Chapter 2

Word of God

A phrase that refers to several different things in the Bible, including the Son of God, the decrees of God, God's words of personal address, God's words spoken through human lips, and God's words in written form, the Bible. It is this last form of the Word of God that is the focus of systematic theology, since it is the form that is available for study, for public inspection, for repeated examination, and as a basis for mutual discussion.

decrees of God

The eternal plans of God whereby, before the creation of the world, he determined to bring about everything that happens.

personal address

A form of God's word in which he speaks directly to people on earth.

"Word of God" as a person

A phrase that refers to the Son of God.

"Word of God" as speech by God

A phrase that refers to the decrees of God, God's words of personal address, God's words spoken through human lips, and God's words in written form, the Bible.

"Word of God" in written form

A phrase that refers to the Bible.

general revelation

Revelation that is given not just to certain people but to all people generally.

prophets

Those raised up by God through whom he speaks.

authority (with regards to God's spoken words)

To disobey any part of God's words is to disobey God himself.

truthfulness (with regards to God's spoken words)

To disbelieve any part of God's words is to disbelieve God himself.