a dictionary of biblical themes

The following entries are simple and accessible introductions to some key themes that emerge as you read the Bible and are mentioned in the notes on the Daily Readings of the Bible Tour. They are listed in alphabetical order and, when possible, include links for further exploration. This dictionary will grow over the years, and each entry will grow as a result of further reflection, feedback from readers like you, and discovery of other resources to link to. But the basic entry will always aim to be as simple and accessible as possible to help you as you read through the Bible with deeper and deeper understanding.

All Nations

From Genesis to Revelation, the theme of ‘all nations‘ unfolds as God’s salvation plan extends beyond Israel to embrace the whole world. In the Old Testament, God’s promise to Abraham includes a vision of blessing for ‘all nations’ (Genesis 12:3). Israel is called to be a light to the nations, and the prophets reveal that God’s purposes are not limited to one people—one day, all nations will come to worship Him (Isaiah 2:2, 49:6). In the New Testament, Jesus fulfils this promise, commissioning His disciples to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Pentecost signals the breaking of barriers as people from diverse nations hear the gospel in their own languages (Acts 2). Paul emphasises that in Christ, there is no distinction — Jews and Gentiles alike are brought into God’s family (Galatians 3:28). The Bible’s final vision is one of every nation, tribe, and tongue gathered before the throne, worshiping the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). The theme of all nations reveals the expansive, inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, where salvation is offered to all who believe.

Further Study: see the post on Nations at Bible Hub, and one in the Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology at Bible Study Tools.

Church

The idea of Church in the Bible unfolds as the story of God’s people called out to belong to him and to reflect his glory in the world. Beginning with Israel in the Old Testament and culminating in the New Testament with the followers of Jesus, the Church is revealed as God’s chosen community, united not by ethnicity or nationality but by faith in Christ. It is described as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), the temple of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22), and the bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-8), emphasising its spiritual identity, purpose, and relationship with its Saviour and Lord. The Church exists to worship God, grow in holiness, and proclaim the gospel, embodying the kingdom of God on earth. While it is composed of broken and imperfect people, it is sustained and empowered by God’s Spirit to live as a signpost of the new creation to come. The theme of the Church invites believers into a shared life of faith, love, and mission, as they await the day when Christ will return to gather his people in perfect unity for eternity

Further Study: see this article in the series on Key Truths in the Bible Tour.

covenant

A covenant is a binding agreement or sacred promise that God makes with his people. It is more than a contract. It is a deeply personal commitment, often sealed with sacrifices. In the Bible, God makes several important covenants that shape the whole story of salvation. He makes a covenant with Noah never to flood the earth again, with Abraham to bless his descendants and make them a great nation, and with Israel through Moses, giving them the law to guide their life together. Each covenant reveals something of God’s character—his faithfulness, love, and desire for relationship. The most important covenant is the new covenant made through Jesus. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus fulfils and surpasses all previous covenants. In him, we are offered forgiveness, a new heart, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This new covenant is not based on law but on grace, and it brings us into a lasting relationship with God as his children.

Further Study: See this post in the Simple Theological Glossary, and a longer article in the series on Key Truths in the Bible Tour.

disciple/discipleship

Discipleship is at the heart of the biblical story, weaving through the Old and New Testaments as a call to follow, learn, and be transformed. A disciple is not merely a student absorbing information but a follower whose life is reshaped by the one they follow. In the Gospels, Jesus calls disciples not just to listen to him but to walk with him, to live in his way, and to take up their own cross (Luke 9:23). This is more than intellectual agreement—it is a radical reorientation of life, where allegiance to Jesus supersedes all else. The significance of discipleship extends beyond personal faith. It is the engine of the Kingdom, as disciples are called to make more disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), passing on not just the teaching of Jesus but his way of life. It is an ongoing, lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ, shaped by his love, mission, and sacrifice.

Further Study: There are several entries on disciples at Bible Hub with the main one here. There is a helpful article at Theopedia. Some of the best material to help you follow the way of Jesus as his disciple can be found at Practicing the Way.

Exile

Exile is a major biblical theme that speaks to both judgment and hope. It begins with humanity’s expulsion from Eden—an exile from God’s presence due to sin (Genesis 3). This pattern continues with Israel’s history, as the people are repeatedly warned that disobedience to God’s covenant will lead to being uprooted from the land (Deuteronomy 28). The fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria and the later exile of Judah to Babylon (2 Kings 17; 2 Kings 25) are seen not just as political disasters, but as spiritual consequences. Yet exile is never the end of the story. The prophets speak of a return, not only to the land, but to a restored relationship with God (Jeremiah 29:10–14; Ezekiel 36:24–28). In the New Testament, believers are described as exiles and strangers in the world (1 Peter 2:11), looking forward to a better country—God’s eternal kingdom. Ultimately, exile points to the human condition apart from God, and the gospel as the call home.

Further Study: There are two outstanding videos on the theme of exile at Bible Project – on Exile, and The Way of Exile, and an entry at Bible Hub. It has been a recurring theme in recent popular Christian books, including two I have summarised on this site – Faith for Exiles and Live No Lies.

