Now looking back my Christian life (received Christ as Redeemer and Lord in my 1st year college in Austin, TX), there are few things that I wish I had in my college years.

(i) Reformed Confession of Faith (particularly the Westminster Confession of Faith)

(ii) the Study Bible (NIV Study Bible was the only one that was available, but now I recommend the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible (NIV), because the notes are better than the Reformation Study Bible (ESV) & it has WCF and the Three Forms of Unity in the back: a winning combination, or ESV Study Bible)

*Note: The MacArthur Study Bible is coming out in ESV but since I don’t own one I can’t recommend it (not sure how dispensational his notes are)

(iii) and of course, Cornelius Van Til’s Defense of Faith

(iv) finally, wish I had joined a Reformed congregation when I was younger

If you are on your own at some college campus, surviving through KCF’s & some application driven preaching somewhere, I suggest you take hold of those three that I mentioned above (possibly with the fourth one): You can’t go back to “just read your bible and pray” Christian life.

The reason why I mentioned above items is because: I would have known and appreciated the Gospel of Jesus Christ in clearer way (this makes life and death difference). If you utilize the resources above (that is, you actually sit down and read through the books), you would not become a victim of the Legalism, which is no Gospel at all.

So what I am about to say regarding Legalism can be found in the Reformed tradition, particularly in the Westminster Confession of Faith.

This is my plea: Read the Confession.
You will say the same thing to others, once you taste the Westminster Standards.

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The very first thing that I want to mention is: You CANNOT confuse Justification & Sanctification.

Traditionally, the confusion between the two very important doctrines occurred in the Roman Church. Some accuse Roman church for placing Sanctification before the Justification (I’m sure you have heard people saying Roman Catholics teach works-righteousness (you earn your salvation through your works) whereas the protestants got Justification by faith alone right thanks to Martin Luther). As far as I know (after reading the Trent, Vatican II, Catholic Catechism, Hans Kung’s Justification; yea, he’s liberal, I know), that is completely false. The Rome never taught or teaches “salvation by works.” Never! They emphasize “Salvation not by works but by Grace.”

HOWEVER, the problem lies in their confusion of the Justification and Sanctification in “Christian” (not a pagan) life. It (Catholic teaching) goes something like this:

You are saved by grace alone. Human beings do not contribute to their own salvation (we agree). But you do not and cannot know infallibly that you are saved (we disagree: Read WCF Ch.18 or Lager Catechism Q.80). (We can understand what Catholics are saying because (i) you never heard God’s voice confirming your salvation, (ii) remaining sin in our Christian life often makes you wonder whether you are saved or not). Since you CANNOT know for sure that you are saved, you now must perform good works. Then, at the judgment seat, God “may” give you the pass (WCF LC Q&A 90 talks about final acquittal at the consummation but this differs substantially from what we are saying about the Catholic teaching).

Did you get that? The justification of the sinners is contingent upon the success of the sanctification of the believer’s life. As my advisor taught me, the contention of the Reformation was not so much about the Justification by faith (Luther) vs. Works (Catholics), but rather the Assurance of Salvation. So the Reformers mocked them by saying, “Does Pope know? (that he is absolutely, infallibly saved)” Since Catholic teaching never allows you to have assurance of your salvation, Catholic teaching de facto becomes works-righteousness in the end. It’s no different from other religions of the world.

*Justification comes at the outset of Christian life, independent from your good works: it’s declaration of pardon by God; it’s judicial; it depends on Christ’s work & merit. And we receive it by faith “alone.” The traditional (yet still helpful) language that is used to describe Justification is IMPUTATION; imputation of Christ’s righteousness to sinners.

*Sanctification is the life of a sinner who is declared just by God (by virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection) in the power of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of mortifying sin remaining in our lives. However weak you may become/feel about your Christian life, your Justification stands. That is, you cannot lose your salvation because it (salvation) never really depended on your performance in the first place.

Today’s lesson: Do not confuse Justification and Sanctification. Stand with the Reformed tradition on these doctrinal teachings (read ch.11, 13, 16, 18 of Westminster Confession of Faith)

One of the deadliest schemes that Satan uses against the saints is Revivalism. You may ask, “Isn’t revival good thing? People repenting and coming to Christ?” Yes. But not the Revivalism. What is revivalism? I would define it as:

Anchoring one’s Christian identity not in ordinary means of grace but in extra-ordinary means of grace.

