The Twelfth Standard

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It's been more than nine years since the events that led to the removal of Preacher YM Yang from the True Jesus Church. 

I hear that a lot of people have read my point-by-point rebuttals to the accusations against him. I'm gratified to know that my writing helped provide important context to many people. I'm sad that as far as I can tell, none of my writing seems to have made any difference to intransigence of our church's "deep state", but I am gratified to see that on the grassroots level individual members are still serving God with love.

It's funny how things work out. After being excommunicated (I still cringe even writing those words), Preacher Yang continued to minister to the church in Paris and continued to travel, preach the word, and bring souls to Christ. If you're interested, you can still read and listen to his messages here. In many ways, his reach and his impact to the kingdom of God became even stronger because of what happened. Praise God.

And yet, I cannot help but feel a profound sense of sorrow at what this incident has done to the church. I look at the church today. Yes, the church still keeps Sabbath services going week to week like clockwork. Yes, the church is filled with brothers and sisters who love God and who work for him with zeal. 

But there's something missing. And it wasn't until recently that I realized what it was.

Counting the Cost

What happened didn't just punish Preacher Yang. It amputated an entire part of our church's body. I've talked personally with many members who no longer attend church, not because they have lost faith in God, but because of what humans within the church did to offend their core values and their understanding of certain teachings of the Bible. 

Among these members were some of the most fervent and gifted church workers I know. Members who worked magic with General Affairs. Members who could deliver powerful sermons. Members who were gifted at teaching kids. Members who had profound gifts of counseling that could be used to help members hurting and in pain, especially our children who need more spiritual mentors. Members who to this day volunteer for the poor and raise money for charities.

Some of those members, including the beloved brother I wrote about in my last post, are gone now. Many of them will not be around much longer. At a time when the church is desperate for workers, these members could have brought so much to the church.

And they're all gone. And for what? Because an elder many years ago got his feelings hurt by a preacher? 

What cost has this "feud" brought to this church? 

What Our Early Church Said About Unity in the Body of Christ

Cover of the True Jesus Church's 
30th Anniversary Book

When I was going through my mom's stuff, I came across an old book that she carried with her from China, to Taiwan, to the United States. It was the publication that our early church workers put together to commemorate the 30th year of our church. The book is complete, but starting to disintegrate from age, so I've had it in my mind to digitize and translate it.

Today, our church has what we call the Ten Basic Beliefs. We can all recite them—One True God, The Bible, Church, Water Baptism, Holy Spirit, Foot Washing, Holy Communion, Sabbath, Salvation, and Second Coming.

I don't know when it changed or who changed it, but there was a time when the church held what they called the Twelve Standards. Within the Twelve Standards were what we now know of today as the Ten Basic Beliefs. But for some reason, the Twelfth Standard was removed.

Our early church workers were very clear at how critical is was to include the Twelfth Standard in our Basic Beliefs, and their wisdom and foresight is stunning given what happened.

But enough from me. Here are their own words: the translated English version, followed by the original Chinese version.

Words from Our Early Church Workers

12. "Firmly believe in the names of the twelve apostles and the names of the twelve tribes as the path and foundation for individual salvation. Avoid mutual disdain, jealousy, and disputes to strengthen the organization of our church."

Including this principle in our common doctrines is crucial. When discussing organization and unity, neglecting this fundamental principle could lead to gradual disintegration.

A true church must have strong unity to possess strong power. Following the path of division could cause significant stumbling blocks for others. What did the Lord say? "Woe to the one through whom the stumbling block comes." This sin is greater than any other! When the Lord Jesus was about to depart from this world, He fervently prayed for the unity of the holy church (John 17).

The scripture says, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." From a human perspective, we must "make every effort." From God's perspective, it is "the unity of the Spirit." This unity should not be violated (Ephesians 4:1).

The main reasons for lack of cooperation are generally:

1. Focusing on others' faults and lacking self-reflection.
2. Pride and arrogance, lacking humility.
3. Being led astray or pressured by circumstances, lacking understanding.

If anyone suffers from these issues, they should reflect on the twelve apostles and the twelve patriarchs. While each had their strengths, they also had their shortcomings. However, the scripture says, "The foundation of the city walls had the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." "On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel." They were not only saved but also became the foundation for others' salvation. Among today's saints, there should be no mutual disdain. Instead, we should be united in peace and bear with one another in love.

It is so important to bear with one another in love. Why does the Bible mention their names? Because their names carry significant meanings.

The Twelve Tribes on the Gates of the Holy City and the Meaning of Their Names:

East Side – Three Gates:

• Joseph: Means "to add." Represents those who are willing to help others.
• Manasseh: Means "to forget hardship." Represents those who strive to move forward.
• Benjamin: Means "son of the right hand." Represents those who act according to God's will.

