Old Words - New Meanings

    Students of languages find it fascinating to note how words change in meaning. The better dictionaries often track the history of an English word through the centuries. In giving an old definition, they rightly label it obsolete or archaic.
    Some words have special importance to Christians and we should be alert to their changing meanings. For example:
     Earlier, Bible-believing Christians were called Fundamentalists, a term specially scorned in Britain. In Latin America all Protestants are "Evangelicals." For the most part they are Bible-believing Christians, because without the Holy Spirit few expatriates had the stomach to take on Rome. Now most Evangelicals in Latin America are Pentecostal/Charismatic in doctrine.
    In North America perhaps forty years ago Evangelicals tried to enhance their PR image by going in for higher education and intellectualism. This maneuver has succeeded in eliminating some of the opprobrium. But the romance has meant that many leaders wish to retain the name Evangelical, while endeavoring to harmonize with Liberals on key doctrines. They see nothing contradictory in saying that Jesus was the "Son of God," yet for part or most of His career on earth, He did not even know who He was! Others use the abounding resources of the English language to prove that they believe in the Inspiration of Scripture without actually saying so!
    The moral: Do not subscribe to everything called evangelical.
    As we see the free fall of professing Christendom, it is good to remember even in Sardis there are a few names of those who have not defiled their garments. He who had the sevenfold Spirit of God said that most were dead though they had a name that they were alive. The Lord surely knows those who are His. What is more, no man can pluck them out of His hand. Some even in Sardis are worthy to walk with Him in white....
    Also, be cautious of the words born again. The phrase is used of anyone who makes a new start in life. Most politicians know how to use this expression for their own profit at the polls.
    The word assemblies is used in some circles for congregations which aspire to practice New Testament Church truth. Now a few "assemblies" have given up some or most of the distinguishing qualities, yet still crave to be sheltered under this umbrella.
    Other words have mutated. Sodomites are now called gays. Even for straights, in the wedding ceremony, "Till death do us part" reads "till someone better is found."
    Some cherished Bible words are stretched to far greater meanings. Crucified means maltreated. Hell is used for any kind of trouble, war, fire, earthquake, famine, prison, torture, and even for what is very good. In modern literature it is a word for anything extreme.
    This latter perversion is significant because the adversary would like to take away any fear of the fact. The respected King James translation is not always consistent. It uses "hell" for the Hebrew sheol 30 times, but also "grave" 31 times, and "pit" three times. In the New Testament it is used for Hades, in Acts 2:27.
    Hades is rendered "hell" ten times, grave once, in the New Testament. This word is also used for Gehenna 12 times. What is the final state of those who endlessly repulse or ignore God's offer of friendship and forgiveness?
fear
weeping, wailing
memory, regret, sorrow
grinding of teeth, frustration, hatred, anger
judgment, damnation, perdition, punishment
darkness, outer darkness, like wandering stars
fire, flame, brimstone
fire, eternal, unquenchable
bottomless pit, abyss
perpetual torment, the second death
anger of God
the devil and all demons
    A painful list? Remember there is only one document in the world which tells us authentically of heaven and the love of God. It also with perfect honesty tells us of God's anger, and the eternal condition of the lost.
    A man who was very wealthy died and was buried. He found himself in unabatable torment. Only then, he became distressed about others, his brothers. It was too late. The lesson is: we must warn people while they and we are alive. After that, no opportunity.
    By God's mercy and the blood of the Lamb, I will never stand before the Great White Throne. But the Church will doubtless be with the Bridegroom. How will I feel to see some to whom I discontinued witnessing, then on the wrong side, and forever?
    God shall wipe away all our tears. No one will be judged unfairly due to my failure. But this is the time, and the time is short.

R. E. Harlow, published in Missions magazine, April 1994