Analysis of Shincheonji Lesson 96: “Preparing for Jesus’ Return”

Using the Framework from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story”

Introduction

This analysis examines Shincheonji (SCJ) Lesson 96 through the biblical and discernment lenses developed in the 30-chapter series “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story.” This lesson is particularly significant as it marks the transition point before students begin studying Revelation itself—the moment when SCJ intensifies control mechanisms and reveals more of their exclusive claims.

The lesson uses the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) as a framework to establish fear, urgency, and dependency on SCJ’s organization. It also introduces stricter requirements (punctuality, cameras on, increased meeting frequency) under the guise of “preparing for Jesus’ return.”

For additional resources and detailed refutations of SCJ doctrine, please visit the Shincheonji Examination at closerlookinitiative.com.

Part 1: The “Yeast of Heaven” – The Recreation Doctrine

SCJ’s Opening Statement

The lesson begins with a troubling theological claim:

“Have you been created according to the new covenant, Revelation? Only those who are created according to the New Testament Revelation can enter heaven… Simply saying ‘I believe’ does not guarantee entry into heaven… One must be born again and recreated according to Revelation to enter heaven.”

The Seven Criteria for Entry

The evangelist then lists seven requirements:

1. Be harvested
2. Be sealed
3. Have the lamp and the oil
4. Be registered among the 12 tribes of new spiritual Israel
5. Have your name in the book of life
6. [Two criteria not explicitly listed but implied: join SCJ and follow their leader]

Biblical Response

This is a false gospel that contradicts the entire New Testament.

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

John 3:16 – “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.”

Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Acts 16:31 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

1 John 5:11-13 – “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Notice the simplicity of the biblical gospel:

• Believe in Jesus Christ
• Confess Him as Lord
• Trust in His death and resurrection
• Receive eternal life as a gift

SCJ adds:

• Organizational membership
• Passing tests
• Being “harvested” by their group
• Being “sealed” through their process
• Registration in their “12 tribes”
• Meeting their specific requirements

This is exactly what Paul warned against in Galatians:

Galatians 1:6-9 – “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”

Galatians 3:1-3 – “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?”

The “Simply Saying ‘I Believe’ Doesn’t Guarantee Entry” Heresy

This directly contradicts Jesus’ own words:

John 6:47 – “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.”

John 11:25-26 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'”

John 20:31 – “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

1 John 5:1 – “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.”

The entire Gospel of John was written to show that belief in Jesus is sufficient for salvation.

The “Recreated According to Revelation” Error

Biblical new birth/recreation happens through:

John 3:3-8 – “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’ ‘How can someone be born when they are old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again.” The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.'”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

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.”

New birth happens through:

1. The Holy Spirit (John 3:5-8)
2. Faith in Christ (1 John 5:1)
3. The Word of God (1 Peter 1:23)
4. God’s mercy (Titus 3:5)

Not through:

1. Joining an organization
2. Understanding specific interpretations of Revelation
3. Being “harvested” by a group
4. Passing tests

Part 2: The Matthew 7:21-23 Manipulation

SCJ’s Use of This Passage

The evangelist quotes Matthew 7:21-23 to suggest that simply believing or saying “Lord, Lord” isn’t enough—you need to meet their seven criteria.

The Full Context

Let’s read Matthew 7:21-23 in context:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'”

What Jesus Is Actually Warning Against

1. Religious Performance Without Relationship

The people Jesus rejects were doing impressive religious works:

• Prophesying in His name
• Driving out demons in His name
• Performing miracles in His name

But Jesus says, “I never knew you.”

The issue isn’t lack of works—it’s lack of relationship.

John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

2. Doing Works in Jesus’ Name Without Actually Following Jesus

These people used Jesus’ name but didn’t actually know Him or follow Him.

Matthew 7:24-27 (the very next verses) clarifies what Jesus means:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

“Doing the will of the Father” means:

• Hearing Jesus’ words
• Putting them into practice
• Building your life on His teaching
• Having a genuine relationship with Him

Not:

• Joining a specific organization
• Passing doctrinal tests
• Being “harvested” by a group
• Meeting organizational requirements

3. The Broader Context of Matthew 7

Matthew 7:15-20 (just before this passage) warns about false prophets:

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23):

• Love, joy, peace
• Patience, kindness, goodness
• Faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

The fruit of false teaching:

• Fear and anxiety
• Control and manipulation
• Isolation from other believers
• Spiritual pride
• Exhaustion and burnout

Which fruit is SCJ producing in students’ lives?