Faith

Faith, in Scripture, is far more than intellectual agreement or vague optimism. It is a wholehearted trust in the living God. From the outset, faith is portrayed as the posture that pleases God and opens the way for relationship with him. Abraham becomes the model: he trusts God’s promise against all odds, and his faith is ‘counted to him as righteousness‘ (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:18–22). Throughout Israel’s story, faith means relying on God’s character and word rather than on human strength, circumstance, or idols (Deut. 7:9; Ps. 20:7; Isa. 7:9). In the New Testament, faith centres on Jesus Christ, the one in whom all God’s promises find their “Yes” (2 Cor. 1:20). To believe is to entrust oneself to him: his person, his saving death and resurrection, and his lordship over all things (John 3:16–18; Gal. 2:20). Faith is both God’s gift and our response, drawing us into union with Christ and making us participants in his life (Eph. 2:8–9; Col. 2:6–7). It is not static but active, expressing itself in obedience, love, endurance, and a hopeful vision of what God can and will do (Heb. 11; James 2:17–22; 1 Pet. 1:8–9). Ultimately, faith anchors us in God’s faithfulness, trusting his promises in the present, leaning on his strength in trial, and awaiting the day when faith will give way to sight (Rev. 22)

For Further Study: There is a slightly longer article on Faith in the Bible Tour Key Truths. There is a detailed article on Faith in Baker’s Dictionary of Biblical Theology. much more

Glory

In the Bible, glory speaks of the radiance and beauty, the majesty and greatness of God, and the awe-inspiring ‘weight’ of his presence. The Hebrew word used for glory, kavod, literally means ‘weight‘, pointing to God’s substance and significance in contrast to the flimsiness of false gods. It also conveys the overwhelming presence and power of God, before which everything fades into insignificance. In the Old Testament, God’s glory is revealed in creation (Psalm 19:1), in the fire and cloud that led Israel (Exodus 13:21), and in the overwhelming presence that filled the temple (1 Kings 8:11). His glory is beyond human grasp, yet he chooses to reveal it. Moses dared to ask God to show him his glory, to see him face to face. God gave him a glimpse of himself (see Exodus 33-34). In the New Testament, Jesus is the fullest revelation of God’s glory (John 1:14; Hebrews 1:3), showing it not just in the awesome transfiguration (Luke 9:29) but also in the humility of the cross (John 12:23-24). Glory is not just something to behold—it transforms those who encounter it (2 Corinthians 3:18). Ultimately, the Bible points to a future where God’s glory fills all things, and his people will see him face to face in unending light and will worship him (Revelation 21:23). And the new heavens and the new earth will be filled with the knowledge of his glory as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

Further Study: see here at Bible Hub for an article with a lot more detail.

gospel

Gospel means good news. It was used in ancient times for a message that was good news for a people who were embattled and oppressed. It was the news that their king reigned, that he had conquered their enemies, was setting them free and restoring his good and just kingdom. For the Christian, the gospel is the good news that Jesus has come as the true king of the world, to conquer sin and death, to set us free through the forgiveness of our sins, and to begin the process of establishing his good kingdom. The coming of his kingdom offers hope for the whole world because, on the basis of his death and resurrection, Jesus is in the process of making all things new. We become a part of this kingdom, and therefore of this process of new creation, by making a commitment to follow Jesus as our Lord and being born again by his Spirit. We then learn the ways of God’s kingdom which are totally different to the ways of all the ‘kingdoms’ of this world. The gospel is sometimes contrasted with Law because we are not made right with God by trying to keep the rules. We can’t because of our sin. But thankfully it is no longer about what we have to do to earn God’s favour. It is about what Jesus Christ has already done for us on the cross. His death was for the forgiveness of our sins, and his resurrection offers us new and eternal life. This is why it is sometimes referred to as the gospel of grace and it distinguishes the Christian message from any religion or philosophy of this world.

Further Study: There is a great introduction to the idea of the gospel of God’s kingdom on this video from the Bible Project, and another one here based on the meaning of of the word gospel.

grace

The essential nature of God is love. Grace is that love in overflow. It is that love poured out towards us, not because of anything that we have done to deserve it but simply because of the nature of God. He is love and the nature of love is to give and to give generously and extravagantly. This is how God gives. Grace is the ‘givingness’ of God. What is so amazing about God’s grace is that not only did we not not deserve it but we actually deserved the opposite – because we were sinful and lived as God’s enemies. We actually deserved God’s wrath and punishment. But he chose to pour out his love towards us instead – that’s grace. This grace is experienced as forgiveness when God initially saves us from our sin and spiritual death. We then go on experiencing that grace as the power to live as a Christian. And in a multitude of various ways in which we experience his favour and generosity in our lives. The ultimate gift of grace is his eternal life and the sure and certain hope of enjoying his presence for all eternity.

Further Study: There is a word study on grace from Bible Project here, and a longer study on it from the Baker Dictionary of Biblical Theology here.

heart

Christianity has been called a religion of the heart. This is not speaking, of course, about the physical organ that pumps blood around the body. Rather, it is understood as the inner, governing centre of a person’s character and life. In this sense, the Bible teaches us that everything about our life comes from the heart, and so we must guard it above everything else. The state of our heart will determine the state of our lives and the people we become. We might have a hard or tender heart, a corrupt or pure heart, a bitter or kind heart, and so on. But the heart will determine the life. One of the lessons of the Old Testament is that God is not just looking at our outward actions and displays of devotion. He is looking for hearts that are fully committed to him. We must love God with all our heart. But it also teaches that everyone has a corrupted or sinful heart so that we can never fully obey God’s law. That is why it contains the prophetic promises that there will come a time when God will give us a new heart. The importance of the heart is underscored by Jesus who teaches explicitly that good or evil in a person comes from the heart. In the Sermon on the Mount, he reveals clearly that true obedience is not just about external actions or rule-keeping, but is about the state of our heart. In another parable, he teaches that the word of God must go down deep and get rooted into out hearts to change us and shape us from the inside out. The promise and power of a transformed inner life, from the heart, is central to the gospel.

