Shincheonji Bible Study – Advanced Level (Revelation)

Lesson 99: “Overview of Revelation Part 2”

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

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Introduction: The Blueprint for Control

Imagine you’ve been studying the Bible for seven months. You’ve navigated through parables, Old Testament prophecies, and New Testament teachings. You’ve invested hundreds of hours, formed deep friendships, and reorganized your entire schedule—now attending four classes per week instead of three. The urgency is palpable. Your instructors speak of “tenacity,” of “finishing strong,” of being “created according to Revelation” as the difference between salvation and destruction.

This is Lesson 99, the second part of Shincheonji’s overview of Revelation. It’s a masterclass in manipulation disguised as biblical exposition. The lesson uses legitimate biblical language—”blueprint,” “prophecy and fulfillment,” “the one who overcomes”—but weaves these terms into a framework that fundamentally contradicts the gospel of grace.

The instructor opens with a striking claim: “The book of Revelation serves as a blueprint… for recreation, specifically the recreation of God’s kingdom.” Students are told that “those who are created according to Revelation are true believers and will attain salvation,” while “those who are not created according to Revelation… face destruction.”

This single statement reveals the heart of Shincheonji’s system: salvation is not by grace through faith in Christ alone, but by being “created according to Revelation”—which, as students will soon learn, means accepting Shincheonji’s interpretation, recognizing Lee Man-hee as the “one who overcomes,” and becoming one of their 144,000 members.

But what if we examined these claims through different lenses? What if we read Revelation as first-century Christians would have understood it—as apocalyptic literature addressing their immediate context under Roman persecution, written in symbolic language they recognized, offering hope during tribulation? What if we evaluated Shincheonji’s “blueprint” against the actual structure and message of Revelation itself?

This refutation will analyze Lesson 99 using the framework established in “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story.” We’ll examine SCJ’s teachings through first-century Christian lenses, historical-literary perspectives, and biblical theology—not through the lens of modern eschatological systems (Premillennialism, Amillennialism, or Postmillennialism), but through the understanding of early believers who first received John’s Revelation.

For comprehensive documentation of Shincheonji’s constantly changing interpretations and failed prophecies, please visit the SCJ Examination at closerlookinitiative.com, particularly the “Prophecy and Fulfillment” series.

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Part 1: The “Blueprint” Metaphor—A Dangerous Foundation

Shincheonji’s “Blueprint” Teaching

Lesson 99 opens with the evangelist explaining:

“The book of Revelation serves as a blueprint. What does this mean exactly? If we consider a blueprint for a home, it represents a vision or an outline of the final product. Revelation is similar in this regard. It is a blueprint for recreation, specifically the recreation of God’s kingdom.”

The evangelist continues:

“We should aspire to be those who are created according to Revelation. This is a question we ought to ask ourselves daily: Have I been created according to Revelation? Those who are created enter heaven, the kingdom of heaven. But what happens to those who are not created according to Revelation? They face destruction.”

This “blueprint” metaphor sounds reasonable on the surface. After all, Revelation does describe God’s ultimate plan for creation. However, this teaching contains several fatal flaws that reveal Shincheonji’s works-based salvation system.

The Fatal Flaws

Flaw #1: Salvation by Conformity to a Pattern

Shincheonji’s “blueprint” teaching creates a salvation system where people must be “created according to Revelation” to be saved. This transforms salvation from a gift received by faith into a status achieved by conforming to a specific pattern—a pattern that, as students will learn, requires:

• Accepting Shincheonji’s interpretation of Revelation
• Recognizing Lee Man-hee as the “one who overcomes”
• Completing their study course
• Becoming sealed as one of the 144,000
• Remaining loyal to the organization

This contradicts the consistent biblical teaching that salvation is by grace through faith:

“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“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.” (Titus 3:5)

The New Testament never teaches that believers must be “created according to Revelation” to be saved. Salvation is based on Christ’s finished work, not on conforming to an organizational blueprint.

Flaw #2: Making Revelation About Human Achievement

The “blueprint” metaphor shifts focus from what God has done in Christ to what humans must achieve. Notice the language: “We should aspire to be those who are created according to Revelation.” This makes salvation aspirational—something to work toward—rather than declarative—something already accomplished in Christ.

The biblical gospel declares:

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

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Believers are already new creations in Christ. This is a present reality based on union with Christ, not a future possibility dependent on mastering Revelation’s symbolism.

Flaw #3: Creating Fear and Anxiety

The statement “what happens to those who are not created according to Revelation? They face destruction” creates profound anxiety. Students are led to constantly question: “Have I been created according to Revelation?” This fear-based motivation contradicts the biblical assurance believers can have:

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

“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.” (1 John 5:13)

The gospel offers assurance and confidence, not perpetual anxiety about whether we’ve conformed to the correct pattern.

Chapter 4-6 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” provide comprehensive analysis of how Shincheonji’s framework creates a works-based salvation system that contradicts the gospel of grace.

How First-Century Christians Understood Revelation

When we read Revelation through first-century Christian lenses, we see something very different from Shincheonji’s “blueprint” metaphor.

Revelation Was Written to Encourage Persecuted Believers:

The book opens with these words:

“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place… 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.” (Revelation 1:1, 3)

Notice: the events were “soon to take place” and “the time is near” for the original audience. This wasn’t a sealed blueprint for events 2,000 years in the future, but a message relevant to first-century Christians facing Roman persecution.

