Key Pauline Theology Terms: Grace, Justification, and Theosis

Agora

Greek for a 'market place' where Paul would work and minister.

Atonement

To make amends for sin. In Pauline theology, the shedding of Christ's blood paid for our offenses.

Charis

Greek for 'grace / blessing'. From it we have the word 'charism', meaning a spiritual gift.

Doxa / Doxology

Greek for 'glory'. is a prayer of praise to God alone or the entire Trinity.

Grafting

Another effective image by Paul to explain how non-Jewish people can be included in God's plan of salvation.

Gramma

Greek for 'letter' as in the 'letter of the law' as opposed to the 'spirit of the law'.

Justification

Being in right relationship with God. Sin broke our friendship with God and the death and resurrection of Christ puts us back in good standing with God.

Kenosis

Self-emptying, humility. Important part of Philippians 2.

Latria

Greek for 'praise that is due to God.' God created humanity and in return we give God praise that we owe him.

Nous

Greek for 'mind / knowledge', as in 'put on the mind of Christ', that is, have the same attitude/mindset/outlook as Christ.

Participation - by baptism, death, resurrection

Paul's theology that if we are baptized and if we first die to ourselves and then physically (eventually), that we will also participate in the glorious resurrection.

Pneuma

Greek for 'spirit / wind' as in the 'spirit of the law' as opposed to the 'letter of the law'.

God's Righteousness

The essence of God: goodness, mercy, justice, truth, power, wisdom, etc.

Theosis

Becoming divine, glorified by God. Important part of Philippians 2.

Adoption

a beautiful image for understanding how non-Jewish people can be included in the family of God.  Christ is the Son of God by nature, but baptism allows us to be sons or daughters of God by grace/gift.

Thessalonica

City in Macedonia (a region in the north) where Paul established a Christian community.

Galatia

Region, it was pivotal for discussing issues of faith and law.

Corinth

City in Achaia where Paul founded a church, addressing issues of division, morality, and spiritual gifts in his letters.

Achaia

Region in ancient Greece where Paul preached and established churches, including Corinth.

passover

in the springcelebration that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. (Pesach)

Pentecost

in the summer, wheat, mosaic law. (Shavout)

Tabernacles

in the winter, grapes/olives, shelter for 40 years. (Sukkot)