Spiritual Dictionary A - 1

Anti-Christ – “Anti-Christ, meaning all who exalt themselves against the will and work of God…” 3 SM 402

 

Apostasy - "The prevailing spirit of our time is one of infidelity and apostasy - a spirit of avowed illumination because of a knowledge of truth, but in reality of the blindest presumption. Human theories are exalted and placed where God and His law should be. Satan tempts men and women to disobey, with the promise that in disobedience they will find liberty and freedom that will make them as Gods." PK 178

 

Apostolic Succession- “The Pharisees had declared themselves the children of Abraham. Jesus told them that this claim could be established only by doing the works of Abraham. The true children of Abraham would live, as he did, a life of obedience to God. They would not try to kill One who was speaking the truth that was given Him from God. In plotting against Christ, the rabbis were not doing the works of Abraham. A mere lineal descent fom Abraham was of no value. Without a spiritual connection with him, which would be manifested in possessing the same spirit, and doing the same works, they were not his children.

This principle bears with equal weight upon a question that has long agitated the Christian world, -- the question of apostolic succession. Descent from Abraham was proved, not by name and lineage, but by likeness of character.  So the apostolic succession rests not upon transmission of ecclesiastical authority, but upon spiritual relationship. A life actuated by the apostles’ spirit, the belief and teaching of the truth they taught, this is the true evidence of apostolic succession. This is what constitutes men the successors of the first teachers of the gospel” DA 467

 

Apparel – Clothing to cover oneself physically or spiritually. A symbol of ones spiritual state of being.

A lengthy description of rebellious Israel’s apparel. Isaiah 3:16-26

Apostate Israel approaches Jesus and requests that they eat their own bread (doctrine), wear their own apparel (righteousness), but they want to be called Christians. Isaiah 4:1

Apparel of angel is white. Acts 1:10

Christian women to adorn themselves in modes apparel not with broidered hair, costly array, pearls, but only that which becomes a woman professing Godliness. I Timothy 2:9-10

God will punish all who are in strange apparel. Those who dress in their own clothing. Zephaniah 1:8.

Godly wives not to display with gold and apparel but are to wear a meek and humble spirit. I Peter 3:1-6

Haman states that to bless one whom the king loves they must be given special apparel. Esther 6:6-11

Jesus in His red apparel of judgment. Isaiah 63:1-3

Joab hires a wise woman to pretend to be a mourner to deceive David. II Samuel 14:1-3

Merchants of the world sold all kinds of apparel. Ezekiel 27:24

Micah bribes the Levite with food, silver, and apparel. Judges 17:10

Mordecai dressed in royal apparel – blue, white, fine linen, purple, and a crown of gold. A symbolic prophecy of the clothing in heaven. Esther 8:15

Paul coveted no mans silver, gold, or apparel. Acts 20:33

Saul clothed the daughters of Israel in scarlet and ornaments of gold. II Samuel 1:24

Tamar is dressed in garments of many colors – she was a virgin of the king. She was defiled by Amnon and she rent her garment. II Samuel 13:17-19

The apparel of Solomon’s servants was a factor that influenced the Queen of Sheba. I Kings 10:5

The wealth and apparel of the heathen will be given to Judah. Zechariah 14:14

When David finished grieving over the death of his son, he washed, anointed himself and changed his apparel. II Samuel 12:20

When the Levites were established they had on apparel that one could tell that they were Levites. Ezra 3:10

You are sinning if you treat people differently who are dressed in poor apparel than those who are dressed in goodly apparel. James 2:1-10 See Clothing, Raiment, Garments

Apparel- (Modest I Timothy 2:9) “This forbids display in dress, gaudy colors, profuse ornamentation. Any device designed to attract attention to the wearer or to excite admiration is excluded from the modest apparel God’s word enjoins.” MYP 351

 

Appeal – making a decision for Jesus – “In every discourse fervent appeals should be made to the people to forsake their sins and turn to Christ.” EV 280

 

Appeal – “It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convince the soul of its need of Christ. Many are convicted of sin, and feel their need of a sin-pardoning Saviour; but they are merely dissatisfied with their pursuits and aims, and if there is not decided application of the truth to their hearts, if words are not spoken at the right moment, calling for decision from the weight of evidence already presented, the convicted ones pass on without identifying themselves with Christ, the golden opportunity passes, and they have not yielded, and they go farther and farther away from the truth, farther away from Jesus and never take their stand on the Lord’s side.

Now the minister is not merely to present the Word of God in such a manner as to convince of sin in a general way, but he is to lift u Christ before his hearers. Christ’s claims upon them are to be made plain. The people should be urged to decide just now to be on the Lord’s side.” EV 283

 

Appeal – “Throw off all appearance of apathy, and lead the people to think that there is life or death in these solemn questions, according as they shall receive or reject them. As you present testing truth, ask often, who is now willing, as they have heard the words of God, pointing out their duty, to consecrate their hearts and minds, with all their affections, to Christ Jesus

 

Archangel – Strong’s Concordance – a Chief angel.

