Licensed Credentials Exam - Assemblies of God (Doctrine)

Pentecost

"Fiftieth," a name for the harvest feast which occurred fifty days after Passover. On first Pentecost after resurrection of Jesus, Holy Spirit poured out on 120 believers to empower them.

Transcendence

"God is at the same time both transcendent (above, beyond, and greater than the universe He has created) and immanent (present and active within the universe). Only Christian teaching about God adequately unites these two views. Transcendence preserves the distinction between God and His created universe.... The idea of immanence... recognizes that God is present within His created universe..." p. 50 Bible Doctrines.

Day of Pentecost Events

- 120 in upper room, praying and waiting. - heard sound like great wind that filled the room, saw what looked like tongues of fire "that separated and came to rest on each of them" (Acts 2:2-3). - all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as Spirit enabled. - crowd heard them speaking in their own varied languages; gathered in amazement. - some jeered - said must be drunk. - Peter preached - Joel, David, explained who Jesus is. - what must we do? - Peter: repent! 3,000 added to church that day. - This is considered the birth day of the church!

Tongues and Prophecy

1 Corinthians 14:1-6, 12-15, 18-19 NIV - [1] Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. [2] For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. [3] But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. [4] Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. [5] I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. [6] Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? ... [12] So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. [13] For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. [14] For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. [15] So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. ... [18] I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. [19] But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Four Cardinal Doctrines

1. The Salvation of Man 2. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit 3. Divine Healing 4. The Blessed Hope (the Second Coming)

Exact Titles of 16 Fundamental Truths

1. The Scriptures Inspired 2 Timothy 3:15-17 2. The One True God Matthew 28:19 3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ Hebrews 1:3 4. The Fall of Man Romans 5:12-19 5. The Salvation of Man Ephesians 2:8 6. The Ordinances of the Church Romans 6:4 - baptism 1 Corinthians 11:26 - communion 7. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit Acts 1:4,8 8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit Acts 2:4 9. Sanctification Romans 12:1,2 10. The Church and Its Mission Ephesians 2:22 11. The Ministry Ephesians 4:11, 16 12. Divine Healing Isaiah 53:4,5 13. The Blessed Hope Titus 2:13 14. The Millennial Reign of Christ Revelation 20:1-6 15. The Final Judgment Revelation 20:11-15 16. The New Heavens and the New Earth 2 Peter 3:13

Antichrist

A false Christ who will appear at the end of this age, become a world dictator, and demand worship. An earthly ruler who will rule during the Tribulation and deceive many into believing that he is Christ.

Sacraments

A religious rite believed to provide saving grace, "a visible sign and pledge of invisible grace, ordained by Christ." Those who use this term believe that the act of taking part in a sacrament brings special grace from God. For example, they may believe that water baptism bring salvation. Sacramentalism is the belief that special grace is bestowed on participants who engage in certain prescribed rituals; held that the grace is received whether or not the participant has any active faith - all one has to do is go through the form. (Catholic church has 7 sacraments.) A/G has ordinances, not sacraments. Ordinances are symbolic and do not bring any special grace. We have 2 ordinances: water baptism and Communion.

Deacon

A word meaning "servant," "helper." An office in the local church. Both men and women served as deacons (Rom. 16:1; 1 Tim. 3:8-13). Another group of elected officials (in addition to elders) in the early church; originally meant "a waiter who kept the wine glasses full," then came to mean a servant who had various duties. Among Christians, deacons followed the pattern of servanthod set by Jesus. Came to refer to an established group of workers elected by the location congregation, serving as helpers to the elders, principally in the material and mundane matters relating to the assembly, such as the care of widows. Church history shows they were busy caring for the poor, the sick, and the weak. Women were accorded a role in this ministry, too (Rom 16:1, Phil. 4:3, 1 Tim 3:8-11). Although their ministry was sometimes of more secular nature, needed to minister spiritually to those they served, so expected to measure up to a high set of spiritual and moral qualifications.

