Christians use many words that are confusing. They are confusing to unbelievers and sometimes even to believers. This "language" has been called "Christianese." Here is a list of the most popular cliches and phrases and their translations.
Note: This isn't to say that all of these cliches are bad or wrong; they're not. However, this page will help people understand the language that may be foreign to them.
The cliche: "Walk with God"
In a sentence: I want to "walk with God."
Translation: Walking with God refers to many things. Typically, praying, worshiping, obeying, and serving God.
The cliche: "I've been backsliding"
In a sentence: "I've been backsliding."
Translation: This phrase refers to sin. More specifically, when a Christian was following Jesus Christ, but has began sinning without repenting.
The cliche: "I'm saved"
In a sentence: "I was lost, but now I'm saved."
Translation: The term saved is what people say when the mean they have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. When someone is saved, they are saved from hell and are Heaven bound.
The cliche: "washed/covered by the blood"
In a sentence: "I have been washed/covered by the blood of Jesus Christ."
Translation: This phrase is referring to salvation. Being covered or washed by the shed blood of the innocent, sinless God, we can be saved. His blood covers our sins. We don't have to worry about being righteous enough for Heaven. Jesus Christ was perfect and He died for us. If we believe this, we are covered and washed by His blood.
The cliche: "sanctified"
In a sentence: "I'm being sanctified."
Translation: Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus Christ--in mind and deed.
The cliche: "trinity"
In a sentence: "The trinity has been around since the beginning."
Translation: The trinity or the triune God is Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit. Trinity isn't the most accurate word because, beyond our mind's comprehension, Jesus Christ, God and the Holy Spirit are all exactly the same.
The cliche: "amen"
In a sentence: "In Jesus' name, Amen."
Translation: Amen literally means "so be it". It is a term that refers to agreement.
The cliche: "be with us"
In a sentence: "Be with us, God."
Translation: God has promised to be with us. He is faithful. It is part of His character. He is everywhere, always. Saying this shows a lack of faith and knowledge of God's Word.
The cliche: "rapture or raptured"
In a sentence: "Before the tribulation, the Christians will be raptured."
Translation: Rapture refers to when the Christians will leave this earth and go to Heaven. They will be there with Jesus Christ and the angels.
The cliche: "signs of the times"
In a sentence: "I see so many signs of the times."
Translation: The Bible is a prophecy book, the only one like it. In the Old and New Testament scriptures, the events that precede the rapture and the 2nd coming of Christ are mentioned. When people see these things occurring, they have seen the signs of the times.
The cliche: "on fire for God"
In a sentence: "I'm on fire for God!"
Translation: No, this doesn't have anything to do with setting yourself on fire. Being on fire for God means being excited about Him and loving Him deeply. God is consuming fire and He lights a symbolic, not literal, fire in our bones when we are deeply devoted to Him.
The cliche: "crucify myself (yourself)"
In a sentence: "I have to crucify myself and become like Christ."
Translation: No, this doesn't mean you need to literally crucify yourself. Christians are to "die" to their selfish and unholy desires. Just like Christ was crucified on the cross, we need to "crucify" our sinful desires.
