As we read Scripture, it is likely we will come across words that may be difficult to understand. Some can be outside our normal conversation and the usual exchange of words we use. It is wise to learn the many words that expand the various ways to apply the depths of God’s plan of salvation. The reason there are so many words is that they each explain salvation from various points of view.
ATONEMENT: the concept is the bringing together of those once enemies into a state of harmony and unity. It is similar to the idea of reconciliation. When mankind sinned, he built a wall between him and God alienating from the fellowship God intended. Atonement is the label we use to explain what happens in our relationship with God.
REGENERATION: this is the mechanical process of the new birth when one accepts Christ as Savior. It includes prior rational knowledge of God to become a personal acceptance of his rule. This is not the concept similar to recharging a battery but that of an initial charge of spiritual living. This explains the application of sinlessness in Christ at the point of accepting him.
JUSTIFICATION: this is a courtroom scene in relationship with God in which guilt is removed because of the penalty placed on Christ. This makes it possible to pass from spiritual death to spiritual life. This is the process of forgiving sin based on the blood of Jesus. This is to say that it is “just-as-if-I never did it.”
SANCTIFICATION: the idea of sanctification is to be set aside for a holy purpose. This was done with items in the tabernacle and with Aaron as part of his priesthood. One is sanctified at the cross when he accepted Christ as Savior. However, sanctification is a progressive experience as one grows spiritually in the Lord. Such spiritual growth is influenced by the Holy Spirit.
PROPITUATION: because God is holy it would otherwise be impossible for man to relate to him without the work of Christ. God’s holiness has been offended by man’s sin and that holiness must be satisfied. For that to occur, the idea of propitiation is akin to the word satisfied. Jesus satisfied the requirements of a holy God by shedding his blood in our behalf.
FORGIVENESS: although this is not a strange word to us, it is discussed throughout Bible. We must realize forgiveness in our lives because of the prior behavior we have displayed from the very nature within our sin-stained soul. Humanity is a wayward, wandering race that does its own bidding without considering God. That type of rebellion needs divine forgiveness.
ORDAIN: is a fulfillment of God’s plan as he created it, and as he destined it to be at the moment and for the future. Men can be ordained into the ministry, certain victories with God’s influence can be ordained, peace is God’s intent for all believers. It is the recognition of God’s calling and God’s input into daily life by believers.
GRACE: the short-term understanding of this word is unmerited favor. It involves the lovingkindness God expresses in our response to him. It is for the believer to accept his grace while God expresses his love that is purposeful for us.
Hopefully as you read your Bible, these definitions will come in handy for a better understanding of what God intends in our spiritual living. Trust him to translate the definition of these words to a state of action in your life.
Christian Writer 