Apocryphal Books

Also called Apocrypha. Books written during the period between the Book of Malachi and the birth of Jesus. The Jews did not include them in the Hebrew Bible, and all the Protestant reformers rejected them as not being inspired.

Ministry Gifts

Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers. Purpose: to perfect the saints, for ministry, and for edifying the body Apostles - originally the Twelve, establishing the Church and producing Scripture. Apostolic ministry (not office) of signs and wonders applicable to all ages (2 Cor. 12:12), involved in planting churches; similar to pioneering missionary today. Prophets - those with special ministry of inspired utterance. Messages not to be taken as infallible but judged against Word of God. Evangelists - in NT, overlapped apostle and pastor. First to bring Gospel to those who had not yet heard. Example is Philip the Evangelist, preaching the Good News, accompanied by miracles, healings, deliverance. Pastors - "shepherd" Greek poimenas. Jesus is Good Shepherd, pastors are undershepherds. Ministry and responsibility of caring for and protecting God's flock as well as being worthy of their imitation. Teachers - special ability to explain and interpret the truth of God's revelation. Some itinerant. Eph. 4:11 seems to connect pastor and teacher as a twofold ministry... shepherd needs to feed the flock (in Hebrew, shepherd (ro-eh means "one who feeds".

Millennium

Begins with the revelation of Jesus Christ - His return in power and glory. Will bring His saints with Him. Defeats Antichrist, throws Antichrist and allies into Lake of Fire, bounds Satan in the Abyss. Begins 1,000-year reign that will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace.

Worldliness

Being concerned with worldly affairs, especially to the neglect of spiritual things. 1 John 2:15-16 NIV - [15] Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. [16] For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world. Immature (1 Cor 3:1-3), following own lusts and desires. "[18] ...If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is folly with God..." - 1 Cor 3:18-19. "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." - James 4:4 Article IX, Section B-6 of Bylaws: In view of the alarming erosion of national moral standards, we reaffirm our intention of holding up Bible standards against all forms of worldliness. We urge all believers to "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. . . . For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:15,16). In its teaching regarding worldliness, the Scriptures warn against participation in activity that defiles the body, or corrupts the mind and spirit; the inordinate love of or preoccupation with pleasures, position, or possessions, which lead to their misuse; manifestation of extreme behavior, unbecoming speech, or inappropriate appearance; any fascination or association which lessens one's affection for spiritual things (Luke 21:34,35; Romans 8:5-8; 12:1,2; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 2:8-10; 4:12; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Titus 2:12).

Tithing Principles

Believers give first 10% of income to their local assembly for the work of the Lord; an act of worship that recognizes that all we have comes from God (it all belongs to Him) and that He is our provider. Article IX, Section B-7 of Bylaws: (1) According to the Scriptures, tithes should be used for the support of the active ministry and for the propagation of the gospel and work of the Lord and not be given to charity or used for other purposes. In tithing, the ministers ought to be examples. (2) We recognize the duty of tithing and urge all our people to pay tithes to God. It is recommended that arrangements satisfactory to the pastor and the church be made by all pastors and churches, so that the pastor may receive regular and adequate support. We disapprove, however, of the teaching that all tithes necessarily should belong to the pastor for his or her support.

Canon of Scripture

Canon means "rule, standard, measuring rod." Canon of Scripture = books that have met a standard and that the church has accepted as the inspired Word of God. OT - 39 books - accepted as Scripture in Jesus' day. NT - 27 books - formed over 3 centuries; books from God testified for themselves; Holy Spirit led process. AD 367 - Athanasius - listed 27. AD 397 - Council in Carthage came up with same 27 using 4 tests: - apostle or someone close to apostle authored it. - match what church already knew to be Scripture. - widely accepted by church. - a quality that revealed divine inspiration; changed people's lives. Apocrypha (in Catholic and some Eastern Orthodox Bibles) - books between Malachi and NT - didn't pass tests.

