A concept some Christians use to describe the stage at which a person becomes morally responsible before God. The Bible does not specify a particular age.

A spiritual being created by God who serves as His messenger and carries out His purposes (Hebrews 1:14).

A figure described in Scripture who opposes Christ and deceives many people before the return of Jesus (1 John 2:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4).

A word meaning “revelation” or “unveiling.” In the Bible it refers to the revealing of future events and God’s final victory over evil, most notably in the book of Revelation. The term is often associated with teachings about the end of the age and the return of Christ.

A person specially commissioned by Christ to spread the gospel. In the New Testament the term most often refers to the original disciples chosen by Jesus.

The work of Jesus Christ in which His death paid the penalty for sin and made reconciliation between God and humanity possible (Romans 5:11).

An ancient empire in the Old Testament that conquered Jerusalem and took Israel into exile. In later Scripture it also symbolizes human systems of pride and rebellion against God (Revelation 17–18).

A public act in which a believer is immersed in water as a symbol of faith in Christ and identification with His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4).

A symbolic figure in Revelation representing political power or a ruler opposed to God and empowered by evil (Revelation 13).

A phrase Jesus used to describe the spiritual transformation that occurs when a person receives new life through faith in Him (John 3:3).

The community of believers in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament it refers both to local gatherings of believers and to all Christians worldwide.

A binding relationship or promise established by God with His people, such as the covenants with Abraham, Israel, and the New Covenant through Christ.

A follower of Jesus who learns from Him and seeks to live according to His teachings.

A phrase used in Scripture to describe a time when God intervenes in history with judgment and restoration (Joel 2:31; 2 Peter 3:10).

A spiritual leader in the church responsible for teaching, guiding, and caring for believers (1 Timothy 3:1–7).

The life given by God to those who believe in Jesus Christ. It begins now and continues forever in God's presence (John 3:16).

Trust and reliance on God and His promises, especially trust in Jesus Christ for salvation (Ephesians 2:8).

God’s removal of the guilt of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

A term used in the Bible to refer to people who are not part of the nation of Israel. In the Old Testament it generally means the other nations of the world. In the New Testament, the gospel is presented as being offered to both Jews and Gentiles through Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16).

The final stage of salvation in which believers are fully transformed and freed from sin. It occurs when Christ returns and believers are raised or changed into their perfected, eternal state in God’s presence (Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 15:51–53).

God is the eternal Creator and ruler of all things. The Bible teaches that He made the universe, sustains it, and has authority over all creation (Genesis 1:1). Scripture describes God as holy, just, loving, and sovereign. The one true God has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and has made Himself known through creation, through Scripture, and through Jesus Christ.

The “good news” that Jesus Christ died for sins, was buried, and rose again, providing salvation for those who believe (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).

God’s undeserved favor toward humanity. Salvation is given by grace rather than earned by human effort (Ephesians 2:8–9).

The dwelling place of God and the future eternal home of those who belong to Christ.

The place of final judgment described in Scripture as separation from God and the consequence of rejecting Him.

The third person of the Trinity who dwells within believers, guiding, teaching, and empowering them to live faithfully.

Worshiping or giving ultimate devotion to anything other than the true God.

A Latin phrase meaning “image of God.” It refers to the biblical teaching that human beings were created to reflect God’s nature and character (Genesis 1:26–27). This means every person has inherent value and dignity because they are made in God’s image.

The event in which the Son of God took on human nature and became man in the person of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus was fully God and fully human, coming into the world to reveal God and provide salvation (John 1:14).

Jesus Christ is the central figure of the New Testament and the Son of God who came into the world to reveal God and provide salvation for humanity. The Bible teaches that He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of the world, and rose from the dead. Scripture also presents Him as the promised Messiah and the one mediator between God and humanity (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:5).

The evaluation of human lives by God. Scripture describes both present accountability and a final judgment at the end of the age.

The act of God declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

God’s rule and authority over creation. It is present now spiritually and will be fully revealed when Christ returns.

The final place of judgment described in Revelation where evil, death, and rebellion against God are ultimately defeated (Revelation 20:14).

In the Bible, “the Law” most often refers to the commands God gave to Israel through Moses, including moral, civil, and ceremonial instructions recorded in the first books of the Old Testament. The Law revealed God’s standards and showed humanity’s need for salvation, which the New Testament teaches is fulfilled through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:20; Matthew 5:17).

