This glossary provides clear definitions of key terms and concepts used in the study of Scripture, prophecy, and eschatology. Understanding these terms helps readers interpret the Bible accurately and engage more deeply with its message of faith, hope, and Christ’s ultimate victory.
Biblical Interpretation & Theology Terms
Exegesis: The careful interpretation and explanation of a biblical text to discover its original meaning. The word comes from a Greek term meaning “to draw out.” Good exegesis draws meaning out of the text (rather than reading our own ideas into it), considering the original language, historical setting, and literary context to understand what the author intended and how the first readers would have heard it.
Hermeneutics: The broader principles or methods used to interpret Scripture. While exegesis is the practice of interpreting a text, hermeneutics is the theory behind how interpretation works.
Theophany: A visible or audible manifestation of God’s presence, such as the burning bush in Exodus 3 or Isaiah’s vision in the temple (Is 6).
Revelation: God’s act of making Himself and His truth known to humanity. This includes both special revelation (Scripture and Christ) and general revelation (creation and conscience).
Typology: The study of Old Testament persons, events, or institutions as foreshadowing New Testament realities fulfilled in Christ, such as the Passover lamb pointing to Jesus.
Teleology: Teleology comes from the Greek word telos, meaning “end” or “purpose.” It refers to the study or understanding of things in terms of their ultimate goal or design. In theology, it points to the truth that history and creation are moving toward a divinely intended purpose—the glory of God revealed in Christ and the renewal of all things.
Eschatological Timeframes & Events
Eschatology: Eschatology is the study of the “last things”—God’s ultimate plan for history and creation. It includes topics such as the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, final judgment, heaven and hell, and the new heavens and new earth. Biblical eschatology looks not only to the end of time but also to the fulfillment of God’s purposes through Jesus Christ.
Olivet Discourse: The Olivet Discourse refers to Jesus’ prophetic teaching about the end times, delivered on the Mount of Olives and recorded in Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In it, Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem, coming trials, false prophets, His return, and the need for His followers to stay watchful and faithful.
Parousia: Parousia (Greek for “coming” or “arrival”) is a New Testament term for the second coming of Christ. It describes the visible, glorious return of Jesus at the end of the age to raise the dead, judge the nations, and establish His eternal kingdom.
Rapture: The term “rapture” refers to the event described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, where believers are “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air. Interpretations vary: some see it as a distinct event before a period of tribulation (as in Dispensational Premillennialism), while others view it as part of Christ’s single, triumphant return at the end of the age.
Resurrection: Resurrection is the act by which God raises the dead to a new kind of physical life. It is not the same as what a doctor may do in resuscitating a person whose heart has stopped. It is much more. One is changed from mortal to immortal, perishable to imperishable. Paul uses the analogy of the difference between a seed and the plant it becomes (1 Cor 15:36-38). The Bible teaches that Jesus’ resurrection is the firstfruits—the guarantee—of a future resurrection for all people: believers to eternal life and the wicked to judgment. This central Christian hope affirms the victory of life over death through Christ. Many would see the Rapture and the Resurrection as being the same event; others have them as distinct.
Some commentators will use “Rapture” and “Resurrection” interchangeably; others will mean something different by the terms but do not provide a clear definition of each. Some will also be inconsistent in how they use these terms. Make studying eschatology even more difficult. Caution should be used, therefore, to try to understand what is meant by the use of these terms.
Second Coming: The Second Coming refers to the future, visible return of Jesus Christ to earth in power and glory. At His coming, He will defeat all evil, raise the dead, judge the nations, and bring His redeemed people into the fullness of His eternal kingdom. The Second Coming is the great hope of the Church and the climax of redemptive history.
Millennium: The “thousand years” mentioned in Revelation 20, representing Christ’s reign. Interpretations vary across premillennial, amillennial, and postmillennial views as to the nature of this period and the length, with some seeing it as a literal 1,000 years, while others see it as symbolic of a long period of time.
Tribulation: A period of great suffering or testing before Christ’s return, described in both the Olivet Discourse and Revelation.
Armageddon: The final conflict between God’s forces and the powers of evil before the end, symbolized in Revelation 16:16.
Great White Throne Judgment: The final judgment of all the dead, described in Revelation 20:11-15.
New Heavens and New Earth: The renewed creation that follows the final judgment, where God dwells with His people (Rev 21-22). The Bible uses both the plural and singular versions of “heaven.” There does not generally seem to be a difference in meaning intended with either use.
Lake of Fire: The place of final punishment for Satan, his followers, and the unrepentant (Rev 20:14–15). This is the place many use the term Hell for.
People and Beings in Eschatology
Antichrist: A figure or system that opposes Christ and deceives many. Interpretations vary: a future individual, recurring historical forces, or symbolic opposition throughout history. Paul uses the term “lawless one” to point to a similar figure.
False Prophet: A deceiver leading people astray through counterfeit signs or teachings (Rev 13:11-18).
Beast: A symbolic figure in Revelation representing worldly powers opposed to God’s kingdom, often associated with the Antichrist.
Satan: The personal, spiritual adversary of God and His people, ultimately defeated by Christ (Rev 12; 20).
Saints: A literal translation is “holy ones.” God’s people—believers redeemed by Christ, whether on earth or in heaven. The Bible does not use the term for a special class of believers who are higher or holier than others. Once Christ has redeemedvus, those before or after Christ, we are all saints, holy through His sacrifice for us.
Kingdom & Salvation Themes
Kingdom of God (or Heaven): God’s rule and reign, inaugurated by Christ’s first coming and consummated at His return.
Glorification: The final stage of salvation, when believers are made perfect and share fully in Christ’s eternal glory. It is at this point that all promises are fullfilled, we gain our full inheritance in Christ.
Redemption: God’s act of rescuing His people from sin and death through Christ’s sacrifice.
Covenant: The binding relationship God establishes with His people, central to understanding His redemptive plan through history.
Bride of Christ: The Church, symbolizing believers’ covenant relationship with Christ (Rev 19:7-9).
Symbolic & Literary Elements
Apocalyptic Literature: A style of writing that uses vivid imagery, symbols, and descriptions of visions to reveal spiritual realities and God’s ultimate triumph over evil. Books such as Daniel and Revelation are primary examples. This genre often arises in times of suffering or persecution and offers hope by showing that God is in control and that His kingdom will prevail.
Seal, Trumpet, and Bowl Judgments: A series of symbolic judgments in Revelation illustrating God’s justice and sovereignty.
Babylon: A recurring biblical symbol for worldly power, idolatry, and opposition to God’s people.
Lamb: A title for Jesus Christ in Revelation, representing His sacrificial death and ultimate victory.
New Jerusalem: The holy city in Revelation 21, symbolizing God dwelling with His people in the renewed creation.
For those who are interested in a more in-depth study of Revelation and eschatology, visit the Theology › End Times section at the top of each page. There you’ll find articles that explain key themes and perspectives on biblical prophecy and the hope we share in Christ’s ultimate victory and glory.
At Cultivating Faith, our desire is to help you grow deeper in God’s Word. You are free to use or adapt this study for personal or group study. May God bless your time in His Word and cultivate faith, hope, and love in your life.
Until the next time we see you here at CultivatingFaith.org, God Bless!
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