Analyzing Shincheonji Lesson 69: “The 8 Steps of the Logical Order of Creation and Recreation”

A Critical Examination Using “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story”

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Introduction: The Master Template

Lesson 69 represents the crown jewel of Shincheonji’s indoctrination curriculum. This is where all the previous lessons converge into a comprehensive interpretive system that will govern how students understand all of Scripture—and ultimately, how they view SCJ’s claims.

The instructor is essentially saying: “I’m about to give you the secret decoder ring for the entire Bible.” This lesson presents what SCJ calls the “8 Steps of Creation and Recreation”—a pattern they claim repeats throughout Scripture and is currently being fulfilled through their organization.

As Chapter 3 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” warns, the lens through which we view Scripture determines everything we see. This lesson installs the most comprehensive lens yet—one that makes SCJ appear as the inevitable, prophesied fulfillment of a pattern established “since the creation of the world.”

The instructor’s stated goal is to help students “belong to the recreated kingdom at the time of the Second Coming.” But what’s actually happening is the construction of an elaborate interpretive framework that:

1. Reinterprets Genesis as prophecy rather than history
2. Creates a repeating pattern that requires SCJ for fulfillment
3. Makes questioning this framework appear as rejecting God’s plan

This is sophisticated theological manipulation. Let’s examine it carefully.

For additional refutation resources, check CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section, which provides detailed analysis of SCJ’s interpretive methods.

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Part 1: The Foundation – “End from the Beginning”

The Core Teaching

What the Lesson Says:

The instructor uses Isaiah 46:10 as the foundation:

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.”

He explains:

• “The end and the beginning are intimately tied together”
• “Certain things that happen in the beginning cannot be fully understood until the end”
• “When God speaks about the past and when He speaks about the future, He uses the same language: parables”
• “Genesis contains parables… some of Genesis is prophecy and fulfillment”
• “This explanation could not have existed before” because “we now exist at the time of the end”

Analysis:

This is the master key of SCJ’s interpretive system. The instructor is claiming that:

1. Genesis is not just history—it’s prophecy in parable form
2. This prophecy couldn’t be understood until now (SCJ’s time)
3. The “8 steps” in Genesis are a pattern that repeats and is being fulfilled through SCJ

Chapter 4 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“The Impact of Interpretive Frameworks”) warns about this exact technique: Once you accept that Genesis is primarily prophecy requiring SCJ’s interpretation, you’ve handed them the keys to reinterpret all of Scripture.

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The Biblical Understanding of Isaiah 46:10

What Does Isaiah 46:10 Actually Teach?

Let’s read Isaiah 46:9-11 in context:

Isaiah 46:9-11: “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.”

The Context:

Isaiah 46 is contrasting the true God with idols. The chapter begins:

Isaiah 46:1-2: “Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary. They stoop and bow down together; unable to rescue the burden, they themselves go off into captivity.”

The Point:

God is saying: “Unlike idols, I can predict the future because I control history. My purposes will stand. What I plan, I accomplish.”

This is a declaration of God’s sovereignty and foreknowledge, not a statement that Genesis is coded prophecy requiring special interpretation 6,000 years later.

What “End from Beginning” Means:

1. God’s Purposes Are Consistent:

Ephesians 1:9-11: “He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”

God’s plan from the beginning has been redemption through Christ. The “end” (Christ) was purposed from the “beginning” (creation).

2. God Announces His Plans in Advance:

Amos 3:7: “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”

God does reveal His plans—but through clear prophetic revelation, not through hidden codes in historical narratives that can only be decoded by one organization.

3. Biblical Prophecy is Verifiable:

Deuteronomy 18:21-22: “You may say to yourselves, ‘How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?’ If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken.”

True prophecy can be tested and verified. If Genesis is prophecy, we should be able to verify its fulfillment objectively, not just through SCJ’s interpretive framework.

Chapter 19 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“When Claims Cannot Be Tested”) addresses this: SCJ’s interpretations are structured to be unfalsifiable—you must accept their framework to “see” the fulfillment.

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The “Genesis as Parable” Claim

What the Lesson Says:

The instructor uses Matthew 13:34-35:

“Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.'”

