Bafflegab

I speak two languages, fluently. English and Kiswahili. I have a smattering of abilities in about a dozen other languages. But there is one language which confounds me.

Have you ever had the experience when you were totally confused by the strange language used in a legal document? I call it the Language of Law: Bafflegab for short. You have to be a specialist to understand it. I believe there is a move on to simplify legal language so that the man on the street can understand it. It's no wonder an education in law takes so long: it includes a whole new language, and alternate meanings for many words we always thought we knew.

Take this for example:

Pursuant to the forgoing affidavit, it is incumbent upon the defendant, heretofore the party of the first part, notwithstanding his or her representations, warrants and covenants, to supply to the third party of the second part, hereinafter referred to as, Person X, to appear, without encumbrances, except as aforesaid.

How much more confusing can you get?

Communicating biblical truth has always been a challenge, and good, plain language has always been appreciated. Even the Jews demanded strait talk from Jesus. Listen to John 10:24:

"Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly."

And Jesus eventually made Himself abundantly clear to those who would listen. The Apostle John records what Jesus said in John 16:25:

These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father."

I've heard a few sermons recently, from men who purportedly are servants of God, Ministers of the Gospel, communicators; which left me shaking my head, and wondering what in the world they were trying so desperately to say! The Apostle Paul tells us to shoot straight, and speak clearly. Read 1 Cor. 14:9:

"So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air."

How would you like some plain talk? No bafflegab, or gobbledegook No beating around the bush. No dark mysterious sayings. No secret jargon of a closed elite club. Just plain and simple truth. Try this on for size:

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

That's in Romans 3:23. Then there is that statement of the Apostle Paul which you may have heard, referring to Jesus:

"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

That's plain language. Do you know what it means? It means what it clearly says: everyone is a sinner, and salvation comes only through Jesus Christ.

I hope all my commentaries will be just a clear and plain as that, not just bafflegab!