— Words
Christian words nobody explained.
You’re not supposed to magically know what these mean.
- ApostleSomeone sent out with authority to represent Jesus and spread his message.
- BaptismThe Christian practice of using water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, marking entry into the Christian community.
- Born AgainJesus’ phrase for the inner spiritual renewal that begins a life with God.
- ChristNot Jesus’ surname — a title meaning “anointed one,” the same as “Messiah.”
- ChurchNot primarily a building — the community of people who follow Jesus together.
- Communion / Lord’s Supper / EucharistA shared meal of bread and wine remembering Jesus’ death, which many Christians also understand as a real sharing in his body and blood.
- CovenantA serious, binding relationship promise — like a marriage vow more than a contract.
- DiscipleA student and follower of Jesus, shaping their whole life around his teaching.
- Eternal LifeNot just endless time, but a deep, real relationship with God that begins now.
- FaithTrusting God, not pretending to be certain with no reasons at all.
- GodThe eternal, personal being Christians believe created and sustains everything.
- GospelLiterally “good news” — the Christian announcement about Jesus.
- GraceGod giving rather than you earning.
- HeavenThe fullness of life with God, more than a distant place for disembodied souls.
- HellFinal, lasting separation from God, described in the Bible with serious, sobering imagery.
- Holy SpiritGod personally and actively present in the world and in Christians’ lives today.
- JesusA real historical Jewish teacher whom Christians believe is also God in human form.
- JustificationBeing put right with God through his grace in Jesus Christ.
- Kingdom of GodGod’s rule and reign breaking into the world, starting with Jesus.
- MessiahGod’s promised, specially chosen rescuer and king, anticipated throughout the Old Testament.
- New TestamentThe 27 books written after Jesus, telling his story and the early church’s beginnings.
- Old TestamentThe Hebrew Scriptures, written before Jesus, that Christians share with Judaism.
- PrayerTalking with God — speaking and listening, not just reciting words.
- RepentanceA genuine change of direction — turning away from wrong, not just feeling bad about it.
- ResurrectionComing back to bodily life, never to die again — central to the Easter story.
- RighteousnessBeing right and good, in relationship with God, not just morally respectable.
- SalvationBeing rescued by God from sin and death, into a restored relationship with him.
- SanctificationGrowing in holiness — becoming more like Jesus through the Holy Spirit over a lifetime.
- ScriptureThe Bible’s books, which Christians believe carry God’s authoritative message.
- SinFalling short of who we’re meant to be — missing the mark, not just breaking rules.
- TrinityOne God, eternally existing as three persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- WorshipGiving God honour and devotion — with your life, not only in songs on a Sunday.