The lesson provides an overview and introduction to the intermediate level. It explores how God creates, gives a covenant, but when that covenant is broken, He must recreate and establish a new covenant – a cycle that will end in the era of revelation. God speaks to prophets about the future in parables and visions, and a chosen “promised pastor” comes to testify and explain the fulfillment plainly, like Moses, Jesus, and the one to come for Revelation’s fulfillment. There are four types of pastors outlined: prophets, the promised pastor, general pastors who testify about the promised pastor, and false pastors who hinder the truth. Six qualifications for entering heaven at the second coming are presented: being born of God’s seed, harvested, sealed, belonging to one of the 12 tribes, not adding or subtracting from Revelation, and having one’s name written in the Book of Life. The lesson emphasizes overcoming challenges, understanding God’s work of prophecy and fulfillment, and meeting these qualifications revealed for the era of fulfillment.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Intro to Intermediate: Overview and Process
The first introductory lesson covered what we learned in the previous lesson, Orthodoxy and Heresy. This is the second introductory lesson. In this lesson, we will break down several major topics that we will see repeatedly during the intermediate level.
This is an overview of the entire intermediate level, and we will also learn about several important processes in revelation. We will explore how things happen and how they take place in prophecy and fulfillment. This will, of course, help us put together everything we had learned during the previous section on the parables and prepare us for revelation after the intermediate level is complete.
You can think of this as us getting closer to revelation, or one step closer, and each lesson brings us closer to that goal. Our hope is to understand the logic and flow of the Bible. How does God work? Where does He work? Who does He work through, and what does He do?
We will also explore the flow of the Bible and God’s work of creation and recreation.
Creation and recreation are some of the most important themes in the Bible because you realize that God has been creating multiple times. It’s not just the one creation in Genesis, but it has actually been repeating itself for the last 6,000 years. And God intends to end the cycle of creation and recreation in our era, in the era of revelation.
Keep that in mind as we proceed.
1. Creation and Recreation
Recreating, not just having fun. Recreating means creating again. We know how the initial creation took place, don’t we?
We won’t read all the verses, but we’ll note them. Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1-4 tell us that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
God created the heavens and the earth with a specific purpose in mind, as everything He does has a reason and a purpose. Let’s understand a bit more about what He created, why He created it, and the tragedy that led Him to have to recreate again.
We know what happened in God’s initial creation – He created the Garden of Eden and placed Adam and Eve within it. In this garden, there was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and the tree of life. God gave them specific instructions, telling them not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
However, we know that when God was once with them, He had to leave when they broke His covenant by eating from the forbidden tree, deceived by the serpent. Now, God is in a state where He has to leave His creation, as described in Genesis 6:3, and begin a new process, to start anew or to recreate.
Next time, we’ll look in detail at the process of creation and recreation. For now, this is just an introduction. Where did God go after leaving the Garden of Eden? He had to retreat back to the spiritual world, which He had actually created first, before the physical world. We can understand this through Exodus 25 and Matthew 6:10, where it is said that God’s will is to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
God wanted a place like heaven, so He created the physical world as a reflection of that. But when it was corrupted, He had to leave. Now, God is saying, “I’m going to start over. I’m going to do the process of recreation.” To do that, God must do something with those He intends to build with, because the people of that time did not keep their covenant.
Hosea 6:7
Like Adam, they have broken the covenant—
they were unfaithful to me there.
Like Adam, they have broken the covenant. They were unfaithful to God there.
When a group breaks God’s covenant, He must start something new. Let’s turn to Jeremiah 31, a passage we will revisit in almost every intermediate lesson, as it is such an important chapter.
Jeremiah 31:31-32
31 “The time is coming,” declares the Lord,
“when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
though I was a husband to them, ”
declares the Lord.
God said that a time is coming when He will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. This new covenant will not be like the original covenant, but it will be a fresh one. The establishment of this new covenant is truly the work of recreation, starting anew. This is because God had previously established a covenant with Adam, as we see in Hosea 6:7, but that covenant was broken.
When God starts something new, He begins by creating a new covenant. For example, after the flood, when Noah and his family were saved, what did God do right away in Genesis 9? He gave them a new covenant, the rainbow.
God established this new covenant with Noah and his family because He was starting anew with them. The covenant is closely tied to the work of creation. They are inseparable. God does not create unless there is a covenant with what He is intending to do.
So how does this covenant play out in our time? Let’s look at how it is referred to or referenced in Hebrews 8.
Hebrews 8:10-12
10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”
If you read up to Jeremiah 31:31-34, you’ll see that Hebrews 8:10-12 actually just quotes it. It’s a quote of Jeremiah 31. So that means that Jeremiah 31 is not fully about the first covenant or the first Testament or the first coming, but it’s actually a prophecy for the second coming because it’s basically quoting it.
It’s similar to when Jesus referred to the prophecies of Daniel in Matthew 24. This confirms that the prophecy of Daniel is actually for the time of the second coming. That’s why I’m referring to it now.
Jeremiah 31 is very similar, as it’s being quoted in Hebrews 8, meaning that it is still to come, where this new covenant will take place. This is because God’s final work of recreation will be happening at the time of revelation, and that’ll be the last time.
So the concept of creation and recreation is important to review. When God creates, he gives a covenant. But when that covenant is broken, God then has to do something new by establishing a new covenant. When he does that, he’s beginning the work of creation again.
