Glossary

Absolute

God is most absolute in that He depends upon nothing outside Himself and is bound by nothing but His own perfect nature. He is not conditioned, limited, or determined by any external thing, for all things derive from Him while He derives from none. His being and His decrees rest entirely upon His own free and sovereign will.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Adiaphora

Also: Things indifferent

Matters neither commanded nor forbidden in Scripture; things indifferent.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Adoption

An act of God’s free grace, whereby believers are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of, the sons of God.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Amillennialism

The eschatological view holding that the millennium is a present spiritual reign of Christ from heaven rather than a future physical reign on Earth. The "thousand years" is understood as symbolic of the entire period between Christ's first and second comings.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Angels and Men

The rational created beings who are the subjects of God's eternal decree of predestination. In Reformed theology, God's sovereign plan extends beyond the human race to include the angelic realm: some angels are elected and preserved in their holy state, while others are permitted to fall and are foreordained to everlasting punishment. This underscores the total scope of God’s cosmic governance.

Appears in: Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1)

Anthropology

The theological study of mankind: how God created humanity in His image, how Adam's fall corrupted human nature through original sin and total depravity, and what it means to be truly human before God.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Apocrypha

A collection of ancient Jewish books written during the 400 years of prophetic silence following Malachi and before John the Baptist. They were not divinely inspired and were never rightly received as Scripture, though Rome's Council of Trent erroneously elevated them to canonical status in 1546 in direct contradiction of the historic position of the church. They are to be used no differently than any other helpful human writings.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1)

Apostles' Creed

An early Christian statement of faith summarizing core biblical doctrine. Though not authored directly by the apostles, it is so named because it faithfully expresses the apostolic doctrine of the New Testament church.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Arminianism

A theological system that opposes key Reformed doctrines, teaching that human free will cooperates with God's grace in salvation and that election is based on God's foreknowledge of faith.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Aseity

The attribute by which God exists of and from Himself, owing His being to nothing outside Himself. The word comes from the Latin a se, meaning "from oneself." God alone is self-existent and underived; He is the uncaused source of all things and depends upon nothing, while all else depends entirely upon Him. It is closely bound to His all-sufficiency and independence.

Appears in: Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

Assurance of Salvation

The subjective certainty, wrought by the Holy Spirit, that a believer is in a state of grace and eternally elected to life. According to the Westminster Standards, this assurance is not a matter of guessing at the secret will of God, but is drawn from the objective promises of scripture, the witness of the Holy Spirit, and the observable fruit of one's effectual calling (faith, repentance, and sincere obedience).

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Athanasian Creed

A detailed historic Christian creed that carefully defines the Trinity and the incarnation of Christ, strongly emphasizing the equality of the three divine persons and the two natures of Christ, and defending essential Trinitarian and Christological truth.

Appears in: Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

Atonement

Christ's work on the cross to pay for sin and reconcile sinners to God; in Reformed theology, specifically and effectively accomplished for the elect.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Authentical

The original Old Testament manuscripts were written in Hebrew and the New Testament manuscripts in Greek. Because God directly inspired these documents, they are the definitive and final authority in all matters of faith. While translations are valuable and necessary, the church must ultimately appeal to these original languages when serious controversies arise.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Authority of Scripture

The Bible, as the Word of God, has the complete right to demand our belief and command our obedience. This authority does not come from the church, from scholars, or from any human endorsement, but from God alone. It carries full authority simply because God Himself is its author, and God cannot lie or be mistaken.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1)

BCO

Also: Book of Church Order

The constitutional document that outlines the government, discipline, and worship standards for a Presbyterian denomination.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Belgic Confession

A historic Reformed confession of faith written in 1561 by Guido de Brès, serving as one of the Three Forms of Unity used by continental Reformed churches.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Biblical Theology

The study of God's progressive revelation through Scripture's historical unfolding, tracing themes from Genesis to Revelation and showing how God's redemptive plan develops through the covenants and culminates in Christ.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Calvin, John

Also: John Calvin

Sixteenth-century French Reformer whose systematic theology and pastoral leadership in Geneva became foundational for Reformed churches; author of the Institutes of the Christian Religion.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Calvinism

A system of Christian theology that seeks to summarize the teaching of Scripture concerning God’s sovereignty in salvation and all of life. It emphasizes that salvation is entirely of God’s grace, from election before the foundation of the world to the perseverance of the saints, often summarized in the Five Points of Calvinism (TULIP).

