Terms
Here I will attempt to define terms that you may find me using frequently on this site. For an explanation of terms more directly related to a Theological Doctrine, please see the Doctrinal Statement Page.
BFO
BFO stands for Blinding Flash of the Obvious - a little something I stole from Matt Pierson at Scioto Hills. You could call it an epiphany, but I like BFO b/c most of the time it’s something I already knew or was right in front of my face that I suddenly see again or in a new light or in a new way that makes me stand back and go “WHOAH!!!!!!!!!!” (and usually ‘holy crap’ and shake my head a few times. My wife can testify to this. I love BFO’s!!!)
Cross-Referencing
Cross-Referencing is the act of listing Scripture references after a stated theological point in order to provide the reader with further areas of study. The difference between cross-referencing and proof texting is the starting point. Cross-referencing is most often found in Exegetical Hermeneutics, while Proof texting is an indigenous activity to Eisegetical Hermeneutics and involves a stated point followed by a list of Scripture references. Cross referencing, however, occurs when a Scripture is given, a point extracted, and further Scripture passages are ‘cross-referenced’ for the reader’s further review - allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture.
Eisegesis
eis·e·ge·sis - [ahy-si-jee-sis]
noun: an interpretation, esp. of Scripture, that expresses the interpreter’s own ideas, bias, or the like, rather than the meaning of the text.Further. The Greek prefix “eise-” means to lead in. The idea is that in Eisegesis, the interpreter reads the meaning of the text into the passage, thus often making it say what he wants it to say. This can be intentional or accidental and does not always happen, but is a very high risk.
Evangelical Calvinist
An Evangelical Calvinist - as I use the term on this site - is an Evangelical (or Fundamental… I understand the differences between Fundamentals and Evangelicals, but they are philosophically and doctrinally similar enough that for the purposes of this site I use them interchangeably. If anyone has a real problem with this and can demonstrate why, I will stop.)… is an Evangelical or Fundamental Christian who holds some but not all of the tenets of Calvinism. These have been called “Four-Point” or “Three-and-a-half Point” Calvinists before, but I like the term Evangelical Calvinist, because I use it to refer to all those who are “less-than-five point Calvinists”. These are the main target audience to whom I am writing on this site.
Exegesis
ex·e·ge·sis - [ek-si-jee-sis]
noun: critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, esp. of the Bible.Further. The Greek prefix “exe-” means to lead out, or to draw out. The idea is that the meaning of the text is extracted from the text itself and the surrounding context.
Hermeneutics
her·me·neu·tics - [hur-muh-noo-tiks]
noun:
- the science of interpretation, esp. of the Scriptures.
- the branch of theology that deals with the principles of Biblical exegesis.
IFBC
Independent Fundamental Baptist Church. An IFBC will affirm the distinctives of Baptist doctrine and often seem to place them higher than the authority of Scripture, though the latter is mostly my limited observation.
Irresistible Grace
Irresistible Grace is the doctrine that God gives grace to those who he wills and this gift of grace cannot be rejected. Saving grace is given when the Holy Spirit awakens the soul of the believer and opens the eyes of his spirit and mind so that he can believe. This gracious act cannot be hindered.
Limited Atonement
Limited Atonement is the doctrine that Jesus Christ did not die a fully atoning death for every individual human to ever walk the Earth. He only died a fully atoning death for those who are elect.
Proof Texting
Proof Texting is the act of listing Scripture passages (or more often single verses) after a stated theological point in an attempt to provide proof of the point’s validity. These references are frequently made without any reference to their surrounding contexts, and the text is often omitted in favor of just the reference. The difference between proof texting and cross-referencing is the starting point. Proof texting is an indigenous activity to Eisegetical Hermeneutics and involves a stated point followed by a list of Scripture references. Cross-referencing, however, occurs in Exegetical Hermeneutics when a Scripture is given, a point extracted, and further Scripture passages are ‘cross-referenced’ for the reader’s further review - allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture.
Perseverance of the Saints
Perseverance of the Saints is the doctrine that salvation is not a one-time transaction which takes place when the believer walks the aisle or prays the prayer. Salvation is a life of faith in God. Those who persevere in faith until the end will be saved. The elect are kept by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that they cannot fail to persevere until the end.
Reformed Calvinist
A Reformed Calvinist (aka Five-Point Calvinist) is a Christian who holds all five tenets of Calvinism to be true. The Reformed Calvinist, however, does not fall into the trap of what some have called “Hyper-Calvinism” that is the misapplication of Calvin’s doctrines to cause Spiritual inactivity. I call it “Spiritual Couch Potatoism” or “If Pigs Could Fly Syndrome”.
Soteriology
so·te·ri·ol·o·gy - [suh-teer-ee-ol-uh-jee]
noun: Study and belief of doctrine regarding God’s salvation of man kind. From Greek soter (to save) and logos (word/study/truth)
Total Depravity
Total Depravity is the doctrine that as a result of Adam’s disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden, mankind has fallen from his position of favor with God, and that this fallen state reaches to each individual human by virtue of his being connected to Adam. In this fallen state, man is unresponsive to God and rejects God’s word.
Unconditional Election
Unconditional Election is the doctrine that for no reason other than his own free and sovereign will, God chose who among the race of Adam would be saved.