Introduction
Biblical Theology is a discipline dedicated to the study and interpretation of the Holy Scriptures, seeking to understand the divine message contained in the Bible. In this glossary, we will explore some of the key terms and concepts related to Biblical Theology, providing a comprehensive and detailed overview for those who wish to deepen their knowledge in this area.
Old Testament
The Old Testament is the first part of the Christian Bible, made up of books written before the birth of Jesus Christ. It is divided into different sections, such as the Law, the Prophets and the Writings, and contains historical, poetic, and prophetic accounts that form the foundation of the Judeo-Christian faith.
New Testament
The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible, consisting of books written after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It contains the Gospels, the Epistles and Apocalypse, which recount the life, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus, as well as the letters written by the apostles to the early Christian communities.
Trinidad
The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the pillars of the Christian faith, which affirms the existence of one God in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity possesses divine attributes and fulfills specific roles in the work of creation, redemption, and sanctification.
Eschatology
Eschatology is the study of last things, which addresses topics such as death, the Last Judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life. It also includes a discussion of humanity’s ultimate destiny and the fulfillment of God’s plan for the history of salvation.
Justification
Justification is a theological term that refers to God’s act of declaring the sinner righteous in His presence, based on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is an act of divine grace that occurs through faith, without any merit of one’s own, and results in the sinner’s reconciliation with God.
Sanctification
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which believers are transformed into the image of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. It involves the renewal of the mind, the mortification of sin, and growth in grace and in the knowledge of God, with the goal of conforming to the divine will.
Redemption
Redemption is the act of salvation accomplished by Jesus Christ, which frees human beings from the power of sin and death, restoring them to fellowship with God. It is an act of divine love and mercy, which was accomplished on the cross and offers everyone the opportunity for salvation and eternal life.
Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God is the manifestation of divine power and sovereignty over all creation, which is realized in the life and work of Jesus Christ. It is a kingdom of justice, peace, and joy that challenges the structures of the world and invites believers to live in accordance with the values of the Gospel.
Ecclesiology
Ecclesiology is the study of the church as the people of God, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. It addresses topics such as the nature, mission, and organization of the church, as well as the communion of saints, the sacraments, and church discipline, which are fundamental to the life and unity of the Christian community.
Missiology
Missiology is the study of the church’s mission in the world, which involves proclaiming the Gospel, bearing witness to the faith, and serving those in need. It seeks to understand the nature and challenges of evangelism, the contextualization of the Gospel, and the making of disciples, with the aim of expanding the Kingdom of God and transforming society.
Conclusion
Biblical Theology is a rich and complex discipline that invites us to delve into the Holy Scriptures in search of a deeper understanding of God’s message to humanity. This glossary offers only an introduction to the main theological themes and concepts, but we hope it will inspire and enrich your journey of faith and study of the Scriptures.