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Canon of Scripture

The fixed, authoritative rule of faith and life consisting exclusively of the sixty-six inspired books of the Old and New Testaments. The true church does not create, choose, or give authority to the canon; rather, it simply recognizes and formalizes the specific books that God has uniquely given by divine inspiration.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1)

Canons of Dordt

Also: Canons of Dort

Five doctrinal points formulated at the Synod of Dort (1618–1619) in response to Arminianism, defining the Five Points of Calvinism and forming one of the Three Forms of Unity.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Cappadocian Fathers

A group of fourth-century theologians from Cappadocia (Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa) who clarified the doctrine of the Trinity and advanced the church’s understanding of Christ’s nature and the deity of the Holy Spirit.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Catechism

Also: Catechisms

Structured summary tools—often using a question-and-answer format—designed for systematic Christian instruction, memorization, and discipleship.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

Catholic (Roman Catholic)

Also: Roman Catholic

The Roman Catholic Church under the authority of the Pope, distinct from the Protestant churches, and claiming exclusive continuity with the historic church.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1)

Catholic (Universal)

Also: catholic, Catholicity

Universal; referring to the whole Christian church across time and geography, rather than specifically the Roman Catholic Church.

Appears in: Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

Christology

The study of Jesus Christ: who He is (both fully God and fully human united in one person) and what He does (Prophet who reveals God, Priest who died for sins, and King who rules over all).

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Church Discipline

Also: Discipline

The exercise of authority given the Church by the Lord Jesus Christ to instruct and guide its members and to promote its purity and welfare, including pastoral oversight and the biblical process of correcting sin.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1)

Church Membership

The formal covenant relationship between a believer and a local congregation, established by public vows, involving mutual commitment to Christ, His Word, and the oversight and fellowship of the church. It is a logical necessity from the scriptures and dangerous to your soul to not be under the formal oversight of the elders of a local church.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Common Grace

God's non-saving favor shown to all humanity, restraining sin, maintaining societal order, and enabling culture.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Communion of Saints

The spiritual fellowship between all believers, both living and dead, united in Christ and sharing in His gifts, graces, and life.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Confession

Also: Confess, Confessions, Confession of Faith

The public declaration or formal written summary of biblical doctrines and convictions held by believers and the church.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Continental Reformed Churches

Also: Continental Reformed

Protestant churches that trace their heritage to the Reformation on the European continent (especially Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, and France), defined historically by the Three Forms of Unity.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Covenant

Also: Covenants

A formal, binding agreement between parties; in theology, the sovereign relationship God establishes with humanity through promises and obligations.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1)

Covenant of Grace

God's promise to save the elect through Christ, revealed progressively through biblical history from Genesis 3:15 onward.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1)

Covenant of Redemption

Also: Pactum Salutis

The eternal agreement within the Trinity to accomplish salvation, with the Father electing, the Son redeeming, and the Spirit applying salvation.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Covenant of Works

Also: Covenant of Life

The original agreement between God and Adam requiring perfect obedience for life, broken by the Fall.

Appears in: Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Covenant Theology

Also: Federal Theology

The Reformed framework for understanding Scripture as the progressive unfolding of God's covenants with humanity: Redemption, Works, and Grace.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Creed

Also: Creeds

Brief, authoritative summaries of foundational Christian beliefs compiled by the historic church (such as the Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed).

