From the Stacks

SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

FROM THE STACKS

Ambiguous Language am-big-u-ous 1. Open to more than one interpretation: an ambiguous reply. 2. Doubtful or uncertain: lacking clarity of meaning.

Ambiguous indicates the presence of two or more possible meanings (American Heritage Dictionary).

Vague statements are capable of leaving the wrong impression and increase the possibility of deception. Some statements need to be qualified (“modified, limited, or restricted in some way”) in order to know exactly what is meant by the one communicating.

Noncommittal answers fail to give the proper response when we are bound to give a defense for our faith (1 Peter 3:15)! The truth of God’s Word (John 17:17) is perfect (James 1:25) and is our objective standard (John 12:48).

Consider the following statements keeping in mind the definition of ambiguous language (Open to more than one interpretation).

“I believe the Bible.”

It is noble for one to state that they believe the Bible! Does this individual believe the Bible is a “good book” or do they believe and recognize it as the authority in all spiritual matters? Do they believe the Bible when it doesn’t conflict with their religion, lifestyle, tradition, creeds or associations?

But reject it when it is applied specifically as being the final authority? Many believe the Bible, but few faithfully obey its teachings (Matthew 7:21-23).

What do they mean when they say “I believe the Bible”?

“Baptism does not save.”

Does this ambiguous statement conclude that baptism cannot save alone or is it saying that baptism is not essential to salvation? The Apostle Peter records: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:18-21). Baptism saves, but not removed from faith (Hebrews 11:6); repentance (Luke 13:3); and confessing the name of Christ (Acts 8:37).

Vocal music is a part of Christian worship (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Mechanical instrumental music in worship is sinful! During the lifetime, and in the writings of the apostles, Christian praise is never described with musical instruments, only the human voice and heart.

“We don’t have music in the church.”

Now and again, a well-intentioned member of the body of Christ will say “we don’t have music in the church.” They generally refer to the absence of mechanical instruments of music in the worship.

The statement is ambiguous. The church of Christ does have “music” in its worship. We practice “vocal” acappela music in our assemblies. Our singing praise to God is a type of spiritual sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15). There is power in singing to: 1.

Teach. 2. Admonish. 3. Encourage, and 4.

Motivate.

Ambiguous language is detrimental to the cause of Christ and to the faithful transmission of the Word of God.

Neil W. Anderson gets to the heart of the matter by writing: “Ask questions of those who teach you and your children. Hold their teachings up to the light of God’s Word. When people say they believe something, ask them to explain what they mean or apply it to a situation. Don’t just assume that because they are using the same phrase as you would that they mean the same thing. They may, but they may not – be alert (Gospel Advocate, March 2000, 3).

Steve Miller

"Noncommittal answers fail to give the proper response when we are bound to give a defense for our faith (1 Peter 3:15)!"