Intro to Christianity Final Review

Heaven

Life in the presence of God; freedom from sin and its effects

Hell

Being/apart from the presence of God

Eschatology

Theological study of “last things”

Antichrist (2 definitions)

1. Anyone opposed to Christ

2. One who will act in false opposition to Christ as a false teacher from inside the church

Parousia

An unmistakable return

Justification

The doctrine upon which the church stands or falls

In curvatus in se

Turned inward on oneself

Sanctification

Holy Spirit’s life-giving work throughout the years of a Christian’s existence

Conversion

A man, having learned from the Law of God and is condemned a sinner is brought to faith in the Gospel

Vocation

To be called by God into certain positions of responsibility and fulfillment

Left-hand Kingdom

Ruled by the law

Right-hand kingdom

Ruled by the Gospel through the means of Grace

A society can be judged by how it cares for its _________ members.

Weakest

Secular

Attitudes, activities, or entities that have no religious or spiritual basis

Ecclesiastical

Anything relating to or connected with the Christian church

List four “Means of Grace” as Lutherans understand them.

The Gospel, Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution, and Holy Communion

What does it mean to say that Christians understand time as “linear”?

It is moving toward an end point/completion.

What are the four criteria for knowing what work you are to do (vocation, career…)?

Vocation, family, marriage, and government

Who ultimately establishes ‘government’?

God

When may a Christian legitimately refuse to obey a duly enacted law?

When it directly commands the commission of an evil act or forbids what God requires

Why are good works insufficient grounds for one’s hope for salvation?

Because salvation is a gift of Grace received through faith in Jesus Christ

Is a Christian, as a Christian, permitted by God to serve as a combatant in war? Why or why not?

Yes; “The power of the sword”, God will hold them accountable for the use to which they put their authority.

Why do Christians do good works?

They are given as opportunities to serve.

Christians should hold the power and authority of the Church in reverence and honor as blessings of God, but may disregard the civil authority as something unholy. Is this true? Why or why not?

No; God calls Christians to be obedient to the government — to honor, respect, and pray for our leaders

Some Christians understand Baptism as a gift of God. Explain.

Because it is given by God to his church; it is God’s act.

Some Christians understand Baptism as dependent on human action. Explain.

Something done on human will; requires a personal articulation of the inner experience.

What do Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutherans believe about Holy Communion?

a) It is a symbolic meal

b) It is an eating and drinking of Christ’s Body and Blood

c) It is a good work required of Christians

d) It is an optional ritual for those interested

b

It is sufficient for salvation that one’s name should appear on the membership rolls of a Christian congregation. Is this true? Why or why not?

No; salvation is based on faith in Jesus Christ and God’s grace, not formal church membership

How is it that dependence on one’s own good works dishonors (to say the least) Christ and his work?

Because salvation is accomplished by Christ alone through His grace, not their own moral efforts.

In the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, what does the “extra” oil represent?

Living readiness for Christ’s return

In the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, what/who do the Wise Virgins represent?

Faithful Christians who persevere in faith

All the narratives used in the ‘Conversion’ section shared one encounter as necessary. With whom is such an encounter?

The Holy Spirit

How can suffering benefit human beings?

It can lead to humans trusting God more deeply and consistently, rather than relying on themselves