In biblical contexts, ‘privy’ refers to being shared in confidence or having access to secret knowledge. It describes a state of being informed about matters not known to the general public, often relating to divine councils or intimate trust.
The phrase ‘die to self’ refers to a Christian theological concept of putting aside one’s own desires, ambitions, and ego in order to follow Christ. It is based on biblical passages such as Galatians 2:20 and involves surrendering personal will to God’s purposes.
Proverbs 5 is a biblical chapter focused on the dangers of adultery and the importance of marital fidelity. It uses metaphorical language to contrast the fleeting allure of an illicit relationship with the lasting stability of a committed marriage.
In biblical usage, “preeminent” describes something or someone that holds supreme rank or authority above all others. The term translates Hebrew and Greek words meaning “first,” “chief,” or “foremost,” and is applied to God, Christ, and certain virtues within Scripture.
Making disciples refers to the process of teaching others about a particular belief system, often used in religious contexts to describe spreading and nurturing faith.
In Christian theology, ‘falling short of the glory of God’ refers to the state of human imperfection and sin. It describes the gap between a flawed human condition and the absolute holiness and perfection of the Divine.
Following Jesus is a central concept in Christianity referring to the intentional act of adopting the teachings, ethics, and lifestyle of Jesus of Nazareth. It involves a commitment to spiritual discipline, moral transformation, and service to others.
The statement that God is just refers to the theological and philosophical claim that God acts in accordance with moral perfection, upholding fairness, righteousness, and impartiality. This concept is central to theistic traditions and involves debates about the nature of divine justice in relation to human suffering and moral responsibility.
This phrase serves as the opening invocation of the Lord’s Prayer, a central prayer in Christianity. It establishes a familial relationship between the believer and God, while acknowledging His divine transcendence and sovereignty.
The name Zhenyu is a Chinese given name with meanings rooted in virtue and excellence.