Questions, Answers, and Term Definitions

Educational Pages

These educational pages are designed to answer common questions about God, the Bible, Jesus Christ, and Christian belief. Each page provides a clear, Scripture-based explanation written to be understandable, careful, and faithful to the Bible. Readers can expect direct answers, full Bible references, and definitions rooted in the text of Scripture.

Terms and Definitions

How these definitions are presented: Each entry is anchored to a full King James Version (public domain) verse and the underlying Hebrew or Greek word that stands behind the English translation. In some cases the English wording may appear as a related form (for example, saved and salvation). The meaning is taken from the original-language word itself, which is the source behind the English translation.

Salvation

Q: What is salvation?

KJV Scripture:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)

Greek: sōtēria (σωτηρία) — deliverance; rescue; preservation

Definition: Salvation is being saved by grace through faith as the gift of God.

Grace

Q: What is grace?

KJV Scripture:

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Romans 3:24 (KJV)

Greek: charis (χάρις) — favor; gift freely given

Definition: Grace is God’s free favor by which sinners are justified through Jesus Christ.

Faith

Q: What is faith?

KJV Scripture:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Greek: pistis (πίστις) — belief; trust; reliance

Definition: Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Sin

Q: What is sin?

KJV Scripture:

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
1 John 3:4 (KJV)

Greek: hamartia (ἁμαρτία) — sin; offense

Definition: Sin is the transgression of the law.

Repentance

Q: What does it mean to repent?

KJV Scripture:

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Acts 3:19 (KJV)

Greek: metanoia (μετάνοια) — repentance; turning of mind

Definition: Repentance is to repent and be converted, that sins may be blotted out.

Justification

Q: What is justification?

KJV Scripture:

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 5:1 (KJV)

Greek: dikaioō (δικαιόω) — to justify; declare righteous

Definition: Justification is being justified by faith and having peace with God through Jesus Christ.

Sanctification

Q: What is sanctification?

KJV Scripture:

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1 Thessalonians 4:3 (KJV)

Greek: hagiasmos (ἁγιασμός) — holiness; being set apart

Definition: Sanctification is stated as the will of God for His people.

Redemption

Q: What is redemption?

KJV Scripture:

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Ephesians 1:7 (KJV)

Greek: apolytrōsis (ἀπολύτρωσις) — release by payment; redemption

Definition: Redemption is through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Righteousness

Q: What is righteousness?

KJV Scripture:

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

Greek: dikaiosynē (δικαιοσύνη) — right standing; righteousness

Definition: Righteousness is being made the righteousness of God in him.

Gospel

Q: What is the gospel?

KJV Scripture:

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJV)

Greek: euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) — good news; glad tidings

Definition: The gospel is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day.

Atonement

Q: What is atonement?

KJV Scripture:

And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Romans 5:11 (KJV)

Greek: katallagē (καταλλαγή) — reconciliation

Definition: Atonement is what believers receive through Christ as reconciliation.

Propitiation

Q: What is propitiation?

KJV Scripture:

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:2 (KJV)

Greek: hilasmos (ἱλασμός) — atoning sacrifice

Definition: Propitiation is what he is for our sins.

Reconciliation

Q: What is reconciliation?

KJV Scripture:

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2 Corinthians 5:18 (KJV)

Greek: katallassō (καταλλάσσω) — to reconcile; restore

Definition: Reconciliation is God reconciling us to himself by Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness

Q: What is forgiveness?

KJV Scripture:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (KJV)

Greek: aphiēmi / aphesis (ἀφίημι / ἄφεσις) — to forgive; remission

Definition: Forgiveness is God forgiving sins and cleansing from all unrighteousness.

Mercy

Q: What is mercy?

KJV Scripture:

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Titus 3:5 (KJV)

Greek: eleos (ἔλεος) — mercy; compassion

Definition: Mercy is God saving us, not by works of righteousness which we have done.

Regeneration

Q: What is regeneration?

KJV Scripture:

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Titus 3:5 (KJV)

Greek: palingenesia (παλιγγενεσία) — new birth; regeneration

Definition: Regeneration is the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

Born Again

Q: What does “born again” mean?

KJV Scripture:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3 (KJV)

Greek: anōthen (ἄνωθεν) — from above; again

Definition: Born again is required to see the kingdom of God.

Adoption

Q: What is adoption in Christ?

KJV Scripture:

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:15 (KJV)

Greek: huiothesia (υἱοθεσία) — adoption as sons

Definition: Adoption is receiving the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Assurance

Q: How can a believer have assurance of salvation?

KJV Scripture:

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:13 (KJV)

Greek: oida (οἶδα) — to know; to be certain

Definition: Assurance is that ye may know that ye have eternal life.

Eternal Life

Q: What is eternal life?

KJV Scripture:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 (KJV)

Greek: zōē aiōnios (ζωὴ αἰώνιος) — everlasting life

Definition: Eternal life is everlasting life given to whosoever believeth in him.

Godhead

Q: What does the Bible mean by “Godhead”?

KJV Scripture:

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Colossians 2:9 (KJV)

Greek: theotēs (θεότης) — deity; Godhead

Definition: In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Deity of Christ

Q: Is Jesus Christ God?

KJV Scripture:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 (KJV)

Greek: theos (θεός) — God

Definition: The Word was God.

Incarnation

Q: What does “the Word was made flesh” mean?

KJV Scripture:

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 (KJV)

Greek: sarx (σάρξ) — flesh

Definition: The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.

