1. The Significance of the Old and New Testament Arrangement, and the Correlation between the Gospels and the Law
Understanding the arrangement of the Bible is extremely important when we approach Scripture. Within the overarching framework of the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament, examining how God’s redemptive history unfolds according to the traditional ordering provides believers with deep insight. The Old Testament is typically classified and arranged into:
- The Pentateuch (the five books of Moses),
- The Historical Books,
- The Wisdom Books, and
- The Prophetic Books.
Likewise, the New Testament follows a structure of:
- The Gospels,
- Acts (a historical book),
- The Doctrinal Epistles (the letters), and
- Revelation (a prophetic book).
This structure highlights that the essence of Christian faith is delivered to us as one coherent book, with the Old and New Testaments organically connected.
For instance, the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) reveals the foundation of God’s Law and covenant given to the people of Israel. The psalmist confesses, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (Psalm 119:18), emphasizing that this “law” is God’s Word, and that by clinging to it, one can partake in the holiness of God. The same principle applies in the New Testament. The Gospels, which stand as the first section of the New Testament, present Jesus Christ—His deeds, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection—as the “visible Law” before our eyes. Because Jesus “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), it is evident that the Law of the New Testament is none other than Christ Himself.
This point closely aligns with what Pastor David Jang emphasizes. He views the New Testament as a continuation of the Old Testament but does not regard the Law merely as a collection of regulations or commands. Rather, he interprets it as God’s instrument of love and salvation, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The statement, “Jesus is our Law,” signifies that Christ has brought the ultimate fulfillment of the Law presented in the Old Testament. Hence, the Gospels cast a fresh light on the Law in a New Testament context, leading us to learn God’s will through Jesus and rediscover that Jesus Himself is the standard and model of holiness.
Following the Gospels, the Book of Acts functions much like the historical books of the Old Testament, detailing how the early Church was born and expanded. The Church was established by the blood of Christ and sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts vividly portrays how the gospel, which began in Jerusalem, spread to Samaria and throughout the Gentile world. Just as the Old Testament historical books recorded Israel’s wilderness wanderings, their settlement in Canaan, the monarchy, the exile, and the return from captivity, so the historical book of the New Testament—Acts—depicts the “expansion narrative of the gospel” carried out by the disciples and apostles after Christ’s ascension. Through such accounts, we realize that history is not merely a record of past events but the very stage upon which God’s redemptive plan is concretely carried out.
Next in the New Testament arrangement are the Doctrinal Epistles (the letters), which can be considered analogous to the Old Testament Wisdom Books. Of course, the Wisdom Books include Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Job, covering personal devotion, life wisdom, and wrestling with suffering. Meanwhile, the New Testament Epistles systematically outline how the Church matures in faith. Paul and the other apostles wrote various letters clarifying what the gospel of Jesus Christ truly is, and what the core doctrines contained in that gospel are. Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, etc., each deal with specific themes and applications relevant to the situations their respective churches faced. Yet fundamentally, these letters aim to establish a clear identity of the gospel so that believers can build an unshakable foundation of faith.
Pastor David Jang likewise emphasizes that “doctrine is the essence and core of the gospel, and the foundation upon which the Church is built.” Doctrine does not exist merely for the intellectual pursuits within the Church. It serves as the anchor that empowers the faith community to proclaim the gospel in the world and live confidently in the salvation they have received. Traditional Protestant theologians commonly affirm that when doctrine is firm, faith remains steadfast; and when faith is firm, the fruit of evangelism is produced. Pastor David Jang has spotlighted this point through numerous sermons and writings.
Romans, in particular, is often considered the epitome of systematic explanations of the gospel. The phrase “The righteous shall live by faith” encapsulates the heart of Pauline theology, delving deeply into how God’s plan of salvation resolves the tension between Jews and Gentiles. By contrast, 1 & 2 Corinthians present concrete solutions for various internal problems of the church community—divisions, immorality, chaotic worship, and the misuse of spiritual gifts. Galatians proclaims to a congregation on the verge of reverting to legalism that “it is grace through faith” that determines our righteousness. Although each of these Epistles arises from distinct historical and cultural contexts, they all announce the same essence of the gospel. Therefore, today’s Church must also learn and apply these timeless teachings of God found in these letters.