The Irony

SCJ uses Matthew 7:21-23 to argue that belief isn’t enough—you need their organizational requirements. But this passage actually warns against the very thing SCJ does: adding requirements to the simple gospel of faith in Christ.

Part 3: Deconstructing the Parable of the Ten Virgins

SCJ’s Interpretation

SCJ teaches that:

• Lamp = The word (correct)
• Oil = The word of testimony (their specific teaching)
• Oil sellers = The two witnesses (their leader and a betrayer)
• Wise virgins = Those who join SCJ and receive their teaching
• Foolish virgins = Christians who don’t join SCJ

Biblical Interpretation

1. The Context of Matthew 25:1-13

This parable is part of Jesus’ teaching about readiness for His return. Let’s look at the context:

Matthew 24:36 – “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Matthew 24:42 – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

Matthew 24:44 – “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

The theme is: Be ready because you don’t know when Jesus will return.

2. What Do the Symbols Represent?

The Ten Virgins:

• All were waiting for the bridegroom (all professed to be believers)
• All had lamps (all had some knowledge/profession of faith)
• Five had oil, five didn’t (some were genuinely prepared, some weren’t)

The Oil:

While SCJ claims oil represents their specific “word of testimony,” let’s look at what oil represents biblically:

Zechariah 4:2-6 – “He asked me, ‘What do you see?’ I answered, ‘I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps. Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.’ I asked the angel who talked with me, ‘What are these, my lord?’ He answered, ‘Do you not know what these are?’ ‘No, my lord,’ I replied. So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the LORD Almighty.'”

Oil represents the Holy Spirit.

1 Samuel 16:13 – “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David.”

Luke 4:18 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.”

1 John 2:20, 27 – “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth… 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.”

The oil represents the Holy Spirit’s presence and anointing, not organizational teaching.

3. The Key Difference

The wise virgins were prepared—they had a genuine relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.

The foolish virgins had external religion but lacked genuine spiritual life.

This is the same distinction Jesus makes throughout the Gospels:

Matthew 23:27-28 – “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”

4. The Warning

Matthew 25:13 – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

The point of the parable:

• Be genuinely prepared spiritually
• Don’t rely on external religion
• Maintain your relationship with God
• Be ready at all times

Not:

• Join a specific organization
• Learn their specific interpretations
• Depend on their “oil sellers”
• Pass their tests

5. The “I Don’t Know You” Statement

Matthew 25:12 – “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.'”

This echoes Matthew 7:23 – “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'”

The issue is relationship, not information.

John 10:14 – “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”

John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Knowing Jesus is about:

• Personal relationship
• Following His voice
• Trusting in Him
• Being known by Him

Not about:

• Mastering doctrinal systems
• Organizational membership
• Passing tests
• Learning secret interpretations

Part 4: The “Two Witnesses” Deception

SCJ’s Teaching

SCJ identifies the “oil sellers” as the “two witnesses” from Revelation 11, claiming:

• One is their leader (“New John”)
• The other is “the reed” who betrayed
• They alone can provide the “oil” (word of testimony)

Biblical Response

1. The Two Witnesses in Revelation 11

Let’s read the full passage (Revelation 11:3-12):

“And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They are ‘the two olive trees’ and the two lampstands, and ‘they stand before the Lord of the earth.’ If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.

Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.

But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’ And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.”

Key Characteristics of the Two Witnesses:

1. They prophesy for 1,260 days (3.5 years)
2. They are clothed in sackcloth (sign of mourning/repentance)
3. Fire comes from their mouths to devour enemies
4. They have power to shut up the heavens (like Elijah)
5. They have power to turn waters to blood (like Moses)
6. They are killed by the beast from the Abyss
7. Their bodies lie in the street for 3.5 days
8. They are resurrected and ascend to heaven
9. Their testimony is public – the whole world sees them

Has SCJ’s leader:

• Prophesied for exactly 1,260 days?
• Worn sackcloth?
• Called down fire from heaven?
• Shut up the heavens so it doesn’t rain?
• Turned water to blood?
• Been killed and resurrected?
• Ascended to heaven while enemies watched?

