A Life of Faith and Perseverance

Early Life and Conversion

Wang Ming-Dao, born on July 25, 1900, in Beijing, entered the world during a tumultuous period in Chinese history, shortly after the Boxer Rebellion. His early life was marked by tragedy; his father committed suicide before his birth, and his family took refuge within the Foreign Legation Quarter to escape the violence. Despite these hardships, Wang’s mother raised him with a strong Christian foundation, which set the stage for his future ministry.

At the age of 14, Wang experienced a profound conversion to Christianity, which he described as the beginning of his lifelong commitment to his faith. This conversion was not just a personal transformation but a pivotal moment that fueled his passion for preaching and teaching the Gospel.

Founding the Christian Tabernacle

Wang Ming-Dao’s ministry formally began in 1924 when he started gathering small groups to study the Bible. His sincerity, integrity, and deep knowledge of the Scriptures attracted many followers. This grassroots effort culminated in the establishment of the Peking Christian Tabernacle in 1925. The Tabernacle emphasized a return to fundamental Christian doctrines, rejecting the liberal theological trends that were gaining popularity in China at the time.

Wang’s ministry was characterized by a strict adherence to biblical teachings and a call for Christians to live holy lives. He was known for his uncompromising stance on issues of faith and morality, often criticizing both Chinese and Western churches for their failures to uphold true Christian values. His sermons and writings frequently emphasized the importance of personal holiness and the dangers of liberal theology.

Opposition to the Three-Self Patriotic Movement

The rise of the Communist Party in China and the establishment of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) posed significant challenges to Wang Ming-Dao and his ministry. The TSPM sought to bring all Protestant churches in China under state control, promoting a version of Christianity that aligned with Communist ideologies. Wang vehemently opposed this movement, viewing it as a betrayal of true Christian doctrine and a means of diluting the faith.

In 1955, Wang published a scathing critique of the TSPM titled “We—For the Sake of Faith,” which led to his arrest along with his wife and other church leaders. This paper became a pivotal statement of defense for the Chinese church, articulating a clear stance against the government’s attempts to control and manipulate Christian practice through the TSPM.
In “We—For the Sake of Faith,” Wang argued for the necessity of maintaining the purity and independence of the church from state interference. He emphasized the importance of adhering to biblical teachings and warned against compromising Christian beliefs for political expediency. Wang’s critique was rooted in his belief that the TSPM’s alignment with the state undermined the true essence of Christian faith and practice.
The publication of this paper led to significant repercussions for Wang and his associates. In August 1955, just two months after its release, Wang, his wife, and several church colleagues were arrested and labeled as counter-revolutionaries. Wang was sentenced to a lengthy imprisonment but was released after a year following a coerced confession, only to be rearrested in 1957, leading to over two decades of incarceration until 1979.
(This document, preserved in archives such as the Harvard Divinity School Library, continues to be a crucial reference for understanding the struggles and resilience of the Chinese house church movement in the face of state persecution. For further reading, you can access the detailed records and the document itself through the Harvard Divinity School Library’s archival collection.)

Imprisonment and Perseverance

Wang Ming-Dao’s imprisonment lasted from 1957 to 1979, during which he endured severe hardship, including torture and deteriorating health. Despite these conditions, Wang remained steadfast in his faith. His time in prison was marked by a deepening of his spiritual convictions and a commitment to witnessing for Christ under the most trying circumstances.

After his release in 1979, Wang resumed his ministry, albeit under much stricter surveillance and with significant physical limitations. He continued to preach and write, providing spiritual guidance and encouragement to the Chinese Christian community. His writings from this period reflect a profound reliance on God’s grace and a commitment to living out his faith despite ongoing persecution.

Religious Teaching

Wang Ming-dao firmly believed in the inerrancy of the Bible, the depravity of man, and justification by faith. He was critical of both Chinese and missionary churches, emphasizing the importance of Christians living holy lives. Wang saw himself as akin to the prophet Jeremiah, who condemned social corruption and false prophets. He was particularly opposed to proponents of liberal theology, such as Western missionaries and the YMCA, whom he accused of undermining the faith of young people.

Wang founded the Christian Tabernacle, focusing on the “practical aspects of the Christian life.” He believed that the primary responsibility of church leaders was to guide Christians in “treading the path of holiness.” He often refused baptism to converts until they demonstrated that their faith was genuine and not just a “profession of their lips.” Known for his meticulous nature, Wang’s advice included admonitions against spitting, flirting, brawling, and chewing raw garlic. Conversely, he encouraged Christians to be punctual, dress appropriately, and follow traffic rules. Although a Pentecostal preacher once tried to persuade Wang to speak in tongues, Wang refused, repelled by what he saw as the “indecorous behavior of some Pentecostals who ‘danced, clapped, and shouted wildly’” during revival meetings.

Wang never adopted the title of “pastor,” did not permit a choir, and his church had no formal liturgy. He rarely allowed anyone outside his immediate circle of colleagues to preach, fearing that other preachers might hold heretical views or lead lives marked by deceit, greed, lewdness, envy, pride, and selfishness.

Professor Lian Xi of Duke Divinity School described Wang’s teachings as embodying a “fundamentalist faith” characterized by “simplicity and certainty.”

Legacy and Impact

Wang Ming-Dao passed away on July 28, 1991, but his legacy endures as one of the most influential figures in Chinese Christianity. He is often referred to as the “Dean of the House Churches,” a testament to his role in fostering a movement that prioritized biblical fidelity over state-imposed doctrines. His life and ministry continue to inspire Chinese Christians, particularly those who worship in house churches and face ongoing persecution for their faith.

Wang’s writings, including “A Stone Made Smooth,” “A Call to the Church,” and “Day by Day,” remain important resources for Christians seeking to understand and live out their faith in a hostile environment. His story is a powerful example of enduring faith and the transformative power of God’s grace in the face of immense suffering and opposition.

Wang Ming-Dao’s life is a testament to the power of steadfast faith and the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions. His unwavering commitment to the Gospel, even in the face of intense persecution, has left an indelible mark on the history of Christianity in China. As modern believers reflect on his life, they find a source of inspiration and a model of courage and perseverance in the pursuit of spiritual truth and integrity.

Wang Ming-Dao’s story is one of remarkable faithfulness and resilience. His life and work provide a vivid illustration of the cost of discipleship and the profound impact of a life wholly devoted to God. Today, his legacy continues to inspire and challenge Christians around the world to live out their faith with courage and conviction.

Works by Wang Ming-Dao
Wang Ming-Dao, A Stone Made Smooth. Southampton, Mayflower Christian Books, 1981.
Wang, Ming-Dao, A Call to the Church, Fort Washington, CLC, 1983.
Wang, Ming-Dao, Spiritual Food, Southampton, Mayflower Christian Books, 1983.
Wang, Ming-Dao, Day by Day, Crowborough, Highland Books, 1989.
Wang, Ming-Dao, The Spiritual Gifts Movement, Southampton, Mayflower Christian Books, 1990.
Wang Ming Dao, God’s Grace in Suffering, Hong Kong, 1993.

References

David Aikman. Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity Is Transforming China And Changing the Global Balance of Power. (Washington: Regnery Publishing. 2012.) 110.

Edward L. Davis (ed.). Encyclopedia of Contemporary Chinese Culture. (Oxon: Taylor & Francis. 2009) p. 832.

Daniel H. Bays. A New History of Christianity in China. (Chichester, West Sussex; Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, Blackwell Guides to Global Christianity, 2012).

Stephen Wang. The Long Road to Freedom. (Kent, England: Sovereign World. 2002.)