Different Definitions

   When you are talking to people who are already members of some other religious belief(s), it is especially a good idea to avoid the use of religious terminology. The reason for this is because the religious terminology you may be familiar with may sound very similar to some of the religious terminology your audience may speak, however, the definitions may be different.

   For example, you may talk to a Jehovah's Witness about Jesus. As a follower of Christ, you understand that Jesus is God's only Son, and that He is divine. However, a Jehovah's Witness has a different understanding - they think Jesus is "a son of God", and that He is not divine - they believe that Jesus is an angel. So when you talk to a Jehovah's Witness about Jesus, you should be more specific about who and what Jesus is. When you talk to them about Jesus, and they talk about Jesus, do not assume you are talking about the same Jesus.

   You might find yourself talking to a Roman Catholic about faith and salvation. As a follower of Christ, you understand that by putting your faith in the person of Jesus Christ, you are saved because Jesus paid the price of your redemption, therefore you are reconciled back to God through Jesus. However, a Roman Catholic has a different understanding of faith and salvation - they believe you can get to Heaven by putting your trust in Mary (despite the fact that Jesus is the only Way, and nobody comes to the Father except through Him) so - essentially, Catholics believe Mary can intercede for the sinner. When you talk to a Roman Catholic, be careful to be more specific about what it means to have faith (and whom you should put your trust!) and how salvation works.

   Or, you might find yourself talking to somebody who has absolutely no religious background. When you share the Gospel with them, be specific when you talk to them about God's love. As a follower of Christ, you understand the Bible says "...God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross is our assurance that God loves us. We were dead in our sins, deserving of punishment - but God graciously gave us a means to be saved - that is God's love. However, somebody who is unfamiliar with the Bible may hear you talk about God's love, and they might think God's love means "He is too 'loving' to send sinners to Hell", or they might even think they might be able to earn God's favor. So, when you talk to people about God's love, be careful to explain what God's love really means, because you never know what their assumptions might be. For this reason, you should never tell anybody, "God loves you, and He has a wonderful plan for your life". Because people have all sorts of different ideas about what they think love is.

   And, you might find yourself talking to somebody about having an abundant life in Christ. Somebody who has no understanding of the Bible's teachings might assume that an abundant life means that God wants to give them all kinds of "worldly comforts". They may assume an abundant life means that if they believe in Jesus, they might have a better life, a better marriage, a better job, or that they might even be healed from disease. People who are lost have their hearts set on enjoying worldly comforts. As a follower of Christ, you understand that when the Bible talks about an abundant life, it means having a full life. An abundant life is not about enjoying worldly comforts, it means that your life is filled by God. It means you seek His Kingdom and it's righteousness, and God will be your provider (Matthew 6:33). David understood this when he wrote "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want" (Psalm 23). So, when you talk to people about having an abundant life, be careful to explain to them what the Bible says an abundant life really is, because you never know what their assumptions might be.

Meaningless Religious Phrases

   You should also avoid using meaningless religious sounding phrases, such as "So, where are you going on your faith journey?" The term "faith journey" is a meaningless, all inclusive ecumenical term which is so ambiguous - anybody could be on a faith journey, regardless of what religious faith they may have. In fact, the term is so ambiguous, many people believe that all faith journeys lead to God. This is impossible. Ask them instead if they know where the road they are on is leading them. Does it lead to Jesus? It either does, or it doesn't.

   Do not ever use the phrase "Ask Jesus into your heart". First of all, none of the disciples or apostles ever instructed anyone to "Ask Jesus into your heart" - it isn't in the Bible. Second, asking Jesus into your heart completely bypasses the requirements of faith and repentance. And third, Jesus is not some beggar standing outside the door pleading, "Please let Me in...". Revelation 3:20 is talking about Jesus knocking on the door to the church in Laodicea, not the door to your heart. 

   Do not ever use the phrase "God loves you, and He has a wonderful plan for your life." This is a mix of the seeker sensitive "love gospel" and the "life improvement gospel". This kind of terminology bypasses the fact that there will be eternal punishment for sinners who do not repent, and it leads to people trying to get saved for the wrong reasons. The Gospel is not about self improvement, it is about being saved from the slavery of sin.

   So, here is a list of religious terms, and suggested substitutions you might use in place of them...
SPC

All Scripture quotations, unless noted otherwise are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.