Scriptural Definitions

When Scripture defines the meaning of a word, God does this so we can understand what He means.

Grace

God’s attitude by which He provides a benefit without consideration of merit.

Grace does not look at whether or not a person deserves the benefit being provided; therefore, grace cannot be earned.

God the Son increased in the grace of both God the Father and men, Luke 2:52. For we do not have a High Priest who is not able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but having been tempted according to all according to a similar [way], apart from sin, Hebrews 4:15.

Faith

Now faith is the substance of that which is hoped for, the evidence of accomplished deeds not seen, Hebrews 11:1

Always based upon a promise. For in the hope¹ we are saved. Moreover, hope being seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he looks at? But if, assuming it is true, that which we do not see we hope for, through patience we eagerly await placement of sons, Romans 8:24, 25

¹ The previously mentioned hope in verse 20

Praise

The fruit of our lips confession His character.

Therefore, through Him we should bring a sacrifice of praise through all to God, that is, fruit of our lips confessing His name, Hebrews 13:15

Sin

Everyone doing the sin also is doing the lawlessness; and the sin is the lawlessness. 1 John 3:4

Sin is defined as an action that is contrary to God’s standard. For a Christian, anything that is not done out from faith is sin, Romans 14:23 (And the one doubting, if he should eat is condemned because it is not out from faith, indeed that which is not out from faith is sin.)

The condemnation is in the man’s own mind because he is not approving his own actions, rather, they are considered to be contrary to what He understands to be God’s expectation of him. (Romans 14:22 You have faith? according to yourself before God you have it. Happy is the one not condemning himself in what he approves). Faith is taking God at His Word; therefore, the doubting is disputing what God has said to justify an action.

Christ

Determined by context. Means, “Anointed, Messiah, or Resurrected Glorified One”

In the Old Testament is it used for both the Messiah and of those anointed by God, 1 Samuel 26:11; Psalm 2:2

Redefined in Acts 2:36 referring to Christ after His resurrection. Jesus was already the Messiah to the Jews prior to His death and resurrection, now God has made Him the resurrected glorified One.

The Christ

The new creation that God made in which Jesus is the head and the church is His body.

Wherefore, since someone is in Christ; a new creation, the ancient things have passed away, look with discernment, all things have become new, 2 Corinthians 5:17

For just as the body is one and has many members, but all the members are of the one body, being many the body is one, thus also is the Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:12.

And subjected all things under His feet, and gave Him [the] head concerning all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all things, Ephesians 1:22, 23