Understand! Let the Readers Understand!

Let the Readers Understand! Let the Readers Understand!

Orignal Korean edition published in Korea by Great Faith Publications. First published in Korea under the title of 읽는 자는 깨달을 찐저!

Published in Great Faith Publications (A Division of Great Faith Church), 111-13 Nobell bldg., NonHyun-dong, GangNam-gu Seoul, Republic of Korea http://www.greatfaithchurch.org

Translated by Jennifer Seo Cover by Jin Hee Kim

ISBN 978-89-93363-87-6 ISBN 7-93573-87941-7

First Printing, October 2012 Printed in Republic of Korea Let the Readers Understand!

by Soon-Bang Kang

To Respected Pastors and Saints in the Korean Church!

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. My name is Soon- Bang Kang. I am a scientist at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology. I study scientific knowledge through observable facts, and I am also a believer who loves God and desires to stand upright in the word of Truth. So in all conscience, I held my pen in order to let the truth be known of the things I have seen and heard. I am not a member of Great Faith Church. I am a deacon of a Presbyterian church that has a half-a-century history and is affiliated with Tong-Hap (Presbyterian) Denomination. However, I fully support Great Faith Church and I have much respect for Pastor Seung Woo Byun. I am learning much through him. Pastor Seung Woo Byun was voted to be a heretic at the 94th general assembly of Tong-Hap Denomination in 2009. He was banned from participation and exchange with the majority of other denominations.

5 Had I not known Great Faith Church or Pastor Seung Woo Byun, I would have respected the decision of these denominations. I would have excluded Pastor Seung Woo Byun and actively forewarned everyone I know that Great Faith Church is a cult. That is because I know well that anyone who falls into a cult would not only ruin oneself, but eternally go to hell. However, I say in all Christian conscience that Great Faith Church is being falsely accused by these denominations. If the ‘Report by Tong- Hap Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ is true, then Pastor Seung Woo Byun is a heretic. Only if the report is true and not fabrications! However, this report is a compilation of numerous lies that are floating around on the Internet. With many of the details distorted intentionally, it is full of ignorant biases and prejudices. Based upon such poor evidences, pastors who have attended the Tong-Hap general assembly have determined that Pastor Seung Woo Byun is a heretic. Even now, the reality is that many of the churches are going along with this wrong decision. What is happening here is clearly wicked and unrighteous, and one cannot but feel thoroughly indignant at this. Since 2007, I have attended conferences and prayer meetings of Great Faith Church and have read books by Pastor Seung Woo Byun. I have been greatly blessed. I know the church very well and also know well that the ‘Report by Tong-Hap Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ is a total lie. This is very unrighteous and a great sin before God. Such false accusation of heresy is a clear spiritual act of murder.

6 Through this act, too many believers of Great Faith Church have been wrongfully forced into divorce, expelled, fired, refused admission to schools, assaulted, threatened with divorce, and painfully refused of seeing their own children. And too many people are being deprived of the precious opportunity to be blessed and learn from Great Faith Church. What a great loss from the perspective of the Kingdom of God! Such reality is very frustrating. Seeing the reality of the Korean Church where unrighteousness dominates, and lies become truth and truth becomes lies, I wrote this book even though I am just a layman. I just could not sit still when my Christian conscience is so provoked. Even in any secular court, when prosecutors are not able to present rational substantial evidence or when the presented proofs are revealed as false, the judge will pronounce the accused as innocent. That is a fair verdict. However, when the unrighteous prosecutor with an ill intent, made distorted false evidences to prosecute Pastor Seung Woo Byun, the judge did not even give him any opportunity to contest or defend himself but reached the unrighteous verdict unilaterally as was intended by the prosecutor. Just like the false prosecutor, that judge is clearly a person whose conscience is seared. Who are these prosecutor and judge? They are the Tong-Hap Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy‚ and even the Tong-Hap general assembly will not be free from this responsibility. How can this be done by a denomination that ought to be an example

6 7 of God’s justice to the world, especially as it is a mega-denomination that prides itself of being the firstborn of the Korean Church? Shouldn't they be ashamed? What is the identity of the Tong-Hap Denomination, which has denounced a biblical church and has committed spiritually murder while at the same time being at the forefront of the WCC’s Ecumenical Movement and even actively engaging in open conversations with other religions? (Note: WCC’s Ecumenical Movement is opposed by the majority of the evangelical churches since it promotes unity among all Christian denominations that have different doctrines of salvation.) Observe carefully the ‘Research Report on Great Faith Church (Pastor Seung Woo Byun)’‚ the bill of indictment presented by the Tong-Hap Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy. And I plead with you sincerely to read my defense that proves-- using the clear truth and the Word of God--that the bill is false from start to finish. Be the conscientious judge so that you can decide on the truth yourself. I wish that your eyes will be open to the truth, and that instead of being passive and silent, you would be the just and courageous voice. I wrote this conscientiously as a believer who knows the reality of Great Faith Church, not just widespread rumors, even though I am not its member. Therefore, I beg you to lay down your biases that may have been formed through groundless rumors floating around the Internet, and read this writing with an open heart. Since I believe that the Korean Church consists of many pastors and believers with good conscience who are in right standing with God, in

8 justice and in truth, I pray sincerely that all of us will participate together in the ministry of God in one Holy Spirit as the truth is well established.

“…God our Savior‚ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4)

8 9

TABLE OF CONTENTS

To Respected Pastors and Saints in the Korean Church! 5

The Truth Behind the ‘Research Report on Great Faith Church (Pastor Seung Woo Byun)’ by the Tong-Hap Denomination! 15

1 On the Seat and Organization, History and Changes 31

2 A Distortion of Doctrinal Differences 37

3 A Distortion of the Doctrine Of Salvation 45

4 Is He Making an Idol of Himself? 53

5 Ignorance Regarding the Doctrines of Revelation and the Doctrine of the Bible 57

6 Slander Regarding the Doctrine of Salvation 71

7 Regarding the Assertion That 90% of Pastors are False Prophets 81

8 Regarding the Slander That We Are Saved By Works 87

9 The Work of the Holy Spirit--the Ministry of Mysticism? 99

10 We Shall Know Them By Their Fruit 107 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 119

1. Many theologians speak similarly as Pastor Seung Woo Byun

2. What is prophecy? (Professor Keum Sung Kang)

3. “ To investigate heresy in Great Faith Church and Pastor Seung Woo Byun was in itself truly wrong.”

(member of the ‘Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ at the Christian Council of

Korea)

4. A phone call from the secretary of a Presbyterian denomination and member of the ‘Investigation and

Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ at the Korean Elder’s General Confederacy

5. To those who are deceived by the lie, “Great Faith Church is a cult.”

6. As a result of a several-months-long investigation by the subcommittee of the Christian Council of

Korea representing the Korean Church at large, it was determined that Great Faith Church is not

a heretical cult. This decision was then accepted at the general meeting of the ‘Investigation and

Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ of the Christian Council of Korea, and the same verdict was

then passed legitimately by the board of Christian Council of Korea. As a result, the Council wrote a

formal document that Great Faith Church is not heretical. Let the Readers Understand!

The Truth Behind the Research Report Regarding Great Faith Church (Pastor Seung Woo Byun) by Tong-Hap Denomination!

The Truth Behind the Research Report Regarding Great FaithChurch (Pastor Seung Woo Byun) by Tong-Hap Denomination!

am not a member of Great Faith Church. I am a deacon of a I Presbyterian church with a 50-year history that is affiliated with the Tong-Hap Denomination. Though I am not a minister, I felt great indignation at the truly unrighteous slander and denouncement by several denominations, including Tong-Hap, and Modern Religion. In writing this book, the resource that helped me greatly is found in the personal website (also seen from the Great Faith Church homepage with the nickname “The Last Army”) that posted the analysis and refutation of the false resolution of the ‘94th Tong-Hap Denomination Assembly’, and the false information in the article by ‘Modern Religion’, which advertizes this info regularly. Since the writing by “The Last Army” is 100% in agreement with what I knew in all conscience to be the truth, I used part of the writing here.

The Truth Behind the Research Report on Great Faith Church by the Tong-Hap Denomination! 17 Any conscientious believer that has Christian faith ought to judge someone to be a heretic based on objective facts and God’s Word, the Bible, as the standard (I believe that an unrighteous condemnation of someone as a heretic, whether intentional or by mistake, is a clear act of spiritual murder). However, on the homepage of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Tong-Hap) under the General Assembly Resolution, No. 81, there is information on ‘Research Report of Great Faith Church (Pastor Seung Woo Byun), 94th assembly’, and is full of wicked distortions and lies. Astonishingly, this was used as a basis for passing ‘a resolution that Pastor Seung Woo Byun of Great Faith Church is a heretic’ at the 94th assembly in 2009. Even today, the reality is that Tong-Hap Denomination and ‘Modern Religion’ consistently and falsely renounce Great Faith Church as a cult. Accordingly, if you would like to get a correct picture of this issue, I believe it would only be fair for you to read this book to the end and make a judgment for yourself. The conclusion would be one of two things: whether “the judgment of heresy regarding Great Faith Church is correct--with no questions asked or facts confirmed since the decision was made by excellent and eminent theologians and pastors within Tong-Hap, Korea’s ‘first- born’denomination (The truth is however, all the decisions was led by the cult leader Sam Kyung Choe within Tong-Hap, who was later judged to be a heretic by the Christian Council of Korea and by Hap-Dong; also, according to a personnel at Tong-Hap, the decision was illegally made in the absence of a quorum.)” or whether “the Tong-Hap denomination made a wrong decision based on distorted and slanderous resources.”

18 Let the Readers Understand! The purpose of this book is to make known (1) how the ‘Tong-Hap Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ and ‘Modern Religion’ are distorting the truth with lies, (2) in what parts are they biblically ignorant, and (3) how consistently and self-righteously they have condemned and judged, just like the witch hunters of the Dark Ages. I sincerely pray that those who have mistook Great Faith Church to be heretical would no longer sin greatly against God by condemning the church, which Jesus has bought with His blood and in which the Holy Spirit is working powerfully. I also pray that through this book, they would realize and repent, asking for forgiveness from the senior pastor and believers at Great Faith Church. The order of this writing is that first, I literally used the content of the 94th General Assembly Resolution in 2009 at the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Tong-Hap), and underlined the parts that are false. Next, I used the italicized character shading to dispute their writing.

Research Report on Great Faith Church (Pastor Seung Woo Byun) (94th assembly)

1. Research Account

A research, regarding whether Great Faith Church (Pastor Seung Woo Byun) is heretical or not, was initiated when the presbytery of Kang-Nam, Seoul (West Kang-Nam, no. 43-112), transmitted the inquiry of notification (The Presbyterian Church of Korea, no. 43-287) to the Research and Investigation subcommittee Against Heresy.

18 Let the Readers Understand! The Truth Behind the Research Report on Great Faith Church by the Tong-Hap Denomination! 19 2. Research Report

1) The Summary of Mr. Seung Woo Byun’s Problems

Mr. Seung Woo Byun’s theological background is not well known. He ministered at Great Faith Church in Ulsan and currently ministers at 111-13 Nobel Building, Nhon-Hyun-dong, Kang-nam-gu, Seoul. He established Great Faith Churches in many sites, including Ulsan, Daejun, Daegu, Changwon, Pusan, as well as abroad, and the church is growing in an alarmingly rapid rate. Especially, he circulates his ideas using the church homepage and the Internet broadcast, and expands his influence upon young people by reproducing and spreading the comments of his followers in the Internet. Furthermore, in order to make his assertions more authoritative, he leads conferences by inviting numerous foreign speakers. The messages of these foreign speakers are all composed of prophecies and praises regarding Mr. Seung Woo Byun. (For example, see Choo-Nam Thomas’s “letter of recommendation” in Christians Going to Hell and Bob Jones’ “letter of recommendation” in A Counterfeit Christianity Disguised Behind the Orthodox Mask). Influenced by the so-called ‘New Apostolic Movement’ that has recently provoked much public criticism, Mr. Seung Woo Byun emphasizes direct revelation. Also, he emphasizes mystical ideas such as being caught up in the spirit to visit heaven and hell, prophecies and speaking in tongues, and even operates training schools for them. He has the following problems.

2) The problems with the doctrine of church

Mr. Seung Woo Byun criticizes the established church, and through

20 Let the Readers Understand! the benefit he gains from that act, promotes the growth of his church. Beginning with his first book, Christians Going To Hell, and then through his other books such as Truly Saved Can Be Truly Rejected!, and Emails From Heaven, he criticizes the established church and implies that his is the sound church. Mr. Seung Woo Byun asserts that ‘Christians go to hell, and saved people can be rejected’ and furthermore, attacks those who criticize him as “heresy-hunters”, “a counterfeit Christianity disguised behind the orthodox mask”, “the Pharisees”, and even “spiritual parasites”. On the other hand, he advances himself to the rank of great ministers that led revivals, such as John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney, etc (Christians Going To Hell, pp. 103-111).

“As I was reading Charles Finney’s confession, my body shook with overwhelming emotion because his testimony was very similar to my own experiences when the word came upon me. I knew from experience what Charles Finney was saying” (Christians Going To Hell, p. 92).

Mr. Seung Woo Byun’s intention of criticizing the established church as mentioned above, is to justify himself, bring members of the established church to his own church, and as other heretics do, to assert that his church is the only true church.

3) The problems with the doctrines of revelation and the Bible

Mr. Seung Woo Byun emphasizes in many places in his books that it is the Holy Spirit who directly instructs him to write a book or to preach

20 Let the Readers Understand! The Truth Behind the Research Report on Great Faith Church by the Tong-Hap Denomination! 21 on certain contents. “I do not preach when I do not hear from God! This is the motto of my sermons” (The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, p. 9). Such an assertion aims at three effects. First, it has the effect of bestowing transcendental authority on himself through his sermons. In other words, it is to mislead people, as though he wrote his books through direct revelations. (For example, he wrote in A Nominal Christian, or an Immature Believer?, “I preach a sermon only when the Holy Spirit gives it to me as a rhema. I do not willfully choose a topic or the content of a sermon” [p. 4].) Also, he places in the first pages of his books the letters of recommendations by foreign ministers, and without an exception, these recommendations include notes stating that the revelations received by Mr. Byun are those from the Holy Spirit. Secondly, his direct revelations have the effect of offering strong criticisms of the established church, and specializing his own church. By advertising that he receives revelations of the Holy Spirit, Mr. Byun implies to his followers that the established church does not receive them and therefore, is either false or incompetent. Thirdly, Mr. Byun’s assertion of direct revelation has the effect of weakening the authority of the Bible. He takes the Bible as an aid to present and interpret his revelations and dreams by quoting, reorganizing, and applying scriptures for his sermons and biblical interpretations. Also he puts his own direct revelations on par with or above the authority of the Bible. Furthermore, Mr. Byun makes an implication that he receives the same inspiration as the apostles, and therefore his sermons and his interpretation of the Bible are equal to

22 Let the Readers Understand! God's direct speaking. He even asserts that he possesses the “plume line”that interprets the Bible correctly (see his book, The Plumb Line). It goes without saying that his assertion is in opposition to the doctrine of our denomination, which states that the Bible holds sufficient revelations for our salvation, and there is no other direct revelations besides the Bible. (See “Constitution no. 1, The Westminster Confession of Faith, Part 4 ‘Regarding the Bible’. Article 1 “…However, currently the previous method of God’s revealing His will to His people has stopped (Heb. 1:12).” Also, Article 6: “…regarding this Bible, nothing further can be added through new revelations of the Holy Spirit, or human traditions in all times (2 Timothy 3:15-17, Gal. 1:8-9, 2 Thes. 2:2).” So Mr. Byun’s doctrine of the Bible and of revelation are not only unbiblical but are in opposition to our denomination's doctrines, and damage the authority of the Bible, the Word of God.

4) The problem of the doctrine of salvation

Mr. Byun’s criticisms of the established church and his self- differentiation or self-idolization appear well in his doctrine of salvation. When we examine his essential books, Christians Going To Hell, The Truly Saved Can Truly Be Rejected!, his contradictions can be seen very well.

“Instead of ‘believing in Jesus and going to hell’, I hope you will ‘believe in Jesus in a proper way and go to heaven’” (Christians Going To Hell, p. xi).

22 Let the Readers Understand! The Truth Behind the Research Report on Great Faith Church by the Tong-Hap Denomination! 23 “It was a heretical teaching originally to say one is saved when one believes Jesus and confesses with his mouth” (The sermon “Beware of the False Prophets” by Seung Woo Byun, May 26, 2006).

“Many people think that once saved is always saved. However, this is not the truth… We blindly believe that ‘the truly saved person is taken to heaven right before his death because God would forcefully make him to repent’. This is a double deception” (Lord~, pp. 152-156, Seung Woo Byun).

“‘In the Old Testament, people were saved by obeying the Law and were not saved when they do not obey the whole Law. How thankful we should be that we live in the New Testament because all we have to do is believe Jesus’. There were many pastors who preached this way. How ignorant this is” (The sermon “We Are Saved by Believing in Jesus”, by Seung Woo Byun, May 14 2009).

“Also in the New Testament, over 90% of pastors are false prophets”(The sermon “Beware of the False Prophets”, by Seung Woo Byun, May 26, 2006).

In contrast to the biblical assertion and the assertions of the established church--that we are saved by God’s grace and by faith (Eph 2:8)--Mr. Byun emphasizes that we are saved by works. “The average people think that it is wrong to talk about other things besides the cross. They think that we must only talk about the cross

24 Let the Readers Understand! when it comes to salvation. …However we must realize how narrow- minded and unbiblical such a thought is” (Seung Woo Byun, The Cross Where the Lord Hung and Died, pp. 54-55).

“…There are many people who teach that we can be forgiven and go to heaven as long as we rely on the cross--without repentance from sin, without genuine faith that produces good deeds, and without rebirth of a person created anew for the good works; these same people are deceived into thinking that they are the only ones who are orthodox” (Seung Woo Byun, The Cross Where the Lord Hung and Died, p. 59).

By emphasizing that there must be repentance and good deeds besides faith in Jesus Christ, and that the saved person must live a dedicated life, Mr. Byun opposes salvation gained by faith through the gift of the Holy Spirit and emphasizes salvation based on works and good deeds. Such a doctrine of salvation is in direct contrast to the biblical doctrine of salvation and the doctrine of the reformed church. Therefore, it is a dangerous doctrine of salvation that our denomination can never accept.

5) The problem with the mystical ministry

24 Let the Readers Understand! The Truth Behind the Research Report on Great Faith Church by the Tong-Hap Denomination! 25 he trains speaking in tongues. In addition, a large proportion of ministries at Great Faith Church encourages mysticism, such as prophetic ministry, the interpretation of tongues, healing and deliverance ministry, etc. Another example is his criticisms toward Kukmin Daily Newspaper and CBS in relation to the conference advertisement of Joseph Gwajima who raised 150 people from the dead. Such mystical ministry of Mr. Byun is in contrast to the word of our Lord, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet” (Mat. 12:39, 16:4). Also, his ministry must be banned since our denomination sternly warns of emphatic, mystical ministries.

3. Research Conclusion

As seen from above, Mr. Seung Woo Byun of Great Faith Church is an unbiblical heretical cult that 1) uses unethical ministry behaviors so that he can lead people to his own church by severely criticizing the established church; 2) through direct revelation, promotes wrong doctrine of the Bible and the wrong doctrine of revelation that damages the authority of the Bible; 3) promotes a doctrine of salvation that is different from the orthodox doctrine, which states that we are saved by faith through God’s grace; and 4) possesses emphatically mystical faith such as visitations to heaven, prophecies, and tongues, etc. Accordingly, the members belonging to our denomination are prohibited from participating in the internet broadcast or homepage that are operated by Mr. Byun, not to mention attending his conferences.

26 Let the Readers Understand! 4. Reference Data

Seung Woo Byun, Christians Going To Hell

, The Truly Saved Can Truly Be Rejected!