Redemption

Christ's paying the penalty for sins by His death on the cross and the shedding of His blood. (glossary, Redeem, Bible Doctrines) Freedom that is bought through the payment of a ransom. (THE 211, p. 76) Redemption price paid to God. Set us free from sin's consequence of eternal damnation, from the power of sin, and from an empty life.

Discipleship

Developing spiritual growth in the believer with the end objective of spiritual multiplication. Process of nurturing spiritual growth in another, building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 14:12). The word disciple comes from a Latin word that means "learner" or "pupil."

Second death

Eternal punishment, eternal separation from God, in the lake of fire. Unrepentant sinners are subject to the second death (Rev. 2:11; 20:15).

Mission of the Church

Evangelism Worship Edification (Discipleship) Compassion

New Heaven and New Earth

Fundamental Truth #16 - Brand-new Heaven and Earth. New Jerusalem will be on new Earth. Present heavens and earth will be annihilated when appearance of Great White Throne when they flee away from the One on the Throne. 2 Peter 3:13 - We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. More details given in Rev. 21-22.

Classifications of Spiritual Gifts

Gifts of Revelation - word (or message) of wisdom, word (or message) of knowledge, discerning of (or distinguishing between) spirits. Gifts of Power - faith, miracles (miraculous powers), gifts of healing. Gifts of Utterance - tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy. [Bible Doctrines, p. 166]

Justification

God's act of declaring and accepting a person as righteous in His sight. God pardons sinners who accept Christ and treats them as not guilty - just as if they had never sinned. (glossary, Bible Doctrines) God sees not our sin but His righteousness when He looks at us. He has removed our guilt and declared our innocence. (THE 211, p. 77)

Saints - literal meaning

Greek "holy person." In NT all believers are saints, not because they have reached perfection but because they have turned their backs on the world to follow Jesus. The are headed in the right direction. Greek and Hebrew words for sanctification, saint, dedication, consecration, and holiness all related to the idea of separation. p. 148 Bible Doctrines. "We begin in Christ... as saints." (Heb. 10:10 - made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.) p. 150 Bible Doctrines. "The saint is the one who not only separates from evil but is separated and anointed for the Master's service." p. 124 Bible Doctrines.

Eschatology and Eschatological Errors

Greek for "last" and "study" - Study of the doctrines of the end times - rapture, resurrection, tribulation, second coming, millennium, judgment, new heavens and new earth. Section 3. Eschatological Errors a. The restitution of all things. The Assemblies of God understands the teaching of Acts 3:21 to limit the restoration to that of which the prophets have spoken, thus denying the universal redemption theory. We are opposed to all forms of universalism (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:10). b. Setting a date for the Lord's return. It is unwise to teach that the Lord will come at some specified time, thereby setting a date for His appearing (Mark 13:32,33; Luke 12:37-40; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). It is also unwise to give out from the platform, or publish, visions of numbers and dates fixing the time of the second coming of the Lord. c. Post-Tribulation Rapture. The General Council of the Assemblies of God has declared itself in the Statement of Fundamental Truths that it holds to the belief in the imminent coming of the Lord as the blessed hope of the Church; and since the teaching that the Church must go through the Tribulation tends to bring confusion and division among the saints, it is recommended that all our ministers teach the imminent coming of Christ, warning all to be prepared for that coming, which may occur at any time, and not lull their minds into complacency by any teaching that would cause them to feel that specific Tribulation events must occur before the rapture of the saints. d. Amillennialism. The General Council of the Assemblies of God disapproves of the amillennial teaching and its attendant erroneous philosophy which denies the fact of a literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on the earth, and substitutes for it the theory that this Christian or Church dispensation is the spiritual Millennium of which, its proponents say, the Bible writers prophesied. e. Credentials jeopardized if made an issue. We recommend that those ministers who embrace any of the foregoing eschatological errors refrain from preaching or teaching them. Should they persist in emphasizing these doctrines to the point of making them an issue, their standing in the Fellowship will be seriously affected (Luke 21:34-36; 1 Thessalonians 5:9,10; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10; Revelation 3:10,19, 20). GC Bylaws, Article IX B, Section 3.