However, when we think about creation, we often focus on the physical aspect. But the real creation from God’s perspective is actually spiritual – making something new that had become dark and corrupt. This is what God intends to do in our era as well.
So how does God do that?
2. God’s Pattern of Prophecy and Fulfillment
Because God tells us about his plan of creation and recreation in prophecy.
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie,
nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
Does he promise and not fulfill?
God is not a man that he should lie. This means that when God speaks, He acts.
Whatever He says He will do, no matter how grandiose or seemingly impossible it may seem given the current circumstances, He will do exactly what He has promised. When He says there will be no more death upon His return, He means it. When He says there will be no more crying, He will make that happen.
The zeal of the Lord will accomplish this, as prophesied in Isaiah chapter 9. So God will do what He has said He will do. Our duty and goal is to believe in God’s fulfillment of His promises, which is not always easy, as we saw in the example of John 6.
God describes Himself as one who does what He says He will do. His words are not mere figurative representations, but true promises that He will bring to pass.
Revelation 21:6
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.
God declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the last letter. He also refers to himself as the beginning and the end. In the past, I’ve asked the class, “Does God have a beginning?” The answer is no, he is self-existent. Does God have an end? No, he does not.
God created in the beginning, and he will recreate in the end, but that’s not the full reason. What God starts, he will finish. What he prophesies, he will fulfill. That’s the meaning behind “the beginning and the end.” That’s why God said in Revelation 21:6, “It is done.” It is concluded, it is finished.
Didn’t Jesus also say this on the cross? Yes, he did. “It is finished,” meaning what he had prophesied, started, planned, and purposed was now complete. This concept of the beginning and the end is so important. When you understand it, the Bible makes more sense.
You realize that God has been constantly renewing his people, so that he can eventually have a final people who will never break his covenant. That’s God’s goal – to have a people who will be with him forever.
So how does this process play out? As we know, God first comes to a prophet. Amos 3:7 says, “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”
But how does God reveal his plan to the prophets? Hosea 12:10 tells us, “I spoke to the prophets, gave them many visions, and told parables through them.”
God first comes to a prophet like Daniel, and shows him visions about the future. Daniel, receiving these visions, said to God in Daniel 12, “I don’t understand what you are showing me. What will the end of all these things be?” And God said, “Go your way, Daniel. For these words are locked up and sealed. They are for the time of the end, and for the people in the time of the end who will receive these words and have to act upon them.”
Their job was to record what they saw. Wow, what a task! But that’s what they had to do – write down the visions God gave them. So God, the Alpha, the beginning, must also be God, the Omega, the end.
So what does He do?
God comes to a chosen servant, one who has made a promise. Through this chosen servant, God begins the work of recreation, and the chosen one must clearly testify to what has been fulfilled.
When God comes to this chosen servant, that servant must be able to explain what was spoken in parables and testify to the people that it has happened according to prophecy. These people are the ones Isaiah and John were talking about.
When Jesus came, he said something significant in John 16:25. He said that though he had been speaking figuratively or using parables, a time was coming when he would no longer use this kind of language, but would tell them plainly. This means he would explain what was sealed in prophecy, but is now being made clearly understood.
Was Jesus a servant? Absolutely. As he said in Matthew 20:28, he did not come to be served, but to serve. Jesus was the first to get down and wash his disciples’ feet. We should strive to be like that, serving others rather than expecting to be served.
The one who comes must explain plainly what has been fulfilled, completing the Alpha and the Omega. At the first coming, this was Jesus. But at the second coming, Jesus will appoint one who will do this work, living through the shoes of John and seeing and hearing the events of Revelation, appointed to testify to what he saw and heard and explain what has been fulfilled.
We will now look at two more topics: the four types of pastors and the qualifications to enter heaven at the second coming.
3. Four Types of Pastors
How Many Types of Pastors Are There? Any Idea?
There are two broad categories of pastors: God’s pastors and Satan’s pastors. However, among God’s pastors, there are different types. So, what are the various types of God’s pastors?
Some of you might be thinking about prophets, those who speak in prophetic languages, those who perform the work of healing, those who speak in tongues, and those who bear witness. You are correct. However, these are all part of a single type that I will be discussing.
So, all of those get consolidated into one. Therefore, there are actually four types of pastors, three of which belong to God, and one that does not. Let’s first discuss the three that belong to God.
We’ll talk about them first.
Belong to God
ONE – Pastor of Prophecy
As we explored in Amos 3:7, the first type of pastor is the pastor of prophecy. People like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel were prophets who did the work of foretelling the future. They would receive the word from God.
Oftentimes, when they were in the spirit, dreaming, or seeing a vision, they would receive that message from God, and their job was to write down what they had seen.
So they spoke about the future. That was their primary role. Examples of such prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Some key verses to note here are the two we discussed earlier.
Hosea 12:10 is a good one to write down once more about pastors who prophesy. But their job is not only to testify about events that will take place in the future, but also to testify about the one who is coming – the promised pastor.
TWO – Promised Pastor
Pastors of prophecy often prophesy about a particular person, the promised pastor. This individual has a very special job to fulfill.
The promised pastor’s job is to fulfill prophecy and provide testimony. A great verse that captures this is John 5:39, where Jesus says, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.”