, Especially Desire to Prophesy

, Don't Let Anyone Deceive You

, The Plumb Line

, The Wisdom That Leads To Salvation

, A Counterfeit Christianity Disguised Behind the Orthodox Mask

Seung Woo Byun’s Sermons in Internet Broadcast, http://www.gfctv.org

Great Faith Church homepage http://cafe.daum.net/Bigchurch

The Presbyterian Church of Korea (Tong-Hap), 2009 General Assembly Resolution, no. 94 (http:/www.pck.or.kr/PckCommunity/NoticeView.asp?TC_Board=19053&Ar ticleld=60&page=2&Depth=1)

‘Modern Religion’ Resource List (http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/html/sup01_1.html?Hid=135&Hpopage=1 &Hponowblock=1&Hponumperpage=10&Hpogroups=&Hposelect=2&Hp osearch=변승우)

Up to this point I have quoted the resolution of the ‘Tong-Hap Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’. From this page on, I will present the content of my detailed analysis of the false assertions in this report. As you can see, I have underlined almost

26 Let the Readers Understand! The Truth Behind the Research Report on Great Faith Church by the Tong-Hap Denomination! 27 every part of the above report. As I have stated from the beginning, I will explain and expose their unrighteousness in purposely distorting almost all the facts in their writing, and reveal their thorough ignorance of the Bible. From this point on, I will not use formal honorifics, such as ‘Reverend’ to show that I am writing from an objective and neutral point of view. 1 Also, I would like to reveal that this writing is not directed to a specific group of people, but to everyone who has misunderstandings regarding Great Faith Church.

1 In Korean society, a person is referred by using his or her title, such as Mr., Mrs., Deacon so and so, Brother so and so, and is never referred by their name only. Accordingly, I have used 'Pastor' (moksa) as a title and not as a honorific word (moksa-nim).

28 Let the Readers Understand! Let the Readers 28 Let the Readers Understand! Understand!

Chapter One: On the Seat and Organization, History and Changes

The ‘Report by Tong-Hap Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ first deals with the seat, organization, history and change. (When quoting from the Report, I used the italicized character shading.)

For reference, Pastor Seung Woo Byun (from this point on, he will be referred to as Pastor Byun) was admitted in 1982 and graduated from a conservative

1. On the Seat and Organization, History and Changes 31 traditional theological seminary: The Holiness Theological Seminary, planted a church in Ulsan in 1995, and had the first service in Seoul on March 6, 2005. Currently, after 7 years, Great Faith Church has 12,500 registered congregational members and approximately 8,000 attending members. By the grace of God, the various miracles of healing occur every week on a regular basis, and the church is now constructing a building that costs 90 billion won (approx. 8.2 million dollars) that can hold 7,000 people in the main sanctuary alone.

From the introductory sentences below, quite provocative expressions are used to stigmatize Pastor Byun as a heretic.

Especially, he circulates his ideas using the church homepage and the Internet broadcast, and expands his influence upon young people by reproducing and spreading the comments of his followers in the Internet. Furthermore, in order to make his assertions more authoritative, he leads conferences by inviting numerous foreign speakers. The messages of these foreign speakers are all composed of prophecies and praises regarding Mr. Seung Woo Byun. (For example, see Choo-Nam Thomas’s “letter of recommendation” in Christians Going to Hell and Bob Jones’ “letter of recommendation” in A Counterfeit Christianity Disguised Behind the Orthodox Mask).

The ‘Report by Tong-Hap Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ used the following expression: ‘he circulates his ideas and… expands his influence upon young people by reproducing and

32 Let the Readers Understand! spreading the comments of his followers in the Internet.’ The truth is, Pastor Byun’s central points in his sermons are: having biblical repentance and living faith that produce good deeds, receiving the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit to become witnesses for the Gospel, and becoming the Bride of Christ who knows and loves Jesus deeply. If anyone has heard his sermon or read his book even once, this is an undeniable fact. If such are his ‘ideas’, the right expression ought to be that ‘he biblically spreads the teachings of Jesus everywhere’, and not the negative comment that ‘he circulates his ideas...’

Should we believe in ̒the confession of faith’ by our lips, without the fruit of obedience, and think that we are saved? Have they ever read John Bevere’s book, Under Cover: The Promise of Protection Under His Authority? (The Korean translation title is Obedience.) In his sermons many times, Pastor Byun mentioned that the central points of his sermons are in agreement with that of Pastor John Bevere, and if given an opportunity, he would like to invite him to be the conference speaker at Great Faith Church. And already, Pastor John Bevere has accepted the invitation to speak. Also, a very distorted expression is used-‘Furthermore, in order to make his assertions more authoritative, he leads conferences by inviting numerous foreign speakers. The messages of these foreign speakers are all composed of prophecies and praises regarding Mr. Seung Woo Byun.’ The truth however is that it is a common characteristic of Pentecostal and charismatic churches in Korea to invite foreign speakers to their conferences. The reason is because they desire to learn and develop continually through these Spirit-filled speakers. Additionally, they

32 Let the Readers Understand! 1. On the Seat and Organization, History and Changes 33 deeply realize their own insufficiency and limitations, and want to learn the praise-worthy qualities from these international speakers. How could such acts be ‘mak[ing] his assertions more authoritative’? And they claimed that ‘the messages of these foreign speakers are all composed of prophecies and praises regarding Mr. Seung Woo Byun!’ The truth is, it is a common practice for international speakers who usually possess the gift of prophecy to prophesy over their visiting churches and their senior pastors. Also, it is very common to post those prophecies on the church homepage in order to share the vision with the congregational members and to make them a topic for intercessory prayer. These practices are not done for the first time by Great Faith Church. Then why do they depict them as abnormal and unusual? Their intention is rather dubious. Moreover, they said, ‘See Choo-Nam Thomas’s “letter of recommendation” in Christians Going to Hell and Bob Jones’ “letter of recommendation” in A Counterfeit Christianity Disguised Behind the Orthodox Mask.’ But I want to exhort them to read the original recommendations themselves and judge correctly.

34 Let the Readers Understand! Let the Readers 34 Let the Readers Understand! Understand!

Chapter Two: A Distortion of Doctrinal Differences

Now I want to pick up full-scale on the parts that mention the doctrinal problems. Let us see if their accusations are true.

Influenced by the so-called ‘New Apostolic Movement’ that has recently provoked much public criticism, Mr. Seung Woo Byun emphasizes direct revelation. Also, he emphasizes mystical ideas such as being caught up in the spirit to visit heaven and hell, prophecies, speaking in tongues, and even operates training schools for them. He has the following problems.

Let’s begin here. They say Pastor Byun is influenced by the so-called ‘New Apostolic Movement’, but in his sermons, Pastor Byun has clearly emphasized that

2. A Distortion of Doctrinal Differences 37 he is not part of the new apostolic movement. Also, he explains in his sermons the right and wrong views of the new apostolic movement based on the Bible. He even wrote a book pointing out that the teachings of “strategic level of spiritual warfare” is unbiblical. That is why he is being persecuted by the supporters of the new apostolic movement. Moreover, why do they attack Pastor Byun while being silent about Pastor Hong who is actually the one involved with the new apostolic movement? Is it because Pastor Hong has a prominent background? One law for the rich, and another for the poor. (Listen to the sermon titled ‘The New Apostolic Movement That Has a Wrong View of Apostles’, 10/24/2010.) Also, they say he emphasizes direct revelation. However, here Pastor Byun is not speaking of a certain specific revelation, but simplyrejecting the unbiblical cessationists view. He is acknowledging and using the gift of prophecy and the gifts of the Spirit. Why are they expressing this truth in such an eccentric way? Don't Yoido Full Gospel Church, Youth With a Mission (YWAM), and even Pastor Gyum-Il Nah of Joo-An Presbyterian Church all believe this truth as well? Aren’t there many pastors who believe in this? How could they all be ‘direction revelation’ heretics? What is direct revelation? I do not know exactly how the theologians define this term, but what is clear is that Pastor Byun never said that he receives direct revelation. It is a term used by heresy-hunters in an intentionally wicked way. By using such an extreme expression ‘direct revelation’ to describe a general revelation which anyone can receive, they want to attack and denounce him as a heretic. If this term means ‘the Holy Spirit speaking to us so that we have an understanding of

38 Let the Readers Understand! something’, such revelations are very natural. This is the revelation that Pastor Byun receives. That is why acknowledging this kind of revelations cannot be the reason for being a heretic. And if the ‘direct revelation’ means the revelation that the Bible authors received as they recorded the Bible, Pastor Byun has nothing to do with this kind of revelation. ‘Tong-Hap Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ (from this point on, I will refer to this Subcommittee simply as Tong-Hap) accused him of being a ‘direct revelation heretic’. However, this is what is written in the book:

“However Great Faith Church is unrelated to direct revelation. That is because we do not form doctrines through revelations. Doctrines must come from the Bible‚ not from revelations. Of course‚ we explain doctrines that we have realized and brought out from the Bible through revelatory testimonies. However‚ we never form any doctrines from revelations. We put all revelations under the authority of the Bible. Through the Bible‚ we discern all revelations. We throw away any revelations that are unbiblical. The revelations that we accept have mostly to do with those that build up‚ exhort and comfort the church as Paul said (1 Cor. 14:3)‚ including the revelations that show‚ in part‚ the church’s

calling and the saints’ calling.” 2

Because of such a clear biblical stance on revelation, Great Faith Church does not have unbiblical views even though it acknowledges revelations. In other words, Great Faith Church is not a ‘direct revelation

2 Seung Woo Byun, Counterfeit Christianity , Seoul: Great Faith Publishers, Inc., pp. 93-94.

38 Let the Readers Understand! 2. A Distortion of Doctrinal Differences 39 heresy’ but is simply a church that rejects cessationists view, but acknowledges the existence of prophetic gifts and thus, biblically, wisely, and respectably engages in the prophetic ministry. We must know this correctly. Additionally, Tong-Hap criticizes that Great Faith Church emphasizes mystical ideas such as being caught up in the spirit to visit heaven and hell, prophecies, speaking in tongues, and even operates training schools for them. However, how could any church be labeled as heretical just because the normal ministry of the Holy Spirit is cynically spoken of in this way? That cannot be so. I want to ask first. Is being ‘caught up in the spirit’ wrong? Of course, there are many unbiblical testimonies of being caught up in the spirit. In the Bible, there are many cases of being caught up in the spirit. In the New Testament, the most representative example is the experience of the apostle Paul being caught up to the third heaven, as well as the apostle John’s experience of receiving revelations that became the book of Revelation. In the Old Testament, it is the visions of Ezekiel. The Bible affirms what we understand as being ‘caught up in the spirit’. However, Tong-Hap makes it sound as if the experience of being caught in the spirit is very unbiblical and wrong, and makes an issue out of that with Pastor Byun and Great Faith Church. In that case, the denomination must make a conclusion that all the current books in the market that deal with the testimonies of such revelatory experiences are problematic, and must make a petition to those publishers and people with such experiences, as well as pastors and churches that acknowledge those people and books. (For example, The Hell and Heaven That I Saw

40 Let the Readers Understand! by Pastor Sung Jong Shin, Imitation of Christ by Thomas a’ Kempis, Visions of Sadu Sundar Singh of India, You Shall See by Elder Young Moon Park, etc.) Of course in reality, it is not only impossible to make an appeal to all the churches and people that acknowledge these revelatory experiences, but most denominations including Tong-Hap do not make an issue of them at all. Also, if ‘being caught up in the spirit’ is such a problem, why don’t they make a heretic out of Pastor Gyum Il Nah, who regularly calls people with such revelatory experiences in front of his congregation members to give a testimony? Is it because the church is a mega-church? Or is it because the church belongs to the Tong-Hap denomination? Their words totally go against equity. Most conclusively, Pastor Byun says that he himself never experienced being caught up in the spirit; not only that, he says he does not believe every such experience, and teaches us to do the same. Also, he teaches that since only a very few of these revelatory experiences can be trustworthy, we must be careful to discern by using the Bible as the standard. This is because too many of them are unbiblical. (See sermon in 8/21/2005.) What is more important is that already, before Tong-Hap made this decision, he discontinued the printing of the book Emails From Heaven, which is about being caught up in the spirit, and voluntarily stopped praying for such an experience because he felt skeptical towards them of their untrustworthiness. And Tong-Hap says Great Faith Church emphasizes mystical ideas…and even operates training schools for them. But are speaking in tongues and prophecy wrong? Of course not (1 Cor. 14:1, 5; 1 Cor.

40 Let the Readers Understand! 2. A Distortion of Doctrinal Differences 41 14:39, 40). The Bible teaches to do all things ‘in an orderly manner’, and encourages believers to speak in tongues and to prophesy. What does that mean? So that we do everything properly and in an orderly manner, education and training are necessary. Then why is it wrong to teach properly about the ministry of the gifts in the School of Prophetic Evangelism and in the School of Power Evangelism? Weren’t there the schools of the prophets in the Bible which Samuel and Elisha operated? And also, didn't the apostle Paul teach about the gifts to the believers in 1 Corinthians 12-14? The apostle Paul is not a mystic or a heretic, is he? Then Great Faith Church is the same also.

42 Let the Readers Understand! Let the Readers 42 Let the Readers Understand! Understand!

Chapter Three: A Distortion of the Doctrine of Salvation Again, Tong-Hap raises an issue regarding the doctrine of church.

Again, Tong-Hap raises an issue regarding the doctrine of church.

Mr. Seung Woo Byun criticizes the established church and through the benefit that he gains from that act, he promotes the growth of his church. Beginning with his first book, Christians Going To Hell, and then through his other books Truly Saved Can Be Truly Rejected!, Emails From Heaven, etc., he criticizes the established church and implies that his is the sound church.

Tong-Hap said Great Faith Church ‘criticizes the established church and through the benefit he gains from that act, he promotes the growth of his church,’ but first we must know what the Bible says about criticism. The Bible classifies criticism into two categories‚ and one is

3. A Distortion of the Doctrine Of Salvation 45 prohibited and the other is encouraged. The first kind is criticism for the sake of condemnation. This is the same act that Satan does and is wrong. The motive behind this kind of criticism is to kill a person. The second kind is to show the current state of the person or the church, and through that, cause the person or church to realize the condition and face up to it. Consequently through this kind of criticism the purpose is to bring about repentance and the turning back to God. This is something that John the Baptist, the apostles, and Jesus did. It goes without saying that the latter kind of criticism is still needed. What is more, Paul commands the church to not judge or criticize unbelievers but to judge (criticism arising from a good motive) the saints (born-again brother or sister).

“Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are

46 Let the Readers Understand! outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”(Corinthians 5:8-13)

He even commands the church to expel the wicked believer out of the church. We know through the sermon ‘2007 Pyung-Yang Great Revival sermon’ by Pastor Han Heum Ok (part of the sermon is included in the appendix), that the Korean church today has many problems. The fruit of the church is not good, and because of that the people of the world cynically criticize the church as “doggianity” (sounds like Christianity in Korean) while church membership continues to decrease. A rebuke is better than hidden love. If you truly love your children, you would reprimand them when they do something wrong. That is why it is rather necessary to rebuke and point out the problem through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit just as the apostle John did (in the contents of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation). Also, Pastor Byun is not preaching a sermon of reprimand to the people of the world. Rather, just as Paul rebuked Peter, he is likewise reprimanding the servants of God who received the same calling as the believers but who are not going the right way. This is not wrong. As long as the motive is pure, it is not wrong for there to be a rebuke between ministers or a rebuke between laypeople.

“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” (Galatians 2:11)

“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;” (Ephesians 5:11)

46 Let the Readers Understand! 3. A Distortion of the Doctrine Of Salvation 47 Even a rebuke to those who are not born-again is definitely necessary in order to bring about repentance. Also, there are those people in power who, like the children of Satan, negate and disrupt the works of God as though their consciences have been seared. To them, John the Baptist and Jesus gave a severe rebuke. Naturally‚ this is also necessary in this generation. Isn’t it a grave sin--a sin of spiritual murder--to denounce a church through lies and distortions, an act which the ‘Tong-Hap Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ has been doing?

Let us continue. Mr. Seung Woo Byun asserts that ‘Christians go to hell, and saved people can be rejected’ and furthermore, attacks those who criticize him as “heresy-hunters”, “a counterfeit Christianity disguised behind the orthodox mask”, “the Pharisees”, and even “spiritual parasites”.

Tong-Hap says that Pastor Seung Woo Byun asserts that ‘Christians go to hell, and saved people can be rejected’. They make this teaching to be a problem but they selected these words intentionally while completely ignoring the context before and after them in order to make Pastor Byun look senseless. By using these strong words out of context, Tong-Hap wants to imply that Pastor Byun has an extreme character flaw. However, when rebuking someone, it is necessary at times to use strong words so that by giving an effective shock, the listener may come to repentance. Many preachers do the same thing. Jesus and John the Baptist used strong words to express the reality as

48 Let the Readers Understand! it is, because the hearts and actions of those being rebuked were like Satan himself. Serpents, brood of vipers, white-washed tombs, etc. And Jesus rebuked Peter by calling him Satan (Mark 8:33). Consequently, if these expressions show the actual spiritual state of these people, what is problematic about using such expressions? Jesus called the scribes and Pharisees, who later denounced Paul as a heretic as “serpents and brood of vipers.” Then what is so problematic about using the same expressions toward professional heresy-hunters who are also doing the same thing--lying and slandering in order to falsely accuse? Considering their deceit, pride, and their wickedness, these expressions are not strong at all. Also, Tong-Hap makes an issue not by reading and understanding the writings of Pastor Byun in context or understanding through the flow of his sermons. Instead like a real heretic, they omit a few sentences and use them entirely out of context. This is the method used by most cults to make their own heretical doctrines. And, it is beyond my imagination how a Christian organization (such as Tong-Hap Research and Investigation Subcommittee Against Heresy), who ought to be utmost honest, thorough and prudent in discerning a heresy, is using this same method to write such a nonsensical report. In reality, Pastor Byun teaches the above message in the same context as the book of James, that one is saved when one possesses true faith, and when that faith is thrown away, the person can be rejected. Below is a quote from his writing regarding this.

“‘Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test

48 Let the Readers Understand! 3. A Distortion of the Doctrine Of Salvation 49 yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless‚ of course‚ you fail the test?’ (2 Cor. 13:5) Paul did not ask‚ ‘Do you have faith?’ He asked‚ ‘Are you in the faith?’ In other words‚ Paul’s question is‚ ‘Are you remaining in faith? Are you continually living in faith?’ Even though I had faith in the past‚ if I do not have it now‚ I will fail the test and will be cast away. Therefore‚ always remember this truth‚ and like Paul‚ let us not draw back” (Christians Going To Hell‚ p. 80).

Pastor Byun presents many scripture verses to show as evidence that it is possible to lose our salvation (Heb. 6:4-6, 1 Cor. 9:27, Mat. 7:21, James 2:14, Phil. 2:12, gal. 5:19-21, Ezek. 18:24, Rom. 11:17-22, Mat. 3:7- 10, etc.). John Wesley, the founder of Methodist Church, asserted that ‘Even Christians who experienced being born again can lose their salvation’ and ‘a saved person can be rejected’. This is a doctrine that is acknowledged within the Methodist, Holiness, and Full Gospel churches. Even Pastor Gyum Il Nah of the Tong-Hap denomination, who wrote a recommendation in Pastor Byun’s book, acknowledges this doctrine. In his books, Pastor Byun uses quotes from the writings of many great people of God and emphasizes that his assertions are nothing new and have been already acknowledged by many people in history. Despite that fact, his assertions are brought into question. If a person is labeled a heretic based on the doctrine, “a saved person can be rejected,” then the whole Methodist and Holiness denominations must be accused as heretic. Likewise, people such as John Wesley,

50 Let the Readers Understand! William Seymour, D. L. Moody, David Yonggi Cho, Kenneth Hagin, etc. must be labeled as heretics. And many of the pastors within the Tong-Hap denomination must be called heretics, since they hold the same view. Of course, this is an impossible task. Then why should Pastor Byun be accused as a heretic because he holds that doctrine? While investigating Pastor Byun, Tong-Hap allegedly said that ‘John Wesley was a heretic’. Do you also believe that John Wesley was a heretic?

50 Let the Readers Understand! 3. A Distortion of the Doctrine Of Salvation 51

Chapter Four: Is He Making an Idol of Himself?