Revelation Used Symbolic Language They Recognized:

Early Christians would have immediately understood Revelation’s symbolism:

• The Beast from the Sea (Revelation 13): The Roman Empire, demanding worship of the emperor
• Babylon the Great (Revelation 17-18): Rome, the city on seven hills, persecutor of Christians
• The Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:16-17): Economic pressure to participate in emperor worship
• The 144,000 (Revelation 7, 14): The complete people of God, sealed and protected

These weren’t mysterious codes waiting for a Korean interpreter. They were readily understandable references to the political and religious realities facing first-century believers.

Revelation’s Message Was About Christ’s Victory:

The central message of Revelation is not a “blueprint” for human achievement but a declaration of Christ’s victory:

“Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne… And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.'” (Revelation 5:6, 9)

The Lamb who was slain has triumphed. This is the book’s central message—not instructions for how humans can achieve salvation by conforming to a pattern, but assurance that Christ has already won the victory.

Chapter 26 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” (Reading Revelation Like a First-Century Christian) provides extensive analysis of how early believers would have understood Revelation’s message and symbolism.

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Part 2: The 5W1H Framework—Legitimate Tool, Illegitimate Application

Shincheonji’s 5W1H Analysis

Lesson 99 uses the 5W1H method (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) to analyze Revelation. This is actually a legitimate analytical tool. However, Shincheonji uses this tool to set up their specific interpretations.

Let’s examine how they apply this framework:

PROPHECY (The Book of Revelation)

WHO: Apostle John WHAT: A book of prophecy WHEN: Approximately 2,000 years ago WHERE: Island of Patmos WHY: To reveal plans of salvation and for people to believe when fulfilled HOW: Through vision revelation

So far, this is accurate. John did write Revelation on Patmos around 95-96 AD, and it is indeed a book of prophecy.

FULFILLMENT (Shincheonji’s Claims)

Here’s where the problems begin:

WHO: “Someone like Apostle John must appear – a new John or the one who overcomes”

This is Shincheonji’s claim that Lee Man-hee is the “New John” who witnesses Revelation’s fulfillment. However, as we demonstrated in the refutation of Lesson 97, Revelation never predicts another “John” figure. This is an interpretation imposed on the text, not derived from it.

WHAT: “Actual realities are real people and real events”

Shincheonji teaches that Revelation’s symbols must have specific, literal fulfillments in real people and events—specifically, people and events in Korea from 1966 to the present. However, this misunderstands how apocalyptic literature works.

First-Century Understanding of Apocalyptic Symbolism:

Apocalyptic literature (like Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Revelation) uses symbolic language to convey theological truths and encourage faithfulness during persecution. The symbols are not codes that must be matched one-to-one with specific individuals or organizations.

For example, when Revelation describes a beast with seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 13, 17), first-century Christians would have understood this as symbolic language for oppressive political power—specifically, the Roman Empire. The seven heads represent seven hills (Rome was built on seven hills) and seven kings. The ten horns represent complete political authority.

This symbolism conveyed a theological truth: despite Rome’s apparent power, the Lamb has triumphed, and faithful endurance will be rewarded. The point wasn’t to identify specific individuals who “are” the beast, but to recognize the pattern of oppressive power that opposes God’s people.

Shincheonji’s insistence that every symbol must have a specific, literal fulfillment in identifiable people and organizations fundamentally misunderstands the genre of apocalyptic literature.

WHEN: “Revelation is being fulfilled now”

The lesson claims:

“People have been saying Revelation is being fulfilled for a long time. When asked why they think it’s the end times, common responses include wars, world events, government, or ‘I feel it in my spirit.’ However, in Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus didn’t say feeling it was a sign. He gave objective signs.”

This is partially correct—feelings are not reliable indicators of prophetic fulfillment. However, Shincheonji then claims they have “objective signs” that Revelation is being fulfilled now, specifically:

1. “We’ve learned and understood the parables, which can only be understood when prophecies are fulfilled”
2. “We’re about to start hearing testimony about Revelation’s fulfillment”

The Problem:

These are not objective signs but circular reasoning:

• Claim: Parables can only be understood when prophecies are fulfilled
• Evidence: We understand parables
• Conclusion: Therefore prophecies are fulfilled

This logic assumes what it’s trying to prove. The premise that “parables can only be understood when prophecies are fulfilled” is itself a Shincheonji teaching, not a biblical principle.

In reality, Jesus explained many parables to His disciples during His earthly ministry (Matthew 13:18-23, 36-43; Mark 4:13-20), long before any “fulfillment” in Shincheonji’s sense. The parables were meant to be understood by their original audience, not sealed away for 2,000 years.

WHERE: “The tabernacle or the temple of the seven golden lampstands”

The lesson references Malachi 3:1 and claims that fulfillment occurs at “the tabernacle or the temple of the seven golden lampstands.” This refers to what Shincheonji calls the “Tabernacle Temple” in Korea, which they claim fulfilled Revelation’s prophecies.

However, as documented in “The Real Reasons Behind the Tabernacle Temple’s Destruction and Sale” (available at closerlookinitiative.com), Shincheonji’s narrative about this organization has changed repeatedly as their original interpretations failed.