Further Study: A very interesting word study on the biblical word for heart can be found here from the Bible Project. A longer article on the heart in the Bible is here.

heavenly realms

This biblical theme opens a window into the unseen dimensions of God’s creation, where his divine rule and spiritual activity are most fully realised. This realm is depicted as the dwelling place of God, his angels, and the fullness of his glory (see Psalm 11:4; Isaiah 6:1-4). It is also the sphere where spiritual battles occur, as described in Ephesians 6:12, revealing the cosmic struggle between good and evil that transcends earthly events. The heavenly realms are not detached from the physical world but intricately connected, influencing and intersecting with human history and destiny. Jesus, through his life, death, and resurrection, bridges heaven and earth, bringing the heavenly kingdom near and granting believers access to spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Ultimately, the heavenly realms point toward God’s ultimate purpose: the uniting of all things in heaven and on earth under Christ’s reign (Ephesians 1:10). This theme invites believers to live with an eternal perspective, recognising their citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20) while faithfully advancing God’s kingdom on earth.

Further Study: there is a longer article here on heaven and the heavenly realms. There is also a helpful video here from the Bible Project on the relationship between heaven and earth. The Bible Project also has an excellent series on the spiritual beings in the heavenly realms here.

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the living, personal presence of God, active in creation, in history, and in the lives of believers. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word ruach—meaning breath, wind, or spirit—describes the Spirit’s mysterious and powerful movement. The Spirit gives life, inspires prophecy, empowers leaders, and brings renewal. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is poured out on all believers through Jesus, forming the Church and equipping it for witness and service. The Bible uses rich imagery to describe the Spirit: wind that blows where it will, fire that purifies and empowers, a dove that descends in peace, water that gives life, oil that anoints, and a seal marking God’s ownership. More than a force or influence, the Spirit is God with us—comforting, guiding, convicting, transforming, and making Christ known in and through us.

Further Study. See this article in the series on Key Truths for the Bible Tour. If you are new to the Christian faith, I have written a short article about the importance of the Spirit to the Christian life, in my First Steps series.

Hope

Hope in the Bible is not mere wishful thinking or vague optimism, but a confident expectation rooted in the unchanging character and promises of God (Hebrews 10:23). It often arises in situations of suffering or uncertainty, where God’s people are called to wait patiently and trust that he will act in his time (Romans 8:24–25). This hope is grounded in what God has already done, most supremely in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which Peter calls our “living hope” (1 Peter 1:3) and it looks forward to what he has promised yet to do: the redemption of our bodies, the restoration of creation, and the final victory of his kingdom (Romans 8:18–21; Revelation 21:1–5). Hope sustains the soul like an anchor in the storm (Hebrews 6:19), purifies us as we wait for Christ’s return (1 John 3:3), and strengthens us in endurance and prayer (Romans 12:12). To live with biblical hope is to fix our eyes not on what is seen and temporary, but on what is unseen and eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Further Study: There is an excellent video on the word Hope at Bible Project, and a more detailed study on the theme in Baker’s Dictionary of Biblical Theology at Bible Study Tools.

In Christ

The phrase “in Christ” is one of Paul’s favourite ways of describing the identity and experience of believers. To be “in Christ” means to be united with him in his death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–5), sharing in his victory over sin and death. It is a new realm of existence: those who are in Christ are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), freed from condemnation (Romans 8:1), and blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). This union shapes both our individual identity and our corporate life as the body of Christ, binding us together in love and mission. To live “in Christ” is to draw our life, hope, and future from him, and to see ourselves and our relationship to the world through the lens of our intimate and eternal union with Jesus Christ.

Further Study: there is a substantial article on Union with Christ in the Baker Dictionary of Biblical Theology. There is also a series of posts on ‘the good things we have in Christ’ on this site in the Life Paths: Further Steps resource. Each post recommends further resource so it well worth a look.

inheritance

The idea of receiving an inheritance is a recurring theme in Scripture, not just as a social and legal practice but as an analogy with wonderful theological and spiritual significance. There is the idea of the promised land as an inheritance that God pledged to his people. This, in turn, is a picture of the inheritance that we as Christians receive ‘in Christ’, by virtue of being united to him. This spiritual inheritance is equated at different points in the New Testament to the kingdom of God, eternal life, salvation and to the new creation, when Jesus returns to make all things new. The Holy Spirit is given as a deposit to guarantee this inheritance. As children of God we are heirs with Christ of all that the heavenly Father enjoys to give. God the Father promises the Son the nations and the whole earth as his inheritance. Jesus Christ is, therefore, the heir of all things. There is also the beautiful truth that we, the church, his people, are God’s inheritance.

Further Study: There is a more detailed article about inheritance in the Bible, here.

