[pree’-mih-len‘-ee-uh-liz’-um]
(Latin pre, “before” + Latin mille, “thousand” + Latin annum, “years”)
A particular view of Christian eschatology that teaches the Second Coming will inaugurate a literal 1000 year reign of Christ on Earth from Jerusalem. It is largely based upon an interpretation of Revelation 20:1-6 which appears to describe Christ’s coming to the Earth at the […]

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[noom’-uh-taw‘-luh-jee]
(Greek pneuma, “spirit” or “wind” + Greek -logia, “speaking”)
The study of spiritual being or phenomena of any description. In Christian systematic theology it refers to the study of God the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. Subtopics include teachings on new birth, spiritual gifts (charismata), Spirit-baptism, sanctification, and the inspiration of prophets.

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[pro-pish’-ee-ay‘-shun]
Translated from the Greek word hilasterion, meaning “that which expiates or propitiates” or “the gift which procures propitiation”. It means “satisfaction” or “appeasement,” specifically towards God. In the New Testament, propitiation is the work of Jesus Christ on the cross by which He appeases the wrath of God who would otherwise be offended by our […]

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[pan-en’-thee-iz-um]
(Greek pan-, “all” + Greek en-, “in” + Greek theos, “God”)
A view of God which combines pantheism with theism. The panentheist believes that all of creation is in God, but does not make up the sum total of what God is. Like cells in a body, the universe is part of God. Important panentheists include […]

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[proe’-toe-ih-van’-juh-lee‘-um]
(Greek protos, “first” + Greek euangelion, “gospel” or “good news” = “first gospel”)
Used to describe the “first installment” of the Gospel in redemptive history as referenced in Gen. 3:15, where the serpent is rebuked by God with the promise of an offspring from Eve that would “crush” the head of the serpent. Through progressive revelation, […]

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The doctrine, often associated with Calvinism and first articulated by Saint Augustine, which holds that those who are truly elect of God will persevere in belief until final redemption. This doctrine is sometimes used synonymously with “Eternal Security” and “Once-saved-always-saved,” but advocates would prefer a certain nuance, believing that the emphasis is upon the perseverance […]

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(Gk. pan, “all” + sperma, “seed”)
A belief going back as far as Greek philosopher Anaxagoras in 5th century BC that life on Earth originated from life seeds from space that made it to the earth billions of years ago. Some propose that these seeds were brought by another intelligent being (i.e. alien).

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[pehr’-ih-koe-ree‘-sis]
(Greek peri, “around” + Greek choreio, “dance”)
Refers to the mutual indwelling and relationship of the members of the Trinity. This concept is emphasized more by Eastern Christianity, but is affirmed by all orthodox branches of Trinitarian Christianity. St John of Damascus defines it such: “The subsistences [i.e., the three Persons] dwell and are established firmly […]

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[noo’-muh-taw‘-luh-gee]
(Greek pneuma, “spirit,” “breath,” or “wind” + Greek -logia, “speaking”)
The study of the doctrine of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Pneumatology deals with the work of the Spirit in the lives of people, both believers and unbelievers. Included within this study is the regeneration, baptism of the Spirit, fruits of the Spirit, […]

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(Latin, “the work [of God,] proper”)
The work of God which comes from his essential character that is not mediated through sin. These are works that are natural to who God is, such as creation, grace, love, providence, mercy, and justice. This is in contrast to the opus alienum (the work of God, alien) which are […]

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