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Deacon

Also: Deacons, Diaconate

An ordained office of sympathy and service in the Church, responsible for ministry to the needy, stewardship of the congregation's gifts, and the care of its property under the supervision of the Session.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Depravity

The general corruption and moral ruin of human nature resulting from the Fall.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Dispensationalism

A theological system that divides history into distinct periods where God relates to humanity differently, maintaining a sharp distinction between Israel and the Church as two separate peoples with different destinies.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Doctrine

Also: Doctrines

The body of authoritative biblical teachings and foundational principles of the Christian faith.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Doctrines of Grace

Also: Five Points of Calvinism, TULIP

Another name for the Five Points of Calvinism (TULIP), emphasizing salvation as entirely God's gracious work.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Ecclesiology

The study of the church: what it is (the gathered people of God), what makes a true church (faithful preaching of God's Word, proper administration of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and church discipline), and how it is biblically governed.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Effectual Calling

Also: Effectual Call

God's powerful summons by the Holy Spirit that brings the elect from spiritual death to spiritual life, enlightening their minds and enabling them to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered in the gospel.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Elder

Also: Elders, Presbyter

A man ordained to the office of spiritual oversight, teaching, and governance of the congregation, divided into two types: teaching elders (ministers) and ruling elders.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Election

God's sovereign choice from eternity to save certain individuals, not based on anything foreseen in them but solely on His good pleasure and free grace.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Eschatology

The study of "last things": death, the intermediate state, Christ's second coming, the bodily resurrection, the final judgment, and the eternal state in heaven or hell.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Evangelical

A term describing churches and Christians that teach salvation by grace through faith alone and are committed to the authority of Scripture and the proclamation of the gospel.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Excommunication

The formal removal of an unrepentant member from church membership and fellowship for the reclamation of the sinner and the purity of the church.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Expiation

The removal, cleansing, or cancelling of guilt and sin through Christ's sacrifice.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Family Worship

Regular household devotions led by the head of the home, typically consisting of reading Scripture, prayer, singing praise, and catechizing.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Federal Headship

Also: Covenantal Representation

The representative role of Adam and Christ for those under their respective covenants (the Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace).

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Five Solas

Five Latin phrases summarizing Reformation principles: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be glory).

Not yet linked to any lesson.

General Assembly

The highest governing body of a Presbyterian church, composed of teaching and ruling elders representing all presbyteries, responsible for doctrine, discipline, and oversight of the entire denomination.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Glorification

The final stage of salvation when believers receive perfect, immortal bodies and are completely and eternally freed from sin and suffering.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Godhead

The divine nature or Deity—the one, undivided, infinite essence that is God. The single Godhead subsists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, who are one in substance, power, and eternity. To speak of the Godhead is to speak of the fullness of what it is to be God.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1)

Good and Necessary Consequence

Not every Christian doctrine appears word-for-word in the Bible. Some truths must be drawn out by carefully reasoning from what Scripture clearly teaches. The Reformed principle of good and necessary consequence holds that a doctrine carries full biblical authority whether it is explicitly stated in the text or logically and necessarily follows from what the text says. The doctrine of the Trinity is the classic example: the word never appears in Scripture, yet the doctrine is clearly taught there.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Good Deposit

The apostolic body of sound doctrine and biblical truth entrusted to the church to guard, practice, and pass down uncorrupted.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess

Grace

God's unmerited favor toward sinners; His free gift of salvation and divine enablement that cannot be earned or deserved.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Heaven

The dwelling place of God, where believers upon death enter into the conscious presence of Christ and enjoy the full experience of His glory.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Heidelberg Catechism

A Reformed catechism (1563) known for its warm, devotional tone and structure around Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude; one of the Three Forms of Unity.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Heresy

A false teaching or error that fundamentally departs from and undermines essential biblical truth.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

High Mystery

The designation given by the Confession to the doctrine of predestination, indicating that it is a profound truth of God that transcends human comprehension and must be approached with "special prudence and care." Rather than a subject for speculative debate or philosophical speculation, this high mystery is intended to produce humility, diligence, praise, and comfort when handled in accordance with the revealed Word of God.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Historia Salutis

