“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.” (Hebrews 1:1-2, New Living Translation)
“Christian-ese” – Words used within Christian circles that have no meaning to those not yet initiated into the circle.
Examples (not an exhaustive list) – washed in the blood …redeemed … holy … saved … in the word …
The last one (in the word) is often used in reminding us that we need to spend time studying the Bible. “You won’t grow if you’re not spending time in the word.”
That statement is completely true because Bible reading and study are incredibly important to spiritual growth.
But there is a more important “in the word” concept. In fact, it is of eternal significance.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning … The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-2,14, New International Version)
These verses in John and Hebrews make it clear that the eternal message of God is found in the eternal and final Word: Jesus. The word (small “w” – the Bible) is the written revelation of the Word (capital “W” – Jesus, God’s complete self-revelation).
The phrase “in Christ” appears 91 times in the New Testament. The phrase “in the word,” referencing the message of the gospel, appears 2 times.
It seems that the most important question is: Are you living in the Word that became flesh?
Question: What are some other “Christian-ese” phrases that are sometimes confusing?
Please leave your phrases below. I think there might be some surprises on the list.
