교회 회원이 됨
오늘 교회 장로님들과 만나 신앙 고백을 한 뒤 교회 (RPCNA 소속) 회원이 되었다. 장로님들이 구체적으로 질문한 것은 다음과 같았다:
1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, the only infallible rule for faith and life?
2. Do you believe in the one living and true God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as revealed in the Scriptures?
3. Do you repent of your sin; confess your guilt and helplessness as a sinner against God; profess Jesus Christ, Son of God, as your Saviour and Lord; and dedicate yourself to His service: Do you promise that you will endeavor to forsake all sin, and to conform your life to His teaching and example?
4. Do you promise to submit in the Lord to the teaching and government of this church as being based upon the Scriptures and described in substance in the Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America? Do you recognize your responsibility to work with others in the church and do you promise to support and encourage them in their service to the Lord? In case you should need correction in doctrine or life, do you promise to respect the authority and discipline of the church?
5. To the end that you may grow in the Christian life, do you promise that you will diligently read the Bible, engage in private prayer, keep the Lord’s Day, regularly attend the worship services, observe the appointed sacraments, and give to the Lord’s work as He shall prosper you?
6. Do you purpose to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness in all the relationships of life, faithfully to perform your whole duty as a true servant of Jesus Christ, and seek to win others to Him?
7. Do you make this profession of faith and purpose in the presence of God, in humble reliance upon His grace, as you desire to give your account with joy at the Last Great Day?
교회는 그리스도의 몸이라고 하셨다. 그 거룩함을 알지 못하고 교회를 함부로, 때론 나의 저급한 종교관으로 대하던 암매를 뉘우친다. 교회의 회원이 되기 앞서 장로님들과 함께 공부하던 지난 몇 주간, 하나님의 경영의 가장 중심으로서 그리스도의 몸이 얼마나 숭고한 실체로 이 땅에 서 있는지 조금이나마 깨우치는 시간이 되었다. 나 개인 보다 그리스도가 중요한 만큼 나 개인 보다 교회가 중요하다. 오늘 장로님들로부터 질문을 받을 때 마치 주님 앞에 있는 것만 같았다 — 아니, 분명 나는 주님 앞에 있었다.
