Doctrine: Topics Flashcards
3 basic kinds of religious authority
human reason,
the Church,
God’s Word
Other than in the Bible, what else does God use to speak through?
creation and conscience
(His general, or natural, revelation)
Who sends people to hell?
It is not God who sends people to hell. It is people who demand that God leave them alone so they may go their own way and attempt to fulfill their own desires who send themselves to hell.
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What is different about God’s revelation in the Bible than His revelation in creation & conscience?
Bible has a special revelation - the wonderful news that God has invaded the human situation, acted to redeem us, and offered us a way by which we can enter into that redemption.
Nature and conscience do not disclose this.
Greek word most nearly equivalent to our word “inspiration” - what is the Greek word? English word? Where is it found?
theopneustos
God-breathed
2 Tim 3:16
What does it mean that the Bible is inspired?
By divine breath and power the Holy Spirit moved the (human) authors of the Bible with such precision that the product accurately reflects the intention of God Himself.
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define mechanical dictation.
is it right or wrong?
God spoke through humans to the extent that their individual personalities were suppressed.
wrong
Are both thought and language inspired, or only one?
both
define dynamic inspiration
is it right or wrong?
what’s another name for it?
the Bible is not intended to convey propositional truth about God Himself; it only discloses truth about how we ought to live (nothing about what God is - only His work)
“functional interpretation of inspiration”
wrong
What is plenary verbal inspiration?
plenary (full) verbal (extending even to the words)
it’s the very word of God
what does it mean that the Bible is infallible?
incapable of error and therefore not capable of misleading, deceiving, or disappointing us
Do we still have the autographs of the Bible?
no, they were probably worn out by frequent use and repeated copying
In the 4th century, which 2 people or groups affirmed the 27 books we have in the NT today?
Athanasius
a church council
4 tests to determine if a book could be included in the NT canon
1) apostolicity
2) universality
3) contents
4) inspiration
how many ancient hand-written copies of the NT are there in Greek?
over 5,300
What was God’s purpose in calling Abraham and choosing Israel as His servant?
to prepare the way to bring blessing to all the nations of the earth
What was the Septuagint and when was it created?
250 to 150 BC
the Greek translation of the OT
often used by early Christians after Pentecost! (seen in the NT usage)
What are Oneness?
they believe you have to be baptized in Jesus’ name only;
they declare there is one Person in the Godhead: Jesus, who filled the offices or modes of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as needed
they called it “the new issue”
what affect did oneness have on AG?
AG was formed in 1914. Some began to spread oneness doctrine. in 1916, AG created a section defining the Godhead in the Fundamental Truths
the ontological argument for God’s existence
the conception of a Perfect Being requires that Being to have a real existence, since if the idea of a Perfect Being does not have a genuine manifestation in actuality, it is less than perfect.
the cosmological argument for God’s existence
the universe is not self-existent. All events of which we are aware are dependent on some cause beyond the events themselves. If you push the causes back far enough, you will eventually come to a First Cause, a self-existent Being not dependent on anything else at all
teleological argument (aka argument from design)
scientific inquiry discloses a remarkable orderliness in nature. the mathetical improbability of the marvels of these structures just having occurred by chance leads the thinking person to awe at the designer responsible
moral argument for God’s existence
the innate sense of right and wrong in people. the existence of a great Lawgiver in the universe is the logical consequence of the awareness of morality
aesthetics or beauty argument for God’s existence
that people have a conception of relative values regarding beauty and an appreciation of it points in the direction of One who Himself is the giver of beauty and is lovely
does the Bible seek to prove the existence of God?
no. it assumes God exists.
what can you know via general revelation versus via special revelation (Bible)?
general rev - the existence of God
special rev - the nature of God
‘El
emphasizes the idea of strength
‘Elohim
God’s creative power and providential care of the universe and humankind;
plurality in the Godhead
Yahweh
Lord
God’s covenant-keeping name
“He will [actively] continue to be.”
