Introduction
Revelation chapters 4 and 5 mark a pivotal transition in John’s vision, shifting the focus from the messages to the seven churches to the heavenly throne room. In these chapters, John is invited to witness the glory and sovereignty of God in heaven, where worship continually ascends before His throne. Chapter 4 emphasizes God’s majesty and creative power, depicting Him as the one seated on the throne surrounded by heavenly beings who proclaim His holiness. Chapter 5 then introduces the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy to open the sealed scroll, symbolizing His redemptive authority and divine right to execute God’s plan for history. Together, these chapters reveal the heavenly foundation of God’s rule and the central role of Christ in fulfilling His divine purpose, establishing the theological core of Revelation’s message of worship, sovereignty, and redemption .
From Shincheonji’s perspective, Revelation chapters 4 and 5 symbolize a spiritual event that takes place not in heaven but on earth during the time of fulfillment. They interpret the “throne in heaven” as representing the spiritual throne established through their organization, with the “one seated on the throne” symbolizing God’s dwelling within the “Promised Pastor,” Lee Manhee. The 24 elders and four living creatures are viewed as symbolic of chosen spiritual leaders within Shincheonji’s hierarchy, while the “scroll sealed with seven seals” represents the Bible that remained hidden until it was revealed through their leader at the Second Coming. Shincheonji teaches that the Lamb’s act of opening the seals signifies the moment when the Promised Pastor receives the revealed word from heaven, making him the only one qualified to interpret the mysteries of Revelation. Thus, for Shincheonji, these chapters do not describe a heavenly worship scene but the process through which God’s authority and word are transferred to the one who testifies to the fulfillment of Revelation on earth.
Be aware that groups like Shincheonji often respond to criticism by subtly adjusting their doctrine—a common tactic involving denial, adaptation, and manipulation; is a common tactic among high-control organizations. They may gather information on critics and “flip the script,” portraying exposure as persecution or misinformation. It’s essential to carefully observe doctrinal shifts rather than accepting new explanations at face value. Stay vigilant against gaslighting through evolving teachings designed to counter today’s realities and criticisms. (Read More)
Shincheonji’s Perspective
For Revelation 4 – 5, I will be focusing more on the structure of SCJ and how they claim that SCJ is the reflection of Heaven here on earth.
| Symbol / Element in Revelation 4 | SCJ Interpretation | Explanation / Role in Fulfillment | Referenced Verse(s) |
| The throne of God | God’s dwelling and rule on earth | Realized when God establishes His throne in the place of fulfillment — identified as Shincheonji, where God reigns spiritually. | Revelation 4:2 – “Behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.” |
| The one seated on the throne | God’s Spirit working through the “promised pastor,” Lee Manhee | God’s authority and presence are manifested through the one who overcomes, representing God’s throne on earth. | Revelation 4:2–3 – “And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian…” |
| The 24 elders | Spiritual leaders of the heavenly administration | Shincheonji would claim that the 24 departments of Shincheonji are the fulfillment. | Revelation 4:4 – “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders…” |
| The seven lamps before the throne | The seven spirits of God | Symbolizes the 7 head instructors. | Revelation 4:5 – “Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” |
| The four living creatures | The four archangels | Represents the four different departments:
Woman’s Group Elder’s Group Young Adults Senior Groups |
Revelation 4:6–8 – “Around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures… full of eyes in front and behind.” |
| Overall Claim | The organization of heaven exists on earth | Shincheonji asserts that because they have the throne, elders, spirits, and living creatures spiritually present, they are the earthly manifestation of the heavenly throne scene in Revelation 4. | Revelation 4:1 – “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” (Interpreted as showing the structure of heaven to be fulfilled on earth.) |
Of course, Shincheonji does not believe that Lee Man-hee is God; instead, Lee Man-hee rules on behalf of God, ruling here on earth.
Shincheonji would point to verses like:
Hebrews 8:5 – The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain.
