I. Viewing the Kingdom of God Through Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology
Pastor David Jang has emphasized the core truths of church history and the Bible, expounding on how the three doctrines of Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology are intricately connected and ultimately converge on the point of the “Kingdom of God.” He explains that Christology begins with the question, “Who is Jesus?” Throughout church history—most notably at the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD)—the Church affirmed that Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man (vere Deus vere homo). Pastor David Jang stresses that this conclusion is extremely significant in understanding Christology. Jesus is the holy and sinless God, while at the same time He is truly human, having directly experienced all human suffering and weakness. Understanding this mysterious dual nature properly is the foundation for correctly receiving the doctrine of salvation, Pastor David Jang emphasizes.
According to him, any theological position that denies the divinity of Jesus Christ or diminishes His humanity ends up undermining the framework of Christology and thus fails to lead properly into Soteriology. Referring to the historic Reformation of 1517, Pastor David Jang recalls how reformers such as Luther and Calvin re-emphasized that “Salvation is possible by faith alone (Sola Fide) and by grace alone (Sola Gratia)”. This was a call to correct the medieval Church, which had drifted away from biblical teachings, mixing salvation—given by faith and grace alone—with other elements, thereby diluting and distorting the faith. Pastor David Jang underscores, “The Reformation’s Soteriology was, strictly speaking, a call to return to the Bible.” Therefore, he argues, the Reformed Church’s doctrine that salvation is “by faith alone and by grace alone” is highly biblical and correct. He adds that doctrine should not remain merely as church study material or educational content; rather, it should operate with vitality in the actual lives of believers.
Pastor David Jang then points out that while Christology and Soteriology are relatively well-established, there is a wide variety of opinions in church circles concerning Eschatology. He notes that the key theme Eschatology deals with is “time and date,” referencing the Greek words chronos (continuous or quantitative time) and kairos (the decisive moment in time). In Scripture, Jesus’ second coming corresponds to a kairos event—when Jesus comes again in that decisive moment, it will divide history itself, much as the time of His first coming split history into B.C. and A.D. Thus, Eschatology ultimately addresses how the Kingdom of God on earth moves toward its completion and the specific moment that culmination takes place.
According to Pastor David Jang, the Bible teaches believers the fact that “Only God knows the times and dates,” through specific prophecies about the end times, through their inherent uncertainties, and through the direct words of Jesus. He points to Acts 1:7–8, where Jesus says, “It is not for you to know the times or the dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses to the ends of the earth.” From this, Pastor David Jang takes the view that while it is important to have an interest in Eschatology, believers should not fall into misguided end-time predictions or fear. Rather, a proactive stance of proclaiming the gospel in the present and preparing for the Kingdom of God is the proper way to live with an eschatological mindset.
What, then, is the nature of the “Kingdom of God”? Pastor David Jang often explains the flow of salvation history—Creation, Fall, Redemption, and the Kingdom of God—using the framework known as the “Four Spiritual Laws.” Humanity was originally created to live in the Garden of Eden, that is, Paradise, but became exiled because of sin. Yet, as it says in John 3:16, God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, granting eternal life to humanity. Pastor David Jang states that the ultimate goal of this redemption is “the restoration of the Kingdom of God.” In Acts 1:6, the disciples ask, “Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”—a question that reflects their longing for the lost kingdom, or the righteous realm ruled by God. He explains that deep in the human soul lies a yearning for the lost Eden, which is our “instinctive longing for heaven.” Although we cannot know the exact timing, he firmly states that it will surely be fulfilled when Jesus returns.
Pastor David Jang highlights the matter of righteousness as one of the core themes of the doctrine of the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” indicating that the Kingdom of God is a place where justice abounds. When unjust forces finally lose their power, God’s direct reign is realized, and a world emerges where “justice rolls on like a river” (cf. Amos 5:24). Pastor David Jang does not see the Kingdom of God as a mere abstract concept but as God’s reign that comes into our actual history and everyday life, along with the command to oppose injustice and establish righteousness. He has repeatedly stressed that his ministry’s direction is to help the Church and believers practice “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” in their daily lives.