El Shaddai
“God Almighty”
‘El Elyon
“God Most High”
‘El Ro’i
“the God who sees me”
‘El ‘Olam
“the Eternal God”
‘El ‘Elohe Yisra’el
“God, the God of Israel
Yahweh-ropheka
“The Lord your [personal] Physician”
Yahweh-Nissi
“The Lord my Banner
Yahweh-shalom
“the Lord is Peace”
Yahweh-ro’i
“the Lord my Shepherd”
Yahweh-tsidkenu
“the Lord our Righteousness
the ONe who forgives
Yahweh-Shammah
the name of the New Jerusalem
“The Lord is there”
Yahweh-sabaoth
God’s heavenly name
“the Lord of Hosts”
‘Adonai’ ‘Kurios”
“Lord”
‘Attiq Yomin
“The Ancient of Days”
His judging and ruling over the kingdoms of this world
Qedosh Yisra’el
“the Holy One of Israel
Tsur
“Rock
‘Ab
Father!
Melek
“King”
Go’el
“Redeemer”
Despotes
“Lord” “Master” “Owner
Rishon wa-‘acharon
“The First and the Last”
His rule over the entire course of history
“chesed” meaning
faithful, steadfast, covenant-keeping love
‘emeth meaning
reliability, permanence, continuance, fidelity, truth
define communicable attributes
attributes of God that can be found (to a much lesser degree) in human nature
2 types: natural and moral
2 important aspects of God’s holiness
1) He is separated from and elevated above all that is transient, impermanent, finite, imperfect, as well as all that is evil, sinful, and wrong.
2) He is separated to and dedicated to the carrying out of His great plan of redemption, the bringing in of the coming Kingdom, and ultimately, setting up the new heavens and the new earth.
Where do God’s wrath and love flow together?
at the cross of Christ
Sabellianism
heresy
there is one God with one personality but He manifests Himself in 3 different modes.
Arianism
denied the eternality of Jesus
a subordination not only in relationship but also in nature
Father above Son above Holy Spirit (Father first, created Son, created Holy Spirit)
trinity
3 personalities are one in fellowship, purpose, and substance.
a subordination in relationship but not in nature
the existence of Jesus prior to His virgin birth
His coexistence in time and eternity with the Father and the Holy Spirit…
eternally in existence, functioning as the Revealer of God
who is Jesus now (human, divine)?
He remains the God-Man in heaven now and he will return the same (fully human and fully divine)
2 main aspects of Jesus’ humanity
human body and a rational soul
Where does the name “Jesus” come from?
the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning “the Lord [Yahweh] is salvation”
Christianity is anchored in historic ____ and a historic ____
events; Person
Where does the term “Christ” come from?
Hebrew Mashiach
Anointed One
Jesus’ 3 divine offices & what they emphasize
Prophet, Priest, King
each emphasizes the mediatorship of Christ between the Father of heaven and the people of earth
Where does the term “prophet” come from? and what does it imply?
How did Jesus fulfill this?
Greek prophetes, “one who speaks forth”
preaching, proclamation, informing
Jesus taught much about the events to come.
What does “priest” mean?
How is Jesus a priest?
a specially consecrated individual who represents God to people, and people to God
In Jesus, He is a perfect representative from among the people and became the perfect sacrifice.
What is kenosis?
Jesus’ “self-emptying”
Jesus emptied Himself of the glory and privileges He enjoyed with the Father
the central reason for Jesus’ incarnation
His death
What is the central event of all history?
the cross (Jesus’ death)
What does Christ’s Passion refer to?
His sufferings between the Last Supper and His death on the cross
When was Jesus’ work for our redemption complete?
when He said “It is finished” and died
What happened after the Resurrection?