Jesus descends from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel… I Thessalonians 4:16

Michael the archangel. Jude 9

Michael leads the angels in the war in heaven with satan and his angels. Revelation 12:7-10

Michael contends with the devil over the body of Moses. Jude 9

Michael assists and supports Gabriel. Daniel 10:13

Michael referred to as one of the Chief Princes. Daniel 10:13

Michael is referred to as Daniel’s Prince. Daniel 10:21

Michael stands up to deliver Daniel’s people at the end. Daniel 12:1

See Michael, and see Prince.

 

Ark- "The ark, the symbol of His Presence." 1 SP 404

 

Ark of the covenant – “In the most holy place stood the ark, a chest of precious wood overlaid with gold, the depository of the two tables of stone upon which God had inscribed the law of Ten Commandments.” GC 412

 

Armour of God – Ephesians 6:13-17

Loins girt with truth. V. 14

          Breastplate of righteousness. V. 14

Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. V. 15

Shield of faith. V. 16

Helmet of salvation. V. 17

Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. V.17

 

Arrow – A weapon delivered from a bow to either kill physically or to cause one to the change their thinking on a spiritual plane. CO

“A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow." Proverbs 25:18

“Their tongue is an arrow shot out, it speaketh deceit…” Jeremiah 9:8

          Arrows of conviction. RH 1/5/1886

          Arrows of Satan. 13 MR 314

          Arrows of temptation. CON 28

          Arrows of Words of Christ. GW 150-151

          Arrows of wrath. RH 1/5/1886

          Evil speaking is like poisoned arrows. VSS 139

          Preaching is like arrows from the Lord’s Quiver. 14 MR 672

The words of the Apostles were as sharp arrows of the Almighty. AA 45

          See Bow

 

Arrows – “When the rabbis learned of the presence of Jesus at Matthew's feast, they seized the opportunity of accusing Him. But they chose to work through the disciples. By arousing their prejudices they hoped to alienate them from their Master. It was their policy to accuse Christ to the disciples, and the disciples to Christ, aiming their arrows where they would be most likely to wound. This is the way in which Satan has worked ever since the disaffection in heaven; and all who try to cause discord and alienation are actuated by his spirit. “ DA 275

 

Arrows – “Jesus watched with deep earnestness the changing countenances of His hearers. The faces that expressed interest and pleasure gave Him great satisfaction. As the arrows of truth pierced to the soul, breaking through the barriers of selfishness, and working contrition, and finally gratitude, the Saviour was made glad…” DA 255

 

Associates - disorderly - When a brother or sister is so focused on arguing and disagreeing that they can not discuss the Bible in a holy manner, and neither are they open to change then withdraw yourselves from associating with them.  Attempt to work with them to reconcile and to be at peace and harmony with them. Matthew 18:15-17.  If after trying several times then you  must withdraw from them and wait for God to direct you and them. CO

Titus 3:8-10; II Thessalonians 3:6,14-15; I Timothy 6:1-5; II  Timothy 2:23-25; I Timothy 1:3-7; II Timothy 3:1-5; II Timothy 4:1-4; Titus 1:9-16

 

Astrologers – Those who believe that the stars, planets, sun, and moon influence the lives of men and who choose to consult these rather than the living God.  In every story in the Bible the stargazers and consultants of the planets always come up short in their contests with live and with life’s God. CO

Josiah destroys all who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, to the

moon, to the planets, and to the hosts of heaven. II Kings 23:5

Worshipping the hosts of heaven, using enchantments, observing times, witchcraft, familiar spirits, and associating with wizards are among the list of evils that Manasseh performed against God. II Chronicles 33:1-9

God promises to destroy the astrologers, stargazers, monthly prognosticators because they divert the attention away from God and these can not deliver. Isaiah 47:11-14

God states that the stars and the dead can not give truth only God can do that. When anyone tells you to seek light anywhere else than from God it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:19-20.

In all the contests for secret knowledge God’s people always come out on top, in contrast to the astrologers, for they have access to the Living God, the One who knows the end from the beginning. Daniel 1:20; 2:2,10,27; 4:7; 5:7,11,15

 

Atmosphere of Heaven- “The melody of praise is the atmosphere of heaven.” ED 161

 

Atmosphere of grace – “…It is the atmosphere of grace which surrounds the soul of the believer, the Holy Spirit working upon mind and heart, that makes him a savor of life unto life, and enables God to bless his work.” COL 298

 

Avenues to the Soul- “All should guard the senses, lest Satan gain victory over them; for these are the avenues to the soul.” 3T 507

 

Axe – to the root of the tree – “John laid the axe to the root of the tree. He reproved sin, fearless of consequences, and prepared the way for the Lamb of God.” EW 154