GLOSSARY OF KEY THEOLOGICAL TERMS
Absolution
In Roman Catholic theology, the formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment, pronounced by a priest in the Sacrament of Penance. Rejected by the Protestant Reformation as a mediatory act between God and man.
Adoration of Images and Relics
The act of reverence or worship directed toward religious images or relics. In the context of Protestant critiques, particularly Article 14, adoration is viewed as idolatrous when it assigns to created objects the devotion due only to God. This practice was increasingly institutionalized in Western Christianity from the 5th to the 9th centuries and formally reaffirmed at the Council of Trent. However, the Roman Catholics argue it is a misunderstanding and misrepresentation of their teachings.
Apocrypha
A group of ancient writings not included in the biblical canon. While some may contain historical or moral insights, they are not considered inspired Holy Scripture and thus lack doctrinal authority.
Apostasy
The deliberate turning away from faith in Christ after having received the knowledge of the truth. Jesus warned of this when He taught that “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” was the only sin for which forgiveness is impossible.
Article of Religion
A formal doctrinal statement in a denominational confession. The Evangelical Methodist Church’s Articles function as concise affirmations of key theological positions derived from John Wesley’s adaptation of the Church of England’s 39 Articles.
Atonement
Literally, “to cover”. Describes the act of God to restore our relationship with Him. It is foreshadowed in the sacrificial systems of the Old Testament and ultimately accomplished through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The exact workings of the Atonement have been a subject of debate throughout Church history. One of the main arguments is the scope of the Atonement. In Calvinism, the Atonement is considered Limited, available only to the Elect (see Soteriology, Calvinism). Whereas, in Wesleyanism, the Atonement is considered Unlimited, available to all who will receive it (see Soteriology, Wesleyanism).
Born Again
A phrase used to describe the change that occurs when someone puts their faith in Jesus and starts a new life with God (see Conversion and Faith, Saving).
Catechism
A structured method of religious instruction, typically in question-and-answer format, that is used to teach foundational doctrines of the faith.
Catechism, Wesley’s 1750
A concise instructional tool written by John Wesley for teaching Christian doctrine within Methodist societies, characterized by its clarity, brevity, and traditional catechetical question-and-answer structure (see Appendix B).
Ceremonial Law
Old Testament laws, given through Moses, concerning worship practices, sacrifices, and rituals, which pointed forward to Christ and are no longer binding under the New Covenant.
Christ (Χριστός)
From the Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah, meaning “Anointed One.” In Christian theology, it designates Jesus as the divinely appointed Savior and King, the only Mediator between God and humankind.
Church
An English word that literally means “the place where one worships,” used to translate the original Greek word “Ecclesia” (ἐκκλησία), which actually means “the assembling of those called out.” Thus, through common usage, it has come to be used to describe the congregation of those who believe in and follow Jesus Christ. However, when used as a denominational identifier, it can also refer to the organizational institution of that group of congregations.
Church, Anglican
Also known as the State Church of England, it was the result of the Protestant Reformation in England in the 16th century. In its inception, the founders sought to create a balance between the older Roman Catholic and newer Protestant theology and traditions. Originally, Methodism was a movement within the Anglican Church.
Church, Authority
The right and responsibility of Church leaders to teach, guide, and protect the Church according to Holy Scripture.
Church, Catholic
Catholic is an old word for Universal and is used to signify the totality of those who have become followers of Jesus Christ (see Church, Invisible or Universal). This is not the same as, and should not be confused with, the Roman Catholic Church (see Church, Roman Catholic).
Church, Discipline
Rules and practices that help the Church stay faithful to God’s Word, correct sin lovingly, and guide members in godly living.
Church, Eastern Orthodox
The Eastern Orthodox Church is a branch of Christianity that follows the traditions and teachings of the ancient churches of the Eastern Roman Empire, including Greece, Russia, and other regions. It is characterized by its belief in the authority of the Seven Ecumenical Councils, its liturgical practices (Byzantine Rite), and its decentralized structure of self-governing churches. The Eastern Orthodox Church separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054 AD, setting the stage for the later Protestant Reformation in the West. Although their doctrine differs from the Western tradition in some respects, their theological influence on Protestantism often emerges in surprising ways.
Church, Evangelical Methodist
Our denomination, rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, is committed to upholding both the doctrinal and missiological legacy of John Wesley.