Also: History of Salvation

The unfolding of God’s redemptive work in history, from creation and the fall through Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension, culminating in the final consummation of all things.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Historic Premillennialism

Also: Post-tribulational Premillennialism

The premillennial view holding that Christ returns before a literal thousand-year reign on Earth, viewing the church as spiritual Israel and affirming one covenant of grace for all believers throughout history.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Holy Spirit

Also: Holy Ghost, The Holy Spirit

The third person of the Trinity, eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son, who applies redemption through regeneration, indwells believers, and sanctifies them progressively.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Illumination

Also: Inward Illumination, Spiritual Illumination

The supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in the heart and mind of a believer, overcoming spiritual blindness and enabling a saving understanding and conviction of the truth revealed in the written Scriptures. Illumination does not impart new revelation or extra-biblical truth; rather, it opens the eyes of faith to perceive, embrace, and obey the revelation God has already provided in His Word.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

Immutable

Unchangeable in His being, perfections, purposes, and promises. God neither grows nor diminishes, neither learns nor forgets, neither improves nor decays, for He is already and eternally perfect. His immutability is the ground of all confidence in His Word, since what He has decreed and promised can never alter.

Appears in: Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1)

Impassibility

Also: Divine Impassibility

The doctrine that God is not subject to emotional change, suffering, or involuntary passions caused by creatures, maintaining His absolute perfection and constancy.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Imputation

Also: Imputed Righteousness

The legal crediting of one person's record to another: Adam's guilt imputed to humanity, believers' sins imputed to Christ, and Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to believers.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Incarnation

The eternal Son of God taking on human nature, becoming fully God and fully man in one person without confusion, change, division, or separation.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Incomprehensible

Not that God is unknowable, but that He can never be fully comprehended or exhaustively grasped by any finite mind. The creature may truly know God as He reveals Himself, yet never completely, for the infinite can never be contained by the finite. We know Him truly, but not totally.

Appears in: Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

Inerrancy

Because God is the author of Scripture and God cannot lie, the original manuscripts of the Bible were completely true and entirely free from error of any kind. We do not possess these originals today, but God in His providence has preserved the biblical text so faithfully through copying and transmission that we can know with confidence what the originals said and trust our translations as a reliable and trustworthy rendering of His Word.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Infallible

Where inerrancy speaks to the factual accuracy of the original manuscripts, infallibility speaks to the Bible's complete trustworthiness as our guide for faith and life. Because God cannot deceive, His Word will never mislead us, though we may certainly mislead ourselves through careless or faithless reading of it.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

Infant Baptism

Also: Paedobaptism

The covenant sign and seal applied to the children of believers, marking them as members of the visible church and heirs of God's covenant promises.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess

Inspiration

Inspiration refers to the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit breathing out God's Word through chosen human authors. The biblical writers were not robots or passive dictation machines. God worked through their genuine personalities, languages, and experiences so that every word they wrote was truly theirs, and yet every word was also truly God's. The result is a Bible that is fully human in its expression and fully divine in its authority.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1)

Internalizing

Also: Internalizes, Internalize

The act of taking God's Word deeply into one's heart and mind through meditation, understanding, and personal conviction.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess

Invisible Church

Also: Church Invisible

The whole number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the Head, known infallibly only to God.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Irresistible Grace

Also: Efficacious Grace

God's saving grace that effectively and sovereignly overcomes all human resistance in those whom He has chosen to save, drawing them freely to Christ.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Justification

An act of God’s free grace, wherein He pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in His sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Limited Atonement

Also: Definite Atonement, Particular Redemption

The doctrine that Christ's death specifically and effectively secured salvation for the elect, rather than merely making salvation a hypothetical possibility for all.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Magisterial Authority

Scripture's supreme, ruling authority over all matters of faith and practice, belonging exclusively to God speaking in His Word.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Magisterial Reformers

Also: Magisterial Reformation

Reformation leaders (such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli) whose work shaped the church through biblical teaching in cooperation with civil governing authorities.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Membership Vows

