Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Korea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Korea |
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| Abbreviation | OPCK |
| Classification | Protestant |
| Theology | Confessional Reformed |
| Governance | Presbyterian |
| Moderator | Ha Seung Moo |
| Associations | International Union of Reformed Churches |
| Region |  South Korea |
| Founder | Ha Seung Moo |
| Origin | January 17, 2012 Seoul |
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Korea (OPCK) is a Christian church in South Korea. It was started in January 2012 by its founder, Ha Seung Moo. The OPCK follows the teachings of the Reformed Church. These teachings are based on the ideas of people like John Calvin and John Knox. It is known for sticking closely to its traditional beliefs.
What the Church Believes: Main Ideas
The main teachings of the OPCK are part of what is called "Calvinism." These ideas are often summarized by "TULIP." TULIP is an easy way to remember five key points of Calvinist belief. These points explain how God saves people.
The main idea behind these points is that God saves everyone He chooses to show mercy to. Human actions or weaknesses do not stop His plan.
- Total Depravity: This means that because of sin, people cannot save themselves. It does not mean people are as bad as they can possibly be. It means sin affects every part of a person.
- Unconditional Election: This means God chooses who will be saved based on His own will. He does not choose based on anything people do.
- Limited Atonement: This means Jesus died to save a specific group of people. He died for those God chose to save.
- Irresistible Grace: This means when God calls someone to be saved, they will respond. They cannot resist God's powerful grace.
- Perseverance of the Saints: This means people who are truly saved will remain in their faith. God will keep them safe until the end.
History and Practices of the Church
The OPCK follows the Reformed faith, also known as Calvinism. These teachings grew and developed after John Calvin's time. In the 1600s, a group of British theologians wrote down these beliefs. They created the Westminster Standards. These include the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. The OPCK uses these standards, with some changes made in America in 1788.
The OPCK explains its beliefs with these main points:
- The Bible is inspired by God. This means it is completely true and has no mistakes. So, people should believe and obey what it teaches. The Bible is the only special message from God for the church today.
- There is one true God. He is a spirit and cannot be seen. God is perfect in every way, including being holy, fair, loving, and kind. This one God exists as three "persons": the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.
- God created everything in the heavens and on Earth. He also controls and guides everything according to His plan. God is in complete control, but this does not take away human responsibility.
- Because the first man, Adam, sinned, all people are born with a sinful nature. They are separated from God and face His anger. But God made a special promise, a "covenant of grace." Through this promise, sinners can be forgiven and receive eternal life. They get this by having faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ has always been the only way to be saved, both in Old Testament and New Testament times.
- God's Son, Jesus, became human. He was born to the virgin Mary. In Jesus, God's nature and human nature were joined as one person. Jesus lived a perfect life without sin. He died on a cross, taking the sins of those who trust in Him. He also received God's anger for them. Jesus rose from the dead and went up to heaven. There, He rules as Lord over His church. He will return to judge everyone, both living and dead. He will bring His people into eternal life with new, glorious bodies. The wicked will face eternal punishment.
- God chooses certain people for eternal life. The Holy Spirit helps these people come to Christ when they hear the gospel. When they believe in Christ, God declares them righteous. This means He forgives their sins and accepts them as good. This is not because of anything they did, but because Christ's goodness is given to them. They become God's children and the Holy Spirit lives in them. The Spirit helps them stop sinning more and more and live righteously. They turn away from their sins, both when they first believe and afterward. They do good things because of their faith. They continue to follow Christ until the end, knowing they are saved.
- Believers try to follow God's moral law, like the Ten Commandments. They do this not to earn salvation, but because they love Jesus and want to obey Him. People are free to believe what God's Word says. They are not required to believe or do anything extra in their faith or worship.
- Christ started His church to gather and help His people grow. This happens through preaching God's Word, the sacraments, and church discipline. The sacraments are baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is for believers and their children. In the Lord's Supper, believers spiritually share in Christ's body and blood. Church members who do not follow the church's teachings or live right are disciplined. Christians meet on Sunday, the Lord's Day, to worship God. They pray, listen to the Bible being read and preached, sing songs, and take part in the sacraments.