Tong-Hap asserts that Pastor Byun advances himself to the rank of great ministers that led revivals such as John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney, etc (Christians Going To Hell, pp. 103-111). To show proof of their claim, they used the following writing:

However, this is not saying ‘I am a second-coming Christ’; so how can this statement be heretical? Moreover, when we further read the writing following the statement quoted by Tong-Hap, we can see the

4. Is He Making an Idol of Himself? 53 intention behind Pastor Byun’s writing (Here, we can see the intention of Tong-Hap as well):

“As I was reading Charles Finney’s confession‚ my body shook with overwhelming emotion because his testimony was very similar to my own experiences when the word came upon me. I knew from experience what Charles Finney was saying. In that instant I thought‚ All this time I was disappointed when I tried to find the truth of salvation through the books I read. Most preachers and authors were neither able to give me the answers to my questions‚ nor were even curious to know themselves. Here is a man who received the Word of God the same way that I receive the Word. Furthermore‚ he was used by God as a representative in his generation‚ and I cannot even compare with him because he was a spiritual giant. Then‚ he must definitely have the answer that I am looking for. From then on‚ I went to a Christian bookstore and bought Charles Finney’s books without even looking at the titles. My expectations were right on the mark. I was able to find satisfactory answers to my questions. As a result‚ my eyes became brighter‚ my understanding increased‚ and I was able to see clearly the meanings in the Bible. If possible‚ I want to recommend that you read all

of Charles Finney’s books.” 3

As you can see, Pastor Byun considered Charles Finney as ‘a figure [whom he] cannot even compare with because he was a spiritual giant’. Even though such a confession appears right below the quote used by

3 Seung Woo Byun, Christians Going To Hell , Seoul: Great Faith Publishers, Inc., 2006, pp. 92-93.

54 Let the Readers Understand! Tong-Hap, it astounds me how Tong-Hap can make their assertion through incomplete quotes. Also in his sermons, I have heard many times the confession of Pastor Byun: ‘though I want to follow Charles Finney‚ I’m not able to do that because of my insufficiency’. This is why Tong-Hap’s assertion is not only wrong, but extremely unscrupulous and very wicked. Tong-Hap’s investigation was superficially done because their real intention was to denounce Pastor Byun right from the beginning.

54 Let the Readers Understand! 4. Is He Making an Idol of Himself? 55

Chapter Five: Ignorance Regarding the Doctrines of Revelation and the Doctrine of the Bible

Next, Tong-Hap presents problems regarding the doctrines of revelation and the doctrine of the Bible.

Mr. Seung Woo Byun emphasizes in many places in his books that it is the Holy Spirit who directly instructs him to write a book or to preach on certain contents. “I do not preach when I do not hear from God! This is the motto of my sermons” (The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, p. 9). Such an assertion aims at three effects. First, it has the effect of bestowing transcendental authority on himself through his sermons. In other words, it is to mislead people, as though he wrote his books through direct revelations. (For example, he wrote in A Nominal Christian, or an Immature Believer?, “I preach a sermon only when the Holy Spirit gives it to me as a rhema. I do not

5. Ignorance Regarding the Doctrines of Revelation and the Doctrine of the Bible 57 willfully choose a topic or the content of a sermon” [p. 4].) Also, he places in the first pages of his books the letters of recommendations by foreign ministers, and without an exception, these recommendations include notes stating that the revelations received by Mr. Byun are those from the Holy Spirit. Secondly, his direct revelations have the effect of offering strong criticisms of the established church, and specializing his own church. By advertising that he receives revelations of the Holy Spirit, Mr. Byun implies to his followers that the established church does not receive them and therefore, it is either false or incompetent. Thirdly, Mr. Byun’s assertion of direct revelation has the effect of weakening the authority of the Bible. He takes the Bible as an aid to present and interpret his revelations and dreams by quoting, reorganizing, and applying scriptures for his sermons and biblical interpretations. Also he puts his own direct revelations on par with or above the authority of the Bible. Furthermore, Mr. Byun makes an implication that he receives the same inspiration as the apostles, and therefore his sermons and his interpretation of the Bible are equal to God’s direct speaking. He even asserts that he possesses the “plume line” that interprets the Bible correctly (see his book, The Plumb Line). It goes without saying that his assertion is in opposition to the doctrine of our denomination, which states that the Bible holds sufficient revelations for our salvation, and there is no other direct revelations besides the Bible. (See “Constitution no. 1, The Westminster Confession of Faith, Part 4 ‘Regarding the Bible’. Article 1 “…However, currently the previous method of God’s revealing His will to His people has

58 Let the Readers Understand! stopped (Heb. 1:12).“Also, Article 6: ”…regarding this Bible, nothing further can be added through new revelations of the Holy Spirit, or human traditions in all times (2 Timothy 3:15-17, Gal. 1:8-9, 2 Thes. 2:2).” So Mr. Byun’s doctrine of the Bible and of revelation are not only unbiblical but are in opposition to our denomination’s doctrines, and damage the authority of the Bible, the Word of God.

I ended up quoting all the parts that Tong-Hap found problematic regarding the doctrine of revelation and the doctrine of the Bible. I could not but include all of them. Let us look at each part individually.

First, the problem is posed because Pastor Byun says that the Holy Spirit directly instructs him to write a book or preach.

I am astonished. To make an issue of this is very shocking. There is a famous book by Dr. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones titled, Preaching and Preachers, a book that is used as a textbook or required reading in many of the preaching classes in the Presbyterian theological schools. In the book the author had many occasions of similar experiences that were experienced by Pastor Byun, and he teaches this experience as an important element in preachers.

58 Let the Readers Understand! 5. Ignorance Regarding the Doctrines of Revelation and the Doctrine of the Bible 59 “The preacher‚ I say, does not read his Bible in order to find texts; but as he reads his Bible in this way--as indeed all Christians should--he will suddenly find as he is reading that a particular statement stands out‚ and as it were hits him‚ and speaks to him‚ and immediately suggests a

sermon to him.” 4

“One of the greatest preachers of the lst century‚ if not the greatest of all‚ Charles Haddon Spurgeon‚ took a very strong line on this… He held that the texts should be given to the preacher‚ that he should seek the Lord in this matter and ask for guidance. He held that the preacher should not decide but pray for the guidance and the leading of the Holy Spirit‚ and then submit himself to do this. He will thus be led to particular texts and statements which he will then expound in sermonic form. That was

the view held by Spurgeon and by many others.” 5

“I argue that He may lead us at one time to preach on odd texts and at another time to preach a series of sermons. I would humbly claim that I have known this many times in my experience. There is a volume of sermons preached by me published under the title Spiritual Depression. The story of how I came to preach that series may help to illustrate this matter. I had actually determined--it seemed to me that I was being led in that way‚ but undoubtedly it was my own determination--to start a series of sermons on the Epistle to the Ephesians. However‚ one morning while dressing‚ quite suddenly and in an overwhelming manner‚ it seemed to

4 D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers , Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011, p. 184. 5 ibid., p. 202.

60 Let the Readers Understand! me that the Spirit of God was urging me to preach a series of sermons on ‘spiritual depression’. Quite literally while I was dressing the series took order in my mind‚ and all I had to do was to rush as quickly as possible to put down on paper the various texts‚ and the order in which they had come to me‚ in that way. I had never thought about preaching a series of sermons on spiritual depression; it had never occurred to me to do so; but it came just like that. I always pay great attention to such happenings. It is a very wonderful and glorious experience apart from anything else; and I would not dare to disobey what I regard as a very definite injunction coming in that manner. I am quite confident that the preaching of that

series of sermons was dictated to me by the Spirit Himself.” 6

“I warned against the bad habit of reading the Scriptures ‘for’ texts‚ and emphasized that we should always read them for our own good and edification. I pointed out how in doing so you would find that certain statements would hit you and strike you; and I told you what to do about that. Anyone who follows that practice will find that he will never be short of texts; he will have accumulated a pile of skeletons which he has prepared while reading the Scriptures for his own edification. But in addition to that you will find that sermons are as it were given to you. They come to you directly‚ and you have very little to do about them… You will find that He will be kind and very gracious to you at the beginning‚ and will give you texts and sermons; sometimes perhaps a complete sermon will come to you.” 7

6 ibid., pp. 203-204. 7 ibid., p. 208.

60 Let the Readers Understand! 5. Ignorance Regarding the Doctrines of Revelation and the Doctrine of the Bible 61 “One of the best treatments of this subject is a book by Arthur Koestler‚ published a few years ago under the title The Act of Creation. He is not interested in of course in what we are discussing‚ but he is interested in the way in which great scientific discoveries in particular are made‚ and also in poetry. One of the big points he makes is that it is generally the case that the most notable scientific discoveries have not been the result of a pure logical process of thinking. That has played a part in the process‚ but the big things‚ he says‚ have generally come suddenly and unexpectedly; they have been ‘given’. The story is not that the scientist has gone on from step to step and then eventually arrived at the ultimate step--the vital thing has often come in a kind of flash of revelation… I have had this kind of experience on several occasions… I will remember how on one occasion I was struggling with a text and had spent a whole morning on it‚ but simply could not get it in shape. My wife then called me to lunch. At that time--this was many years ago-there was a man named Christopher Stone who had a weekly radio programme of new gramophone records. We used to enjoy listening to that programme while having our lunch. We began to do so on this occasion. He had put on two or three records which had not interested me at all. Then he announced that he was going to put on a record of two very famous singers singing a very well-known duet. I believe one of them was Beniamino Gigli. Listening to this record with these two superb voices perfectly blended‚ and singing most thrilling music‚ I was not merely pleased but deeply moved emotionally‚ and‚ immediately‚ the problem I had been struggling with for hours throughout the morning was entirely resolved‚ everything fell into place at once--order‚ divisions‚ shape‚ everything. The moment the record finished I rushed to my study and put

62 Let the Readers Understand! it down on paper as quickly as I could‚ trusting that I had not forgotten or

missed anything.” 8

“What is quite clear from the experiences of all preachers is that some messages come upon the preachers in a very special way. I have already mentioned this previously. Some sermons fall upon a preacher with uncommon clarity. The preacher is given the order of points that need to be expressed. It is as if all of these are given directly from God. Not only that‚ the preacher discovers that this message will be used by the Holy

Spirit as a means of repentance or blessing by certain people.” 9

Pastor Byun’s assertion points to the experiences which Dr. Lloyd- Jones explained. It also points to the experiences that Pastor David Yonggi Cho had.

“Many people wonder how you prepare a sermon after having seen you delivering a powerful message despite a busy ministry schedule. Are there any special methods for preparing a sermon? Reverend Cho: There is no special method. I live praying for God’s message 24 hours a day. A message loses its power if it is taken from somebody else’s book or sermon. It may be flawless in terms of its structure and biblical knowledge. However‚ the message‚ which has not been received personally by me‚ does not exercise its power on me… A parrot can repeat words without knowing the meaning‚ but it does not have the power to persuade. I receive God’s message directly from

8 ibid., pp. 223-224. 9 ibid. Words paraphrased.

62 Let the Readers Understand! 5. Ignorance Regarding the Doctrines of Revelation and the Doctrine of the Bible 63 Him and come forward firmly believing that this message is given for my people at this time and place. Many people ask me to provide the sermon text days ahead of the time for the conference or revival meeting‚ but I have never been able to do so. The reason is‚ I do not know what message God would like me to deliver in advance. If I use the message written ahead of the time of delivery‚ I do not receive the power of the living Holy Spirit. Thus‚ I pray at the place of a sermon and try to deliver God’s message that is given by the Holy Spirit of God there. God has given me message whenever I pray for it. As a messenger of His message‚ I wait until the master of the message gives His words. So‚ when I am asked presently‚ ‘How long did it take for you to receive God’s message?’ I reply that it has taken 40 years. I have lived the life of praying and crying out everyday for His message since the day I started my ministry. God has given me His message at different times and places‚ sometimes while I am walking‚ listening to other pastor’s sermon‚ sleeping or reading the Bible. I have a habit of carrying a notepad and pen in my pocket always to write an inspiration of God. This inspiration is hard to come by again if it is missed and not noted. After receiving the inspiration‚ I logically organize the message in the form of an introduction‚ body and conclusion. With this structural organization‚ deductive and inductive reasoning is used after the message has been ‘cooked’ (treated) so that the readers can understand it well. Even if the message is ‘cooked’ by an excellent ‘cook’‚ it’s no use to have a message without the content. So‚ receiving the essence of a message‚ the content‚ is most important. After receiving the content‚ the messenger should be able to deliver the message in the most meaningful

64 Let the Readers Understand! ways.” 10

Such is the experience that Pastor Byun confessed he had. In other words, he is not saying that he writes a book or preaches a sermon after having visions or angelic visitations, or other revelatory experiences. Rather, he prepares his sermons and books after a realization of the Word is given to him by the grace of God. Then why is this problematic? It actually is not problematic. Moreover, this is not heretical at all. Instead, it is an exemplary and desirable characteristic of a preacher. As a servant and minister of God who has been called the Lord, why is it problematic that he preaches and writes a book according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? In essence, what is really problematic is to preach and write a book according to his own human thoughts without any guidance from the Holy Spirit. However, why is it considered as ‘bestowing transcendental authority to his sermons’ when preparing a sermon based on the Word that is given? This sounds different from what the Bible says:

“Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11)

10 David Yonggi Cho, Charis and Charisma , Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2003, pp. 8-9.

64 Let the Readers Understand! 5. Ignorance Regarding the Doctrines of Revelation and the Doctrine of the Bible 65 The assertion that one preaches with one’s own wisdom and knowledge--that’s pride. But it is no pride to say that one receives the Word and preaches by the grace given from God. In reality, Pastor Byun repeatedly says in public that he was not a good student at school, he does not have good memory, and that he does not have a good brain. For that reason, he desperately held unto God like a hungry beggar and that is why God gave him the gift of the Word and the Holy Spirit allowed him to realize the truth, all of which made it possible for him to preach and write a book. Additionally, he sincerely lowers himself and exalts other assistant pastors and saints in the church. Rather than bestowing transcendental authority to himself, he actually humbles himself using the understanding of the Word, the gift which he has received. He always gives all glory to God. And for those people who know Pastor Byun well, what they find most challenging from him is his humility.

Secondly, they make a forced assertion that ‘his direct revelations have the effect of offering strong criticisms of the established church, and specializing his own church.’

Since I have sufficiently explained the difference between criticism and rebuke I will skip the part about ‘giving criticisms of the established church’. I will just examine the part that states ‘his direct revelations have the effect of specializing his own church’. As I mentioned previously, the revelations he receives point to understanding the Bible clearly through the help of the Holy Spirit. In other words, whether you agree or not, they refer to the phenomenon of what some people call rhema. This also

66 Let the Readers Understand! appears in the writing that Tong-Hap quoted:

I preach a sermon only when the Holy Spirit gives it to me as a rhema. I do not willfully choose a topic or the content of a sermon.

Therefore what Pastor Byun asserts is not something special. Rather, it is pretty general.

“And you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Mat. 10:18-20)

“When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11)

“When they bring you before the synagogues and the rul- ers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12)

66 Let the Readers Understand! 5. Ignorance Regarding the Doctrines of Revelation and the Doctrine of the Bible 67 The method that Pastor Byun receives the Word to preach or write a book is the method that these verses show. This is fully explained in his book You Hear the Voice of the Lord. The title says ‘you’, which means anyone can have this experience. And whether a lot or a little, you are already having that experience to some extent. In reality, the experience that these scriptural verses promise is not only for pastors, but also for laypeople. Then how can having an assertion regarding these universal experiences be seen as specializing his own church? This proves that Tong-Hap is not interested in the meaning and intentions of the words used, but they are only trying to find fault in order to condemn.

Thirdly, what is more absurd is Tong-Hap’s wicked and false accusation that Pastor Byun either puts his own direct revelations on par with or above the authority of the Bible.

This is a flat-out false testimony and criminal act. Pastor Byun never puts any types of revelation that he or anyone has received on par with or above the authority of the Bible. Actually, it is the opposite. The evidence is clear when we read his book or see the answer Pastor Byun gave to Gisung denomination. He uses Ephesians 3:4-5 as a basis to say that the ‘foundational apostles’‚ or the apostles‚ were: Jesus‚ the 12 disciples‚ Paul‚ and other New Testament authors. They were used by God to record the Bible which became the foundation for the Church.

“By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other gen-

68 Let the Readers Understand! erations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit” (Ephesians 3:4-5)

Pastor Byun firmly says that since no foundational apostle exists after that, the Bible must always be the standard. Furthermore, if anyone adds or subtracts anything from the Bible by his or her own revelations or personal opinions, that person is a heretic. He always stresses that all revelations and assertions must be discerned through the Bible and that we must only accept that which is biblical. He applies this principle thoroughly in his own ministry. That is why even though the works of the Holy Spirit appear powerfully at Great Faith Church, and many saints experience dreams, visions, and prophecies as prophesied by Joel, there is not one unbiblical assertion that can be seen in the church. That is why professional heresy hunters, such as those in Tong-Hap, who are frantically obsessed with condemning Pastor Byun, can only come up with flat-out lies. The reason is that it is impossible to condemn him using normal procedures. I say this clearly: it all is an evil and false accusation filled with malicious lies.

68 Let the Readers Understand! 5. Ignorance Regarding the Doctrines of Revelation and the Doctrine of the Bible 69

Chapter Six: Slander Regarding the Doctrine Of Salvation

Next is the most important part that Tong-Hap presents as problematic, regarding the doctrine of salvation. Below is the quote of their writing:

From the beginning to the end, Tong-Hap raises an issue with ‘Mr. Byun’s criticisms of the established church’ in regards to the doctrine of church‚ the doctrine of revelation‚ the doctrine of the Bible‚ and the

6. Slander Regarding the Doctrine of Salvation 71 doctrine of salvation. They simply cannot discern between criticism and rebuke. There is no scriptural verse that says it is heresy to cry out what is correct in a rather critical way (which can be a personal character flaw) for the purpose of reformation and restoration. Strangely enough, from the beginning to end, Tong-Hap accuses Great Faith Church and Pastor Byun to be heretical because of this one central reason. What should be a decisive evidence for heresy is the spread of a completely different gospelor a label of self as the second-coming Jesus, or Jesus himself, etc.

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.” (2 John 1:7)

“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” (Galatians 1:8)

However, none of these problems can be discovered. Rather, what is so clearly revealed is that Tong-Hap's report is a complete fabrication. Furthermore, let’s analyze their evidence which supposedly show ‘contradictions regarding the doctrine of salvation’ in Great Faith Church.

“Instead of ‘believing in Jesus and going to hell’, I hope you will ‘believe in Jesus in a proper way and go to heaven’ (Christians Going To

72 Let the Readers Understand! Hell, p. xi).”

Do you really see this writing as a contradiction? Then what do you think about the following scriptural verses?

“Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, ‘You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’ You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the alter? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the mes- sengers and sent them out by another way? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17-26)

The verse clearly says there is a dead faith. Anyone who knows these scriptural verses can easily tell that the first part of Pastor’s

72 Let the Readers Understand! 6. Slander Regarding the Doctrine of Salvation 73 Byun’s writing which Tong-Hap quoted-‘believing in Jesus and going to hell’-refers to this dead faith. Therefore, there are no contradictions or wrong parts. Next is the following: “It was a heretical teaching originally to say one is saved when one believes Jesus and confesses with his mouth.” This was quoted from Pastor Byun’s sermon, “Beware of the False Prophets” (5/26/2006). This is something that appears over three times in Dr. Lloyd-Jones’ expository series on Romans.