Public promises made by a believer when joining a local congregation, affirming faith in Christ, submission to biblical church government and discipline, and mutual commitment to love, serve, and support fellow members.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Millennial Views

Also: Millennium

The interpretations of the "thousand years" in Revelation: amillennialism, postmillennialism, and historic premillennialism (which maintain one people of God), contrasted with dispensational premillennialism.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Ministerial Authority

Also: Ministerial and Declarative

The serving and declarative role of church officers and confessions under the supreme authority of Scripture.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Mortification

Also: Mortification of Sin

The active, Spirit-empowered putting to death of sin and sinful desires in the believer's life.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

NAPARC

Also: North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council

North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council; a fellowship of confessional Presbyterian and Reformed denominations.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Natural Revelation

God has revealed Himself to every human being through the created world and the works of His providence. This revelation is real and true: it communicates genuine knowledge of God's existence, power, goodness, and wisdom. However, it is not saving knowledge. Natural revelation leaves every person without excuse before God on the day of judgment, but it cannot tell us who Christ is, how sinners are forgiven, or what we must do to be saved. It is enough to condemn, but not to save.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1)

New Heavens and New Earth

Also: New Creation

The eternal, renewed creation where believers will dwell bodily with God in perfect righteousness, with sin and death completely removed.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Nicene Creed

Also: Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed

The fundamental Christian creed formulated at Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381), defining orthodox Trinitarian teaching and affirming the deity of the Son and Holy Spirit.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Omniscience

God's perfect and complete knowledge of all things—past, present, and future, actual and possible. He knows all things immediately, eternally, and infallibly, never learning and never forgetting. Nothing is hidden from Him and nothing is uncertain to Him, for His knowledge is infinite and independent of the creature.

Appears in: Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

Ordinary Means of Grace

Also: Ordinary means, Means of Grace

The primary outward instruments ordained by God—principally the Word, sacraments, and prayer—through which the Holy Spirit works salvation and spiritual growth in believers.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Ordination

The church’s public act of setting apart qualified men for service as elders or deacons, performed through prayer and the laying on of hands, authorizing them to govern, teach, or serve.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Ordo Salutis

Also: Order of Salvation

The "order of salvation"; the logical sequence in which God applies the benefits of redemption to individual sinners.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Orthodox

Also: Orthodoxy

Conforming faithfully to the historic, established, and biblical faith of the church.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess

Passed Over for Death

Also termed reprobation or preterition, this refers to God's sovereign decision, according to His unsearchable counsel, to pass by the non-elect in the distribution of saving grace and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sins. In Westminster theology, this act manifests God's absolute sovereignty and holy justice, ensuring that while salvation is an act of pure mercy, condemnation is a righteous judgment for human rebellion.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1)

Patristic Fathers

Also: Early Church Fathers

Early Christian theologians and church leaders of the first five centuries whose writings helped clarify and defend foundational doctrine concerning the Trinity, Christology, and the canon.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

PCA

Also: Presbyterian Church in America

The Presbyterian Church in America; a conservative, confessional Presbyterian denomination formed in 1973, committed to the inerrancy of Scripture and the Westminster Standards.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Perseverance of the Saints

Also: Preservation of the Saints

The doctrine that all who are truly regenerated and saved by God will continue in faith to the end and never finally fall away, kept securely by God's power.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Persons

In Trinitarian language, the three distinct subsistences within the one divine essence—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. They are not three gods, nor three parts of God, nor three names for one person, but three who are genuinely distinct yet share fully and equally the one undivided substance. The distinction among the persons lies in their eternal relations, not in any difference of nature or being.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1)

Perspicuity

The Bible is clear. The core truths necessary for salvation are presented so plainly in Scripture that any person, educated or not, can understand them through ordinary reading and hearing of the Word read and preached. This does not mean every passage is equally easy to interpret or that difficult texts do not exist. It means that no one needs a priest, a pope, or a scholarly elite to unlock the Bible's saving message for them. The gospel is accessible to all.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Postmillennialism