He concludes:

• “What does that mean about Genesis? What does it contain? Genesis contains parables”
• “Some of Genesis is moral teachings. Some of Genesis is history. But also, some of Genesis is prophecy and fulfillment”

Analysis:

This is a category error. The instructor is confusing:

• What Jesus taught (in parables)
• What Genesis records (historical narrative)

What Matthew 13:35 Actually Means:

Matthew 13:34-35 quotes Psalm 78:2:

Psalm 78:1-4: “My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—what we have heard and known, what our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

Psalm 78 is a historical recounting of Israel’s history (Exodus, wilderness, conquest) told in poetic form to teach spiritual lessons. The “hidden things” are spiritual truths illustrated through history, not coded prophecies.

Jesus’ Use:

When Matthew says Jesus fulfilled this psalm, he means Jesus used parables (stories with spiritual meanings) to teach, just as the psalmist used Israel’s history to teach spiritual lessons.

This does not mean Genesis itself is parable or prophecy. It means:

• Genesis records real history
• That history teaches spiritual truths
• Jesus used parables to teach spiritual truths

The Biblical Genre of Genesis:

Genesis presents itself as historical narrative:

Genesis 2:4: “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created.”

Genesis 5:1: “This is the written account of Adam’s family line.”

Genesis 6:9: “This is the account of Noah and his family.”

The Hebrew word “toledot” (תּוֹלְדוֹת) means “generations” or “account.” Genesis uses this formula repeatedly to structure its historical narrative.

New Testament Treats Genesis as History:

Luke 3:23-38: Luke traces Jesus’ genealogy back to “Adam, the son of God”—treating Adam as a historical person.

Romans 5:12-14: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.”

Paul treats Adam as a historical person whose sin had real historical consequences.

1 Corinthians 15:45: “So it is written: ‘The first man Adam became a living being’; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.”

Paul contrasts the historical Adam with Christ (the “last Adam”).

The Problem with SCJ’s Approach:

If Genesis is primarily parable/prophecy rather than history, then:

• Adam wasn’t a real person → Paul’s theology in Romans 5 collapses
• The Fall didn’t really happen → We don’t need redemption
• Abraham wasn’t real → God’s covenant promises are fiction
• The patriarchs weren’t real → Jesus’ genealogy is meaningless

Chapter 6 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“Consistent vs. Selective Narrative”) exposes this: SCJ selectively reinterprets passages to fit their framework while ignoring how this undermines the biblical narrative.

For more detailed refutation of SCJ’s interpretive methods, see CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section.

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Part 2: The “8 Steps” Framework

The Pattern SCJ Proposes

Creation (4 Steps):

1. Selection of a Pastor
2. Creation of a Kingdom
3. Covenant with the Chosen People
4. Betrayal of the Covenant

Recreation (4 Steps): 5. Destruction/Judgment 6. Salvation (New Pastor) 7. New Kingdom 8. New Covenant

The Claim:

This pattern:

• Was established in Genesis (Adam, Noah)
• Repeated in Exodus (Moses)
• Repeated at Jesus’ first coming
• Is being fulfilled now through SCJ (Lee Man-hee)

Analysis:

This is an imposed pattern, not a biblical one. Let’s examine each step.

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Step 1: “Selection of a Pastor” – Adam

What the Lesson Says:

Genesis 2:6-7: “The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”

The instructor explains:

• “Breath of life” = “Word of life”
• Adam received God’s word
• Therefore, “Adam was a pastor”
• “God gave him the breath of life, which is the word of life. And Adam became a pastor”

The Biblical Reality:

1. “Breath of Life” ≠ “Word of Life”

Genesis 2:7 describes physical creation, not ordination to ministry:

Genesis 7:22: “Everything on dry land that had the breath of life in its nostrils died.”

The same phrase (“breath of life”) is used for animals. Does this mean animals are “pastors”?

Job 33:4: “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

The “breath of life” is what makes creatures physically alive, not what makes them pastors.

2. Adam Was Not a “Pastor”

The concept of “pastor” (shepherd/teacher) as a church office didn’t exist until after Christ:

Ephesians 4:11-12: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Pastors are a New Testament church office, not an Old Testament category.

What Was Adam?

Genesis 1:26-28: “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created mankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'”

Adam was:

• Created in God’s image
• Given dominion over creation
• Called to be fruitful and multiply

He was the first human, not the first “pastor.”