Church, Invisible or Universal
The true Church, which is made up of all genuine believers in Christ across all nations and generations, is known perfectly only to God, existing outside of time and space. Distinguished from the local church in Article 13, the invisible or universal Church is united by faith, not by visible membership in any single institution.
Church, Local
A congregation of believers gathered in a specific location. While the universal Church includes all Christians, the local church is the visible, tangible expression of the Communion of the Saints.
Church, Polity
Polity is the term used to describe the structural organization of a church. There are two main types of polity that the Church has employed over time: Episcopal, which is a top-down structure, and Congregational, which is a bottom-up approach. To address the concerns with both approaches, the Evangelical Methodist Church adopted a hybrid form of church governance called Congregational-Connectional. It combines aspects of congregational autonomy with broader denominational oversight and connection. This polity aims to maintain both local freedom and doctrinal accountability, distinguishing the EMC from purely congregational or episcopal systems.
Church, Roman Catholic
Considered one of the oldest institutions of the Christian Church, led by the Pope and characterized by its traditions, sacraments, and teachings. It played a central role in Europe's political, social, and cultural life during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, influencing land-based empires and shaping belief systems across the continent. The separation between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches in 1054 AD marked the greatest division of the Catholic Church and set the stage for the later Protestant Reformation in the West.
Conscience or Moral Discernment
The internal faculty by which individuals discern right from wrong. In Protestant ethics, this is shaped by Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and reason—not imposed by unwritten human traditions or "supererogatory" norms.
Conversion
The transitional moment when a person chooses to entrust their life to Jesus and follow Him. (see Born Again and Faith, Saving).
Council of Trent
A key Roman Catholic Council (1545–1563) convened in response to the Protestant Reformation. It reaffirmed the doctrines of Purgatory, indulgences, and the veneration of saints and relics—doctrines explicitly rejected in Articles 14 and 15.
Covenant
A promise or agreement, especially between God and people. For example, God made a covenant with His people to be their God if they followed Him.
Covenant, Headship
An Ancient Near Eastern practice commonly seen in the Holy Scripture, whereby an individual is given primary responsibility for carrying out the promises or agreements of a covenant. The actions of the Covenant Head are binding on all those that they represent, and they are responsible likewise for the actions of those they represent before the one with whom they are in covenant. The key biblical examples of this dynamic are seen with Adam and Jesus Christ, whom the Apostle Paul asserts in Romans 5 are both Heads of Humanity; Adam’s Headship leading to Death and Christ’s leading to Life.
Covenant, the New
The divinely instituted relationship of grace, established through Christ’s redemptive work, whereby those who trust in Christ are restored to full membership in God’s Covenant Household. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper serve as signs and seals of participation in this covenant.
Creed
A concise, authoritative summary of core Christian beliefs, often recited in liturgical settings. The Evangelical Methodist Church affirms the traditional historic creeds, the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed, which summarize orthodox Christian belief and are ecumenically affirmed. (See Appendix C)
Depravity, Total
The Wesleyan understanding of total depravity affirms that every aspect of human nature is affected and corrupted by sin, making divine grace necessary for salvation. However, when God prepares a person’s heart (see Prevenient Grace), they are capable and responsible to choose to trust Him in faith. This contrasts with the Calvinist view, which uses the phrasing of total depravity but is more akin to Utter Depravity in that it limits God’s grace to only those whom God elects to regenerate, their faith being a consequence of God’s choice and not a choice made of their own free will (see Soteriology, Calvinism and Soteriology, Wesleyanism).
Discipline
An official book of doctrine, polity, and practice. The Evangelical Methodist Church‘s Disciple is the legally binding collection of its constitution, Articles of Religion, rules of church government, and guidelines for worship and conduct, which connect each of its churches to one another.
Doctrine
A teaching or set of teachings that a Church believes clearly articulates the truth of the Holy Scripture. Doctrine may align with the ecumenically accepted Orthodox positions or reflect Heterodox ideas.
Economy Of Grace
A philosophical and theological framework for thinking about Economics broadly, understanding the way in which God distributes blessings and circulates resources in His creation, characterized by freedom of association in cooperative rather than competitive relationships, and focused primarily on philanthropic outcomes rather than pure profit.
Effectual Calling
This aspect of Calvinism is tied to the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. It denotes the idea that when God’s invitation to follow Him is heard, it will be accepted (See Soteriology, Calvinism). This is in contrast to the Wesleyan doctrine of Resistible Grace, which emphasizes the fact that God’s call can, and often is, rejected (see Soteriology, Wesleyanism).