JUDGeMENT

The essential biblical idea of judgement is the separation of right from wrong, good from evil. It includes both the process of discerning what is just and the outcome of that discernment—whether reward or punishment. Scripture teaches that humanity lives under God’s judgement because of our sin. This judgement is seen not only in the final day to come but also now, in the consequences we face for turning from God’s ways. Again and again in the Old Testament, we see God’s judgement come upon individuals and nations, including the nation of Israel when the turn away from their covenant faithfulness to God and worship false gods and idols. The Christian message affirms that we cannot escape this judgement through our own efforts. Our hope lies in Jesus Christ, who, in taking our place, bears the judgement we deserve. In him, we are forgiven and made right with God, and so there is no longer any condemnation. We can however still suffer the consequences of sinful choices.

Kings

In the Bible, a king is someone appointed to lead, protect, and govern God’s people. The idea of kingship begins to take shape when Israel asks for a king like the nations around them. God allows this, but he reminds them that he is their true King. The first kings—like Saul and David—show both the potential and the danger of human leadership. King David, though flawed, becomes the model of a king who seeks God’s heart and leads with courage and humility. Throughout the Old Testament, the kings of Israel and Judah often fall short, leading the people into idolatry and injustice. But God promises that one day a perfect King would come from David’s line—one who would rule with justice, righteousness, and peace forever. That promise is fulfilled in Jesus, the true King of God’s kingdom. He rules not with force but with love, serving others and laying down his life. When we follow Jesus, we are following a King who is both Lord and servant. One day, he will return to reign fully and make all things new.

All three roles—prophet, priest, and king—were vital in God’s plan for his people, and each one points forward to Jesus. He is the perfect Prophet who speaks God’s truth, the great High Priest who brings us to God, and the true King who reigns with justice and love.

Kingdom

In the Bible, the Kingdom of God refers to God’s reign as King over all things. It’s not just a place, like an earthly kingdom, but the reality of God ruling and reigning. Jesus came announcing that the Kingdom of God was near (e.g. Mark 1:15). This meant that through him, God’s rule was breaking into the world in a new way — healing the broken, setting people free, and restoring what sin had damaged (Luke 4:18-19). The Kingdom is already here because in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, God’s power and love have entered our world (Matthew 12:28). But it’s also not yet fully here —we still live in a world where evil, pain, and injustice exist (Matthew 6:10). One day, when Jesus returns, God’s Kingdom will come in fullness, and all things will be made new (Revelation 21:1-4). When we follow Jesus, we are invited to live under his rule now—to seek his will, live by his values, and work for his purposes in the world (Matthew 6:33). The Kingdom is where God’s will is done, where love, justice, mercy, and truth shape life (Luke 4:43). It starts small, like a mustard seed, but it grows quietly and powerfully into something vast and transformative (Mark 4:30-32).

Further Study: see this longer article in the series on Key Truths for the Bible Tour.

LAW

From the very beginning of the Bible story, in the Garden of Eden, God gave commands for people to follow. They could show their trust in him by following these commands. But from the very beginning we failed. As the story developed in the Old Testament, God gave to his people, through Moses, a codified system of laws for them to follow and so distinguish them from other nations around them. The law, understood in its ancient context, was good. But the Israelites also continually broke God’s law. In fact, one of the main purposes of the Law was actually to expose the fact that, as human beings, we cannot possibly fulfil the law because there is something wrong with us in our hearts. Something called sin. We are, therefore, always bound to fail. We are going to need new hearts if we are able to live in obedience to God, and this is exactly what is promised in the Old Testament prophets. This is why law is sometimes contrasted with the gospel – the good news that comes through Jesus. Jesus came as a man and totally fulfilled the law by loving God and others perfectly, and by taking upon himself the curse that comes from breaking God’s law. As a result we can now put our faith in Jesus Christ rather than try to earn God’s favour by obeying all his laws. At the same time, we can receive a new heart through faith in Christ and receive the Holy Spirit who will help us to learn to live in obedience to God, loving him and others.

Further Study: There is an excellent video from Bible Project on the Law here, and another one which explains more about how to understand the Old Testament law here.

Here is a lightly refined version of your entry—preserving your tone, structure, and flow, but tightening just a few lines for clarity and poetic weight. If you’d like, I can also expand it, shorten it, or shape it stylistically to match your other dictionary entries.

Love

Love stands at the very heart of the biblical story because it stands at the very heart of God. Scripture reveals that God is love (1 John 4:8), and everything he does, from creation to covenant to Christ, flows from this eternal, self-giving nature. In love, God chooses and calls a people to himself (Deut. 7:7–9), shows compassion to the lost and broken (Ps. 103:8–13), and remains faithful even when his people are not (Hos. 11:1–4). In the New Testament, love reaches its fullest expression in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death reveals God’s heart for sinners (Rom. 5:8) and sets the pattern for Christian living: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). This love is not mere emotion but active, costly, and transformative; it is patient, kind, humble, and enduring (1 Cor. 13:4–7). By the Spirit, believers are rooted and grounded in God’s love (Eph. 3:17–19), empowered to love God wholeheartedly and their neighbours as themselves (Matt. 22:37–39). Ultimately, love is the fulfilment of the law (Rom. 13:10), the mark of true discipleship (John 13:35), and the greatest of all virtues, the one that endures when faith becomes sight and hope is fulfilled (1 Cor. 13:13).