North Side – Three Gates:

• Judah: Means "praise." Represents those who love to sing hymns of praise.
• Levi: Means "joined." Represents those who love fellowship and unity.
• Reuben: Means "see a son." Represents those who acknowledge God's children.

South Side – Three Gates:

• Simeon: Means "heard." Represents those who listen to the Word.
• Issachar: Means "reward." Represents those who seek true knowledge, not vanity.
• Zebulun: Means "dwelling." Represents those who are with the Lord.

West Side – Three Gates:

• Gad: Means "fortune." Represents those who do not overlook God's grace.
• Asher: Means "happy." Represents those who are blessed.
• Naphtali: Means "wrestling." Represents those who are not afraid of evil forces.

The three gates on the east side are from Rachel, and the three gates on the north and south sides are from Leah. The three gates on the west side are from Bilhah and Zilpah. The arrangement and names of the gates have profound meanings. (See Revelation 21:12-13)

The Twelve Apostles on the Foundations of the Holy City and the Meaning of Their Names:

Peter: Means "rock." Represents steadfastness.

James: Means "supplanter." Represents those who never leave the Lord.

John: Means "grace." Represents those who receive true love.

Andrew: Means "manly." Represents those who are strong in faith.

Philip: Means "lover of horses." Represents those who are eager to spread the gospel.

Bartholomew: Means "son of Talmai." Represents those who are pure in heart.

Thomas: Means "twin." Represents those who are committed.

Matthew: Means "gift of God." Represents those who are given to serving God.

James (son of Alphaeus): Means "supplanter." Represents humility.

Thaddaeus: Means "heart." Represents those who are compassionate.

Simon the Zealot: Means "listener." Represents those who are zealous.

Judas (son of James): Means "praise." Represents those who are faithful.

These names and their meanings are deeply significant, symbolizing the virtues and qualities that are essential for building up the church and fostering unity among believers.

In Christ, if someone possesses a virtue, it not only ensures their salvation but also enables them to lead others to the gate of salvation. If a saint has a gift, it can become the foundation of the church. The prosperity of the church is built upon the collective virtues of the saints. One should not think too highly of oneself but should always consider others better. Seek the well-being of others, make them happy, and bear each other's burdens with perfect love. Saints should always examine themselves to see how they stand in their virtues.

Do not overlook those who possess different gifts from you. We are co-workers with the Lord Jesus. The building of the heavenly city depends on us supplying the materials from the earth. If we do not supply enough, the construction of the holy city is delayed, and it cannot come to receive us. The gates and foundations are made of people, and the walls are also built with people. As it is written: "To them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever" (Isaiah 56:5). We hope all saints align with the standards of the names of the twelve apostles and twelve tribes, swiftly fulfilling their individual missions, and building up one another in love, so that God the Father may be greatly glorified through us. Amen. (Ephesians 4:16, Psalm 122:3, John 15:8)

Original Chinese Version

(note that there may be individual words that are off due to the quality of the scan, but most of this is accurate)

十二、「眞信十二使徒的名字，與十二支派的名字，爲會友個別得救的門路與根基。不可彼此有輕視，嫉妒，紛爭之觀念，以堅强本會組織 」°o

本會把道一條放在共情之要道中，也是萬分重要的，因爲既評組織，又戀合而爲一，若忽略了這件大道理，必會日渐分崩離析的。

眞教會必有堅强的合一，才有堅强的力量，若走了分裂的路子必能給別人放了很大的維脚石，主是怎麼說呢？秘說辦倒人的人有禍了」，并且還一條罪要比任何罪都大呀！主耶穌世之時，切切專為聖會合一的事溯礤。（約十七章）

經上稅：「要場力保守聖黨所賜的合而爲一的心」。在人的方面說：「要蜗力保守」。在神的方面說：是「聖藥所賜的合而爲一的心」。不可辜負遠背。（弗四1）

不能合作的原因大概是：

1. 愛看別人的毛病。！！缺少自責。
2. 愚而自以爲飛。妄自尊大。卜！缺少恩惠
3. 受了引誘。或是被環境邁迫。I！缺少認識。

如果有人有了這三樣大病，就得看看十二位使徒，和那十二位先祖，一方面他們都有個人的長處，一方面也要知道都有他們的缺欠，但是聖經上說：「根上有羔十二使徒的名字」。「門上又寫着以色列十二個支派的名字」。他們不但得救了，又作了別人得救的根由了。今目的聖徒中間，不可彼此輕視，且要用和平此聯絡，用愛心五相寬容，是何等的更要了。