Pastor David Jang points out that many people’s daily interests are primarily directed toward possessions or material prosperity. According to Jesus’ words, humans tend to excessively worry about “what to eat, what to drink, what to wear,” yet often neglect the call to serve and sacrifice for the Kingdom of God and to endure suffering for the sake of righteousness. Referring to Matthew 6:19–20, where Jesus says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” Pastor David Jang underscores that true value is not confined to earthly possessions but is accumulated in the eternal Kingdom. He connects this with the paradox of “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6), insisting that those who devote their lives to the Kingdom of God and righteousness will receive everything else as well—according to Jesus’ own promise.
How, then, does the Kingdom of God that Jesus speaks of specifically arrive? Pastor David Jang cites the parables of the Kingdom found in Matthew 13. There, Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is like a small mustard seed that goes unnoticed at first, yet grows into a large tree where birds can nest. Likewise, through the parable of the yeast, Jesus shows that the Kingdom of God works invisibly from within and gradually transforms the entire world. Pastor David Jang notes that this teaching directly connects to an eschatological vision. “Our church has always taught this hope for the Kingdom of God along with the Four Spiritual Laws,” he says. Anyone who is saved longs for the paradise they are meant to restore; that longing converges with the petition of the Lord’s Prayer: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
From that perspective, Christology establishes “Who the Savior is,” Soteriology explains “How we are saved,” and Eschatology clarifies “What kingdom the saved should ultimately look toward.” These three doctrines function in a trinitarian structure, each corresponding and interlocking with the others. Through Christology, Pastor David Jang underscores that the basis of salvation lies solely in Jesus. Through Soteriology, he highlights humanity’s complete dependence on grace. Through Eschatology, he reminds us that, even at this moment, we must obey and evangelize so that God’s reign may come. And these doctrines, he insists, do not remain mere head knowledge but must be manifested in the practice of faith. Only then is the Kingdom of God realized in our reality.
In this context, the churches and ministries led by Pastor David Jang have endeavored to lay the foundational bedrock of Christian faith. He has often stated over many years of ministry and missions work that the importance of doctrine is like a skeleton in the body: the skeleton must be sound for the entire body to function healthily. If we do not firmly grasp Jesus’ identity, the means of salvation, and God’s plan leading to the end times, believers can be shaken and lose their way in the world. This doctrinal foundation is the basis for “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” Pastor David Jang insists that believers in every generation must constantly examine themselves before this command: “Am I truly prioritizing God’s kingdom? Am I genuinely dedicating myself to it?” This is not a question limited to a particular point in the past or future—it must permeate one’s entire life.
Ultimately, he says, “The reason we study Eschatology is not to figure out ‘times and dates’ and satisfy our curiosity about worldly events.” Rather, it is to yearn for the Kingdom of God that Jesus will bring to completion, to believe that His Kingdom has already begun to arrive, and to implement that reign on earth through preaching the gospel and living righteously. That, he says, is genuine eschatological faith. The end times do not signify destruction but the completion of a “new heaven and new earth” that Jesus will fully restore. For that reason, Pastor David Jang stresses the dream and hope of the Kingdom of God that we should carry each day. Citing the prophetic vision of the Old Testament that “when the Kingdom of God comes, justice will roll on like a river in this unjust world,” he urges us in this contemporary era to fix our eyes not on material wealth or temporary success, but on the eternal reign of God.
II. “Seek First His Kingdom and His Righteousness”
Building on his reflections on Matthew 6:33, Pastor David Jang provides a concrete explanation of what Jesus’ words, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,” mean for every Christian living in the present age. People sometimes interpret this passage too spiritually or abstractly, as if it meant ignoring real-life needs. However, Pastor David Jang explains that when Jesus told us not to worry about “what to eat, what to drink, what to wear,” He was not telling us to dismiss these needs entirely. Rather, He was emphasizing, “There is a far more important priority.” In his sermons and lectures, Pastor David Jang repeatedly points out, “Food and clothing are indeed necessary, but the Kingdom of God has absolute value that surpasses all else.”