The eschatological view that the "thousand years" represents a golden era of gospel prosperity and righteousness brought about before Christ returns.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Praise to God

The ultimate end and purpose of all of God's decrees, particularly the predestination of the elect to everlasting life. This doctrine is designed to strip human beings of all pride and boasting, leading them instead to a state of profound gratitude, worship, and admiration of God's free grace, mercy, and unchangeable love in Christ Jesus.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Predestination

God's eternal decree determining all that comes to pass, particularly regarding the eternal destiny of men and angels in election and reprobation.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Predestined Unto Life

Also known as election, this is God's eternal, unchangeable, and unconditional choice of certain individuals to be saved and brought to everlasting glory. This decree is made before the foundation of the world, out of God's mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith, good works, or perseverance in the creature as a condition or cause, and is executed through all the necessary means of salvation (redemption, calling, justification, adoption, sanctification, and preservation).

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1)

Premillennialism

The eschatological view that Christ will return bodily to the earth before a literal thousand-year reign.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Presbyterian

Also: Presbyterianism

A biblical system of church government by representative elders (presbyters) through local sessions, regional presbyteries, and general assemblies.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Presbytery

A regional governing assembly of teaching and ruling elders from local congregations within a defined district, responsible for oversight, discipline, and ordination.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Preservation

Despite centuries of hand-copying across thousands of manuscripts (transmission), God in His providence has kept His Word pure and intact. Minor variations exist between manuscripts, but none affect any doctrine of the faith. The church today possesses an abundance of manuscript evidence, far more than any other ancient document, giving us every confidence that we know what the original texts said. God did not inspire His Word only to lose it. He who gave us Scripture has faithfully kept it.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Progressive Revelation

God’s unfolding disclosure of His truth and redemptive plan step by step across biblical history, from Genesis to its culmination in Christ.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Proof-texting

The practice of isolating individual verses outside of their biblical context to support a preconceived argument or novelty.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess

Propitiation

Christ's sacrificial death that satisfies the righteous wrath of God against sin and reconciles the sinner to God.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Providence

God's continuous upholding, directing, and governing of all creation, creatures, and events according to His eternal decree and holy wisdom.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Reformed

Also: Reformed Tradition, Reformed Theology

The theological tradition emerging from the Protestant Reformation, characterized by a commitment to God's absolute sovereignty in salvation, covenant theology, and confessional standards.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Regeneration

Also: The New Birth, Born Again

The sovereign, supernatural act of the Holy Spirit imparting spiritual life to those dead in sin, making them a new creation and enabling faith.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Regulative Principle of Worship

Also: RPW

The doctrine that corporate worship should include only those elements explicitly commanded or warranted in Scripture, excluding human inventions.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Repentance

Also: Repentance unto Life

An evangelical grace wherein a sinner, with true grief and hatred of sin, turns from sin to God with full purpose of and endeavor after new obedience.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Revelation

God's direct act of making His character, will, and redemptive purpose known to mankind, culminated in the written Scriptures. See also Natural Revelation and Special Revelation.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Rule of Faith

Because God is the single author of Scripture, the Bible never contradicts itself. This means the Bible is its own best interpreter. When a passage is difficult or obscure, the answer is not to look to church tradition or human reason as the final word, but to compare that passage with other parts of Scripture that speak more clearly on the same subject. Difficult texts are always interpreted in light of clearer ones, never the other way around.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Ruling Elder

Also: Ruling Elders

An ordained elder who governs and shepherds the congregation alongside teaching elders, exercising equal authority in church courts.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Sabbath

Also: Lord's Day, Christian Sabbath

The weekly day of holy rest and worship commanded by God, observed on the first day of the week (Sunday, the Lord's Day) in commemoration of the resurrection of Christ.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Sacrament

Also: Sacraments

A visible sign and seal of invisible grace, instituted by Christ to represent Him and His benefits and confirm our faith. In the New Testament, these are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Sanctification

Also: Progressive Sanctification

The work of God’s free grace, whereby believers are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.

