One of the biggest hurdles to Christianity is the language. Many of us have been speaking it so long that we forget these words aren’t common knowledge. Some of these are well known words but have different meaning when they are applied to relationship with God. Conflict arises when we aren’t speaking the same language. It is my hope that these brief descriptions with supporting scripture will help clarify these Christian terms.
Apostle – The original Greek work meant “One who is sent out”. This title is often used to refer to the disciples of Jesus after his resurrection. Their message formed the earliest churches.
Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Acts 5:12-16
Baptism – Greek word meant “to immerse or dip in water”. It is a ceremonial application of water that symbolizes an inward cleansing. This inward cleansing occurs with acknowledgment that Jesus Christ is the only means to restore relationship with God, and acceptance of him as your personal savior.
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
1 Peter 3:21
Covenant– An contract made between God and man with agreement on promises, stipulations, privileges, and responsibilities. Covenants also show God’s true and loyal nature. If He says he will do something, He never breaks that promise. God also faithfully fulfilled His covenants, even when humans sinned and didn’t hold up their end of the oath.
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38
Disciple– Generally refers to a personal follower of Jesus during his ministry. Jesus had 12 disciples. More broadly, anyone who follows the teaching of Jesus is a disciple.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35
Faith– complete confidence and certainty in something that cannot be seen or proven.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Acts 2:38
Forgiveness– A decision to not hold something against another person, despite what he or she has done to you. The forgiveness Jesus provides erases our sins, faults, and shortcomings from the record. Forgiveness of sin is comparable to financial debt being erased.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Gospel– Greek word meant “to bring good news”. This was used to refer to the Christian message. It later became the name for the four books of the New Testament containing that message: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
Mark 16:15
Grace– showing undeserved kindness and favor toward someone
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved”
Ephesians 2:4-5
Holy– Hebrew word meant “apartness, sacredness,” or “separateness”. God is sacred and set apart from His creation. Just as God is totally different from us, He wants His people to be holy as well. This means those who worship God should be separate or different from the rest of the world in thoughts, words, and deeds.
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:15-16
Holy Spirit– This is the spirit of God sent to dwell in His people. The Holy Spirit spoke by prophets and through scripture. It now lives in those who believe and trust in Jesus Christ. This spirit provides guidance, strength, truth, and spiritual gifts.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.“
John 14:15-17
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Mercy – withholding of a just condemnation and punishment when it is rightfully deserved.
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
Luke 6:36-37
Prophet/ Prophecy– a person who speaks God’s message to others. Prophets disclosed God’s truth on current issues which made them despised and many were killed. They also revealed details about the future which were not recognized until the prophecies were fulfilled.
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.
Deuteronomy 18:15
Redemption – redeem means “to buy out” and the term was used specifically in reference to the purchase of a slave’s freedom. Jesus paid the price to release us from sin and its punishment. His death was in exchange for our life.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Ephesians 1:7
Repent/Repentance – To change one’s mind, attitude and purpose which results in the change of one’s actions. This is a sincere and heartfelt desire to turn away from your old life and turn toward God which is seen through a changed life.
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Luke 15:7
Sin – any thought, word, or action that violates God’s law.
This is perhaps one of the most misunderstood terms. Civil laws and our personal opinions are always changing to fit the times and current norms in society. God’s law, however, is absolute and never changes. God’s law can’t be persuaded, argued, or debated. It is what it is. Because of that fact, it becomes very clear that we are all sinners. This is why we all need a savior!
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Ephesians 3:23
Seek and You Will Find 