Repentance

Greek, metanoia, "a change of mind." Change of basic attitudes toward God and Christ that involves turning away from sin and seeking God's rule and righteousness. (glossary, Bible Doctrines). When we repent, we must act on our will and follow through on the decision to turn away from sin. (THE 211, p. 78)

Infallibility of Scripture

Infallible - Incapable of error; stresses trustworthiness of Scripture Inerrant - without error; stresses truthfulness of Scripture Scripture contains no mistakes because God does not lie or make a mistake. Reliable anchor

Great Commission

Matthew 28:18-20 - 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Jesus' command to go and make disciples of all people and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Matt 24:14 - And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

Prophecy

Means "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 (1 Cor. 14:24-25). Brings edification and encouragement to assembled believers (Acts 15:32).

Apostles

Means a "sent one" or ambassador. Specifically, those chosen personally by Jesus to be with Him and to be primary witnesses to His resurrection and His teachings. One who is sent; a minister who was called by Jesus and was sent out to establish the church.

Trinity

One Being in Three Persons. Perfectly one in nature and character, but each completely distinct from the others. One Being: Unity - numerically one, completely unique, collectively one, cannot be divided into parts - God cannot be separated from His characteristics. Three Persons: three distinct personalities harmoniously interrelated, Godhead. Scriptural Evidence: - Genesis 1:26 - "Let us make man in our image." - Matt 3:16-17; Mark 1-10-11; Luke 3:21-22 - all three at Jesus' baptism. Errors: - tritheism - 3 separate gods - Sabellianism - 3 aspects of one God revealed progressively

Water Baptism

Ordinance (symbolic, doesn't bring a special grace), not a sacrament (a visible sign and pledge of invisible grace). We publicly declare that we identify with Jesus' death and resurrection. "We are lowered beneath the water to show how we have died to the old way of life without Christ and are buried with Him in His death. We are then raised up out of the water to show how we are united with Jesus in His resurrection and how we share His new life." (THE 211, p. 87) By immersion. Baptizo (Greek) means "to submerge." As used in New Testament, means "to cover completely." Done "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." ("into the name" - "into the worship and service") (THE 211, p. 88) An ordinance in which a believer is lowered under water to signify his or her death with Christ, then is raised up to signify that he or she shares in the resurrection of Christ.

Imminent Return of Christ

People will be going about everyday business when rapture occurs. Dates should not be set, for "no one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." (Mark 13:32-33) We need to stay alert, speak of this blessed hope as imminent. Purify self. Live in a state of readiness.

Verbal Plenary Inspiration

Plenary - full, complete, entire Verbal - words The Holy Spirit inspired every word in the original documents. The words are important because God inspired them.

Security of the Believer

Salvation can be lost. A/G combines Scriptural elements of both Calvinist and Arminian views, emphasizes God's sovereignty and prerogative and a person's free will and responsibility: "We believe not only that God is sovereign but also that human beings have a free will. Four basic truths provide the foundation for our belief:" 1. Salvation is available for every person. (God "is patient with you,, not wanting anyone to perish" - 2 Peter 3:9.) 2. Salvation is received and kept by faith. (Eph 2:8-9 saved by grace through faith.) 3. Continued sin will damage the believer's faith. Heb 3:12 links ongoing sin with unbelief. 4. A Christian can forfeit salvation by rejecting Christ. (Christians who have "shared in the Holy Spirit" and "tasted the goodness of the Word of God" can "fall away" - Heb 6:4-6.) Article IX, Section B-1 of Bylaws: In view of the biblical teaching that the security of the believer depends on a living relationship with Christ (John 15:6); in view of the Bible's call to a life of holiness (1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:14); in view of the clear teaching that a man may have his part taken out of the Book of Life (Revelation 22:19); and in view of the fact that one who believes for a while can fall away (Luke 8:13); The General Council of the Assemblies of God disapproves of the unconditional security position which holds that it is impossible for a person once saved to be lost.