40 days of appearances and then His ascension
What did Jesus’ ascension inaugurate?
the beginning of a reign of exaltation
What are the 2 important and simultaneously held views of humankind?
one that sees us as a special object of God’s creative interest,
one that sees us dependent on God’s sustaining power
What do trichotomists emphasize?
humans as having a material body, an immaterial soul, and an immaterial spirit
What are dichotomists?
humans as having the body and the inner person
3 functions of the human nature:
- body, world-conscious aspect, sensory, awareness of our physical surroundings & ability to communicate with our environment (bodily appetites are not evil in themselves)
- soul - self, conscious life here and now, self-consciousness, genuine unique personality, intellect/emotions/will, links the spirit and body
- spirit - the body houses spirit, the aspect which bears relationship to the unseen spiritual world whether good or evil; God-consciousness; dead when not believing
spirit and soul are intimately linked and virtually inseparable
What does being created in the image & likeness of God imply, that also applied to Adam and Eve?
further development of the human being is possible
What is the image of God in us?
a natural and moral image - not physical.
- natural: elements of personality that are appropriate to all persons, human and divine - intellect, sensibility, will (clear line between animals and humans); the potential for culture and civilization
- moral: the will and sphere of freedom in which we can exercise our powers of self-determination; makes possible fellowship with God
Where did sin originate?
in an abuse of the freedom given to created beings equipped with a will
(not by God)
( in the free choice of God’s creatures)
What does sin disregard?
it disregards the glory of God, the will of God, and the Word of God.
What is an important corollary of rational personality?
freedom of the will
What is original sin and what does it lead to?
Adam and Eve’s sin, which led to all humans being born with a natural inclination to sin … this original sin would lead to overt personal sin in all
2 key elements in Adam and Eve’s sin
unbelief and the desire to exalt self
What does the book say about the age of accountability?
the Bible gives no specific age. Some children come to a point where they understand sooner than others.
basic understanding of sin as…
the exaltation of self and the transgression of divine law
are evil thoughts or desires sin?
no, in themselves they are not sin; they can be interjected into our thoughts by the world around us.
But we must reject them; otherwise if we hold onto them and dwell on them, they will lead to desire to sin to death.
Is there a distinction in judging sins/
only between sins that are unintentional and sins that are deliberate and defiant
When was God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ started?
before the creation, it was built into His plan
Why is shedding of blood important for sacrifices?
the wages of sin is death,
and the blood represents the life poured out in death
Where does the word Atonement come from and what does it mean?
Hebrew kippur
covering with a price
the act of God whereby sins are covered by the price of shed blood, showing that the wages of sin have been paid, and God can once again look upon us with favor.
The holiness of God and the love of God converge where?
at the cross of Christ
The Atonement was a vicarious sacrifice. What does this mean?
vicarious - in the place of another.
Jesus died for our sins.
The atonement was satisfaction. What does this mean?
It satisfied the claims of God’s law and justice.
The OT sacrifices could show God’s ____ but not His ___
forebearance
not His justice
What is the effect of Atonement? (2)
reconciliation
redemption
What does it mean that the Atonement gives deliverance from the dominion of sin?
the guilt is totally removed so that believers become just as if they had never sinned.
it breaks the power of sin.
What’s the last enemy to be destroyed?
physical death
the ministry of conviction - what? who? how?
by the Father through the Holy Spirit
often uses the Word of God
God issues the invitation
What is conversion?
means “to turn around”
the response of the sinner to the conviction of the Holy Spirit
includes repentance and faith
3 levels of faith
- intellectual element - know the basic facts of the gospel to believe it
- emotional element - need this but not only this or will fall away
- volitional element - decisive commitment of the whole self to the grace of God; complete surrender of the will to the lordship of Jesus Christ
3 facets of blessing flow from justification (declared not guilty)
- the sinner has sin’s penalty remitted (penalty of death is removed)
- restoration to divine favor (divine fellowship)
- imputation of righteousness
What is regeneration?
the actual impartation of divine (Christ’s) life to the new convert
God’s response
being born again
a creative act of God
What is adoption?
