Definition: Oneness Pentecostalism is a theological movement within Pentecostalism that rejects the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Instead of understanding God as three distinct persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in one essence, Oneness Pentecostals teach that there is only one God who reveals Himself in different "modes" or "manifestations" — primarily as the Father in creation, the Son in redemption, and the Holy Spirit in regeneration. This belief is known as Modalism , a view historically deemed heretical by mainstream Christianity, including Reformed Baptist traditions, because it denies the distinct personhood within the Godhead. Key Beliefs of Oneness Pentecostalism Rejection of the Trinity : Oneness Pentecostals believe that the doctrine of the Trinity compromises the unity of God. Instead of God existing as three co-equal, co-eternal persons, they believe that God simply presents Himself in different forms or roles. Scriptural Basis Clai...

Definition : The Order of Created Things refers to the structured and intentional sequence of creation as described in the Bible, particularly in Genesis 1 and 2, where God creates the universe, the earth, and all its inhabitants in a specific order. This concept emphasizes the purposeful design and hierarchy established by God in creation, revealing His wisdom, sovereignty, and the intended relationship between humanity and the rest of creation. For Reformed Baptists, this doctrine underscores God’s authority over creation and the distinct roles assigned to creatures, particularly humans as image-bearers tasked with stewardship. Key Aspects of the Order of Created Things: Sequential Creation in Genesis : According to Genesis 1, God created the world in a systematic sequence over six days, moving from creating the physical universe to forming living creatures, culminating in the creation of humanity on the sixth day. Each day’s creation builds upon the previous, revealing a carefully ...

 Definition  The doctrine of being "One with Christ" refers to the believer’s union with Christ . It is a foundational concept in Reformed Baptist theology, emphasizing that through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit , believers are spiritually united with Christ. This union is not just a symbolic or external relationship, but a deep, transformative, and mystical reality that affects every aspect of the believer’s life, both in terms of their position before God and their daily conduct . This union enables believers to share in Christ’s death, resurrection, and righteousness , making them spiritually alive and empowered to live for God's glory. Biblical Support for "One with Christ" : Union with Christ in His Death and Resurrection : Through faith in Christ, believers are united with Him in His death and resurrection . This union with Christ's death is essential to the believer’s freedom from the penalty and power of sin. In Christ’s resurrection, bel...

Universalism is the theological belief that, ultimately, all people will be saved, regardless of their personal faith in Christ or their actions throughout their lives. This doctrine holds that God's love and mercy will eventually extend to everyone, and no one will be eternally lost. While Universalism emphasizes God’s mercy, Reformed Baptist theology sharply rejects this belief, affirming that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, and not everyone will be saved. In Reformed Baptist theology , Universalism is not accepted, as it contradicts key doctrines of salvation, atonement, and election as revealed in Scripture. Reformed Baptists emphasize the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, and they adhere to the biblical teaching of particular redemption —the belief that Christ’s atoning sacrifice was specifically for the elect, not for all people universally. Key Points of Universalism : Universal Salvation : Universalism teaches that God's love will eventually r...

Definition : The Moral Will of God refers to God's revealed desires and commands concerning human behavior, which reflect His holy character and standards for righteous living. It encompasses God's ethical directives given to humanity, primarily through Scripture, about how individuals should live in obedience to Him. It is distinct from God's sovereign will (His overarching plan and purpose in the world) and His dispositional will (His general attitude towards humanity), focusing specifically on what is morally right and pleasing to God. Key Aspects of the Moral Will of God: Revealed in Scripture : The moral will of God is expressed in Scripture, where God provides clear commandments and instructions about how humans should live in relation to Him and others. These include commands about love, justice, mercy, and holiness. Exodus 20:1-17 – The Ten Commandments, which provide a fundamental moral framework for how people should relate to God and one another. Matthew 22:3...

Definition : Mormonism refers to the religious teachings and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as the Mormon Church. It is based on the belief that God revealed additional scripture beyond the Bible, primarily the Book of Mormon , alongside other texts such as the Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price . Founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century in the United States, Mormonism asserts that it is the restoration of true Christianity that was lost after the death of the apostles. Key Beliefs of Mormonism: The Nature of God : Mormonism teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are distinct beings who are united in purpose but not in essence. They reject the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, teaching instead that God the Father was once a mortal man who became a god, and that humans have the potential to become gods through obedience to God's commands and the teachings of the LDS C...