At this point, we should pay attention to Jesus’ critique throughout Matthew 6, condemning “excessive attachment to wealth and external matters” and urging us to trust God entirely by faith. Pastor David Jang often uses the story of Elijah in the Old Testament to illustrate this. In 1 Kings 17:1–16, during a drought in Israel, God tells Elijah to stay by the Kerith Ravine, where ravens feed him. After that, God sends him to a widow in Zarephath of Sidon. This widow was also in dire straits due to the drought—she had only a handful of flour and a little oil left, planning to bake bread for herself and her son before they died. Yet, Elijah, relying on God’s word, asked her to “first bake some bread for me.” Amazingly, the widow obeyed in faith, and as a result, her jar of flour and jug of oil did not run out until the drought ended.
Pastor David Jang interprets this event as demonstrating that a “kenosis (self-emptying) faith leads to miracles.” From the widow’s perspective, giving away that last bit of flour and oil could have meant starving to death. However, because she trusted the word spoken by God’s servant, she gave Elijah the small amount of food she had left; consequently, she experienced a miraculous abundance for herself and her son. Pastor David Jang sees this as an example of the Old Testament story embodying Jesus’ words, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled,” and “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” He stresses that even if the situation seems impossible from a human perspective, when we make decisions of faith for the sake of God’s Kingdom, God’s provision becomes manifest in everyday life—a dynamic he calls the “mechanics of miracles.”
A similar logic can be found in the New Testament account of the feeding of the five thousand. This miracle recorded in Luke 9:10–17 (and in all four Gospels) is extremely important. When a large crowd in the wilderness lacked food, Jesus told His disciples, “You give them something to eat.” The disciples answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish.” In those days, the bread was rough barley loaves, and the fish probably small, ordinary catch. But Jesus took what they offered, blessed it, and told His disciples to distribute it. As a result, about five thousand men alone ate and were satisfied, with twelve baskets of leftovers.
Pastor David Jang sees this moment as another vivid example of “how God abundantly provides for the material and practical needs of those who truly seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Presenting the five loaves and two fish—an utterly meager resource—in total surrender to the Lord is the act of ‘emptying’ that then leads to extraordinary ‘fullness.’ This miracle is not just a one-time supernatural event but symbolizes a universal truth that believers can experience whenever they serve God. Of course, not every Christian may witness the literal multiplication of bread and fish to feed thousands. Still, Pastor David Jang contends that the certainty of God’s continual provision in both spiritual matters and everyday needs—and His pouring out of unexpected grace on those who commit themselves to His Kingdom—remains valid.
From these Old and New Testament stories, we can glean the biblical paradox that “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.” Pastor David Jang raises the question, “Why does the Bible tell us to seek righteousness in order to be filled? By human logic, wouldn’t we pursue more bread in order to be satisfied?” He then explains that Jesus’ words contain a deep spiritual principle that transcends mere material blessings: “When we abandon our greed, calculations, and fears and instead obey God’s word, He prepares everything for us.” Pastor David Jang has personally experienced this principle as valid today and has endeavored to apply it in the church community. When he says, “Even in the face of financial, ministerial, or relational difficulties, if we trust God and prioritize His Kingdom, the outcome is ultimately in God’s hands,” he speaks not only from theoretical conviction but from biblical accounts and his own ministry experiences.
Within this framework, Pastor David Jang repeatedly urges Christians not to set worldly success or wealth as their final goals but to remain “hungry and thirsty for righteousness.” That phrase implies “ardently longing for God’s justice to be realized here on earth,” and “praying and dedicating oneself so that God’s reign may be manifest in our personal lives, in society, and throughout the world.” He sometimes uses the word “longing” to describe it, emphasizing that spiritual longing never leads us to lack; on the contrary, it makes us overflow with heavenly grace. He asserts that Scripture and church history confirm numerous instances of this.