No. None of these things have happened.

2. The Historical/Symbolic Interpretation

Most biblical scholars understand the two witnesses as either:

A. Literal Future Prophets

• Two individuals who will appear during the tribulation
• Will have miraculous powers like Moses and Elijah
• Will be martyred and resurrected
• Will be seen by the whole world

B. Symbolic Representation

• The witnessing church throughout history
• The Old and New Testaments
• The Law and the Prophets
• Moses and Elijah (representing Law and Prophets)

Either way, this is not about a Korean religious leader in the 20th/21st century.

3. The “Reed” Interpretation

SCJ claims the “reed” mentioned in Revelation 11:1 is a person with weak faith who betrays.

Revelation 11:1 – “I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, ‘Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers.'”

A reed/measuring rod is a tool for measurement, not a person.

Ezekiel 40:3 – “He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze; he was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand.”

The reed is used to measure the temple, separating what is holy from what is not. It’s a tool, not a character in the narrative.

4. The Oil Sellers

In the parable (Matthew 25:9), the wise virgins tell the foolish ones:

“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'”

This is not a prophecy about specific people. It’s part of the parable’s narrative to show:

1. You can’t borrow someone else’s spiritual preparation
2. You must have your own relationship with God
3. There comes a point when it’s too late to prepare

The “oil sellers” are not literal people to identify. They’re part of the parable’s story structure.

If we must find spiritual meaning, “those who sell oil” could represent:

• Ministers who preach the gospel
• The church that offers spiritual nourishment
• The Word of God that provides spiritual life

But it’s not a coded reference to specific individuals in a Korean organization.

Part 5: The Lamp vs. Oil Distinction Manipulation

SCJ’s Teaching

The instructor makes a distinction:

• Lamp (word) = Knowing that 7 heads and 10 horns = 7 pastors and 10 authorities
• Oil (testimony) = Knowing their names, when and where they appeared

The Problem

This creates a false dependency on SCJ’s organization for salvation.

The message is: “You can know the Bible (lamp), but without our specific organizational information (oil), you’re not prepared for Jesus’ return.”

Biblical Response

1. What Does the Bible Say We Need to Know for Salvation?

John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

1 Corinthians 2:2 – “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

Philippians 3:8-10 – “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 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”

Salvation requires knowing:

• God the Father
• Jesus Christ
• His death and resurrection
• The gospel message

Not:

• Names of specific pastors in Korea
• Dates of organizational events
• Locations of internal conflicts
• Insider information about one group

2. The Sufficiency of Scripture

2 Timothy 3:15-17 – “And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Scripture alone makes us:

• Wise for salvation
• Thoroughly equipped
• Ready for every good work

We don’t need:

• Organizational insider information
• Secret knowledge about internal conflicts
• Names and dates of Korean pastors

3. What Jesus Said We Need

John 6:28-29 – “Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’ Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'”

Simple. Believe in Jesus.

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

Jesus is the way, not an organization.

Part 6: The Psychological Control Mechanisms

As Outlined in Chapters 10-16 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims”

This lesson demonstrates multiple control techniques:

1. Fear-Based Motivation

Statements that create fear:

• “Simply saying ‘I believe’ does not guarantee entry into heaven”
• “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire”
• “Add and subtract from Revelation = hell”
• “The foolish ones run out of oil and are left outside”
• “The door was shut”

Biblical Contrast:

1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

Romans 8:15 – “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.”

2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

God’s motivation is love, not fear.

2. Moving Goalposts

The progression:

• First: Just come study the Bible
• Then: You need to understand parables
• Then: You need to pass tests
• Then: You need to be “harvested”
• Then: You need to be “sealed”
• Then: You need to register in the 12 tribes
• Then: You need your name in the book of life
• Now: You need to attend 4 days a week
• Next: You need to be on time with camera on
• Future: You need to recruit others, attend more events, etc.

The requirements keep increasing. You’re never “done.”

Biblical Contrast:

John 19:30 – “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Jesus’ work is finished. Our salvation is complete in Him.

