The Greek word for "reformation" is diorthosis, which indicates the idea of making something "straight." A kindred form of the term is used in Acts 24:2, where the flattering orator Tertullus descr...

The Greek term palingenesia consists of two components. Palin means "again, back," and genesis, denotes "to become, come about, birth." The word thus signifies a rebirth or a renewal. The actual wo...

This term is found only a few times in the English Bible. In four cases it renders the Greek threskeia, which basically means holy service, the exercise of devotion to a transcendent Being or being...

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the very foundation of Christianity. If the Lord was not raised, the religion of Christ is a hoax (cf. 1 Cor. 15:4; 14-19). The Savior's resurrecti...

The Bible clearly teaches that at the time of Christ's return, all the dead will be raised from their interment. (a) In the Patriarchal age, Job seems to allude to the hope of the resurrection (Job...

Retribution will be the dispensing of the "wrath of God," as an expression of divine justice, upon those who have persisted in wicked rebellion against their Maker. The expression "wrath of God" is...

This final book of the N.T. is a fitting conclusion to the sacred canon. Written by John, while exiled on the island of Patmos, it is directed primarily to seven congregations in Asia Minor; the pr...

Paul's letter to the Christians in Rome develops the theme of God's gospel plan of justification for sinful man on the ground Christ's atoning death. The book demonstrates that redemption could not...

The book of Ruth has to do with a godly Moabite woman, Ruth by name, who joined herself to the Hebrew people during the days of the judges. She was a widow who married an Israelite by the name of B...

This word is derived from a Greek term meaning "separated." (a) "Saint" refers to an ordinary member of Christ's church who has submitted to gospel obedience (Phil. 1:1; 4:21; 2 Thes. 1:10). (b) A ...

"Salvation" is the result of having been "saved." The verb "save" (sozo) had a variety of ancient meanings. It could signify to deliver, to heal, to liberate, to preserve, etc., depending upon the ...

This book contains the historical record of the change in Israel's form of government from judges to that of the kings. The nation, in an act of rejecting God, desired a king to be like their pagan...

This book contains the record of the forty-year administration of the Hebrews' most illustrious ruler, David, who was an ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ. The book details David's victories, his w...

Sanctified suggests "having been separated from (something), set apart." The term is used in a variety of ways in the Bible. (a) Both God the Father and Christ the Son are to be sanctified (Num. 20...

The Hebrew term satan ("adversary" - one who "cherishes animosity") comes over into Greek as diabolos ("slanderer, accuser"). Satan is a spirit-being who is the arch-enemy of God and man. His chara...

The Greek term graphe ("writing") comes into the English Bible (via Latin, scriptura) as "scripture." The word almost always has the definite article "the scriptures." The expression may refer to a...

The Septuagint is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. It dates from the third century before Christ. The "Letter of Aristeas" (cir. 100 B.C.) suggests that this version was translated ...

Near the end of that historical period known as the Babylonian captivity, the prophet Daniel received a marvelous revelation that involved the unveiling of future events relative to the coming of C...

More than a dozen words are used in the Greek N.T. to represent various aspects of "sin" (e.g., bad, evil, transgression, iniquity, trespass, godless, unrighteous, etc.). The most frequently employ...

The term "slave" (Grk. doulos) is used in the Bible in both a literal and a figurative sense. (a) Literal slaves were common in the ancient world. A person could be purchased as a slave, become a s...