USE OF CERTAIN TERMS:
As we study the Word of God, together, there are a few terms that we might use, whose meaning might change depending on circumstances. To ensure we are on the same page, please familiarize yourself with these terms:
- Church: Whenever we use the word “Church”, we do not speak of any building, but it is a reference in general to those who profess Christianity.
- Ekklesia: This word refers to the body of believers gathered from the world to serve God. It refers to all who call themselves believers.
- End Times: we consider this term interchangeable with the term last days.
- First Covenant: When referring to the Covenant under Moses, scripture calls that covenant, “the first covenant” not Old Covenant. So do we.
- Last Days: We use this term to mean the period from Yeshua’s birth to His Second Coming,
- Man: Scripture refers often to “man”, meaning humankind. Unless the passage itself refers to a particular male person, apply the passage to all humankind. For example, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. Interpret that to mean if any person is in Messiah, they are a new creation.
- Messiah: The Hebrew word for Messiah means anointed One, which, when speaking of the Messiah, refers to Yeshua. In Greek, the word “Christ” is used, which actually means “smeared with grease.” We prefer to use the Hebrew word, Messiah, again as we see this as more honouring to Yeshua.
- Remnant: A remnant differs from church and ekklesia in that it refers to those who, like the prophets in the time of Elijah, did not bow their knees to Baal. Today, these are true believers as God sees them.
- The Tribulation: we consider this term to apply to the seven-year tribulation period.
- Torah: This word, when properly translated means, instructions. Within the Torah God gave instructions for humankind’s moral code of behaviour, His sacrificial system and His dietary regulations. While many believers debate the validity of the latter two, most agree that God’s moral code of behaviour for humankind has not changed.
- YeHoVaH, YHVH: In ancient Hebrew manuscripts, scribes wrote the Hebrew name of God as יְהֹוָה. Today’s manuscripts use LORD. Cëgullah Publishing uses the word “YeHoVaH” or YHVH – meaning the yod, hey, vav, hey of the Hebrew letters. For more information on this subject, please see the Appendix of the textbook.
- Yeshua: According to the angel, our Saviour’s name was Yehoshua. We shorten that name to Yeshua, just like we shorten names such as James to Jim. Thus, we honour Yeshua with His Hebrew name, as much as possible.
Hopefully, understanding these few terms will keep us on the same page.