Eschatology
This refers to the set of doctrines related to the Last Days and the end of this present age.
Eschatology, The Second Coming (Parousia)
The future, visible return of Jesus Christ in glory to consummate His kingdom, judge the world, and set up the new heaven and new earth.
Evangelical
In this context, referring to a theological emphasis on the authority of Holy Scripture, the necessity of personal conversion, and the centrality of Christ's atoning work. Not to be confused solely with modern political uses of the term.
Faith, Saving
A trusting belief in God and His promises, especially with regard to the Gospel of the Kingdom, which proclaims Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection as the only thing that justifies and sanctifies. It is not mere intellectual assent but a living, active trust that results in transformation and good works.
Federal Headship
A theological concept in which Adam acts as the representative of all Humanity. His sin, therefore, affects all his descendants. Christ is seen as the second Adam, representing redeemed Humanity.
Free Will
The ability God gives us to choose—to accept or reject His grace and love. According to Wesleyan-Arminian theology, the human will is impaired by the Fall of Adam and incapable of choosing God without prevenient grace. Grace restores the ability to respond freely to God's invitation.
Good Works
Actions that arise from genuine faith and obedience to God, such as helping others, being honest, forgiving others, and serving others. Though they do not earn salvation, they are evidence of a Spirit-transformed life and are pleasing to God (see Righteousness).
Hermeneutic
An interpretive principle for the interpretation of Holy Scripture. The hermeneutic that one uses will determine how to understand and apply God’s words.
Hermeneutic, Christocentric
An interpretive principle that sees Jesus Christ as the central figure of all Holy Scripture, with both the Old Testament foreshadowing Him and the New Testament revealing His ultimate fulfillment of what was foreshadowed.
Hermeneutic, Covenantal Unity
An interpretive principle that sees God’s covenants across the Old and New Testaments as unified in purpose and revelation, culminating in the New Covenant in Christ.
Hermeneutic, Historical-Grammatical-Literary
An interpretive principle that pays careful attention to the original historical setting, grammar, and literary context to understand the intended meaning.
Hermeneutic, Progressive Revelation
An interpretive principle that sees God as having revealed Himself gradually over time, with increasing clarity, culminating in Jesus Christ as the fullest revelation.
Hermeneutic, Typology
An interpretive principle that views figures or events in the Old Testament as symbolic foreshadowing or “types" of greater fulfillments in the New Testament, especially in Christ.
Holiness, Scriptural
A hallmark of Wesleyan theology, referring to a life of personal and communal righteousness rooted in Holy Scripture, enabled by grace, and characterized by love for God and others. The Holy Scripture uses the word holiness to refer to God's absolute otherness. However, where it is God’s command to His covenant people to be holy as He is holy, it must be understood within this relationship. Humanity can never be what God is, but as His Image, we can reflect who He is.
Hypostatic Union
The theological doctrine that in the one Person of Jesus Christ, two complete natures—divine and human—are united without confusion, change, division, or separation. Essential to understanding the Incarnation and atonement.
Illumination of the Holy Spirit
The work of the Holy Spirit in helping believers understand, apply, and be transformed by the truth of Holy Scripture.
Immanence
God’s nearness to creation and active involvement in it. It contrasts with Deism and affirms that while God is Transcendent, He is also intimately present through His Spirit and providence.
Imputation
A theological term referring to the accounting of righteousness or sin to a person based on their covenant relationship to either Adam or to Jesus.
Incarnation
The doctrine that the eternal Son of God assumed human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. As fully God and fully man, He reveals God perfectly and mediates salvation to Humanity.
Justification
The divine act by which God declares a repentant sinner righteous through faith in Christ alone. It includes the pardon of sin and acceptance into God’s favor, apart from works.
Laity
Non-ordained members of the Church. Article 19 affirms their right to receive both elements of Communion, emphasizing the priesthood of all believers.
Liturgy
A term used to describe an organized structure for congregational worship.
Liturgy, Ceremonial Rites
Religious practices or observances that are not essential to salvation but important to communal worship. Article 22 affirms their adaptability based on context, provided they align with Holy Scripture.
Liturgy, Latin Mass
The traditional liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church is conducted exclusively in Latin. Criticized in Article 15 for being unintelligible to the average worshiper, the Protestant Reformation rejected the Latin Mass for violating the principle of edification through worship that is understandable.