WHY: “So we believe in the fulfillment”

The lesson states:

“The prophecy is recorded so we believe in the fulfillment. After fulfillment, we want to hear the testimony as well.”

This creates a system where:

1. Prophecy is recorded
2. Fulfillment occurs (allegedly in Korea)
3. Testimony is given (by Lee Man-hee)
4. Believers must accept the testimony to be saved

This transforms faith from trust in Christ to acceptance of a specific human leader’s interpretations.

HOW: “Fulfillment revelation”

Shincheonji distinguishes between “vision revelation” (what John saw) and “fulfillment revelation” (what the “New John” witnesses). This creates dependency on Lee Man-hee as the sole source of “fulfillment revelation.”

Chapter 18 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” (Testing Authority Claims) provides biblical criteria for evaluating such claims and demonstrates why they fail scriptural tests.

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Part 3: The “Main Points” and God’s Pattern—Imposing a Framework

Shincheonji’s “Pattern” Teaching

Lesson 99 presents what it calls “the pattern that God has always followed”:

“ONE: In Noah’s era, one person was chosen to build the ark: Noah. TWO: During Moses’s time, one individual was selected to lead the Israelites out of Egypt: Moses. THREE: Even during Jesus’s first coming, he stated that he could only do what he saw his Father doing in heaven, and Jesus alone knew the Father’s actions. FOUR: In our current era, for the time of the second coming described in the book of Revelation, Jesus promised to send a faithful and wise servant.”

The lesson concludes:

“Therefore, one of the crucial points in Revelation is the one who overcomes, or the new John.”

The Manipulation in This Pattern:

This teaching creates a pattern that seems biblical but actually distorts Scripture:

Problem #1: The Pattern Is Selective

Shincheonji selects specific biblical figures (Noah, Moses, Jesus) to create a pattern, but ignores countless other examples where God worked through multiple people or entire communities:

• The Exodus: While Moses led, Aaron spoke, Miriam led worship, Joshua commanded the army, and seventy elders governed
• The Conquest: Joshua led, but the entire nation participated
• The Judges: Multiple judges led Israel over centuries
• The Prophets: God raised up many prophets simultaneously (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the twelve minor prophets all ministered during overlapping periods)
• The Early Church: Multiple apostles, elders, and teachers led the church (Acts 15; Ephesians 4:11-12)

God’s actual pattern throughout Scripture is to work through communities of faith, not exclusively through single individuals.

Problem #2: Jesus Is Unique, Not a Pattern

The comparison of Noah, Moses, and Jesus as a “pattern” that requires a fourth figure in our era fundamentally misunderstands Jesus’ uniqueness. Jesus is not one in a series of mediators; He is the final and ultimate mediator:

“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.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5)

Jesus is not a pattern to be repeated but the fulfillment of all patterns. The Old Testament figures (Noah, Moses, etc.) pointed forward to Christ. They don’t establish a pattern that requires another human mediator after Christ.

Problem #3: The “Faithful and Wise Servant” Is Misapplied

Shincheonji references Jesus’ promise to send “a faithful and wise servant” (Matthew 24:45-51) and claims this predicts Lee Man-hee. However, let’s examine what Jesus actually said:

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 24:45-51)

First-Century Understanding:

Jesus was not predicting a specific individual who would appear 2,000 years later. He was teaching His disciples about faithful stewardship during His absence. The “faithful and wise servant” represents any believer who faithfully serves Christ while waiting for His return.

The passage is a parable about readiness and faithfulness, not a prophecy about a specific “promised pastor” in Korea. Jesus uses singular language (“servant”) but is addressing all His followers, as evidenced by the warning that follows: “suppose that servant is wicked…” This applies to any servant who might become unfaithful.

Problem #4: The “One Who Overcomes” Is Misunderstood

The lesson quotes Revelation 2:26-27:

“To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—just as I have received authority from my Father.”

Shincheonji interprets “the one who overcomes” as a single individual (Lee Man-hee). However, in Revelation, “the one who overcomes” is a promise made to all faithful believers in each of the seven churches:

• Ephesus: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life” (Revelation 2:7)
• Smyrna: “The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death” (Revelation 2:11)
• Pergamum: “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna” (Revelation 2:17)
• Thyatira: “To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations” (Revelation 2:26)
• Sardis: “The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white” (Revelation 3:5)
• Philadelphia: “The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God” (Revelation 3:12)
• Laodicea: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne” (Revelation 3:21)

These promises are addressed to “the one who overcomes” in each church—not to a single individual, but to all faithful believers. The singular language is distributive (like “whoever believes” in John 3:16), applying to each individual believer who remains faithful.

Chapter 13 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” examines Shincheonji’s interpretation of “the one who overcomes” and demonstrates how it contradicts the biblical text.