natural and spiritual

Although it is unhelpful to separate the sacred and the secular because ‘all the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it’, the Bible does draw a distinction between what we might call the natural and the spiritual. The key to the distinction is that the natural has its origin in the will and effort of man, while the spiritual has its origin in the will and power of God. At the beginning of John’s gospel, a distinction is drawn between our natural birth which is ‘of the flesh’ and by ‘the will of man’, and our spiritual birth which is ‘of God.’ The distinction appears early in the Bible in the story of Abraham who gave up waiting for his promised son and, by his own will and manipulation, had his son Ishmael. Although God brought some good out of it, it led to all kinds of problems. Abraham had to learn to trust God for ‘the son of promise’, Isaac, who was born by the Spirit, by the supernatural power of God. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul uses the two sons (Ishmael and Isaac) as a picture to show that the natural (especially in its religious form) will often be antagonistic to the spiritual. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3, also shows how it is possible to think and react in a ‘natural’ way, which leads to division and conflict. The mature Christian must learn to be ‘spiritual’ in their thinking, responses and motivations.

New Covenant

The New Covenant is the climactic fulfilment of God’s promise to heal the rupture between himself and his people and to write his ways upon the human heart. First announced through the prophets, especially Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jer. 31:31–34; Ezek. 36:25–27), it replaces the old covenant not by discarding God’s law but by internalising it. Its blessings include true forgiveness, an intimate knowledge of God, the gift of the Spirit, and a renewed, obedient heart. Jesus declares at the Supper that his death inaugurates this covenant in his own blood (Luke 22:20), and the New Testament writers see his cross and resurrection as its foundation (Heb. 8–10). The New Covenant gathers Jew and Gentile into one redeemed people (Eph. 2:11–22), empowers transformed living through the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:3–6; Gal. 5:16–25), and anticipates the day when its work will be complete in the new creation. It is, in the end, God’s ancient promise made new, his faithful commitment to form a people who truly know him, bear his likeness, and share his life.

For Further Study: The Bible Project has a great video on The Covenants and it includes the new covenant. There’s a helpful little entry in Bible Hub about it and a longer article in Baker’s dictionary of biblical theology.

pilgrimage

The life of faith is a life of pilgrimage. To be a Christian is to be a pilgrim. This world is not our home. As Christians, we set our sights on a heavenly home, where all things will have been put right and when God will have made all things new. We are passing through this age. To live by faith means we never settle for the lesser things that this world has to offer, but are always moving forward towards this ultimate home. We do so in obedience to the call of God, and live by different values and priorities to those around us.

presence of god

The idea of God’s presence among people is one of the central themes and greatest hopes that runs throughout the entire storyline of the Bible. From Genesis, where we see God walking in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8) right through to Revelation where ‘the dwelling place of God is with people’ (Revelation 21:3), we see the desire and purpose of God to be present among people. This is shown in the various encounters with God that people have in the Bible – like Jacob at Bethel, or Moses at the burning bush – and in dramatic ways such as the pillar of cloud and fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness. But the primary way is through the story of the Tabernacle and the building of the Temple in the Old Testament which become pictures and shadows of this purpose to be present among people. It is not truly fulfilled, however, until the coming of Jesus who was God as a human being making his home among us – literally, ‘tabernacling among us’ (John 1:14). It is also fulfilled through the church which is ‘a temple made with living stones in which God dwells by his Spirit‘ (1 Peter 2:5). And then its ultimate and final fulfilment is in the new heavens and the new earth where there is no temple because God himself is its temple’ (Revelation 21:22). The ultimate purpose of God is fulfilled by his presence among his people.

Further Study: See this article from Bible Project on the theme of God’s presence.

Priests

A priest in the Bible is someone who stands between God and the people, offering sacrifices, praying on their behalf, and helping them stay in right relationship with God. In the Old Testament, priests came from the tribe of Levi and served in the temple. They taught God’s law, pronounced God’s blessing, and helped people deal with sin through offerings and rituals of cleansing. But even the best human priests were limited and imperfect. That’s why the Bible points us to Jesus as our great High Priest. He didn’t offer animal sacrifices. He offered himself. By dying on the cross, Jesus became the once-for-all sacrifice that takes away our sin. He rose again and now lives to intercede for us. This means we don’t need to go through any other person to reach God. We can come freely and confidently to him through Jesus.

All three roles—prophet, priest, and king—were vital in God’s plan for his people, and each one points forward to Jesus. He is the perfect Prophet who speaks God’s truth, the great High Priest who brings us to God, and the true King who reigns with justice and love

Prophets

A prophet is someone called and empowered by God to speak his word to others. In the Bible, prophets often spoke out in times of crisis—confronting kings, challenging injustice, and calling people back to God’s ways. They weren’t just predictors of the future. They were truth-tellers who helped people hear and respond to God. Prophets often brought hard words of warning, but also messages of comfort, hope, and restoration. They taught God’s people, prayed for them, and reminded them of his covenant love. Many prophets in the Old Testament—like Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah—looked ahead to a day when God would send an ultimate prophet who would reveal God’s will fully. That promise is fulfilled in Jesus, who doesn’t just speak God’s word—he is God’s Word made flesh (John 1:14). He shows us exactly what God is like and calls us to live in his truth. The New Testament also teaches that the gift of prophecy continues in the church today. While Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, the Holy Spirit still speaks to and through his people to encourage, guide, and build up the church. We are called to listen carefully, test what we hear, and speak truth in love.