Pastor David Jang also revisits the teaching of Matthew 6:19–20 to “store up treasures in heaven,” reminding us that earthly wealth, fame, and power will all pass away, whereas labor and service for the Kingdom of God become eternal rewards. This is the concrete meaning of Jesus’ words, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” While we might think that only what is visible is certain, to Pastor David Jang, God’s Kingdom is far more certain. He personally invested his time, money, and talents for that Kingdom in his pastoral and missions work, continually affirming that “Although not everyone finds it easy to live this way, anyone who truly chooses this path will inevitably experience God’s abundant provision.” He shares testimonies of how God meets needs in both tangible and intangible ways.
Consequently, Pastor David Jang often asks at church councils or various gatherings, “What are we prioritizing right now?” “Are we consumed by worldly concerns, such as finances, or are we laboring for righteousness and dedicating ourselves to spreading the gospel?” Every individual and community must answer that question honestly. He underscores Matthew 6:25, “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” which leads us to wonder: What is the most important, fundamental value? By citing examples of birds in the air and lilies in the field, Jesus assures us that God will meet our day-to-day needs, so we should not be enslaved to material concerns. According to Pastor David Jang, these verses actually bring freedom and joy: “God already knows what we need and is fully able to provide,” so “why should we fear?”
Another point he frequently emphasizes in pastoral ministry is that “those who fully believe these words never become lazy or indulgent.” Faith in God’s provision is not an excuse for passivity; it actually fuels a more courageous dedication to God’s Kingdom and a more active pursuit of righteousness. In other words, anyone who genuinely trusts Jesus’ promise, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,” will not cower because of the world’s judgment or the fear of lacking resources; instead, they will boldly preach the gospel and practice good works.
How can we concretely live in pursuit of God’s Kingdom and righteousness? Considering Pastor David Jang’s ministry, the answer repeatedly emerges as “worship and obedience to the Word, along with active love for one’s neighbor.” Doctrine is not merely theoretical; it gains flesh and blood when we practice Jesus’ teachings in our lives. Through worship, we experience who God is, the grace of salvation through Jesus, and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit renewing the world. Through Scripture, we gain insight and resolve to stand for what is right in the face of injustice. And through loving our neighbors, we become co-workers in preparing “a world where justice rolls on like a river.” Pastor David Jang calls this “the life of the people of God’s Kingdom.”
He has, on multiple occasions, looked back on the church’s 28 years of ministry, asking, “How faithfully have we sought ‘His kingdom and His righteousness’ during this period?” and has shared numerous testimonies of God’s provision. Despite external threats, financial constraints, and many causes for discouragement, he confesses that each trial drove them closer to trusting God. He compares the church’s experience to the miracle of the ravens feeding Elijah, the widow’s flour and oil never running out, and the feeding of the multitudes in the wilderness with five loaves and two fish—describing it as an experience of “God’s abundant fullness.” He attributes that to “the faith that seeks first His Kingdom and His righteousness.”
Hence, Matthew 6:33—“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”—serves as a pivotal pillar that runs throughout both the Old and New Testaments, as well as all of church history. Pastor David Jang’s ministerial practice also revolves around this teaching, grounded in Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology, while ultimately pointing to the vision of the “Kingdom of God.” He warns the modern church against the perils of materialism or worldly trends, urging it to reclaim its fundamental mission: proclaiming the gospel, pursuing righteousness, and loving lost souls. Realizing the petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” happens when each believer reorders their life’s priorities and yearns for God’s Kingdom. And in that journey, Pastor David Jang asserts, God’s provision overflows more and more.
He thus challenges us as we prepare for important gatherings—like a denominational assembly in two weeks—asking, “What do we need to examine, and how should we commit ourselves?” “Have we genuinely placed God’s Kingdom first over the past 28 years, or have we prioritized material and human security?” He urges congregants to reflect on these questions. For those truly seeking God’s Kingdom and righteousness, their priorities should be demonstrable in real life and ministry. Pastor David Jang repeatedly reminds us, “If we look back over the last seven or ten years or even a longer span, we can testify to how God has guided us despite all kinds of insufficiencies.” He observes that all these stories point to “God’s fullness,” reminiscent of Elijah’s divine provision, the widow’s endless flour and oil, and the abundance from five loaves and two fish.