A mediator is someone who brings two parties together to restore a relationship. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and humanity, making reconciliation possible through His death and resurrection (1 Timothy 2:5).

A Hebrew term meaning “anointed one.” Christians believe Jesus is the promised Messiah foretold in the Old Testament.

The period described in Revelation 20 in which Christ reigns and evil is restrained.

The New Covenant is the relationship between God and humanity established through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unlike the Old Covenant given through Moses, it provides forgiveness of sins and a transformed heart through the work of the Holy Spirit (Luke 22:20; Jeremiah 31:31–34).

The restored creation described in Revelation 21–22 where God will dwell with His people forever and where sin, suffering, and death will no longer exist.

A short story used by Jesus to illustrate spiritual truths. Parables use everyday situations to teach lessons about God, faith, and the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:34).

A Jewish festival commemorating God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in the book of Exodus. It is marked by the sacrifice of a lamb and the passing over of Israelite homes during the final plague. In Scripture, Passover foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is called the “Lamb of God,” whose sacrifice brings deliverance from sin and judgment.

In the Old Testament, a person appointed to represent the people before God through sacrifices and worship. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14).

A message revealed by God and delivered through a prophet. Some prophecies call people to repentance, while others reveal future events in God’s plan (2 Peter 1:21).

The act by which God’s justice regarding sin is satisfied through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice makes forgiveness and reconciliation with God possible (1 John 2:2).

Rapture refers to the future event when believers in Jesus Christ will be gathered to Him at His return.

The word “rapture” comes from a Latin term meaning to be caught up. The concept comes from passages such as:

“Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Scripture teaches that both living believers and those who have died in Christ will be united with Him.

Christians differ on the exact timing of the rapture in relation to end-times events, but the central teaching is that Christ will return and gather His people.

Redemption means being rescued or purchased from bondage.

In the Bible, it refers to God delivering people from sin and its penalty through Jesus Christ.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.”
— Ephesians 1:7

Humanity is described as enslaved to sin, but through Christ’s sacrificial death believers are forgiven and restored to God.

Redemption is part of the salvation God provides by grace.

The act of God by which a person is given new spiritual life. It is often described as being “born again,” where the heart is changed and made alive to God. Regeneration is not achieved by effort or behavior, but is a work of the Holy Spirit that enables a person to believe in Jesus Christ.

A structured system of beliefs and practices through which people seek to understand and relate to God or ultimate reality. It often includes teachings about truth, morality, worship, and community.

Repentance means turning toward God — acknowledging our sin and recognizing our need for His mercy.

The word used in the New Testament means a change of mind or a change of heart. It is not simply feeling guilty, and it is not the ability to stop sinning through personal effort.

Scripture teaches that human beings have a sinful nature and cannot make themselves righteous by trying harder.

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh.”
— Romans 7:18

Repentance begins when a person recognizes their sin and turns to God for forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

While believers desire to turn away from sin, complete freedom from sin does not occur through human effort. Transformation comes from God as He changes a person over time.

“We… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:18

Repentance therefore is not the perfection of our behavior, but the turning of the heart toward God, trusting Him to do the work of renewal.

Resurrection means being raised from the dead to life again.

The central resurrection in Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“He is not here, for He has risen.”
— Matthew 28:6

Jesus’ resurrection demonstrated His victory over sin and death and confirmed that He is the Son of God.

Scripture also teaches that all people will be resurrected in the future.

“An hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and will come forth.”
— John 5:28–29

The Bible describes two different outcomes: resurrection to eternal life and resurrection to judgment.

This passage does not mean people earn salvation through good works.
Rather, a person’s life reveals whether they belong to Christ.

Those who trust in Christ receive eternal life, while those who reject Him face judgment.

For believers, the resurrection means that death is not the end. God promises eternal life and a future resurrection for those who belong to Him.

Revelation means God making Himself known to humanity.

God reveals truth in several ways:

• Creation, which shows His power and existence (Romans 1:20)

• Scripture, which records God’s message to humanity

• Jesus Christ, who reveals God most fully

“God… has spoken to us in His Son.”
— Hebrews 1:1–2

Revelation also refers to the Book of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, which describes future events and the ultimate victory of Christ.

Righteousness means being morally right or in right standing with God.

The Bible teaches that human beings cannot achieve true righteousness through their own efforts.

“There is none righteous, not even one.”
— Romans 3:10

Instead, righteousness is given to believers through faith in Jesus Christ.

