1. Ecclesiastes and the Wisdom Literature
Pastor David Jang classifies the book of Ecclesiastes as part of the “Wisdom Literature” in the Bible and emphasizes its very important position in Scripture. According to him, Ecclesiastes as Wisdom Literature reveals that human wisdom is not merely about “accumulating knowledge” or “gaining life experience,” but ultimately about obtaining spiritual insight by knowing God. Especially, he points out the shared classification of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs as wisdom books, as well as their distinct messages. Proverbs offers concrete, practical life guidance based on the overarching theme of “the fear of the Lord,” whereas Ecclesiastes deals with more existential questions, such as “What is life?” and “If all is vanity, what is the true meaning of that vanity?”—fundamental and direct themes.
A representative keyword in Ecclesiastes is “vanity” (or futility). Pastor David Jang often compares this term to the “meaningless” in certain English Bible translations, explaining that the concept does not merely end with “nothing has any value or significance,” but points to the destined nature of human existence returning to “nothingness.” This inevitability of returning to “nothing” is declared both at the beginning and end of Ecclesiastes, making it appear that the author—“The Preacher” (the writer of Ecclesiastes)—delivers a pessimistic and bleak insight into the nature of life. However, Pastor Jang explains that this seemingly pessimistic conclusion actually serves as a device that most profoundly reveals spiritual meaning. Ecclesiastes repeatedly underscores that no matter how much a person experiences all intellectual achievements (ch. 1) and physical pleasures or wealth (ch. 2), it all ultimately comes to vanity. This “vanity” signifies human finitude—that, possessing time, we must one day relinquish everything at death—and at the same time highlights that without God, it is difficult to find true meaning or eternal value.
Thus, as Wisdom Literature, Ecclesiastes reminds us of two premises that humans easily overlook. One is that “human beings die.” As Hebrews 9:27 teaches, “Just as it is appointed for people to die once, and after this comes judgment,” Pastor Jang repeatedly reminds us that this principle applies unchangingly to all humanity. This aligns precisely with the theme of Ecclesiastes that “all is vanity.” None of our time, talents, or possessions can accompany us beyond death, prompting us to reflect on our spiritual foundation. The other premise is that “God has set eternity in the human heart” (Eccl. 3:11). Pastor Jang notes that while animals do not muse about what lies beyond their own death or about their fundamental purpose, every human wonders “What happens after death?” and “What is the meaning of life?” He argues that this longing for the beyond is precisely the yearning for eternity that God has placed in us.
According to Pastor Jang, the flow of Ecclesiastes—from declaring “All is vanity” at the beginning to its exhortation in the final chapter 12, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Eccl. 12:1)—compresses the defining characteristics of Wisdom Literature. Thus, recognizing that our existence ultimately ends in vanity, it is the “days of your youth”—a time not merely about chronological age but symbolizing the period when one’s heart is most pure and faith is most fervently manifested—during which we must remember and hold onto the Creator God. Doing so leads to true wisdom. The concluding verse of Ecclesiastes 12:8, “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity,” likewise confirms the vanity of all life—property, knowledge, honor—and serves as a lesson by reverse example, awakening us deeply to the spiritual essence of humanity.
In this context, Pastor Jang stresses that we must pay attention to the central premise of Proverbs: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (or wisdom).” No matter how extraordinary human knowledge or advanced scholarship may be, if it lacks that spiritual foundation of “the fear of the Lord,” it remains limited and temporary, falling under the scope of “vanity” that Ecclesiastes speaks of. Ultimately, the pair of wisdom books—Proverbs and Ecclesiastes—appear to present contrasting concepts, “reverence” (Proverbs) and “vanity” (Ecclesiastes), but in fact these notions hold tension and balance that offer insight into human existence and faith. Pastor Jang underscores the need to apply the teaching of these wisdom books in ways that fit each era and generation, urging not only the youth but every age group not to ignore life’s transience, but rather to cultivate a deeper reverence for God through that very realization.
He adds that it is crucial to read Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 3:11 in conjunction: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (Eccl. 3:1) and “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Eccl. 3:11). Both passages speak of human life’s finite time, God’s eternal nature, and the mystery and reverence that humans face. “Time” here does not merely refer to the flow of time but also includes the arrival of a specific moment that fulfills a purpose. Pastor Jang interprets that “the heart that longs for eternity within us” ultimately guides us to transcend this world’s temporary, finite sense of time and enter into God’s eternity. Thus, as a wisdom book, Ecclesiastes delivers a direct message to Christian believers: “Examine your life, acknowledge your mortality, and look toward eternity.”