Missiology
Although a relatively new term that first arose in the 19th century to describe the academic study of the history and methodology of Christian missions, Wesley lived out his understanding of the subject. He went everywhere he could, proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel to anyone who would listen, famously calling the entire world his parish. He practiced the works of mercy that Christians are called to in an effort to spread the love of Christ to all people, especially the poor and marginalized.
Omnipotence
The divine attribute describing God’s supreme power, by which He can do all things consistent with His nature. God’s power is not arbitrary but governed by His wisdom, justice, and love.
Omnipresence
The divine attribute that describes God’s presence everywhere in His fullness. Unlike finite beings, God transcends spatial limitations, being fully present in every place at all times.
Omniscience
God’s complete and perfect knowledge, including all things past, present, and future, as well as all possibilities. God's omniscience ensures the trustworthiness of His promises and justice.
Orthodoxy
Acceptance of the historically, ecumenically affirmed doctrines of Christianity.
Pantheism
A worldview that equates God with the universe itself, denying divine transcendence. Christianity rejects pantheism, affirming both God’s Transcendence and His Immanence.
Perfect Love
A Wesleyan term denoting the fullness of love for God and neighbor, made possible by the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. It does not mean moral infallibility but purity of intention and devotion.
Polytheism
Belief in multiple gods, each with finite powers and spheres of influence. Christianity rejects polytheism by affirming the unity of God in three Persons.
Predestination
The doctrine that God, in His wisdom, knows and plans for who will be saved. In Wesleyanism, this does not mean that God has created some individuals for the purpose of condemnation, for God desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Instead, it is an acknowledgment that in His Transcendence, God is the uncaused cause of all things (see Soteriology, Calvinism and Soteriology, Wesleyanism).
Prevenient Grace
The doctrine that God extends a grace to all people that "goes before" conversion, enabling a person to seek God. Unlike Calvinism’s doctrine of Irresistible Grace, Prevenient Grace can be resisted, thus preserving genuine human freedom (see Soteriology, Calvinism and Soteriology, Wesleyanism).
Protestant Reformation
A 16th-century movement aimed at reforming corrupt practices and doctrines within the Roman Catholic Church. It emphasized Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Gratia (Grace alone), Sola Fide (Faith alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (God’s Glory alone).
Purgatory
A Roman Catholic doctrine describing a postmortem state of purification for souls destined for heaven but still needing to be cleansed of venial sin or temporal punishment. Rejected in Article 14 as lacking scriptural warrant and being “repugnant to the Word of God.”
Relics
Physical objects associated with saints or biblical figures are often venerated within Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions. The Protestant Reformation condemned the veneration of relics as superstitious and contrary to true Christian worship (see Veneration).
Resurrection of Jesus Christ
The actual and literal raising of Jesus bodily, from the dead, establishing His decisive victory over sin, death, and Satan. It is the guarantee of the Christian’s future resurrection and the cornerstone of Christian hope.
Revelation, Divine
God’s act of making Himself and His will known to Humanity, primarily through Holy Scripture and Jesus Christ.
Righteousness
From an ancient Hebrew word that designates both the position of an individual before God as being right or pure in God’s eyes through faith and grace, as well as the posture of the heart of those individuals, which leads to living a godly life through the Holy Spirit that produces righteous works of justice and mercy in the world.
Righteousness, Original
The state of goodness and innocence in which Adam and Eve were created before Adam transgressed and broke God’s command not to eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Righteousness, Works-based
The belief that one can earn salvation through good deeds. Rejected in Article 9. The Protestant Reformation affirmed salvation by grace through faith alone, with good works as its fruit, not its basis.
Righteousness, Works of Supererogation
The Roman Catholic doctrine that there are works that are morally commendable but not required by God’s commandments. Rejected in Article 11 as arrogant and unbiblical.
Rule of Faith
The summary of essential Christian doctrine derived from Holy Scripture that functions as a benchmark for interpreting truth and rejecting heresy.
Sacraments
A special ritual that God uses to show His grace. Unlike the Roman Catholic position on Sacraments (see Sacraments, Ex Opere Operato), these are considered outward signs of inward grace in the Protestant tradition, distinct from non-instituted ecclesiastical or ceremonial rites. In the Methodist tradition, sacraments must be administered in accordance with Christ’s institution. Article 13 insists that sacraments be delivered within a faithful congregation and accompanied by sound doctrine.
Sacraments, Anointing or Extreme Unction
Also known as the Anointing of the Sick, this is considered one of the seven sacraments in Roman Catholicism. It involves a priest anointing a dying person with oil for the salvation of their souls. Rejected by the Protestant Reformation as having no Scriptural basis.