爲甚 聖經上。說到他們的名字呢？因爲他們的名字都是有很好意義的。

一、十二支派在聖城門上的地位，及其名字的意義：

旧、東有三門

1. 約瑟！是加添的意思。樂意幫助人的人
2. 瑪拿西 — 是忘記一切患離的意思。努力前進的人。
3. 便隴閡！l是右手之子的意思。有按手恩赐的人。乙、北逵 j三門
4. 掄大1 — 是讚美的意思。愛唱詩讚美的人
5. 利米l！是聯合的意思。愛聯絡人的人。
6. 流便！~是见子的意思。承認為神子的人
   
   丙、南邊有三門
7. 西緬—-是聽見的意思。會聽道的人。
8. 以薩加l！是價值的意思。不渗虛浮的人外
9. 西佈倫——是同伴的意思。與主同在的人
   
   丁、西邊有三門
10. 迦得——是萬幸的意思。不辜負神恩的人
11. ！是有的意思。不愛世界的人。
12. 拿弗他利—！是戰的意思。不怕惡勢力的人

這四方的門名，最希奇的是東邊三門都是抗生出的。南北兩湿六門都是利亞所生出的。西邊三

門是辟拉與然帕兩個人所生出的。並且聖經所記的東北南西的次序與方位，都是俱有很深意的。（

結四十八31-35 不過但開在彩U路捲冷聖城上是該沒有了。應改爲瑪拿西門（參啓七518）

2 十二一使徒在聖城根基的地位及共名字之意義

1 彼得」！是盤右的意思。股固有脹。

2 雅各！！是抓住的意思。永不離主

3.韵份——是恩?的意思。颅受眞愛。

4.保羅--是微小的意思。謙深自卑。

5. 安得烈11是刚强的意思。站立得。

6. 腓力 —是愛馬的意思。愛惜傳道人

7. 馬太」！是禮物的意思。廣傳眞道

8. 達 太」是智慧的意思。以智爲寶。

9. 雅 各—是抓住的意思。守道不澈。

10. 多 馬」【是雙生的意思。多結善果。

11. 西門1！是著名的意思。不作平淡信徒

12. 巴多羅賞！！是多羅買之子的意思。是神的兒子。

在基怪塞，其人有一樣美德，不但自己得了教，他還可以領人進入得救之門，聖徒有一樣恩賜，就可以作教會的根基。教會的興旺是集聖徒的美德而共成的，誰也不可看自已過於所當看的，總耍看別人比自已强，不求自已的益噁，要叫別人歡喜，用聯絡全德的愛彼此體恤，聖徒們總要察驗自己，看看自己在那一件盛過大財的美名上站了一份？

同時也不要忽喺那與你所得不必同一恩陽的人。

我們是與主耶話同工的，融在天上 造聖城，都得靠我們給融從地上運送材料，我們得的人不够，所以融在天上的聖城也一時建造不好。建造設好，就不能來接我們。因爲城門和根既然都是人排的，城牆也必是用人堆成的。正如經上說：「我必使他們在我段中，在我牆內，有紀念，冇名號，比有兒女的更美，我必他們永選的名，不說剪除」

（賽五六5.) 但盼望一切聖民都合乎十二使徒與十二支派名字的準繩，連速完成個人的使命，彼此「聯絡得整齊，建造的堅固」，叫父神因我們大得榮耀阿們。（摩七7詩百廿二3約小五8）

Final Thoughts

You may or may not agree with the theological interpretations of our early church workers. Before you pass it off as a false interpretation, remember that these early workers were filled with the Holy Spirit. Signs and wonders followed them—there wasn't a miracle once every few years, the miracles could be seen on practically a daily basis. 

Their placing this as the Twelfth Standard shows that they saw the danger of a future church who would be torn apart by discord. The list of reasons they stated for discord were freakishly prophetic:

1. Focusing on others' faults and lacking self-reflection.
2. Pride and arrogance, lacking humility.
3. Being led astray or pressured by circumstances, lacking understanding.

It's ironic that it was their children's generation that would not only remove this as a Standard of the church, but then proceed to violate it.

The early church had to deal with a similar situation. Elder Barnabas Chang was a powerful worker for God, who helped bring the gospel to many places, including Taiwan. Honestly, I don't know the full details of his removal from the church, but by all accounts it was for obvious reasons. 

And even so, members still prayed for him to repent and return. My grandpa was one of those who was treated with love by Elder Chang. He recounted his story and his thoughts on Elder Chang in his testimony; I believe many church members felt the same.

Unfortunately, Elder Chang's one wrong thought led him to want to claim the church as his own creation, burying the history of the Lord's grace given to China in the sixth year of the Republic. I hope Elder Chang can change his mind. A gentleman's mistakes are like the sun and moon's eclipses; everyone sees them and then admires their correction.