“You probably heard of the so-called Sandemanian heresy that lead to terrible havoc in the church in the 18th century. What is ‘Sandemanianism’? It taught that all that a man had to do was to say that he believed in the Lord Jesus‚ and he is saved. It excluded the feelings of assurance. However, this is false and is a heresy.” 11

“To believe the gospel‚ to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ‚ is not a kind of ‘believism’‚ which has so often made havoc in the church. This‚ surely‚ is a vital matter for us to hold in our minds always. That that verse which I have just quoted: ‘For with the heart man believeth…and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation’. There was a terrible heresy in the church about one hundred and seventy years ago called the Sandemanian heresy. We do not hear much about this today… It taught that all that a man had to do was to say that he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and all was well. It did not matter at all whether he felt anything. It did not matter very much what his life was like‚ as long as he said he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ--‘Confession is made with the mouth

11 D. M. Lloyd-Jones, Romans: The Law , Chapter 7:1-8:4, Zondervan Publishing Company, 1974, p. 220.

74 Let the Readers Understand! unto salvation’. That was their great text. That is a kind of ‘believism’ and‚ as I say‚ it did lead to terrible havoc in the church.” 12

“This false notion of the character of saving faith has often afflicted the Protestant churches. One very notable example took place in the eighteenth century. This was a teaching that began in Scotland‚ first taught by a very able man called John Glas. Then a daughter of his married a man called Robert Sandeman‚ and Sandeman came to England and propagated this teaching; so it is commonly known as Sandemanianism. What was this teaching? Well‚ its proponents put their great emphasis upon the words ‘confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus’. They said that though you felt nothing‚ though you were not aware of any change at all in yourself‚ if you accepted the teaching intellectually and were prepared to say so‚ then that saved you. Now this became quite an important movement and it led to terrible results. It led in the Church of Scotland to a condition known as Moderatism. Not that they were all followers of Glas‚ but they more or less accepted his teaching without saying so. And the result was that the

Church became entirely lifeless…” 13

As mentioned, Dr. Lloyd-Jones also referred to such teaching as “Sandemanianism‚” a heresy. Therefore, Pastor Byun is not denying salvation by faith, but simply warning a belief that arises from ‘believism’. Then why is this strange? Why is this a heresy?

12 D. M. Lloyd-Jones, Romans Chapter 1 , Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1985, p. 145. 13 D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Romans: Exposition of Chapter 10 , Saving Faith, Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009, pp. 156-157.

74 Let the Readers Understand! 6. Slander Regarding the Doctrine of Salvation 75 The following is the writing quoted by Tong-Hap. “Many people think that once saved is always saved. However, this is not the truth… We blindly believe that ‘the truly saved person is taken to heaven right before his death because God would forcefully make him to repent’. This is a double deception” (Lord~, pp. 152-156).

That God does not make someone to repent forcefully appears also in Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s book, A Defense of Calvinism. The truth that ‘once saved person can be rejected’ as mentioned previously, corresponds to the Final Perseverance of the Saints as asserted by John Wesley. The Bible has a lot of evidence used by Wesley (Heb. 6:4-6, 1 Cor. 9:27, Mat. 7:21, James 2:14, Phil. 2:12, Gal. 5:19-21, Ezek. 18:24, Rom. 11:17-22, Mat. 3:7-10, etc.). In addition, Methodist and Holiness denominations teach in accordance with these verses. Therefore, such doctrine cannot be seen as heresy.

Below is an excerpt regarding the Final Perseverance of the Saints by an authoritative book on the constitution of the Christian Holiness Church.

- An excerpt from the ‘Authoritative Book on the Constitution’ of the Korean Christian Holiness Church -

1. The Constitution Article 16, regarding free will, on whether or not ‘one can become corrupt after receiving preliminary grace’ (1987/p115- 116, 1988/p131-132)

76 Let the Readers Understand! a. Does corruption mean the loss of salvation?

Interpretation: Yes. “The wages of sin is death” (Ro. 6:23). So when a person sins and does not repent, he or she must receive death, the penalty of sin. In that respect, corruption has close relationship with salvation, and corruption signifies the loss of salvation.

b. Are corruption and salvation seen as a distinct issue?

Interpretation: No. Because we can receive forgiveness when we confess (repent of) our sin, a person who is corrupt can always receive forgiveness and escape from the liability of death once he or she repents (see Constitution article 19 ‘crime after justification’).

c. Or are corruption and salvation not related at all?

Interpretation: They are closely related. When corruption signifies the loss of salvation, it is in the case of continual corruption without repentance. In other words, it is the case of completely rejecting faith because of the hardened heart. At that point, the corrupt person signifies an apostate (Heb. 6:6).

d. Does a saved person never lose his or her salvation no matter what kind of sin is committed and once the person becomes corrupt?

Interpretation: The person would lose salvation. Even when a person

76 Let the Readers Understand! 6. Slander Regarding the Doctrine of Salvation 77 was once saved, if the person rejects God and sins and becomes corrupt, he/she would lose his salvation if he/she does not repent and is forgiven.

The following is the writing quoted by Tong-Hap.

‘In the Old Testament, people were saved by obeying the Law and were not saved when they do not obey the whole Law. How thankful we should be that we live in the New Testament because all we have to do is believe Jesus’. There were many pastors who preached this way. How ignorant this is (The sermon by, “We Are Saved by Believing in Jesus”, by Seung Woo Byun, May 14 2009).

The above writing is a partial quotation, making it quite easy for people to misunderstand. This does not mean that we must obey the Law as in the Old Testament, but this is a sermon that explains that we are all saved by faith in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. Also, this is a sermon that states one is saved through genuine faith. As evidence, let us see this quote in context by looking at the writings that appear before and after it.

“We are not justified not by the works of the Law but by faith. This is what we are saying. It was the same in the Old Testament. I’ve heard this a lot when I was young--that ‘in the Old Testament, people were saved by obeying the Law and were not saved when they do not obey the whole Law. How thankful we should be that we live in the New Testament

78 Let the Readers Understand! because all we have to do is believe Jesus’. There were many pastors who preached this way. How ignorant this is.

In the Old Testament‚ people were not saved by obeying the Law. They were saved by faith‚ too. Now Abraham lived in the Old Testament. Also‚ Rahab who appears in James 2‚ lived in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament‚ people were saved by their faith in Jesus Christ‚ who is to come in the future. There were many pastors who preached that in the Old Testament‚ people were saved by the works of the Law‚ but now in the New Testament‚ how thankful we are that we are saved by faith‚ which is so easy! There were many pastors who preached that way‚ and this is because they did not receive proper teaching. People were saved by faith in the Old Testament‚ and we are saved by faith in the New

Testament.” 14

Isn’t this a clear and straight-forward teaching? How, then, could a denomination use technical editing to make a sermon sound like a legalistic heresy… an abominable act! How could Tong-Hap be so deceitful and wicked? I cannot but lament over this!

14 Seung Woo Byun, "We are Saved by Believing in Jesus" a sermon on May 4, 2009.

78 Let the Readers Understand! 6. Slander Regarding the Doctrine of Salvation 79

Chapter Seven: Regarding the Assertion That 90% Of Pastors are False Prophets

The following is another quotation:

“Also in the New Testament, over 90% of pastors are false prophets.”

I can see their motive in using this quote. Deacon In Kyu Lee and Prof. Sung Soo Kwon, who operate a website titled, “Ask Anything,” publicized a flat-out lie that Pastor Byun had a coronation ceremony. Along with these people, the ‘Gisung Research and Investigation Subcommittee Against Heresy’ distorted and exaggerated the above statement, making it sound extremely emphatic. In short, a mean trick. Of Gisung’s malicious question, this is what Pastor Byun replied.

“Question: You said 90% of current pastors are false prophets. Since

7. Regarding the Assertion That 90% of Pastors are False Prophets 81 you were ordained in an orthodox Korean church denomination‚ you are in fact saying that you are also a false pastor. Do you still think so?

Answer: This is a misunderstanding. You have believed this lie and are now asking this question without confirming the facts‚ something which heresy-hunters with seared-conscience have fabricated and spread. That is unfortunate. Some time ago‚ Deacon In Kyu Lee‚ who is a hireling of heresy-hunters‚ posted a nonsensical false accusation on his website and I have written an answer to that. I will introduce a part of that writing as it relates to this.

“Quotation: In the New Testament‚ over 90% of pastors are false prophets. (Beware of the False Prophets‚ a sermon on 5/26/2006)

Deacon Lee: This is an exclusive doctrine of the church‚ to say that pastors are false prophets.

My Answer: I was incredulous when Prof. Sung Soo Kyon asserted that ‘Pastor Byun is a heretic because he said 90% of pastors are false prophets’‚ because I do not recall saying that. To say that 90% of pastors are false prophets—that is ridiculous. So I called in a church staff member and asked to listen to the sermon ‘Beware of the False Prophets’ from beginning to end. In which‚ I received a report that clarified that there was no such statement. I do not understand why such forced assertion is being made now.

That is why I am saying that these people should stop learning Greek

82 Let the Readers Understand! or Hebrew, and learn Korean first. In the sermon‚ I did not say that 90% of pastors are false prophets. What I said is that over 90% of the false prophets are among pastors. Do they not know the difference between the two statements? Who were the false prophets in the past? They were of course among the prophets of Judaism. Almost 90-100% of the false prophets were found among the Israelite prophets. In the same way‚ most of the false prophets who are the blind leading the blind‚ are found among Christian pastors (though they are found among heretical cults too).”

Also‚ the term ‘false prophets’ which I used then is different from what you think it is. This is not the false prophets that we generally think of today. While John Wesley and Lloyd-Jones were expounding on the Sermon on the Mount‚ they said those who do not teach about the narrow gate and the narrow road are false prophets in their messages even though they themselves may be saved and are sincere ministers. I have used the term ‘false prophets’ with that definition in mind. This is what Pastor Han Heum Ok courageously pointed out at Sang-Am Stadium: ‘Korean church leaders! How many of us would be free from the Lord’s rebuke that we have not watered down the gospel? If the Lord says‚ “You are responsible for making the church that has dead faith‚” how many of us ministers would be able to say‚ “I am not.” ‘In the same say‚ I am pointing out that there are many preachers who have diluted

and compromised the Gospel truth.” 15

15 Seung Woo Byun, The Words, Words, Words about Great Faith Church and the Truth , Seoul: Great Faith Publishers, Inc. pp. 115-116.

82 Let the Readers Understand! 7. Regarding the Assertion That 90% of Pastors are False Prophets 83 To summarize, this statement means that just as in the Old Testament, 90% of the false prophets are within pastors. This does NOT mean that 90% of pastors are false prophets. Therefore, this is not a heretical remark.

84 Let the Readers Understand! Let the Readers 84 Let the Readers Understand! Understand!

Chapter Eight: Regarding the Slander That We Are Saved By Works

Next is the writing quoted by Tong-Hap.

In contrast to the biblical assertion and the assertions of the established church--that we are saved by God’s grace and by faith (Eph. 2:8)--Mr. Byun emphasizes that we are saved by works.

The average people think that it is wrong to talk about other things besides the cross. They think that we must only talk about the cross when it comes to salvation… However we must realize how narrow- minded and unbiblical such a thought is” (Seung Woo Byun, The Cross Where the Lord Hung and Died, pp. 54-55).

This also is a mix-and-match quote, where the central points

8. Regarding the Slander That We Are Saved By Works 87 were technically eliminated in a dishonest way. What would people think when they come across this writing only? They would easily misunderstand and think as Tong-Hap intended, namely, Pastor Byun believes that the cross is insufficient for salvation and that good works or the works of the Law must be added to be saved. However, if we see the original writing with the eliminated parts underlined, this is what it says:

“Gal. 6:14” But may it never be that I would boast‚ except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ‚ through which the world has been crucified to me‚ and I to the world.

The average people only see the first part of this verse‚ which says‚ ‘But may it never be that I would boast‚ except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ’. And think that it is wrong to talk about other things besides the cross. They think that we must only talk about the cross when it comes to salvation. In other words‚ they say salvation is only about the meritorious deed of the cross‚ as though all others topics—such as repenting and turning away from sin‚ living faith that has good deeds‚ self-denial and carrying our own cross—are a deviation from the Gospel truth and are wrong. However we must realize how narrow-minded and unbiblical

such a thought is.” 16

As mentioned above, Pastor Byun’s intention is not to say that we are saved by good works or the works of the Law, but that we are saved by

16 Seung Woo Byun, The Cross Where the Lord Hung and Died, Seoul: Great Faith Publishers, Inc., pp. 54-55.

88 Let the Readers Understand! the cross; however, we must not fall into ‘believism’ of the salvation sect heresy. We must repent and believe in Jesus. Not only this, but we must follow the Lord by paying the cost of being a disciple as required by the Lord (Luke 14:25-33). Such people are the ones who are saved. This is a very biblical assertion. However, Tong-Hap has intentionally and wickedly distorted his writing to falsely accuse him of being a legalistic heretic. Then what is the identity of the Tong-Hap Research and Investigation Subcommittee Against Heresy? Are they really comprised of pastors? It is truly unbelievable that a denomination that prides itself of being the first-born Christian denomination in Korea, a Christian organization that ought to be the model of God’s justice, has used such false resources as a basis for condemning Pastor Seung Woo Byun as a heretic. No, I do not even want to believe it. I am assured that many pastors including the president of the general assembly have been clearly deceived by them. Therefore, the general assembly of Tong-Hap must not delay in revealing the evil act of the ‘Tong-Hap Research and Investigation Subcommittee Against Heresy’, and make a formal apology to the Korean society and the Korean church, not to mention thoroughly repenting before God.

Next, this is what Tong-Hap (Again, I go back to referring the Tong-Hap Research and Investigation Subcommittee Against Heresy as simply Tong-Hap from this point on) quoted:

“…There are many people who teach that we can be forgiven and go to heaven as long as we rely on the cross—without repentance from sin,

88 Let the Readers Understand! 8. Regarding the Slander That We Are Saved By Works 89 without genuine faith that produces good deeds, and without rebirth of a person created anew for good works; these same people are deceived into thinking that they are the only ones who are orthodox” (Seung Woo Byun, The Cross Where the Lord Hung and Died, p. 59).

By emphasizing that there must be repentance and good deeds besides faith in Jesus Christ and that the saved person must live a dedicated life, Mr. Byun opposes salvation gained by faith through the gift of the Holy Spirit and emphasizes salvation based on works and good deeds. Such a doctrine of salvation is in direct contrast to biblical doctrine of salvation and the doctrine of the reformed church. Therefore, it is a dangerous doctrine of salvation that our denomination can never accept.

I cannot but smile as I read this (^^)

There are many people who teach that we can be forgiven and go to heaven as long as we rely on the cross—without repentance from sin, without genuine faith that produces good deeds, and without rebirth of a person created anew for good works;

Why did they quote this part? I am very curious myself. Isn’t this biblically correct? Also, Tong-Hap intentionally deleted the bible verse reference (Eph. 2:10), in order to make Pastor Byun appear as a legalistic heretic. Originally, it is written: “…without a genuine faith that produces good deeds, and without rebirth of a person created anew for good works (Eph. 2:10)…” What they have deleted is the following scripture:

90 Let the Readers Understand! “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).

Tong-Hap said at the end part, that it is a dangerous doctrine of salvation that our denomination can never accept. If they cannot accept this, what kind of doctrine of salvation do they believe in?????? Do they only believe in the faith that even demons possess that is mentioned in James? Mentioned by even Jesus??? It is hard to understand. This error arises from their serious ignorance of the Bible, which is the root of their inability to differentiate “works of the Law” and “biblical obedience” (based on genuine faith) which the Puritans who were Calvinists strongly believed in. Pastor Byun never once asserted that we are saved by good works. He only stresses that though we are saved by the grace of God and the cross of Jesus Christ, we must have genuine faith. This is a very biblical assertion. Then how could they distort such a biblical statement and try to ruin one pastor and a church? Tong-Hap did not condemn Pastor Byun as a heretic after a thorough investigation of reading his books on good deeds and salvation. Rather, like a witch hunter, they try to kill one pastor. The decisive evidences of this can be found in Christians Going To Hell, which Tong-Hap allegedly said they have analyzed. First, let me quote the part where Romans 4:1-3 and James 2:21-24 are compared:

“What then shall we say that Abraham‚ our forefather‚ discovered in this matter? If‚ in fact‚ Abraham was justified by works‚ he had

90 Let the Readers Understand! 8. Regarding the Slander That We Are Saved By Works 91 something to boast about—but not before God. What does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God‚ and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ (Romans 4:1-3)

Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together‚ and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says‚ ‘Abraham believed God‚ and it was credited to him as righteousness‚’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. (James 2:21-24)

When we look at these two passages‚ they seem to contradict each other. In reality however‚ they form a perfect harmony. In order to understand these passages‚ we must realize that the word faith that Paul and James use‚ and the words works and deeds used by them respectively are carry different meanings… Simply put‚ Paul’s faith is the cause that produces works‚ and therefore it is the faith that is accompanied by works. Paul used the word faith with this meaning in mind. On the other hand‚ James understood the Gospel truth of Christianity and used the word faith to express it. Of course‚ that‚ too‚ is faith‚ but this is not about the same kind of faith that saves us.

Now‚ we will find out the difference between the words works and deeds. This is what Jonathan Edwards said in his book‚ Religious

92 Let the Readers Understand! Affections. He declared that the statement that we are justified by faith is not contradictory to Apostle Paul’s frequent assertion that we are not justified by the works of the Law. Likewise‚ the statement that biblical obedience is related to justification is not contradictory to Apostle Paul’s frequent assertion that we are not justified by the works of the Law.

It is certain that Jonathan Edwards knew the difference between works and deeds. Works and deeds are different from each other‚ but how? The word works‚ which Paul used negatively‚ signifies the self-effort to receive salvation‚ as in ‘the works of the Law’ (Rom. 9:32‚ NKJV). This is a foolish attempt. The word deeds used by James is fundamentally different in meaning from the works of the Law mentioned in the Book of Romans‚ and it signifies deeds of faith. The former is the action that appears before salvation‚ while the latter is the action that appears to those who have already been saved. The former is impossible to accomplish‚ while the latter is possible; the former can lead to self- righteousness‚ while the latter is achieved by the grace of God‚ and thus brings glory to Him. Even though the words works and deeds seem like synonyms‚ they are actually different in meaning. Therefore‚ once we understand this and read the two passages about Abraham being credited as righteous‚ there is no contradiction. The two passages are totally harmonious and complementary to each other. As a result‚ we do not have to accept one passage and reject the other. Both passages by Paul and James are complete and literal truths. This means that if we ‘have faith but no deeds‚ ‘we are not in danger of losing heavenly rewards, but our own salvation. We must read Matthew 7:21 and James 2:21 literally.”

92 Let the Readers Understand! 8. Regarding the Slander That We Are Saved By Works 93 I will quote just one more writing in his book Don’t Let Anyone Deceive You! because I feel this would be sufficient.

“I was just a nameless pastor whom no one knew. But through Christians Going To Hell‚ I became well known. This book is my small effort to re-illuminate the doctrine of salvation so that it would be understood biblically. Currently many people domestically and abroad are opening their eyes to the truth through this book. They are repenting and being transformed. However‚ there are some who are bound by faulty ideas and prejudices that have accumulated over the years from wrong teaching that they cannot understand‚ even though they read my writing. I believe it would be helpful for these people to hear what the Lord spoke to me at the Daegu Great Faith Church retreat.

First‚ the meritorious basis of salvation is the blood of Jesus Christ. The merit of salvation is the blood of Jesus Christ only. We are saved only by the blood of Jesus. We cannot be saved by anything else. I believe this 100%.

Second‚ the blood of Jesus applies only to those who repent and believe. The merit of salvation is the blood of Jesus on the cross. As the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world‚ he took the sin of all humankind. Then does it mean all people go to heaven? No. Only those who repent and believe will go to heaven. Therefore‚ though the meritorious basis of salvation is the blood of Jesus on the cross‚ the way

94 Let the Readers Understand! one receives salvation is through repentance and faith. Though we repent and believe‚ we are not saved by those deeds. We are saved only by the meritorious work of Jesus on the cross. However‚ those who do not repent and believe do not receive salvation. This is because repentance and faith are the method of salvation which God has designated. Therefore‚ it is crucial that we repent and believe (Mark 1:15).

Third and most importantly‚ our repentance and faith must be genuine. We are saved when we rely upon Jesus’ meritorious work on the cross‚ repent from all sin‚ and believe in the Lord Jesus. However‚ just as counterfeit money does not have any value‚ counterfeit repentance and faith do not have any value either. Therefore‚ we must genuinely repent and genuinely believe.