3. The Theological Problem

By making Adam a “pastor,” SCJ is:

• Imposing a church office onto pre-fall creation
• Creating a pattern that requires “pastors” to be selected in each era
• Setting up Lee Man-hee as the “new Adam” (the current “pastor”)

Chapter 7 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“The Hidden Savior: New John”) exposes this pattern: SCJ creates parallels between biblical figures and Lee Man-hee to make him appear essential to God’s plan.

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Step 2: “Creation of a Kingdom” – Garden of Eden

What the Lesson Says:

The instructor uses Isaiah 5:1-7 (the vineyard) to argue:

• The vineyard = house of Israel = people
• Therefore, the Garden of Eden = church
• “Kingdom = Garden of Eden. Garden = Church, the house of the chosen people”

The Biblical Reality:

1. The Garden of Eden Was a Physical Place

Genesis 2:8-14: “Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold… The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.”

The text provides geographical details (four rivers, specific regions) indicating this was a real place, not a metaphor for “church.”

2. Isaiah 5’s Vineyard ≠ Garden of Eden

The instructor commits a logical fallacy:

• Isaiah 5 uses “vineyard” as a metaphor for Israel
• Therefore, all gardens/vineyards in Scripture are metaphors
• Therefore, Eden is a metaphor for church

This is false reasoning. Just because one passage uses vineyard metaphorically doesn’t mean all gardens are metaphors.

Context Determines Meaning:

• Isaiah 5: Clearly metaphorical (verse 7 explicitly states: “The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel”)
• Genesis 2: Clearly historical (geographical details, narrative context)

3. The Church Didn’t Exist in Genesis

Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Jesus said “I will build” (future tense)—the church didn’t exist until after Christ.

Ephesians 3:4-6: “In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.”

The church (Jews and Gentiles united in Christ) was a mystery not revealed in Old Testament times.

The Problem:

By making Eden = church, SCJ is:

• Anachronistically imposing New Testament concepts onto Genesis
• Creating a pattern where each era needs a “kingdom” (organization)
• Setting up SCJ as the current “kingdom”

For more on SCJ’s misuse of typology, check CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section.

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Step 3: “Covenant with the Chosen People”

What the Lesson Says:

Genesis 2:16-17: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will surely die.”

The instructor correctly identifies this as a covenant.

What’s Biblical:

This is accurate. God did establish a covenant with Adam:

Hosea 6:7: “Like Adam, they have broken the covenant—they were unfaithful to me there.”

What’s Problematic:

The lesson emphasizes the conditional nature of the covenant to set up a pattern:

• Covenant given → Covenant broken → Judgment → New covenant

This creates a framework where:

• Every covenant is conditional
• Every covenant gets broken
• Every broken covenant requires a “new pastor” and “new kingdom”
• SCJ is the current “new kingdom” with the “new covenant”

The Biblical Balance:

Some Covenants Are Conditional:

• Mosaic Covenant (blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience)

Some Covenants Are Unconditional:

• Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 15—God alone passes through the pieces)
• Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7—God promises an eternal kingdom)
• New Covenant (Jeremiah 31—based on Christ’s faithfulness, not ours)

The New Covenant is Eternal:

Hebrews 13:20: “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep…”

Hebrews 8:6: “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.”

The New Covenant in Christ is final and eternal, not another step in a cycle.

Chapter 22 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“When Satan Tried to Hijack God’s Plan”) addresses this: God’s plan doesn’t require endless cycles—it was completed in Christ.

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Step 4: “Betrayal of the Covenant” – The Fall

What the Lesson Says:

The instructor will describe how Adam broke the covenant by eating from the forbidden tree, leading to the Fall.

What’s Biblical:

This is accurate. Genesis 3 records the Fall—a real historical event with real consequences.

Romans 5:12: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”

What’s Manipulative:

By fitting the Fall into the “8 steps” pattern, SCJ is:

• Making the Fall appear as just one instance of a repeating cycle
• Minimizing the unique, catastrophic nature of the Fall
• Setting up the expectation that this pattern repeats (requiring SCJ)

The Biblical Reality:

The Fall Was Unique:

Romans 5:18-19: “Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”

Paul presents two unique events:

1. Adam’s sin (brought condemnation)
2. Christ’s righteousness (brought justification)

This is not a repeating cycle. It’s a one-time problem (Fall) with a one-time solution (Christ).