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Part 4: The Three Wars—Creative Fulfillment

Shincheonji’s “Three Wars” Framework

Lesson 99 presents three wars that allegedly occur in Revelation:

FIRST WAR – Revelation 13:

• Participants: The seven stars/messengers vs. the beast with seven heads and ten horns
• Outcome: The beast wins, the seven stars are defeated

SECOND WAR – Revelation 12:

• Participants: The beast with seven heads and ten horns vs. a male child with an iron scepter and his brothers
• Outcome: The male child wins, the beast is defeated

THIRD WAR – Revelation 16:

• Participants: God’s kingdom vs. Satan’s kingdom
• Outcome: (To be explained in future lessons)

The Problems With This Framework:

Problem #1: Revelation 13 Doesn’t Describe a “War”

When we read Revelation 13 in context, it doesn’t describe a war between “seven stars” and a beast. Instead, it describes:

1. A beast rising from the sea, receiving power from the dragon (Satan)
2. The beast blaspheming God and making war against the saints
3. A second beast rising from the earth, performing signs and causing people to worship the first beast
4. The mark of the beast (666) and economic control

There’s no mention of “seven stars” in Revelation 13. Shincheonji is importing the “seven stars” from Revelation 1:20 (where they represent the angels/messengers of the seven churches) and creating a narrative that doesn’t exist in the text.

First-Century Understanding:

Early Christians would have understood Revelation 13 as describing:

• The beast from the sea: The Roman Empire, with its blasphemous claims of divine authority
• The beast from the earth: The imperial cult priesthood, promoting emperor worship
• The mark of the beast: Economic pressure to participate in pagan worship

This wasn’t a “war” between two groups, but a description of persecution Christians faced under Roman rule.

Problem #2: Revelation 12 Describes Spiritual Warfare, Not Organizational Conflict

Revelation 12 does describe warfare, but not in the way Shincheonji presents. Let’s read the passage:

“She gave birth to a son, a male child, who ‘will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.’ And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne… Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” (Revelation 12:5, 7-9)

First-Century Understanding:

This passage describes:

1. The woman: God’s people (Israel/the church)
2. The male child: Jesus Christ, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter” (quoting Psalm 2:9)
3. The child snatched up to God: Christ’s ascension
4. War in heaven: Spiritual warfare between Michael’s angels and Satan’s forces
5. Satan hurled down: Satan’s defeat through Christ’s death and resurrection

This is cosmic, spiritual warfare—not a conflict between Korean religious organizations in the 1980s. The “male child” is clearly Jesus Christ (the only one who fulfills Psalm 2:9 and was “snatched up to God”), not Lee Man-hee or any other human figure.

Problem #3: The Framework Imposes Meaning on the Text

Shincheonji’s “three wars” framework is not derived from Revelation but imposed upon it. They’re taking various passages, reinterpreting them through their organizational lens, and creating a narrative that serves their purposes.

This is eisegesis (reading meaning into the text) rather than exegesis (drawing meaning from the text).

Chapter 20 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” (Creative Fulfillment) examines how Shincheonji retrofits events to match prophecy, creating narratives that don’t exist in the biblical text.

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Shincheonji’s Structural Claim

Lesson 99 makes an interesting claim about Revelation’s structure:

“It’s interesting to note that the first eight verses of Revelation actually summarize the entire book. This is something we now understand. Revelation 1:1-8, which we’ll study in the next class, serves as both a summary and conclusion of the entire book of Revelation. This means that the actual events described in Revelation begin from verse 1:9 onward.”

This claim—that Revelation 1:1-8 is a “prologue” summarizing the entire book—sounds scholarly and is partially correct. Many biblical scholars do recognize that Revelation 1:1-8 serves as an introduction. However, Shincheonji uses this structural observation to set up their specific interpretations.

What Revelation 1:1-8 Actually Says

Let’s examine what these verses actually contain:

Verses 1-3: The Source and Purpose

“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 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.”

Verses 4-5a: Greeting

“John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.”

Verses 5b-6: Doxology

“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

Verses 7-8: The Coming of Christ

“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.'”

First-Century Understanding of This Introduction

When first-century Christians heard these opening verses, they would have understood:

1. The Message Is Urgent and Near “What must soon take place” and “the time is near” indicate immediacy, not distant fulfillment 2,000 years later.

2. The Message Is Accessible “Blessed is the one who reads aloud… and those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it” indicates the message was meant to be understood by the original audience, not sealed away as a mystery.

3. Jesus Is Central The introduction focuses on Jesus Christ as:

• The source of the revelation
• The faithful witness
• The firstborn from the dead
• The ruler of kings
• The one who freed us by His blood
• The one who is coming with the clouds

4. Christ’s Return Will Be Visible and Universal “Every eye will see him” contradicts Shincheonji’s teaching that Christ returns spiritually or invisibly. The text emphasizes the visible, universal nature of His return.

How Shincheonji Misuses This Structure

While acknowledging that verses 1-8 introduce the book, Shincheonji uses this observation to:

1. Claim that “actual events” begin at verse 9, allowing them to reinterpret the introduction through their organizational lens
2. Separate the introduction from the rest of the book, missing how these verses establish themes that run throughout Revelation
3. Focus on structure rather than message, emphasizing analytical frameworks while obscuring the book’s central focus on Christ

The Real Significance of Revelation’s Structure:

Biblical scholars recognize that Revelation has a carefully crafted structure, but not in the way Shincheonji presents. The book uses several literary devices:

Chiastic Structure: Revelation employs chiasmus (a literary pattern where themes are presented and then repeated in reverse order), creating symmetry and emphasis. For example:

• A: Letters to seven churches (chapters 2-3)
• B: Heavenly throne room (chapters 4-5)
• C: Seven seals (chapter 6)
• D: Interlude: 144,000 sealed (chapter 7)
• C’: Seven trumpets (chapters 8-11)
• B’: Heavenly conflict (chapter 12)
• A’: Visions of judgment and victory (chapters 13-22)

Recapitulation: Many scholars recognize that Revelation doesn’t present a linear chronology but rather describes the same events from different perspectives. The seals, trumpets, and bowls aren’t three sequential series of judgments, but three ways of describing the same period of tribulation and God’s judgment.

Liturgical Structure: Revelation reflects the worship patterns of early Christian communities, with hymns, doxologies, and liturgical responses throughout.

Understanding these literary features helps us read Revelation as its original audience would have—as a carefully crafted message of hope and encouragement, not as a coded timeline of events in 20th-century Korea.

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Part 6: The Three Mysteries—Selective Interpretation

Shincheonji’s “Three Mysteries”

Lesson 99 identifies three mysteries in Revelation:

1. The mystery of the seven stars and seven golden lampstands (Revelation 1:20)
2. The mystery of the prostitute and the beast (Revelation 17:5-7)
3. The mystery of the seventh trumpet (Revelation 10:7)

This identification is partially correct—these passages do use the word “mystery.” However, Shincheonji uses these “mysteries” to claim that Revelation requires special interpretation that only they possess.

Examining Each “Mystery”

Mystery #1: The Seven Stars and Seven Lampstands (Revelation 1:20)

“The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”

The Problem:

This “mystery” is immediately explained in the same verse! Jesus tells John exactly what the symbols mean:

• Seven stars = angels (messengers) of the seven churches
• Seven lampstands = the seven churches

The mystery is revealed, not sealed. The seven churches are real, first-century churches in Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (Revelation 1:11; 2:1-3:22).

Shincheonji takes this explained symbol and reinterprets it to refer to a group in Korea in the 1960s-1980s (the “Tabernacle Temple”). This requires:

1. Ignoring the explicit identification in the text
2. Assuming the seven churches in Asia Minor weren’t the actual referents
3. Believing Revelation’s primary purpose was to predict events in Korea 2,000 years later

Mystery #2: The Prostitute and the Beast (Revelation 17:5-7)

“The name written on her forehead was a mystery: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. Then the angel said to me: ‘Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns.'”

First-Century Understanding:

The angel proceeds to explain the mystery (Revelation 17:8-18):

• The beast “once was, now is not, and yet will come” (v. 8)
• The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits (v. 9)
• They are also seven kings (v. 10)
• The ten horns are ten kings (v. 12)
• The woman is “the great city that rules over the kings of the earth” (v. 18)

Early Christians would have immediately recognized this symbolism:

• Seven hills: Rome was famously built on seven hills
• The great city ruling over kings: Rome, the imperial capital
• Drunk with the blood of the saints: Rome’s persecution of Christians under Nero and Domitian

The “mystery” is explained within the text itself. It’s not a sealed code requiring a special interpreter 2,000 years later.

Mystery #3: The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 10:7)

“But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”

The Context:

This verse appears in an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets. The “mystery of God” refers to God’s plan of redemption, which will be completed when the seventh trumpet sounds.

When the seventh trumpet does sound (Revelation 11:15-19), we read:

“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.'”

The “mystery” is God’s plan to establish His kingdom—not a coded prediction of events in Korea, but the ultimate triumph of God’s reign over all opposition.

The Real Nature of Biblical “Mysteries”

In the New Testament, a “mystery” (Greek: mysterion) is not something permanently hidden or requiring secret knowledge. Rather, it’s something that was previously hidden but has now been revealed in Christ:

“The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26-27)

“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.” (Ephesians 3:4-6)

The great mystery of the gospel is that God’s salvation is available to all people—Jews and Gentiles—through faith in Christ. This mystery has been revealed, not sealed away waiting for a special interpreter.

Chapter 11 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” (Deception and Truth) examines how organizations use the concept of “mysteries” to create dependency on their teachings while obscuring the biblical truth that the mystery has been revealed in Christ.

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Part 7: The Three Plagues—Misunderstanding Recapitulation

Shincheonji’s “Three Plagues” Teaching

Lesson 99 mentions (though the text is cut off) three sets of plagues:

1. Seven seals (Revelation 6)
2. Seven trumpets (Revelation 8-11)
3. Seven bowls (Revelation 15-16)

Shincheonji typically interprets these as three sequential series of events, with each series representing different stages of Revelation’s fulfillment. This linear, chronological interpretation is common among those who read Revelation as a detailed timeline of future events.

The Problem: Misunderstanding Literary Structure

However, many biblical scholars recognize that Revelation uses recapitulation—the literary technique of describing the same events from different perspectives rather than presenting a strict chronological sequence.

Evidence for Recapitulation:

Similar Content: All three series (seals, trumpets, bowls) contain similar elements:

• Cosmic disturbances (sun, moon, stars affected)
• Judgment on the earth
• Suffering and tribulation
• Culmination in God’s ultimate victory

Overlapping Imagery: The sixth seal describes cosmic signs and people hiding from God’s wrath (Revelation 6:12-17). The seventh trumpet announces God’s kingdom (Revelation 11:15-19). The seventh bowl declares “It is done!” (Revelation 16:17). These all seem to describe the same ultimate climax from different angles.

Interludes: Between each series, there are interludes (Revelation 7, 10-11, 14) that provide perspective and encouragement. These interludes don’t fit neatly into a linear timeline but make sense if the series are parallel descriptions.

First-Century Understanding

Early Christians would have recognized this literary pattern from Old Testament apocalyptic literature. For example, Daniel 2, 7, 8, and 11 all describe the same sequence of kingdoms from different perspectives, using different symbolic imagery.

The point of Revelation’s three series is not to provide a detailed chronological timeline but to emphasize through repetition:

1. God’s judgment on evil is certain
2. The suffering is intense but limited (only a third is affected in the trumpets; complete destruction comes with the bowls)
3. God’s people are protected (sealed before judgment falls)
4. God’s ultimate victory is assured

Why This Matters

If the seals, trumpets, and bowls are parallel descriptions rather than sequential events, then Shincheonji’s attempt to match each series to specific historical events in Korea falls apart. The book isn’t providing a detailed timeline of organizational conflicts in the 1980s, but rather using repetition and intensification to emphasize theological truths about God’s judgment and victory.

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Part 8: The “After This” Phrase—Chronological Fallacy

Shincheonji’s Use of “After This”

Though not explicitly mentioned in the excerpt of Lesson 99, Shincheonji typically emphasizes the phrase “after this” (Greek: meta tauta) that appears throughout Revelation (4:1; 7:1, 9; 9:12; 15:5; 18:1; 19:1; 20:3). They use this phrase to argue that Revelation presents a strict chronological sequence of events.

The Problem: Literary vs. Chronological Sequence

The phrase “after this” in apocalyptic literature often indicates literary sequence (what John saw next in his vision) rather than chronological sequence (what happens next in history).

Evidence:

Revelation 12 Describes Past Events: Revelation 12 describes a woman giving birth to a male child who will rule with an iron scepter, and the child being “snatched up to God and to his throne” (Revelation 12:5). This clearly describes Jesus’ birth and ascension—events that occurred before John wrote Revelation. Yet this chapter comes after chapters describing future events, demonstrating that Revelation doesn’t follow strict chronological order.

Revelation 20 May Describe the Same Period as Earlier Chapters: Many scholars understand Revelation 20 (the millennium) as describing the church age from Christ’s first coming to His second coming—the same period described from different perspectives in earlier chapters. The “after this” in Revelation 20:3 indicates what John saw next in his vision, not necessarily what happens next chronologically.

Old Testament Parallels: Prophetic books like Ezekiel and Zechariah frequently use “after this” or similar phrases to indicate vision sequence without implying strict chronological order.

First-Century Reading

Early Christians would have understood Revelation as presenting multiple perspectives on the same period—the time between Christ’s first and second comings—rather than as a detailed chronological roadmap. The book’s purpose was to encourage faithful endurance during persecution, not to provide a timeline for identifying specific organizations in the distant future.

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Part 9: Psychological Manipulation and Indoctrination Tactics

The Escalating Pressure

By Lesson 99, students have been studying for approximately 7 months and are now attending four classes per week. The psychological pressure has intensified significantly. Let’s examine the specific manipulation tactics present in this lesson:

Tactic #1: The “Blueprint” Creates Performance Anxiety

The opening statement establishes a terrifying framework:

“Those who are created according to Revelation are true believers and will attain salvation… Those who are not created according to Revelation face destruction.”

This creates profound anxiety: students must constantly evaluate whether they’ve been “created according to Revelation.” Since Shincheonji will define what this means (accepting their interpretation, recognizing Lee Man-hee, becoming sealed), students become dependent on the organization to determine their salvation status.

Biblical Response:

The gospel offers assurance, not anxiety:

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

“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.” (1 John 5:13)

Believers can know they have eternal life based on faith in Christ, not on conforming to an organizational blueprint.

Tactic #2: The “Tenacity” Emphasis

The instructor repeatedly emphasizes “tenacity”:

“Let’s be tenacious as we approach the final section of the course. Things may become more challenging, but we need that tenacity and God’s help to see us through.”

“Tenacity is the key word.”

This language serves multiple purposes:

Prepares for Cognitive Dissonance: Students are warned that things will “become more challenging,” preparing them to push through doubts rather than evaluate them critically.

Frames Doubts as Weakness: If you struggle with the teachings, it’s because you lack “tenacity,” not because the teachings are problematic.

Creates Pressure to Continue: After 7 months of investment, students feel they must “finish strong” rather than “give up.”

Biblical Response:

The Bible encourages perseverance in faith, but never at the expense of truth:

“Test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

True biblical perseverance involves testing teachings and holding fast to what is good, not pushing through doubts about false teachings.

Tactic #3: The “Special Time” Narrative

The lesson emphasizes that students are living in the most important time in history:

“The time when Revelation is fulfilled is better than any other time in the Bible, and it happens to be the time we are living in right now.”

“Those who understand the word know that God is working to fulfill everything He has been working towards for the last 6,000 years.”

This creates a sense of privilege and urgency:

You’re Special: You’re living in the most important time in history, and you have access to knowledge others don’t have.

You’re Chosen: God has specifically called you to participate in His work at this crucial moment.

You Can’t Leave: If you leave now, you’ll miss the most important event in human history.

Biblical Response:

While every generation of Christians has faced unique challenges and opportunities, the New Testament never teaches that one generation is more important than others or that salvation is limited to those living during a specific “era.”

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

“For God does not show favoritism.” (Romans 2:11)

Tactic #4: The “First Time” Manipulation

The instructor makes an emotional appeal:

“You only get to listen to the open word for the first time once in your life. How you remember this time is up to you. Either as a hard time with evangelists giving you a hard time about home blessings, or as the absolute best time studying the word.”

This statement is manipulative because it:

Creates False Binary: You’ll either remember this as the “absolute best time” or as a “hard time.” There’s no option for “I recognized this was false teaching and wisely left.”

Reframes Pressure as Care: The “hard time” evangelists give about “home blessings” (recruiting) is presented as something to look past rather than as a red flag.

Appeals to Emotion: Rather than evaluating teachings on their merit, students are encouraged to focus on the emotional experience.

Biblical Response:

The Bereans were commended for examining teachings carefully, not for having positive emotional experiences:

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)

Truth matters more than emotional experience.

Tactic #5: The “Help God” Framework

The lesson repeatedly frames Shincheonji’s work as “helping God”:

“Do you think God wants you to be a spectator, just watching Him work? God wants us to actively help Him accomplish His work.”

“The kind of person God needs today is one who is sealed and can help others hear the word so that all nations can be healed.”

This creates pressure to:

• Recruit others (“help God” by bringing people to study)
• Remain committed (leaving means abandoning God’s work)
• Suppress doubts (questioning means opposing God)

Biblical Response:

While believers are called to participate in God’s mission, God doesn’t “need” us in the sense of being dependent on our efforts:

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:24-25)

God invites us to participate in His work, but He doesn’t need us to accomplish His purposes. This distinction is crucial—it prevents manipulation through false urgency.

Chapter 8 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” provides detailed analysis of psychological manipulation tactics used by high-control groups and demonstrates how they differ from healthy Christian discipleship.

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Part 10: Biblical Refutation Summary—The Gospel vs. Shincheonji’s System

The Fundamental Contradiction

At its core, Lesson 99 reveals the fundamental contradiction between Shincheonji’s system and the biblical gospel:

Shincheonji’s System:

• Salvation by being “created according to Revelation”
• Requires recognizing the “one who overcomes” (Lee Man-hee)
• Depends on accepting specific interpretations of symbolic prophecy
• Based on organizational membership (144,000)
• Secured through human achievement and knowledge

The Biblical Gospel:

• Salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone
• Requires recognizing Jesus as Lord and Savior
• Depends on trusting in Christ’s finished work
• Available to all who believe
• Secured by God’s unchanging promises

These are two fundamentally different messages. As Paul wrote:

“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!” (Galatians 1:6-8)

Key Biblical Truths Shincheonji Contradicts

1. The Sufficiency of Christ’s Work

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

Jesus declared “It is finished” on the cross. The work of salvation is complete. We don’t need to be “created according to Revelation” or recognize a “new John” to be saved—we need only trust in Christ’s finished work.

2. The Finality of Christ’s Mediation

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5)

Christ is the only mediator. We don’t need another human figure (Lee Man-hee) to mediate between us and God or to interpret Scripture for us.

3. The Accessibility of Scripture

“Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.” (Revelation 22:10)

Revelation was meant to be understood by its original audience, not sealed away as a mystery requiring a special interpreter 2,000 years later.

4. The Universal Scope of Salvation

“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.” (John 3:16)

Salvation is available to “whoever believes,” not limited to 144,000 members of a Korean organization.

5. The Visible Return of Christ

“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.” (Revelation 1:7)

Christ’s return will be visible and universal (“every eye will see him”), not a spiritual or invisible return that only Shincheonji members recognize.

6. The Assurance of Believers

“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.” (1 John 5:13)

Believers can have assurance of salvation based on faith in Christ, not perpetual anxiety about whether they’ve been “created according to Revelation.”

Chapter 22 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” (Satan Trying to Hijack God’s Plan) addresses how false teachings obscure the gospel by adding requirements beyond faith in Christ alone.

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Part 11: How First-Century Christians Would Have Read Revelation

The Historical Context

To properly understand Revelation, we must read it as first-century Christians would have—as a message addressing their immediate situation under Roman persecution.

The Situation:

Early Christians faced:

• Emperor worship: Roman emperors demanded worship as divine beings
• Economic pressure: Those who refused to participate in pagan worship faced economic sanctions
• Martyrdom: Many Christians were killed for their faith
• Questions about God’s sovereignty: In the face of Rome’s power, believers struggled with whether God was truly in control

Revelation’s Message:

Revelation addressed these concerns by declaring:

1. Jesus is Lord, not Caesar (Revelation 1:5; 17:14; 19:16)
2. The Lamb has triumphed through His death and resurrection (Revelation 5:5-6)
3. God’s people are sealed and protected (Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1-5)
4. Rome’s power is temporary (Revelation 17-18)
5. Faithful endurance will be rewarded (Revelation 2:10; 3:21; 20:4-6)
6. God will establish His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21-22)

The Symbolism

First-century Christians would have immediately recognized Revelation’s symbolism:

The Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3): Real churches in Asia Minor facing real challenges. Jesus’ messages addressed their specific situations and called them to faithfulness.

