Christian Glossary
Common Christian terms defined in clear, plain language. Where traditions understand a term differently, the difference is noted simply and neutrally.
Faith has a language of its own. These are the words you will meet across the daily verse, the Christian holidays, and our history and culture writing, explained plainly so nothing gets lost.
Advent
The season of the four weeks before Christmas, a time of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus and the anticipation of his return.
Christian holidaysApostle
One who is sent out. The term most often refers to the twelve close followers Jesus chose to carry his message, and later to others, such as Paul, sent to spread the faith.
Atonement
The reconciliation of God and humanity, understood in Christian teaching to be made possible through the death of Jesus, which restores the relationship broken by sin.
Baptism
A sacrament or ordinance using water to mark entry into the Christian faith and community. Traditions differ on method (immersion, pouring, or sprinkling) and on whether infants or only professing believers are baptized.
How traditions differCommunion (Eucharist)
The sharing of bread and wine in remembrance of the Last Supper of Jesus. Traditions understand it differently: some hold that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, others see it as a spiritual presence, and others as a memorial.
Compare denominationsCovenant
A binding relationship or promise between God and people. The Bible describes several, including those with Noah, Abraham, and Moses, and the new covenant that Christians believe was established through Jesus.
Disciple
A follower and student of Jesus who seeks to learn from and live by his teaching. The word applies both to the earliest followers and to Christians today.
Living it outEpistle
A letter. In the Bible, the epistles are the letters written to early churches and individuals, many by the apostle Paul, offering teaching, encouragement, and guidance.
Faith
Trust and belief in God. In Christian teaching it is both confidence in what is hoped for and reliance on God rather than on one's own works alone.
Verses on faithGospel
Literally good news. It refers to the message of salvation through Jesus, and also to the four accounts of his life, death, and resurrection: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Read Scripture dailyGrace
The unearned favor and love of God toward people, given freely rather than earned by merit. It is central to the Christian understanding of how a person is made right with God.
The story of Amazing GraceHoly Spirit
In Christian teaching, the third person of the Trinity, understood as God present and active in the world and in the lives of believers, giving guidance, comfort, and strength.
Lent
A season of about forty days before Easter, observed by many Christians with prayer, fasting, and reflection in preparation for the remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
The holiday calendarMercy
Compassion and forgiveness extended to those who do not deserve it. Christians understand God as merciful and are called to show mercy to others in turn.
Parable
A short story drawn from everyday life used to illustrate a spiritual or moral lesson. Jesus taught frequently through parables, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son.
Pentecost
The Christian feast, fifty days after Easter, marking the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the early followers of Jesus, often described as the beginning of the church.
Christian holidaysProphet
A person called to speak on behalf of God, delivering warning, guidance, or hope. The Old Testament records many prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Elijah.
Psalm
A sacred song or poem. The Book of Psalms is a collection of these writings used for worship, prayer, and praise, and treasured across Jewish and Christian traditions.
Verses by themeRedemption
The act of being set free or bought back. In Christian teaching, it describes how people are freed from the power of sin through the work of Jesus.
Repentance
A turning away from sin and a turning toward God, involving genuine sorrow for wrongdoing and a commitment to change.
Faith in daily lifeResurrection
The rising of Jesus from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. Christians hold it as the central event of the faith and the promise of eternal life.
What Easter meansSabbath
A day set apart for rest and worship, rooted in the biblical account of God resting on the seventh day. Traditions observe it on different days and in different ways.
The lost art of SabbathSalvation
Being saved or delivered from sin and its consequences, and brought into right relationship with God. Christian teaching holds that it comes through Jesus.
Sanctification
The ongoing process of being made holy, in which a believer grows in character and lives more fully in keeping with God's will.
Scripture
The sacred writings of the Christian faith, collected in the Bible, regarded as authoritative for belief and practice.
Today's verseSin
A falling short of God's standard, whether in thought, word, or action. Christian teaching holds that sin separates people from God and that reconciliation is offered through Jesus.
Testament (Old and New)
The two main divisions of the Bible. The Old Testament covers the period before Jesus, including the law, history, and prophets, and the New Testament covers the life of Jesus and the early church.
Trinity
The Christian understanding of one God existing in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, equal and united as one being.
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