Notice, I am not equating Revivalism as Emotionalism. There is tendency in many conservative Reformed churches that showing any kind of emotions during worship as “superficial, inauthentic.” No, God uses emotions. Look at the saints in the Bible after meeting God face to face. No one was un-emotional: fear, gratitude, joy, confusion were the way men responded to a living God.

God uses ordinary means (Word, Sacraments, Prayer) to communicate his grace to his children. Sure, there is a room for extra-ordinary means of grace because God is God. At the end of the day, God can use any means for his own purpose. But that is not his modus operandi.

Are you one of those Christians saying, “I need conferences, retreats, etc to get closer to God”? God can use those to strengthen you. But if you IGNORE ORDINARY MEANS OF GRACE, it becomes “quest for illegitimate religious experience” (borrowing R. Scott Clark’s term).

I as a pastor am fighting (i) Legalism (will post more about this) and (ii) Revivalism in 2nd gen Korean Americans. Both forms are not the Gospel and people fall away from Christ/Church because they never were rooted in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Word of God.

If you are wondering, “in this retreat, I didn’t feel as much as my last retreat,” God will say this to you: my grace is sufficient for you. Now start LIVING a Christian life: loving God and loving neighbor as yourself in Christ.

Come back to Ordinary Means of Grace. Jesus is waiting there for you.

Yesterday was very refreshing. I met Pastor Jonathan Holst who came from CT to see & get to know me. Originally from Wales (the land of Lloyd-Jones), felt like the chatting was with Carl Trueman (from England) though Holst says English accent is different from Welsh. Last Saturday night, I asked my dear brothers and sisters whether they had any relationship(s) that is (Holy) Spiritual. Is anyone who is mature in Christ involved in your life? You see, when efficiency is everything, fellowship with other Christians are viewed as bothersome and waste of time. But you CANNOT live your Christian life alone. Because God didn’t engineer Christian life as “I against the evil world” way.

Do you want to grow? Has God placed the desire to grow in the knowledge and grace of God? Then, have someone who will tell you the truth in love involved in your Christian life. If not, you will not last.

I’ve talked about 3 stage view of Christian life as mis-informed. Yes, there certainly are some truths in dividing Christian life that way, but without further clarification, it proved to me like a death sentence.

In my experience (listening to various Christian pastors in college: mostly Presbyterian and Baptist ministers), Korean American churches have clear understanding of Justification by grace alone/faith alone/in Christ alone. Strong emphasis on the sovereign grace of God: The grace of faith is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts.

However, in Christian life (that is after the conversion), suddenly the Law takes control in the name of discipleship, ending up negating the very nature of the grace of God. And it is deadly. So, before we go on, we need some clarification on the term: legalism. When I say “Legalism,” I’m not saying anyone (in their right mind) is trying to earn their “salvation.” Any Christian who sat under the sound/Biblical preaching of the Word will jump to their feet when accused of “legalism.” But I’ve heard all kinds of accusations from EMs condemning 1st Gen Korean ministers of Legalism. But historically when someone says “Legalism,” it means: earning salvation by human endeavor through works-righteousness (in Pharisaic sense). So it is no wonder when 1st Gen reacts sharply, rightly so, when their ministry is accused of “Legalism.”

Narrower definition of “Legalism” should be: trying to earn “favor” (not “salvation”) from God by doing good works.

When defined narrowly, we can finally talk. “Is it ok to seek God’s favor (or, blessings) by doing good?” “What’s the difference between Legalism and Spiritual Discipline?” “Justification and Sanctification”

These are some of the topics that younger Christians should be able to articulate with Biblical knowledge: earlier the better. I’ve seen too many Christians “give up” their Christian lives for failing to understand these crucial/basic differences.

Stay tuned.

Ligonier’s TableTalk twitted Paul Helm’s article today as “Great short article”: Here.