… I do not assert that we must add good works to our faith to be saved‚ as some people misunderstand. Though faith is sufficient‚ I am just saying that faith must be genuine. Please remember these three things. Then you will not stumble over my teaching‚ and you will know that my

teaching is very biblical.” 17

Though the above writing was long, I quoted it here so that you would find Pastor Byun to be trustworthy and because the content of it is very essential. When you read this, you will see that there is no problem with the doctrine of salvation. If anyone finds Pastor Byun's doctrine of salvation to be problematic, that person would be the dangerous one.

17 Seung Woo Byun, Don't Let Anyone Deceive You! , Seoul: Great Faith Publishers, Inc., pp223-225.

94 Let the Readers Understand! 8. Regarding the Slander That We Are Saved By Works 95 Such a person ought to be disqualified from teaching anyone. Through a wrong doctrine of salvation, false faith and false peace can be planted within church members. (In the appendix, I have included the writings of Prof Seyoon Kim, Pastor Kyung Kyu Kim, and Prof. Yun Kyung Kwon. Please read them.)

96 Let the Readers Understand! Let the Readers 96 Let the Readers Understand! Understand!

Chapter Nine: The Work Of the Holy Spirit--the Ministry of Mysticism?

Lastly, Tong-Hap presents the problem of the ministry of mysticism.

Through Especially Desire to Prophesy and other books and sermons, Seung Woo Byun actively promotes mystical types of ministry such as visitations to heaven, personal prophecies of future, speaking in tongues, falling in the spirit, etc. His books have many testimonies of people who have visited heaven. (For example, see A Counterfeit Christianity Disguised Behind the Orthodox Mask, pp. 223- 289). During conferences, he trains speaking in tongues, and a large proportion of ministries at Great Faith Church encourages mysticism, such as prophetic ministry, the interpretation of tongues, healing and deliverance ministry, etc. Another example is his criticisms toward Kukmin Daily Newspaper and CBS in relation to the conference

9. The Work of the Holy Spirit--the Ministry of Mysticism? 99 advertisement of Joseph Gwajima who raised 150 people from the dead. Such ministry of Mr. Byun is in contrast to the word of our Lord, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet” (Mat. 12:39, 16:4). Also, his ministry must be banned since our denomination sternly warns of emphatic, mystical ministries.

I will touch upon the content regarding visitation to heaven since it was mentioned earlier in the book (see chapter 2). As I have said already, it has been years since Great Faith Church stopped doing the ministry of visitation to heaven. Also, training in speaking in tongues is a groundless fact. How can they make such an ignorant assertion? How do we train speaking in tongues? Tongue-speaking is a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Also, the act of falling in the Spirit (1 Sam. 19:23-24, 2 Chron. 5:13- 14, Dan. 10:9, John 18:6, Acts 9:3-4, Rev. 1:17) is a phenomenon that has occurred in the ministries of numerous servants of God, including Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, John Wesley, Charles Finney, James McGrady, Barton W. Stone, Maria Woodworth Etter, Katherine Kuhlman, Reinhard Bonke, Carlos Annacondia, Benny Hinn… This is a phenomenon that generally occurs, though not always, in a revival. That is why Dr. Lloyd-Jones wrote about this phenomenon:

“It comes near to being the rule that in revival‚ phenomena begin to manifest themselves… sometimes people feel the power of the Spirit to such an extent that they faint and fall to the ground. Sometimes there are

100 Let the Readers Understand! even convulsions‚ physical convulsions. And sometimes people fall into a state of unconsciousness‚ into a kind of trance and many remain like that for hours. These phenomena are not essential to revival… yet it is to say

that‚ on the whole‚ they do tend to be present when there is a revival.” 18

Charles Haddon Spurgeon also said, “When God brings revival in a region‚ people can fall to the ground and yell.” 19 Therefore, this is not a wrong phenomenon. Moreover, this phenomenon began to occur in his ministry right after the time when he attended the Charles Francis Hunter conference sponsored by Pastor Kyung Sul Min of the Tong-Hap Denomination, at Yangsuri Retreat Center. Hence, it is Tong-Hap who ironically allowed this phenomenon to occur at Great Faith Church. What is more important is that Pastor Byun is not someone who is obsessed with the phenomenon of falling in the Spirit as many pastors in the Korean Pentecostal and charismatic circles are. This appears well in his book:

“Pastor Fred Wolfe who pastors a church of over 4000 members in America even warned that ‘it is an idolatry to seek signs (referring to the phenomenon of falling in the Spirit) rather than seeking God’. Many pastors think that causing people to fall is an evidence of possessing special power. And they delude themselves by thinking that when such an amazing phenomenon occurs‚ the Holy Spirit is working powerfully

18 Randy Clark, Falling Under the Power of the Holy Spirit , pp. 58-59. Also see original quote: Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Revival, Westchester, IL: Crossway Books, 1987. 19 Guy Chevreau, Catch the Fire , Toroto: Canada, HarperPerennial, 1994, p. 148.

100 Let the Readers Understand! 9. The Work of the Holy Spirit--the Ministry of Mysticism? 101 among them. What I have found after experiencing this directly and observing others ministering this way is that when the focus is on the phenomenon, it occurs more frequently and boisterously. However‚ I saw that it feels empty and becomes a mere show without substance. Therefore‚ though we respect and accept the phenomenon as one of the works of the Holy Spirit‚ we must rather focus on repentance‚ holiness‚ the Word‚ and Jesus. When we do this‚ we will have beautiful fruits and cause people to be truly transformed instead of simply allowing for noisy phenomena to

occur.” 20

It has been years since Pastor Byun felt skeptical over the ministries that misuse the phenomenon of falling in the Spirit, and stopped praying for people for this purpose. He felt this was not the essentials of Christianity. Read the fourth chapter of Especially Desire to Prophesy. Then you will be surprised to find a godly and balanced view over this phenomenon. Then you will know that it was a shameful act to make such a crude and false accusation.

Also, it is amazing to hear of their accusation over praying in tongue, prophecy, healing, and deliverance. Currently at Great Faith Church, many cancer patients and other patients with serious diseases are being healed every week. As a result, not only unbelievers but even monks are coming to the Lord. Why is this wrong? Why is this emphatic mysticism and heresy? Are they out of their mind? Didn't

20 Seung Woo Byun, Especially Desire to Prophesy, Seoul, Korea: Great Faith Publishers, Inc., pp. 278-279.

102 Let the Readers Understand! Jesus and Paul do this ministry as well? Jesus gave such power to the twelve disciples and the 70 disciples. The apostle Paul not only did this ministry but introduced the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the saints at Corinth, and he even taught how to use these gifts wisely in 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 12-14). Didn’t he exhort them to “Earnestly desire the greater gifts” (1 Cor. 12:31), “Desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:1), “I wish that you all spoke in tongues” (1 Cor. 14:5), “Let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret” (1 Cor. 14:13), “Seek to abound (in the spiritual gifts) for the edification of the church” (1 Cor. 14:12), “Desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues” (1 Cor. 14:39), “Do not despise prophetic utterances” (1 Th. 5:20), and “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Th. 5:19)? And didn't he remind Timothy to “kindle afresh the gift of God” (2 Tim. 1:6)? Therefore, according to the Tong-Hap’s standard, Paul also is an emphatic mystic and heretic.

Think for a moment. Is Tong-Hap correct and Paul wrong? Are the doctrines of Tong-Hap above the Bible? And is Tong-Hap the only denomination in the world? There are many denominations such as the Full Gospel, Salvation Army, Foursquare, etc., that are involved in the works of the Holy Spirit. Youth With a Mission (YWAM), a missions organization, also has strong ministries of the Holy Spirit. Are they all emphatic mystics and heretics? And there are numerous churches affiliated with the Korean United Coalition of Spirit-filled Churches, and they all do the ministry of the gifts which Great Faith Church also

102 Let the Readers Understand! 9. The Work of the Holy Spirit--the Ministry of Mysticism? 103 does. Then are these churches emphatic mystics and heretics? If that is the case, why don’t they condemn all of these churches? Why do they only condemn Great Faith Church? Isn’t it their mission to oppose and reveal all heresies? Therefore, Tong-Hap must stop making such a nonsensical assertion.

Next, I will analyze the part that says the ministries of Great Faith Church are wrong and must be excluded, based on the verse, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet” (Mat. 12:39, 16:4).

First, let us correctly interpret the verse that Tong-Hap used by looking at the context. Jesus said no sign will be given because the scribes and Pharisees only sought signs instead of seeking the Christ. In reality, Jesus did not only show them signs, but he showed them incredible signs. John even said he cannot record all these signs and miracles that Jesus performed because then, the world itself would not contain the books that would be written (John 20:30-31; 21:25). Also, Jesus promised that believers would do the same things that Jesus did and even do greater miracles (Mark 16:17-18). Therefore, it is not wrong for Great Faith Church to desire after the gifts and use them to spread the Gospel and to save souls. Since this is what the Bible commands us to do, it is not mystical but rather biblical. Actually, we must realize that Tong-Hap, who accuses Great Faith Church of being emphatic mystics and heretical, is the one who is unbiblical.

104 Let the Readers Understand! Let the Readers 104 Let the Readers Understand! Understand!

Chapter Ten: We Shall Know Them By Their Fruit

Lastly, this is the conclusion that Tong-Hap made.

As seen from above, Mr. Seung Woo Byun of Great Faith Church is an unbiblical heretical cult that 1) uses unethical ministry behaviors so that he can lead people to his own church by severely criticizing the established church; 2) through direction revelation, promotes wrong doctrines of the Bible and the wrong doctrines of revelation that damage the authority of the Bible; 3) promotes a doctrine of salvation that is different from the orthodox doctrine, which states that we are saved by faith through God's grace; and 4) possesses emphatically mystical faith such as visitations to heaven, prophecies, tongues, etc. Accordingly, the members belonging to our denomination are prohibited from participating in the internet broadcast or homepage that are operated by

10. We Shall Know Them By Their Fruit 107 Mr. Byun, not to mention attending his conferences.

However, as explained in this book, unlike the one-sided and unrighteous assertions and conclusions made by Tong-Hap, Great Faith Church has no unbiblical doctrine or practice regarding the issue of criticism, the issue of damaging the authority of the Bible, the issue of the doctrine of salvation, and the issue of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Rather, we can see that the assertions of Tong-Hap are unbiblical and not reliable at all.

The conclusion that I have made through this process is that not only is Great Faith Church a correct church, but it is the true model church of this generation and an exemplary church that seeks to be biblical in all its beliefs and practices. Jesus said that “We shall know them by their fruits” when looking at a church or a person (Mat. 7:20).

“You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.” (Mat. 7:16-18)

Spiritual discernment must be produced through the fruits. It is because a good tree can never bear bad fruit, and a bad tree can never bear good fruit. The saints at Great Faith Church are well-known for

108 Let the Readers Understand! their amazing transformations. As a church, they go ahead of others and beyond their denomination to do very commendable deeds. That is why international speakers who visit Great Faith Church are amazed at Great Faith Church and acknowledge it as a beautiful church. This is something that a heretical cult can never produce as its fruit. The reason for this is because as Jesus Himself said: bad trees cannot produce good fruits.

108 Let the Readers Understand! 10. We Shall Know Them By Their Fruit 109

Conclusion

ince August 2007, I have desired God’s grace and periodically S attended Great Faith Church worship services, conferences, the School of Prophetic Evangelism, the School of Intercessory Prayer, Healing Evangelism services, etc. I have also diligently read internet resources, Pastor Byun’s books, and his recommended books. Through this process, what I have found through my experience is that Pastor Byun has a pure heart, humility, a good conscience, and is without deceit. He is a precious servant of God who boldly cries out the truth without compromise because he has a passion for Christ and love for the whole church. I wanted to learn from biblical and gracious ministries of Great Faith Church so that I can humbly serve and be faithful at my own church. However, I saw this beautiful church being falsely accused and unrighteously abused through absurd lies and distorted resources. I felt a great indignation and grief at this grotesque reality. As I couldn’t sit still

Conclusion 113 any longer, I was resolute and wrote this book. In the Bible, Jesus, too, was accused of being a heretic.

“For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews through the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” (Acts 24:5)

“But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets;” (Acts 24:14)

But this not just a Bible story. When we see the reality, I keenly realize that it is no different now from 2000 years ago. In the Bible, what did the high priest, the scribes, the Pharisees, as well as other Jews--who waited for the Messiah and diligently studied Scripture--say to Jesus who stood in front of them?

“What good can come out of Nazareth, Galilee?” “Isn’t he the son of the carpenter, and of Mary?” “Isn’t he the son of that carpenter?”

Why didn’t they directly confirm the facts related to Jesus? In order to judge and condemn someone, shouldn’t people directly go to the person involved and confirm the facts, instead of blindly believing in the false rumors and distorted information? At the very least, shouldn't they

114 Let the Readers Understand! have made the decision based on accurate facts? If the Jewish religious leaders met Jesus, who was said to be the Messiah that they have eagerly awaited so long and of whom they have studied in the Bible, shouldn’t they have at least confirmed the facts, even though he didn’t meet their expectation of the Messiah?

At least the most basic of facts such as, “If you are the Messiah, were you born in Bethlehem as recorded in the Bible?”, “Is your father Joseph the descendant of David?”

But because of their jealousy and envy, they only believed the rumors they heard. They only believed what they wanted to believe, without confirming the facts and realizing the truth. What about today? Can we say absolutely that our church, our denomination, and the Korean Church cannot be so? Is it right to go along with their decision simply because I belong to that denomination? Do you believe, as I have mentioned in the beginning, that “the judgment of heresy regarding Great Faith Church is correct, with no questions asked or facts confirmed since the decision was made by excellent and eminent theologians and pastors within Tong-Hap, the Korea’s ‘first-born denomination’”? If the decision was made by the Tong-Hap’s general assembly, is it absolutely correct? Is it absolutely just? In 1938, the 27th Presbyterian general assembly, hosted in Pyung- Yang, made an official resolution of the ‘a worship in the Japanese shrine’, and consequently, expelled from ministry and excommunicated

114 Let the Readers Understand! Conclusion 115 Pastor Gichul Joo for fiercely opposing such an unrighteous decision. Now, was that a righteous decision? Also, in Pilate’s court, what do you think of the Jewish crowd who yelled, at the urge of Jewish religious leaders that put up false witnesses to accuse Jesus, “Give us Barabbas and crucify Jesus”? If they protested to God at the Last Judgment that “We are innocent because we only followed the decisions made by our wise religious leaders,” do you think that excuse would pass with God? Moreover, Tong-Hap’s decision was a criminal act initiated by Pastor Sam Kyung Choe, who himself was condemned as a heretic by Tong-Hap. According to a personnel at Tong-Hap, the decision regarding Great Faith Church was illegally passed despite the failure to meet the quorum. In which, this was reprimanded even by the Tong-Hap committee of inspection. When they were investigating Pastor Byun, they never even gave him a phone call, any written questions, or summons. Like the Dark Ages, they became a prosecutor and judge and made a one- sided false decision. The flaw-makings of other denominations were merely a fabrication that were made through deceit and distortion by the manipulations of the 4 main heresy-hunters including Pastor Sam Kyung Choe. Then, should we continue to dance to their tune? The members of the ‘Research and Investigation Subcommittee Against Heresy’ of the Korean church falsely accused a good biblical church and instigated the whole Korean church. Those who ought to be most biblical, conscience, and moral engaged in this act while they were biblical ignorant and had a dirty conscience (they did not hesitate to forge their own diplomas, an act which even nonbelievers despise).

116 Let the Readers Understand! Consequently, they brought much pain upon the senior pastor, as well as the saints and their families at Great Faith Church. Pain was also inflicted on the leaders and members of other churches who support and want to learn from the church. Such a base and despicable act is something that cannot be done by any believer. Accordingly, the involved denomination and the related organizations must clearly distinguish the right and the wrong regarding this matter. They should not only clear the false charges of the innocent, but convict the professional heresy- hunters and forever banish them from the Korean church in order that the righteousness and justice of God is upheld. Therefore, you must resolve your misunderstanding regarding Great Faith Church. Additionally, if you see pastors who condemn Great Faith Church as being a heretic and criticize Pastor Byun, be conscientious and correct their mistake. I pray that you would no longer sin again God in this matter. I pray that on this earth, the justice of God and the word of truth would be upheld. May this be done so that we can all focus only on our Lord Jesus Christ, and all under one Holy Spirit, participate in the ministry of God.

116 Let the Readers Understand! Conclusion 117

Appendix

I include a few works of writing in order that they would help you to open your eyes to the truth. I pray that you would read to the end with an open heart.

1. Many theologians speak similarly as Pastor Seung Woo Byun

2. What is prophecy? (Professor Keum Sung Kang)

3. “To investigate heresy in Great Faith Church and Pastor Seung Woo Byun was

in itself truly wrong.” (member of the ‘Investigation and Research Subcommittee

Against Heresy’ at the Christian Council of Korea)

4. A phone call from the secretary of a Presbyterian denomination and member of

the ‘Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ at the Korean

Elder’s General Confederacy

5. To those who are deceived by the lie, “Great Faith Church is a cult.”

6. As a result of a several-months-long investigation by the subcommittee of

the Christian Council of Korea representing the Korean Church at large, it was

determined that Great Faith Church is not a heretical cult. This decision was then

accepted at the general meeting of the ‘Investigation and Research Subcommittee

Against Heresy’ of the Christian Council of Korea, and the same verdict was then

passed legitimately by the board of Christian Council of Korea. As a result, the

Council wrote a formal document that Great Faith Church is not heretical.

1. Many Theologians Speak with One Voice as Pastor Seung Woo Byun.

Pastor Byun always asserts that the Gospel he preaches is nothing new, is biblical, and is the same Gospel that was taught by Saint Augustine, Jonathan Edward, John Wesley, Charles Finney, Charles Spurgeon, John Ryle, Aiden Tozer, and David Martyn Lloyd-Jones and John Stott. This is a fact. This is because he actually learned from their books. Today, there are pastors and theologians everywhere who have the same doctrine of salvation as Pastor Byun. I want to give a few examples.

First is the article on the annual Bible seminar in Korea where the speaker was an internationally-known Korean theologian, Prof. Seyoon Kim!

Appendix 1 121 “The Korean internationally-known theologian‚ Prof. Seyoon Kim (professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, advisor of the Christian Alliance for Church Reform) candidly criticized the reality of the Korean church. It was at a fall seminar hosted by the Christian Alliance for Church Reform (representatives: Jong Woon Park‚ Jong Guk Paek‚ Se Taek Oh‚ Eun Sook Jung) in Chung-uh-ram‚ Myung-Dong‚ Seoul on November 7‚ 2011‚ at 7 pm. He gave a lecture at the seminar for three hours‚ most of the times standing up. In his soft tone of voice was a sharp message regarding the Korean church reform.”

Paul’s ‘Doctrine of Justification’ the Cause of Decay Within the Korean Church

494 years ago on October 31‚ Martin Luther criticized the Roman Catholic Church for its practice of selling indulgences using Paul’s doctrine of justification (Romans 1:17) as a basis for his critique. This was the beginning of the religious reform. Paul’s doctrine of justification‚ or ‘justification by faith’ was an important doctrine that sustained the Protestant church after the Reformation. According to Dr. Seyoon Kim‚ Paul’s doctrine of justification‚ that was the basis for the Reformation‚ became ironically the cause of decay within the Korean church. That is because the Korean church distorted Paul’s doctrine of justification. The Korean church emphasized that a person will be saved if he or she believes‚ producing faith without deeds. Prof. Kim said‚ ‘Christians think they can be saved as long as they believe in Jesus even when they swindle money and defraud the revenue. Such Christians deserve being called a ‘dog’ or ‘bastor’.