However, in communicating this message, it applies equally to both young and old: no one can evade death, and before it, all possessions, knowledge, and honor revert to nothingness. As the Preacher declares, this is vanity—yet for those who awaken to that vanity, it can also become an opportunity to receive heavenly wisdom. At this point, Pastor Jang notes that consciously facing vanity and death can actually open the path to go beyond tragedy. Taken a step further within the context of the New Testament, “eternal life and the kingdom of heaven through Jesus Christ” emerges as the final conclusion. Therefore, the declaration of vanity in Ecclesiastes operates like human thirst, which compels us to seek water. Realizing our spiritual thirst drives us to seek Jesus Christ, so that in Him we may discover the true way of life.
Here, Pastor Jang also pays attention to scientists’ perspectives. He points out that many scientists feel awe when confronted by the universe’s profound order and vastness, and that this sense of awe often leads them to acknowledge the existence of a divine being. Romans 1:20—“For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse”—underscores this. When people observe the complexity and intricacy of nature, they cannot deny the order present, and that order inevitably evokes reverence for the Creator. Ultimately, the “vanity” Ecclesiastes speaks of reminds us of the frailty of our existence while at the same time directing us to recognize God’s created world and His eternal providence within it. Pastor Jang repeatedly underscores that the wise path of seeking the essence of life is precisely “acknowledging our mortality and remembering our Creator,” as Ecclesiastes urges.
Moreover, Pastor Jang highlights the passage in Ecclesiastes that says, “Remember your Creator before you grow old,” which includes a direct portrayal of the aging process (e.g., weakening eyesight, poor hearing, trembling legs, and lost teeth). He underscores how rapidly life declines, pointing out that many people only begin to question their life’s purpose in old age, when their bodies and minds are already withered and movement is difficult. The biblical exhortation that we must trust in God and long for eternity thus applies above all to the time of youth—when energy and enthusiasm are greatest. In other words, recognizing “vanity” does not mean to remain in pessimism but to use it as a stepping stone to find the true path of life. This is the ultimate lesson of Ecclesiastes, according to Pastor Jang.
Hence, Ecclesiastes’ framework of vanity, death, and the call to “remember the Creator” forms a universal and powerful theme that spans a person’s entire life from youth to old age. Pastor Jang reiterates this message, urging everyone, both inside and outside the church, to take to heart Ecclesiastes’ dual emphasis on “the awareness of death” and “the longing for eternity.” He especially insists that the church must teach this truth from early childhood so that new generations can properly recognize life’s essence and its endpoint from a young age. This is because humanity is not merely flesh but also a spiritual being, and the longing for truth arises from the spirit rather than the flesh.
At this juncture, Pastor Jang argues that the path represented by “the fear of the Lord” from Proverbs and the path shown in Ecclesiastes of “humanity’s vanity and remembering the Creator” ultimately yield the same fruit. The core of wisdom is knowing God—fearing and revering Him. Since all true value and meaning flow from that reverence, no matter how outstanding human knowledge may be, knowledge without God fails to transcend partial insights or temporary benefits and lacks true eternal value.
In emphasizing Ecclesiastes, Pastor Jang’s main point can be summarized: “Humans are finite and must lay everything down before death, and within that reality, true wisdom lies in remembering the Creator and holding on to eternity.” He conveys this with various parables and scriptural examples, insisting that the message of Ecclesiastes is valid not only within the church community but also in the broader world. If we lose sight of this realization, we may suddenly face a moment when what we have worked hard to build all our lives vanishes in futility, leaving our souls unquenched. However, by embracing the genuine wisdom that Ecclesiastes highlights, our lives open toward God’s appointed time and purpose, so we can fully experience the meaning of that “eternity set in our hearts,” as Pastor Jang teaches.
2. Human Finitude and Eternity
The central questions that Pastor David Jang poses through Ecclesiastes are: “Why is human life futile?” and “What is the way to overcome that futility?” The contrast between human finitude and the eternal hope God provides makes this even clearer. He describes finitude as humanity’s inherent nature—limited by time and space. No matter how immense one’s knowledge, wealth, or pleasures, the fact that one cannot avoid death remains unaltered. Ecclesiastes repeatedly emphasizes this with the term “vanity,” and Pastor Jang explains that this “vanity” can be expressed in biblical language as “a return to nothingness” or “ultimate annihilation.”