All three roles—prophet, priest, and king—were vital in God’s plan for his people, and each one points forward to Jesus. He is the perfect Prophet who speaks God’s truth, the great High Priest who brings us to God, and the true King who reigns with justice and love.

providence

Providence refers to God’s sovereign care and guidance over all creation to ensure that his purposes are ultimately fulfilled. The idea of providence shows that God is actively involved in the world, sustaining it and orchestrating events, both to achieve his divine plan. It is seen in stories like Joseph’s rise from slavery to power in Egypt, where he declares to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Providence does not eliminate human responsibility or free will but God works through them to bring about his intended ultimate outcomes. God is in control but he is not a control freak, micromanaging every detail. Rather he is able to weave together human choices to work out his eternal plan. Ultimately, it reflects God’s faithfulness and power, assuring believers that he is in control, even in the midst of uncertainty or suffering, and that all things work together for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28).

Further Study: there is a longer and more detailed article on the Providence of God here.

Purpose of God

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals that history is not random but directed by the eternal purpose of God. At creation, God’s design was for humanity to live in relationship with him, reflecting his image and stewarding his world (Genesis 1–2). Though sin disrupted this harmony, God’s purpose never changed. Through the promises to Abraham, the covenant with Israel, and the words of the prophets, he revealed his plan to bless all nations and restore his creation. This purpose comes to its centre and fulfilment in Jesus Christ, through whom God is reconciling the world to himself (Ephesians 1:9–10; 2 Corinthians 5:19). In Christ’s death and resurrection, the decisive victory over sin, death, and evil has been won, and all who trust in him are caught up into God’s unfolding plan. The church, as Christ’s body, is called to live now as a sign and foretaste of this coming renewal. The story reaches its climax in the vision of Revelation, where heaven and earth are made new, God dwells with his people, and the garden becomes a city filled with his glory (Revelation 21–22). God’s eternal purpose is nothing less than the renewal of all things in Christ, to the praise of his glory.

Reigning in Life

The biblical theme of reigning in life is most directly expressed in Romans 5:17 which speaks of how “those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (NIV). Paul contrasts the dominion of death resulting from Adam’s sin with the reign of life made possible through Christ. The phrase “reign in life” points to a transformed existence, marked not by domination of others, but by restoration to our original destiny, to grace-shaped authority, and to a spiritual vitality through union with Christ. This reigning is not reserved for the afterlife; it begins now, in the present, as believers participate in the life of Christ. It is grounded in two gifts: the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. These gifts enable believers to live not as victims of sin or circumstance, but as those who share in Christ’s victory (see Romans 8:37, 2 Timothy 2:12). It reflects the present reality of the kingdom of God, where believers are no longer slaves to sin but live as adopted sons and daughters (Romans 8:14–17), called to exercise Christlike character, freedom, and authority. This theme echoes God’s original intention for humanity to partner with him in ruling the earth (Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 8:4–6) and anticipates the future hope that believers will reign with Christ in the age to come (Revelation 5:10; 22:5). In this sense, reigning in life is both a present reality and a future destiny.

Further Study: this truth is touched on in an entry at Bible Hub on the wider theme of ‘reigning’ in general.

Religious Leaders, and Religion

The New Testament, especially in the Gospels, frequently refer to religious leaders, often portraying them as both key figures in Israel’s spiritual heritage and as opponents of Jesus’ ministry. Leaders like the Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law are depicted as guardians of a religious tradition. But they are also critiqued for their legalism, hypocrisy, and failure to recognise the heart of God’s law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Jesus engages with them directly, challenging their authority and exposing how their outward religiosity often masked inward corruption (Matthew 15:7-9). Despite their opposition, Jesus acknowledges the importance of godly leadership and redefines it as servant-hearted, demonstrating it in his own life and teachings (Mark 10:42-45). After Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles confront similar religious leaders, boldly proclaiming the gospel in the face of persecution (Acts 4:1-21). This motif invites reflection on the dangers of empty religious authority while calling for humility and genuine devotion to God among those who lead his people. It also warns of the danger of true spirituality being distorted into empty religion. This distortion is represented by the elder brother in Jesus’ parable of the two brothers (Luke 15:11-32), who focuses on outward conformity to traditional rules and expectations, missing the transforming power of grace. Similarly, religion in this sense can be described as “a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:5 NIV)—that is, denying the inward, life-changing power of grace and authentic spiritual life. This tension between empty religion and true spiritual life is a central theme in Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

Restoration

Restoration is the biblical promise that God will repair what sin has broken, renewing his people, his creation, and the covenant relationship that lies at the heart of his purposes. The theme runs like a golden thread from Genesis to Revelation. After the exile, the prophets proclaim that God will gather his scattered people, cleanse them, and restore them to life and fruitfulness (Isa. 40:1–5; Jer. 30:17–22; Ezek. 36:33–36; Amos 9:11–15). This restoration is never merely political or geographical: it is spiritual, moral, and relational, marked by new hearts, renewed worship, and restored communion with God.

In the New Testament, Jesus embodies Israel’s promised restoration, healing the sick, forgiving sinners, raising the dead, and announcing the kingdom as the arrival of God’s renewing reign (Luke 4:18–21; Acts 3:21). Through his death and resurrection, believers are restored to fellowship with the Father and set on a path of growing wholeness (2 Cor. 5:17–21; 1 Pet. 5:10). The Spirit continues this work within the church, rebuilding fractured lives and forming a new humanity in Christ (Eph. 2:14–22). Ultimately, restoration reaches its climax in the renewal of all things when Christ returns, the liberation of creation from its bondage to decay and the unveiling of a world made new (Rom. 8:18–23; Rev. 21–22). In Scripture, restoration is not nostalgia but new creation: God making all things whole, fruitful, and alive again under the gracious rule of his Son.

