Biblical and Theological DictionaryA - B
A
Acrostic
A poetic form in which the first letters of the words that begin each verse or section are in alphabetical order. (Ps 119)
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
Baal
The chief male Canaanite god, or the idol representation. The name means "lord" or "master", and he was an attractive temptation to the Israelites, since he was thought to control fertility and the weather, keys to large families and productive agriculture.
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).
Believer
Refers to a person who, not merely intellectually accepts certain facts about Jesus, but trusts and relies on Him for their salvation, and surrenders to his Lordship.
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".