Sanctification

Separation FROM evil and common use and separated TO God... both aspects work together to make us holy and righteous before God. Consecrated. Set apart. Holiness - complete separation from sin and evil. God is holy. Same words in Bible for holiness and sanctification. Saint means "holy one." Sanctification is the process by which God makes people holy. Sanctification is both instant and progressive: - Instant - "positional holiness" - we are declared holy from the beginning of our Christian lives. Immediately justified and sanctified. Legally holy. - Progressive - "actual holiness" - "the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin" (1 John 1:7) - Purifies is present tense - is making us holy. "By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" (Heb 10:14). - Blood of Jesus provides filter of holiness so God sees not our sin but holiness of Jesus. But those around us can still see the sin. Process of holiness or sanctification lasts our whole lives. Work at holiness in following ways: - Decide to pursue holiness as act of will. - Intentionally set self apart from things that could lead to sin. - Practice self discipline. - Obey both the Word and the Holy Spirit.

Divine Healing

Sin is source of sickness and death, not God. God is author of life. God allows it, but is not the cause. Causes of sin could be: personal sin, demonic attack, result of living on sin-cursed planet; allowed so that God's purposes may be accomplished. Healing is in God's nature: "I am the Lord who heals you" (Ex 15:26). God desires to heal; Jesus showed us divine healing is part of God's plan. Part of Gospel - commanded healing when commissioned followers; healing verifies Gospel message; salvation includes healing; Jesus and apostles set example by healing sick. Means of healing - faith. comes only through faith in a person - Jesus. Steps we can do: - see God's presence through prayer, praise/worship. - fill our lives with Word of God. - remove anything that could hinder our prayers or damage our faith. - obey command to go to pastor and receive prayer of faith. Available to all believers. Biblical faith based on trust relationship in sovereign God. It is God's normal will to heal. If He does not heal us, we can continue to trust Him. By doing so, we give God glory no matter what happens.

Pre-millennialism

Teaches that Jesus will personally return at the end of the Church Age and will establish His kingdom on earth for a thousand years. Emphasizes the literal interpretation of the Bible. [The present-day pre-millennial position on end-time prophecy owes much to dispensationalism. Traditional view - history exists in seven dispensations, time periods. Convenient, but human system of organizing biblical truth, not divinely inspired. Of far greater significance is in their other beliefs: 1) commitment to a literal interpretation of biblical prophecy. 2) belief that Israel, as a nation as well as a people, still has an end-time-role to play in Tribulation and Millennium activity. Pre-millenialists (we in A/G) believe: ~ Christ's return will happen BEFORE the millenium. ~ in literal interpretation of biblical end-time prophecy. ~ Binding of Satan takes place after the Tribulation. ~ The first resurrection happens at Rapture and Tribulation martyrs. ~ There are two judgments: Believers at judgment seat of Christ, before the Millennium; wicked at Great White Throne, after the Millennium. ~ Israel is literally restored in the Millennium. ~ The reign of Christ and saints on the earth is in the Millennium after Christ returns.

Post-millennialism

Teaches that the millennium is the Church Age or period immediately following (an extension of the Church Age), with Christ ruling but not personally present. Post-millenialists believe we are living in the millennium right now, and that humanity is gradually improving. Kingdom Now is a modern variety of this eschatological error - the belief that Christ's Kingdom exists on earth now, so believers should operate int he authority given by Christ. Post-millenialists believe: ~ Christ's return will happen AFTER the millenium, in which we supposedly live now. ~ in symbolic, not literal, interpretation of biblical end-time prophecy. ~ Binding of Satan took place at the cross. ~ The first resurrection happens at a person's conversion. ~ There is only one general judgment after a general resurrection of both righteous and wicked. ~ Israel is no longer in God's plan, has been replaced by the church. ~ The reign of Christ and saints on the earth is in the present Church Age.