122 Let the Readers Understand! Dr. Kim said the doctrine of justification that was distorted by the Korean church brought in the wrong doctrine of salvation. According to Dr. Kim‚ the doctrine of salvation in the Korean church is well shown in ‘The Four Spiritual Laws’. Without a personal meeting with Jesus or the will to have faith‚ 'The Four Spiritual Laws’ shows that one is saved at the moment when one confesses ‘Christ’. Dr. Kim said‚ ‘The Four Spiritual Laws distorts salvation. The Korean Church which holds such a doctrine of salvation is in reality‚ no different from the salvation sect‚ a heretical group.’ Dr. Kim asks in return‚ ‘Would church members do well in their faith when they are taught that one is saved by faith without good deeds‚ or once saved is always saved?’ According to Dr. Kim‚ the faith that is required of church members by the Korean Church is Sunday church attendance‚ offering‚ and evangelism. In order to emphasize these three things‚ they have formed the doctrine of ‘rewards in the afterlife’. He said‚ ‘People were forced to live a Christian life by saying that they will receive a great reward in heaven when they do well in their Christian walk on earth. They are taught that if they don’t do well‚ they will not receive any reward. This is the same as the selling of indulgences by the Roman

Catholics in the Middle Ages.’” 21

Next, Pastor Kyung Kyu Kim, professor (systematic theology) at the Ministry and Theological Seminary of the Assemblies of God of Korea, published the book titled, You Still Think You Will Go To Heaven Despite It All? (LifeVision). This is an article pertaining to that book!

21 http://www.newsnjoy.or.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=36202

122 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 1 123 “Pastor Kyung Kyu Kim‚ professor (systematic theology) at the Ministry and Theological Seminary of the Assemblies of God of Korea‚ published the new book‚ You Still Think You Will Go To Heaven Despite It All? Having studied systematic theology‚ Hermeneutics‚ Missiology‚ and Leadership at LA Cohen Theological Seminary (M. Div.)‚ Talbot Theological Seminary (MA)‚ Biola University (Ph.D)‚ Fuller Theological Seminary (MA)‚ etc.‚ Pastor Kim said that he wrote this book to provide a wholesome knowledge regarding the doctrine of salvation. Pastor Kim said that ‘Today‚ the Church is viewed by the world as a mudslinging battleground‚’ and he pointed out that ‘the reason is because of the wrong doctrine of salvation that says that we can go to heaven no matter how we live as long as we have the assurance of salvation.’ Those who believe in Jesus are the ones who have repented. However‚ when we see their lives‚ there are no fruits of repentance. The reality is the conceit that says‚ ‘I am saved’ even though there is no evidence of fruit and they do not even try to produce fruit in their lives. Pastor Kim strongly criticized that ‘There are too many name-only Christians who have worldly thoughts and worldly ways of living‚ who do not cut themselves from sin nor are set apart from the world’ and laments that ‘There are overflowing number of fruitless‚ nominal Christians in the Church’. It is Pastor Kim’s belief that as long as the misunderstanding pertaining to genuine faith that leads to salvation and the doctrine of salvation are left uncorrected‚ the church will become darker and numerous number of souls will end up in hell. Pastor Kim clearly stated that his primary purpose through his book

124 Let the Readers Understand! ‘You Still Think You Will Go To Heaven Despite It All?’‚ is to bring souls to repentance and directed to those who hold wrong doctrine of salvation and have false faith.

The wrong doctrine of salvation which Pastor Kim points out in this book is as follows:

• People will go to heaven as long as they believe and confess with their mouth, even though they show no fruit. • People will be saved apart from any sin they may have and despite their disobedience‚ as long as they have the assurance of salvation. • People will go to heaven even though they have no holiness‚ as long as they go to church diligently‚ pray a lot‚ and give a lot of offering. • Once people are saved in a moment‚ their salvation is forever guaranteed.

Pastor Kim emphasized again and again that ‘salvation is not accomplished in one moment‚ but is a life-long process that must be fulfilled continually with fear and trembling’.

And the following writing is part of the lecture by Prof. Yun Kyung Dwon (professor of New Testament at Soong-Shil University) given at the Pastoral Forum.

“Right Church Academy held a Pastoral Forum on March 15‚ 2011 at 7 pm, presenting the problem regarding the doctrine of salvation in the Korean church‚ which overemphasizes faith and neglects good deeds.

124 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 1 125 At the Forum‚ Prof. Yun Kyung Kwon (Soong-Shil University‚ New Testament) gave a lecture on the topic‚ ‘the Moral Lethargy and the Confusion Regarding the Doctrine of Salvation in the Korean Church’‚ and presented the New Testament view of salvation through Matthew‚ Pauline Epistles‚ and James to the Korean Church that do not live by the Word because of its dualist perspective. Prof. Kwon said “We find it ok when we hear that we go to heaven only by faith‚ but find it burdensome when we hear we must live right”‚ and criticized the half-truth view of salvation presented by mega-churches‚ saying‚ “There is a strange atmosphere in mega-churches. People are cautious to talk about their daily‚ sin-stained life.” Prof. Kwon states: “We frequently say ‘only by grace‚ only by faith’. But the concepts of ‘only by grace’ and ‘only by faith’ are quite different. However‚ people who hear them receive them as the same thing in their mind. Because of the effect of the word‚ ‘only’‚ we think ‘all the others must be unnecessary’ and many times instantly interpret it as ‘Our deeds are unnecessary.’” Prof. Kwon analyzed that the moral failure of the Korean Church is the result of a misunderstanding regarding the doctrine of salvation. Prof. Kwon said‚ “What is most often ignored despite the fact that it is repeated frequently in the Bible is the requirement of our good deeds. It is not ‘We must live well since we are saved’ but it is the concept that says ‘We cannot enter the Kingdom of God if we don’t live right’ that is evident throughout the entire Bible.” He went on to explain the biblical doctrine of salvation. Prof. Kwon said‚ ‘Whether we realize it or not‚ we iron out other parts of our theology by the concepts in Pauline epistles’‚ and pointed out that

126 Let the Readers Understand! because of this‚ people cannot realize the true meaning of salvation that Bible talks about. As an example‚ he used Matthew 5:20‚ the part where Jesus preaches to his disciples‚ ‘Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees‚ you will not enter heaven’. Prof. Kwon said‚ “When I was in children’s Sunday school‚ I was taught that ‘the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was trying to keep the whole Law to enter heaven. However‚ because they could not perfectly keep the whole Law‚ they had to believe Jesus.’ To put it very crudely‚ ‘I was scammed.’” Prof. Kwon said‚ “First we must know what the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees is. Jesus expressed it as hypocrisy. What Jesus was saying was that though they did keep the Law (Pharisees)‚ they did it to show off. In other words‚ their actions were done not out of being conscious of God‚ but being conscious of people.” He then asserted that the interpretation up to now has been wrong. As another example‚ he quoted James‚ saying‚ “‘Can that faith save him?’ This is the doctrine of salvation (spoken in James). The meaning of this verse is not “Should a saved person live with such a faith?’‚ but rather‚ ‘This is speaking of the ‘faith that saves a person.’” Prof. Kwon defended himself by saying‚ “Some people attack me as having a doctrine of salvation by works. However‚ James says ‘a person is justified by works‚’ and yet‚ they do not call James a legalistic person with such a doctrine of salvation. They leave him alone because he is in the Bible. On the other hand‚ when I say the same thing‚ I become a legalist with a doctrine of salvation by works.” Also‚ he said that “God of salvation comes to us through Christ. That is

126 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 1 127 the Holy Spirit.” So not only by works, but we are saved by the Holy Spirit whom we receive by faith. He especially pointed out a fallacy in emphasizing one or the other‚ faith or works. “To say ‘no works’--that's not the Gospel. This is not New Testament‚ nor Old Testament‚ but drugs (a word that rhymes with ‘testament’ in Korean). This sounds good for now‚ but the result is death.” Prof. Kwon said‚ “The challenge of the Gospel is to believe in the living God, the God of resurrection‚ and going the way that God calls toward. Jesus expressed that as a narrow gate‚ a difficult gate. That is the faith that we must restore. And when the community of that faith is formed‚ then

we would be able to live as true disciples in this world.” 22

This is not all. The late pastor Han Heum Ok of Sarang Church, preached the following at Sang-Am Stadium commemorating the 100th year Pyung-Yang Great Revival. This is part of the sermon:

“When I see the church in Sardis I cannot help but feel a sense of uneasiness that I am looking at the Korean Church today… What would the Lord say about the Korean Church now? Wouldn’t He rebuke that you have a name that you are alive‚ but you are dead? What pastor will make an excuse and say‚ no? What elder would make an excuse and say‚ no?… Being in ministry for many decades‚ as a pastor or shepherd‚ I came to learn that it is not very hard to make a church whose name is loud and noisy but whose acts are dead. Do you want to know how? This is how you do it. You do it by slowly changing the Gospel while you preach. And later‚ you will do it when you become so spiritually dull that you do not

22 http://www.newspower.co.kr/sub-read.html?uid=17199

128 Let the Readers Understand! know how the Gospel has become distorted. Then the church will have a name‚ but its works will be dead… The audience has a high tendency to prefer what they only want to hear. If you say they will be saved as long as they believe‚ they will all say‚ amen! If you say they will receive heavenly blessings and earthly blessings as long as they believe‚ they will all shout hallelujah. But as soon as you preach that faith without deeds is a fake faith that cannot even assure salvation‚ their faces quickly turn hard. When you point out the sin of not living by the Word and rebuke them‚ the worship atmosphere suddenly turns cold. They don’t want to hear and they are bothered by it. When I was ministering at Sarang Church‚ I saw similar responses at times. As I became sensitive to the response of the audience‚ I saw myself changing into a person who would purposely choose the Word that they want to hear. And when I had to preach on the Word that is difficult to hear‚ such as sin‚ repentance‚ obedience‚ holiness‚ I would be enticed to avoid the topic altogether. If I had to speak at all on such topics‚ I would say it in a soft‚ soothing way. This was not something that Jesus wanted in me. This was not something I wanted either. However‚ this was what was happening behind the pulpit. As a result‚ I would end up being a preacher that would unknowingly pervert the Gospel little by little. While this continued‚ I saw that as the church grew bigger and bigger. The crowd that gathered were those who were not interested in the obedient deeds‚ but only liked to settle for cheap grace and faith without works. You would remember Luther the Reformist. He was a great leader who re-discovered that salvation is received by faith. He taught that when we receive salvation‚ righteous deeds did not contribute to it. He preached

128 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 1 129 over 4‚000 times over the 34 years at Wittenburg. However‚ people who did not correctly understand the theology of Luther which emphasized faith‚ began to distort his messages. They turn into people who were not interested in the deeds of obedience. They became people who liked to live according to their desires‚ saying‚ ‘We are saved by faith‚ so what does it matter that we sin just a little bit?’ As a result‚ that city became a corrupted society where the misuse of faith became rampant. As he observed such a terrible situation‚ Luther began to have doubts about his sermons. Not only this‚ but for some time‚ he stopped preaching. He lamented that a pastor with a good conscience would be better off carrying stones in a wagon. Beloved saints‚ there is a very priceless lesson that Luther is giving to us. Do you know what that is? When a church leader is teaching or preaching the Gospel‚ and he emphasize faith only and either neglects to deal with or completely ignores works that are fruits of faith‚ the church can become like a dead church in Sardis‚ who is alive in name only. When we see Acts 20:20‚ Paul did not shrink back from declaring to people anything that was profitable‚ teaching them publicly‚ and teaching from house to house. However‚ including myself‚ many Korean Church leaders are losing the courage to proclaim anything that is profitable without reserve‚ as Paul did. We are becoming bad preachers who feed sweets‚ but do not want to feed bitter medicine. Such preachers are popular and may succeed in drawing a large number of people‚ but it is only a matter of time before producing a church that has dead works. The Church leaders of Korea! How many of us are free from the Lord’s rebuke that we have not perverted the gospel? If he ought to say‚ “You are responsible for making a church that has dead works‚” how many pastors can say‚

130 Let the Readers Understand! “Not me‚ Lord.”? I believe the true memorial of Pyung-Yang Great Revival begins with the repentance of pastors who would beat their chest because they have formed a church with dead works. I am very sure that this is the great desire of the Lord. The Lord is commanding the Sardis church with dead works to repent. Repentance is the only way to life. I believe that He is commanding the same thing to the Korean church.”

130 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 1 131

2. What is Prophecy?

( Pastor Keum Sung Kang )

What is Prophecy?

This is Pastor Keum Sung Kang. I pray that this writing would help to bring a balanced perspective on prophecy. On the discussion board of our denomination website, a certain Pastor Lee posted the writing no. 4951, “Exercising caution against the legitimacy of the prophetic ministry…” in response to the writing no. 4941, “A Sketch of Prophetic Ministry”. What I have felt after reading this writing was that the misunderstanding regarding “prophecy” has taken deep root in the church. It may not be easy to pull out the root of that misunderstanding and have a correct view. Nonetheless, it is not something to disregard. So I would like to help bring about a better understanding of prophecy by writing the following three things--point out the misunderstanding, explain what prophecy is etymologically, and give illustrations of the prophetic ministry.

Appendix 2 133 1. A misunderstanding of Pastor Lee

In the writing, “A Sketch of Prophetic Ministry”, I have earlier explained that the scriptures in Rev. 22:18-19 and Deut. 18:10-11 do not negate the prophetic ministry.

“I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:18-19)

“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.” (Deut. 18:10-11)

Moreover, Pastor Lee used additional verses as the biblical basis, to assert the illegitimacy of prophecy.

“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you. They are leading you into futility; They speak a vision of their own imagination, not from the mouth of the LORD. They keep saying

134 Let the Readers Understand! to those who despise Me, “The LORD has said, ‘You will have peace’”; And as for everyone who walks in the stub- bornness of his own heart, They say, ‘Calamity will not come upon you.’… (Jeremiah 23:16-20, skip verses 18-20)

However, this Word means that people should not listen to false prophets who speak peace to those who despise the word of the Lord and act according to the hardness of their hearts. In addition, it does not mean that we shouldn’t negate prophetic ministry and listen to prophetic ministers. At the time, the King of Judah and the people had to listen to the prophet Jeremiah. As a result of not listening to the prophet, the nation met a tragic end-- it was destroyed and people were either killed or deported. Therefore, we can gain the following conclusion through this verse.

“Pastor Lee’s denial of prophetic ministry is based upon a wrong interpretation of the Bible. This verse actually proves the legitimacy of the prophetic ministry.”

However, in the writing of Pastor Lee, I saw a greater problem than the wrong interpretation of the Bible. That is, a wrong understanding of ‘what prophecy is’. This is what Pastor Lee said as he explained the ‘ministry of prophecy’.

“When we examine the history of prophecy in the Bible… In Genesis 6, God came to Noah, prophesied concerning the flood‚ and

134 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 2 135 told him to build an arc. In Genesis 12‚ God came to Abraham‚ told him to leave his homeland, and prophesied that he would be established as a future ancestor of faith. In Exodus 3‚ God came to Moses to send him to the land of Canaan and told him that he would lead the Israelite people in the future… In Genesis 2:17‚ God’s first prophecy was that Adam and Eve would die if they eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 3:15‚ God prophesied that a descendant of Eve would come and crush the head of the serpent‚ and this is the foreshadowing of the Gospel. In the Old Testament‚ the prophecies were made concerning the coming of the Messiah as a descendant of Eve.”

Through this remark, we see that deeply embedded within Pastor Lee’s concept of prophecy is a thought that it is ‘predicting the future’ or ‘fortune-telling’. However, what is mentioned above as ‘the history of prophecy’ is definitely not a prophecy. The Bible clearly classifies the first five books of the Bible, including Genesis, Exodus to Deuteronomy as the ‘Torah’ or ‘the Law’. Accordingly, the verses that Pastor Lee mentions as prophecy is Law and not prophecy. The Israelite religious history shows, and also Jesus called these verses in Genesis and Exodus mentioned by Pastor Lee as the Law (Torah). Never were they called prophecy. Despite this fact, the reason why Pastor Lee called these verses prophecy is because of the basic awareness that ‘prophecy must speak of the future and must predict the fortune of the future’. Such misunderstanding of prophecy leads to the following serious negative influences. First off, the prophetic ministry, given as a gift by the Holy Spirit,

136 Let the Readers Understand! is condemned as a heretical practice by those who have a negative perspective on prophecy. Accordingly, they sought to stop the harmful effect of prophetic ministry with a good intent, but ended up striving against and opposing the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, the prophetic ministry is seen as unnecessary by the church leaders who acknowledge prophecy as the gift of the Holy Spirit, avoiding introducing prophetic ministry in their church. Accordingly, they stop the grace of the Holy Spirit that can be poured onto the church through prophetic ministry.

Thirdly, the same misunderstanding of prophecy causes easy decomposition of that ministry for those who are already engaged in the prophetic ministry. The misunderstanding of prophecy as ‘predicting the future’ makes prophetic ministers to become corrupt, by causing them to walk away from the essential nature of prophecy. In turn, harm is brought to the church instead of uplifting the Body as was originally intended. Therefore, we must have a correct understanding of prophecy. What is prophecy?

2. The Etymological Meaning of Prophecy

Language is a ‘symbol’ or ‘sign’ that delivers a certain meaning. In any society, a word is used with an implied agreement that it holds a certain meaning. In our society, the word ‘prophecy’ has a tacitly agreed

136 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 2 137 meaning which means ‘predicting the future’‚ Therefore, we can never understand the biblical meaning of the word ‘prophecy’ by explaining it through its normal use of meaning. Even if we have a correct explanation and understanding, we would end up going back to the normal use of the word ‘prophecy’. Therefore, church leaders must repeatedly explain the biblical meaning of prophecy over and over again so that the prophetic ministers and those receiving prophetic ministry will be reminded continuously. Pastor Lee is right in saying that the Hebrew word for ‘prophecy’ in the Bible is ‘nabuw’ah’, and the Greek word is ‘propheteia’. However, I want to exempt the Greek word ‘propheteia’ from our discussion, as it was translated from the Hebrew word ‘nabuw’ah’‚ and has a high probability that the meaning of the word is perverted. ‘Nabuw’ah’ is a word that means ‘speaking the facts heard from God or through visions’. That is why when interpreting the meaning of the word ‘nabuw’ah’, the word ‘spokesperson’ was used rather than the general Korean word ‘prophecy’. and I believe this is right. Prophets were God’s spokesperson. And ‘the words spoken for God’ is ‘nabuw’ah’, or prophecy. The point of discussing the Hebrew etymology regarding prophecy is that ‘nabuw’ah’ does not have any time reference. However, when this word is translated into a Korean word ‘prophecy’, the concept of time is included in its meaning. That is why people misunderstand the word to mean ‘predicting the future’ or ‘fortune-telling’. The point is that the Holy Spirit gives the gift of prophecy that has the biblical meaning ‘nabuw’ah’, rather than today’s meaning. Therefore, it is only right for us to discuss the ministry of prophecy with the biblical meaning in

138 Let the Readers Understand! mind, while encouraging and leading believers to engage in the biblical ministry of prophecy. The ministry of prophecy, which speaks of the Word of God by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to those who want to know the will of God, is demeaned as an act of predicting the future by fortune-tellers and shamanists. But such belittlement is acting in vain, and it arises from a misunderstanding. Prophetic ministry is a holy ministry that opens the eyes of people toward God’s works and interests, and its ministry causes believers to turn from self-centeredness to doing the works of God. Now lastly, I want to explain what prophecy is by introducing the truth of prophetic ministry mentioned in the Bible.