the marvelous declaration that the child int he divine family has been fully accepted as an adult member of the family - eligible for all the privileges appropriate to that legal standing in the divine family
What is the order of terms in salvation?
conviction, repentance, justification, regeneration, adoption
Biblical Christianity is not ____ or ____
ritualistic or sacramental
What is sacramentalism?
the belief that special grace is bestowed on participants who engage in certain prescribed rituals.
unbiblical - no special merit is attached to obedience to the ordinances
How are we to understand the ordinances?
as occasions of memorial
What is water baptism?
a ceremony that symbolizes the beginning of the spiritual life.
a public declaration of our identification with Jesus in His death and resurrection, for they made possible our new life in Him.
What OT story is water baptism associated with?
the Flood
The water of the flood did not cleanse Noah. Rather….
the fact he and his family came through the Flood and were saved from its judgment was a testimony to the faith they had before the Flood - faith that caused them to believe and obey God and build the ark.
So the water of baptism does not cleanse us, but is a testimony to our faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ
If baptism doesn’t save, what is it?
a testimony and a pledge that we will continue to live a new life in the power of the risen Christ
Who is eligible for water baptism?
believers only
What does it mean to baptize into the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
“name” means “the worship and service”
When was the Lord’s Supper instituted?
by Jesus on His last Passover meal with the disciples, just hours before He died on the cross. It takes the place of the Passover for us.
4 values of the Lord’s Supper
1) it is commemorative, instructive, and inspirational
2) it promotes thanksgiving and fellowship
3) it proclaims the new covenant
4) it carries a responsibility
What does it mean that the Lord’s Supper is commemorative?
an occasion for pondering deeply the significance of the atoning death of Christ, the focal point of all history.
also reminded that by faith we may enter into the benefits of Jesus’ death and resurrection
What does it mean that the Lord’s Supper promotes thanksgiving?
thanksgiving is “eucharistia” in Greek
an opportunity to thank God for all the blessings that are ours because Jesus died on the cross.
an opportunity for fellowship with God and with other believers
What does it mean that the Lord’s Supper proclaims the new covenant?
by partaking, we declare our purpose to make Jesus Lord, do His will, take up our cross daily to follow Him, and fulfill His Great Commission.
looks forward to the future kingdom of God
What does it mean that the Lord’s Supper carries a responsibility?
must not partake in an unworthy manner (refers to an unworthiness of attitude and behavior).
must not harbor sin.
What must we do before taking the Lord’s Supper?
examine ourselves and repent of sin
What is the body we must discern during the Lord’s Supper?
the body is the spiritual body of Christ, the assembly of believers (we all partake of one loaf)
purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit
empowering for service
What is the saint?
the person who is dedicated and consecrated to the worship and service of the Lord.
does not spend all time in study, prayer, and devotion, but is separated for the Master’s service
what does blood symbolize? oil?
blood - cleansing
oil - anointing (the Spirit’s work in preparing for service)
The baptism in the Spirit is not a climactic experience…
Pentecost itself was only the beginning of the harvest and brought people into a fellowship of worship, teaching and service… so the baptism in the Holy Spirit is only a door into a growing relationship with the Spirit and with other believers
What does it mean that the Holy Spirit is in our hearts as a deposit?
“deposit” means a first installment. The firstfruits are an actual part of the harvest. In the same way, the Holy Spirit as a deposit is an actual part of the inheritance and the guarantee of what we shall receive in larger measure later.
Distinguish the 2 baptisms
Holy Spirit first baptizes us into the body of Christ.
Then Jesus baptizes us into the Holy Spirit.
