1. “The Foundation of Oneness in the Body of Christ”
In Ephesians 4:4, the Apostle Paul proclaims, “There is one body and one Spirit.” This statement undergirds why the church, as the Body of Christ, must remain united. Reflecting on this passage, Pastor David Jang emphasizes that although the church may take on various forms and incorporate different cultures, it must never lose sight of the fact that its ultimate source is Christ alone. The phrase “one body” signifies far more than mere organizational or administrative unity; it depicts the essential reality of being genuinely united in the Holy Spirit, both spiritually and practically.
Such unity contrasts sharply with merely external conformity or insisting on the distinctiveness of a particular local community. By underscoring that there is “one Spirit,” Paul clarifies the common origin of every believer within the church. Simply put, being called to be the church means that the Holy Spirit has drawn each person to faith in Jesus Christ, incorporating all of us into His Body. Consequently, no individual has any basis for monopolizing authority or asserting superiority within the church. Instead, we must acknowledge that we are equal members, growing together as part of a single Body.
Pastor David Jang notes that being “one body in Christ” by no means negates diversity or imposes uniformity. Rather, the central point is that diverse gifts and ministries are meant to weave together harmoniously in forming one organic community. This parallels Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12, where he points out that “just as one body has many members, so the church also possesses a variety of members.” In this context, Pastor Jang encourages believers to fully embrace each individual’s role and calling, practicing authentic unity by depending on one another instead of competing.
Ephesians 4:4–6 sets forth seven foundational bases for oneness: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. By these, Paul explains both why the church must not splinter and why, at heart, it is one community. Still, Pastor David Jang observes how frequently the church has been prone to fracture over minor issues or because of cultural and historical disparities, despite Paul’s clear foundation. He thus stresses the importance of holding fast to the core of the gospel as the sole path to genuine unity.
One of the most pressing dangers in preserving unity is the lure of secularization. Since the late 20th century, various cultural and intellectual currents have filtered into the church. On one hand, believers have sought to bring the gospel into every part of society; on the other hand, they have grappled with how to guard against excessive worldliness. Rather than dismissing all “secular theology” outright, Pastor David Jang suggests carefully embracing the constructive “Missio Dei perspective” within it while ensuring the gospel’s essence remains unadulterated.
Likewise, an overly insular or exclusivist posture in the church can prove equally harmful. When a particular denomination or tradition claims it alone possesses absolute truth, it risks neglecting the heart of the gospel and the spirit of unity, settling instead for superficial yardsticks. To overcome such narrowness and division, Pastor David Jang encourages believers to daily reflect on the sevenfold foundation of oneness that Ephesians 4 provides.
Ultimately, the church’s final goal is that all history would be brought to unity in Jesus Christ, culminating in the arrival of the Kingdom of God. If we truly believe that Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of history, the church is obliged to make that direction unmistakably clear. Our pursuit of “oneness” is significant not merely for internal harmony but also for the unfolding of God’s Kingdom. Genuine peace and restoration—where swords become plowshares and spears turn into pruning hooks—cannot be achieved by human institutions or effort alone. Only through Christ’s gospel uniting believers and sending them into the world does the Kingdom expand in a marvelous way.
As a gathering of those who have been redeemed, the church should also be a “sent community,” spreading salt and light through evangelism and service. Pastor David Jang highlights that “the church is a place where anyone can freely come to experience grace and then be sent back into the world to share it.” This underscores that “our oneness carries a missional dimension extending beyond the church walls.”
In conclusion, the sevenfold declaration in Ephesians 4—“one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God”—anchors the church against division, enabling us to fulfill oneness and move onward toward God’s Kingdom. Pastor David Jang adds that, by returning to this essential truth, the church will discover an ever-increasing measure of the gospel’s power and grace, no matter how tumultuous the world becomes.
2. “The Mystery of Grace and Gift—The Essence of Free Salvation”
In Ephesians 4:7, Paul writes, “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Pastor David Jang notes that this verse articulates a core truth of the gospel: our salvation does not hinge on human merit or efforts but comes as a “free gift” bestowed by God.
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20) offers a vivid illustration of this grace. The laborers hired at dawn and those hired just before evening all receive the same pay. Those who toiled the entire day complain, yet the vineyard owner replies, “I have not acted unjustly toward you; I’m simply giving you the one denarius I promised.” This exemplifies how grace may appear “unfair” by human standards, while highlighting the astonishing reality of “undeserved favor,” in which those deemed unworthy can suddenly receive everything.