This is what Jesus said to the people who were questioning him about his identity and credentials. They were wondering, “Who are you? Where have you come from? What are your qualifications? Under whom did you study? Which synagogue did you train in? Aren’t you just the carpenter’s son?”
Jesus had to explain to them that the Scriptures they read every Sabbath were actually about him.
Among those who fulfill the role of the promised pastor, there are three key figures: Moses, who came according to the promises given to Abraham; Jesus, who came in accordance with the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments; and John at the time of Revelation’s fulfillment, who has the job of eating the open scroll from above and then testifying to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.
The promised pastor, the one who was prophesied about, has a crucial role to play.
THREE – General Pastors
After the promised pastor arrives, there will be those who speak about the one who has just come. We’ll refer to them as “general pastors.”
The role of these general pastors is to testify – to bear witness about the promised pastor who has arrived.
Who fits into this category? The disciples, for one. And Apostle Paul as well. Additionally, all those people with the specific duties described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:13-14 also belong to this group of general pastors.
The job of these general pastors is to spread the gospel. The pastors who teach today should also fit into this category, as the pastors they are testifying about have already come and passed away.
Jesus, the promised pastor, has come and ascended back to heaven. So what we have been doing is testifying about him. These are the three types of pastors that belong to God.
Now, for the time of the second coming, who will be the general pastors? The 144,000. Because the New John fits into the second category. So the 144,000 will be like priests or teachers, who will instruct the world about what has been fulfilled at the time of the second coming.
It’s quite remarkable that God only needs 144,000 to teach over eight billion people. Not many are required for this task.
In summary, the general pastors testify about the one who has come. There is a great verse that speaks to this.
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The disciples were tasked with being witnesses to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. That was their mission.
So, most general pastors testify about the one who came. However, there is another type of pastor, and it is not a positive one.
Belong to Satan
FOUR – False Pastors
There are different types of pastors mentioned in the Bible. Unfortunately, not all of them belong to God. Some are actually representatives of Satan’s pastors in Babylon.
These are the false pastors or false prophets. In the past, they were like the Pharisees and Sadducees. The job of these pastors, which they often don’t realize they are doing, is to hinder and to lie. They get in the way of the truth and they lie about the truth, so that people will not believe in what God is doing.
During the time of Jesus’ first coming, the Pharisees and Sadducees were examples of such false pastors. But as we see in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, there were also those who claimed to be teaching the gospel, but were actually teaching a different gospel and a different Jesus. These false teachers were already starting to emerge, like weeds being sown in the field.
So in summary, the Bible presents four types of pastors: those who belong to God, and those who are representatives of Satan’s pastors in Babylon, who hinder the truth and spread lies.
Examples of each type are:
Type 1: Isaiah
Type 2: Jesus
Type 3: Peter
Type 4: Pharisees
These are just examples of each.
The examples of the promised pastors are Moses, Jesus, and the New John. Why? Because they came in accordance with prophecy, specifically to fulfill what God had promised.
4. The 6 Qualifications to Enter Heaven at the Second Coming
The 6 Qualifications to Enter Heaven at the Second Coming
Most of these qualifications were not possible before the fulfilment of Revelation. So, we should consider this carefully.
These qualifications do not override what had already been testified about salvation. They add to it, because they are only possible when things are being fulfilled. We should not think about the past with these qualifications, but focus on the present and the future.
What is being fulfilled and what is being revealed? Keep this in mind as we explore these six qualifications. First, let’s turn to Matthew 7:21 to understand the significance of this.
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven. Simply uttering the words ‘Lord, Lord’ is not enough to gain entry into the heavenly kingdom. The qualification is to do the will of my Father.
So, what is God’s will in our time? That is what we will be exploring today. What does God desire people to do now that was not fully possible before? We will examine these aspects.
Some of these were introduced at the first coming, but will be fully realized at the second coming. Others were possible during the first coming. Keep this in mind as we proceed.
Let us first look at being born of God’s seed.
1. One must be born of God’s seed.
1 Peter 1:23
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
You have been born not of perishable seed, but of imperishable seed through the living and enduring word of God.
The word, of course, is the seed, and it is imperishable.
This is the very seed that the good farmer sowed in Matthew 13:24-30. So first, one must be born of God’s seed. But how will one know if they are born of God’s seed or not?
Something needs to happen to one who was born of God’s seed. Any ideas what needs to happen?
They need to uproot whatever is bad within them.
Absolutely. They need to uproot for sure. But what’s the end result of one who was born of God’s seed?
They are born again of the water, which is the word.
Amen. So they are born again, right? Of the water and the spirit.
And it’s basically saying the same thing. But think back to Matthew 13, right? In Matthew 13 with the parable of the sower, what must happen to those who are born of God’s seed?
They must be harvested.
2. Harvested
The harvest was definitely not possible before its fulfillment. It was not possible because the field was still growing, as the harvest takes place at the end of the age. Therefore, one must be born of God’s seed and then they must be harvested so that they are brought into the barn.
This is referenced in Matthew 13:24-30, and the explanation is provided in Matthew 13:37-39. So one must be harvested, but when does this harvest take place?
At the end of the age, as mentioned in Revelation. When the angel takes a sickle and does this, it is referring to the harvest at the second coming, as described in Revelation 14:14-16.