I have a deep respect for R.C. and his “Reformed” ministry. But I’m afraid his status in the Reformed world will (is) mis-represent Cornelius Van Til. Chances are, if you heard Sproul (have you noticed all major “conferences” feature all the same speakers?; Ligonier, Shepherds, T4G, TGC, DG etc.) and you are drawn to the Reformed theology because of his influence, since you are in love with Sproul already, you will, without hesitation, affirm Sproul’s (and his friends: in this case, Mr. Helm, whose book I have read) condemnation of Presuppositionalism as “easy believism” or “fideism.” This is so devastating to the next generation Reformed pastors: Dismissal of Cornelius Van Til & Presuppositionalism because R.C. Sproul said so.

I don’t have time nor interest to dissect Mr. Helm’s naive critique of Presuppositionalism. Yes, the article does not deserve any serious response.

When you read Sproul & his friends’ critique of Van Til, you realize how superficial their understanding of Van Til is. Even John Frame who tried to be fair to the Ligonier people over and over again says Sproul didn’t even read Van Til seriously. Misunderstanding, Misrepresentation for past 20+ years.

When I became a Christian first year in college, I was taught: there are three stages in a Christian’s life. He referred to Rom.8:30
Romans 8:30 says: 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Stage 1: Justification
Stage 2: Sanctification
Stage 3: Glorification

Since “I” accepted Christ, where am I? Stage 2. Stage 3 is not really my concern because to be glorified, I either have to die or Jesus must come for the second time.

While you are in Stage 2, what do we do in good Korean American churches? DISCIPLESHIP. Here, I think, many Korean American churches lose their own denominational (theological) distinctives. If preachers do know (I’m sure they do) about their theological traditions, they don’t preach them explicitly (oh, I’ve heard many Baptist preachers condemning Presbyterians for “pre-destinating people”: exact words, which I still remember from Ed Young was “Hellish Damnation of Presbyterians”). How many of you heard sermons about 5 point Calvinism? Whether you go to Baptist church or Presbyterian church, other than some physical differences [FYI, many Baptist pulpits are crystals (if they have one) not woods because they do not want to be seen as Authoritative. Crystal pulpits assume that preachers and lay people are on the same ground, not separated by "walls"; yes, there are theological reasons for everything that the church does], they really are not that different. You may say, rightly so from your experience, “All churches are (or should be) the same. Denominations are the result of human sin: fighting against other Christian brothers and sisters. Just read John 17!” In my experience, Preaching (pastors preaching to Stage 2 Christians; for Stage 1, they preach “evangelistic” sermons: come forward to receive Christ) was all about “APPLICATIONS” to my life to help me be a better Christian. To do that, all churches do the discipleship programs.

While I was in Stage 2, I was to be holy with the help of discipleship. But stage 2 already presupposes that you will NEVER BE HOLY in this life! So, it seemed to me: “I know I can’t be 100% holy while I am on earth, but I will try anyways. If it doesn’t work out, and Bible tells me it’s not going to, there is nothing I can do about it.” So from the get-go, stage 2 basket is leaking. And I tried hard. 3 hr early dawn prayer (6am-9am), reading through the Bible, Meeting 3 times a week (small groups), meet again for daily night prayers (9pm-10pm). When I look back, I’m thankful for that “discipline” that I’ve learned. But….

One day, my Bible study group leader came to the meeting and said, “I tried to live my life according to the Word of God, but I can’t. I feel like I’m a hypocrite standing in front of you and teaching the Bible. So I quit.” And he quit.

What is wrong with this picture? Wrong theology. As soon as we read the Bible, we become theologians whether you know it or not. This 3 Stage view of Christian life is not the gospel driven Christian life. If what I’ve described about my Christian life resonates with your own life, stay tuned; I will be clarifying some (yet deadly) misunderstandings of Discipleships and Sanctification.

He is currently attending Westminster Theological Seminary, PA., and traveling on weekends to NYC to serve at NSC.

Apostle Paul says to his disciple whom he left behind at Crete to take care of a delicate situation in the church:

1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

Here, we see three distinct yet inter-related emphases in his ministry:

(i) for the sake of the faith of God’s elect; FAITH

(ii) their knowledge of the truth: KNOWLEDGE

(iii) which accords with godliness: LIFE-STYLE

Faith must be grounded in the knowledge of God, otherwise, it becomes blind faith, empty faith.

Knowledge about the Bible apart from faith is dead for that knowledge cannot save that person.

