Covenant
A binding relationship God establishes, with promises and obligations. Scripture speaks of covenants with Noah, Abraham, Israel at Sinai, David, and the new covenant in Christ.
Dictionary
Original short definitions. Not the printed NLT/NIV concordance.
Faith
Trust in God and in his word—not mere opinion. Abraham believed God; the New Testament says the righteous live by faith. Faith receives what God gives in Christ.
Grace
God’s undeserved favor. Israel is chosen; sinners are justified; the church is kept. Grace is not permission to sin but power to live a new life.
Holy / Holiness
Set apart for God, and morally pure as he is pure. God’s holiness is the Bible’s deepest note; the people of God are called to share it.
Justification
God’s declaration that a sinner is righteous through faith in Christ, not by works of the law. Romans and Galatians unfold this gospel gift.
Kingdom of God
God’s reign. The prophets promise it; Jesus announces it as at hand; the church prays for it to come; Revelation shows it complete.
Messiah / Christ
The anointed king from David’s line. Jesus is confessed as the Christ—the one who fulfills the promises and suffers as the servant.
Repentance
A turning of mind and life toward God. Prophets, John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles all call for it. It is fruit, not a slogan.
Redemption
Release by the paying of a price. Israel is redeemed from Egypt; believers are redeemed by the blood of Christ from sin and death.
Righteousness
Right standing and right living before God. God himself is righteous; he grants righteousness in the gospel and trains his people in it.
Sabbath
The seventh-day rest rooted in creation and the exodus. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath; Hebrews points to a remaining rest for the people of God.
Salvation
God’s rescue—from Egypt, from exile, from sin and death. In the New Testament it is past, present, and future in Christ.
Sin
Missing the mark, rebellion, and broken fellowship with God. From Genesis 3 onward, Scripture names it honestly and provides atonement.
Holy Spirit
The Spirit of God who hovered at creation, empowered judges and prophets, and is poured out at Pentecost to indwell the church.
Temple
The house where God caused his name to dwell. Jesus speaks of his body as the temple; the church becomes a living temple in the Spirit.
Atonement
Covering and reconciliation. Leviticus shows blood that makes atonement; the New Testament shows Christ’s once-for-all offering.
Disciple
A learner and follower. Jesus calls disciples, teaches them, and sends them. The church exists to make disciples of all nations.
Prayer
Speaking with God: praise, confession, thanks, and request. The Psalms train it; Jesus teaches it; the church continues in it.
Prophet
One who speaks God’s word to a people. Prophets call to covenant faithfulness and point forward. Jesus is the prophet like Moses—and more.
Gospel
Good news: Jesus Christ died and rose according to the Scriptures. The four Gospels tell the story; the letters apply it.