However, the harvest is not the end for those who are harvested. Remember, as God made a first heaven and first earth that pass away, he makes a new heaven and a new earth, also known as Mount Zion, the barn, the basket, the ship, or the place where the sheep are put on the right. At this place, a little bit more happens to those who are gathered, as described in Revelation chapter 7.
3. Sealed
Revelation 7:2-3
2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”
After the work of the harvest, which we’ll discuss in more detail in the intermediate lessons, there must also be a sealing. What does this sealing mean?
It represents the placement of the word into their hearts. As it says, “They will be my people, and I will be their God.” (Hebrews 8:10-12, also found in Jeremiah 31:31-34). So, Revelation 7 is the fulfillment of those verses from Jeremiah and Hebrews.
As we continue to study, we’ll see this more clearly. The first three points are fairly straightforward.
However, the next three are quite interesting. In Revelation 7, we see the establishment of something starting from verse 4.
The sealing. And where does this sealing take place? On Mount Zion, among the 12 tribes of Israel.
The 12 tribes of Israel are the ones who are sealed in those places. But Revelation 7:9 also mentions a great multitude.
4. Belong to 1 of the 12 Tribes
It is important for those alive during the second coming to belong to one of the 12 tribes. This is different from the Old Testament, where one had to be born into a tribe to be considered part of it. This was a physical characteristic of that time.
However, when Jesus came, the physical aspect lost its significance as a qualification. Instead, it became a spiritual matter. A new spiritual 12 tribes will be established, and we should strive to be a part of it.
Revelation 7:4-9 discusses the 144,000 as well as the great multitude. These two groups will make up the new spiritual 12 tribes of Israel. Importantly, anyone who hears this word can become a part of it, regardless of their genetic lineage. The old physical standard no longer applies.
5. Not to add and subtract from Revelation
Revelation 22:18-19 serves as a warning, which we have touched on briefly, but have not discussed in great depth. Let’s delve deeper into this passage.
Revelation 22:18-19
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
When someone decides to add their own interpretation, essentially making guesses about what they believe will happen, it’s akin to saying, “I think it will unfold like this,” or “I’m under the impression it will go that way.”
Conversely, there are those who choose to subtract by avoiding certain texts, such as the book of Revelation. They might express fear or disinterest by saying, “Oh, I don’t engage with the book of Revelation. It’s intimidating, and I’ve never really explored it.”
However, they might reassure themselves by thinking, “But I’m okay. Understanding what’s in that book isn’t necessary for me. I’ll manage without that knowledge.”
This act of subtraction is something we’re advised against engaging in. The reason behind this caution is clear: it’s said that those who partake in these actions risk losing the blessings of heaven and might even incur a curse.
This is precisely why I’ve cautioned everyone from the start to steer clear of commentaries, study Bibles, and making guesses. Instead, it’s wiser to wait patiently for the testimony of fulfilment rather than to speculate about future events. Our predictions could be incorrect.
This misplacement of focus is a common pitfall. While God expects us to be in one place, our assumptions could lead us astray, leaving us in the wrong location. Hence, let’s avoid these practices and remain true to the teachings without adding or subtracting from them.
6. Our names must be registered in the book of life
In the Book of Life, this is a critically important concept. Here’s why:
The Book of Life is mentioned only 8 times in the Bible, and 6 of those occurrences are in the Book of Revelation. So, is it an important concept or not?
It is indeed an important concept. It is listed 6 times in the Book of Revelation, so it clearly matters.
Let me share one of those references with you. We’ll read Revelation 21:27:
Revelation 21:27
Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be saved.
It’s crucial that we study the Lamb’s book of life. In this course, we’ll examine all of these concepts in detail.
This is just an introduction or a summary of the essential points. One thing I want us to take away from this is the meaning behind John 3:16, which states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This is part of what that verse means. Similarly, Romans 10:13, which says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” is also part of this meaning.
Why? These are all promises made by Jesus himself. All of these statements were mentioned by Jesus.
They are not words spoken by different people. Jesus himself uttered them. Why? Because they are important.
Believing in Jesus means having complete faith not only in what he did but also in what he said, especially regarding his second coming.
All of it is significant, I’m emphasizing. Jesus said, “Be born of my Father’s seed, for I am sowing it in the field.”
“Be ready for the harvest that will take place when I and my angels return with me. When that happens, ensure that you have my Father’s name and my name on your foreheads and belong to one of my new twelve tribes.”
“Do not add to my words or subtract from them. Make sure your name is in my book of life.”
Like that, all things Jesus spoke matter to us.
Memorization
Revelation 22:18-19
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Instructor Review
We saw a glimpse of the process today. First, creation and recreation. God creates a people and gives them a covenant. However, when the people struggle to keep that covenant, God must find or create a new people, a recreation, and give them a new covenant. God does this by prophesying and fulfilling prophecy. He always comes to a prophet, giving them the prophecy.
Later on, God comes to a servant, a promised pastor, and gives that servant the word. Oftentimes, that servant has to flee with the word, just as Jesus did. Oh, I can’t wait for us to discuss that. They are then told to testify to the people, “Go and speak to them. Give them my words that I have given you.”