Elders

The English word for presbytery, which comes from the Greek word presbuteros, indicating age and maturity. 1 Timothy 3:1-13, selection of local and elected officials. First is "elders," and in Greek speaking world, "bishop" (overseer or superintendent) was equivalent. Acts 20:28 indicates also included ministry of shepherd or pastor. Direct the affairs of the church. In local General Council-affiliated church, Elders are board of directors, serving as trustees of the organization. In A/G governance, refers to those in executive officers. Executive Presbytery is the board of directors, servings as trustees of the A/G - includes general superintendent, assistant general superintendent, general secretary, general treasurer, executive director of world missions, and executive director of U.S. missions, plus fourteen members who do not hold individual office. The Executive Leadership Team is just the six executive officers listed above. The General Presbytery is the governing body each year (members defined in Bylaws, Article II, Section 2d), but decisions can be overridden by General Council that meets every other year.

Regeneration

The Holy Spirit's work of giving new life to the sinner who repents and believes in Jesus. (glossary, Bible Doctrines) Being born again (born from above). A second birth that comes through the Holy Spirit and brings eternal life. Our spirits come alive.

Holy Spirit Baptism and Gifts

The baptism in the Spirit is a gift, not earned. For all people (Joel 2:28). The gift is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Experience subsequent to salvation. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts as He desires to believers who are filled with the Spirit. (THE 211, pp. 96-97). Gift of the Spirit is power. He came as the Gift and the Power. (Empowerment for service.) Gifts of the Spirit are means and power for service... Baptism is gateway into the manifold ministries of the Spirit called the gifts of the Spirit (Bible Doctrines). 1 Cor. 12:7-12 - wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues...

Christology

The branch of theology dealing with the nature, person, and deeds of Jesus Christ. (dictionary.com) - Jesus is God - His virgin birth, sinless life, own claims to deity, miracles, acceptance of worship, and forgiveness of sin; His disciples' recognition of His deity. - Jesus is man - His human birth and development, human body and limitations, human name. - Jesus's works - died for sins of world (came to die); rose from dead; is exalted on high (sent Holy Spirit, preparing place for us, at right hand of Father interceding for us); is Prophet (speaks for God - God speaking to us), Priest (represents us to God and God to us - intercedes for us), and King (King of kings and Lord of lords). - Phrases - Son of God (only eternal Son of God, we are created, adopted), One with the Father (being in very nature God - Phil 2:5-6, one not only in purpose but also in nature or character), Only Begotten Son (one of a kind, unique), Firstborn (first in rank and in resurrection).

Reconciliation

The bringing of people to God in a restored fellowship. We are reconciled to God because of the cross of Christ (Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:18-19). As the atonement is the cause, reconciliation is the effect.

Ecumenism

The movement to promote unity among all Christian churches. Ecumenical - worldwide. From "Pentecostal Evangel" article, "Fully Committed," on April 13, 2014: Pentecostals and charismatics sized each other up, coming together in numerous prayer groups, conferences, and preaching events. AG leaders offered a measured response to the charismatic renewal in 1972: "The winds of the Spirit are blowing freely outside the normally recognized Pentecostal body. ... The AG does not place approval on that which is manifestly not scriptural in doctrine or conduct. But neither do we categorically condemn everything that does not totally ... conform to our standards. ... It is important to find our way in a sound scriptural path, avoiding the extremes of an ecumenism that compromises scriptural principles and an exclusivism that excludes true Christians."

Autographs - Original Manuscripts

The original, handwritten manuscripts produced by the human authors of Scripture. These were probably circulated and copied so many times that they wore out. None of them are now known to exist. However, copies from close to the time they were written do exist. (glossary, Bible Doctrines) Variants - small differences in copies due to errors in copying and printing. Over 3,500 ancient copies; 98-99% rate of agreement - extremely high!

Initial Physical Evidence

The outward sign - speaking in tongues - that a person has been baptized in the Holy Spirit. Five cases in Acts where people baptized, all point to speaking in tongues. It is clear that early church leaders recognized tongues as the initial evidence.

Evangelism

The presentation of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit so that people might come to trust Him as Savior and serve Him as Lord in the fellowship of His church.

