Glossary
Understanding the Language
Cross Connect uses theological language because these terms carry important meaning. This glossary provides clear introductions to key words and ideas without removing their depth.
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The vicarious humanity of Christ means Jesus’ humanity on our behalf.
Jesus does not stand apart from humanity. Through His life, death, resurrection and continuing ministry, He acts for us and in our place. Everything humanity could never faithfully accomplish for itself, Jesus has accomplished on our behalf.
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Jesus, though fully God, was also truly man. He is true God and true man.
Jesus entered human life completely. His humanity is central to understanding how He acts for us, represents us and brings humanity into relationship with the Father.
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The divinity of Christ refers to Jesus being fully God.
Jesus is not simply a teacher, prophet or moral example. He is the eternal Son of God who entered the world and revealed the Father through His life, death and resurrection.
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The manifold wisdom of God is the rich, varied and multi-coloured wisdom of God revealed through Christ and made known through the Church.
The word “manifold” communicates the many-sided beauty and fullness of God’s wisdom. This idea is drawn from Ephesians 3:10 and is represented visually through the Cross Connect prism.
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Discipleship is the lifelong process of following Jesus, learning from Him and being formed into His likeness.
It involves more than gaining knowledge. It includes transformation, participation and learning to live in response to the love of the Father through the power of the Spirit.
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Prophetic theology can most simply be described as testimonial witness (Rev 19:10) to the story of Jesus in all things (Acts 3:16-21) into which every believer has been embedded by the grace of God the Father in the power of the Spirit. The test of all genuine "prophetic theology" is that it unreservedly, unhesitatingly and unflinchingly points to him "through whom and for whom all things were created" (Col 1:16).
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The prism is the central visual image of Cross Connect.
Light enters as the single, monochrome holiness of God. It passes through the prism of Christ’s humanity and emerges as the full spectrum of the manifold glory and wisdom of God.
The four points represent where Christ bled - His head, hands, feet and side. The image also represents the Church’s invitation to participate through transparent lives.
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Participation describes the Church’s invitation to share in the life, love and mission of Jesus Christ.
Believers are not simply observers of what Christ has accomplished. Through the Spirit, they are called and empowered to participate in His triune life and His continuing work in the world.
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The Trinity is the Christian understanding of one God revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Cross Connect centres on the love of God the Father revealed in Jesus Christ and made known through the power of the Spirit.
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A testimony is a witness to the identity, work and faithfulness of Jesus Christ.
Testimony may be expressed through personal experience, biblical teaching, writing, audio or video. Its purpose is to direct attention beyond the individual and towards Jesus.
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The Church is the community of people called together in Jesus Christ.
Through the power of the Spirit, the Church is called and empowered to participate in the life and mission of Christ and to make known the manifold wisdom of God.
Ready to explore further?
Begin with our introductory resources or explore the Cross Connect library to discover how these ideas connect to the person and work of Jesus Christ.