Here are the definitions of some common theological terms found in the Bible:
Atonement
Atonement refers to the doctrine that Christ’s death on the cross paid the penalty for sin and restored the broken relationship between God and humanity. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross made amends for sin, bringing humankind back into a right relationship with God (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 2:2).
Baptism
Baptism is the Christian practice of immersing a believer in water or sprinkling water on them as an act of obedience and public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the cleansing of sins and the union of the believer with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4).
Conversion
Conversion refers to the spiritual process of transforming from unbelief to Christian faith. It involves repentance from sin and trusting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of one’s life (Acts 3:19, Galatians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:9).
Discipleship
Discipleship is the ongoing process of learning, following, and becoming more like Jesus Christ. It involves spiritual disciplines like Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and serving others (Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 9:23, Acts 11:26).
Evangelism
Evangelism is sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with nonbelievers. It involves communicating the message of salvation with the hope that people will believe in Christ and become disciples (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 8:4, 1 Peter 3:15).
Faith
Faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something, specifically in Christianity, it refers to a belief and trust in the truth of God’s revelation and promises revealed in Christ and the Scriptures (Hebrews 11:1, Romans 10:17, Ephesians 2:8).
Grace
Grace refers to the unmerited favor and blessing of God toward humanity, particularly through the gift of salvation offered in Jesus Christ. It cannot be earned but is freely given by God (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 11:6, 2 Corinthians 12:9).
Holiness
Holiness refers to the state of being set apart for God’s purposes. God calls believers to lives of personal holiness, purity, and separation from sin (1 Peter 1:15-16, Hebrews 12:14, Romans 6:19, 2 Corinthians 7:1).
Hope
Hope is the attitude of anticipation and expectation for the fulfillment of God’s promises and the realization of unseen realities. Biblical hope is rooted in one’s relationship with Christ (Romans 5:2-5, Romans 8:24-25, Titus 1:2).
Judgement
Judgement refers to God’s work of evaluating and judging humanity based on their heart, works, and relationship with Him. The Bible teaches of a final divine judgment when Christ returns (Hebrews 9:27, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 2:5-10, Revelation 20:11-15).
Justification
Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner righteous by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Through Christ, the sinner is pardoned from the guilt of sin and considered right before God (Romans 3:21-26, Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16).
Kingdom of God
The kingdom of God refers to God’s reign and the sphere of His rule. Jesus preached about the coming of God’s kingdom (Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15). The kingdom is present now in the hearts of believers but will be fully realized in the future restoration of all things (Luke 17:21, Revelation 21:1-5).
Miracle
A miracle is an act of divine intervention in the natural world that defies the laws of nature. The Bible records many miracles as signs that authenticate the message and power of God (John 2:11, Acts 3:1-10, Hebrews 2:4).
Prayer
Prayer is communicating with and talking to God. Believers can pray prayers of confession, thanksgiving, praise, petition, and intercession (Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:9-13, James 5:13-18).
Propitiation
Propitiation refers to appeasing the wrath of God and turning it aside by the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Christ’s death satisfied God’s justice and wrath toward sin (Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2, 1 John 4:10).
Redemption
Redemption refers to deliverance from captivity or slavery through the payment of a ransom. Through Jesus’ death, believers are redeemed or delivered from slavery to sin (Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14).
Regeneration
Regeneration is the act of God imparting new spiritual life within a sinner who believes in Christ. It results in a transformation from spiritual death to life (John 3:3, Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 1:23).
Repentance
Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning toward God. It consists of a change of heart and a resolve to pursue God’s will (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 2 Corinthians 7:10).
Resurrection
The resurrection refers to the raising of the dead to new life. Jesus was resurrected after his crucifixion, and believers will also experience a future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22, John 11:25, Revelation 20:5-6).
Righteousness
Righteousness is the quality of being morally right and just. God is righteous, and the Bible calls believers to pursue righteous conduct (Psalm 11:7, 1 John 2:29, 1 Peter 2:24).
Salvation
Salvation refers to being saved and delivered from sin and its consequences. Salvation is available through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ (John 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5).
Sanctification
Sanctification is the process of being made holy; it involves growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ to increasingly reflect His character (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, Romans 6:19, Hebrews 10:14).
Sin
Sin is disobedience, lawlessness, and moral failure in thought or action. Sin separates humankind from a holy God (1 John 3:4, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23).
Sovereignty of God
The sovereignty of God refers to God’s complete power, authority, and rule over all of creation (Psalm 103:19, Daniel 4:35, Ephesians 1:11).
Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the church. Examples include teaching, leadership, healing, tongues, etc. (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 4:11).
Trinity
The Trinity refers to the triune nature and identity of God as three co-equal and co-eternal Persons: God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Worship
Worship is reverently honoring and adoring God through attitudes, words, and actions. Both individual and corporate worship are key parts of the Christian faith (John 4:24, Psalm 95:6, Psalm 150).