Why, then, did God grant humankind such a sense of futility? In response, Pastor Jang zeroes in on Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.” He sees this longing for eternity in humanity as the most powerful driving force that leads us to God. Animals do not ponder the meaning of their existence nor worry about what happens after death. But only humans remain curious about why they exist, why they must die, and what lies beyond death. This spiritual longing is what Ecclesiastes calls the “eternity set in the human heart.” Pastor Jang emphasizes that we may view this as a kind of “internalized instinct for faith.” Even without consciously learning religion, one naturally wonders about a divine being when confronted with the wonder of the universe or the mystery of life.
Yet, humans sometimes attempt to fill that longing with worldly pleasures, wealth, or power, Pastor Jang points out. In Ecclesiastes 1–2, the Preacher already attests that he indulged in all sorts of worldly delights and enjoyments, yet found them all fleeting and vain. The same holds true today. Modern society’s material abundance, entertainment, and information overload cannot fully satisfy humanity’s spiritual yearning; often, they only create a deeper thirst. Here, Pastor Jang argues, “A life without God continues blindly accumulating and striving, only to confront the uselessness of it all in the face of death.” It is at this juncture that the refrain of Ecclesiastes—“All is vanity”—returns.
Pastor Jang, however, claims that this recognition is not the “end” but a “beginning.” Becoming aware of our “vanity” opens an opportunity to seek the truth, which is God. Once humans perceive their limits, their eyes naturally turn toward a Being who transcends those limits. This is not something solvable by intellectual enlightenment or moral perfection; only the spiritual resolution God the Creator provides can overcome it, says Pastor Jang. Specifically, the gospel of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, which breaks the power of sin and death and bestows “eternal life,” is the ultimate solution to the problem of futility presented by Ecclesiastes.
In this light, Pastor Jang asks, “Are we living or dying?” Human beings exist in a tragic reality, steadily moving toward death with every passing moment. Yet the path beyond tragedy, he says, is to cling to the hope of “eternal life” and “heaven” promised by Jesus Christ. Doing this enables us to traverse the abyss of vanity identified by Ecclesiastes and arrive instead at authentic meaning and value. Pastor Jang describes this transition from two angles. First, “We already have something more precious within us.” This recalls Acts 3:6, where Peter declares, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.” In other words, even if we lack material wealth or worldly power, if we have Christ, we already possess true, eternal worth. Second, “The present is connected to eternity.” This suggests that our fleeting life is not disconnected moments but is continuously linked from the perspective of eternity. Every single step in faith is part of God’s kingdom. Theologians call this concept the “eternal now.” Thus, even our greatest tragedies acquire new significance under God’s promise, and that tragic reality can be transformed toward eternity.
Sharing this perspective, Pastor Jang also offers practical guidance on how the church community should live in the world. He says a believer who understands the essence of humanity should not become a slave to possessions. When Jesus calls His disciples, He promises to make them “fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19), and just before His ascension, He instructs them to be His “witnesses to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8)—the so-called Great Commission. But if believers are bound by possessions and seek only material comfort, they will be like “blind people leading the blind.” Hence Pastor Jang’s frequent, concise admonition to Christians: “Overcome your fixation on possessions.” While it is unavoidable that we work and earn money to meet our needs in this life, Pastor Jang warns that such activities must never become life’s “goal.” Only by seeking a higher value—namely, the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33)—can we enjoy genuine satisfaction and joy. This perspective, he explains, characterizes how to “live with an eternal viewpoint” even though our time on earth is limited.
Pastor Jang teaches that, for the church community to faithfully carry out the mission the Lord entrusted, it needs concrete organization and systems. Because Jesus commanded, “Proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth,” and “Make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19–20), there must be a real base of operations (centers or facilities) and cultural understanding to facilitate evangelism and missions. Some may criticize the establishment of financial and organizational infrastructure in the church as merely “accumulating possessions,” but Pastor Jang clarifies that these are “tools” essential to fulfilling the God-given purpose. The crucial question is whether we use our resources for God’s kingdom or cling to them for personal ambition.
