{"id":61986,"date":"2025-11-17T10:41:43","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T07:41:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=61986"},"modified":"2025-11-19T19:22:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T16:22:21","slug":"why-do-christians-say-praise-the-lord-jesus-or-shalom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2025\/11\/17\/why-do-christians-say-praise-the-lord-jesus-or-shalom\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Christians Say \u201cPraise the Lord Jesus\u201d? Or \u201cShalom\u201d?"},"content":{"rendered":"

QUESTION:<\/strong>
\nI\u2019d like to understand\u2014when we say \u201cPraise the Lord Jesus,\u201d what exactly do we mean? Who should say this greeting, and why do some people say \u201cShalom\u201d instead?<\/p>\n

ANSWER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The phrase \u201cPraise the Lord Jesus\u201d<\/strong> is a declaration that Jesus is worthy of praise because of the good work He accomplished here on earth.<\/p>\n

Jesus is the only person who willingly gave up His heavenly glory and authority to come live on earth for one purpose: to redeem us from our sins. He suffered greatly, was tempted, died, and then rose again. Now He lives and sits at the right hand of God as our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:25).<\/p>\n

Through Him, we receive forgiveness of sins, healing of diseases, victory over Satan, blessings, and direct access to God without any barriers\u2014through His blood (Hebrews 10:19-22).<\/p>\n

Someone like this absolutely deserves to be praised. That\u2019s why \u201cPraise the Lord Jesus\u201d is an eternal greeting, expressing gratitude for the light and salvation we have received through His good work.<\/p>\n

Who Should Say It?<\/strong><\/p>\n

No one is forbidden from saying it, but if a person says \u201cPraise the Lord Jesus\u201d without understanding why Jesus deserves praise, it becomes hypocritical\u2014and God hates hypocrisy (Matthew 23:28).<\/p>\n

For example, if someone is not yet saved and says \u201cPraise the Lord Jesus,\u201d they should ask themselves: Praise Him for what, since He hasn\u2019t done anything in their life yet?<\/p>\n

It would be like a lost person saying, \u201cPraise Satan\u201d\u2014what would they have to praise Satan for if they have no relationship with him? (Though a traditional healer might say it sincerely because they believe they gain something from Satan.)<\/p>\n

This greeting or declaration is most appropriate in worship settings\u2014such as sermons, teachings, songs, prayers, and so on\u2014because that is where Jesus\u2019 work is most clearly demonstrated.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, \u201cShalom\u201d<\/strong> is a Hebrew word meaning \u201cpeace.\u201d<\/strong> Anyone can use this word, whether saved or not, because it is more of a general greeting than a statement of faith. It\u2019s similar to how we say \u201cHow are you?\u201d\u2014anyone can say it.<\/p>\n

But \u201cPraise the Lord Jesus\u201d is a faith-based phrase that should be spoken only by those who have put their trust in Jesus.<\/p>\n

May the Lord bless you.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Please share this good news with others!<\/p>\n

\n