3 functions of speaking in tongues
- for the evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit
- personal tongues for edifying the one engaged in prayer
- gift of tongues employed in public services - need interpretation so all may be blessed
3 aspects of sanctification:
1) positional and instantaneous
2) practical and progressive (chief aspect)
3) final holiness
the core concept of the term “sanctification”
separation
What is the chief emphasis of sanctification?
positive dedication to God
(it’s not taking items out of the ordinary environment that make them holy; it’s using them in worship of the Lord that makes them holy)
what is righteousness? holiness?
righteousness - conformity to divine law, usually seen within the covenant relationship
holiness - conformity to the divine nature
The practical steps we may take in separating ourselves from evil and turning to God are ….
always a response to the wooing and whispering of a gracious God
Sanctification is not ___-
optional.
what is positional holiness (1 aspect of sanctification)?
we must be declared holy at the outset of our Christian lives. (this declaration by God). i.e. justification
God sees us wrapped with the robes of Christ’s righteousness.
occurs by faith in Christ instantaneously at the moment of our conversion
…
we are sanctified at the moment we are saved.
(we all begin in Christ as saints - because we are headed in the right direction)
What is actual holiness (the 2nd facet of sanctification)
mature through a lifetime
takes a daily renewal of our consecration and dedication unto God.
through prayer and the Word we do our part.
the ministry of the Holy Spirit is the source of Christian victory in the fight between the indwelling Spirit of God and the old sinful nature
that which marks the true perfection of a child of God is…
not his arrival at absolute sinless perfection, but his upward aspiration
What is final holiness (the 3rd dimension to sanctification)?
anticipation of perfection (the doctrine of glorification)
we will have a settled character of holiness at the end.
What is the church?
ekklesia - an assembly of citizens
the spiritual family of God, a fellowship created by the Holy Spirit, based upon the atoning work of Christ
2 valid biblical uses for the term “church”
- the local church (assembly) - the assembled saints who worship together in a given location
- broader use of the term, all saints throughout history as well as throughout the world
what does it mean that the church is the “body of Christ”?
Jesus instituted an organism when he left. When He gave the Holy Spirit, He gave the new covenant body new life.
Christ is the head; the Church is His body.
- the Church is the physical, visible manifestation of Christ in the world, doing His work
- the Church is like a body in that it is composed of a complex arrangement of diverse parts, each discrete, each receiving from the Head, each with its own gifts and ministry, yet all necessary
What does it mean that the Church is the “temple of God”?
“temple” refers to the inner sanctuary, the most holy place, where God manifested His glory in a special way
we are the temple and also we offer spiritual ministry among ourselves as priests of God in this sanctuary.
What does it mean that the Church is “the bride of Christ”?
emphasizes union and communion of the saints with the Christ.
tone of hope for the future - the eagerness of the bride to be ready for the marriage
marriage relationship - Christ’s love and care for the Church and the devotion and faithfulness of the Church to Christ
What does it mean that within the church, there’s a present manifestation of the “kingdom of God”?
God’s kingdom (rule/reign) is present whether acknowledged or not; human participation in the Kingdom is voluntary.
the Kingdom of God is (1) a present realm into which people are entering now and (2) a future apocalyptic order into which the righteous will enter at the end of the age.
the Kingdom of God is not the Church, yet there is an inseparable relationship between the 2.
- the Kingdom existed before and will continue after the Church
- in the present age, the kingdom of God is at work through the Church
The working of the Spirit in the ministry of Jesus proved the presence of…
the Kingdom
What is the Church Age?
the period between the 1st and 2nd advents of Christ,
when God intends to work through the Church
3fold objective of the Church (all functions of a local body of believers should relate to these)
(1) world evangelization - central concern of Jesus and His body to seek and save the lost (early church was growing and emphasized spoken Word)
(2) to minister to God - created to worship (all of life should be an expression of thanks; however, God has provided the Church as a special instrument of worship)
(3) to build a body of saints (dedicated believers), nourishing them so that they become conformed to the image of Christ (nurture)
the 9 gifts of the Spirit in 1 Cor 12:8-10
- gifts of revelation (word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discerning of spirits)
- gifts of power (faith, miracles, healings)
- gifts of utterance (tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy)
The supernatural gifts are all concerned with…
the manifestation of God’s character, ways, and eternal purposes. Therefore, every word or message of wisdom that the Spirit gives “will reflect God’s plans, purposes, and ways of accomplishing things.”
What 3 things accompany the gift of faith?
fervent prayer, extraordinary joy, unusual boldness
What is prophecy?
speaking for God in a known language
reveals the progress of the kingdom of God and puts the sinner under conviction by revealing the secrets of his or her heart
By combining all the lists of spiritual gifts in the Bible, how many do you come up with?
What are the 3 categories of these gifts?
18 to 20 gifts
- gifts for the establishment of the Church and for bringing it to a maturity
- gifts of the edification of the local body through individual members
- gifts for service and outreach
The Church is a living organism. The head is Jesus Christ, who gives it spiritual life. However, a living organism must also have…
structure.
the principle for church structure/order in the NT
only organization necessary for the ongoing life of the Church should be adopted
(they didn’t have deacons until they needed deacons)
2 basic types of offices in the Apostolic Church
(1) itinerant and charismatic - ministries - traveled - given to the whole Church for the exercise of supernatural manifestations that would establish the churches and bring all the believers to the place where they could do the work of ministry - given ministry by divine direction (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers)
(2) local and elected - offices - elected, chosen by the local congregation according to prescribed qualifications set forth by the apostles
3 features of the apostolic ministry
(1) the apostles were commissioned by the risen Lord Jesus and were first-hand witnesses to His teachings and resurrection
(2) the apostles had the unique role of establishing the Church and producing Scripture
(3) an apostolic ministry (not office) of signs and wonders applicable to all ages - involved in the planting of churches
office/ministry of prophet?
had a special ministry of inspired utterance;
an edifying ministry to the various churches
Judas and Silas
messages were to be judged or evaluated by the other members of the local church
ministry of evangelist?
to be the first to bring the gospel to those who had not yet heard
Philip the deacon
ministry of pastor?
undershepherds with the ministry and responsibility of caring for and protecting God’s flock as well as being worthy of their imitation
ministry of teacher?
given a special ability to explain and interpret the truth of God’s revelation
sometimes connected with pastor as a 2fold ministry - the shepherd needed to feed the flock
local and elected offices: elder/bishop
- elder, of bishop - expected to have the ministry of shepherd or pastor; was in a sense the president of the congregation and was initially elected out of the congregation and given the responsibility of seeing that preaching and teaching were done
… - eventually in history of the Church, the leader of the principal church in a city took the title bishop and left the title of elder to his assistants and the pastors of smaller churches in the city
… - later the word elder was corrupted into priest (but we believe in the priesthood of all believers)
local and elected offices: deacons
deacons: “a waiter who kept the wine glasses full” -> a servant who had various duties
first used generally for those in the ministry
- then used for an established group of workers elected by the local congregation who served as helpers to the elders, principally in the material and mundane matters
cared for the poor, the sick, and the weak.
some were women.
The various ministers, whether apostles, prophets, evangelists, or pastor-teachers, are considered God’s gifts to the Church. The varied tasks of this group of God’s servants may be summarized int he following ways:
(1) the ministry was expected to lead the Church in world evangelization
(2) a special responsibility in cultivating a climate of worship and leading people into ministry to the Lord (congregation as a whole was to exercise self-discipline)
(3) the task of building up believers into mature saints (sense of fulfilling God’s will for one’s life)
intended result: stability
4 primary reasons for being of the AG:
(1) to be an agency of God for evangelizing the world
(2) to be a corporate body in which man may worship God
(3) to be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son
(4) to be a people who demonstrate God’s love and compassion for all the world
3 things the Spirit baptism does…
(1) enables believers to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs
(2) adds a necessary dimension to worshipful relationship with God
(3) enables believers to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in NT times for the edifying of the body of Christ and care for the poor and needy of the world
4fold purpose of leading the Church:
(1) evangelization of the world
(2) worship of God
(3) building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son
(4) meeting human need with ministries of love and compassion
What concept shines out of the truth of “diversity in unity”? (in the Church)
the concept of God’s concern for the individual.
all are important equally in the sign of God. Each will be rewarded according to individual faithfulness.
great biblical emphasis on the worth and integrity of the individual.
what is the doctrine of vocation?
the call of God.
the field of toil, the lifework, is not a matter of personal choice for the believer. it is an obedient response to the calling of a sovereign God.
