CHRISTIANESE 1.2: Getting Saved

ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY

In the first section of this module, we looked at some Statements of “Faith” surrounding the evangelical idea of Getting Saved.

In this lesson, we will look at some key vocabulary that build upon this distinct concept.

altar call: when the preacher asks people to come to the front of the auditorium and publicly commit or recommit their lives to Jesus Christ (usually takes place at the end of a service and accented with emotionally manipulative music)

ask Jesus into your heart: a shorthand way of referring to the evangelical conversion experience

born again: a person who has converted to a personal faith in Christ (referred to as a “born-again Christian” inspired by John 3:3)

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3, NIV)

every head bowed and every eye closed: put your head down and close your eyes!! (the preacher says this during the altar call)

I see that hand: sometimes the preacher asks people to raise their hands instead of coming forward if they “made a decision for Christ” (often says this when when there are NO hands raised)

personal Lord and Savior: core of the evangelical conversion experience; put your faith in Christ; he is YOUR best friend

to redeem: to gain/regain something with payment (in normal English); Jesus buys you back with his death and resurrection (in Christianese English) — paid who?? God?? devil?? (unclear)

seeker: someone who attends church but isn’t (really) Christian

seeker-sensitive: entire churches or just a version of the church service that are geared toward casual Christians or non-Christians (sermon topics are more about personal development or focused on style/entertainment rather than theology)

sinner’s prayer: conversion prayer (originating in Baptist churches) which focuses on confessing your sins, inviting Jesus into your heart, and accepting him as your personal lord and savior (this makes you born again)

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name, Amen. — example courtesy of Billy Graham (capitalize pronouns for deities??)

soul-winning: successful evangelizing and proselytizing; if you can get someone to become a Christian, then their soul has been “won” by Christ (and you helped! lol)

testimony: the story of how you became a Christian as well as your current relationship with God/Jesus (often shared publicly during mission trips, summer camps, and evangelistic events)

Until next time, remember: salvation is free, but the emotional baggage costs extra.