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Part 3: The Recreation Steps (5-8)

The Pattern Continues

The lesson will continue with:

Step 5: Destruction/Judgment (Flood) Step 6: Salvation (New Pastor) (Noah) Step 7: New Kingdom (Noah’s family) Step 8: New Covenant (Rainbow covenant)

Then the pattern repeats:

• Moses (Exodus)
• Jesus (First Coming)
• Lee Man-hee (Second Coming) ← This is where it’s headed

The Problem:

This pattern is imposed, not derived from Scripture. Let’s see why:

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The Noah Example

What SCJ Will Teach:

• Step 5: Judgment (Flood destroys the wicked)
• Step 6: New Pastor (Noah selected)
• Step 7: New Kingdom (Noah’s family)
• Step 8: New Covenant (Rainbow, Genesis 9)

What’s Problematic:

1. Noah Was Not a “Pastor”

Genesis 6:9: “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.”

Noah was:

• Righteous (right standing with God)
• Blameless (lived with integrity)
• Faithful (walked with God)

He was not called to teach or shepherd others. His role was to:

• Build the ark (Genesis 6:14-22)
• Preserve his family (Genesis 7:1)
• Repopulate the earth (Genesis 9:1)

2. Noah’s Family Was Not a “Kingdom”

A kingdom requires:

• A king
• Subjects
• Governance structure
• Territory

Noah’s family was simply a family—eight people surviving the Flood.

3. The Pattern Breaks Down

If we follow SCJ’s logic consistently:

After Noah:

• Who was the next “pastor”? (The pattern should repeat)
• When did Noah’s “kingdom” fall into “betrayal”?
• Where’s the next “destruction” and “new pastor”?

The pattern doesn’t actually repeat in the way SCJ claims. They’re selectively choosing examples that fit while ignoring the many that don’t.

Chapter 6 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” warns about selective narratives: SCJ picks and chooses which biblical figures fit their pattern while ignoring the rest.

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The Moses Example

What SCJ Will Teach:

• Step 1: New Pastor (Moses)
• Step 2: New Kingdom (Israel)
• Step 3: New Covenant (Law at Sinai)
• Step 4: Betrayal (Golden calf, wilderness rebellion)
• Step 5: Destruction (Exile to Babylon)
• Step 6: Salvation (Return from exile? Or jump to Jesus?)

The Problem:

1. The Timeline Doesn’t Work

From Moses to the Babylonian exile is ~800 years. If this is one “cycle,” the pattern isn’t consistent.

From Adam to Noah is ~1,600 years (per biblical genealogies).

The “cycles” are vastly different lengths, making this not really a pattern.

2. Multiple “Pastors” Exist Simultaneously

During Israel’s history, there were:

• Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.)
• Priests (Levitical priesthood)
• Kings (David, Solomon, etc.)
• Judges (before the monarchy)

If the pattern requires one pastor per era, which one is it? The pattern breaks down.

3. God Never Abandoned Israel

Romans 11:1-2: “I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew.”

Even during exile, God preserved a remnant. The pattern of “complete destruction → new start” doesn’t actually fit Israel’s history.

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The Jesus Example

What SCJ Will Teach:

• Step 1: New Pastor (Jesus)
• Step 2: New Kingdom (Jesus + 12 disciples)
• Step 3: New Covenant (Last Supper)
• Step 4: Betrayal (Church falls away after apostles)
• Step 5: Destruction (Church in “darkness” for 2,000 years)
• Step 6: Salvation (Lee Man-hee)
• Step 7: New Kingdom (SCJ)
• Step 8: New Covenant (SCJ’s “sealing”)

The Problem:

1. Jesus is Unique

Hebrews 1:1-2: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”

Jesus is not another in a series of “pastors.” He is God’s final word, the Son, the Creator.

2. The Church Did Not Fall

Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Jesus promised the church would prevail, not fall into complete darkness.

3. The New Covenant is Final

Hebrews 8:6: “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.”

Hebrews 13:20: “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus…”

The New Covenant is eternal, not another step in a cycle.

Chapter 24-25 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“The Scarlet Thread Parts 1 & 2”) demonstrates that all biblical covenants point to and are fulfilled in Christ—there’s no need for another covenant through SCJ.

For detailed examination of SCJ’s covenant theology, see CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section.

