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BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY
A - B

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A

Adoption
God's reception of a sinner at salvation into His family with all rights of inheritance in heaven  (Gal 4:3-7, Eph 1:5, Rom 8:14-17,23)

Apostle
The word apostle means "messenger" or "One sent forth", who represents and bears the message of the sender (Jesus).  The qualifications included (1) seeing the Lord Jesus and having personal knowledge of His ministry and  resurrection (John 15:26-27, Acts 1:21-22, 22:14-15, 1Cor 9:1);  (2) being called by Christ (Lk 6:13, Gal 1:1);  (3) empowered to work miracles (Mk 16:20, Acts 2:43, 5:12-16);  and (4) being infallibly inspired in their writings and public speaking (Jn 14:26, 16:13,  1Th 2:13, 2Pe 1:21).

Atonement
The act performed by Jesus that makes possible our salvation and reconciliation with God (Rom 5:11).  Many folks think of "at-one-ment", that is, being at one with God.  The sacrificial system instituted in Leviticus foreshadowed the real, one time for all, atonement for our sins by Jesus on the cross (man can't atone for himself due to his sin nature).

 

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B

Baptism
An immersion or sprinkling of water which identifies a believer with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.  The act itself doesn't save us, but is a very important sacrament done in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19).

Benevolence
Attribute of God referring to His goodness, love, mercy and compassion toward his Creation (Rom 8:28).  Sometimes called "Omnibenevolence" from Latin omnis "all", and benovolentia "good will".

 

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