Bible Terms and Definitions
The following terms are defined:
The word disciple means a learner or pupil. It refers to persons who, after having received Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior are baptized in water and are taught to observe all things commanded by Him. (Matthew 28:19,20) To be a disciple of Jesus is to be a follower of Him. (Mark 8:34-38; 10:28-31; John 10:5; 12:25,26)
Luke 14:33 is addressed to the Church. The statement made by Jesus to forsake all one has in order to follow Him means believers must be willing to lay aside selfish ambitions and interests in order to be fully obedient to Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-3 states mankind as a whole was chosen by God to be holy. God predestined to adopt mankind unto Himself by the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 3:14-16 states through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, He
- Made peace with God for both Jews and Gentiles.
- Broke down the walls that separated them.
- Abolished the enmity between them.
- Created one new man from the two.
The new man is the recreated spirit. It is the result of regeneration2 (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The elect referred to in 1 Peter 1:2 is the Church. Under the New Covenant, the Church is God’s elect. It is His people. (1 Peter 2:9) The Church is made up of both Jews and Gentiles who are saved. (Galatians 3:26-29)
The word glory comes from the Hebrew word, kavod. It means weight, honor, majesty, abundance, and wealth. In Exodus 16:10, the glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud. In Exodus 24:17, the glory of the Lord looked like devouring fire. In Ezekiel 1:26, the glory of the Lord appeared as the brightness of a rainbow.
In Exodus 16:7, the glory of the Lord represents His ability to abundantly supply the children of Israel’s need for food in the wilderness. In Ezekiel 1, the glory of the Lord is His majestic splendor as seen by Ezekiel. The presence of the Lord is referred to as shekinah. An example of its manifestation in the temple is recorded in 2 Chronicles 5:11-14. The shekinah glory of the Lord filled the temple in the form of a cloud.
Sin causes the glory of the Lord to depart from His people. (1 Samuel 2:32; 4:11) The departure of the glory of the Lord is called icabod. (1 Samuel 4:21,22)
Ezekiel 43:2-6 describes the return of the glory of God to Israel during the millennial reign of Christ. The glory of God will be Jesus Christ returning to Jerusalem.
The glory of God is resident in the hearts of believers by the presence of the Holy Spirit. This glory is referred to as a treasure in earthen vessels. (2 Corinthians 4:7) Believers who are filled with the Spirit and manifest the power of God, manifest the glory of God in this present age, the Age of the Holy Spirit. (Mark 16:17,18; Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:6; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11,28; Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 12:6-8)
This power is not reserved until the millennial reign of Christ. It is visible to the universe NOW through those who have it. (Acts 1:8)
Grace is the unmerited favor of God. It is the freeness of the loving-kindness of God to men. Men are
- Saved by grace. (Ephesians 2:8)
- Live holy by grace. (Romans 6:18,19; Galatians 5:16)
- Fulfill their callings by grace. (1 Corinthians 3:9,10; Ephesians 4:7,11; Romans 12:3; 2 Timothy 1:9)
The Great Tribulation refers to a seven year period during which the world will experience trouble, the likes of which have never been seen before and will never be seen again. (Matthew 24:21) During this period, the wrath of God will be poured out upon the world. (1 Thessalonians 5:9) False christs and false prophets shall arise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, the very elect. (Matthew 24:24)
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