A simple guide to help you understand what these words mean in light of God’s Word.
Salvation
Being rescued from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Gospel
The good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 – “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day.”
Repentance
A change of mind and heart that turns you away from sin and toward God.
Acts 3:19 – “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”
Born Again
A spiritual rebirth that happens when a person receives Jesus Christ and becomes a new creation.
John 3:3 – “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Faith
Trusting in who Jesus is and what He has done, even when you cannot see the full picture.
Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Grace
God’s undeserved kindness and power given to us through Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
Justified
Declared righteous in God’s sight through faith in Jesus.
Romans 5:1 – “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Sanctified
Set apart by God for His purpose, and made holy through Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:11 – “But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Eternal Life
The unending life of God given to believers now, and fully enjoyed forever with Him.
John 3:36 – “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.”
Righteousness
Being right with God — not by our own efforts, but by receiving Christ’s perfect life.
2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For he hath made him to be sin for us… that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Sin
Disobedience to God’s commands; falling short of His holiness.
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Redemption
Being bought back from the power of sin by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 1:7 – “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
Adoption
Being brought into God’s family as His child.
Romans 8:15 – “Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
Mercy
God not giving us the punishment we deserve.
Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.”
New Creature
The new identity of someone who is in Christ — transformed from the inside out.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.”