(Greek soterion, “salvation” or “deliverance” + Greek -logia, “speaking”)

It is the study of the doctrine of salvation. In Christian systematic theology it is used to refer to the study of how the life and death of Christ effectually brings people to salvation. In the broader context of salvation, the idea is essentially synonymous with the concept of redemption and includes a past, present, and future sense.

A summary of teachings that are attributed to 17th century Dutch theologian Jacob Arminius. Arminian theology took issue with the teachings of John Calvin on 5 points, articulated in the Five articles of Remonstrance of 1610. The doctrines can be summarized as universal (prevenient) grace, conditional election, unlimited atonement, resistible grace, and uncertainty of perseverance. This eventually led to the Synod of Dort of 1618-1619, which resulted in the State church upholding what later became the 5 Points of Calvinism, while condemning Arminianism. Arminian theology later received official toleration by the State and has since continued in various forms within Protestantism.

For more on Arminianism, click here.

(Greek eschatos, “last” + Greek -logia, “speaking”)

The study of the doctrine of last things, or the end times. Topics include death, the afterlife, the Second Coming of Christ, the Millennial Kingdom, the Rapture, resurrection of the dead, Heaven and Hell, and new creation. There are a plethora of hermeneutical methods employed that result in various interpretations (i.e., Covenant Theology, Dispensationalism, Progressive Dispensationalism, etc.). The Book of Revelation is the most associated biblical source regarding this doctrine.

(Latin simul, “simultaneous” + Latin justus, “righteous” + Latin et, “and” + Latin peccator, “sinner”)

At the same time righteous and a sinner. The phrase was coined by 16th century German Reformer, Martin Luther. In his Lectures on Romans, Luther put it this way, “The saints in being righteous are at the same time sinners; they are righteous because they believe in Christ whose righteousness covers them and is imputed to them, but they are sinners because they do not fulfill the Law and are not without sinful desires. They are like sick people in the care of a physician: they are really sick, but healthy only in hope and in so far as they begin to get better, or, rather: are being healed.”

(Latin pre, “before” + Latin mille, “thousand” + Latin annum, “years”)

A particular view of Christian eschatology that teaches the Second Coming will inaugurate a literal 1000 year reign of Christ on Earth from Jerusalem. It is largely based upon an interpretation of Revelation 20:1-6 which appears to describe Christ’s coming to the Earth at the end of an apocalyptic period of tribulation. The two main schools of thought related to this position are “Historic Premillennialism” and “Dispensational Premillennialism.” Also associated with doctrines regarding the timing of Christ’s return with respect to the Tribulation: “Pre-Trib,” “Mid-Trib,” and “Post-Trib.”

(Greek pneuma, “spirit” or “wind” + Greek -logia, “speaking”)

The study of spiritual being or phenomena of any description. In Christian systematic theology it refers to the study of God the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. Subtopics include teachings on new birth, spiritual gifts (charismata), Spirit-baptism, sanctification, and the inspiration of prophets.

(Latin sanctifare, “to consecrate” or “make holy,” from Greek hagiazo, “to purify”)

Refers to the state or process of being set apart for special use. In Christian theology, is in reference to the change brought about by God in the believer which began at the point of salvation (justification) and continues throughout the life of the believer until the final state of glorification. The word (hagiasmos=sanctifcation/holiness) occurs several times in the NT (e.g., Rom. 6:19,22; 1 Cor. 1:30; 1 Thess. 4:3,4,7; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2).

(Greek orthos, “right” or “true” + praxy, “action”)

The corollary of orthodoxy, its emphasis is on the performance of correct doctrine as it pertains to the Bible. That is, it corresponds to the action or response to right thinking or teaching. Much is considered with respect to what actions are considered the correct ones. Historical definitions on Christian orthopraxy maintain church attendance, sacraments such as prayer and the Lord’s supper, even fasting. In the end, the fundamental explanation of orthopraxy is acting in a manner worthy of the call of God as it pertains to being conformed to the image of Christ (cf. Eph. 4:1, Rom. 8:29).

(Greek, “emptying”)

Describes the “emptying” of Christ at the incarnation. The Greek word kenoo (”to empty”) is found in Phil 2:6-11 where Christ humility is described through the incarnation. Debate exists concerning the meaning of the Kenosis. Did Christ lose divine attributes and thus “empty” himself, or did he give up rights for the independent use of his divine attributes, without actually giving them up? Most theologians would opt for the latter, believing that if Christ “lost” divine attributes he would no longer be divine; indeed, he would never have been divine in the first place considering the essential divine attribute of immutability (the inability to change in essence).