Appears in: Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Sanctified Wisdom

Also: Prudence, Christian Prudence

Scripture does not answer every practical question the church will face. For matters the Bible leaves open, church officers are called to apply their knowledge of the Word, their God-given wisdom, and their care for their congregation to make faithful decisions. These decisions are not binding declarations and must always remain subject to Scripture.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Self-Sufficiency

God is entirely complete and perfect within Himself. He lacks absolutely nothing and has no needs, weaknesses, or dependencies that must be fulfilled by anyone or anything outside of Himself.

Appears in: Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

Session

Also: Church Session, Kirk Session

The governing body of elders in a local church, composed of the pastor (teaching elder) and ruling elders exercising spiritual rule and pastoral care.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Sola Fide

Also: Faith Alone

The Reformation doctrine that believers are justified before God solely by faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Sola Gratia

Also: Grace Alone

The Reformation doctrine that salvation is entirely by God’s free grace, without any human merit or contribution.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Sola Scriptura

Also: Scripture Alone

Scripture alone is the final and supreme authority over the faith and life of the church. We can value tradition, creeds, and confessions as useful and faithful summaries of biblical teaching, they carry no independent authority of their own. No council, no pope, no elder, and no tradition can bind the conscience where Scripture has not spoken.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Soli Deo Gloria

Also: To God Alone be the Glory

The Reformation principle that all of creation, salvation, and human life exist ultimately to glorify God alone.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Solus Christus

Also: Christ Alone

The Reformation principle that Jesus Christ is the only mediator and sufficient Savior for fallen humanity.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Soteriology

The theological study of salvation: its planning from eternity (election), accomplishment in history (atonement), application in time (calling, regeneration, justification, adoption, sanctification), and final completion (glorification).

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Sovereignty

Also: Sovereignty of God

God's absolute, supreme, and unchallengeable authority and dominion over the entire universe.

Appears in: Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2)

Special Revelation

God's voluntary condescension to actively step in and communicate His character, His specific will, and the plan of salvation directly to His chosen people. Historically given 'at sundry times, and in divers manners' through methods like dreams, visions, and the prophets, it has now been fully and permanently committed to writing in the Holy Scriptures.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1)

Spirit

A being without body or material parts, immaterial and invisible. To confess God as "a most pure spirit" affirms that He has no physical form and is not composed of parts, but is simple, whole, and undivided in His being. As spirit, He is present everywhere and is perceived not by the senses but known through His revelation.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Subordinate Standards

Also: Secondary Standards

Confessions and catechisms that possess secondary, derived authority in the church, always subject to the supreme authority of Scripture.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Substance

The essential divine nature shared identically, fully, and indivisibly by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1)

Sufficiency of Scripture

The Bible contains everything necessary for salvation and godly living. God has given us in Scripture the complete counsel of His will for His glory, our salvation, and our daily lives. Because Scripture is fully sufficient, nothing may be added to it. We do not need new revelation. We need faithful obedience to the revelation we already have.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Supreme Judge

When religious controversies arise, something must serve as the final word. For the Reformed church that final word is not a pope, a council, or a private spiritual experience. It is the Holy Spirit speaking through the written Scripture. This means that every theological debate, every church ruling, and every theological claim must ultimately be brought to the bar of Scripture and settled there.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Synod of Dort

Also: Synod of Dordt

The 1618–1619 international Reformed assembly that rejected Arminianism and formulated the Canons of Dort.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Systematic Theology

Also: Systematic, Systematize, Systematizing

The orderly arrangement of all biblical doctrine by topic, demonstrating the harmony and consistency of God's revelation across Scripture.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess

Teaching Elder

Also: Minister of the Word, Pastor

A minister of the Word ordained to the office of elder with the specific calling to preach, administer the sacraments, and shepherd the congregation, equal in office to ruling elders.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