Sacraments, Baptism
This Sacrament is a sign of profession, regeneration, and incorporation into the Body of Christ. While not conferring grace, it functions as a sign and seal of the new birth when received by faith.
Sacraments, Communion or The Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist
This Sacrament commemorates Christ’s atoning death. Flowing out of the Passover Meal, the bread and wine (or juice) remind Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The term "Communion" emphasizes spiritual union with Christ and the Church.
Sacraments, Confirmation
This Sacrament is a Roman Catholic rite following Baptism that marks maturity in the faith and admission to Communion. Rejected by the Protestant Reformation as having no Scriptural basis.
Sacraments, Ex Opere Operato
Latin for “from the work performed.” Refers to the Roman Catholic belief that sacraments confer grace by the act itself. This was rejected by the Protestant Reformation, which asserted that faith is essential for the efficacy of the sacrament.
Sacraments, Indulgences or Pardons
A practice within Roman Catholicism whereby the temporal punishment due to sin could be remitted through certain actions, prayers, or financial contributions. The Protestant Reformers criticized indulgences as corrupt and unscriptural, particularly in light of the abuses that contributed to the Protestant Reformation.
Sacraments, Means of Grace
The ordinary channels by which God dispenses grace to believers are primarily the Word, prayer, and sacraments. Sacraments serve not as automatic conveyors of grace but as participatory encounters through faith. These are the ways God helps us to grow in faith.
Sacraments, Ordination or Orders
In Roman Catholic theology, a Sacrament that confers the grace of clerical office. In Protestant theology, it is a solemn setting apart for ministry but not a Sacrament.
Sacraments, Penance
Roman Catholic sacrament of confession, contrition, and priestly absolution. Rejected by the Protestant Reformation as having no Scriptural basis.
Sacraments, Sacrifice of the Mass
Roman Catholic teaching holds that the Eucharist is a real re-presentation of Christ through the miracle of transubstantiation, wherein the bread and wine are transformed into the actual body and blood of Jesus. Condemned in Article 20 as a blasphemous fable, contrary to the finished work of Christ.
Saints
All true believers in Jesus Christ. The Protestant Reformation asserted that there is no biblical basis for distinguishing between Christians as greater or lesser, that some should be given this title to show their preeminence over others.
Saints, Prayer to or the Invocation of
The practice of praying to deceased Christians whom the Roman Catholic Church had declared to be a special category of Saints. Rejected in Article 14. The Protestant Reformation affirmed this doctrine as lacking any biblical foundation and being part of a broader concern with unscriptural accretions in Roman Catholic devotional practice.
Sanctification
The process and state of the work of the Holy Spirit by which Christians are set apart, made holy, and transformed into the likeness of Christ. In Wesleyan theology, it includes both initial sanctification and entire sanctification (called “Christian perfection” by John Wesley). It begins at justification and continues throughout life, culminating in perfect love for God and others.
Scripture
The Bible is a collection of writings that form the Scripture, sometimes called the Holy Scripture, to differentiate it from the writings of other religious faiths.
Scripture, Authority of
The belief that the Bible is the ultimate and final authority in all matters of faith and practice because it is divinely inspired and preserved by the Holy Spirit.
Scripture, Canon of
The officially recognized collection of books that make up the Old and New Testaments. These are considered divinely inspired and authoritative for faith and salvation.
Scripture, Divine Inspiration
The process by which the Holy Spirit guided human authors to write Holy Scripture so that their words faithfully convey God's truth.
Scripture, Divine Preservation
The process by which the Holy Spirit guided human scribes to transmit Holy Scripture so that the words faithfully convey God's truth.
Scripture, Inerrancy
The doctrine that the Holy Scripture is without error in all that it affirms in its original manuscripts, because God, its ultimate Author, cannot err.
Scripture, Infallibility
The doctrine that the Holy Scripture cannot fail in its purpose to teach truth, guide believers, and lead to salvation.
Scripture, Living Word
A term referring to the Holy Scriptures, emphasizing the power and vitality of God’s Word to transform lives through the Spirit. Ultimately, this term is ascribed to Jesus Christ as the WORD of God, made flesh.
Scripture, The Moral Law
God’s unchanging commands regarding right and wrong, exemplified in the Ten Commandments and reaffirmed in the teachings of Jesus.