In this parable, God—symbolized by the vineyard owner—can grant salvation even to sinners who have no meritorious deeds. Pastor David Jang calls this the “grand reversal of grace,” which topples every arrogant impulse to make salvation conditional on our qualifications. If we presume to earn salvation through our own ability or status, we effectively negate the gospel at its core.
The Greek term for grace, charis, recurs throughout the New Testament, referring to God’s unilateral goodwill. A gift entails no payment from the receiver; it flows from the giver’s generosity and love. Besides Matthew 20, Luke 15’s Parable of the Prodigal Son underscores the same point. When a wayward son returns, the father welcomes him without judgment and holds a celebratory feast, symbolizing the boundless mercy of our Heavenly Father toward all who return to Him, regardless of their circumstances.
The church must proclaim this grace to those who have yet to grasp it, while also dwelling in that same grace themselves, thereby becoming a community characterized by acceptance and forgiveness. Pastor David Jang observes that “those who realize they are sinners also understand they cannot live without grace, prompting them to draw near with humility and gratitude, relying on God’s gift alone.” If the church loses sight of grace’s meaning and drifts into an “I did it, so I deserve it” mentality, it opens the door to a culture of condemnation and exclusion—directly contradicting the gospel’s essence.
Matthew 9 shows Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners, declaring, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Emulating Jesus, the church should be ready to invite sinners from all walks of life, extending compassion and salvation. Pastor David Jang adds, “The one who confesses they are a sinner and, through grace alone, finds life becomes a true witness of the gospel.” In the end, we gather to worship and fellowship because all of us have received an invitation to grace, even as sinners. Therefore, the church must not become an elite club or pretend to be a community of the righteous that passes judgment on the world.
Ephesians 2:8 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Likewise, the church’s oneness also arises from this grace. Because we receive grace at no cost, we let go of self-promotion, honoring one another and experiencing the unity wrought by the Holy Spirit. Pastor David Jang underscores that “the church is one body cemented by the adhesive power of God’s grace; if reverence for this mystery fades, conflict and schism will inevitably come.”
As our understanding of grace grows, we cease to boast in ourselves and instead make God’s love our boast, enlarging our capacity to embrace and uplift the weary and broken. Whenever we recall that the same astounding benevolence extended to the last-hour workers in the vineyard also reaches us, there is no room for hierarchies or discrimination within the church.
3. “Unity in Diversity—The Purpose of Gifts and Offices”
In Ephesians 4:8, Paul cites Psalm 68: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” This reference paints the picture of a victorious general distributing the spoils of war. Paul applies this imagery to Christ: having humbled Himself through the Incarnation and suffering, and ultimately conquering through the Resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven and “distributed gifts” to the church, akin to spoils of His victory. Pastor David Jang highlights that “our ministries flow from the Lord’s triumph,” underscoring that gifts are bestowed upon the church not on the basis of human worthiness or ability.
Acts 2 captures the Holy Spirit’s descent and people praising God in many languages, exemplifying the rich diversity of gifts. First Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4 each list multiple gifts, revealing how diversity can enhance unity through mutual service. Pastor David Jang points out that “the purpose of gifts is not to fracture the church but to unite it for building up the Body of Christ more fully.”
In Ephesians 4:11, Paul enumerates five ministries—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. (Some scholars group pastors and teachers as one, reducing the list to four offices.) Pastor David Jang clarifies that though these reflect the historical context of the early church, the core principles remain applicable. Apostles blaze new trails and are sent forth, prophets announce God’s will, evangelists spread the gospel widely, pastors care for the flock, and teachers instruct in the Word.
None of these offices holds greater worth than the others; they are all indispensable. Churches thrive when individuals fulfill diverse roles aligned with their gifts. Paul likens this to “the various parts of a body,” where eyes, hands, feet, and ears each perform crucial, distinct tasks—one cannot be missing without hindering the whole. The true beauty of unity rests not in rigid uniformity but in each unique function contributing to a harmonious whole.
Paul succinctly identifies the purpose of these gifts in Ephesians 4:12: “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” This can be dissected into three parts. First, the church is called to heal and restore broken souls. The Greek term katartismos, meaning “to mend or set right,” describes how the church should tend to those damaged by sin and pain. Second, once individuals experience restoration, they go out into the world to practice service and love. After receiving worship and instruction within the church, believers should go forth to share God’s compassion by caring for the vulnerable and seeking justice. Third, everything ultimately aims to strengthen Christ’s Body, the church—a redeemed community that is also called and sent to the world.
Pastor David Jang stresses that a major responsibility of church leadership is guiding believers to discover and properly use their gifts. Gifts, if misused, can sow discord. One person might claim, “My gift is more spiritual,” while another might despair, “I lack any significant gift.” Both extremes undermine the church’s health. That is why Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 insists that the eye cannot claim superiority or inferiority over the hand or foot. All gifts are intended solely for God’s glory, not personal pride.