The essence of Pastor David Jang’s emphasis is crystal clear: “Become those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” The paradoxical but powerful statements in Matthew 5:6 and 5:10—“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled,” and “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”—capture this well. People are not miserable because they lack resources; they may be spiritually impoverished because they do not long for God’s righteousness and kingdom. Conversely, no matter how dire one’s circumstances, one who seeks God’s Kingdom and endures suffering for righteousness’ sake is already “full and rich,” Pastor David Jang proclaims. He repeatedly preaches and teaches on this topic because it is crucial for the church to mature into a genuine Kingdom community rather than remain merely a religious institution.
In today’s society, we witness injustice and conflict everywhere, and sometimes the church fails to serve as a refuge, being swayed by worldly logic. Confronted with this reality, Pastor David Jang again points to the words, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” For God’s Kingdom to come means the cessation of injustice on earth, the blessing of the poor, the healing of the sick, and the restoration of all things under the lordship of Jesus. The church announces this grand vision, and believers in every sphere practice honesty, love, and mercy as they testify to Jesus Christ. Only then does the world begin to experience glimpses of God’s reign. In the midst of this, believers find freedom from the stranglehold of anxieties about “what to eat, drink, or wear,” and come to enjoy the abundance God provides.
To accomplish this, Pastor David Jang has led church communities to encourage one another, stand firm in the Word and prayer, and engage in a variety of practical ministries that exert a positive influence on the world. He frequently reiterates that “When the church recovers its true nature, society also changes.” From an eschatological perspective, this stands contrary to the dread that the world will end abruptly through wars or disasters. Rather, it aligns with the Church’s mission to live out the Kingdom of God here and now, awaiting its full consummation at the return of Jesus. Just as Jesus’ first advent divided history into B.C. and A.D., when the church demonstrates the true power of the gospel, the surrounding society witnesses pivotal moments where old ways intersect with God’s new creation.
The task before the church is clear: recall Jesus’ directive, “You must seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,” and literally place God’s Kingdom as the top priority in every area of life, establishing righteousness and resisting injustice. Even though this may at times bring adversity, Pastor David Jang insists that believers can still experience daily miracles—just as Elijah received provisions from heaven, the widow’s flour and oil remained abundant, and multitudes ate their fill from a mere five loaves and two fish. This assurance extends from individual commitment to the collective vision of the community, ultimately culminating in the eschatological hope that “God’s Kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven.”
In Pastor David Jang’s view, the three doctrines—Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology—are not isolated teachings but interconnected like a living organism, with the “righteous reign of God” at the center. This reign was inaugurated through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is expanded by the power of the Holy Spirit, and advances toward its eschatological consummation. Hence, believers and churches must always seek this reign above all else. When they willingly “empty” themselves for the sake of righteousness, they are ultimately filled and overflowing with God’s provision. The command to “hunger and thirst for righteousness” is not a burdensome duty but the most blessed and liberating way of life for God’s people. Pastor David Jang maintains that a wealth of examples and testimonies verify this truth, urging the church to continue walking this path with boldness.
Pastor David Jang’s message to this generation is straightforward. The Kingdom of God is not merely “the place we go after we die someday” but both a present and future reality made manifest by the reign of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ command, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,” is both the reason for the church’s existence and the calling of every believer. When we hold firmly to this word, the church can fulfill its role as salt and light, and believers can experience the spiritual joy and fulfillment of those who “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Pastor David Jang underscores that, no matter how bleak or difficult our circumstances appear, if we bring our “five loaves and two fish” to Jesus in faith, He is still able to perform the miracle of feeding the multitude. He calls this miracle “the treasure stored in heaven,” which will one day be revealed before God through its eschatological completion. For this reason, he encourages the church and all believers to unite in continuing the work of gospel proclamation and righteous living, convinced that “on earth as it is in heaven” will become ever more richly realized. And he urges all Christians to share in this joy and hope.