Sin
Anything we think, say, or do that goes against God’s will. Even after justification, believers can still fall into sin. Such sin is not always the Unpardonable Sin (see Apostasy). The Evangelical Methodist Church teaches the possibility of restoration through repentance and grace.
Sin, Original
The inherited corruption of human nature resulting from Adam’s transgression (See Total Depravity).
Sin, Temptation
Wesley taught that temptation is not sin in itself. Even the sanctified believer experiences temptation, infirmity, and mistake—proof of human limitation, not spiritual failure.
Sola Scriptura
A Reformation principle meaning “Scripture alone” is the final authority for doctrine and Christian living, above church tradition or personal experience.
Soteriology
The study of the doctrine of Salvation. While there are certain universally shared orthodox Christian positions about some aspects of this doctrine, some aspects of Soteriology differ from one theological tradition to the next.
Soteriology, Arminianism
A theological system rooted in the teachings of Jacob Arminius, articulated as a response to Calvinist Soteriology, emphasizes Middle-Knowledge in Predestination, Conditional Election, and Resistible Grace.
Soteriology, Augustinianism
A theological system rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine that emphasizes Original Sin, Predestination, and the necessity of Divine Grace.
Soteriology, Calvinism
A theological system rooted in the teachings of John Calvin that emphasizes Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.
Soteriology, Pelagianism
A theological system rooted in the teachings of Pelagius that denied Original sin and asserted that human beings can choose righteousness without Divine grace. Rejected in Article 8 and throughout the EMC catechism.
Soteriology, Wesleyan-Arminianism
A theological system rooted in the teachings of John Wesley and influenced by the earlier Arminian movement that emphasizes Prevenient Grace, Assurance of Salvation, Sanctification, and Christian Perfection.
Testimony
A formal, sworn statement, oral or written, given by a witness in legal proceedings to provide evidence or establish a fact. It is considered a form of evidence and a declarant's personal account, often based on their own knowledge or experience, presented under oath to ensure its truthfulness.
Theophany
A visible manifestation of God to humans, especially in the Old Testament. In the Incarnation, theophany reaches its climax in the person of Jesus Christ.
The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion of the Anglican Church
Doctrinal statements formulated by the Church of England during the English Reformation. These served as the basis for Wesley's 25 Articles, with modifications to better align with Methodist theology and practice.
Transcendence
The divine attribute affirming that God exists apart from and above creation. He is not limited by space, time, or matter and is not dependent on anything outside Himself.
Trinity (Triunity)
A theological term, used interchangeably with Triunity, emphasizing the “three-in-oneness” of God. It safeguards the personal distinctions within the unity of the Divine essence.
Trinity, Economic or Relational
A theological term referring to how the Triune God operates in relationship to the world—how each Person of the Trinity uniquely participates in creation, redemption, and sanctification—while remaining one in essence.
Trinity, Essential or Substance
In Trinitarian theology, substance refers to what God is—His divine being or essence. The three Persons are distinct in relation but identical in substance. The intrinsic, unchanging qualities of God that distinguish Him from all creation, shared by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit simultaneously: omniscience (all-knowing), omnipotence (all-powerful), omnipresence (present everywhere), holiness, justice, mercy, and immutability (unchanging nature).
Trinity, Homoousios
Greek for “of the same substance.” Central to orthodox Trinitarian theology, asserting that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share the same divine essence.
Trinity, Modalism
A heresy that denies the personal distinction within the Godhead, claiming that God merely appears in three modes or roles (Father, Son, Spirit) over time.
Trinity, Monotheism
Belief in the existence of only one God. In Christian monotheism, this is maintained within the framework of the Trinity—three Persons, one essence—distinguishing it from polytheism and pantheism.
Trinity, Perichoresis
A theological term describing the mutual indwelling of the three Persons of the Trinity in one another—emphasizing their relational unity without blending or confusion.
Veneration
A form of honor directed toward saints, images, or relics. Distinguished from worship (which belongs to God alone), veneration was nonetheless viewed by the Protestant Reformation as a dangerous conflation that could lead to idolatry and was thus rejected.
Wesley, John
(1703–1791) Anglican priest, theologian, and founder of the Methodist movement. Wesley emphasized personal faith, scriptural holiness, structured discipleship, personal transformation through grace, and social transformation through service to others.
Wesleyan Quadrilateral
A methodological tool in Wesleyan theology that emphasizes four sources for theological reflection: Holy Scripture (primary), tradition, reason, and experience.
Witness of the Spirit
The inner assurance the Holy Spirit gives that you are truly a child of God.