According to Pastor David Jang, the “five major doctrinal books” are (1) Romans, (2) 1 Corinthians, (3) 2 Corinthians, (4) Galatians, and (5) Ephesians. Hebrews, which is directed toward a Jewish audience, is also considered an important doctrinal text. If 1 and 2 Corinthians are grouped as a single entity, we can include Hebrews to form the five major doctrinal books; if we treat 1 & 2 Corinthians separately, then Ephesians is included, making up the five. Through this explanation, we see that these doctrinal books span a broad theological spectrum, representing more than just one or two letters.
Ultimately, the structures of the Old and New Testaments are not isolated but connected, bearing continuity. The Gospels (Jesus Christ), Acts (the history of the Church), the Doctrinal Epistles (theological foundation), and Revelation (the culmination and fulfillment) progressively guide us in learning God’s redemptive plan. This structure is the basis for believers to rightly read the entire Bible and illuminates how the Church’s confession of faith is perfected through the Cross, the Resurrection, and ultimately the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
2. The Birth of the Church, the Essence of the Epistles, and the Apostles’ Revelatory Insights
While the Old Testament historical books document the formation of the nation of Israel, its spiritual battles, victories, and failures, the New Testament historical book—Acts—deals with the “birth story” of the early Church after Jesus’ ascension. In the Book of Acts, the Church does not emerge as a mere human institution. Rather, it appears as a Spirit-empowered community of people who confess faith in Christ’s redemption. Therefore, the Church is both “the community of those redeemed by the blood of Christ” and “the beachhead for the expansion of God’s Kingdom.” As the Church spread to various regions worldwide, we see the beginnings of Christian history through the missionary journeys of Paul and other apostles, alongside the persecutions and conflicts they faced.
In the arrangement following Acts, the New Testament Epistles serve as “interpretive guides and solution manuals,” addressing the various issues encountered by church communities in the real world. Paul, Peter, James, John, Jude, and other early leaders wrote letters elaborating the core doctrines of the gospel and offering counsel and exhortation suited to specific local circumstances. In short, these letters go beyond merely explaining “what the gospel is,” moving on to “how to practice it.”
Thus, the Church is continually called to interpret and apply the gospel. Consequently, the Epistles produced through this process remain essential guides for the spiritual growth and faith life of believers today. Paul references Peter’s words—“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15)—to underscore the importance of doctrine. Without a clear understanding of the gospel we claim to believe—the historical and transcendent meaning of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection—it is difficult to witness to it effectively in daily life.
A common trait among the authors of the Epistles is that they understood the gospel under the “light of revelation.” Pastor David Jang frequently emphasizes, “The apostles beheld the Lord’s revelation in a flash, like lightning, and conveyed that astounding truth to us.” Just as a flash of lightning momentarily illuminates everything around it, the apostles, through the events of Jesus Christ, grasped God’s redemptive plan all at once, then expounded this insight in their letters. This aligns with the traditional Christian perspective that the meticulous and organized theology found in Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, etc., stems from a supernatural insight not merely derived from human reasoning.
It is also fascinating that although 1 & 2 Corinthians were written to one specific church (the Corinthian church), they address both public and private issues, even including personal confessions by Paul. Though the Epistles take the form of “letters,” the universal and timeless “principles of the gospel” they contain are highly relevant. Paul often refers to the gospel as “my gospel,” indicating that he had wholly internalized Christ’s cross and resurrection. Meanwhile, readers of his letters learn how to live out this same gospel by applying the “doctrines” and “guidelines for faith” he provided.
We should also note that Hebrews is a “special doctrinal text” directed toward Jewish believers. Jews held angels and the Law in high regard, cherishing the Old Testament sacrificial system. Hebrews systematically demonstrates how Jesus Christ fulfills the Law and the sacrificial system. Beginning with the declaration “You are more precious than angels” (see Hebrews 1), it methodically shows that Jesus is our perfect High Priest and the mediator of a better covenant. In this way, it confirms that from the vantage point of Old Testament tradition, Jesus Christ is the ultimate goal and culmination of all sacrificial practices.