There are four types of pastors in the Bible. There are the pastors who came before, like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, who speak about the future and write it down. The one they prophesy about is the one who comes to fulfill the prophecy and testify themselves, like Moses did, and like Jesus did, and like the new John must do in our time. Then there are general pastors, those who testify about the promised pastor who came and tell people about the gospel of what they did and what they intend to do, like Peter, James, John, and Paul. At the time of the second coming, the 144,000 will fit into this category. Unfortunately, there are also false pastors who only hinder and lie, preventing people from going to the promised pastor who has appeared by saying, “That’s wrong. Oh, that’s a cult. That’s this or that. That’s a sect. It’s weird. I don’t understand it. I don’t like it,” like people did at the first coming.
So, what about the qualifications? All things that Jesus spoke as important for people to do, they must be born of God’s seed, harvested, sealed, belong to one of the twelve tribes, never add or subtract from Revelation, and have their name in the book of life. Let’s be those who meet all of these qualifications.
Again, even these things fit into the stories about the wedding banquet. Remember the wedding clothes, lamp, and oil? These things are included in that; they are actually the same.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Intro to Intermediate: Overview and Process
I. Introduction
This lesson provides an overview of the intermediate level, focusing on the processes of revelation, the flow of the Bible, and God’s work of creation and recreation. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of creation and recreation throughout history, culminating in its end during the era of revelation.
II. Review: Orthodoxy and Heresy
- This section reviews the concepts of orthodoxy (true teaching) and heresy (false beliefs).
- It emphasizes the importance of discerning truth through attentive listening and cross-referencing with scriptures.
- Using Acts 24:5, it illustrates the challenges faced by early Christians who were labeled a “sect” for following Jesus.
- It highlights the spiritual origin of heresy, tracing it back to Satan’s rebellion against God and his ongoing efforts to corrupt believers.
III. Overcoming Transition: A Mindset of Faith
- This section examines the challenges of accepting a time of transition, drawing from John 6:51-68.
- It analyzes the disciples’ reactions to Jesus’ teachings about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, highlighting the contrasting responses of those who turned away and those who, like Peter, remained steadfast in their faith.
- It encourages readers to emulate Peter’s mindset of unwavering belief, even when confronted with difficult teachings.
IV. Creation and Recreation: A Cyclical Pattern
- This section delves into the concept of creation and recreation, emphasizing that God has created multiple times throughout history.
- It explores the initial creation in Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1-4, highlighting God’s purposefulness in creating the heavens and the earth.
- It examines the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, referencing Genesis 6:3 and Hosea 6:7 to illustrate the necessity of recreation due to broken covenants.
- It explains God’s retreat to the spiritual world (Exodus 25, Matthew 6:10) and His plan for a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-32) as a foundation for recreation.
- It analyzes the new covenant established with Noah (Genesis 9) and its prophetic implications for the second coming (Hebrews 8:10-12).
V. God’s Pattern: Prophecy and Fulfillment
- This section explores God’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promises, referencing Numbers 23:19 and Revelation 21:6.
- It emphasizes God’s role as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, highlighting His complete control over the process of prophecy and fulfillment.
- It outlines the pattern of God revealing His plan to prophets (Amos 3:7, Hosea 12:10) through visions and parables, with the prophets’ task being to record these revelations for future generations.
- It explains the role of a chosen servant (Matthew 20:28) who explains the fulfilled prophecies (John 16:25), exemplified by Jesus at the first coming and a New John at the second coming.
VI. Four Types of Pastors: Identifying God’s Servants
- This section introduces the concept of four types of pastors: three belonging to God and one belonging to Satan.
- It analyzes the three types of God’s pastors: pastors of prophecy (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel), the promised pastor (Moses, Jesus, New John), and general pastors (disciples, Apostle Paul, 144,000).
- It explores the role of each type, emphasizing their specific tasks in relation to prophecy, fulfillment, and spreading the gospel (John 5:39, Acts 1:8).
- It discusses false pastors (Pharisees, Sadducees) who hinder truth and spread lies (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
VII. Six Qualifications for Heaven: Meeting God’s Standards
- This section outlines six qualifications for entering heaven at the second coming, emphasizing their significance beyond past teachings on salvation.
- It introduces Matthew 7:21 to highlight the importance of doing God’s will, which is further elaborated through the six qualifications.
- It explains each qualification: being born of God’s seed (1 Peter 1:23), being harvested (Matthew 13:24-30, 37-39, Revelation 14:14-16), being sealed (Revelation 7:2-3, Hebrews 8:10-12, Jeremiah 31:31-34), belonging to one of the 12 tribes (Revelation 7:4-9), not adding or subtracting from Revelation (Revelation 22:18-19), and having one’s name in the book of life (Revelation 21:27).
- It connects these qualifications to familiar biblical concepts like the wedding banquet and emphasizes the importance of believing in all of Jesus’ words, including those about His second coming (John 3:16, Romans 10:13).
VIII. Summary: God’s Plan of Creation, Recreation, and Fulfillment
- This section summarizes the lesson’s key points: the cyclical nature of creation and recreation, God’s pattern of prophecy and fulfillment, the four types of pastors, and the six qualifications for entering heaven at the second coming.
- It emphasizes the need to persevere despite challenges, drawing inspiration from early Christians and the promises of Revelation.
- It concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to meet God’s qualifications and reap the rewards of those who came before them.
IX. After Watching the Video: Reflections and Encouragement
- This section provides personal reflections on the video, highlighting the struggles of early believers and their courage in spreading the gospel.
- It connects the visual imagery of the plant struggling to grow with the challenges faced by early Christians and their role in planting seeds for future generations.
