Pilgrim Primer
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Pilgrim Primer: Prophet
A prophet, or navi, serves as God’s spokesperson, communicating divine messages rather than personal thoughts. While often associated with predicting the future, their main role focuses on forth-telling, confronting sin, and calling for repentance. True prophets must pass strict biblical tests, with theological fidelity prioritized over miraculous signs. In Christianity, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment…
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Pilgrim Primer: Apostle
The term “apostle,” derived from Greek, means “one who is sent,” equating to a missionary. In the New Testament, it describes those sent to preach and establish churches, including figures like Paul and Barnabas. However, the unique role of “The Twelve,” eyewitnesses of Jesus, remains distinct and closed, unlike the ongoing missionary function of apostleship.
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Pilgrim Primer: Atonement
The word “atonement” literally means “at-one-ment,” describing the reconciliation of two parties who were estranged. In scripture, it refers to the saving work of Jesus Christ, by which He bridged the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. The need for atonement is based on God’s perfect justice. Sin creates a barrier between God…
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Pilgrim Primer: Propitiation
Propitiation is a theological concept denoting the appeasement of God’s wrath against sin. It stems from His just nature reacting to human sinfulness. The New Testament presents Jesus’s death as the propitiatory sacrifice, satisfying God’s justice while enabling forgiveness. This act distinguishes propitiation from expiation, which addresses guilt removal.
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Pilgrim Primer: Intercession
Intercession is the act of pleading for others, particularly in prayer. It is a responsibility for believers, who are commanded to pray for everyone, including leaders. Jesus Christ is the ultimate intercessor, advocating for believers, while the Holy Spirit also intercedes within them, guiding their prayers according to God’s will.
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Pilgrim Primer: The Ketuvim
The “Ketuvim” is the Hebrew word for “Writings” and is the third and final major division of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible), following the Torah and the Nevi’im. This section is the most diverse of the three from a literary perspective. While the Torah contains the Law and the Nevi’im contains the Prophets, the Ketuvim…
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Pilgrim Primer: The Nevi’im
The “Nevi’im,” meaning “Prophets,” is the second major division of the Tanakh, following the Torah. It records Israel’s history through prophetic narratives in the Former Prophets, covering events from conquest to exile, and includes oracles from the Major and Minor Prophets, emphasizing themes of repentance, judgment, and restoration.
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Pilgrim Primer: The Torah
The Torah, meaning “instruction” in Hebrew, comprises the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Traditionally attributed to Moses, it encompasses diverse literary forms and underscores God’s creation, covenants, and laws. In the New Testament, it affirms the need for divine grace through Christ.
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Pilgrim Primer: The Bible
The Bible comprises 66 books written over 1,500 years by about 40 authors from diverse backgrounds, asserting its authority as the “Word of God” through the principle of inspiration. This doctrine emphasizes God’s role as the ultimate author, ensuring coherence and divine authority in its teachings across both the Old and New Testaments.
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Pilgrim Primer: Prayer
Prayer is communication with God, where believers express thoughts, adoration, confessions, and requests. Unlike viewing prayer as a mystical force, it is an action reliant on God’s response. An answered prayer reflects God’s will, not merely favorable outcomes, aiming to deepen reliance on Him and align personal desires with divine wisdom.
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