word become a cliché? Because too many Christians use it too glib ly among too many people who do not know what it means. It has become sort of a code word among Christians when talking among themselves. In that one word Chris tians rightly see all of the complex concepts of salvation: man's sin, its penalty and the removal of that penalty by Christ's death and res urrection. If a non-Christian were a seri ous scholar of biblical literature, there is a chance he might know what the Christian means by the word saved. But that is an extreme ly remote possibility. Instead, for people today the word saved has more to do with putting their money in the bank than it does with becoming ready for heaven. This technical Bible word simply has no salvation point of reference to the non-Christian. Does this mean Christians should quit using the word? Of course not. But they must work harder to make themselves understood. When they use the word with someone who understands it incorrectly, they must explain it or employ it in a way which shows its real signifi cance. The Christian must be his own translator and interpreter when it comes to the man on the street. Better yet, Christians should practice putting Bible truth into their own normal, natural expres sions. This will require serious self- discipline. The doctrine of salvation by per sonal faith in Christ is just as true —and our presentation of it just as effective—even when we do not use the words we usually associate with our message. The Holy Spirit is Page 19
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