Words. I find that the words we use to describe and explain our Christian faith are often not understood by many, (I know the distinction of many is vague and general, but it serves its purpose here). We must take the time to define for people words such as faith, mercy, grace, etc. This is part of preaching and teaching right? Yet the people I come across who readily throw out these words truly have no idea what they mean. My personal problem is that I have taken for granted that people who have been Christians for years know how to biblically define these words.

So, the question is raised; should some of these more difficult words be watered down or removed from our vocabulary? Words such as propitiation, sanctification, predestination, etc. The answer is obvious that we must keep these words as they are biblical. These terms also vividly and beautifully describe, proclaim, and teach us about the glorious gospel of Christ. Let us never get rid of these words, yet we must more diligently teach these biblical truths. Do not assume people are stupid. They aren't stupid or incapable of understanding many of these very simple terms, they are just lazy. Harsh, but true!

Where is all of this leading? Over the past few months or more, it has come to my attention that people really had not concept of mercy and grace. This is of great concern, because these people are "Christians" who don't understand these words. One term that is misunderstood is godly. I soon discovered that I didn't have a great understanding of this word either.

In a way I thought that godliness had to do with personal piety. While this personal piety was was not how you received divine favor it was still something that was achieved through works. As I had never so deeply contemplated this word and in my meditation upon it it became a great source of frustration due to my inability to accurately, biblically define godliness. My understanding prior to this study of godly was lie once we are saved we then must strive to please God and keep ourselves in His good graces by godliness. If one were to accuse me of such a thing I would have utterly rejected that as my stance, but looking back I think that is how some of my teaching has been perceived. Maybe not?

Anyway, Scripture is clear that the only way that we can please God is by grace through faith and not by our works (Eph 2:8-10). This is so that we cannot boast before God; "look at what I've done! Look how good I am!" Repugnant statements in the ears of God my friends. The obedience of faith (Rom 1:5, 16:26), which is a gift of God, is how we please Him, it is through Jesus Christ that we become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). We are not saved by grace and then keep our selves saved by godliness. We are saved by grace, by grace we are kept, by Gods power we are being guarded by faith for a salvation ready to be revealed (1 Pet 1:5).

So, what is godly? What is godliness? Parallel statements in the Psalms have helped me a little in my growth in understanding godly. Psalm 86 is a prayer of David and in this prayer he is asking for the grace to handle particular circumstances. In verse two he states; "Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you- you are my God." (Ps 86:2 ESV) If I am right in the same verse David makes a parallel statement to the very first proposition. The first proposition being; "Preserve my life, for I am godly." This statement if defined by my previous understanding of godly would be inaccurate, but it is the word of God so my understanding must change. What sheds a little light on the first proposition is the parallel statement of; "Save your servant who trusts in you." Not to belabor the point any longer; godliness, being godly is not bound up in personal piety. Godliness is bound up in trust, that is faith.

As the obedience of faith is brought about by the preaching of the Word of God, godliness is brought about in that same obedience of faith as we trust in the promises of God. We put on the newness of life to walk as Christ did and that is by faith, with reliance upon the Spirit, trusting in God. Faith, grace, mercy, trust, belief are not things that are particular to the moment of salvation and then we carry ourselves through. Mercy, grace, faith, trust, and belief are to be with us till glory. God's choosing of us before the foundation of the world, saving us by grace through faith, and the promise to reveal a salvation being kept in heaven by His power through faith is where our godliness is derived. Godly is not by my goodness. We become godly by the grace of God, by his divine favor, that He gives to us even though we are not worthy. Godliness is by faith and trust in our God because He is our God.

Let us biblically define our words and teach them. I am convicted to better understand these words myself. If my understanding of godly is deficient please help me, correcting me with the Word.