- It expresses gratitude for those who came before and encourages listeners to persevere despite challenges, drawing strength from their legacy and God’s promises.
- It concludes with a reminder that the greatest obstacle to faith can be comfort and encourages listeners to overcome any obstacle in their pursuit of God.
A Study Guide
Intermediate Level Overview and Process: A Study Guide
Key Concepts
- Orthodoxy: True or sound teachings, contrasted with heresy.
- Heresy: False or erroneous beliefs originating in the spiritual world with Satan’s rebellion.
- Creation and Recreation: God’s cyclical act of creating and starting anew after covenants are broken.
- Covenant: An agreement or promise between God and his people, often associated with creation.
- Prophecy and Fulfillment: God’s plan revealed through prophets and fulfilled through chosen servants.
- Promised Pastor: A chosen servant who fulfills prophecy and testifies to its fulfillment.
- Four Types of Pastors:Prophecy: Foretell the future and the coming of the promised pastor.
- Promised: Fulfill prophecy and provide testimony (Moses, Jesus, New John).
- General: Testify about the promised pastor and spread the gospel.
- False: Hinder the truth and spread lies, leading people away from God.
- Qualifications for Heaven (Second Coming):Be born of God’s seed (the word).
- Be harvested at the end of the age.
- Be sealed on Mount Zion.
- Belong to one of the 12 spiritual tribes.
- Do not add or subtract from Revelation.
- Have your name written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Short Answer Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- What is the difference between orthodoxy and heresy?
- Why does God engage in cycles of creation and recreation?
- How does God reveal his plan for creation and recreation?
- What is the role of the promised pastor in God’s plan?
- Identify and briefly describe the four types of pastors discussed in the source.
- According to the source, why are commentaries and study Bibles discouraged?
- What is the significance of the number 6 in relation to the Book of Life?
- Why is it important to belong to one of the 12 tribes at the time of the second coming?
- What makes the qualifications for heaven at the second coming different from those of the past?
- What lesson can be learned from the early martyrs and their role in spreading the gospel?
Short Answer Quiz Answer Key
- Orthodoxy represents true and sound teachings aligned with God’s word, while heresy represents false and erroneous beliefs that deviate from God’s truth. Heresy originated with Satan’s rebellion in the spiritual world.
- God engages in creation and recreation because humans repeatedly break the covenants he establishes with them. When a covenant is broken, God starts anew with a new covenant and a new creation.
- God reveals his plan through prophecy and fulfillment. He first reveals his plan to prophets through visions, dreams, and parables. Then, he sends a chosen servant, the promised pastor, to fulfill those prophecies and testify to their completion.
- The promised pastor plays a crucial role in God’s plan by fulfilling the prophecies revealed to the prophets and testifying to their completion. They act as a bridge between God’s revealed plan and its realization.
- The four types of pastors are: Prophecy pastors who foretell the future and the coming of the promised pastor (e.g., Isaiah), Promised pastors who fulfill prophecy and testify to its fulfillment (e.g., Jesus), General pastors who testify about the promised pastor and spread the gospel (e.g., Peter), and False pastors who hinder the truth and spread lies (e.g., Pharisees).
- Commentaries and study Bibles are discouraged because they can lead to adding or subtracting from the word of God, particularly Revelation. It’s important to rely on the pure word of God and the testimony of fulfillment rather than human interpretations.
- The number 6 is significant because the Book of Life, which contains the names of those who will be saved, is mentioned 6 times in the Book of Revelation, highlighting its importance in the context of the second coming.
- Belonging to one of the 12 tribes at the time of the second coming signifies being part of the new spiritual Israel established by God. This is a spiritual rather than physical qualification, open to anyone who believes and follows the teachings of the promised pastor.
- The qualifications for heaven at the second coming are different because they are based on the fulfillment of Revelation. They build upon the foundational teachings about salvation and focus on the specific actions and beliefs required during the time of the second coming.
- The early martyrs provide a powerful example of unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution. Their sacrifices paved the way for future generations to hear the gospel and experience God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. They serve as an inspiration to remain steadfast in faith, even when facing challenges and opposition.
Additional Questions
1. Why must I be born again?
– One cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven unless they are born again (Jn 3:3)
2. What is the process of being born again?
– One must receive the seed (Message / Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven)
– One must overcome the path, rocky and thorny fields
– Understand the word, retain it and persevere
3. What does is mean to have a faith of endurance?
– Understanding that those who do God’s will undergo suffering (1 Pt 4:12-13, 1 Pt 4:19)
Glossary of Key Terms
- Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, signifying God’s role as the beginning and the end, the one who starts and finishes his plans.
- Babylon: Represents the world system opposed to God and his people, often associated with falsehood, corruption, and spiritual darkness.
- Book of Life: A record containing the names of those who will be saved and inherit eternal life.
- End of the Age: The time of the second coming of Jesus Christ, marked by judgment, the harvest of believers, and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.
- Gospel: The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, including his death, resurrection, and promise of eternal life.
- Mount Zion: A symbolic representation of the heavenly Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God and his redeemed people.
- Nazarene Sect: A derogatory term used to describe early Christians who followed Jesus of Nazareth, often viewed as a fringe group or cult.
- New Covenant: The covenant established by God through Jesus Christ, based on forgiveness of sins and a transformed heart, replacing the old covenant given to Moses.