3. Prophetic Ministries Mentioned in the Bible

1) Samuel’s Prophetic Ministry To Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-10:9)

Saul went on to find the donkeys with his servant at his father’s command. It came for him to make a decision whether to continue looking for the donkeys, or to go back to his father who may be worried about him. At this time, they go to Samuel to ask about ‘the way they should take’. However, before their arrival, Samuel has a revelation from God that they would come and that he should anoint Saul as king of Israel. Samuel tells Saul, “Do not worry, for they have been found,” and informs him that God has chosen him to be the king of Israel. To prove that this will surely happen, Samuel tells him two signs. Firstly, he will meet two men close to Rachel’s tomb who will tell him that the donkeys were found. Secondly, they will go on further toward the oak of Tabor,

138 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 2 139 and there three men going up to Bethel will meet him and give him two loaves of bread. Through this Word we discover a few facts. First, in our lives, oftentimes, we are confronted with many difficult situations that cannot be solved only by record in the Bible. Whether to find the donkeys or not--such an instruction cannot be found in the Bible. I am not questioning the issue of completeness of the Bible. Saul met a prophet to ask about the way he should go. At times, we must receive help from those who are inspired by the Spirit of God. Secondly, this incident shows well what prophetic ministry is. Saul sought the prophet solely for his personal interest. However, the prophet tells Saul about the management of God, causing Saul to make an entrance and become part of God’s plans. Therefore, believers in a church where prophetic ministry is active, break away from self-centered faith and grow towards having God’s perspective and worshipping God. Their eyes are lit, their hearts stir for the nations, and they desire to embrace the heart of God. They take the vision of God and make it their own dream. As a result, the quality of the church is different. Although Samuel’s prophetic ministry has an element of future, that is not the focus of prophetic ministry. The future incidents were just ‘signs’ to give assurance and encourage Saul to participate in the management of God. If there was no prophetic ministry here, would Saul have become involved in God’s work? Even if he did, he would have acted with much hesitancy and without assurance.

140 Let the Readers Understand! 2) Nathan’s Prophetic Ministry To David (2 Samuel 12:1-17)

The prophetic ministry of Nathan to David occurred subsequent to David committing adultery with Bathsheba and murdering Uriah after his failed plan to conceal the matter (2 Samuel 11). To this David, Nathan goes and tells a story of a rich man who took the one lamb from a poor man in order to serve his guest, even though he had many flocks and herds. In response, David is enraged and commands the rich man to pay back the four times as much. As soon as his words are over, Nathan points out that the rich man is actually him and delivers God’s message that ‘the sword will never leave your house’. Through the ministry of Nathan, David repents greatly. In carrying out this prophetic ministry, Nathan had ‘the word of knowledge’ regarding the secret act of David. God gave this revelation to him. And he had ‘the word of wisdom’ to bring the King who holds absolute power, back to the will of God. The prophetic ministry caused David to turn back to being the man after God’s heart. The focus of this ministry was not on the future, “that the sword will not leave the house of David.” Nathan was saying that God is angry at David’s acts. By revealing that, Nathan caused David to repent, and cautioned him to never act wickedly by using his power to fulfill his evil desires. As a result, he helped David to walk the way of God, in unity with God.

3) Elijah’s Prophetic Ministry To the Israelites (1 Kings 18)

The spiritual state of the Israelites, the recipients of Elijah’s prophetic

140 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 2 141 ministry, is well shown in the following verse. “Elijah came near to all the people and said, ‘How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word” (1 King 18:21). Afterwards, Elijah proves to the Israelites that Jehovah is the true God when God’s fire came down in front of the Israelites at the confrontation against the 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah. At this, all the Israelites confess, “The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God” (1 King 18:39). The people killed all the priests of Baal and Asherah and came back to Jehovah. What we can see from this incident is that prophetic ministry is not always grounded upon the revelatory word or visions. At times, it is fulfilled through healing and deliverance, or the acts of power. By showing that Jehovah is the only God, it brings back to God those who serve other gods or worldly Christians. It is a farfetched idea to accuse prophetic ministry as ‘predicting the future like fortune-tellers and shamanists’. Though the future can be foretold, this is only a sign. In other words, prophetic ministry sometimes tells about what a person is interested or curious about, but this is not essential. Prophet ministry tells about the interests of God, causing people to participate in the works and plans of God.

4) Malachi’s Prophetic Ministry to Post-Exilic Judah (Malachi)

The book of Malachi is made of four chapters. The ministry of Malachi occurred around 450-400 BC during the time when

142 Let the Readers Understand! Zerubabbel’s temple was completed and the worship was being performed while the governor of Persia was reigning over Jerusalem. When the temple was completed, the fervor seen during the time of construction was absent. Religious sloth and formalism were prevalent: the priests were lethargical and lazy; people were unfaithful in giving sacrifices; divorces and inter-marriages were rampant. In a format that resembles legal proceedings (see below verses), Malachi points to Israelites’ sins and urges them to repent. All paragraphs progress into three phases—first: Jehovah presents their wrongs, second: Israelites make protests, and third: Jehovah responses to these protests.

“‘I have loved you. How have You loved us? I have loved Jacob; but I have hated Esau…” (refer to Malachi 1:1-5) “‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor?… How have we despised Your name?… You found sacrifices to be tiresome… and you bring what was taken by robbery” (refer to Malachi 1:6-14) “You (priests) were not faithful to Me. How have we been unfaithful? You cover the altar of the LORD with tears‚ with weeping and with groaning‚ because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand.” (refer to Malachi 2:10-16) “You have wearied the LORD with your words. How have we wearied Him? You say‚ Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD‚ and He delights in them‚ or‚ Where is the God of justice?’ (Malachi 2:17-3:5) “Come back to Me. How do we come back to You? Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse.” (refer to Malachi 3:6-12)

142 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 2 143 “Your words have been arrogant against Me. What have we spoken against You? You have said‚ It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His charge?” (refer to Malachi 3:13-4:3)

Malachi reveals the spiritual reality of the people of Judah during that time from the perspective of God. He urges them to repent from their formalistic faith and turn to God. Here, we see the real worth of prophecy. Although future prophecy is mentioned from time to time in Malachi (3:1-6, 16-18, 4:1-6), his message is pointing out the formalistic type of faith in the people of Judah at that time, and urging them to return to God. This is the main purpose of prophecy.

5) John the Baptist’s Prophetic Ministry (Luke 3:1-17)

Some people argue that biblical prophecy is not for individuals but for nations and peoples. Accordingly, they disparage personal prophecies in which people receive a number and wait their turn to receive prophecy. They label it as fortune-telling or shamanism. I am dubious at that assertion--who said it and what was their basis for saying it? Those who oppose prophetic ministry unanimously criticize it without seriously studying this topic through biblical meditation and asking, “Is this really so?” They are like students who hold a ready-made answer sheet and say, ‘Personal prophecies are for heretical cults’. The prophet Malachi says, “For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But as for you, you have turned aside from the

144 Let the Readers Understand! way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction” (Malachi 2:7-8), and I am afraid this is what I am seeing. The prophetic ministry of John the Baptist was for the ‘crowd’ as well as for ‘individuals’. He prophesied over tax collectors and soldiers. He proclaimed the imminent Kingdom of God and urged people to repent. He did not differentiate between crowds and individuals. Where in the Bible does it say that prophecy is for nations and peoples, and not for individuals? The prophets did not differentiate between nations and individuals. When you see the verses below, we can be assured that during the time of Samuel, individuals went up to seers to inquire the way they should go.

“He said to him, ‘Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honor; all that he says surely comes true. Now let us go there, perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have set out.…(Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he used to say, ‘Come, and let us go to the seer’; for he who is called a prophet now was formerly called a seer.)” (1 Samuel 9:6, 9)

In our church, since the prophetic ministry team is limited and there are many people who want to receive prophecy, we give out a number beforehand on a first-come-first-served basis to give prophetic ministry. It is orderly and efficient. Those who deny prophetic ministry have not even one assertion that is biblically correct. The Bible tells us to “especially prophesy,” but they especially oppose prophecy. The

144 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 2 145 people who have a negative view of prophecy even have the contrived interpretation of the verse “especially prophesy” to mean ‘especially speak the Bible by taking the lead’. In 1 Corinthians 14:1 and 5, prophecy was mentioned as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and was compared with the gift of tongue, which is another spiritual gift. Therefore, the ‘prophecy’ here signifies one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and is not speaking of ‘the Bible’. To say that prophetic ministry is ‘speaking the Bible by taking the lead’ is ignoring the ABC’s of hermeneutics. I have explained what prophecy is. The term prophecy has no time reference, and it is not at all about predicting the future and fortune- telling. Prophecy is speaking the Word of God to individuals and specific nations. If there is a prophetic minister whose revelations are deep and accurate, who speaks the secrets of people’s heart or predicts their future, and yet he or she does not lead people to God, he/she has disqualified themselves as prophetic ministers. Therefore, their pastor must lead the person to immediately repent or lay down his/her ministry. This is because the fundamental purpose of the Holy Spirit’s presence, though it may bestow power upon people, is to testify of Jesus and God. Accordingly, the ministry of the gifts of the Holy Spirit must be focused on testifying of Jesus Christ.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remostest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

146 Let the Readers Understand! “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Fa- ther, He will testify about Me.” (John 15:26)

As I told you in the illustrations of the prophetic ministry, prophets always reveal God or Jesus. And they position people before God, because that is the essential purpose of prophetic ministry. I pray that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, will shine the light of truth so that there would be a correct understanding of prophecy. And I hope that through this writing, prophetic ministers would make an opportunity to reevaluate themselves to see if their focus of prophetic ministry is correct.

Lastly I would like to ask you of one thing. The responsibility of the fruit (good or bad) of starting a prophetic ministry in a church lies solely on that church. So the person who is utmost alert and closely on guard about the prophetic ministry is the senior pastor. Therefore, leave the prophetic ministry up to that senior pastor. Why should there be any need to fear, since it is biblical, and it is the Holy Spirit that is causing people to minister through His gifts? I believe it is wrong to condemn and criticize from the outside, without even trying it out or without even knowing anything about it. Because of some wrong prophetic ministers, you might be worried about the confusion in the church and thus deny the prophetic ministry altogether. However good your intentions may be, any act that goes against the truth is absolutely unacceptable. So you need to discern. As was the case in the Old Testament and the New

146 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 2 147 Testament, the Lord also warned that there would be many false prophets in the last days (Mat. 24). Do not deny prophetic ministry itself, but discern false prophets. This is the attitude of abiding in the truth. I understand that those who deny prophetic ministry do so because they have had bad experience with prophetic experience in the past. Nevertheless, there is hardly anyone among even those who implement prophetic ministry in the church that have not had such an experience in the past (1970-80s). But the reason why they still do it is because they have tasted the essence of prophetic ministry. More than anything, they desire the church to know the heart of God in this generation and to respond to His calling. And I say to prophetic ministers: Prophetic ministry is a ministry that cannot be done even for a moment without relying upon the Holy Spirit. If the word of knowledge is not given through revelation, this ministry cannot be done at all. Accordingly, those who are ministering must always rely upon the Holy Spirit with fear and trembling. It is essential that they pay sharp attention to what God’s heart and perspective are. The Lord knows that you are being misunderstood and receiving all kinds of criticisms even though you labor and are training in godliness. Be of good cheer. I pray that your labor will produce much fruit so that God’s revival may be brought forth on this earth.

148 Let the Readers Understand! Let the Readers 148 Let the Readers Understand! Understand!

3. “To investigate heresy within Great Faith Church and Pastor Seung Woo Byun was in itself truly wrong.”

(member of the ‘Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ of the Christian Council of Korea)

Dear respected Pastor Seung Woo Byun,

I pray that the comfort of the Holy Spirit will be upon Great Faith Church and Pastor Byun, whom the Lord builds and guides. I continually pray for Great Faith Church and Pastor Byun. I ask for your forgiveness once again in my lack of courage while I served as a member of the Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy. To investigate heresy within Great Faith Church and Pastor Seung Woo Byun was, in itself, truly wrong.

The report by the subcommittee that said, ‘Not heretical’ was the conclusion given by God. They should not have yielded at the general assembly, holding firmly to their conclusion no matter what. At the general assembly, there was such wicked opposition by those who do not fear God. As a result, they made the wrong decision.

Appendix 3 151 Though it was all in the past, I feel so regretful and terrible even now. How much more so you must feel! I empathize with you. The whole process--from the subcommittee, to executive committee, to the general assembly--was such an ordeal for me. Truly these were shameful acts before God. Though I tried my best, I feel ashamed before God, to you, and to all the saints at Great Faith Church. In the presence of all the attacks and criticisms that continued on against me by reporters, committee members, and numerous other people, I was serene and unashamed. I did what I had to do, because you did nothing wrong.

Tomorrow the emergency meeting of the general assembly (Christian Council of Korea) will resume again at 2 pm… The Korean Church cannot continue this way. The Korean Church and pastors must humbly accept your criticism. Please pray for me so that I will do what I have to do. It was a great blessing for me to have met you. I have realized much regarding the wrong doctrines I have held all this time. I learned so much. In particular, seeing your purity and honesty moved me to reflect upon myself.

Pastor Byun, be strong and courageous! You will overcome!

Your coworker in the Lord, Pastor______

152 Let the Readers Understand! Let the Readers 152 Let the Readers Understand! Understand!

4. “Pastor Byun, Please Forgive Me!”

A phone call from the secretary of a Presbyterian denomination and member of the Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ at the Korean Elder’s General Confederacy

I had a phone conversation with the secretary of a Presbyterian denomination and one of the members of the ‘Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ of the Korea Elder’s General Confederacy. We had the conversation because he first called and left a message at our church wanting to speak to me. I will not reveal his name. The Korean church is suffering from a mental illness where it is no problem to lie and wickedly accuse someone of heresy. Yet at the same time, he would accuse those who conscientiously admit to the truth that someone is not heretical. According to him, Hak Soo Kim, Sam Kyung Choe, and Byung Kyu Choe are determinedly leading a plot to condemn me as a heretic. Because he was a member of the subcommittee, he attended the meeting. They said that they ought to condemn me as a heretic since they have done all the research. So he asked them to give him the resource documents. They did not give him any but told him that I was a heretic

Appendix 4 155 for two reasons: First, I am a heretic because I assert that once saved can be rejected. Another reason I am labeled as a heretic is because I talk about trances and visitations to heaven. (If acknowledging trances and visitations is heresy, why don’t they accuse Pastor Kyum Il Nah? He really likes testimonies about them… Did he not invite practically all those who had these experiences, including Pastor Sung Jong Shin? Go to the homepage of Joo Ahn Presbyterian Church. Honestly, I do not even acknowledge one-tenth of these testimonies that he believes in… So the Korean church constitutions must condemn only some who acknowledge trances and visitations, and for others, it’s ok… Shouldn’t the law be equal to all people?) At the time, he was swept by the atmosphere and did not know so well, so he agreed to them. But later his conscience was pricked because he felt this accusation was wrong. That is why he called me. He told me that these two reasons cannot make anyone heretical, since ‘once saved can be rejected’ is a doctrine held by the Methodist and Holiness denominations, and trances and visitations can occur. Then he asked me why are these two denominations silent? That’s what I would like to know. Then he adds more. He is dumbfounded at the news that even Yesung Methodist denomination is plotting against me. Recently, I have received contact from one of the committee member of the Christian Council of Korea, wanting to meet with me to discuss about the fact that Gisung and Yesung are trying to plot against me at the next general meeting. However I did not meet with him. Because as

156 Let the Readers Understand! someone pointed out, the heresy accusation in the Korean church closely resembles the Dark Ages and is demonic. Just like the Sanhedrin who killed Jesus, one cannot expect any justice from it. I know this truth, too, as I have had bitter experiences of false accusations made against me from Tong-Hap, Baeksuk, Gisung, and Christian Council of Korea. Briefly speaking, as descendants of John Wesley, Gisung and Yesung have lost their traditions and are merely ‘secondary Presbyterians’ with no roots or principles. The Korean Elder’s General Confederacy (representing Korean Presbyterian churches) is re-investigating my case. Why don’t they join the Presbyterians at this opportunity…, since they foolishly agree with the attack against me. Though I hold the doctrines that are almost 100% Wesleyan and though they found no heresy in me, I was expelled and excommunicated from Baeksuk because of the assertion that ‘once saved can be rejected’. This is the same as Gisung and Yesung, descendants of John Wesley, admitting themselves to being a heretic. They would probably agree with the comment made by Baeksuk that John Wesley is a heretic. Actually, I have heard of one pastor who said that the committee head of Yesung stated that Pastor Byun is a heretic because he believes that ‘once saved can be rejected’. And that is the doctrine of that denomination! What a comedy this all is… Such a person is the committee head. Such people with no basics have gathered and made this decision… how meaningful can that decision be? Despite all this, Kukmin Daily Christian News, too many pastors

156 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 4 157 and Christians, who are so easily swayed by the assertions and decisions from these ignorant people, are too ridiculous. One pastor from Yesung denomination contacted me because he can no longer sit still and watch such unrighteous decisions and actions made by Yesung. Feeling hopelessness towards them, he ended up withdrawing from Yesung and joined our denomination, which is labeled as a heretic. No matter what decision the Korean Elder’s General Confederacy will arrive at, and no matter what decision the cowardly and spineless Gisung and Yesung will come up with, there is nothing new or worse that can happen to us since we are already being wickedly and falsely accused by many unrighteous Presbyterian denominations. Despite this fact, the reason why I am posting this writing is that at the very least, our saints and those who support us should know the basic truth. That is why I am posting this unedited writing--it is too much of a hassle to write these kinds of things. Lastly, that pastor whom I spoke with on the phone today--the secretary of one Presbyterian denomination and committee member of Korean Elder’s General Confederacy--said this to me. “Pastor Byun, please forgive me because my name is on the consent form that accused you of heresy. I didn’t know the facts… Please forgive me. When the opportunity arises, I will say what is right. Please forgive me.”

PS: At the request of Baeksuk denomination to investigate me (because one member from a church of that denomination moved to

158 Let the Readers Understand! our church), the committee of Korean Elder’s General Confederacy did so and found that there is no heresy. However, the current president of Korean Elder’s General Confederacy used his political power in the general assembly to lead the illegal expulsion without following the legal proceedings. How can we trust the decision of an organization that has such a leader? Even more, as the pastor on the phone told me, how can Sam Kyung Choe, who is being investigated as a heretic himself by Tong-Hap denomination, boldly lead a false accusation of a different church at the Korean Elder’s General Confederacy…? When you think about this one fact, the heresy accusation in the Korean church is complete nonsense. A defendant in one court is a judge of another court case… can this happen?… They are all out of their minds. 23

23 http://cafe.daum.net/Bigchurch/47nW/123

158 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 4 159

5. To those who are deceived by the lie, “Great Faith Church is a cult.”

Though I am being unjustly accused as a heretic, I no longer have the desire to defend myself against the Christian Council of Korea, Korean Elder’s General Confederacy, and Christian denominations. I know that, since they are corrupt and political (can be called today’s Sanhedrin), justice cannot be expected from these organizations. They only know about money and their own reputation. According to my experience, they have no interest in the truth. And even if they know the truth, they only walk on eggshells. They lack the courage to say what is right and what is wrong. However, I feel that the truth must be made known to individual pastors and saints of the Korean church. That is the only way to lessen the persecution that the saints are facing at our church. At the same time, they can share the genuine truth and the power and works of the Holy Spirit. They can also have the right focus regarding Jesus. That is why I held my pen after a long interval.

Appendix 5 161 1. The Bible already speaks of being falsely accused.

Some pastors and believers call me a heretic. They believe and say this, without discerning the lies that were fabricated and systematically spread by heresy-hunters whose consciences have been seared, and by extremely ill-natured pastors including Pastor Jung. No matter how many times they were told these are lies, they continue to give frosty glances toward me and make hasty conclusions, thinking, ‘Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.’ However, proverbs are not truths. God’s Word is the truth.

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Re- joice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Mat. 5:10-12)

According to Jesus, there’s smoke even when there’s no fire. Jesus said, people will “falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” In reality, Jesus Himself and the martyr Stephen were sacrificially killed by false witnesses.

“Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward…” (Mat. 26:59-60)

162 Let the Readers Understand! “But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly in- duced men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.’ And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council. They put forward false witnesses who said, ‘This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law; for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will de- stroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us.’” (Acts 6:10-13)

Likewise, today there are pastors and churches who are being attacked through lies. This is the right deduction based upon the Bible. Moreover, Satan is a liar and the father of lies, as the Lord pointed out (John 8:44). Therefore, it is nothing strange to accuse the innocent as heretical and kill the reviving churches and pastors who are special threats to him. Please see the reality correctly. It is not because Great Faith Church has a problem that the church is being especially and severely attacked by many denominations. It is because the church has dared to provoke the heresy-hunters, who are liars and the evil force, behind the Korean Church. It is because the church has revealed the identity of the accuser of the brethren and Satan’s hirelings. That is why they are all united together and are making desperate attempts to kill myself and Great Faith Church. Also, it is because denominations have been taken in without discernment by their false accusations.