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

3. Time Intensification

The lesson announces:

• Adding a 4th day of class per week
• Stricter attendance requirements
• Camera must be on
• Must be on time or locked out
• Implied expectation of even more time commitment

The Pattern:

As students get deeper, time requirements increase:

• Phase 1: 3 days/week
• Phase 2: 4 days/week
• Phase 3: Additional “education” and training
• Phase 4: Recruiting activities
• Phase 5: Full-time involvement

This is classic cult behavior: gradually increasing time commitment until the organization controls most of your life.

Biblical Contrast:

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus’ yoke is easy and His burden is light.

4. Isolation Through Increased Commitment

By requiring:

• 4 days/week attendance
• Strict punctuality
• Camera on (accountability)
• “Heart to overcome” (guilt for missing)
• “Heart to sacrifice”

SCJ is:

• Isolating students from family/friends
• Making it harder to maintain outside relationships
• Creating guilt for having other priorities
• Establishing total control over time and attention

This is spiritual abuse.

5. Guilt and Shame Manipulation

Examples from the lesson:

• “Have you been created according to Revelation?” (implies you’re not saved if you haven’t)
• “Simply saying ‘I believe’ does not guarantee entry” (creates doubt about salvation)
• “The foolish virgins didn’t know they didn’t have enough oil” (implies you might be foolish without realizing it)
• “Satan wants us to scatter, but God wants us to gather” (implies missing class = siding with Satan)
• “Can we do it? Can we gather more? Can we study more?” (implies you’re failing if you can’t)

Biblical Contrast:

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

Romans 8:33-34 – “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

There is no condemnation for those in Christ.

6. The “Hunger and Thirst” Manipulation

The lesson uses Matthew 5:6:

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

To suggest that students should:

• Never have enough study
• Always want more classes
• Feel insatiable desire for their teaching

The Problem:

This verse is about desiring righteousness (right living, holiness), not about obsessive study of one organization’s doctrines.

Furthermore, Jesus promises those who hunger and thirst will be FILLED.

If you’re always hungry and never satisfied, something is wrong.

John 6:35 – “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'”

Jesus satisfies. If you’re perpetually unsatisfied, you’re not feeding on Jesus—you’re feeding on an organization’s teachings.

Part 7: The Stricter Requirements

The Three New Requirements

1. Come to Class on Time (or be locked out)

The stated reason: “The foolish virgins had a habit of being late”

The real reason: Control and compliance training

2. Camera On

The stated reasons:

• Accountability (can’t multitask)
• Instructor can see if you understand

The real reasons:

• Surveillance
• Pressure to conform
• Preventing independent thought
• Creating discomfort with questioning

3. Heart to Overcome

The stated meaning: “Choosing to defeat difficult situations rather than being defeated”

The real meaning:

• Ignore legitimate boundaries
• Sacrifice family/work/health for classes
• Feel guilty for having other priorities
• Override your own discernment

The Psychological Impact

Chapter 14 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” discusses how these requirements:

1. Establish Dominance

• The organization controls when you can enter
• They monitor your behavior (camera on)
• They judge your heart attitude

2. Create Compliance

• Small rules train you to obey larger demands
• Questioning one rule makes you question your “heart to overcome”
• Peer pressure keeps everyone in line

3. Increase Dependency

• More time = less time for outside relationships
• Stricter rules = more focus on pleasing leadership
• Constant monitoring = less independent thinking

4. Test Loyalty

• Who will comply with increasing demands?
• Who will sacrifice more for the organization?
• Who is “truly committed”?

Biblical Response

1. Jesus’ Approach to Rules

Mark 2:27 – “Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'”

Jesus prioritized people over rules.

Matthew 23:4 – “They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.”

Jesus condemned religious leaders who burdened people with rules.

2. The Freedom of the Gospel

Galatians 5:1 – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Colossians 2:20-23 – “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”

3. Healthy Boundaries

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

1 Timothy 5:8 – “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”

God values:

• Balance
• Family responsibilities
• Rest
• Healthy priorities

Not:

• Religious obsession
• Neglecting family
• Exhaustion
• Organizational control

Part 8: The “Mastering Revelation” Requirement

SCJ’s Teaching

The lesson emphasizes:

• “Master the book of Revelation”
• “Add or subtract from Revelation = hell”
• “Master Revelation = Heaven”

Using Revelation 22:18-19:

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this book.”