For Further Study: this video on Isaiah 61, from the Bible Project, gives insights into the idea of a restored world. There is an entry on Restoration at Bible Hub, and one on ‘the restoration of all things.’

Resurrection

Resurrection is a central thread of the biblical story, expressing God’s power to bring life out of death and hope out of despair. In the Old Testament, resurrection faith begins with scattered glimpses: God is the one who ‘brings down to the grave and raises up‘ (1 Sam. 2:6); Job dares to hope that his Redeemer will one day vindicate him beyond death (Job 19:25–27); the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 portrays Israel’s restoration as a vision of life from the dead; and Daniel 12:2 looks ahead to a final resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. In the New Testament this hope finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ, whose resurrection is the decisive act of God’s new creation. Raised as ‘the firstfruits’ (1 Cor. 15:20), Jesus confirms God’s victory over sin and death and guarantees the future resurrection of all who belong to him (1 Thess. 4:16). His rising not only assures us of eternal life but also brings resurrection life into the present, as believers are made alive with Christ and empowered by his Spirit (Rom. 6:4; Eph. 2:5–6). Thus, the resurrection both secures our ultimate hope and transforms the way we live here and now.

Further Study: there is an interesting video on eternal life, which is connected to the theme of resurrection at the Bible Project, where you will also find a video on the resurrection of Jesus. There is a more thorough article at Baker’s Dictionary of Biblical Theology.

Revival

Revival in Scripture refers to a fresh movement of God’s Spirit that awakens his people to renewed faith, repentance, and devotion. Often following periods of spiritual decline or compromise, revival brings a return to God’s Word, heartfelt worship, and moral renewal. In the Old Testament, revivals under kings like Hezekiah and Josiah are marked by the repairing of the temple, the rediscovery of the Law, and the cleansing of idolatry (2 Kings 18–23; 2 Chronicles 29–35). The Psalms cry out, ‘Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?’ (Psalm 85:6). In the New Testament, revival takes shape through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), sparking repentance, unity, and bold witness. True revival is not just emotional fervour. It is a deep work of God that reorients hearts toward him, restores the church’s vitality, and often impacts the wider world with the gospel.

Further Study: there is a good entry on revival at Bible Hub.

sacrifice

The theme of sacrifice runs like a thread through the entire Bible. From the earliest chapters of Genesis, key figures such as Noah, Abraham, and Jacob offer sacrifices as a way of drawing near to God in worship. By the time of Exodus and Leviticus, God institutes a detailed system of sacrifices, especially animal offerings, to make a way for sinful people to approach a holy God. Central to this is the idea of substitution—an innocent life offered in place of the guilty. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the ultimate atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:2). His death, though there is mystery in how this works, brings about the forgiveness and reconciliation we all need. All the Old Testament sacrifices point forward to this final and perfect offering (see Hebrews 9-10). While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, we are now called to offer ourselves—our whole lives—as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1), holy and pleasing to God in worship, obedience, and love. 

Further Study: For more on this important theme, see this video from the Bible Project and this longer essay for a helpful overview of the idea from a traditional Christian perspective.

Salvation

Salvation is one of the central themes of the Bible, encompassing God’s work to rescue, restore, and reconcile his people. It begins with God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 14:13), a defining act of rescue that becomes a pattern for future salvation. Yet the Bible reveals that humanity’s deepest bondage is not to Pharaoh but to sin and death (Romans 6:23). The prophets foretold a coming salvation that would deal with this deeper problem and bring peace, justice, and renewal (Isaiah 52:7; Ezekiel 36:25–27). In the New Testament, this salvation is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose name means “The Lord saves” (Matthew 1:21). Through his death and resurrection, Jesus secures forgiveness, freedom, and new life for all who believe (Ephesians 2:8–9). Salvation is both a past event because “you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:5) and also a present process of being renewed (Philippians 2:12), as well as a future hope: we “wait eagerly” for the fullness of our salvation when Christ returns (Romans 8:23–24). To be saved is to be brought into a right relationship with God, rescued from judgment, and made whole, with the ultimate aim that we might share in God’s glory (Romans 5:9–11; 2 Timothy 2:10).

Further Study: Salvation is one of the Key Truths in the Bible Tour and there is an article on it here. You can do a more detailed study at Bible Study Tools or a Bible Hub.

separation

See the entry under judgment.

Serving/Servants

In the Bible, serving is not merely a duty but a defining mark of those who belong to God. From the Old Testament, where leaders like Moses and David are called servants of the Lord, to the New Testament, where Jesus Himself takes the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-7), true greatness is shown through humble service. Jesus declares that he came ‘not to be served, but to serve’ and to give his life for others (Mark 10:45). His followers are called to the same pattern—loving and serving one another, not out of obligation, but as an act of worship (Galatians 5:13). In God’s kingdom, the greatest are not those who dominate, but those who kneel, wash feet, and bear the burdens of others (John 13:14-15). True service is not about status but about love in action, reflecting the very heart of Christ. What we hope for when we finally appear before Christ is ‘well done, good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:23).

