Absolution The forgiveness of our sins in the name of Jesus. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers)   1 John 1:8-9 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse…

Justification God’s declaration that our relationship with God has been made right because of the work of Jesus. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers) Romans 5:1-2 1Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in…

Grace God’s gift of love and forgiveness freely given to undeserving sinners. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers) Ephesians 2:8–9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast. What Grace Isn’t God’s…

Sola A Latin word meaning “alone” or “only.” The Lutheran reformers used the phrase “Sola fide” to make their case that one is saved by faith alone – not by good works or anything else. Romans 3:28 For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. More…

Prophet A prophet was a spokesperson for God; they spoke in God’s name and by God’s authority (Ex. 7:1). A prophet is the mouth by which God speaks to humankind (Jer. 1:9; Isa. 51:16), and hence what the prophet says is not of human origin but of God. via Easton’s Bible Dictionary Amos 3:7 Surely…

Gospel “Gospel” translates the Old Testament Hebrew verb bisser and the noun besorah. The Greek New Testament equivalent is euangelion, which is a compound word. Eu means “good,” and angelion means “announcement.” (via The Bible Project) Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is God’s saving power for everyone who believes,…

Scripture a) the books of the Bible —often used in plural b) a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative (via Merriam-Webster) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 16All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that the person of God may be proficient,…

Catechism (ˈka-tə-ˌki-zəm) A summary of the principles of Christian religion, sometimes in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 6 Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. 7 Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are…

Apostle A title that indicates someone is a commissioned messenger or ambassador. It is a Greek word that can mean “one who is sent out.” Jesus, sent by God the Father, is an apostle. Jesus’ 12 disciples that he specifically commissioned and sent out were also known as apostles. In that sense, though every apostle…

Metanoia This Greek word is derived from the root words meta (“after/change”) and noiein (“to think/perceive.”) In the Bible it is frequently translated into English as repentance – something that goes beyond lament into a transformation of one’s entire life. But, importantly for Lutheran theology, it is not merely a desire to “do better” after…

Lament A passionate expression of grief or sorrow. Psalm 13:1–2 1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I bear pain in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all day long? How long shall my enemy be exalted…