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.