There are words that we use that are common to Christianity. "Christianese", I call them. We mostly know these words, although the common usage often makes me question that assertion. One would think, for instance, that we would have a common understanding of common terminology like "justification", "faith", "salvation", you know ... prevalent biblical concepts. We don't.
Of course, there are a couple of problems that often arise when we use these terms. One is the assumption that we know what we're saying. We can end up two people separated by a common language. The other, however, is triggered by the fact that so many of these words carry emotional baggage with them. I once, for instance, pointed out to a class that Paul called himself a "bondslave". "Oh, no!" several of them assured me. "We're not slaves!" Because, you see, "slave" carries emotional baggage.
One of the real killer terms that we use all the time (because, after all, the Bible does) is "sin" or "sinner". This one suffers from both problems. On one hand, while we might think the term is self-explanatory, it turns out that there is disparity in how various ones understand it. On the other hand, it is a trigger term, often turning off listeners before you get to finish your sentence. Tell people, "We are all sinners in need of salvation" and they likely won't hear much beyond that term. This can be disastrous if you are trying to share the gospel (another one of those terms), because they won't hear with that trigger word at the beginning. "What are you saying? I'm a terrible person? I'm evil? I'm bad? I'm not such a bad person! You're just being judgmental, meddling in other people's lives." And so it goes.
In view of this problem, I'm going to try an experiment. I'm going to try to share the gospel without using a single trigger word. Let's see how this goes.
I have a something remarkably good to tell you that you'll want to hear. This is something that is truly amazing and well worth your attention. Of course, in order to help you see the value of this information, you have to know what the problem might be. The fact is that all humans are in crisis. We are creatures, beings who were created. As such, we owe the One who made us our allegiance. Unfortunately, we are in the habit of withholding what we owe in that regard. Each of us has gone independent, has told Him, "No thanks; I'll be my own God. I don't care what You tell me; I will make my own choices." As a result, we are charged with treason against our Maker. And we are guilty of the charge and without recourse except to pay the ultimate penalty. It's bad, folks, really bad. And it's each one of us.
That's where this good news comes in. There is a solution. You see, although each of us has committed this treason and although the penalty for treason is death, God Himself has provided a remedy. It is God's desire to restore a relationship with you. Since the cost of treason is death, He sent His Son to die in your place. His Son lived on this earth and never committed the treason of which we are guilty. Instead, He lived a perfect life. Still, the people around Him performed the worst possible execution they could imagine and He took it. He took it in your place.
Now, at this point you have to wonder, "What does He want from me? Where's the catch? He did all that; what do I have to do?" Here's the deal. His plan is to reconnect with you by giving you a new life. His idea is to remove the animosity between you by loving you even though you are a rebel against Him and to give you His own power. He does this when you recognize that you are indeed without any other alternative and that your only hope is to place all your confidence in His ability to rescue you from your own just penalty of death. That's it. You give Him your trust and He considers your penalty as paid in full. You exchange all your shortfall for His abilities and strength.
Usually when you hear something that sounds too good to be true, it is. Welcome to the exception.
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