What was Jesus calling people to in the gospels?
a call to discipleship, to become learners/students.
- leaving the past and surrendering every aspect of one’s life to the Master Teacher
What is coupled with salvation?
call to service
We are saved to…
serve
Though there is no qualitative difference in the worth of the minister as distinct from the layperson, there is a difference in …
function.
Death is considered a ___
curse.
Human beings would be incomplete as ______ spirits
disembodied
the importance of the physical body in God’s eyes
the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, a habitation for God.
physical resurrection.
the body is a vehicle for expressing the will of God in this life. (so it is not to be abused)
It is God’s nature to ____
heal
What’s another rendering of the term “faithfulness”?
steadfast love
the name of God as the Great Physician
Yahweh roph’eka
What does “sacrifice of atonement” mean?
“hilasterion”
“a means of expiation or making atonement in order to remove the guilt of sin”
primary purpose of the atonement.
what else did it do?
cleansing from sin.
it is also clear, however, that atonement brought release from the penalty and consequences of sin in order to bring restoration of God’s blessing and favor
3 things to note about healing
- healing was never demanded as a right but seen as a gracious privilege
- suffering will come and we are to follow His example in suffering
- we are still to observe practices of good physical and mental health
how does an aging body encourage us?
it reminds us that we must encourage and cultivate our life in the Spirit, for the Spirit gives life to our mortal bodies. our outward bodies will waste away but we have the promise of resurrection.
is all sickness and disease caused by demons?
no. it can be but not all of it is.
2 major purposes for divine healings
(1) divine healing attests the power of God - authenticates His message
(2) divine healing attests the love of God
The Church must be alive in ____ to experience the supernatural today.
faith
What is the blessed hope of the Church?
the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord
a central theme in the preaching of the Early Church
the resurrection of Jesus and how His resurrection also becomes the guarantee of ours
What will our resurrection body be?
a spirit body
How many times does the NT refer to the truth of the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ?
more than 300 times (1 in every 26)
What is our hope as the Church?
for the appearance of the Bridegroom (Christ’s 2nd coming)
How does the Second Coming stimulate Christian service?
believers will constantly be reevaluating the priorities that govern their manner of living. in highest place will be a vital relationship to the Lord, and near the top will be the rendering of service in the name of the Lord because this alone has eternal value
How will Jesus come again? (4 ways)
personally,
unexpectedly,
in glory,
in a physical mode
Why is Jesus coming again?
to receive His own unto Himself
to judge and to reward
What is the believer’s judgment?
aka the judgment seat of Christ, or Bema judgment - a time of judging believers, apportioning rewards for deeds done in this life, especially with regard to motives. (not a judgment in regards to sins, for believers have already been judged in Christ at Calvary)
What is one meaning of that the Second Coming will remove that which restrains?
the Church, the agency through which the Holy Spirit chiefly works in this age will be removed
What does the “Second Coming” mean? (2)
- the total end-time drama, encompassing both the rapture and the revelation of Christ in triumphant glory
- specifically the revelation of Christ, in distinction to the Rapture, which precedes it
What’s the 1st phase of the Second Coming?
the rapture of the Church
What follows the rapture?
a time of great tribulation, ending with the return of Christ in glory
2 ways the Bible uses the word “tribulation”
- the distress, persecution, trouble, pressure, and anguish of heart brought on us by a godless world
- God’s wrath
We are not looking for wrath; we are looking for the Rapture
How long will the Tribulation last?