Faith and Knowledge are tested in our LIFE-STYLE: thoughts, speech, behaviors, showing grace etc…then seeing that we fall short of the law, we fall back again to the gospel. Christian life cycle.

Which one’s lacking in your life? Faith, Knowledge, Godly life style? Focus. Do what’s necessary to grow your faith. Then, God will give you the growth.

Proverbs 4:23 tells us,

Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

This is so true for a church planter who didn’t start a church with a core group. Whatever happens, I must guard my heart from all discouragements.

For me, as we have seen from the word of God yesterday, that “guarding” is done with the absolute, sovereign, free grace of God shown/proved on the cross. Just as YHWH placed a flaming sword around the tree of life to keep it safe from fallen men, we must place that sword-gospel around our heart.

What surprised me was not that a person decided to leave our church, but the way she ended it: finger-pointing and accusing the leader (it was directed toward Adam, but that includes me behind Adam). Thankfully, there were eye-witnesses. And as far as I can see, it was over-reaction prompted by personal pride. I am tempted to go into details but I won’t.

Only reason I am writing this publicly is to PROTECT Christ’s sheep.

First of all, Adam, my brother, didn’t deserve that kind of reaction from one of his praise team members. Maybe, he didn’t care “enough” about her. And I’ve corrected him to humble himself and love unconditionally. But given the situation, I don’t see what else Adam could have done. He was just going about his business (didn’t say a word to her) and she just walks out and accuses him about “his” attitude? You see, when you get hurt from that situation, usually it’s due to your pride. Nothing more, nothing less. Rather than apologizing for being late twice to Adam, she decides that Adam has an attitude problem. Only thing I want to ask is “Would you come late and accuse the leader” if you were serving at a mega-church?

Also, many people who were in her class (most of whom are young Christians) had to suffer by witnessing all these. Bewildered & confused. The one who’s been telling them to honor Christ for many weeks is gone like a wind.

When something goes wrong in the church, it is leader’s fault. My fault. I haven’t been loving enough, praying enough for my people. There is no excuse about that.

We all need God’s grace.

This is day two of no classes due to snow. I can’t help but feel disappointed that I cannot attend my classes. In college, I longed for snow days, but not so much anymore. Two reasons for disliking snow now: I actually want to learn more about God’s word, and traveling gets difficult. But God gave us a time for all of us students (at least, those who got snowed in) a time to rest, not to mention, time for me to catch up to all my schoolwork.

Well, back to work. Plus, I gotta dig my car out for the weekend traveling.

-Adam

We’ve been looking at Jacob’s life (read Gen.27 for coming Sunday). For those of you who grew up in church are probably familiar with the story. But the familiarity often leads to arrogance in Christian’s mind: “I already know the story”. Rather, go and read the text on your own carefully. God of Jacob will speak to you from the Bible. That said, I want to point out few things from last week’s teaching.

• *Genesis 25:29-34 (Esau selling his birthright): the lesson that I recall from my Sunday School time was: “Don’t be like Esau, but Be like Jacob.” But the problem with that is, Jacob is manipulating Esau here, no matter how noble/spiritual that goal is (yes, Esau sold his birthright on his own account). And the pattern of deception continues in Jacob’s life (as we shall see). Therefore, the story cannot simply be: Be like Jacob.
• *After the narration of the story, the writer of Genesis gives a third person’s view (from God’s perspective) of the matter: “Thus Esau despised his birthright” (25:34) and “they (Esau’s two Hittite wives) made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah” (26:35). So surely God wants us to know that Esau-like behavior is not tolerable. And the consequence of such ‘despise’ would result in revocation of the covenant blessing.
• *But if this is all there is to it, the story of Jacob would be purely moralistic teaching, not the gospel. Where is the gospel here?
• *We are (have been and will be) all like Esau from time to time. But because of greater Esau who gave up his own birthright willingly/lovingly so that we the sinners might be adopted into God’s family, the story becomes the Gospel for us.
• *If you are reading Old Testament on your own, don’t apply the story directly to you; it becomes moralistic religion. But try to see Jesus Christ (Christocentrically or Christotelically) in the text; that is, the story must be seen first and foremost indirectly through Jesus Christ. Then you may apply the text in your life with full confidence in Jesus’ finished work for you.