Thus, the Church’s birth and the formation of doctrine were intrinsically bound up with the community that recorded and practiced God’s redemptive history. Under the Roman Empire—steeped in polytheism and emperor worship—Christian congregations endured persecution by boldly proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Paul’s persecution, debates, and missionary successes in Ephesus (described in Acts 19) illustrate the severe cultural and religious clashes of the time. Ephesus, famous for its Temple of Artemis (Diana), was a major center of idolatry and, along with Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch, was regarded as one of the four greatest cities. Paul’s three-year ministry there—carried out “with humility and tears”—bore fruit that would later fortify the churches in the region of Asia Minor.
The key point Pastor David Jang highlights is that churches must share Scripture and equip themselves with sound doctrine through “communal circulation of letters.” Although Epistles like Ephesians, Galatians, and Philemon were addressed to specific recipients, the early Church established a tradition of circulating them for all congregations to read and reflect upon. Through this process of public circulation, churches extend fellowship beyond their own walls and achieve doctrinal unity. The fact that Galatians was circulated among the various “churches in Galatia” proves that these letters were not the private property of one church but an essential teaching for the entire faith community.
In the end, as the Church matures, it increasingly immerses itself in the Epistles for deeper truths. This pursuit is directly linked to the believer’s individual quest to reaffirm the roots of faith. Rather than simply knowing intellectually that Jesus Christ is our Savior, we learn—through the apostles’ revelatory insights and doctrinal frameworks—to internalize and actualize this truth in everyday life. That process is the essence of spiritual maturity.
3. The Core of Predestination in Ephesians and Pastor David Jang’s Exegetical Insights
Now let us focus on the Epistle to the Ephesians. Ephesus was a huge metropolis within the Roman Empire, considered one of the four major cities alongside Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch. It featured a mix of temples venerating gods from Greco-Roman mythology and various forms of emperor worship. Establishing a church in such a place itself marked a critical turning point in spreading the gospel. Paul’s recorded three-year ministry in Ephesus, performed “with humility and tears” (Acts 20:18–19, 31), reveals how central this location was to his work.
Pastor David Jang emphasizes that Ephesians is a letter “for a mature church.” One reason is that Ephesians deals with the Church’s identity and unity, as well as numerous themes at a high level of faith—predestination in Christ, the integration of Jews and Gentiles, and the principles by which the Church is built through the Holy Spirit. While other Epistles focus on resolving church-specific issues or explaining doctrines, Ephesians presents a more universal and cosmic perspective on the Church. From its opening line, “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:3), the letter affirms that our spiritual reality is not confined to earthly laws or desires but is connected to an already-secured realm of victory in Christ.
Ephesians 1:1–14 particularly highlights the concept of “Predestination.” Pastor David Jang interprets “Predestination” by breaking down the English word into “Pre (beforehand) + Destination,” emphasizing that God has predetermined the salvation of humanity. Just as a traveler at an airport checks their flight ticket to confirm their destination, in our faith, we must be absolutely certain “where we are going.” And that destination is the truth that “God has predestined us to be His children,” which, once grasped, empowers believers to stand firm in their faith.
Indeed, dividing Ephesians 1:3–14 into sections—(3–6), (7–12), (13–14)—reveals successive reasons for praise. The first section (verses 3–6) opens with the statement, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Continuing in verse 4, Paul writes, “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4), indicating that the timing of predestination is “before the foundation of the world.” This proclaims that our lives are not shaped by mere coincidence but are instead encompassed within the eternal will and plan of God.
Some illustrate this concept with the idea that when a couple marries, it is not just the result of their mutual love alone but also a “predestined match” established by God. Pastor David Jang often references Proverbs 16:1 and 16:9 in wedding sermons or family dedication services, passages that portray the interplay between human planning and divine guidance. Although people plan their ways in their hearts, it is ultimately the Lord who establishes their steps. This suggests that our lives are a holy journey unfolding under God’s predestined design. In this way, predestination becomes an essential truth for believers to cling to throughout all dimensions of life, not merely in marriage.