- Parables: Stories or illustrations used by Jesus to convey spiritual truths and principles.
- Second Coming: The future return of Jesus Christ to earth, marked by judgment, resurrection, and the establishment of his eternal kingdom.
- Spiritual World: The realm of angels, spirits, and God’s unseen presence, existing alongside the physical world.
- Testimony: The act of bearing witness to the truth of God’s word and the fulfillment of his promises.
- Woe: A pronouncements of judgment or sorrow upon those who disobey God and reject his truth.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events:
This lesson focuses on the theological concepts of creation, recreation, prophecy, and fulfillment as they appear throughout the Bible. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of God’s work, with periods of creation followed by corruption and the need for recreation through a new covenant.
Here’s a general overview of the recurring pattern described:
- Creation: God creates, establishes a covenant with his people. (Examples: Garden of Eden, covenant with Noah)
- Corruption: The covenant is broken, leading to separation from God.
- Prophecy: God reveals his plan for recreation through prophets, often using parables and visions.
- Fulfillment: A promised pastor arrives to fulfill the prophecies and establish a new covenant. (Examples: Moses, Jesus)
- Testimony: General pastors spread the message of the promised pastor and the new covenant.
- The Cycle Continues: This pattern repeats throughout history, culminating in the final recreation at the time of Revelation.
The source emphasizes that we are currently living in the time leading up to the fulfillment of Revelation, making understanding these concepts crucial for believers today.
Cast of Characters:
Biblical Figures:
- Adam and Eve: The first humans created by God, placed in the Garden of Eden. They broke God’s covenant by eating from the forbidden tree.
- Noah: A righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood. God established a new covenant with Noah and his family, symbolized by the rainbow.
- Abraham: The patriarch of the Israelites, with whom God made a covenant promising numerous descendants and a land of their own.
- Moses: A prophet and leader who received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai, establishing a new covenant with the Israelites.
- Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel: Major prophets of the Old Testament who received visions and prophecies from God, foretelling future events including the coming of the Messiah.
- Jesus: The promised Messiah, who fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. He established a new covenant through his sacrifice on the cross.
- Peter, James, John, Paul: Apostles who were disciples of Jesus and played key roles in spreading the gospel message.
- Pharisees and Sadducees: Religious leaders in Jesus’ time who opposed his teachings and represented false pastors.
- The 144,000: Symbolically represent believers who will play a special role during the time of Revelation, specifically as general pastors who will teach and guide others.
- The New John: A figure prophesied to appear at the time of Revelation, similar to John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus. This New John will eat the open scroll from heaven and testify to the fulfillment of Revelation.
Other Individuals:
- Satan: A fallen angel who rebelled against God. He represents the source of heresy and works to corrupt and deceive humanity.
- The Evangelist: A person mentioned in the closing remarks, likely a fellow believer who shares the speaker’s understanding of the Bible and its prophecies.
Important Concepts Personified:
- Orthodoxy: Represents true and sound teachings, contrasted with heresy.
- Heresy: Represents false and erroneous beliefs, originating from Satan’s rebellion against God.
Overview
Overview
Main Themes:
- Discerning Truth: The importance of seeking truth, overcoming personal biases, and recognizing true teachings even when labeled as “cult” or “sect.”
- Creation and Recreation: Understanding the cyclical nature of God’s creation, its corruption, and God’s subsequent act of recreating through covenants with his chosen people.
- Prophecy and Fulfillment: God’s pattern of revealing his plan through prophecy and subsequently fulfilling it through chosen servants. This cycle culminates in Revelation, marking the final recreation.
- Four Types of Pastors: Recognizing the roles of different types of pastors: pastors of prophecy, promised pastors, general pastors, and false pastors. Understanding their purpose and impact on spreading God’s message.
- Qualifications for Heaven at the Second Coming: Identifying the six key qualifications: being born of God’s seed, being harvested, being sealed, belonging to one of the 12 tribes, not adding or subtracting from Revelation, and having one’s name in the book of life.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
- Orthodoxy vs. Heresy:
- Orthodoxy represents true teachings while heresy signifies false beliefs.
- Discerning truth requires attentive listening and cross-referencing with scripture (Acts 24:5).
- Those who fail to discern truth are in a state of woe (Isaiah 5:20).
- Creation and Recreation Cycle:
- God’s creation is not a singular event but a recurring cycle prompted by the corruption of the previous creation.
- God establishes new covenants with his chosen people each time He recreates (Genesis 9, Jeremiah 31:31-32, Hosea 6:7).
- God’s final recreation will occur at the time of revelation (Hebrews 8:10-12).
- Prophecy and Fulfillment Process:
- God reveals his plan through prophecy to his chosen prophets (Amos 3:7, Hosea 12:10).
- God then sends a promised pastor to fulfill the prophecy and testify to its fulfillment (John 5:39).
- Examples of promised pastors include Moses, Jesus, and the New John (figure prophesied in Revelation).
- Four Types of Pastors:
- Pastors of prophecy: Foretell the future (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel).
- Promised pastors: Fulfill prophecy and provide testimony (Moses, Jesus, New John).
- General pastors: Testify about the promised pastor and spread the gospel (disciples, Apostle Paul, 144,000).