Holy Ghost

Q: Who is the Holy Ghost?

KJV Scripture:

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:26 (KJV)

Greek: pneuma (πνεῦμα) — spirit; breath

Definition: The Comforter is the Holy Ghost, who shall teach you all things.

Inspiration of Scripture

Q: What does “inspiration of Scripture” mean?

KJV Scripture:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

Greek: theopneustos (θεόπνευστος) — God-breathed

Definition: All scripture is given by inspiration of God.

Scripture as Truth

Q: Is God’s word truth?

KJV Scripture:

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:17 (KJV)

Greek: alētheia (ἀλήθεια) — truth

Definition: Thy word is truth.

Prayer

Q: What is prayer?

KJV Scripture:

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:6 (KJV)

Greek: proseuchē (προσευχή) — prayer

Definition: Prayer is making requests known unto God with thanksgiving.

Worship

Q: What is worship?

KJV Scripture:

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:24 (KJV)

Greek: proskyneō (προσκυνέω) — to worship; bow

Definition: They that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Providence

Q: Does God govern what happens?

KJV Scripture:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Greek: synergeō (συνεργέω) — to work together

Definition: All things work together for good to them that love God.

Sovereignty of God

Q: Is God sovereign?

KJV Scripture:

And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Daniel 4:35 (KJV)

Aramaic: (dominance/dominion concept in the text) — will; rule; dominion

Definition: He doeth according to his will in heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth.

Church

Q: What is the church?

KJV Scripture:

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2:47 (KJV)

Greek: ekklēsia (ἐκκλησία) — assembly; congregation

Definition: The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Baptism

Q: What is baptism?

KJV Scripture:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19 (KJV)

Greek: baptizō (βαπτίζω) — to baptize; immerse

Definition: Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Lord’s Supper

Q: What is the Lord’s Supper?

KJV Scripture:

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
1 Corinthians 11:26 (KJV)

Greek: katangellō (καταγγέλλω) — to proclaim; show forth

Definition: Ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

Communion

Q: What does communion mean?

KJV Scripture:

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
1 Corinthians 10:16 (KJV)

Greek: koinōnia (κοινωνία) — fellowship; participation

Definition: The cup and the bread are called the communion of the blood and body of Christ.

Discipleship

Q: What is discipleship?

KJV Scripture:

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 9:23 (KJV)

Greek: akoloutheō (ἀκολουθέω) — to follow

Definition: Discipleship is following Christ daily.

Obedience

Q: What is obedience to Christ?

KJV Scripture:

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:15 (KJV)

Greek: tēreō (τηρέω) — to keep; observe

Definition: Obedience keeps Christ’s commandments.

Holiness

Q: What does holiness mean?

KJV Scripture:

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 Peter 1:16 (KJV)

Greek: hagios (ἅγιος) — holy; set apart

Definition: Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Confession

Q: What is confession of sin?

KJV Scripture:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (KJV)

Greek: homologeō (ὁμολογέω) — to confess; acknowledge

Definition: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.

Charity

Q: What is charity?

KJV Scripture:

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV)

Greek: agapē (ἀγάπη) — love; charity

Definition: Charity suffereth long, and is kind.

Humility

Q: What is humility?

KJV Scripture:

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Philippians 2:3 (KJV)

Greek: tapeinophrosynē (ταπεινοφροσύνη) — lowliness of mind

Definition: In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Resurrection

Q: What is the resurrection?

KJV Scripture:

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1 Corinthians 15:20 (KJV)

Greek: anastasis (ἀνάστασις) — a rising up

Definition: Christ risen from the dead is stated as firstfruits of them that slept.

Second Coming

Q: Will Jesus come again?

KJV Scripture:

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 1:11 (KJV)

Greek: erchomai (ἔρχομαι) — to come

Definition: This same Jesus… shall so come in like manner.

Judgment

Q: What happens after death?

KJV Scripture:

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)

Greek: krisis (κρίσις) — judgment; decision

Definition: After death, the judgment is stated.

Heaven

Q: What is heaven?

KJV Scripture:

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2 (KJV)

Greek: ouranos (οὐρανός) — heaven

Definition: Heaven is tied to the Father’s house and a prepared place.

Hell

Q: What is hell?

KJV Scripture:

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28 (KJV)

Greek: geenna (γέεννα) — Gehenna

Definition: Hell is named as the place tied to God’s power over soul and body.

Tribulation

Q: What does tribulation mean?

KJV Scripture:

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (KJV)

Greek: thlipsis (θλῖψις) — affliction; tribulation

Definition: In the world ye shall have tribulation.

Antichrist

Q: What is antichrist?

KJV Scripture:

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1 John 2:18 (KJV)

Greek: antichristos (ἀντίχριστος) — against Christ; in place of Christ

Definition: Ye have heard that antichrist shall come.

Devil

Q: Who is the devil?

KJV Scripture:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)

Greek: diabolos (διάβολος) — slanderer; devil

Definition: Your adversary the devil… walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Angels

Q: What are angels?

KJV Scripture:

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Hebrews 1:14 (KJV)

Greek: angelos (ἄγγελος) — messenger

Definition: Angels are called ministering spirits sent forth to minister for heirs of salvation.

Caught Up

Q: What does it mean to be “caught up”?

KJV Scripture:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV)

Greek: harpazō (ἁρπάζω) — to seize; snatch; catch up

Definition: Caught up is believers being taken to meet the Lord in the air.