1. The Theological Secret Embedded in the Order of the Benediction:
Why Does "the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ" Come First?
Unlike the traditional liturgical formula-"the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit"-2 Corinthians 13:13 lists "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ" first. Pastor Jang emphasizes that this sequence reveals the key principle by which our salvation and our knowledge of God unfold.
- The Limits of General Revelation:
Humanity can dimly recognize God's existence through the created order (general revelation). Romans 1:20 states, "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." Yet general revelation alone cannot disclose God's person, love, or plan of salvation. - The One, Unique Special Revelation-Jesus Christ:
At this juncture, special revelation becomes indispensable, and its pinnacle is Jesus Christ. Pastor Jang explains that, as Jesus said, "Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father" (cf. John 14:9). Colossians 2:9 adds, "In Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily." - Jesus the Mediator:
Therefore, the only way we can approach God the Father is through Jesus Christ the Mediator (1 Tim 2:5; John 14:6). Only after we experience "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ"-the redemptive grace of the cross-can we perceive "the love of God" behind it and enjoy "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" applying it to our lives. Pastor Jang teaches that this order reflects the very spiritual architecture of our salvation.
2. Five Commands to the Community:
Practicing a Trinitarian Life
Before Paul pronounces the Trinitarian benediction, he issues five concrete imperatives to the community (2 Cor 13:11). Pastor Jang interprets them as practical guidelines for a congregation that seeks to mirror the character of the Triune God.
- Rejoice
This joy is not worldly merriment but an inner fullness granted to those who grasp Christ's love displayed on the cross. Even amid severe trials Paul can command rejoicing for this very reason. - Be Perfect
Echoing Jesus' words, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt 5:48), Pastor Jang views this as the ongoing sanctification of believers who, already justified, pursue holiness daily by the Spirit's help. - Be Comforted
Just as "the sufferings of Christ overflow" so too does "the comfort of God" (2 Cor 1:5). The church must embody "the God of all comfort," tending to each other's wounds and practicing divine love. - Be of One Mind
To a divided Corinthian church Paul urges unity "in Christ alone." Pastor Jang stresses that, just as Father, Son, and Spirit work in perfect harmony, so the church must respect diversity while collaborating toward a single goal. - Live in Peace
This peace is not conditional security offered by the world but an inner shalom that arises from trusting God in every circumstance (John 14:27). Only a community grounded in such peace can serve the world with confidence and certainty.
3. Conclusion: David Jang's Vision and the Trinitarian Faith
Pastor Jang proclaims that the benediction and exhortations of 2 Corinthians 13 remain an unchanging core truth for 21st‑century churches and believers.
- Faith Is Life:
The doctrine of the Trinity is not an abstruse theological puzzle but the very power source of life-the means by which we are saved, sanctified, and enabled to live in love. - The Church as the Embodiment of the Trinity:
The church, a gathering of Spirit‑indwelt believers, is the historical and present arena in which the love and salvation plan of the Triune God are manifested. - A Renewed Sense of Mission:
Holding fast to this truth, the church must transcend individual salvation, fulfill social responsibilities, transform culture, and extend hands of service to the world. Pastor Jang's ministry vision-G20, C12, fellowship networks, university and business missions-is an attempt to concretely realize this Trinitarian faith.
In sum, Pastor David Jang powerfully asserts through Paul's words, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit," that believers must stand firm on the truth of salvation, unite in love, and become a community that carries out God's mission to the world.
www.davidjang.org