Illumination

The process whereby the Holy Spirit works in people's hearts and minds to make the truth of God's Word real to them. This is distinct from Inspiration, which involved the Holy Spirit acting upon the writers at the time of the writing of Scripture. [In general, inspiration is spiritual or intellectual enlightenment.]

Revelation of Christ

The return of Christ in power and glory to destroy the forces of the Antichrist and establish the millennial kingdom (2 Thess. 1:7; Rev. 1:7). The Second Coming of Christ (public, after the Tribulation), as distinct from the Rapture (hidden from unbelievers, before the Tribulation). "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" is the full title of the book of Revelation. Revelation - God's act of disclosing Himself and His will.

Rapture

The snatching away of true believers for a meeting with Jesus in the air. (glossary, Bible Doctrines) Abruptly and without warning, Jesus will catch away those who are prepared for His coming, but He will not descend to earth at that time. Those "in Christ," both those resurrected and those still alive, will together be "caught up" (Greek, harpagesometha), "snatched away powerfully" in the clouds for a meeting with Him in the air - above the earth. Second Coming - sometimes describes both the rapture of the church and the revelation of Jesus Christ (at the beginning of the millennial reign); sometimes refers to just the revelation part.

Inspiration (of Scripture)

The special act of the Holy Spirit by which He led the writers of Scripture to write the message that God gave them. (THE 211, ch 1) "...men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." - 2 Peter 1:21 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:16 Breathed - spirit - wind, breath Is - present power for life All - it's all inspired Fallacies: - partial inspiration - since humans wrote it, could contain mistakes; gives humans task of deciding; no, fully accept or reject. - mechanical dictation - God took complete control; no, although Holy Spirit gave message, individual writers used own vocabulary, and their divergent personalities are clear. Holy Spirit helped them choose words so that they communicated his intent and message.

Attributes of God

The special traits, characteristics, or qualities of God that constitute His nature and being. (glossary, Bible Doctrines) Spirit (alive, personality - intellect, will, emotions) Eternal (no beginningn or end, cause of time, not limited) Self-existent (no one gave Him life/caused Him to be) Self-sufficient (no need for anyone to provide for Him) Immutable (unchanging) Omnipotent (all powerful) Omniscient (all knowing) Omnipresent (everywhere at the same time; immensity of God) Holy (separated from evil) Good (goodness toward us - love, care, mercy, grace) Righteous (always does right, just)

Ecclesiology

The study of church doctrine. Church is from Greek, ekklesia, "called out of," was used in Greek for assembly of citizens.

Hermeneutics

The study of methods and principles of interpretation, especially of the Bible.

Calvinism

Theological teaching attributed to John Calvin (reformer 1509-1564). Emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humankind, and predestination (each person's ultimate destiny is foreordained). The five points of Calvinism, often called the TULIP list, are: ~ Total depravity (Original sin makes everyone corrupt and unable to know or obey God.). ~ Unconditional election (God alone chooses who will be saved.). ~ Limited atonement (Christ died only for those destined to be saved.). ~ Irresistible grace (If God chooses a person to be saved, he or she cannot resist.). ~ Perseverance of the Saints (Those whom God chooses will always remain saved.). Calvin believed that God's absolute sovereignty demanded absolute predestination of those who should be saved and who should be lost. He failed to see that God is sovereign over himself and therefore able to give human beings true free will.

Bible Versions

Translation of the Bible into languages people actually speak. Good translation is one that is accurate and readable; would fall in between literal (word for word) and meaning (thought for thought); none perfect, but Holy Spirit can illuminate. Use multiple versions when studying. Officially A/G approved: KJV and NIV. (position paper)

Immutable

Unchanging; God's nature and plans are unchangeable. "I the Lord do not change." Malachi 3:6 God "does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Vicarious Atonement

Vicarious means "in the place of another." Jesus did not die to atone for His own sins, since He was sinless, but for ours. "He was pierced for our transgressions." Isaiah 53:5 "Christ died for our sins according to the Scripture." 1 Cor. 15:3