Bible Words for Families
Modern Burlap · Family Scripture Library
Bible words we use.
Grace. Covenant. Gospel. Salvation. Christians say these words often. This growing family glossary helps children—and grown-ups—understand what they mean in Scripture without turning rich ideas into slogans.
Read the suggested passages together. The definitions below are starting points, not replacements for the passages themselves.
Gospel
Good news. In the New Testament, the gospel announces what God has done through Jesus Christ—His kingdom, His death for sins, His resurrection, and the call to repent, believe, and follow Him.
Read: Mark 1:14–15 · 1 Corinthians 15:1–5
Grace
God's undeserved favor and generous gift. We do not earn God's grace by becoming impressive enough. The New Testament speaks of salvation as God's gift.
Read: Ephesians 2:4–10 · Titus 2:11–14
Faith
Trust in and reliance upon God. Biblical faith is more than agreeing that something is true; it involves entrusting ourselves to God and responding to Him.
Read: Hebrews 11:1–6 · Romans 4:18–25
Sin
Our rebellion against God and failure to live according to His good will. Scripture describes sin as both what people do and a power from which humanity needs rescue.
Read: Romans 3:21–26 · Romans 6:20–23
Repentance
Turning toward God and away from sin. Repentance includes a changed mind and direction; where we have harmed someone, genuine repentance should take truth and repair seriously.
Read: Mark 1:14–15 · Luke 19:1–10
Forgiveness
The release of guilt or debt. Christians receive God's forgiveness through Christ and are called to forgive others. Forgiveness does not require pretending harm was acceptable or remaining in an unsafe situation.
Read: Matthew 6:9–15 · Ephesians 4:31–32
Covenant
A binding relationship established with promises and responsibilities. Covenants help organize the Bible's story—from Noah and Abraham to Israel, David, and the new covenant announced in Scripture.
Read: Genesis 12:1–3 · Exodus 19:3–6 · Jeremiah 31:31–34 · Luke 22:14–20
Salvation
God's rescue. Scripture uses salvation language across the Bible for deliverance, forgiveness, reconciliation, new life, and the final hope of God's people.
Read: Luke 19:1–10 · Ephesians 2:1–10 · 1 Peter 1:3–9
Redemption
Release or rescue at a cost. The Bible uses redemption language for God's deliverance and, in the New Testament, for what Christ accomplishes for His people.
Read: Exodus 6:6–8 · Ephesians 1:7–10
Kingdom of God
God's reign and rule. Jesus announces God's kingdom as good news, demonstrates its power, teaches His followers how to live under God's rule, and points toward its future fullness.
Read: Mark 1:14–15 · Matthew 6:9–13 · Luke 4:16–21
Disciple
A learner and follower. Jesus calls disciples not merely to collect information about Him but to follow Him, learn His way, and participate in His mission.
Read: Mark 1:16–20 · Matthew 28:16–20
Church
The people who belong to Christ—not merely a building. The New Testament describes the church as a body, a household, a people gathered for worship, teaching, fellowship, prayer, service, and witness.
Read: Acts 2:42–47 · 1 Corinthians 12:12–27
Resurrection
Being raised from death to life. Christian hope centers on Jesus' bodily resurrection and looks forward to the resurrection of God's people—not merely the survival of a memory or idea.
Read: John 20 · 1 Corinthians 15
Holy Spirit
God's Spirit. Scripture speaks of the Holy Spirit as personal and divine: present in God's work, given to Christ's people, teaching, empowering, producing fruit, and helping the church bear witness to Jesus.
Read: John 14:15–27 · Acts 1:8 · Galatians 5:16–26
Keep the words attached to Scripture.
A short definition helps us begin, but biblical words often gather meaning across many passages. When a child asks what a word means, open one of the passages together and notice how the Bible itself uses it.