Shincheonji would argue that throughout Scripture, God has always worked by creating earthly counterparts that reflect heavenly realities:
- Moses’ tabernacle was built “according to the pattern shown on the mountain” (Heb 8:5 / Ex 25:40).
- The temple built by Solomon mirrored the heavenly temple (1 Chr 28:11–12).
- Jesus taught believers to pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
- So, they claim, this shows an unchanging principle: heaven’s structure must always be realized on earth.
Hence, Hebrews 8:5 doesn’t end that pattern; rather, it reveals the divine model that will finally be fulfilled perfectly at the time of Revelation’s fulfillment—through God’s newly established kingdom, the “New Heaven and New Earth” (Shin Cheon Ji).
They would agree that the “true tabernacle” refers ultimately to Jesus, but insist this is not purely spiritual or invisible—it is Jesus’ dwelling place on earth at the time of fulfillment.
If Jesus is ministering in the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, then when He returns spiritually, He must again establish His dwelling among men (Rev 21:3). That “dwelling” is realized through the place where God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit unite with people on earth—i.e., the promised temple of the New Heaven and New Earth, Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Therefore, Hebrews 8:2 and 8:5 foreshadow the final, physical manifestation of that heavenly pattern: an earthly organization reflecting heaven’s throne, elders, and spirits.
| Concept | SCJ Description | Fulfillment / Application According to SCJ |
| The Shadow | The Old-Testament tabernacle built by human hands | A model or foreshadowing of the heavenly structure; represents the temporary, physical copy shown to Moses on the mountain. |
| The Reality | The “true tabernacle” established by God through the one who overcomes (Lee Manhee) | God’s spiritual temple where God, Jesus, and the heavenly hosts dwell—manifested physically today as Shincheonji Church of Jesus. |
| The Pattern | The heavenly blueprint shown to Moses (Heb 8:5) | Replicated structure in Shincheonji: throne, 24 elders, four living creatures, seven spirits, etc.—the claimed “heaven’s model realized on earth.” |
Shincheonji would then organize their structure to mimic that like in the heaven described in Revelation 4.
They would point to the Father who sits on the throne, then make reference to Revelation 3:12 how God, Jesus, and the New Jerusalem would sit on the throne with the “One who overcomes”. They believe that Lee Man-hee is the first one to overcome in the fulfillment of the book of Revelation.
Then, the 24 elders represent the different departments of Shincheonji. This includes:
Department of General Management
Department of Administration
Department of Internal Affairs
Department of Planning
Department of Finances
Department of Education
Department of Ministry/Theology
Department of Foreign Affairs and Missions
Department of Evangelism
Culture Department
Publications Department
Department of Information and Communication
Department of Praise and Worship
Department of Liaising, Defense and Safety
Department of Internal Missions
Department of Public Relations
Department of Law/Justice
Department of Auditing
Department of Construction
Department of Sports
Department of Enterprise
Department of Health and Welfare
Department of Traffic and Social Service
International Department
As for the 7 spirits before the throne, they are the 7 educators.
As for the flow of information:
Chairman → 24 Elders (Department Leaders) → 7 Education Leaders (7 spirits before the throne) → Tribe Leaders.
As for the Reports:
congregation member 🡪 guyeokjangnimv(cell leader) 🡪 imwonnim 🡪 hwejangnim (group leader) 🡪 chongmunim (general manager) 🡪 danim gangsanim (head of the church)🡪 jipajangnim (tribe leader) 🡪 HQ 🡪 Chonghwejangnim (Chairman) 🡪 Jesus 🡪 God (instruction and commands are given in the opposite order)
As for their interpretation of the four living creatures:
| Living Creature | Symbolic Meaning (According to SCJ) | Function in the Heavenly Administration |
| Like a lion | Represents power, authority, and boldness | Leads and protects God’s throne and the saints |
| Like an ox | Represents endurance and servitude | Carries out God’s work with persistence and strength |
| Like a man | Represents wisdom and understanding | Guides with discernment and intelligence |
| Like a flying eagle | Represents spiritual insight and rapid movement | Executes God’s will swiftly and oversees the entire administration |