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Part 4: Psychological Manipulation Techniques

Technique #1: The “Secret Knowledge” Appeal

Examples from the Lesson:

• “I’m telling you, if you really understand this part, it will unlock more parts of the Bible for you”
• “This content is so, so important”
• “You will not have heard before, but that’s because we now exist at the time of the end”
• “This explanation could not have existed before”
• “I remember the first time I heard this, I was like, no way”

Analysis:

This creates:

• Sense of privilege (“You’re learning secrets others don’t know”)
• Dependence on the group (“Only here can I learn this”)
• Superiority over outsiders (“They can’t understand because they’re not at the end”)
• Excitement and emotional investment (“This is profound! Mind-blowing!”)

Chapter 11 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“The Wisdom of Hiding”) documents how SCJ uses exclusive knowledge claims to control members.

Biblical Response:

Colossians 2:2-3: “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

All treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ, not in a secret interpretive system.

2 Corinthians 4:2: “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Truth is plain, not hidden in secret patterns only one group can decode.

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Technique #2: Redefining Biblical Terms

Examples from the Lesson:

• “Breath of life” = “Word of life”
• Adam = “Pastor”
• Garden of Eden = “Church”
• Kingdom = “Organization”
• Covenant = “Organizational membership”

Analysis:

This is linguistic hijacking. By redefining biblical terms with SCJ-specific meanings, the group:

• Makes their teaching sound biblical
• Prevents meaningful communication with outsiders
• Creates a private language that reinforces group identity
• Makes it harder to recognize manipulation

Chapter 4 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” explains how interpretive frameworks shape everything we see. Once these redefinitions are accepted, students will “see” SCJ in every biblical passage.

Biblical Response:

Words have meanings determined by:

• Context (how the author uses the word)
• Grammar (Hebrew/Greek structure)
• Historical setting (cultural background)
• Canonical context (how the word is used elsewhere in Scripture)

We don’t get to redefine biblical terms to fit our theology. We must submit to what Scripture actually says.

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Technique #3: Pattern Recognition

How It Works:

The lesson establishes a pattern:

1. Present a framework (8 steps)
2. Show it in Genesis (Adam, Noah)
3. Show it in Exodus (Moses)
4. Show it in Gospels (Jesus)
5. Imply it’s happening now (SCJ)

Analysis:

Once this pattern is accepted, SCJ appears as the inevitable next step. Students feel they’ve “discovered” this through Bible study, not realizing the pattern was constructed to lead to this conclusion.

Chapter 4 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” explains how interpretive frameworks work: The framework determines what you see.

The Problem:

This pattern is imposed, not derived:

• It requires redefining biblical terms
• It ignores examples that don’t fit
• It collapses vastly different time periods and contexts
• It contradicts explicit biblical teaching (e.g., New Covenant is eternal)

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Technique #4: Urgency and Exclusivity

Examples:

• “Our hope is to belong to the recreated kingdom at the time of the second coming”
• “We now exist at the time of the end”
• “This explanation could not have existed before”
• “Things can start being fulfilled, though Jesus is not clearly here yet, but we know that he’s getting closer”

Analysis:

This creates:

• Urgency (“This is happening now!”)
• Exclusivity (“Only we understand this!”)
• Fear of missing out (“You need to be part of this!”)
• Time pressure (“The end is near!”)

Chapter 12 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” warns about urgency tactics that prevent careful discernment.

Biblical Response:

2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

God is patient, not rushing people into decisions.

Acts 1:7: “He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.'”

We’re not supposed to calculate “the end” or create urgency based on timelines.

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Technique #5: Incremental Commitment

The Pattern:

By Lesson 69, students have:

• Completed months of classes
• Taken multiple tests
• Memorized verses
• Invested significant time and energy
• Built relationships with SCJ members
• Distanced from family/church who express concerns

Analysis:

This is the sunk cost fallacy: “I’ve invested so much, I can’t stop now.”

The instructor even says: “You didn’t come this far to only come this far, right? Let’s finish. You’re on the way.”

Chapter 12 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” addresses this: The longer you stay, the harder it becomes to leave—not because the teaching is true, but because you’ve invested so much.

Biblical Response:

Proverbs 14:15: “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”

Wisdom means being willing to change course when you discover you’re on the wrong path, regardless of how much you’ve invested.

Philippians 3:7-8: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”

Paul was willing to count his investments as loss when he discovered the truth in Christ.