The Manipulation

The implied message:

• You must master Revelation (through our teaching) to be saved
• If you don’t understand it correctly (our way), you’re adding/subtracting
• Getting it wrong = hell
• Getting it right (our way) = heaven

This creates:

• Fear of misunderstanding
• Dependency on their interpretation
• Belief that salvation requires mastering their system

Biblical Response

1. What Revelation 22:18-19 Actually Means

This warning is about:

• Not adding to or removing from the text of Revelation itself
• Preserving the integrity of the written prophecy
• Not altering the manuscript

Similar warnings appear elsewhere:

Deuteronomy 4:2 – “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.”

Proverbs 30:5-6 – “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”

These warnings are about:

• Preserving Scripture
• Not claiming your interpretations are Scripture
• Not removing parts you don’t like

Not about:

• Understanding every detail correctly
• Agreeing with one organization’s interpretation
• Mastering complex doctrinal systems

2. Salvation Doesn’t Depend on Mastering Revelation

Consider:

A. The Early Church

• The book of Revelation was written around 95 AD
• Many Christians lived and died before it was written
• Many churches didn’t have access to it for years
• Were they not saved because they didn’t “master Revelation”?

B. Throughout Church History

• Millions of Christians have been saved without understanding Revelation
• Many godly believers have different interpretations
• Martyrs died for Christ without “mastering Revelation”
• Were they all lost?

C. The Biblical Requirements for Salvation

Nowhere does the Bible say:

• “Master Revelation to be saved”
• “Understand all prophecy to enter heaven”
• “Correctly interpret symbolic passages to avoid hell”

The Bible says:

Acts 16:31 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

3. The Purpose of Revelation

Revelation 1:3 – “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

The blessing is for those who:

• Read it
• Hear it
• Take it to heart

Not:

• Master every detail
• Understand it perfectly
• Agree with one specific interpretation

The main message of Revelation:

Revelation 1:7-8 – “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'”

Revelation 22:20-21 – “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”

The message:

• Jesus is sovereign
• Jesus is coming back
• Be faithful until He returns
• Trust in His grace

Not:

• Join our organization
• Learn our interpretation
• Pass our tests
• Meet our requirements

Part 9: The “Book of Life” Fear Tactic

SCJ’s Use

Revelation 20:15 – “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

The lesson asks: “How many of us want our names in that Book of Life? Indeed, all of us do… Shouldn’t I know very clearly whether my name is written in the Book of Life or not?”

The implication: You need our teaching to know if your name is in the Book of Life.

Biblical Response

1. How Do We Know Our Names Are in the Book of Life?

Luke 10:20 – “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Philippians 4:3 – “Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

Paul was confident that believers’ names were in the book of life.

How can we be confident?

1 John 5:11-13 – “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

We can KNOW we have eternal life through faith in Christ.

Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

The Holy Spirit confirms our salvation.

2. What Determines if Your Name is in the Book of Life?

Revelation 13:8 – “All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.”

It’s the “Lamb’s book of life”—it belongs to Jesus.

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.”

Those whose names are written are those who belong to the Lamb (Jesus).

John 10:27-29 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

If you belong to Jesus, you’re secure.

3. Can We Lose Our Place in the Book of Life?

This is debated among Christians, but notice:

Revelation 3:5 – “The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.”

Jesus promises He will NEVER blot out the names of those who overcome.

Who overcomes?

1 John 5:4-5 – “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Everyone who believes in Jesus overcomes.

The point: Your security is in Christ, not in organizational membership.

Part 10: The Urgency Manipulation

SCJ’s Tactics

The lesson creates urgency through:

1. “The Time is Near”

• “Jesus must be close to returning”
• “Every single day, we’re getting closer”
• “The time is really at hand”
• “It could be any moment now”

2. “Satan’s Attacks Are Increasing”

• “Satan’s attacks become more vicious as the day draws near”
• “The attacks intensify as you get closer to Mount Zion”

3. “The Door Will Be Shut”

• “No one knows when the door will be shut”
• “Right now, it’s still open, so let’s study hard”

4. The Noah Comparison

• “Imagine if you had called Noah crazy and then felt the first raindrop”
• “You’d be running to that ark, right?”