Indeed, Pastor Jang occasionally references his 28-year (or longer) journey in the community he has been part of or has led, recalling times when they had virtually nothing. “At first, we had nothing,” he says, “and we held onto Habakkuk 3:17–18, praising God, saying, ‘Even though we have nothing, we will rejoice in the Lord who saves us.’” Over time, when God’s grace provided diverse resources, they had to remain clear that such assets were not mere material surplus but “tools” for caring for people, contextualizing the gospel for different cultures, and carrying out global missions. Remembering the message of Ecclesiastes, that human life’s endeavors are vain and that we must cling only to God, helps maintain the humility necessary to use any possessions in alignment with His purposes.
Pastor Jang emphasizes that once people confront their own mortality, they can discern what is truly important in life. Ecclesiastes 12 describes the unavoidably approaching “end”: “the silver cord is severed” and “the golden bowl is broken,” and “the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Eccl. 12:7). This awareness of inevitable finality humbles us, driving us to abandon pride and greed, and compelling us to cling to spiritual value above all else. Pastor Jang explains that the whole of Ecclesiastes 12, describing the physical deterioration with age (dimmed eyesight, dulled hearing, the quivering of limbs, whitening hair symbolized by the blooming almond tree), brings us face to face with the fact that we will all one day be old and frail. Therefore, it becomes even clearer that the purpose of life must be seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, loving others, and imparting life.
This is the crux of Pastor Jang’s teaching: the “vanity” in Ecclesiastes is by no means a doctrine of nihilism. On the contrary, it is a channel of insight that stimulates spiritual growth. One who knows death values life’s purpose more keenly and avoids the folly of chasing after possessions or power. Likewise, seeing other people’s spiritual needs spurs us to follow Galatians 6:2—“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Pastor Jang reminds us that the pitfall many fall into is trying to shift heavy burdens onto others. Instead, Jesus set the example of “giving His life for us,” which is sacrificial love. As we cultivate that sacrificial and devoted attitude toward one another, the church community can embark on true mission and evangelism.
He further broadens the perspective historically. The church, in order to fulfill the mission entrusted by the Lord, needs appropriate structures and systems. Pastor Jang highlights that because Jesus said, “Go to the ends of the earth with the gospel,” and “Make disciples of all nations,” we must build the headquarters (centers), facilities, and cross-cultural competence to share the gospel effectively. While some may see the development of the church’s financial and organizational foundation as “amassing possessions,” Pastor Jang clarifies that everything is merely a “tool” for accomplishing God’s purposes. He insists the main issue is one’s attitude: Is your wealth serving the kingdom of God, or is it fueling personal ambition?
In various testimonies, Pastor Jang frequently refers to the early days when he had virtually nothing, reflecting on the 28 years (or more) of growth. He shares how in those beginnings, rooted in Habakkuk 3:17–18 (“Even if the fig tree does not bud… yet I will rejoice in the Lord”), he sang praises about rejoicing in the God of salvation, despite having nothing. Later, by God’s grace, they secured different foundations, yet he again emphasizes that such resources are not simply wealth but “tools” for caring for others, for cross-cultural ministries, and for world missions. As long as we never lose sight of the lesson from Ecclesiastes—that human effort is fleeting and that only God is truly worth clinging to—then even when we do possess resources, we can humbly use them for God’s purposes.
Pastor Jang underscores that facing our human mortality helps us properly distinguish what is most important in life. Ecclesiastes 12 portrays the final scenes of life: the silver cord loosens, the golden bowl shatters, and the dust returns to the ground while the spirit returns to God (Eccl. 12:7). Such a clear image of unavoidable demise curbs arrogance and greed, pushing us to hold onto genuine spiritual truths. Pastor Jang explains that as Ecclesiastes 12 depicts the process of aging (failing eyesight, failing hearing, missing teeth, hair turning white like almond blossoms), we recognize that we too will inevitably age and decline. This realization stirs us to direct our life’s purpose toward seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness and working to save and love our neighbors, rather than fixating on ephemeral ambitions.
Thus, Pastor Jang emphasizes, the “vanity” in Ecclesiastes does not advocate a nihilistic worldview but rather drives the believer’s growth in faith. Those who acknowledge the reality of death grasp the urgency of life’s value and avoid the folly of clinging to possessions or power. Witnessing others’ spiritual needs fosters a sense of compassion and a desire to obey Galatians 6:2—“Carry each other’s burdens.” In celebrating seasons like Advent and Christmas, Pastor Jang believes the church should proclaim this message even more strongly. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ means affirming that “God became flesh and came to us on earth, inviting us into eternity.” Having transcended humanity’s finiteness, He has granted us the citizenship of heaven, which is the true joy of Christmas.