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Part 5: What the Lesson Gets Right (And How to Respond)

Legitimate Biblical Truths:

The lesson does reference some genuine biblical truths:

1. God is sovereign over history (Isaiah 46:10) ✓
2. God establishes covenants (Genesis 2:16-17, 9:8-17) ✓
3. Sin has consequences (Genesis 3, 6) ✓
4. God judges sin (The Flood) ✓
5. God provides salvation (Noah’s ark) ✓

The Proper Response:

Use these same biblical truths to evaluate SCJ:

1. God is sovereign—and His plan doesn’t require SCJ:

Isaiah 46:10-11: “I make known the end from the beginning… What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.”

God’s plan is Christ, not SCJ.

Ephesians 1:9-10: “He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”

2. God establishes covenants—and the New Covenant is final:

Hebrews 8:6: “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.”

There’s no need for another covenant through SCJ.

3. Sin has consequences—but Christ paid the penalty:

Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Peter 3:18: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”

4. God judges sin—but believers are secure in Christ:

Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

John 5:24: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”

5. God provides salvation—and it’s complete in Christ:

Hebrews 7:25: “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

John 19:30: “It is finished.”

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Part 6: Red Flags in This Lesson

🚩 Red Flag #1: Reinterpreting History as Prophecy

What to Watch For:

• Claiming Genesis is primarily prophecy, not history
• Teaching that historical events are “parables” requiring special interpretation
• Arguing that these interpretations were impossible until now

Why It Matters:

If Genesis isn’t reliable history, then:

• Paul’s theology collapses (Romans 5 depends on historical Adam)
• Jesus’ genealogy is meaningless (Luke 3)
• God’s covenant promises are uncertain (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)

Biblical Response:

Romans 5:12: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”

Paul treats Adam as historical, not parabolic.

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🚩 Red Flag #2: Creating Imposed Patterns

What to Watch For:

• Establishing patterns not explicitly taught in Scripture
• Requiring redefinition of biblical terms to make the pattern work
• Ignoring examples that don’t fit the pattern

Why It Matters:

Imposed patterns can make anything appear biblical if you redefine terms enough.

Biblical Response:

2 Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

“Correctly handling” means respecting what Scripture actually says, not imposing patterns onto it.

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🚩 Red Flag #3: Claiming Exclusive Understanding

What to Watch For:

• “This couldn’t be understood until now”
• “Only we can explain this”
• “You’re privileged to learn these secrets”

Why It Matters:

1 John 2:27: “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.”

All believers have the Holy Spirit to guide them. We don’t need one organization’s exclusive interpretation.

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🚩 Red Flag #4: Minimizing Christ’s Uniqueness

What to Watch For:

• Treating Jesus as just another “pastor” in a series
• Implying His work needs completion through another figure
• Creating parallels between Jesus and Lee Man-hee

Why It Matters:

Hebrews 1:1-3: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”

Jesus is unique—God’s final word, not one in a series.

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🚩 Red Flag #5: Creating Urgency and Pressure

What to Watch For:

• “We’re at the time of the end”
• “You’ve come so far, don’t stop now”
• “This is happening now”

Why It Matters:

Proverbs 19:2: “Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!”

Urgency prevents careful discernment.

For more red flags and warning signs, check CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section.

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Part 7: Questions for Reflection

If you’re studying with Shincheonji or considering their teaching, ask yourself:

About the Pattern:

1. Does this “8 steps” pattern appear explicitly in Scripture, or is it imposed onto Scripture?
2. Does the pattern require redefining biblical terms (breath of life, pastor, kingdom, etc.)?
3. Are there biblical examples that don’t fit this pattern? If so, why are they ignored?

About Genesis:

4. Does the New Testament treat Genesis as history (Romans 5, Luke 3) or as parable?
5. If Genesis is primarily prophecy, what does that mean for the historical reliability of Scripture?
6. Can I verify SCJ’s interpretation of Genesis with Christian scholars outside their organization?

About Christ:

7. Does the Bible teach that Jesus is one in a series of “pastors,” or that He is unique (Hebrews 1:1-3)?
8. Is the New Covenant eternal (Hebrews 13:20), or is it another step in a cycle?
9. Does Christ’s work need completion through Lee Man-hee, or is it finished (John 19:30)?

About Testing:

10. Am I encouraged to test these teachings with outside sources, or only within SCJ’s framework?
11. Can I talk to pastors, former members, and Christian scholars about these claims?
12. Am I being given time to carefully consider, or am I being pressured to continue?

