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A Hebrew term used to refer to the grave, the pit or the tomb. Some older translations have the term incorrectly translated as “hell”.

The gospel brings new life to men and women, who lived in death and darkness until they came to faith. The NT emphasis upon “being made alive in Christ” is closely linked to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The returning of something or someone to their original state. Through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ, both humanity and creation will eventually be restored.

A way of referring to the new creation that will come about at the end of time. The theme of the restoration and re-creation of the world is a central aspect of the Christian hope.

The period of 1,000 years referred to in Revelation chapter 20, during which Satan is bound and believers reign with Jesus Christ. This millennium is understood in different ways: as a period of unparalleled peace and prosperity for the church and the gospel at the end of this age, after which Christ will return (postmillennialism); as the time following Christ’s return when he will reign on earth (premillennialism); as a symbolic reference to the period between Christ’s first and second comings (amillennialism).

In the OT, writers look forward to the era that will be inaugurated by God’s decisive intervention in human history, in order to establish his eternal kingdom under the Messiah. The Messianic age is characterised by righteousness, justice and peace, by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and by the restoration and renewal of God’s people and of creation. In the NT, the idea appears in a developed form as the “kingdom of God”, inaugurated by the first coming of Jesus Christ and to be consummated at his return.

The state of believing in God, while adopting a lifestyle which seems to deny this. Believers are warned to guard against ungodliness.

The stubborn and sinful refusal to accept God’s word and his messengers. Since the coming of Jesus Christ it is frequently expressed in the rejection of his person and teaching.

A self-centred attitude by which people defend their actions and beliefs without reference to God. Scripture insists that the confidence and ultimate justification of believers lie with God, and condemns those who look elsewhere for these.

Throwing off restraint and discipline and yielding to the desire to gratify selfish appetites and cravings. Scripture warns against such a characteristic and urges, instead, self-control, generosity and consideration for others.

Ridicule of God and of believers is to be expected, but it will bring divine retribution upon its perpetrators.

Material wealth can be a source of both physical and spiritual danger, against which believers are clearly warned to be on their guard.

The real nature of pride can be seen in the fact that it leads to many other evils and ends in destruction.

Scripture illustrates the many different ways in which pride manifests itself.

God is concerned for the victims of oppression; he hears, sustains and delivers them. Christians are to exhibit the same concern.

An outward show of piety which may appear to be very devout. However, the heart is far from God and this is confirmed by the person’s attitudes and actions.

Statements or answers which are untrue. Lying, false witness, deceit and false dealings are all condemned in Scripture.

The unfair treatment of a person or group in preference to another. Favouritism is shown in Scripture as causing division both in the family and in the church. It is warned against in the administration of justice. The human tendency to partiality is contrasted with God’s impartial dealings.

Biblical examples of evil are many and varied.

Scripture repeatedly warns against evil. It exposes it and reveals its consequences.

Uncertainty may be remedied by gaining assurance from God’s word, remembering God’s past goodness, reflecting on his power and appealing to his unfailing love. Believers should help the weak with the patience and encouragement that reflects God’s own compassion.

Failure to trust another, or a tendency to be suspicious of others’ abilities or intentions. Though sometimes justifiable towards other human beings, such an attitude is never acceptable towards God.

Israel was in danger of abandoning God from her earliest days. The OT frequently warns against apostasy and identifies its likely consequences.

A Hebrew term expressing the ideas of truth and reliability, often used in prayer and adoration.

An attitude of worship characterised by love and reverence towards God. It can also describe the love between man and woman.