Moreover, Pastor Jang teaches that when we realize “life passes by like an arrow,” we will not procrastinate on what we must do now. The principle in Ecclesiastes 3—that there is “a time for every purpose”—ought to be taken most seriously by believers. Often summarized as, “If there is something you should do, do it today; do not put off until tomorrow what can be done today,” this adage has a deeply spiritual basis. Pastor Jang applies it to church ministry and mission strategy. To become “fishers of men,” as Jesus instructed, we must use the time and opportunities given. This is one reason the church focuses primarily on youth ministry. Before people make too many life decisions and become heavily influenced by the world, when their hearts are relatively open, if they receive the gospel, the fruit can be abundant. Although all ages matter, Ecclesiastes 12:1—“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth”—reiterates how crucial it is to meet God at the peak of one’s vitality.
Ultimately, Pastor Jang’s overarching message through Ecclesiastes is: “Humans die, but we have a heart that longs for eternity, and it is God who grants that eternity.” A life that ignores or denies our finitude fills up with empty desires and blind pursuits, ending in vanity. Conversely, those who honestly accept their limitations and cling to the eternal life that God provides clarify their life’s meaning and purpose, sharing life and preaching the gospel to others. This, says Pastor Jang, is the genuine path of wisdom and the paradoxical gift that the Preacher’s declaration—“All is vanity”—offers us.
Pastor Jang urges churches and believers, through the dual wisdom of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, not to fear or avoid “vanity.” Precisely at the moment we confront “vanity,” we realize how essential God, heaven, and eternal life truly are. And that very realization becomes the greatest motivation to understand the significance of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the Great Commission to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Though our life inevitably leads to vanity in the face of death, in God we are connected to eternity and thus enjoy ultimate victory. The truly meaningful way to live is to cling to this longing for eternity and the assurance of faith. Pastor Jang emphasizes that it is the church’s calling to proclaim this message daily, awakening this “heart that longs for eternity” even in those who do not yet believe.
In this realization, both young people and adults in midlife or old age come to see that their lives are never accidental journeys but part of God’s marvelous plan. They learn to praise the sovereignty of God, who “makes everything beautiful in its time.” In conclusion, Pastor Jang asserts that no matter how great our earthly achievements, we have no power to preserve our own lives. As the entire Bible testifies, humans, descendants of Adam, are doomed to die. Hence the “eternity set in our hearts” compels us to transcend the fleeting, corruptible values of this life and approach spiritual truth. Without this yearning, people swiftly establish their own personal norms, which collide with others’ norms, and end up finishing life in emptiness. But by acknowledging the order God has established in creation, embracing human finitude, and holding fast to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, Christians can replace despair with hope. The “vanity” Ecclesiastes describes ultimately points us toward God, who is Truth, and the teaching of this wisdom literature is a powerful word that can bring life to every generation. Pastor Jang concludes that the church must continually teach both the yearning for eternity in Ecclesiastes and the “fear of the Lord” in Proverbs, guiding the flock to learn and practice this truth.
Through his interpretation of Ecclesiastes, Pastor David Jang invites us to gaze deeply into the gulf between human finitude and eternity. Ecclesiastes’ refrain, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity,” reminds us that only by holding onto God’s grace can our lives possess genuine significance. That grace does not end with the lament of the Old Testament Preacher but finds its completion in the New Testament gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Jang insists this is not an optional perspective but an absolute truth in Christian faith. The urgency and preciousness contained in the exhortation, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Eccl. 12:1), and the warning of “There is a time for everything” (Eccl. 3:1), together compel us to recognize how precious each breath is as a spiritual opportunity. When we seize that opportunity and fear God, we receive “eternal life.” This realization enhances our understanding of Christmas, the believer’s life, and the communal essence of the church, according to Pastor Jang. By discerning what is truly important, looking toward eternity from within our limits, and carrying each other’s burdens in gospel ministry and service, we begin to fulfill the wisdom taught in Ecclesiastes. And on this path, we at last share in the blessing of ultimate life that transcends all vanity.