The Psychological Impact

This creates:

• Anxiety about missing out
• Fear of being “left outside”
• Pressure to commit more time
• Guilt for having other priorities
• Sense that questioning = risking salvation

Biblical Response

1. Yes, Jesus is Coming Back

The Bible is clear that Jesus will return:

Acts 1:11 – “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

2. But We Don’t Know When

Matthew 24:36 – “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

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.'”

3. How Should We Prepare?

Not by:

• Joining one organization
• Attending 4+ classes per week
• Mastering one group’s interpretation
• Living in constant fear and anxiety

But by:

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 – “But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Be prepared by:

• Living in faith and love
• Having hope in salvation through Christ
• Encouraging one another
• Building each other up
• Living soberly and righteously

Titus 2:11-14 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

2 Peter 3:11-14 – “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”

4. The Noah Comparison is Misleading

Yes, Noah preached and people didn’t listen. But:

A. Noah’s Message Was Clear

• “A flood is coming”
• “Get in the ark”
• Simple, straightforward

SCJ’s message requires:

• 6-9 months of classes
• Passing multiple tests
• Understanding complex interpretations
• Organizational membership

B. Noah’s Ark Was Visible

• Everyone could see it
• The invitation was open
• No secret knowledge required

SCJ’s “ark” requires:

• Finding their organization
• Completing their course
• Accepting their specific interpretations
• Meeting their requirements

C. The Flood Was a Specific, Predicted Event

• Noah knew it was coming
• God told him when
• It happened exactly as predicted

Jesus’ return:

• No one knows when (Matthew 24:36)
• Will be visible to all (Revelation 1:7)
• Doesn’t require organizational membership

Part 11: Red Flags Summary

Warning Signs in This Lesson

1. False Gospel

• ✗ “Simply saying ‘I believe’ does not guarantee entry into heaven”
• ✓ Biblical: “Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)

2. Added Requirements

• ✗ Seven criteria for salvation (harvest, seal, lamp, oil, 12 tribes, book of life, etc.)
• ✓ Biblical: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31)

3. Organizational Dependency

• ✗ “You need our ‘oil’ (teaching) to be prepared”
• ✓ Biblical: “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth” (1 John 2:20)

4. Fear-Based Motivation

• ✗ Constant warnings about hell, being left outside, having name removed from book of life
• ✓ Biblical: “There is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18)

5. Increasing Control

• ✗ Adding 4th day, stricter rules, camera surveillance, guilt for missing
• ✓ Biblical: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30)

6. Misuse of Scripture

• ✗ Taking parables and prophecies out of context to support organizational claims
• ✓ Biblical: “Correctly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)

7. Exclusive Claims

• ✗ “Only we have the oil,” “Only we can explain Revelation”
• ✓ Biblical: “The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things” (John 14:26)

8. Moving Goalposts

• ✗ Requirements keep increasing; you’re never “done”
• ✓ Biblical: “It is finished” (John 19:30)

9. Time Intensification

• ✗ Increasing from 3 to 4+ days per week, with more expected
• ✓ Biblical: “There is a time for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

10. Spiritual Abuse

• ✗ “If you have a problem with our leader, you have a problem with Jesus”
• ✓ Biblical: “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1)

Part 12: Questions to Ask Yourself

Discernment Questions

1. About Salvation:

• Does this teaching make salvation dependent on organizational membership?
• Am I being told that faith in Christ alone isn’t enough?
• Are requirements for salvation constantly increasing?

Biblical Standard: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

2. About Control:

• Is my time increasingly consumed by organizational activities?
• Am I being monitored (camera on, attendance tracked)?
• Do I feel guilty when I can’t attend or when I question?

Biblical Standard: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1)

3. About Fear:

• Am I motivated by love for God or fear of punishment?
• Do I constantly worry about “getting it wrong”?
• Am I afraid of being “left outside” if I don’t comply?

Biblical Standard: “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18)

4. About Scripture:

• Are Bible passages being taken out of context?
• Does this interpretation contradict clear biblical teaching?
• Am I being discouraged from consulting other resources?

Biblical Standard: “The Bereans… examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11)

5. About Fruit:

• Is this teaching producing peace or anxiety in my life?
• Am I growing in love or becoming more judgmental?
• Am I experiencing rest or exhaustion?