- False pastors: Hinder truth and spread lies (Pharisees, Sadducees, false teachers in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
- Six Qualifications for Heaven at the Second Coming:
- Be born of God’s seed (1 Peter 1:23).
- Be harvested at the end of the age (Matthew 13:24-30, Revelation 14:14-16).
- Be sealed with God’s word (Revelation 7:2-3).
- Belong to one of the 12 spiritual tribes (Revelation 7:4-9).
- Do not add or subtract from Revelation (Revelation 22:18-19).
- Have your name written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 21:27).
Key Quotes:
- “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20)
- “God is not a man that he should lie. … Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19)
- “He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 21:6)
- “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” (John 5:39)
- “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
Post-Video Insights:
- The struggles of the early Christians, particularly the martyrs, serve as inspiration for perseverance in faith.
- Gratitude for the sacrifices of those who came before, who planted the seeds of faith that we benefit from today.
- Recognizing the danger of complacency and the need to overcome comfort to remain steadfast in our faith journey.
Overall Message:
The lesson emphasizes the need for diligently seeking truth, recognizing God’s pattern of creation and recreation, understanding the role of prophecy and fulfillment, and striving to meet the qualifications for entering heaven at the second coming. It encourages a mindset of perseverance and overcoming, inspired by the sacrifices of those who came before us.
Q&A
Q&A
1. What is the main focus of the Intermediate Level?
The Intermediate Level focuses on the end of the cycle of creation and recreation, exploring how God works, where He works, who He works through, and what He does. This level will bring us closer to understanding the fulfillment of Revelation by examining God’s pattern of prophecy and fulfillment, the role of different types of pastors, and the qualifications for entering Heaven at the Second Coming.
2. What is the significance of creation and recreation in the Bible?
Creation and recreation are recurring themes in the Bible, highlighting God’s continuous work throughout history. When humanity breaks the covenant with God, corruption enters creation, necessitating recreation. God establishes new covenants, restarts the process of creation, and ultimately seeks a people who will remain faithful. This process culminates in the final recreation at the time of Revelation, marking the end of this cycle.
3. How does God communicate His plan of creation and recreation?
God reveals His plan through prophecy and fulfillment. He speaks to prophets through visions, dreams, and parables, instructing them to record these messages for future generations. These prophecies point towards a promised pastor who will ultimately fulfill them, ushering in an era of recreation and a new covenant.
4. What are the four types of pastors described in the Bible?
- Pastors of Prophecy: These individuals, like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, receive God’s word about the future and record it for future generations. They also prophesy about the coming of the promised pastor.
- Promised Pastor: This individual fulfills prophecy and provides testimony, explaining the scriptures and revealing God’s plan. Moses, Jesus, and the New John at the time of Revelation’s fulfillment are examples of promised pastors.
- General Pastors: These individuals testify about the promised pastor who has come, spreading the gospel and teaching others. Examples include the disciples, Apostle Paul, and the 144,000 at the time of the Second Coming.
- False Pastors: Representing Satan’s influence, these individuals hinder and lie, leading people away from the truth and God’s plan. The Pharisees and Sadducees during Jesus’ time are examples of false pastors.
5. What are the six qualifications for entering Heaven at the Second Coming?
- Be born of God’s Seed: This refers to being born again through the imperishable word of God, receiving His truth and allowing it to transform one’s life.
- Be Harvested: This signifies being gathered into God’s kingdom at the end of the age, as described in the harvest imagery of Matthew 13 and Revelation 14.
- Be Sealed: This involves receiving the seal of God, representing the placement of His word into one’s heart and signifying belonging to Him, as described in Revelation 7.
- Belong to one of the 12 Tribes: This denotes belonging to the new spiritual 12 tribes of Israel, which encompasses both the 144,000 and the great multitude described in Revelation 7. Anyone who hears and accepts God’s word can become part of these spiritual tribes.
- Do not add or subtract from Revelation: This emphasizes the importance of adhering to the prophecy of Revelation without altering or ignoring its message, as warned in Revelation 22:18-19.
- Have your name written in the Lamb’s book of life: This signifies being recognized by God and granted eternal life, as stated in Revelation 21:27.
6. Why is it important to avoid adding to or subtracting from Revelation?
Revelation 22:18-19 warns against altering the prophecy by adding personal interpretations or omitting parts of the text. Doing so risks incurring God’s judgment and forfeiting the blessings of eternal life. Instead, we should focus on understanding the fulfillment of Revelation as it unfolds and rely on the testimony of those who witness it.
7. How do the six qualifications relate to verses like John 3:16 and Romans 10:13?
The six qualifications expand upon the foundational principles of salvation found in verses like John 3:16 and Romans 10:13. Believing in Jesus encompasses not only accepting His sacrifice but also having faith in His words, including those concerning His second coming and the requirements for entering His kingdom. The six qualifications provide a more comprehensive understanding of what it means to truly follow Jesus in preparation for His return.
8. What can we learn from the struggles of early Christians and the analogy of the plant growing in difficult conditions?
The challenges faced by early Christians, who endured persecution and martyrdom, highlight the unwavering faith and perseverance required to spread the gospel. Their efforts, like the plant struggling to grow, symbolize the resilience needed to cultivate God’s kingdom. We should be inspired by their dedication and strive to overcome our own complacency and comfort to faithfully follow God’s will, knowing that our efforts contribute to the fulfillment of His promises.