Daniel’s first 69 weeks end with the crucifixion of Jesus. now an interlude before his 70th week that is the Church Age, the age of grace. The removal of the Church at the time of the Rapture is the signal for the unleashing of the events of the 70th week - which seems to be 7 years.
Who is the earthly leader of the Great Tribulation?
the Antichrist
- he will claim to be the real Christ
What is the Battle of Armageddon?
the last great conflict of the nations
instigated by the Antichrist and culminating in the triumph of our Lord and the consignment of the Antichrist and his allies to the lake of fire
Why do we speak of the blessed hope as imminent?
because we need to stay alert
What are the first things on the Day of the Lord?
the rebellion (possibly Ezekiel 38 and 39) and then the revelation of the Antichrist
What is the millennial reign & what will it do?
the visible return of Christ with His saints after the rapture to reign on the earth for 1000 years
- brings salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace
What is the 2nd phase of the Second Coming?
the revelation of Christ
What comes after the revelation of Christ at His Second Coming?
(rapture is before the revelation of Christ)
the Millennium
- Satan is bound for 1000 years before his release and final consignment to the lake of fire
What is postmillennialism?
the millennial kingdom started with Christ’s resurrection and will end with His second coming (no future kingdom of God on earth)
What is amillennialism?
no millennium on earth
(no restoration of an earthly Israel, so spiritualized the prophecies of the OT and applied them to the Church)
The kingdom must be brought in through _____
judgment
What is the AG view of millennialism?
premillennial
What 3 blessings where included in the promise to Abraham?
to the seed, the land, and the nations
What is the only millennial view that has a place for the restoration of national Israel and for the literal fulfillment of OT prophecies?
premillennial
5 prophecies fulfilled in the millennium?
1) universal peace
2) the glory of the Lord will rest on a rebuilt temple
3) Jesus will reestablish David’s throne
4) joy
5) the earth will be blessed
Death is the separation of ____
the spirit and the body.
What is the second death?
eternal separation from God for unbelievers
What’s between the time of death and the resurrection of the body?
the intermediate state
a conscious existence
in the presence of the Lord
What is Hades?
a place of punishment
a place of conscious existence in torment
What is Gehenna?
a term describing the lake of fire, which is the second (eternal) death
4 specific episodes of judgment during the final stages of time’s great climax:
1) the judgment seat of Christ - for believers only (not a judgment on sin but a matter of appropriate rewards for stewardship of opportunity and energy during one’s life on earth; motives will be especially judge)
2) judgment of Israel (first a time of suffering, the Great Tribulation - out of this time, Israel will call upon the Lord)
3) judgment of angels (believers will be with Christ, sharing in that judgment)
4) judgment of the nations after the Battle of Armageddon (?)
order of end times events
Rapture
Great Tribulation (causes Israel to call upon the Lord)
Battle of Armageddon & Revelation of Christ (Satan is bound)
Millennial reign of Christ and the saints on earth
Satan’s release for a short time & final rebellion
Satan’s followers being consumed by fire from heaven
Satan thrown into second death (lake of fire)
Who will be sitting on the great white throne?
Jesus - the one Mediator
Who will be judged at the great white throne?
only those who didn’t get taken at the rapture. (the others are already alive again)
wicked judged by their deeds; then the Book of Life is opened to show they’re not in it
What is the chief task of the Christian?
witnessing - all will be immortal!
What are the 3 heavens Paul speaks of?
1) the atmospheric heavens surrounding the earth
2) the starry heavens
3) the third heaven, where the throne of God is and which is the present home of all believers who have died and gone to heaven
What is the New Jerusalem?
it will come down from God out of heaven on the new earth.
1,380 miles to its height, width, and depth
God’s dwelling will be with redeemed humanity
the throne of God will be there (the city itself - not just in temple or heaven). this will be His chief dwelling place.
