Replace

To replace the Fallen World System with the Kingdom of God is the gospel the Lord announced to Adam in Genesis 3:15. The world of death shall be replaced by the world of life. Evil is to be replaced by good, not ruled over counterculturally or run from subculturally. This sense of replace is like what happened to Jesus’ body when He was resurrected. His old body was transformed and in this sense was replaced by His new body. But the body that was resurrected was the transformed old body. Thus transform serves as a synonym for replace. Likewise, the New Heavens and the New Earth replace the First Heavens and the First Earth, but not in the sense that the latter gets annihilated from existence and “replaced” by a completely new version of the heavens and earth. The first is transformed by resurrection power into the second. The resurrection is the power of replacing all things ruined with restored versions of themselves, whether that is people or planets or the whole of creation. Christ’s resurrection is bringing about the restoration and transformation of all things, not their annihilation. This process of replacement that began in Genesis 3:15 is about making “all things new,” not making new things (Rev. 21:5).

Also see Counterculture, Kingdomculture, Restitution, Restoration, Subculture, Theosis, and Transformation.

Restitution

In general, in addition to private acts of restitution, a community expression of restitution may also be performed as a Rite of Purification in the Catechumenate and Novitiate. Restitution is distinct from forgiveness in the sense that in forgiveness the guilt of sins committed is absolved while restitution directly restores both the victim and the villain from the consequences of sins according to the standards of restitution as revealed in the Law of God.

Also see Anointing, Confession, Forgiveness, Exorcism, Restoration, Rite of Incorporation, and Rite of Purification.

Restoration

Peter speaks of times of “the restoration of all things” (Acts 3:21) as being the time in between Jesus ascension to heaven and the time when He returns from heaven. During this time evil shall be destroyed and all things ruined by evil shall be restored. Thus we understand that in this present age the mission of the Church is to exhaust evil by destroying evil and restoring all things ruined by evil back to their originally intended state before the Fall. Such restoration then makes transformation possible. With mankind, for example, in Christ’s Incarnation the image of God in mankind is restored. This now makes possible our transformation in the likeness of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus restoration is foundational and leads to transformation.

Also see Replace, Restitution, Theosis, and Transformation.

Revelation

Revelation is the divine communication of the Word by the Creator to creatures through creation, Scripture and by the Spirit. Revelation always comes in the threefold cord of all three of these modes of revelation working together in unity. While each mode of revelation can be distinguished they cannot ultimately be separated because they form a unified whole. This approach to revelation is kingdomcultural and is foundational to the Church being a communion instead of subject to the division of denominationalism.

Also see Convergence.

Rite of Incorporation

Basileia performs Rites of Incorporation for Adult Communicant Members completing the Catechumenate and for Governing Members completing the Novitiate. Baptism and Chrismation are dimensions of the Rite of Incorporation for those completing the Catechumenate who have not yet been baptized. The specific form of the Rite of Incorporation for those completing the Novitiate is ether Commissioning for lay Governing Members, Ordination for Presbyters and Deacons or Consecration for Abbots assuming episcopal authority. Other types of Rites of Incorporation are weddings and infant baptisms (for the sphere of the family) and inaugurations (for the sphere of the state).

Also see Baptism, Catechumenate, Infant Baptism and Novitiate.

Rite of Initiation

The universal Rite of Initiation of all believers into the Body of Christ is Baptism, which is then renewed in every Eucharist. Thus for Basileians who have not been baptized, when they complete the Catechumenate, their Rite of Incorporation will include Baptism.

Also see Baptism, and Rite of Incorporation.

Rite of Entrance

In Basileia, this is the rite by which Catechumens enter the Catechumenate and Candidates for governing membership enter the Novitiate. 

Also see Catechumenate, and Novitiate.

Rite of Purification

In Basileia, this rite is performed as needed in both the Catechumenate and the Novitiate. Forms of the Rite of Purification include 1) anointing with oil and prayer for healing by elders of the Church, 2) exorcism, 3) confession, 4) the formal giving of forgiveness for wickedness, crimes or any other harm done to the Catechumen directly or indirectly by others, 5) formal acts of restitution for wickedness, crimes or any other harm done by the Catechumen to others.

Also see Transformation.

Rite of Renewal

The universal Rite of Renewal of all believers in the Body of Christ is the Eucharist, which in one dimension is a renewal of baptismal vows. A special emphasis is placed on the Eucharist as the renewal of baptismal vows for all believers during the Pascha celebration where worshipers recite the Apostle’s Creed (the form of the Creed used in baptisms).

Also see Eucharist, and Eucharistic Worship.