This glossary offers brief definitions of key Christian terms — foundational concepts that shape faith, practice, and relationship with God. Each entry is designed to provide clarity and orientation, especially for readers exploring Scripture, theology, or spiritual questions.
Some terms may include links to longer reflections or articles that explore the topic in greater depth. These extended pieces offer space to wrestle with nuance, biblical context, and personal application — and will be added as time allows.
Whether you’re new to Christian faith or revisiting familiar truths, this glossary invites you to reflect, explore, and deepen your understanding of what it means to walk with God.
Deeds / Works
- Deeds
- See Works.
Works / Deeds
- Works and Deeds
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In Christianity, works or deeds are not the means by which we earn salvation or God’s love — they are the evidence of faith already received. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Yet genuine faith is never idle. As James writes, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17).
Works are the outward fruit of an inward transformation — signs of a heart aligned with God. They do not initiate relationship with God, but they reflect it. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, a believer is known by the love, mercy, and justice they live out (Matthew 7:16; Micah 6:8).
Key distinction:
- Works do not earn salvation.
- Works reveal salvation.
This tension — between grace and action — is not contradiction but completion. Faith is the root; works are the fruit.