Articles
Understanding What We Say
The English language is one whose words seem to readily evolve quickly, depending on usage. For example, the King James Version uses the term “conversation” (cf. Phil. 1:27), but the New King James translates it as “conduct,” which is more in line with modern usage. One might actually misunderstand the meaning of some terms used in the KJV simply because the terms have changed meaning over time due to common usage. It doesn't mean the KJV is 'wrong'; it means the terms have changed meaning over time.
It is this reality of words changing meaning that has led many in our country, who use, abuse, and misuse the English language, to apply meanings to terms used within the Bible that were never meant by the original language. The difference is, where terms do change meaning over time, various [and newer] translations at least still apply the true meaning of the original word used so the modern reader can understand what was meant, whereas some are now purposefully redefining terms to mean whatever they want them to mean, changing the original, intended, meaning into something God never said or meant. You see, if one misunderstands a term used in the KJV, he or she can consult a lexicon or a modern word-for-word translation to gain the proper understanding of the word; if one intentionally changes the meaning of the word altogether, then readers will not have a proper understanding of the word at all, and error is likely to follow.
Because words change meaning, and because some translations are not accurate, it is important we ensure we are studying from one of the modern translations that are literal [word-for-word] or as close as possible. The translations that claim to be thought-for-thought presume to know what the writer was 'really' thinking, instead of taking his actual words, and paraphrase translations are not really translations, and often leave out important words that accurately give the reader the true meaning.
But accurately translated Bibles are not enough. Besides the inaccurate translations and presumptuous translations that insert the translators' beliefs, rather than accept God's teachings, we have many who would change the meaning of words to give meanings God never intended, or who outright redefine words to make them mean whatever they want them to mean. In such an environment, it is no wonder there is so much confusion!
In the interest of clarification, let us consider some important terms used within God's word, how the words are often used today, and what God originally intended. Let us be willing to accept what God intended these words to mean, rather than seek to change them to fit our desires.
The Church. In the New Testament, the original Greek word translated as church has a dual meaning, and both meanings are important to understanding what God meant by the use of the word. The first meaning is that of the called out; in a very real sense, the church is comprised of those who are called out of the world to follow Jesus and His teachings. In Paul's address to the brethren at Rome, he noted they were those who “are the called of Jesus Christ;…beloved of God, called to be saints” (Rom. 1:6, 7). He also reminded the brethren in Thessalonica that God “called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 2:14). The church, as God meant it, is meant to apply only to those who have been called out of the world by the message of the gospel, and who have responded positively to it in obedience to God's will. One who rejects the call and remains in the world, following his or her own fleshly desires, is not a part of the church.
The second meaning is that of an assembly. This could apply generically to other groups not identified as the people of God, such as found in the example of the “assembly” (Acts 19:39-41) of people who had gathered in the theater at Ephesus. But it is applied to the people of God in some cases (cf. 1 Cor. 14:19, 23), where they are specifically gathered together to worship the Lord, teach and learn from one another, and sing songs of praise. It is not coincidental that the called out ones also assemble, for they have a common faith and desire to learn more about God's will for their lives, what they are to believe and teach, and how they are to live. It is in this assembly that the church may be built up in the faith, so this meaning must not be overlooked. One disciple is not the church; one must join with other disciples in an assembly, and when the called out gather together in an assembly, they are truly the church.
Today, though, the church is often identified as the building in which these disciples meet, the Roman Catholic Church, or the combination of the various denominations claiming to be 'Christian' in their beliefs. None of these meanings fit with God's original intent, and usage of the term in these ways should be avoided if we seek to properly identify the church.
Christian. When men misinterpret the term church, it should not be surprising, then, that men will likewise misinterpret or misunderstand the term Christian. As the term is used in the New Testament (cf. Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16), it simply means a follower of Christ. It is only logical that they would be so called, for they were disciples [learners] of Jesus and ones who strive to be like their Master Jesus Christ (cf. Matt. 10:24, 25).
Since it is disciples who are called Christians, then it would be beneficial to know disciples of Christ are those who are baptized believers (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15, 16); they also love Him more than family and even self (Luke 14:26, 27), and forsake all to follow Him (Luke 14:33); they abide in [obey, and are faithful to] His word (John 8:31); they love one another (John 13:35); they come together every first day of the week to commemorate the Lord's death (Acts 20:7); and they help one another when there is a need (Acts 11:29).
The term Christian has been watered down mightily by common usage today, and it is doubtful that some truly comprehend what it means to be a Christian! Nowadays, the term Christian is used as an adjective to describe lawyers, authors, singers, artists, car dealerships, book stores, and parents. Worse still, it is being hijacked by people who have superficial belief in Jesus and who do not follow Him at all, or only when they like what He says. Many wear the name, but live lives that in no way resemble His life or His teachings. Meanwhile those of the world who do not know any better, look upon these sad examples of 'Christianity' and paint a broad brush and call all who wear the name hypocrites. But calling myself a Christian doesn't make me one, anymore than calling myself President of the United States means I actually am President. Let us not deceive ourselves, for God knows those who are truly His (cf. 2 Tim. 2:19).
Let us strive to learn the true meaning of terms used within God's written word. Do not assume the usage you know is the correct meaning; it could be that what you are saying is not what God meant. Do not mislead by misuse, misinterpretation, or even by mistake. — Steven Harper