The Father

Also: God the Father

The first person of the Trinity, unbegotten, who planned redemption from eternity, sent the Son, and adopts believers as His children.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

The Light of Nature

See Natural Revelation

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

The Son

Also: God the Son

The second person of the Trinity, eternally begotten of the Father, who became incarnate as Jesus Christ to accomplish redemption and now reigns at the Father's right hand.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1)

Theology

In its narrow sense, the study of God Himself; in its broad sense, the systematic study of everything God has revealed in Scripture.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess

Three Forms of Unity

The confessional standards of continental Reformed churches, consisting of the Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and Canons of Dort.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Total Depravity

The Reformed doctrine that the fall has corrupted every facet of human nature, leaving humanity spiritually dead and wholly unable to turn to God on its own.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess

Translation

Because God desires all people to know Him and be saved, the Bible must be translated into the everyday languages of every nation. Translation is not optional or merely practical. It is a mandate rooted in God's own desire for His people to know Him. The original Hebrew and Greek texts carry full divine authority, but God never intended His Word to be locked away behind scholarly barriers. Every person, regardless of education or social standing, deserves access to Scripture in a language they can read and understand.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Transmission

Transmission refers to the process by which the biblical text has been copied and handed down across centuries. Before the printing press, every Bible was copied by hand, one manuscript at a time, across thousands of years and multiple continents. This was an entirely human process involving real scribes who made occasional minor errors.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Trinity

The biblical truth that the one true God eternally exists as three distinct, co-equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

TULIP

Also: Five Points of Calvinism

The acronym for the Five Points of Calvinism: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Unconditional Election

God's eternal choice to save certain individuals based solely on His sovereign grace and good pleasure, not on any foreseen merit or condition in the creature.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Under Shepherds

Also: Under-shepherds

Pastors and elders ordained to watch over, feed, and guide the local flock of God under the authority of Christ, the Good Shepherd.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess

Union with Christ

The spiritual and vital bond uniting the believer to Jesus Christ, from which all saving blessings flow.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Visible Church

Also: Church Visible

The church as outwardly seen on earth: all who profess the true religion together with their children.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Vivification

The positive aspect of progressive sanctification involving spiritual renewal and growth in righteousness.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Vulgar Language

The common, everyday native language spoken by the ordinary, local population of a given nation (such as English, Aramaic, or German, rather than scholarly Latin, Hebrew, or ancient Greek). This is the language into which the scriptures must be translated so the Word can dwell plentifully in all.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Westminster Assembly

The 1643–1649 assembly of theologians, pastors, and parliamentarians called to produce the Westminster Standards for the churches of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Westminster Confession of Faith

Also: Westminster Confession, WCF

The 1647 Reformed doctrinal standard and subordinate summary of faith produced for Presbyterian churches.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 1), Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 1), Chapter 3 - Of God’s Eternal Decree (Part 2), Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Westminster Confessional Churches

Also: Westminster Confessional Presbyterian Churches

Reformed churches adhering to Presbyterian government and the Westminster Standards.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Westminster Divines

Also: Divines

The theologians and pastors who composed the Westminster Assembly (1643–1649).

Appears in: Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Westminster Larger Catechism

Also: Larger Catechism, WLC

A detailed catechism produced by the Westminster Assembly for comprehensive doctrinal instruction, particularly suited for ministers and teachers.

Not yet linked to any lesson.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Also: Shorter Catechism, WSC

A concise catechism produced by the Westminster Assembly, designed for instructing children and beginners in the Christian faith.

Appears in: Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity, Chapter 4 - Of Creation

Whole Counsel of God

The complete, comprehensive scope of God's revealed truth and purpose contained across all of Scripture.

Appears in: Introduction - Why We Confess, Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2)

Worship

Also: Corporate Worship

The reverent and obedient response of God’s people to His glory, expressed through prayer, praise, the reading and preaching of Scripture, and the sacraments, all according to God’s Word.

Appears in: Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture (Part 2), Chapter 2 - Of God, and of the Holy Trinity