Understanding Terms

The way most people use language in this Country it is not surprising that those who hear are confused. I read one writer this morning (I won’t do him the courtesy of mentioning his name and publication) who said Mrs. Trump (in her speech to the Republican Convention last night) used “phrases from Michelle Obama’s 2008 speech at the Democrat Convention.” When comparing the two, it is true they used the same words at times, and even the same structure. What he didn’t say was that those particular “phrases” are so common that to make reference to those thoughts would probably be phrased the same way by any of us.

On the other hand, sometimes people say things that most Believers would never say. . .at least I hope that is true. I have heard it many times in the past, and now it is being said about Mike Pence, chosen to be running mate for Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election.

“He is a ‘born-again’ Christian.” Hello? That’s the only kind of genuine “Christian” there is. Anyone who isn’t “born again” isn’t a Christian. I know that because the reference is to Jesus telling Nicodemus – “You must be born-again.” (See John 3:3ff)  Since that is a Biblical Truth, and has no other reference in life, it would follow that short of being “born again” one is outside the grace of God. (One might say “counterfeit” Christian as opposed to “genuine” Christian. And that is exactly what I mean by word usage that confuses people.)

Some would ask, “Do you want us to stop using the words “born again?” No. I want us to stop using the word “Christian” for those folks who haven’t been “born again.” It confuses people. It brings reproach on our Savior. It leads people to believe that because they have been “baptized,” or “attend Church,” or were born in America (and any number of others reasons) they are “Christians.”

See? It is the Truth that matters. The whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth.