Results

Those who have entered the kingdom must live according to its values, anticipating the reign of peace which will come when Jesus Christ returns.

Perfect discernment is displayed by God and Jesus Christ. Evil spirits also have discernment, about the person and work of Christ. Discernment has been evident in the rulers and spiritual leaders of God’s people, but Israel, like children and the foolish who lack judgment, failed to discern God’s purpose and truth.

Jesus Christ supremely displays God’s patient character in his work of salvation. The patience of Jesus Christ is seen in his relationships with people and in his perseverance through trial and suffering to death. Followers of Christ are called to demonstrate patience in all their relationships and circumstances.

Repentance is of central importance because sin brings God’s judgment and fellowship with God is only possible through full and sincere repentance. God, through his servants, calls people to repent as the only way to escape the judgment and receive the forgiveness and restoration which he offers.

The Holy Spirit equips and empowers believers so that the reign and reality of God is revealed through them in the world.

God’s desire is that all people should seek after him and find him. Those who seek God with all their heart are rewarded, but those who fail to seek him do so to their eternal loss.

The period of engagement preceding marriage; betrothal was a binding contract established between two families and sealed by the exchange of gifts. During this period the couple did not live together; sexual relations with each other at this stage was regarded as equivalent to adultery. Betrothal describes the relationship between God and his people and between Jesus Christ and the church.

Joy, peace and happiness result from following Jesus Christ, together with the hope of being like him and with him in heaven. This is anticipated in the OT, which stresses the importance of obedience to the Lord.

Sharing the good news about God and Jesus Christ with others is a work to which some believers have a special calling, but in which all believers are to take part.

The fellowship that believers share as a result of their common union with God through Jesus Christ is expressed in life together. It is evident in worship together, in a love for one another which reflects God’s own love and in a practical commitment to one another which is demonstrated in concern for the weak and readiness to share with the poor and needy.

The commemoration and remembrance of Jesus Christ’s last supper, and all the benefits that result to believers. Other terms have been used subsequently by Christians, including “Communion” and “Eucharist”.

In the OT the terms of the covenant with God were constantly broken by Israel by acts of idolatry and disobedience. The consequence was God’s judgment, which eventually included exile.

Prohibited sexual relationships Incest Le 18:6 See also Ge 19:33–36; Ge 35:22; Ge 38:13–18; Le 18:7–20; 2 Sa 16:22; 1 Co 5:1 Adultery 2 Sa 11:4; Je 23:14; Je 29:23; Ho 1:2; Jn 4:17–18 Prostitution 1 Co 6:15–16 See also Jdg 16:1; 1 Ki 3:16; Ho 4:13–15 Fornication Nu 25:1; Nu 25:6; 1 Sa 2:22 Rape Ge 34:1–2;…

God created the family and is deeply concerned for its welfare. Scripture uses family metaphors to describe the relationship between God and his people.

To want for the necessities of life is ultimately the result of human sin.

A state of spiritual hunger arising from a failure to experience the presence and joy of God. Scripture describes such experiences, indicates one ultimate cause to be unbelief and points to ways in which this famine can be relieved.

Spiritual warfare has its origin in a rebellion of many angels against God. Satan is seen as the prince of this world, leading an array of forces opposed to God. Although disarmed by Jesus Christ on the cross, they remain a powerful threat to the church and to individual believers.

Forms of worship that are not worthy of God, especially worship offered without sincerity and obedience or that is contrary to the commands of God.

Formal outward practices and rituals symbolising or marking events of importance or spiritual significance. Although they had their place in biblical cultural life, they may become empty and hypocritical, losing their deep spiritual meaning. Ceremonies thus become symbolic of empty legalism which should be rejected.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is of central importance to the NT. It affirms the divinity of Jesus Christ, marks the words and deeds of his ministry with God’s seal of approval and opens the way to the future resurrection of believers.

Humanity is created in the image or likeness of God. This image of God, given in creation, was damaged in the fall, but may be restored through Jesus Christ.

Supernatural acts of Jesus Christ, revealing and confirming his Messianic credentials, and the coming of God’s kingdom. The miracles of Christ are to be seen as an integral part of his ministry.

Often pictured as an immoral city or a world of evil, it is regarded as corrupt and godless, hostile to true faith and therefore destined for judgment.

A physical manifestation of the presence of God among his people; a special form of theophany particularly associated with Israel being offered guidance on the exodus journey.

Examples of the dishonest behaviour condemned by God.