Theology as a Reshaping of Life

Chan Chi-wang and his wife Elaine

Theology – Too High to Be Reached

　　When I look back on my life, from childhood to the present, I find myself having different feelings toward and understanding of “theology” at different stages. At first, I found theology too high to be reached, that it could only be observed from afar and was full of mystery. I grew up in the church since childhood; as a teen, I perceived preachers and pastors as holy roles, and they were, to me, someone crowned with God’s calling. To me, they worked full-time for God and dedicated their whole life to the role of a minister with utmost persistence. At that time, I noticed that those who dedicated themselves to the study of theology were mostly rigorous Christians who were serious in their devotional time and were fellowship mentors full of spiritual wisdom. I admired them very much. Back then, without a clear calling from God, nor the willingness and readiness to sacrifice and suffer like them, I did not think I would become a theological student. At that time, the strong impression I had about theology was that it was a special right possessed by a minority who were specially called by God.

Exciting Theology

　　Later, I came to realize that the study of theology was exciting and could bring one to a higher level of wisdom. It was a journey of experiencing life anew. I remember the occasion when I joined the dedication camp organized by my church, in which I decided for the first time to serve God full-time, knowing that “the Gospel is not only to proclaim that people are sinners but that they are also honorable and valuable.” Understanding that I was a sinner saved by grace, I began to study at the seminary to become a preacher proclaiming God’s word and giving guidance to brothers and sisters with biblical truths. What we had to learn was the heart of Jesus Christ – “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36).

　　During the days when I received training at the seminary, the mysterious veil of theology was gradually removed. I realized that theology not only made me study the Bible in detail, but was also very practical, related to our lives and actions. Issues like liturgies, evangelism, environmental protection and poverty are also closely related to our faith. It was joyful indeed for me to be able to devote all my time to focus on studying the wide range of theological subjects. It was also a precious chance for us to have exchanges with students from all walks of life.

Theology That Reshapes Life

　　Now, I realize that theology is the reshaping of life and our life must be laid in God’s gracious hands so that He may destroy and rebuild it. It was by no means easy for me to go through the four years of studies at the Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary. During my second year of study, while I was eagerly awaiting the turning of a new leaf in my life with my fiancée, something unexpected happened in our lives, just like a bolt from the blue. Feeling exhausted and helpless amidst the tremendous changes and challenges in the family, I was about to lag behind in my studies. Worst of all, I had to witness my fiancée suffering from extreme agony and distress. I said to God, “‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ’ O Lord, could you save us, please? ” That said, life had to go on day by day and I became even more burdened after marriage. Nevertheless, I was thankful that God’s mighty hands had never turned away from our family. The love we experienced every day was plentiful, be it from the ministers and brothers and sisters at the church where I served during the practicum or from the teachers and students at the seminary. They walked with us so that we might experience love, care and comfort.

　　Looking upon Christ through the sign of the cross, I submit myself to Him, longing to see the coming of His Kingdom. I am willing to respond to His love and grace on the cross by serving Him and sacrificing myself. I am ready “not to be served but to serve,” because “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20). Faith must be accompanied by actions, but by no means do we believe that we can change the world simply by the actions of the faith community; instead, we believe: when Christians are willing to let Christ change us constantly, He will then be present in this world through His Spirit and the persistent service and sacrifice of His followers. In this way, the world will be transformed and renewed by Christ’s Spirit continually.

　　We were born in a great time with radical changes, but the Bible tells us that only when we return to God in tranquility can we see a clear vision beyond the superficial reality ahead of us. What Christians have is not any special power that can reverse the tide overnight but the ability to return from illusions to sobriety by relying on the teaching of the Lord. During my theological studies, I deeply understood that “God’s grace is surely sufficient for me.” True theological education is ongoing and never-ending. Graduation is but the beginning of the authentication of theology. Thank you, God, for Your grace and faithfulness! Glory and praise to the Triune God!