Theological Dictionary

Agnosticism

     The belief that it is not possible to know if there is or is not a God. (Compare Atheism, Deism, and Theism.)

[The rest of this information on agnosticism is not from C.A.R.M.] As George H. Smith points out in his book Atheism: the Case Against God, technically, there are several kinds of agnosticism.  Religious agnosticism is the belief that a god does (or may) exist but it is not possible to know anything about that god.

Amillennialism

     The teaching that there is no literal 1000 year reign of Christ as referenced in Revelation 20. It sees the 1000 year period spoken of in Revelation 20 as figurative. Instead, it teaches that we are in the millennium now, and that at the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:2) there will be the final judgment and the heavens and the earth will then be destroyed and remade (2 Peter 3:10). The Amillennial view is as old as the Premillennial view. (Also compare to Postmillennialism).

Angel

      Angel means messenger. Angels are created (Psalm 148:2,5; Colossians 1:16), non-human, spirit beings (Hebrews 1:14). They are immortal (Luke 20:36), innumerable (Hebrews 12:22), invisible (Numbers 22:22-31), sexless (Matthew 22:30), and do the will of God (Psalm 103:20). These angels have a ministry to believers. They guide (Genesis 24:7, 40), protect (Psalm 34:7), and comfort (Acts 27:2,24).

      There are good angels (Genesis 28:12; Psalm 91:11; Ezekiel 9:2) and bad angels (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). The only angels mentioned by name are Gabriel (Daniel 8:16; 9:21), Michael (Daniel 10:13,21; 12:1), and Lucifer (Luke 10:18). Michael is always mentioned in the context of battle (Daniel 10:13) and Gabriel as a messenger (Luke 1:26). Of course, Satan is the one who opposes God.

      Angels were originally created for the purpose of serving and carrying out the will of God. The fallen angels rebelled and became evil angels. Satan is such an angel (Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:12-15).

Annihilationism

     The heretical teaching that those who are not saved cease to exist when they die.

Antichrist

     A figure who opposes God. The word is used to describe a spirit of rebellion against God, "...the spirit of the Antichrist..." (1 John 4:3) and of a specific future person identified as the man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3). He actively opposes Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:4) and when he arrives, he will be able to perform miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Some believe he will be an incarnation of Satan and as such will be able to deceive many. His number is 666 (Revelation 13:18). A further possible description of him might be found in Zechariah 11:15-17).

Antinomianism

      The word comes from the Greek anti, against, and nomos, law. It is the unbiblical practice of living without regard to the righteousness of God, using God's grace as a license to sin, and trusting grace to cleanse of sin. In other words, since grace is infinite and we are saved by grace, then we can sin all we want and still be saved. It is wrong because even though as Christians we are not under the Law (Romans 6:14), we still fulfil the Law in the Law of love (Romans 13:8,10; Galatians 5:14; 6:2). We are to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27) and, thereby, avoid the offense of sin which cost God His only begotten Son. Paul speaks against the concept of antinomianism in Romans 6:1-2: "Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?". We are not to use the grace of God as a means of sin. Instead, we are to be controlled by the love of God and in that way bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25).

Apologetics

      The word "apologetics" is derived from the Greek word "apologia," which means to make a defense. It has come to mean defense of the faith. Apologetics covers many areas: who Jesus is, the reliability of the Bible, refuting cults, biblical evidences in the history and archeology, answering objections, etc. In short, it deals with giving reasons for Christianity being the true religion. We are called by God to give an apologia, a defense: "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" (1 Peter 3:15).

Apostle

      Someone sent with a special message or commission. Jesus is called the apostle and high Priest of our confession in Hebrews 3:1. The twelve apostles of Jesus were Simon Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. Paul was also an apostle (2 Corinthians 1:1), along with Barnabas (Acts 14:14) and others.

      Apostles established churches (Romans 15:17-20), exposed error (Galatians 1:6-9), and defended the truth of the gospel (Philippians 1:7,17). Some could perform Miracles (Matthew 10:1,8) and they were to preach the gospel (Matthew 28:19,20).

Arianism

      An ancient theological error that appeared around the year 320. It taught that God could not appear on the earth, that Jesus was not eternal and could not be God. Additionally, it taught that there was only one person in the Godhead: the Father. Jesus, then, was a creation. It was condemned by the Council of Nicea in 325.

      The Jehovah's Witness cult is an equivalent, though not exactly, of this ancient error.

Arminianism

      There are five main tenets of Arminianism: 1) God elects or reproves on the basis of foreseen faith or unbelief, 2) Christ died for all men and for every man, although only believers are saved, 3) Man is so depraved that divine grace is necessary unto faith or any good deed, 4) This grace may be resisted, 5) Whether all who are truly regenerate will certainly persevere in the faith is a point which needs further investigation.¹ (Compare with Calvinism)

Atheism

      This word comes from two Greek words, a the negator, and theos, God. Atheism teaches that there is no God of any kind, anywhere, anytime. Logically, an atheist would be an evolutionist.

      The Bible teaches that all men know there is a God (Romans 2:14,15). Therefore, they will be without excuse (Romans 1:20) on the day of judgment. Instead, atheists willingly suppress the knowledge of God by their unrighteousness (Romans 1:18,19).

Atonement

      To atone means to make amends, to repair a wrong done. Biblically, it means to remove sin. The Old Testament atonements offered by the high priest were temporary and a foreshadow of the real and final atonement made by Jesus. Jesus atoned for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2).

     Man is a sinner (Romans 5:8) and cannot atone for himself. Therefore, it was the love of the Father that sent Jesus (1 John 4:10) to die in our place (1 Peter 3:18) for our sins (1 Peter 2:24). Because of the atonement, our fellowship with God is restored (Romans 5:10). (See Reconciliation.)

Baptism

      An immersion or sprinkling of water that signifies one's identification with a belief or cause. In Christianity it is the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4-5). It is done in the name and authority (Acts 4:7) of Christ with the baptismal formula of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). It does not save us (1 Peter 3:21) in itself, however, it is our obligation, as believers, to receive it.

      Some maintain that baptism is necessary for salvation. It is not. If you want to read more on this see Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

Baptismal Regeneration

     The belief that baptism is essential to salvation, that it is the means where forgiveness of sins is made real to the believer. This is incorrect. Paul said that he came to preach the gospel, not to baptize (1 Corinthians 1:14-17). If baptism were essential to salvation, then Paul would have included it in his standard practice and preaching of the salvation message of Jesus, but he did not. (See also Colossians 2:10-11.) For more information on this see Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

Blasphemy

      Speaking evil of God or denying Him some good which we should attribute to Him. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is attributing the miracles of Christ as being accomplished by the power of the devil (Matthew 12:22-32) and is an unforgivable sin (Mark 3:28-30). Blasphemy arises out of pride (Psalm 73:9,11), hatred (Psalm 74:18), injustice (Isaiah 52:5), etc. Christ was mistakingly accused of blasphemy (John 10:30-33).

1. This information was taken from Baker's Dictionary of Theology, ed. E. Harrison, (Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan), 1960. p. 64.