Definition : A mortal sin is a term primarily used in Roman Catholic theology to describe a serious sin that results in the loss of sanctifying grace, leading to eternal separation from God unless repented of. In Catholicism, mortal sin is distinguished from venial sin , which is a less serious offense and does not break one’s relationship with God. However, from a Reformed Baptist perspective, the concept of mortal sin is not explicitly used in the same way. Reformed theology teaches that all sin, regardless of its perceived severity, is serious before God, and any sin can lead to eternal separation from God if unrepented. Key Beliefs on Mortal Sin: Nature of Mortal Sin (Catholic Understanding) : In Roman Catholic theology, a sin is considered mortal if it meets three conditions: Grave Matter : The act itself must be gravely sinful (e.g., murder, adultery, theft). Full Knowledge : The person committing the sin must be aware that the act is a grave violation of God's law. Delibera...

Definition : The mortification of sin refers to the intentional, ongoing process by which a believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, actively resists, suppresses, and puts to death the power and practice of sin in their life. This term is deeply rooted in biblical teaching and was emphasized by Reformed theologians, particularly John Owen. Mortification involves the believer’s struggle against sin, seeking to live in holiness and conformity to Christ, while recognizing the ongoing presence of sin within. Key Biblical References: Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Galatians 5:24 – “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Romans 6:11 – “So you also must consider yourselv...

Definition : The Mosaic Covenant refers to the covenant made between God and the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, as recorded in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It is called the Mosaic Covenant because it was mediated through Moses, who acted as God's representative to the people of Israel. This covenant established the laws, commands, and guidelines for Israel’s relationship with God and set Israel apart as His chosen people. The Mosaic Covenant is often referred to as the Old Covenant in Scripture, and it plays a significant role in biblical theology, particularly in understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws that were intended to govern every aspect of Israel’s life as a nation and as God's people. Key Biblical References: Exodus 19:5-6 – “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples. For all the earth is mi...

Definition : The Mosaic Law refers to the body of laws, commandments, and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses, primarily found in the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch ). The law is considered foundational to the life and governance of the people of Israel, and it covers a wide range of areas, including moral behavior, religious observances, civil laws, and ceremonial practices. It is divided into three main categories: moral law , ceremonial law , and civil law . The Mosaic Law was a key feature of the Mosaic Covenant and was intended to govern the relationship between Israel and God, as well as the society in which they lived. While the law is central to Israel's identity as God's chosen people, in the New Testament, Christians understand that the law's ultimate purpose was to point forward to Christ. Key Components of the Mosaic Law: Moral Law : The moral law includes the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and other ethical commandments give...

Definition : The Mystical Body refers to the concept that all believers, both living and dead, are spiritually united with Christ as part of one collective entity. This concept is grounded in Scripture, particularly in the teachings of the Apostle Paul, and describes the Church as a living organism, with Christ as its head, and each believer as a member of that body. It emphasizes the deep spiritual union of believers in Christ through the Holy Spirit, forming the true Church, not merely as a human institution but as a divinely constituted and supernatural reality. The Mystical Body of Christ is often contrasted with the visible Church, which refers to the external, organizational aspects of the Christian community. While the visible Church may have imperfect members and be prone to human failings, the Mystical Body is pure, holy, and united in Christ, as it is constituted by all true believers. Key Concepts: Union with Christ : The idea of the Mystical Body is rooted in the doctrin...

Definition : Mystical theology is a branch of Christian theology that focuses on the direct, personal experience of God, particularly through a deep spiritual union with Christ. This experience often involves the work of the Holy Spirit and emphasizes the internal and transformative aspects of the believer's relationship with God. In the Reformed Baptist tradition, mystical theology is not about esoteric or subjective experiences disconnected from Scripture but is understood as the deepening of one’s faith through the means that God has ordained—chiefly the Word, prayer, and the sacraments. Reformed Baptists reject any form of mystical theology that deviates from or is independent of Scripture. For them, genuine mystical experiences are always in harmony with the truths of the Bible, and such experiences are primarily understood in terms of sanctification, communion with Christ, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Key Concepts: Union with Christ : Central to mystical the...