character. Holiness is both a position (made holy through Christ) and a pursuit (growing in godliness).

1 Peter 1:16

Related: Sanctification, Righteousness, Purity

The eternal Son of God taking on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The Word became flesh, fully God and fully man, to accomplish salvation.

John 1:14

Related: Trinity, Christology, Virgin Birth

God's act of declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a legal declaration, not a process — God credits Christ's righteousness to the believer.

Romans 5:1

Related: Sanctification, Grace, Faith

God's reign and rule, both present in the hearts of believers and future in its fullness. Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom as already here yet not fully consummated.

Matthew 6:33

Related: Gospel, Eternal Life, Zion

The prescribed form or order of public worship in a church service. Liturgy includes prayers, readings, hymns, and rituals that structure communal worship.

Acts 2:42

Related: Worship, Sacrament, Tradition

A short story with a spiritual or moral lesson, used extensively by Jesus to teach about the Kingdom of God. Parables reveal truth to those who have ears to hear.

Mark 4:2

Related: Teaching, Kingdom of God, Jesus

The first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Also called the Torah, these books contain the foundational history and law of Israel.

Genesis 1:1

Related: Torah, Law, Moses

Communication with God, including praise, confession, thanksgiving, and requests. Prayer is both a privilege and a discipline, aligning the believer's heart with God's will.

Philippians 4:6

Related: Worship, Fasting, Meditation

A message from God delivered through a human spokesperson. Prophecy includes foretelling future events and forthtelling God's truth to His people.

1 Corinthians 14:1

Related: Prophet, Revelation, Scripture

A person who speaks for God, delivering messages of guidance, warning, correction, or hope. Prophets were called to call God's people back to faithfulness.

Amos 3:7

Related: Prophecy, Scripture, Revelation

The act of buying back or freeing from sin through the payment of a ransom. Christ's blood was the price paid to redeem humanity from slavery to sin and death.

Ephesians 1:7

Related: Atonement, Salvation, Grace

A turning away from sin and turning toward God, involving genuine sorrow for wrongdoing and a commitment to change. Repentance is more than regret — it is transformation.

Acts 3:19

Related: Faith, Forgiveness, Conversion

A person set apart for God. In the New Testament, all believers in Christ are called saints — those made holy through Christ's righteousness, not their own merit.

Romans 1:7

Related: Holiness, Sanctification, Believer

Deliverance from sin and its consequences, granted by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation includes justification, sanctification, and glorification.

Acts 4:12

Related: Grace, Faith, Redemption

The ongoing process of being made holy, set apart for God's purposes. It is the work of the Holy Spirit transforming believers into the likeness of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 4:3

Related: Justification, Holiness, Holy Spirit

Any thought, word, or deed that goes against God's will and character. Sin separates humanity from God, and its penalty is death, which Christ bore on the cross.

Romans 3:23

Related: Repentance, Forgiveness, Grace

The portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelled among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It contained the Ark of the Covenant and was a foreshadowing of Christ.

Exodus 25:8

Related: Temple, Ark of the Covenant, Presence of God

Giving a tenth of one's income or increase to God as an act of worship, trust, and support for the church's ministry. Tithing reflects that all we have belongs to God.

Malachi 3:10

Related: Giving, Offering, Stewardship

The Christian doctrine that God exists as three co-equal, co-eternal persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine essence. The Trinity is a mystery revealed in Scripture.

Matthew 28:19

Related: Incarnation, Holy Spirit, Godhead

A hill in Jerusalem that became synonymous with God's holy city and His dwelling place. Zion represents God's kingdom, His presence, and His chosen people.

Psalm 48:2

Related: Jerusalem, Kingdom of God, Temple