Ephesians 1:5 further states, “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.” During the Roman Empire, if a slave became an adopted son, legally he would receive the same rights as a natural-born child. This serves as a metaphor for the new bond forged between God and humanity. Whereas humans once lived only as God’s servants, we are now recognized as His children—a breathtaking privilege. The members of the Church, therefore, have every reason to praise and rejoice.
The second section (verses 7–12) affirms that we have “redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7) and that this is “in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” This term “riches” underscores that our salvation is not based on human merit or good deeds but on God’s overflowing love and grace. Furthermore, the “mystery of His will” is something God “purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment” (Ephesians 1:9–10), indicating that history does not unfold at random but culminates in the unification of all things under Christ (Ephesians 1:10). This offers a grand, meta-historical perspective of redemption, proclaiming that despite the noise, chaos, and sin of the world, the final outcome is the completion of God’s kingdom.
The third section (verses 13–14) concludes by declaring that through the Holy Spirit’s seal, we partake in the inheritance God has promised; indeed, the Holy Spirit is our “deposit guaranteeing” (Ephesians 1:14) that inheritance. The Greek word for “deposit” (arrabōn) is akin to an engagement ring that ensures the certainty of future union. Hence, although our ultimate salvation is yet to come, we can already embrace its reality through the Holy Spirit’s work today, offering songs of praise for the glory that awaits.
In this manner, Ephesians 1:3–14 illuminates the core teaching of predestination, presenting successive grounds for praise. Pastor David Jang employs this to anchor the conviction that believers “live not by chance but within God’s transcendent plan.” Recognizing that God has foreordained and chosen us fosters an unwavering hope, regardless of life’s uncertainties. Moreover, this is not just an intellectual or doctrinal concept; it is a living truth that the Church community verifies through worship, daily living, and the sacraments.
Accordingly, Ephesians grants profound insight to believers whose faith has matured. While Romans offers a clear “theoretical framework” of the gospel, Ephesians explores how God’s people are established from the perspective of “ecclesiology” and “universal salvation.” In Ephesians 2, Paul elaborates on how the gospel dismantles “the dividing wall of hostility” between Jews and Gentiles, bringing reconciliation. This reconciliation is the very power of the cross to overcome human jealousy and strife (the sin of Cain). To grow in faith, therefore, is to “learn how to accept one another and become one in the cross of Jesus Christ.” Thus, Ephesians speaks powerfully not only to internal church disputes but also to conflicts in the broader world.
Finally, we must note that Ephesians is one of Paul’s “Prison Epistles.” Even though Paul was writing from a Roman prison—where his very survival was threatened—he nevertheless proclaimed the abundance of “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.” This shows that the gospel transcends circumstances. Though a prison is a place of peril, Paul’s testimony of “the God who predestines” remains unshaken. Those who are sealed by the Holy Spirit can sing in a jail cell and cling to the future consummation of God’s kingdom even in present trials.
To summarize Pastor David Jang’s key points in Ephesians 1:
- Salvation is rooted in God’s love and will, predestined “before the creation of the world.”
- The ultimate purpose is not merely personal forgiveness of sins but our adoption as God’s children who participate in His glory.
- This predestination is linked to the grand framework of salvation history, in which all things will be “brought to unity in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).
- We have the seal of the Holy Spirit as a “guarantee” of our inheritance, enabling us to live today as children of God who praise Him.
Hence, predestination is not fatalism or determinism; rather, it is the engine driving us to press on toward the “destination” God has determined. No matter how tumultuous our society or the world may appear, the final outcome is governed by God’s sovereign work of “uniting all things under Christ.” When believers take hold of this predestination and walk in obedience step by step, a ceaseless song of praise resonates in their hearts.
As Pastor David Jang concludes, this entire truth becomes concrete in the Church’s communal life—through worship, preaching, sacraments, and the “circulation of letters” among the congregation. Just as the early Church passed around Ephesians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, Corinthians, and Romans, sharing the essence of the gospel, so too must the modern Church live out the message of “predestination” and “unity in Christ” set forth in Ephesians. By doing so, we will reveal the glory of the Lord in this world.