Establishing a culture of sharing and cooperation around spiritual gifts demands “mutual respect and humility.” Such virtues are particularly crucial in large or complex church settings, where certain gifts naturally draw more attention than others. Yet the church cannot function fully without those who serve behind the scenes—whether in administration, finances, parking, or various care ministries. Pastor David Jang underlines that “when individuals discover and acknowledge each other’s diverse gifts and collaborate, the world sees tangible evidence that God’s Kingdom is already in our midst.”
Thus, even though gifts vary widely, Christ’s centrality can draw these differences into a deeper unity. That “unity in diversity” is precisely the image of the church that Paul paints in Ephesians, and it forms a cornerstone of Pastor David Jang’s theology of the church.
4. “The True Mission of the Church—A Kingdom Community Sent into the World”
Pastor David Jang often speaks of the church with the phrase “In and Out,” suggesting a balanced focus on gathering (In) and scattering (Out). In the early church, after Pentecost, believers became a vibrant worship community yet also went forth to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth to proclaim the gospel. When one dimension—either gathering or scattering—dominates, the church faces trouble. An inward-only approach fosters a cloistered religious sect, while an outward-only approach can diminish the church’s spiritual vitality rooted in worship and fellowship.
Amid the rising influence of “secularization theology” in the mid-20th century, the question of how the church should engage with the world grew pressing. Around the same time, the idea of Missio Dei gained prominence, affirming that God is already at work in the world, drawing it into His saving purpose, while the church is invited to participate. This accords with the broader message of Ephesians: Christ is actively bringing all things under His dominion. When the church embraces this truth, it can effectively declare Christ’s lordship in every culture and society.
In light of our rapidly globalizing world, Pastor David Jang urges the church to adopt a more expansive outlook. Unlike in previous eras, diverse ethnicities, languages, and cultures now intermingle in the same locales. Tensions may arise, yet fresh avenues for sharing the gospel also open. By setting aside prejudices about regions or people groups and approaching them with a spirit of grace, Christians can manifest Christ’s message of reconciliation. This dovetails with Ephesians 1:10, which envisions God uniting all things—heavenly and earthly—in Christ, reflecting a cosmic Christology.
The church’s social responsibility is of vital importance in this context. When we think about the church’s mission, we often focus on evangelism and worship, but Scripture—both Old Testament and New—repeatedly commands concern for orphans, widows, and strangers. Jesus reached out to the sick and the marginalized in the Gospels, and the early church practiced communal sharing so that none lacked. Pastor David Jang warns that emphasizing only “vertical spirituality” (worship and prayer) may alienate the church from real-world concerns, whereas placing all stress on “horizontal love” (social engagement) can loosen the church’s spiritual foundation. Hence, both aspects must be held in balance.
Ultimately, the church is called to be a living sign of God’s Kingdom in the world. By striving for unity, cultivating and deploying varied gifts, and demonstrating God’s love to neighbors and nations, believers reveal the Kingdom. As Paul says, “The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” In daily life, the church must embody righteousness, peace, and joy as witnesses.
At times, Pastor David Jang borrows a secular phrase—“Even if you wring a chicken’s neck, dawn will still come”—to convey that the seemingly unshakeable structures of this age will ultimately yield to “a new heaven and a new earth,” and that God’s Kingdom will inevitably be completed. Despite human denial or delay, the Kingdom is already underway and will culminate in full. The church, therefore, acts as a “model home,” offering glimpses of that inbreaking reality to the world.
When the church stands firmly on grace, cherishes unity in diversity, and goes out to embody God’s love and justice, it operates as the authentic Body of Christ. Instead of confining oneness and holiness within its walls, it carries liberation, healing, and blessing into the world—this is the church’s true calling. Though today’s church faces confusion and discord, Pastor David Jang urges a rediscovery of Ephesians 4—emphasizing unity with diversity, grace with gifts, and the identity of a “sent community”—so that we might once again join the wondrous work of salvation.
Ultimately, the church is a community of sinners saved by grace and a strategic outpost of God’s Kingdom across the world. Founded on grace alone, we become one, build up the Body of Christ with our manifold gifts, proclaim the gospel, and heal the broken. We are all vineyard workers called by grace, not by merit. As the church pours out that same grace to the world, people catch sight of God’s Kingdom and wait in anticipation for its perfection. And just as dawn inevitably arrives despite anyone’s attempts to stop it, God’s Kingdom will only grow clearer until it comes in all its fullness.
