When I became a Christian I realized that not only did I have to catch up on my biblical knowledge but that I needed to learn to speak and understand the local evangelical tongue.
I have never been shy about asking questions so this was (and remains) a healthy exercise.
One particular phrase that gets tossed around quite a bit is this:
I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.
As I learned this is a phrase to communicate the fact that one has become a Christian. As I thought about this more and more I have concluded that it is probably not the best way to communicate this truth.
What’s the big deal? Am I just nit-picking? I don’t think so. I think it’s important.
The fact of the matter is this: Jesus is Lord and Savior. That is who he is. He is the Psalm 2 king who is the true begotten of God. Quite frankly, the fact that you or I become a Christian and ‘accept’ this or not doesn’t change this fact. He is and remains Lord, Judge and King of all.
Our conversion to Christ is not about us giving Jesus a personal promotion ceremony, like he is now pinning on the rank of Colonel or General. No, he is the Judge…he is the King.
The question is whether or not he stands over you in judgment or grace. Is the scepter there to crush you like a piece of pottery or to be extended mercifully for you to kiss the Son (Psalm 2)?
I suspect that if I were to needle my fellow evangelical friends in their usage of this phrase they would quickly recover and agree. Most don’t think and operate in the unbiblical categories. However, my concern is that we are not thinking enough. These things (in particular) matter.
Jesus Christ is the universal, cosmic judge. He is the king who reigns. He is the only Savior. He is the beloved Son. He comes to us in the grace of the gospel and commands us to accept these truths, humbly submit to him, and follow him obediently.
Sometimes I regret that I have become so naturalized in my ability to speak the language of Zion that I forget to ask myself what I am saying. I miss the green ignorance of my early days in the faith. It was here that I would come upon words and phrases that I didn’t get and ask questions. It has served and will continue to serve me well in the rich discovery of great biblical truths while shining the spotlight of Scripture on the fuzzy corners of our theology.
So, by all means, ask and answer questions.