Nine Years Later, Do I Believe that Y.M. Yang was Guilty of "Heresy"?

Now let's look at Y.M. Yang.

Is he truly guilty of "heresy"? 

Anyone with any intellectual honesty knows this is a complete fabrication. To recap:

* They say that he is a heretic because he published (privately, at the GA's request) his studies about the origin of Satan. The GA says that YM Yang was somehow supporting heresy because he said that Satan existed before creation. But isn't the only other possibility that God created Satan? Is that the IA's and the GA's official position? .

* They say that he is a heretic because he denies the importance of the Holy Spirit. To reiterate—in every class I heard Preacher Yang speak in person, in writing, or on a recording, I NEVER heard him deny the importance of receiving the Promised Holy Spirit as evidenced by speaking in tongues. 

If anyone can find an example of him saying this, let me know, and I will personally call him directly in Paris and challenge him. 

If you cannot find an example of this, it means what you heard was hearsay. 

Is it possible that there are people who heard his message that the Holy Spirit (or if you prefer, "the Spirit of God") is within those who are baptized, and they misinterpreted it to mean that they didn't need to pray for the indwelling of the Promised Holy Spirit? Yes, that's possible. 

But at that point is it a failure of Preacher Yang? 

Or rather, is it a failure of the brothers and sisters who knew those members who themselves were unable to explain to those confused members the true understanding of the Holy Spirit?

Is it a failure of brothers and sisters—perhaps—whose understanding of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is limited to 24 words in the "Our Basic Beliefs" pamphlet?

Is it a failure of brothers and sisters who, any time a question comes their way, tells whoever is asking the question to "Go See the Pastor" because they've been trained not to have an independent thought on their own.

No, it's not wrong to say "Go See the Pastor". But our church ministers are already overworked as it is. Wouldn't it be better if members themselves could answer some of these questions themselves? 

Ironically, this is all related to what our early church workers called "The Eleventh Standard", another teaching that for some reason was removed from our Basic Beliefs (and, probably not coincidentally, another area where our church has grown weak).

This Standard said this:

"Firmly Believe in the Eleven Spiritual Gifts as the Driving Force for the Revival of the Church, Without Relying on Other Methods to Prosper Our Church." (十一、「黃信十一樣靈恩，為振興教會的動力，不用其他方法興旺本會」。

While I won't get into the details here, this "Standard" stressed Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 12-14, which concluded with the following words in 1 Corinthians 14: 

"Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."

Note how Paul addresses all the words from 1 Corinthians 12-14 to all the brothers and sisters of the church, not just "church leaders". 

The gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are not intended to be limited to full-time ministers and deacons. They are meant to be bestowed on any brother or sister; in fact, Paul especially urges all the brothers and sisters to pursue the gift of prophesy.

Ironically, what I saw over and over again in Preacher Yang's preaching was this message. He implored long-time members to stop drinking milk and to move on to solid food by thinking for themselves. That's why he holds Bible Seminars. His messages were not for sheep to come and gorge themselves at the trough, they were to build up current and future shepherds.

Here's a verse that I heard him quote often:

No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Jeremiah wasn't talking about the heavenly kingdom here. He was talking about life here on earth after the coming of the Messiah. The church shouldn't be a place where a few people experience God and teach others. It should be a place where everyone knows God, and where everyone—from the least to the greatest—can learn from everyone else.

Sadly, there were some shepherds who rather than working with their fellow shepherd to care for the lost, seek the young, heal the injured, and feed the healthy turned to attack him by twisting his words out of context. In doing this, many sheep were scattered. 

Could Preacher Yang just have "repented" to get his preacher's title and salary back?

If the charges against him were true, yes. But because they were false, recanting his supposed "false teachings"—that weren't false at all—would have meant obeying and honoring men and not obeying God. 

So how did he react? He didn't lash out. He didn't put himself on a throne with a crown. He put his head down and humbly continued to do the Lord's work, spreading the gospel, and edifying members around the world. If all the pretty words I wrote in my blog nine years ago didn't convince you of the utter foolishness of kicking Preacher Yang out of the church, then this fact should. 

I don't know how much time Y.M. Yang has left on this earth. I do hope that the church leaders in Taiwan can read these words from our early church workers, come to their senses, and fully reinstate him before it's too late. I pray that those who opposed each other in this episode can one day literally come together and wash each other's feet. No, I don't believe it'll happen for a second. But I pray for it, because this would finally bring healing to the church and much joy in heaven.

Their actions did not punish an elderly man in Paris, France. It punished the church. And as many wonderful gifts as our older generation gave us, I hope a new generation of church workers reading this will correct this very grievous wrong and heal our church.