162 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 5 163 2. The report of heresy-hunters and denominations are a big lie.

If the assertions made by heresy-hunters including Choe and Taek, and made by the denominations that are accusing me including Tong- Hap, Hap-dong, Baeksuk are all correct, then I am heretical. However, their assertions are full of wicked lies, mix-and-matched words taken out of context, or words cleverly distorted. Last week, someone brought me a booklet titled, “Heresies Preying for Souls”. It was made anonymously. It had Great Faith Church intentionally included, along with other serious and true heresies. It was made with our church on target. The grounds used to make Great Faith Church a heresy were either all lies or intentional distortions. I felt that this was not worth responding to, and rather, I wanted to post this up on our website. I knew that without any explanations, our saints and people who know Great Faith Church will obviously see that their assertions are intentional and wicked lies. How can you make sure that such a booklet and the assertions of denominations that attack our church are obviously false? My 50+ books and numerous sermons broadcasted in the internet are the witnesses. We do not have dual doctrines. We are a church that is boldly transparent for the sake of the restoration of truth. All my sermons and assertions are posted and publicized in our homepage. Therefore, anyone who will see them will realize that the assertions made by those who accuse us are all wicked lies. I am very perplexed when I see pastors and denominations making up lies, so many pastors and believers believing such lies, desperately

164 Let the Readers Understand! trying to falsely accuse, and kill their brethren as a heretic. Is this the Church? How could the Church become this way? I am dumbfounded at how the Church, who has received the commandment to “love another as I have loved you” has become this wicked and without conscience. However, there are others. When you go to our homepage (http:// cafe.daum.net/Bigchurch), there are about 300 pastors from various denominations including Tong-Hap and Hap-Dong, who have made a conscientious announcement that Great Faith Church is not a heretic but rather a model church from which the Korean Church ought to learn. Of course, you can confirm this fact. Then think about this rationally. Is it possible for so many pastors of other denominations to support a heresy? That is impossible. Therefore, think rationally. Great Faith Church is not a heresy.

3. Why don’t the Christian Council of Korea and denominations punish these liars?

“A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of an iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed. If a malicious witness rises up against a man to accuse him of wrongdoing, then both the men who have the dispute shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who will be in office in those days. The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is a false witness and he has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do to his brother. Thus you shall purge

164 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 5 165 the evil from among you. The rest will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such an evil thing among you. Thus you shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (Deut. 19:15-20)

Lying is a sin, and if it is a malicious lie in order to harm another, then it is twice as wicked. All such people will go to hell.

“…and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomi- nation and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.” (Rev- elation 21:27)

“But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revela- tion 21:8)

“Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.” (Revelation 22:15)

However, our nation does not punish heresy-hunters no matter how much they lie in their published magazines, no matter how much they sow lies on the internet, even though they are proven as lies. There is a

166 Let the Readers Understand! hole in the law. So the heresy-hunters use those cracks to fearlessly and habitually speak lies. The law is encouraging and protecting the crime. Therefore, I believe there must be a constitutional appeal regarding this matter. It is not just the national law that has cracks and crevices. It is the same with the Christian Council of Korea and denominations. One time, Pastor David Yonggi Cho and Pastor Suk Jun Yoon were falsely accused as heresies. However, were there investigations against false accusers and the denominations? They did not even apologize. And these heresy- hunters and denominations--religious mafia--continue to repeat these wicked acts. In the same way, heresy-hunters and some wicked pastors have spread numerous lies about me and Great Faith Church. I cannot even remember all of them. Some that I recall are these: “He said we are saved by good works or the works of the Law,” “One cannot be saved if one cannot see visions or prophesy,” “He had a coronation ceremony like Sun Myung Moon,” “He said even what shamanists and fortune-tellers have are the gifts of the Holy Spirit,” “There is salvation only in his church,” “He puts prophecy and visions above the Bible,” “Prophecies are given for money,” “They prophesy to move people to their own church,” “They give out money to write false testimonies,” “Money is given to those who invite people to their church,” “They only like the wealthy, and enforce offerings on them,” etc. There are hundreds of more. These are all horrible lies. However, no Christian organizations or denominations would investigate and hold accountable those heresy- hunters and wicked pastors who make up these lies while spreading

166 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 5 167 them systematically. There is not even one. That is why even when the lie is revealed as a lie, they continually and brazenly make up more lies. This is extra-territorial rights. What is more amazing is that denominations and churches make decisions based on the lies that these heresy-hunters have made up. I have been investigated by the Christian Council of Korea, Baeksuk, and Gisung, etc. Their method of investigation was not through sincerely researching my sermons or books. Instead, they used the lies spread by the heresy-hunters to corner me. What is more, Tong-Hap, Hap- dong, and most other denominations did not even bother to ask me and confirm the facts. They became their own prosecutors and judge. They made a decision as they pleased. This is unrighteousness that cannot be seen even in the secular world. However, many denominations made the unpardonable and unrighteous decision regarding our church using such methods. Moreover, ‘Modern ___’ has published pamphlets of this ugly decision made by denominations who resemble the church in the Dark Ages, and are delivering them to the Korean churches as though these are some evangelistic pamphlets. In effect, many pastors and believers blindly--and either naively or foolishly--trust this information. Some people say, “There are some pastors of mega-churches who call Great Faith Church a heretic, and I am sure they made the right judgment.” However, they did not actually investigate the issue themselves, but gave the task to assistant pastors. The assistant pastors did not directly read my books or listen to my sermons, but they collected the lies spread by heresy-hunters and wicked pastors. They

168 Let the Readers Understand! were all reported irresponsibly. And some of the senior pastors of mega- churches, feeling vindictive at the fact that some of their members have moved to our church, believed these reports without questioning the facts. As a result, they are sinning greatly against God. This is the reality of the Korean church written honestly without mincing words. When we look at the Church history, the Church was pure in the first centuries when they were being persecuted. After Emperor Constantine, it prospered and became corrupt, ushering in the Dark Ages. In the same way, the Korean Church, after having experienced a revival unparalleled in Christian history, is following the same course. And as a result, rather than being the light of the world, it is being censured by the world. How can they do such a thing? Can they be called Christian denominations? Are they truly pastors? Are they truly Christians? How can the Church turn into such a hideous sight? I am full of laments and heart-breaking sorrow. Lastly, some people may ask, “Why do you advertise this in a regular daily newspaper?” But the Christian newspapers and other Christian media who ought to be responsible for revealing the truth, refuse to accept this writing. So it was the only choice that I could make as the one being falsely attacked. Therefore, I pray that you would think again about Great Faith Church after reading this writing. And I pray that you will repent from having thoughtlessly judged the church after being deceived by the lies of heresy-hunters and denominations. I also pray that you would no longer sin against God in this way. Next, to add credibility to my writing, I am including the responses from many pastors of different denominations who wrote after this writing was posted on our homepage.

168 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 5 169 Love and God’s Presence: “I am a pastor of a Tong-Hap denomination. I have seen Great Faith Church for the last 4 years. I only saw messages and ministries that are more and more trustworthy. I wish that those who have misunderstandings of Great Faith Church will see the church honestly and that their eyes will be opened to see the reality.”

Spark of Love: “I am a pastor of the Full Gospel Church. I have read Pastor Byun’s books‚ about 40 of them‚ and have listened to his sermons online since 2005 to 2010. I am still listening to them. I have attended conferences at Seoul Great Faith Church many times. To pastors and nominal Christians who say Great Faith Church is a heresy: Do not sin against God by ignorantly calling the church a heresy.”

Complete Obedience: “I am a pastor of the Holiness Church (Gisung). Those who say Great Faith Church is a heresy is one or the other: they have never listened to Pastor Byun’s sermon with an open heart‚ or they did not even bother to confirm the truth and blindly follow the liars who have seared their conscience. I have been listening to his sermons for the last 5 years and have yet seen anything that was against the truth or dangerous. Rather‚ they were sermons that made listeners to repent. More than anything‚ the sermons moved listeners to love God. I pray that

you would open your heart and listen to his sermon just once.” 24

24 Dong-Ah Daily News, November 9, 2011; Korea Daily News, November 4; Pusan Daily News, November 16, 2011.

170 Let the Readers Understand! Let the Readers 170 Let the Readers Understand! Understand!

6. As a result of a several-months-long investigation by the subcommittee of the Christian Council of Korea representing the Korean Church at large, it was determined that Great Faith Church is not a heretical cult This decision was then accepted at the general meeting of the ‘Investigation and Research Subcommittee Against Heresy’ of the Christian Council of Korea. The same verdict was then passed legitimately by the board of Christian Council of Korea. As a result, the Council wrote a formal document that Great Faith Church is not heretical.

I never wanted to write this again. However, I had to write this because so many pastors and saints, being deceived by heresy-hunters, are sinning against God. They are opposing the work of God, and they are disrupting saints from receiving grace and being blessed. In the past when I belonged to the Baeksuk denomination, the Research and Investigation subcommittee Against Heresy had investigated me for two years. Even the President of the General Assembly secretly sent the secretary to attend our worship service. However, they could not find any heretical teaching. They only found one doctrinal difference, that “once saved can be rejected.” So the president met with me to relate these facts to me and made clear that there was no heresy. The subcommittee only required that I give up the opinion that “Once saved can be rejected.”

Appendix 6 173 However, Pastor Byung Hee Yang, President of Jeung-Kyung General Assembly, having a vindictive heart because one of his members moved to our church, (a fact which was unbeknownst to me), used his political power to illegally expelled me without going through the legitimate procedure. Lord, forgive the unrighteousness of Baeksuk denomination! Now he has falsely accused me of heresy using the deceitful resources fabricated by Sam Kyung Choe, the heresy-hunter working through Tong-Hap, who did not give me one written summon, a phone call, or any other opportunity to defend myself. His act was pointed out as illegal even by the Tong-Hap evaluation committee since the decision was made at a meeting where the members failed to meet the quorum. The illegal nature of the decision was made known to me directly with evidential materials by the personnel of Tong-Hap. Besides Tong-Hap, several other denominations began to be puppets by the hands of Sam Kyung Choe and the other 3 heresy-hunters. Hap-Dong made a flaw by asserting that Great Faith Church is a ‘new legalistic heresy’ for emphasizing biblical repentance and living faith that produces good deeds. Go-Shin made a prohibition of interchange by distorting the detail in Pastor Bob Jones’ after-life testimony where it is mentioned that only 2% of humanity will go to heaven (they changed the detail to 2% of Christians. Even when corrected, they refuse to change it so that I would sound emphatical). In Hap-Shin, a man by the name of Hyung Taek Park, a forger of diploma and a biblically ignorant person (asserting that “Barnabas was not an apostle”) and one of the hirelings of Sam Kyung Choe, led the false accusation. Gisung, after

174 Let the Readers Understand! concluding Great Faith Church is ‘not heretical’, the decision which even appeared in the newspaper, changed their mind. They made a prohibition of interchange at the pressure and manipulation of Prof. Moon Soo Park, who is connected with the cult leader Sam Kyung Choe. Yesung, the Methodist, also succumbed to the pressure of the Presbyterian denominations and made a prohibition of interchange simply because of the doctrine, “once saved can be rejected” (which is actually their own doctrine), saying that they will re-investigate a year later. In the process of these accusations, the only ones who actually called me to investigate me were Baeksuk and the Christian Council of Korea. However, as mentioned earlier, Baeksuk did not discover any heresy and the Council concluded ‘not heretical’ stating that, “It is a doctrinal difference and not heresy.” Despite this decision that took place through legitimate procedures, the cult leader Sam Kyung Choe and the other heresy-hunters did not submit to it. Instead, they instigated the Presbyterian denominations to bring about the decision to re-investigate at the executive committee meeting. This action ought to have been illegal and void, since the executive committee does not have the right to reverse the decision that was passed by the subcommittee, the general meeting, and the board meeting. So the Council decided to accept the original decision made by the Research and Investigation Subcommittee Against Heresy without reinvestigating. I have heard these facts by many of the personnel in the Council. As an objective proof, I am presenting the following document signed by Pastor Ja Yun Kil, president of the Christian Council of Korea a while ago.

174 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 6 175 176 Let the Readers Understand! This is the official document that was sent by the Christian Council of Korea upon inquiry by the Revival Denomination, which I belong to, about the investigation that was taking place regarding me. The reason why this document was not made public so far was because there are too many heresy-hunters who, like wild dogs, only want to prod, instigate, and make false accusations. Additionally, there are too many pastors who are easily swayed by them without making correct discernment. So in order to not stir up things, I have kept this from the public. Think about this for a moment. Sam Kyung Choe, who wickedly accused our church, was discovered as a cult leader by the Christian Council of Korea and then by Hap-Dong denomination. Isn’t it only logical and just to reverse the false accusations he made through lies? If denominations and churches have right conscience, they ought to do this. However, ‘Modern Religion’ still goes around the church seminars throughout the whole nation, maligning Great Faith Church as a heretic. Of course, the assertion made by ‘Modern Religion’ is false. I will present the proof. Before, Christian Council of Korea revealed after investigation that I am not a heretic. Then, ‘Modern Religion’, who has been writing garbage-like articles slandering Great Faith Church, became panicky and collected all their articles. They presented them to the Council in order to urge them to re-investigate. The amount of the articles written was tremendous. As a result, I had to laboriously write a defense of each accusation written in the articles. Then through my writing of explanation, all the despicable and slanderous articles that were written with an ill motive to accuse me falsely became revealed as they truly were. That was why the Council

176 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 6 177 denied the assertions of ‘Modern Religion’ and concluded that we are “not heretical”. If ‘Modern Religion’ had any conscience left, they ought to apologize and not go around slandering our church any more. No longer should pastors and Christians be deceived by ‘Modern Religion’, going along with their false accusations and persecuting the Church bought by the blood of Jesus while they enjoy drinking the innocent blood like a vampire. As you are aware, the issue of violence in schools has come to the fore as a serious problem in our society. However, outcasts and group lynching do not only occur in schools. They exist in the Korean Church, and they are even more serious. And the hot victims of ‘outcasting’ and ‘group lynching’ are of Great Faith Church. The reason why the Korean Church has become like the Dark Ages in the issue of ‘heresy-hunting’ is because among pastors, the attitudes of self-centeredness and self- preservation are prevalent. Thus, although the false and the wicked continue to bark and spread lies, conscientious pastors consistently remain mute and cowardly despite their knowledge of the truth. And it is because they, pretending to be respectable and mature, show their unhealthy attitude when they only force forgiveness, love, humility, and silence on the victims. They are unable to speak out one word of rebuke to those who are lying and slandering and persecuting. Even wild animals do not slaughter one another. However, it is an unfortunate act of unrighteous ‘heresy-hunting’ that churches slaughter churches, pastors slaughter pastors. It is time that such a wicked and evil ‘heresy-hunting’ must disappear from the Church altogether. Therefore, those who have been deceived by ‘Modern Religion’ must open their eyes to the truth

178 Let the Readers Understand! now and speak the truth boldly.

PS: In the above, I wrote, “This is the official document that was sent by the Christian Council of Korea upon inquiry by the Revival Denomination, which I belong to, about the investigation that was taking place regarding me. The reason why this was not made public so far was because there are too many heresy-hunters who like wild dogs only want to prod, instigate, and make false accusations. Too many pastors who are easily swayed by them without having good discernment. So in order to not to stir up things, I have kept this private.” But it turned out as I had expected. I summarize to you what happened with a good conscience: that when the Christian Council of Korea decided that “we are not heretical”, this already, was not a conscientious decision. They ought to have said, “They are absolutely not heretical. Rather they are a model church. Each denomination must make a formal apology.” They ought to make such a decision and punish the slanderers. That is justice. However, while I was being investigated by the Council, there was tremendous pressure put on the Council. The Korean Elder’s Confederacy, Tong-Hap, Hap-Dong, and Baeksuk, who were all being swayed by heresy-hunters, were putting tremendous pressure. The undiscerning C.C.C. also put pressure. Because of these pressures, the head of the Research and Investigation Subcommittee Against Heresy of the Christian Council of Korea and some personnel members, though they knew that there was no heresy as a result of their investigation and though they confessed and acknowledged the fact to me numerous times,

178 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 6 179 they made a political compromise. They added messy provisory clauses to their decision. They even tried many times to not re-submit the result of the investigation to the board members. This was not because of any problem with me, but because of these pressures. Finally, after suffering long enough, I posted the writing ‘The Pontius Pilate of This Generation, Pastor’ on the internet, using the real name. After many twists and turns, the case regarding our church was passed by the subcommittee, then the committee, and finally by the board meeting. Then the case was closed. It has ended. However, what happened? The 4 heresy-hunters and some of the Presbyterian denominations joined together to bring out the decision to re-investigate the case at the Council’s executive meeting. The day before, I received this information from a reporter of a certain newspaper and called Pastor Yong Kyu Lee, former president of the Council as well as the former president of Gisung denomination. At the time, Pastor Lee heard the news and said, “That can never happen, because it’s illegal.” He further said, “That's nonsense, and this can never happen. So rest assured.” He is a person who knows the Council’s constitutional laws very well. Such an act was so illegal that it could never be imagined. That is because cases related to heresy can never be handled politically. However, they made the audacious decision to re-investigate. Then recently, I heard more surprising news. The Christian Council of Korea (president Pastor Jae Chul Hong) opened the 23rd annual first executive meeting to on the second day and dealt with the important agendas. They resolved that “regarding the matter of Pastor Seung Woo Byun (The Presbyterian Church of Korea, Revival Denomination) it is

180 Let the Readers Understand! resolved that his case would be sent back to his original denomination, The Presbyterian Church of Korea, Baeksuk.” This shows that they are political pastors. Is this something that pastors can do? Does this make sense? Baeksuk was an unrighteous denomination that expelled me solely for political reasons, despite the fact that they investigated me for two years and did not find any heresy. This was also acknowledged by their president and secretary. Also, they are an unrighteous organization that made a counterfeit document and filed a petition to (not merely investigate but) make me into a heresy. How could they send my case back to them? This is as wicked and unrighteous as the act that Chinese made against North Korean defectors by sending them back to North Korea knowing that they would be tortured and killed. I read this news at night and could not go to sleep until 5 am in the morning. Therefore, these decisions are evidences showing that the Korean church is seriously corrupt, and that there is no problem with Great Faith Church. Today, is there truly justice in the Korean church? Pastors play the puppets for the heresy-hunters because they are caught in self- centeredness, while denominations dance to the beat of unrighteous decisions. Also, pastors who know the truth fear the disadvantage and play the mute. So many newspaper editors and pastors came to me secretly to acknowledge that I am not a heretic, and that I have been falsely accused. However, at the official meetings, they remained mute. Some of them put on the mask of love pretending to be respectable and mature, irresponsibly urging love and forgiveness while being silent over unrighteousness. This is fake respectability and forged maturity. Character without justice, character that cannot be indignant over

180 Let the Readers Understand! Appendix 6 181 unrighteousness, strange gentleness that has no righteous anger! I do not believe in these things because they are different from the characters of Jesus, Paul, and John-the apostle of love. Except for heaven, there is no place, organization or nation that can be maintained and prosperous by love only. There must definitely be laws and police force in order to maintain order. This is no exception in the denominations and the church. That is why the civil laws were given in the Old Testament to the Israelites. Jesus and Paul not only talked about love but about disciplinary actions and excommunication (Mat. 18:15-17, 1 Cor. 5:1-5, 11-13). Therefore, when these problems occur in the Church, love and forgiveness are not the only answers. In that case, the problem itself will not be resolved and would result in anarchy in the church. What is right must be said right and wrong as wrong. Habitual liars must be rebuked, and if they are unrepentant they must be punished. Justice must roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. That is the will of God.

“I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your sol- emn assemblies. Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; And I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an every-flowing stream” (Amos 5:21-24)

182 Let the Readers Understand! Let the Readers 182 Let the Readers Understand! Understand! an affiliate of Great Faith Church