Biblical Standard: “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16)

6. About Jesus:

• Is Jesus Christ central, or is the focus on an organization?
• Am I growing in love for Jesus, or in loyalty to a group?
• Is Christ’s work presented as sufficient or incomplete?

Biblical Standard: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11)

Part 13: A Word of Hope and Freedom

If You’re Currently in This Class

1. You Are Loved by God

Your worth doesn’t depend on:

• Passing tests
• Attending all classes
• Understanding complex doctrines
• Meeting organizational requirements

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

2. Salvation is Simple

Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

That’s it. No seven criteria. No organizational membership. Just faith in Christ.

3. You Can Question

Questioning doesn’t make you:

• Foolish
• Lacking a “heart to overcome”
• Sided with Satan
• Unprepared for Jesus’ return

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

4. You Can Leave

You’re not trapped. You don’t owe them your time, loyalty, or obedience.

John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

5. You Won’t Lose Your Salvation

If you’ve trusted in Christ, you’re secure in Him—not in organizational membership.

John 10:28-29 – “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

6. Healthy Churches Exist

There are churches that:

• Preach the simple gospel
• Don’t manipulate through fear
• Respect your boundaries
• Encourage questions
• Don’t isolate you from family
• Focus on Jesus, not organization

7. Help is Available

• Former members who understand: closerlookinitiative.com
• Biblical counselors
• Healthy churches
• Family and friends who love you

Part 14: For Family and Friends

If Someone You Love Is in This Class

1. Recognize the Signs

They may be:

• Attending 3-4+ classes per week
• Becoming isolated from family/friends
• Showing signs of anxiety or exhaustion
• Defending the organization defensively
• Using SCJ-specific language
• Prioritizing classes over everything else

2. Stay Connected

• Don’t cut off relationship
• Be a consistent presence of love
• Keep inviting them to family events
• Show interest in their life (not just the classes)

3. Ask Gentle Questions

• “How are you feeling about all this?”
• “Do you feel free to question or disagree?”
• “What happens if you miss a class?”
• “What do they teach about salvation?”

4. Share Concerns Lovingly

Use “I” statements:

• “I’m concerned because I see you exhausted”
• “I notice you’re missing family events”
• “I feel worried when you talk about being ‘left outside'”

5. Pray Consistently

Ephesians 6:12 – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

This is spiritual warfare. Prayer is essential.

6. Get Support

• Connect with other families affected by SCJ
• Consult with cult awareness resources
• Seek counsel from your church
• Take care of your own emotional/spiritual health

7. Be Patient

Most people don’t leave immediately. Plant seeds of truth and trust God to work.

Conclusion: True Preparation for Jesus’ Return

What Does the Bible Actually Say?

1. Be Watchful and Sober

1 Thessalonians 5:6 – “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”

2. Live Holy Lives

2 Peter 3:11 – “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”

3. Love One Another

1 Peter 4:7-8 – “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

4. Serve Faithfully

Luke 12:43 – “It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.”

5. Share the Gospel

Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

6. Trust in Christ Alone

Colossians 3:4 – “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

True preparation doesn’t require:

• Joining one organization
• Attending 4+ classes per week
• Mastering complex interpretations
• Living in fear and anxiety
• Sacrificing family and health
• Proving your commitment through compliance

True preparation is:

• Trusting in Christ’s finished work
• Living in faith, hope, and love
• Growing in holiness
• Serving others
• Sharing the gospel
• Resting in God’s grace

Final Thoughts

This lesson from Shincheonji reveals their escalating control tactics as students approach the Revelation portion of their course. As discussed throughout “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” the key to freedom is:

1. Know the true Gospel – Salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone
2. Recognize manipulation – Fear tactics, increasing control, moving goalposts
3. Test against Scripture – In context, not isolated verses
4. Trust the Holy Spirit – He guides all believers, not just one organization
5. Maintain healthy boundaries – God values balance, family, and rest

The true “oil” isn’t organizational teaching—it’s the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of every believer.

1 John 2:20, 27 – “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth… 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.”

Additional Resources

For more detailed examination of Shincheonji doctrine, testimonies from former members, and support for those leaving or helping loved ones leave, please visit:

Shincheonji Examination at closerlookinitiative.com

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)