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Part 8: A Biblical Alternative

What the Bible Actually Teaches:

1. Genesis is Reliable History:

Luke 3:23-38: Luke traces Jesus’ genealogy to “Adam, the son of God”

Romans 5:12-19: Paul’s theology depends on historical Adam

1 Corinthians 15:45: “The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit”

2. God’s Plan is Consistent, Not Cyclical:

Ephesians 1:9-11: “He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”

God’s plan has always been Christ, not cycles of pastors and kingdoms.

3. Christ is Unique:

Hebrews 1:1-3: “In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son… The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being”

Jesus is not one in a series—He is God’s final word.

4. The New Covenant is Final:

Hebrews 8:6: “The ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.”

Hebrews 13:20: “The God of peace… through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus”

5. Salvation is Complete in Christ:

John 19:30: “It is finished.”

Hebrews 10:14: “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”

Colossians 2:10: “And in Christ you have been brought to fullness.”

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Part 9: For Those Who Are Concerned

If You’re Studying with SCJ:

Take Time:

• Don’t let the “8 steps” pattern pressure you
• This is an imposed pattern, not a biblical one
• God is patient (2 Peter 3:9)

Seek Multiple Perspectives:

• Talk to trusted Christians outside SCJ
• Ask pastors about Genesis interpretation
• Read about biblical hermeneutics (interpretation principles)
• Research independently

Test the Claims:

• Does Genesis present itself as history or prophecy?
• Does the New Testament treat Genesis as history?
• Is there biblical basis for the “8 steps” pattern?
• Can this interpretation be verified outside SCJ?

Ask Questions:

• Why does this pattern require redefining biblical terms?
• Why are examples that don’t fit the pattern ignored?
• If Christ is unique (Hebrews 1:1-3), how can He be one in a series?
• Why couldn’t Christians understand this for 2,000 years if the Holy Spirit guides believers (John 16:13)?

Resources:

• Chapter 27 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“Your Investigation Begins”)
• Chapter 28 (“Hope and Help”)
• CloserLookInitiative.com (especially the SCJ Examination section)

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If Someone You Love is Involved:

Stay Connected:

• Don’t cut off relationship
• Express love and concern
• Ask questions about the “8 steps” teaching

Educate Yourself:

• Study Genesis in context
• Understand biblical interpretation principles
• Learn about the New Covenant’s finality

Pray:

• For wisdom in conversations
• For the Holy Spirit to reveal truth
• For protection from deception

Seek Support:

• Connect with other families
• Consider consulting with a pastor or Christian counselor
• Don’t handle this alone

Resources:

• Chapter 28 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims”
• CloserLookInitiative.com (SCJ Examination section)
• Local cult awareness resources

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Conclusion: The Real Pattern

Lesson 69 presents the “8 Steps of Creation and Recreation” as the secret pattern governing all of Scripture. But the Bible presents a different pattern:

The Biblical Pattern:

Creation → Fall → Promise (Genesis 3:15) → Progressive Revelation → Christ → Consummation

This is linear, not cyclical:

• Creation: God creates all things good (Genesis 1-2)
• Fall: Humanity rebels, bringing sin and death (Genesis 3)
• Promise: God promises a Redeemer who will crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15)
• Progressive Revelation: God reveals His plan through covenants, prophets, and history
• Christ: The promised Redeemer comes, dies, rises, accomplishes redemption (Gospels)
• Consummation: Christ returns, judges, renews all things (Revelation 21-22)

This is not a cycle. It’s a story with a beginning, middle, and end—all centered on Christ.

Galatians 4:4-5: “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”

Ephesians 1:9-10: “He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”

Hebrews 1:1-2: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”

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A Final Word:

If you’re studying this lesson, you’re being told that understanding the Bible requires accepting the “8 steps” pattern. But the Bible presents a simpler, more beautiful truth:

All of Scripture points to Christ.

Luke 24:27: “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”

John 5:39: “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.”

You don’t need:

• Secret patterns
• Redefined terms
• Exclusive interpretations
• Organizational membership

You need Jesus.

Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

True freedom is found in Christ alone.

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For additional resources and detailed refutation of SCJ’s interpretive methods, visit CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section.

May God grant you wisdom, discernment, and courage as you seek truth.

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This analysis is provided in the spirit of Jude 22-23: “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

For more resources, see “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” (Chapters 1-30), CloserLookInitiative.com, and the SCJ Examination section.