Christian Words
Christianity uses words that can sound unfamiliar or mean something more specific than they do in ordinary conversation.
These are simple starting definitions. Christians may explain some words in greater depth or emphasise them differently, but the meanings below will help you understand the basics.
- Amen
- A word used at the end of prayers meaning “truly”, “so be it” or “let it be so”.
- Christian
- A person who trusts Jesus Christ and seeks to follow him.
- Church
- The community of Christians. The word can also mean a local congregation or the building where Christians meet.
- Faith
- Trust in God. Christian faith includes belief, but also involves relying on God and responding to him.
- Gospel
- “Good news”. It means the message about Jesus, and can also refer to one of the four Bible books about his life.
- Grace
- God’s love and help given freely, not something earned by good behaviour.
- Holy Spirit
- God present and active with people. Christians believe the Holy Spirit guides, strengthens and changes them.
- Mercy
- Compassion shown to someone in need or someone who deserves judgement. Christians believe God is merciful.
- Prayer
- Turning towards God to speak, listen, give thanks, ask for help or remain quietly with him.
- Resurrection
- Rising from death. Christians believe Jesus truly rose from the dead and that death will not have the final word.
- Salvation
- God’s rescue from sin and separation from him, bringing forgiveness, restored relationship and the hope of eternal life.
- Sin
- The wrong choices, attitudes and brokenness that separate people from God and harm other people and the world.
- Trinity
- The Christian belief that there is one God known as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Worship
- Honouring and responding to God through prayer, praise, obedience and the way a person lives.