Systematic Theology & Eschatology

Sanctification

The process of becoming more like Christ, including initial, progressive, and final stages.

Perseverance of the Saints

The belief that true believers will continue in faith until the end because God keeps them.

Purgatory

A temporary place of purification before entering heaven (Roman Catholic teaching).

Soul Sleep

The belief that a person's soul is unconscious between death and resurrection.

Glorification

The future completion of salvation when believers receive perfected bodies and souls.

Invisible Church

The true body of all genuine believers, known only to God.

Visible Church

The local gatherings of Christians, including both believers and unbelievers.

Local church

A specific congregation of believers.

Universal church

All true Christians throughout history.

Church purity

The degree to which a church teaches biblical doctrine and lives in obedience to Christ.

Sacrament

A sacred rite through which God gives grace.

Ordinance

A practice commanded by Christ that symbolizes spiritual truth but does not itself give grace.

Believers baptism

Baptism given only after someone professes faith in Christ, usually by immersion.

Spiritual gift

A Holy Spirit-given ability for ministry and building up the church.

Gift of prophecy

Speaking a message from God that strengthens the church.

Gift of teaching

Ability to explain Scripture accurately.

Gift of tongues

Speaking in an unlearned language for prayer or edification when properly interpreted.

Eschatology

The study of last things or end times.

Millennium

Christ's 1,000-year reign described in Revelation 20.

Amillennialism

No literal earthly millennium; Christ returns once for judgment.

Postmillenialism

The view that the world becomes increasingly Christian before Christ returns.

Classical/historic premillennialism

Christ returns before the millennium, and believers endure the Tribulation.

Pretribulational premillennialism

Christ raptures the church before the Great Tribulation.

Rapture

Believers being caught up to meet Christ.

The Great Tribulation

A future period of intense suffering before Christ returns.

Hell

The eternal punishment of the wicked.

Heaven

The eternal dwelling place of God and believers.

Annihilationism

The belief that unbelievers eventually cease to exist instead of suffering eternal punishment.

Difference between Justification and Sanctification

Justification is a one-time declaration of righteousness by faith alone at salvation; sanctification is a lifelong, cooperative process of becoming holy.

Three stages of sanctification

1. Initial (saved and set apart)

2. Progressive (daily growth)

3. Final/Glorification (perfect holiness)

How is sanctification cooperative?

Christians actively obey God while God empowers their obedience through the Holy Spirit.

Who perseveres in faith according to Grudem?

Those who are truly born again, who continue to the end because God preserves them.

Five things giving assurance of salvation

Belief in true gospel, profession of faith, present trust, spiritual growth, and the Holy Spirit's witness.

Why do Christians die?

Death is a result of sin, completes sanctification, and brings believers into Christ's presence.

Characteristics of resurrected Christian bodies

Incorruptible, glorious, powerful, spiritual, free from sin, and like Christ's resurrected body.

Dispensational view of Church and Israel

Israel and the Church are distinct; Israel is God's earthly people and the Church is for the Church Age.

Two marks of a true church

Right preaching of God's Word and right administration of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Three purposes for the church

Ministry to God (worship), ministry to believers (edification), and ministry to the world (evangelism).

Roman Catholic view of water baptism

Water baptism actually conveys saving grace (baptismal regeneration).

Three views of water baptism significance

Baptismal regeneration, covenant sign/seal, and believer's baptism.

Meaning of the Lord's Supper

Remember Christ's death, proclaim His sacrifice, and fellowship with Christ and believers.

Three views of Christ's presence in Lord's Supper

Transubstantiation, consubstantiation, and memorial/reformed.

Who should participate in the Lord's Supper?

Believers who have examined themselves and are walking with Christ.

Purposes for Spiritual gifts

To build up, strengthen, and edify the Church.

Does the NT give a complete listing of gifts?

No, lists vary by passage, suggesting they are representative rather than exhaustive.

Have spiritual gifts ceased?

Debated among evangelicals; Christians disagree over whether miraculous gifts continue today.

Are prophet words equal in authority to the Bible?

No, the Bible alone is fully authoritative and any prophetic message must be tested by Scripture.

Understanding unanswered prayers for healing

God has purposes beyond immediate healing, including strengthening faith, teaching dependence, or glorification.

Purpose of the gift of tongues

To edify believers (when interpreted) and serve as a sign in certain contexts.

How will Jesus return?

Physically, bodily, visibly, gloriously, and unexpectedly.

Second coming: Evangelical agreements

Jesus will return, dead will be resurrected, final judgment occurs, and eternal heaven/hell exist.

Second coming: Evangelical disagreements

Timing of rapture, millennium, tribulation, and Israel-Church relationship.

Will Jesus come back at any moment?

Yes, Scripture teaches His return is imminent, though no one knows the exact day or hour.

Signs preceding Christ's coming

Gospel preached worldwide, false prophets, wars, great tribulation, and cosmic disturbance.

Final judgment outcome

Non-Christians face eternal punishment; Christians receive rewards and have no condemnation.

Moral application of final judgment

Motivates believers to live holy lives, share the gospel, persevere faithfully, and be ready.

Is heaven a place?

Yes, a real place where believers dwell with God forever, culminating in the New Heaven and New Earth.