UnforsakenNew Testament Studies

Ecclesia: The Universal Church and the Meaning of Fellowship

The word Ecclesia (ἐκκλησία) is a Greek term derived from ek (out of) and kaleo (to call). It means "the called-out ones" or "an assembly." It refers to a gathering of believers who have been called out from the world to belong to Christ and to function as His body on earth. The concept of Ecclesia is foundational to understanding what it means to be the Church, how we fellowship, and our mission as the Body of Christ. Let’s break this down with Scripture. The Meaning of Ecclesia The word Ecclesia is used consistently throughout the New Testament to describe both the universal body of...

The Greek word Logos (λόγος) is foundational in Christian theology, particularly in understanding the identity of Jesus Christ and the nature of divine revelation. The word Logos is often translated as "Word" in English but carries profound implications in both Greek philosophy and biblical revelation. Logos appears prominently in John 1:1-3 (NKJV): "In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." The use of Logos here connects...

The first mention of Satan in Scripture appears in Genesis 3:1 where he is introduced as the serpent who deceived Eve. The text states: "Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Has God indeed said, "You shall not eat of every tree of the garden"?'" While the name "Satan" is not directly used in Genesis, the New Testament clarifies the identity of this serpent. Revelation 12:9 declares: "So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world." This passage...

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, recorded in John 4:1-42, reveals the heart of Christ for all people, regardless of their background or sin. This passage is a powerful example of divine pursuit, repentance, and transformation. Jesus Went Out of His Way John 4:4 tells us, "But He needed to go through Samaria." Culturally, Jews would often avoid Samaria altogether when traveling between Judea and Galilee due to longstanding hostilities. Yet Jesus needed to go through Samaria—not out of geographic necessity, but divine purpose. He intentionally pursued this...

The four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—present the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each Gospel offers a unique perspective, and together they provide a complete and divinely inspired testimony of the Messiah. The Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke The first three Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are often referred to as the Synoptic Gospels because they share a similar structure, narrative flow, and content. The term "synoptic" comes from the Greek word synopsis, meaning "a seeing together," as they often present parallel accounts of the same events....

The parable of the Prodigal Son, recorded in Luke 15, is one of Jesus' most profound teachings about God's grace, repentance, and the dangers of self-righteousness. To understand this parable correctly, we must focus on the primary meaning as Jesus intended it, examining the audience He addressed and the core message He conveyed. The Audience: Who Was Jesus Speaking To? The key to understanding this parable begins with identifying the audience. Luke 15:1-2 (NKJV) sets the stage: "Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes...

The concept of "the law" in Scripture is foundational to understanding God's character, human sinfulness, and the need for a Savior. The law reveals God's standard of righteousness and the reality of our inability to meet it. This study will explore what the law is, the distinction between ceremonial and moral law, why Jesus fulfilled the law, and how the law points us to Christ for salvation. What Is "The Law" in the Bible? The term "the law" in Scripture often refers to the commandments and instructions given by God, primarily through Moses. The books most commonly referred to as the...

The Samaritans play a significant role in the Bible, especially in the New Testament narratives where Jesus interacts with them, breaking cultural barriers and offering profound lessons on grace, reconciliation, and the nature of true worship. To fully understand the significance of the Samaritans in Scripture, we must explore their origin, beliefs, historical conflicts with the Jews, and how Jesus transformed the narrative surrounding them. The Origin of the Samaritans The Samaritans trace their origin to the time of the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel around 722 BC....

The account of Zacchaeus, recorded in Luke 19:1-10, is a powerful account of repentance, salvation, and the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. Though Zacchaeus was a wealthy and notorious sinner, Jesus sought him out personally, changing his life forever. His encounter with Jesus reveals the heart of the gospel: no one is beyond God's grace, and true salvation brings transformation. Jesus Passing Through Jericho Luke introduces the account by saying, "Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho." (Luke 19:1). Jericho was a prominent city of trade and wealth, filled with crowds eager to...

The doctrine of atonement is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It deals with the question: How can a holy God forgive sinful man without compromising His justice? The answer lies in the substitutionary, sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. This study will clarify the biblical concept of atonement, the nature of the exchange that took place, and refute the errors of Christ becoming a sinner, the Father forsaking the Son, and Christ suffering in hell for punishment. The Meaning of Atonement: Propitiation and Substitution The word atonement means "to cover, satisfy, or make...

Ecclesia: The Universal Church and the Meaning of Fellowship

Logos – The Word of God Revealed in Christ

Satan: The Adversary, His Nature, Power, and Destiny

The Woman at the Well: Broken and Rejected

The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Law: Its Meaning, Purpose, and Fulfillment in Christ

Who Were the Samaritans?

Zacchaeus: The Wee Man Who Climbed the Sycamore

The Doctrine of Atonement: The Exchange on the Cross

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