The Age of Confusion: Where Is the Korean Church Headed?
Today, the Korean church finds itself in a dire predicament. Externally, even major denominations are compromising the spirit of the Reformation and embracing pluralism by participating in religious integration movements like the WCC and WA, which are led by Catholicism. Internally, church hereditary succession, scandals involving pastors, and political ideological conflicts are dividing the church. The signs of Jesus Christ's second coming are clear, yet the church itself is losing its way in the turbulent currents of confusion.
We must discern this chaotic era and restore the essence of faith and the church as spoken of in the Bible. The spirit of the Reformation, which Martin Luther proclaimed 500 years ago, has already faded, and the shadow of ecclesiasticism is once again looming over the church.
1. The Two Truths the Reformation Defended with Blood The Reformation was a spiritual battle to break free from the oppression of Catholicism. The truths the reformers risked their lives to protect are as follows:
Justification by Faith Alone (Sola Fide) This is the truth that salvation is gained only through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human works, merit, the mediation of priests, or the purchase of indulgences.
Priesthood of All Believers This was the declaration of the restoration of the biblical right for all believers to approach God directly through Jesus Christ, without a clergy class such as the Pope or priests.
2. The Contradiction of 'Clericalism' Revived within Protestantism The Reformation succeeded in dismantling Catholic ecclesiasticism but fell into the contradiction of allowing another form of clericalism (ministerial dominance) in the process of establishing new institutions.
The Distortion of the Pastoral System and the Weakening of the Priesthood of All Believers: By accepting the state-church model and adopting the pastoral system, nominal believers were easily secured through infant baptism instead of the spreading of the gospel. As the truth of the priesthood of all believers faded, the pastor became perceived as a privileged class closer to God, taking the place of the priest.
Deepening Clericalism and Monopoly of Authority: Power over church operation and decision-making became concentrated in the hands of the pastor or a small number of clergy, and the special privilege and role given to believers as priests were lost. This is the exact same mistake made by medieval Catholicism, which compromised the truth by leaning on the power of the emperor.
3. Why Have Justification by Faith Alone and the Role of the Saints Collapsed? Ecclesiasticism ultimately clouded the very essence of faith.
The Re-emergence of Legalism: As the clergy imposed their own standards to establish their authority, faith regressed into legalism. Legalism, which presented tithes, service, and church activities not as evidence of salvation but as conditions for salvation, reared its head.
'Cheap Grace' and Reliance on Works: On one hand, an overemphasis on faith resulted in 'justification without sanctification'—a cheap grace—while, on the other hand, the church resorted to mystical experiences or spiritual training (imitating Catholic programs like the Vision and Cursillo) to add depth to salvation.
Secularization of Vocation (Prosperity Gospel): The everyday life (vocation) of believers emphasized by the Reformers has been distorted in the modern church into the accumulation of health, wealth, and secular success. A pastor's authority became judged by his managerial skills and economic success, and the large-church pastor became the CEO who monopolized all power, leading to abuses of power and financial corruption.
Conclusion: The Way for the Korean Church to Survive as a Biblical Church For the Korean church to survive biblically in the last days, it must return to its fundamentals.
Shed the Garments of Ecclesiasticism: The pastor is not a class with authority but a servant who serves, helping the saints to be fully equipped. No matter how many times reform is repeated, true reformation is impossible without shedding the structure of ecclesiasticism.
Saints Must Serve Responsibly as Priests: Believers should not blindly follow charismatic speakers or educators without discernment, nor should they surrender their glorious privilege to 'hired hands.'
Restore the Gifts and Roles Given by God: Believers must grasp the mystery of the church given by God through Jesus Christ and be able to serve responsibly as priests.
Restoring this truth of the church is the only way to awaken the darkened Korean church and light up the last days.