Doctrinal Word Definitions with Scripture References

1. Salvation

Biblical Definition: The comprehensive work of God in delivering sinners from sin’s penalty, power, and ultimately its presence, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, applied by grace through faith. Salvation includes God's election, calling, regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.

Key Scriptures: Eph. 2:8–9; Titus 3:4–7; Rom. 1:16; Rom. 10:9–13.

2. Regeneration

Biblical Definition: The sovereign act of God in imparting spiritual life to the sinner, causing the new birth, and enabling repentance and faith. It is the inward transformation by the Holy Spirit.

Key Scriptures: John 3:3–8; Titus 3:5; Eph. 2:4–5; 1 Pet. 1:3.

3. Justification

Biblical Definition: The judicial act of God whereby He declares a sinner righteous based on the righteousness of Christ, imputed through faith. It is a legal declaration.

Key Scriptures: Rom. 3:23–26; Rom. 5:1; Gal. 2:16; 2 Cor. 5:21.

4. Sanctification

Biblical Definition: The work of the Holy Spirit in setting believers apart from sin and progressively conforming them to the image of Christ. It is positional (once for all), progressive (lifelong growth), and ultimately completed at glorification.

Key Scriptures: 1 Thess. 4:3; John 17:17; Rom. 8:29; Heb. 10:10,14; Gal. 5:16–25.

5. Glorification

Biblical Definition: The final stage of salvation in which believers are perfectly transformed—spiritually and physically—into the likeness of Christ, free from all sin and corruption.

Key Scriptures: Rom. 8:30; 1 Cor. 15:49–53; Phil. 3:20–21; 1 John 3:2.

6. Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Biblical Definition: The act of Christ whereby He places (baptizes) believers into the body of Christ through the Holy Spirit at conversion; it unites the believer with Christ and with fellow believers.

Key Scriptures: 1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 1:5; Rom. 6:3–4; Gal. 3:27–28.

7. Water Baptism

Biblical Definition: The outward, symbolic ordinance commanded by Christ that publicly identifies a believer with His death, burial, and resurrection, and signifies repentance and discipleship.

Key Scriptures: Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3–4; Acts 8:36–38.

8. Fruit of the Spirit

Biblical Definition: The Christlike character qualities produced in the believer by the indwelling Holy Spirit as evidence of sanctification.

Key Scriptures: Gal. 5:22–23; John 15:4–5; Eph. 5:8–10.

9. Faith

Biblical Definition: The God-given conviction of truth that results in trust, reliance, and obedience toward God and His promises, especially the saving trust placed in Christ.

Key Scriptures: Heb. 11:1,6; Eph. 2:8; Rom. 3:28; Gal. 2:20.

10. Works

Biblical Definition: Human actions and deeds that reflect obedience or disobedience. Biblically, works cannot earn salvation but are the necessary evidence of genuine faith.

Key Scriptures: Eph. 2:8–10; James 2:14–26; Titus 2:14; Rev. 20:12–13.

11. Prayer

Biblical Definition: The God-ordained means of communicating with Him, expressing worship, confession, thanksgiving, petition, and intercession.

Key Scriptures: Matt. 6:9–13; Phil. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:17; Heb. 4:16.

12. Fasting

Biblical Definition: The voluntary abstaining from food (and sometimes other activities) for spiritual purposes, including devotion, repentance, discernment, or earnest petition before God.

Key Scriptures: Matt. 6:16–18; Ezra 8:21–23; Acts 13:2–3; Joel 2:12.

13. Trinity

Biblical Definition: The one true God eternally exists as three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each fully God, coequal in essence, power, and glory, yet one in being.

Key Scriptures: Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; John 1:1–3; John 14:16–17.

14. Son of God

Biblical Definition: A title affirming Jesus’ eternal divine sonship, equality with the Father, and unique relationship as the incarnate second Person of the Godhead.

Key Scriptures: John 1:14,18; Matt. 3:17; John 5:18; Heb. 1:1–3.

15. Son of Man

Biblical Definition: A messianic title Jesus uses of Himself, highlighting His true humanity, His role as the representative Man, and His identity as the divine figure of Daniel 7 who receives eternal authority and glory.

Key Scriptures: Dan. 7:13–14; Mark 10:45; Matt. 26:64; Luke 19:10.

16. Prophecy

Biblical Definition: The Spirit-enabled declaration of God’s word—forth-telling or foretelling—given to reveal God’s will, call to repentance, provide instruction, or predict future events according to His purpose.

Key Scriptures: 2 Pet. 1:20–21; 1 Cor. 14:1–3; Acts 11:27–28; Amos 3:7.

17. Spiritual Gifts

Biblical Definition: Spirit-empowered abilities sovereignly distributed to believers for the building up of the Church, the service of others, and the glorification of Christ.

Key Scriptures: 1 Cor. 12:4–11; Rom. 12:4–8; Eph. 4:11–13; 1 Pet. 4:10–11