Christian Words: Meaning and Definitions

Colin Melbourne

© 04-08 Born-Again-Christian.info

What does this mean?

My spirit bears witness to share a revelation with the Body, of the Messiah's Second Coming.

Quite a mouthful, and incomprehensible to many people. Yet it's surprising how quickly we slip into such expressions. Every group, including Christians, has its glossary of special words, terms, meanings, and jargon. Here are some common examples Christians use, with the interpretation, understanding, or definition.

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive dictionary of precise theological definitions, but rather colloquial explanations readily understood both by sinners and saints.

B | C | D | E |

Abba, Father

And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. Holy Bible, Mk. 14:36 KJV

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Ro. 8:15

Abba is the Aramaic word for Father. Jesus addressed His Father this way, and through Christ's Sacrifice, Christians can too. It shares the same level of intimacy as the English term, 'Daddy'. Please re-read both of these verses substituting 'Daddy' for Abba Father: Then worship Him for His wonderful grace.

Adultery, adulterer

Fornication with someone else's husband or wife, or by a married person outside their Divinely endorsed marriage. Unless they repent, all adulterers are condemned to Hell. (1 Co.6: 9-10; Gal 5:19-21; Rev. Ch.21, 22.)

Alleluia, Halleluiah

The Hebrew 'Hallelujah' means 'Praise You Jehovah', a term of praise used in the OT. its Greek form; 'Alleluia' is used in the NT. An expression of joy in the Lord used spontaneously during conversation, praise, and worship.

Almighty God

Synonymous with LORD Almighty: God Almighty, LORD of Hosts, Sovereign LORD, and YHWH (pron. Yay-Ho-Va or Jehovah, meaning 'I AM' or 'I AM WHO I AM'). Referring to the Godhead or Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus Christ is Almighty God in the Flesh; The Incarnation: all the fullness of the Godhead lives in Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Col. 2:9 KJV

Altar Call

Dangerous term best replaced with an 'Invitation' or 'Appeal'. Read What is an Altar Call?

Anointed, anointing

Empowered by the Spirit of God for a specific task; symbolised in the OT by the pouring of olive oil onto a person's head; for example Samuel anointing David for kingship. This foreshadows the NT anointing by God with the Holy Spirit at the point of New Birth. The believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit when they trust in Christ and become a child of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Co. 1:21-22. See also Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30 and 1 Jn. 2:27

This is the believer's anointing every Christian receives when they genuinely repent and receive Christ.

God offers further anointing for service in the Acts 2 Pentecostal experience: baptism in the Holy Spirit enduing the believer with power to witness of, and confirm Christ's resurrection.

Spirit-filled Christians often use the expression 'anointed evangelist', meaning the Lord confirms their message with signs and wonders, miracles and healings, as in Bible days. To use the term meaning powerful oratory or moving eloquence is to devalue it. Genuine divine anointing of evangelists manifests in divine signs, wonders and miracles as in the Bible.

Anoint

To pour olive oil on a person in the Name of the Lord; in the OT; by Prophets signifying divine empowerment, in the NT; by Christian elders to heal the sick.

Is any of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Jas. 5:14-15

Note: It is the believer's faith in the Name of Christ that results in healing, not the oil itself.

AntiChrist

Originally coined by the Apostle John,

Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. 1 Jn. 2:18

Signifying those who oppose Christ, Christians, and the Gospel, including false Christs proclaimed by the cults, culminating in the appearance of the AntiChrist himself (alluded to in Daniel) who will lead the final rebellion described in Revelation. See: Dan. 7:24, 25; 8:23-25; Matt. 24:5, 23, 24; 2 Thess. 2:3, 4, 8-10; Rev. Ch. 13

Quotes of famous Christian reformers

Martin Luther: We here are of the conviction that the papacy is the seat of the true and real Antichrist.

John Calvin said of the pope, I deny him to be the vicar of Christ, who, in furiously persecuting the gospel, demonstrates by his conduct that he is Antichrist.

John Knox: As for your Roman Church... I no more doubt that it is the synagogue of Satan.

John Wycliffe: Of the pope, he said: Why is it necessary in unbelief to look for another Antichrist.

AntiChristian

Opposing the message of Christ, often persecuting Bible-believing Christians.

Apologetics

Dreadful theological term for the study, explanation, or defence, of Christian doctrine. God does not need anyone to apologize for Him, nor should a Christian be sorry for proclaiming God's Word.

Apostate, apostasy

A nominal 'Christian' who denies, or has abandoned, one or more basic components of the Gospel; such as the deity of Christ, the Trinity, virgin Birth, salvation through Christ alone, infallibility of God's Word, etc. It applies to individuals and organizations: For example the Pope is an apostate leading a cult that proclaims apostasy.

Movements started by genuine Christians may become apostate, for example John Wesley established the Methodists, but the United Methodist Church (UMC) is now apostate, teaching many profoundly unbiblical doctrines. ie. 40% of UMC leaders deny the virgin Birth.

Apostle

Literally; a sent one, meaning specifically chosen and ordained by Christ for a mission or task. For example The Twelve Apostles sent to begin the proclamation of the Good News. Also used for subsequent Christians with remarkable divine anointing, such as Smith Wigglesworth, 'The Apostle of Faith'.

Armageddon

Mentioned in Rev. 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. The plain in Israel where the forces of the AntiChrist will be destroyed by the Lord Jesus Christ when He returns.

Atonement

Discover what Atonement means

Appendix

Agnostic

Someone who believes it is not possible to know if God exists or not. In other words: A person who admits their ignorance of The Truth.

Atheist

Someone who believes that God does not exist. In other words: A person who has complete faith in their ignorance of The Truth.