In this series of posts, we’ll look at some of the terms used to try and capture what we believe and value. Words have meaning, but divorced from context they could be misunderstood. Understanding how words are defined and used is essential, so this week we’ll look at what we mean by: evangelical.
The word itself comes from the Greek word for “gospel.” So in it’s broadest sense, an Evangelical is one who believes the biblical gospel or good news of Jesus Christ. More specifically, the term has its roots in the 1700s where its distinctives were four-fold:
- An emphasis on conversion or being born again;
- An emphasis on viewing the Bible as God’s word and authoritative;
- An emphasis on the teachings of the death and resurrection of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and new life;
- An emphasis on sharing the gospel.
Click the “Distinctives” category below for more posts in this series.