Glossary 2: The Church, Grace, and Suffering

Glossary 2: The Church, Grace, and Suffering

1. Law and Grace

▶ 1. Obedience

It is a submission and following of God's created order (natural law) or expressed will through His law or command. The act of submission and following God's commands or precepts is a presumed basic function (Isaiah 1:3; Jeremiah 8:7).

▶ 2. Works of the Law

It is the completion or acts in accordance with the law of Moses that are offered up as an attempt at self-justification before God (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16).

▶ 3. Covenant

It is an agreement that has a more relational basis than a formal contract. It includes how both parties would interact with each other and clearly outline punishment and benefits for compliance (Genesis 17:7; Hebrews 8:6–13).

▶ 4. Legalism

It is the forced focus of performing certain acts, either directly of the law or fringe elements connected to the law, that have to be completed to obtain righteousness before God (Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9).

▶ 5. Circumcision Party

It was a group of people in the time that the New Testament was actually being lived out who placed hindrances on Gentiles being accounted as citizens of heaven by faith by requiring persons who believed the gospel to be circumcised and follow the law of Moses (Acts 15:1–5; Galatians 5:2–4).

2. The Church and Community

▶ 6. Church / Body of Christ

It is the collective body of believers in Jesus of Nazareth being the divine messiah that was promised. It is normally expressed in two formats: universal church and local church. No single believer is the church unto themselves but is part of the body of Christ under His one headship of authority (1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 1:22–23).

▶ 7. Fellowship

Fellowship is the active sharing of life, resources, and faith among believers in Christ. It goes beyond casual association and represents a deep, intentional partnership in the mission of Christ, rooted in mutual faith and love (Acts 2:42–47; Philippians 1:5).

▶ 8. Service

Service is the act of doing something for someone else’s betterment. It can display the character of Christ to the one receiving the benefit and is a spiritual gift provided to aid the church in its mission (Matthew 20:26–28; Galatians 5:13).

▶ 9. Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gifts are abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and carrying out the mission of the church. These gifts are not a sign of superiority but serve to equip the church for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Ephesians 4:11–13).

▶ 10. Unity in Christ

Unity in Christ is the cohesiveness among believers of the gospel of Christ. It does not mean uniformity but solidified partnership due to the standing found in the same Savior and holding the same faith for redemption (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:3–6).

▶ 11. Mission of the Church

The mission of the church is to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to teach believers to obey everything Jesus commanded. This mission requires evangelism for the purpose of discipleship (Matthew 28:19–20; Mark 16:15).

▶ 12. Church Leadership

Church leadership involves the establishment of teachers, elders, pastors, deacons, etc., for the health of a local congregation of believers. It ensures appropriate organization in the effort to meet the church’s mandated mission and guarantees the protection of healthy doctrine (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9).

▶ 13. Head of the Church

The Head of the Church is the Lord Jesus Himself. He is the one who holds authority over the church, both local and universal. Jesus shares this position with no man but provides gifts to His people to serve specific functions within His body, which is the only institution entrusted with His commission of evangelism for the purposes of discipleship (Ephesians 1:22–23; Colossians 1:18).

▶ 14. Fellowship in the Church

Fellowship in the church is the deep, spiritual, and relational connection among believers, based on mutual faith in Jesus Christ. It is a bond forged in the gospel and expressed through shared worship, communal living, and loving service (Acts 2:42–47; Hebrews 10:24–25).

▶ 15. Church Discipline

Church discipline is the process by which the church upholds holiness, accountability, and proper conduct among believers. It involves correction in love, aimed at restoration and reconciliation for those who have fallen into sin (Matthew 18:15–17; Galatians 6:1).

3. Suffering, Trials, and Perseverance

▶ Suffering

Suffering is the pain, emotional or physical, that is endured while in this cursed world. The source of suffering can come from personal decisions and their effects, outside circumstances, or intentional external pressure (Romans 8:18; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 4:12–13).

▶ Perseverance / Endurance / Patience

Perseverance is the ability to continue steadfastly in the face of trials and suffering. It is the spiritual strength given to believers to endure hardships with patience, remaining faithful to Christ through difficult times. This endurance is rooted in the hope and promises of God (Romans 5:3–4; James 1:2–4; Hebrews 12:1–2).

▶ Trials / Testing

Trials are situations or circumstances that challenge a believer’s faith, often causing difficulty or hardship. Testing occurs when God allows these trials to refine and purify the believer, strengthening their faith and producing spiritual growth. While the source of trials may vary, their purpose is to shape believers more into the image of Christ (James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:6–7; Romans 5:3–5).

▶ Hope / Glory in Suffering

Hope is the confident expectation of receiving the fulfillment of a future reward promised by Christ. It is the assurance that despite current suffering, believers are looking forward to the glory that will be revealed in them at the return of Christ. The hope of glory gives believers the strength to endure suffering and persevere in faith, knowing that their struggles are not in vain (Romans 8:24–25; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18; 1 Peter 5:10).

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