“The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe.”
— Romans 3:22

Because of Christ, believers are forgiven and declared righteous before God.

Salvation is God’s rescue of humanity from sin and its consequences through Jesus Christ.

Because all people have sinned, no one can earn righteousness or eternal life through their own efforts.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God provides forgiveness and reconciliation with Him. Those who trust in Christ receive eternal life and are restored to a right relationship with God.

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something a person can achieve by good deeds or religious effort.

Sanctification is the process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ.

When a person trusts in Christ, they are forgiven and made right with God. However, the struggle with sin does not disappear immediately. Instead, God begins a lifelong work of change within them.

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:3

This transformation is not accomplished by human effort alone. It is the work of God through His Spirit, gradually shaping a believer’s character and desires.

Sanctification continues throughout a believer’s life and will be completed when they are fully transformed in God’s presence.

The Second Coming refers to the future return of Jesus Christ to the earth.

After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, but Scripture teaches that He will return again.

“This same Jesus… will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”
— Acts 1:11

At His return, Christ will judge evil, establish His kingdom, and bring the full completion of God’s plan for the world.

The Second Coming is a central hope of Christianity and marks the final restoration of God’s creation.

Sin is anything that goes against God’s character, will, or commands.

Sin includes not only wrong actions but also wrong thoughts, attitudes, and desires.

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
— Romans 3:23

According to Scripture, sin entered the world through humanity’s rebellion against God and has affected every person since.

Sin separates humanity from God and brings spiritual death, which is why salvation through Christ is necessary.

Sovereignty refers to God’s supreme authority and control over all creation.

God rules over the universe and nothing occurs outside His ultimate knowledge or power.

“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”
— Psalm 103:19

This means that God is not limited by human authority, circumstances, or chance. His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled.

For believers, God’s sovereignty provides confidence that history and their lives are ultimately in His hands.

Temptation is the pull or enticement to sin.

Temptation itself is not sin. Even Jesus experienced temptation.

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”
— Hebrews 4:15

Temptation comes from the sinful desires within human nature as well as from external influences.

“Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.”
— James 1:14

While temptation is common to all people, Scripture teaches that God provides strength and a way to endure it.

The Trinity refers to the biblical teaching that there is one God who exists eternally as three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

The Bible consistently teaches that:

• There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)

• The Father is God

• The Son is God (John 1:1)

• The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3–4)

These three are not three separate gods, but one God revealed in three persons.

The word Trinity does not appear in the Bible, but it is used to describe what Scripture teaches about God’s nature.

Tribulation refers to a future period of great distress and suffering on the earth before the return of Jesus Christ.

Jesus spoke about this time as a period of unprecedented trouble.

“For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now.”
— Matthew 24:21

The Bible describes this period as a time of global turmoil, judgment, and spiritual deception.

Christians differ on the exact timing and details of these events, but Scripture teaches that tribulation will ultimately lead to the return of Christ and the final defeat of evil.

The Fall refers to the event recorded in Genesis 3 when the first humans, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil after being tempted by the serpent.

“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food… she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.”
(Genesis 3:6)

This act of disobedience brought sin into the human experience, resulting in separation from God, the introduction of suffering and death, and the corruption of human nature.

Before the Fall, humanity lived in harmony with God and creation. Afterward, the relationship between God and humanity was broken, and the world became subject to hardship, conflict, and mortality.

The Fall explains why human beings struggle with sin and why redemption is necessary. According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ came to restore what was lost through Adam’s disobedience.

“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”
(1 Corinthians 15:22)

The Work of God refers to what God Himself accomplishes in carrying out His purposes in creation and in the redemption of humanity.

Scripture teaches that salvation and spiritual transformation are not the result of human effort but the result of God’s work.

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”
— John 6:29

God’s work includes creation, the sending of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world, and the ongoing transformation of believers through His Spirit.

While people respond in faith, the Bible teaches that the initiative and power belong to God.

Worship is the act of honoring, praising, and giving reverence to God.

Worship can include prayer, singing, thanksgiving, and obedience, but it ultimately reflects the attitude of the heart toward God.

“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
— John 4:24

True worship is not limited to a church service or specific rituals. Scripture describes worship as a life lived in gratitude and devotion to God.

Works refers to the actions or deeds a person performs, especially moral or religious acts.

The Bible teaches that good works cannot earn salvation.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9

However, good works are expected to follow genuine faith.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
— Ephesians 2:10

Works do not save a person, but they are often the outward evidence of a life that has been changed by God.