Further Study: See Bible Hub on Servants and Service. See Baker’s Dictionary on service and servants at Bible Study Tools

Sound Doctrine (Teaching)

Throughout Scripture, God’s truth is portrayed as life-giving, shaping his people to reflect his character and purposes. In the New Testament, “sound teaching” or “sound doctrine” literally means healthy teaching — truth that nourishes spiritual life and leads to godliness (1 Timothy 1:10; Titus 2:1). It centres on the gospel of Jesus Christ, the message of grace that brings salvation and transforms behaviour (2 Timothy 1:13; 4:3). Sound doctrine is not just abstract theology but practical truth that guards the church from deception and forms believers in faith, love, and endurance. Paul warns that false teaching spreads like disease, while sound teaching builds up the body of Christ in unity and maturity (Ephesians 4:13–15). To hold to sound doctrine is to remain rooted in the apostolic gospel, faithful to Scripture, and open to the Spirit’s work in shaping lives that bear witness to Christ in word and deed.

Sovereignty

The sovereignty of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, affirming that God reigns over all creation with supreme authority, wisdom, and power. He is the Creator (Genesis 1:1), sustainer (Colossians 1:17), and ruler over nations and history (Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 40:15). Nothing is outside his ultimate control. He raises up kings and brings them down (Daniel 2:21), works all things according to his plan and purpose (Ephesians 1:11), and even what humans intend for evil, God can use for good (Genesis 50:20). God’s sovereignty is not cold or distant. It is personal and purposeful, bringing comfort to believers that he is working for their good (Romans 8:28) and that his plans cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2). In both mystery and majesty, God’s sovereign rule assures us that history – and our lives – are held firmly in his hands.

Further Study: there is a detailed entry at Bible Hub and there is a brief entry in our Simple Theological Glossary.

Spiritual Warfare

The Bible reveals that behind the struggles of human history lies a deeper conflict between the kingdom of God and the powers of darkness. From the serpent in Eden (Genesis 3) to the dragon in Revelation (Revelation 12), Scripture testifies that evil opposes God’s good purpose and seeks to destroy his people. Yet this warfare is not a battle of equals: God is sovereign, and Christ has already won the decisive victory through his cross and resurrection (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14). Believers are called to share in this triumph by resisting the devil, standing firm in faith, and living under Christ’s lordship (Ephesians 6:10–18; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8–9). The weapons of this warfare are spiritual — truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, the Word of God, and prayer — because the battle is ultimately not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. The church is both a target of attack and a sign of Christ’s victory, embodying the light that drives back darkness. The story ends with the final defeat of Satan and all evil powers, when Christ reigns in the new creation (Revelation 20–22).

Wisdom

In the Bible, wisdom is the ability to live well in God’s world. It is not merely intellectual or practical skill, but a spiritual orientation rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Wisdom means aligning one’s life with God’s purposes—discerning what is right, just, and good, even when life is complex or uncertain. The Old Testament presents wisdom as both a divine gift and a way of life. Wisdom literature (especially Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes) teaches that wise living involves humility, integrity, and trust in God, not simplistic self-help formulas. At times, wisdom requires wrestling with mystery and suffering. In the New Testament, wisdom finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ, who is called the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). His life and teaching reveal a wisdom that is pure, peaceable, and often upside-down by the world’s standards – the wisdom of God’s different kingdom (James 3:17). Wisdom is available to all who seek it from God (James 1:5), and it is seen not only in knowledge but in how we live—especially in how we relate to others, make decisions, and walk with God.

Further Study: there is an excellent introduction to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament at Bible Project. There is also a helpful article at Bible Hub.

world

The world is a multifaceted theme in the Bible that carries both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context. On one hand, the world is God’s creation, a reflection of his power, wisdom, and goodness, as seen in Genesis 1, where God declares it “very good.” The Psalms celebrate the beauty and order of the created world as a testimony to God’s glory. On the other hand, after the fall, ‘the world’ often represents the sphere of human rebellion against God, a system marked by sin, corruption, and hostility to His purposes (see 1 John 2:15-17 for example). In this sense, the world stands in contrast to the Kingdom of God, a realm of renewal and redemption under God’s good rule. Yet, God’s love for the world is central to the gospel message (John 3:16), culminating in Jesus Christ, who entered the world to redeem it. Ultimately, the Bible envisions the world not as something to be abandoned but as something to be restored, culminating in a new heavens and new earth where God’s glory will dwell forever (Revelation 21:1-5). This dual perspective calls believers to live as exiles in the present world, bearing witness to the coming Kingdom while faithfully stewarding creation and resisting the world’s brokenness

worship

Worship can be understood as ‘worth-ship’ – it is to attribute ultimate worth to someone or something. Everyone worships something. People may worship money, a career, a reputation or even their mobile phone! We effectively worship whatever commands our attention and affection, and what we worship, or love, will shape our soul. We are created and called to worship God alone – to honour, esteem and value God above all things. Worship is to love him with our whole heart, expressed in our words and, most of all, in a life of surrender and obedience. We may enjoy many good things as gifts from God but only the Giver himself is worth our worship. The Bible warns us continually about idolatry, which is to worship, and therefore treat as God, anything other than God. Idolatry diminishes and distorts the soul because we are created, called and commanded to worship God alone. True worship of the God revealed in Jesus Christ is a key theme of Scripture.

Further Study: A brief but helpful introduction to worship can be found in this article, and a much more detailed explanation of it as theme in the Bible can be found in this longer essay.