The Beast from the Sea (Revelation 13): The Roman Empire, which emerged from across the Mediterranean and demanded worship.

The Number 666 (Revelation 13:18): In Hebrew gematria, “Nero Caesar” equals 666. Nero was the first emperor to systematically persecute Christians.

Babylon the Great (Revelation 17-18): Rome, the city on seven hills, known for its wealth, immorality, and persecution of Christians.

The 144,000 (Revelation 7, 14): The complete people of God (12 tribes x 12 apostles x 1,000), sealed and protected. This is symbolic language for all of God’s people, not a literal count of Korean organization members.

The New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22): God’s eternal kingdom, where He dwells with His people forever. This is the ultimate hope—not organizational membership, but eternal fellowship with God.

The Message for Today

While Revelation was written to first-century Christians, its message remains relevant for believers in every generation:

For Christians Under Persecution: Revelation assures that God is sovereign, Christ has won the victory, and faithful endurance will be rewarded.

For Christians Facing Compromise: Revelation calls believers to remain faithful, refusing to compromise with worldly systems that oppose God.

For All Believers: Revelation points to our ultimate hope—the return of Christ and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.

However, this timeless message doesn’t require identifying specific organizations in Korea as fulfillments of Revelation’s prophecies. The book’s power lies in its theological truths about Christ’s victory and God’s sovereignty, not in matching symbols to modern organizations.

Chapter 26 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” provides extensive analysis of how first-century Christians would have understood Revelation’s message and symbolism.

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Part 12: Practical Guidance and Red Flags

Red Flags in Lesson 99

For those currently studying with Shincheonji or considering involvement, Lesson 99 contains numerous warning signs:

Red Flag #1: Salvation by Organizational Conformity

“Those who are created according to Revelation are true believers and will attain salvation… Those who are not created according to Revelation face destruction.”

Why This Is Concerning:

This creates a salvation system based on conforming to an organizational pattern rather than trusting in Christ. The gospel offers salvation as a free gift to all who believe (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16), not as a reward for those who correctly interpret Revelation.

Red Flag #2: The “One Who Overcomes” Claim

“One of the crucial points in Revelation is the one who overcomes, or the new John.”

Why This Is Concerning:

As we’ve seen, “the one who overcomes” in Revelation refers to all faithful believers, not to a single individual. Claiming that Lee Man-hee is “the one who overcomes” requires ignoring the context of Revelation 2-3 and imposing a meaning the text doesn’t support.

Red Flag #3: The “Special Time” Manipulation

“The time when Revelation is fulfilled is better than any other time in the Bible, and it happens to be the time we are living in right now.”

Why This Is Concerning:

This creates false urgency and makes students feel they’re part of something uniquely important. However, every generation of Christians has faced unique challenges and opportunities. No biblical text teaches that one generation is more important than others.

Red Flag #4: The Pressure for “Tenacity”

“Things may become more challenging, but we need that tenacity… Tenacity is the key word.”

Why This Is Concerning:

This prepares students to push through doubts rather than evaluate them critically. Healthy Christian communities welcome questions and encourage testing teachings against Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Red Flag #5: The “Help God” Framework

“God wants us to actively help Him accomplish His work… The kind of person God needs today is one who is sealed and can help others hear the word.”

Why This Is Concerning:

This creates pressure to recruit others and remain committed to the organization. While believers are called to share the gospel, God doesn’t “need” us in a way that makes His plans dependent on our efforts (Acts 17:24-25).

Questions to Ask

If you’re studying with Shincheonji, ask yourself:

1. Does This Teaching Make Salvation About Christ or About Knowledge?

The biblical gospel centers on Christ’s finished work. Shincheonji’s system centers on understanding their interpretation of Revelation. Which is more biblical?

2. Can I Verify These Interpretations Independently?

Are you encouraged to research Shincheonji’s claims independently, or are you told that doing so shows lack of faith? Truth doesn’t fear investigation.

3. Do These Interpretations Keep Changing?

The “Prophecy and Fulfillment” series (available at closerlookinitiative.com) documents numerous changes in Shincheonji’s interpretations. If Lee Man-hee truly witnessed Revelation’s fulfillment, why do the interpretations keep changing?

4. Does This Create Fear or Freedom?

The gospel offers freedom and assurance (John 8:32, 36; Romans 8:1; 1 John 5:13). Does Shincheonji’s teaching create anxiety about whether you’ve been “created according to Revelation”?

5. Is Jesus Central?

In Revelation, Jesus is the central figure—the Lamb who was slain, the Lion of Judah, the Alpha and Omega, the King of kings. Does Shincheonji’s teaching keep Jesus central, or does it focus on identifying human figures and organizations?

6. What Happens If I Leave?

Are you told that leaving means losing salvation? This is a classic cult control tactic. Salvation is in Christ alone, not in any human organization.

Steps to Take

If you recognize these red flags:

1. Pause and Pray:

Give yourself permission to slow down. Despite the urgency Shincheonji creates, you have time to carefully evaluate what you’re being taught.

2. Research Independently:

Visit closerlookinitiative.com and read the “Prophecy and Fulfillment” series documenting Shincheonji’s changing interpretations. Read testimonies from former members.

3. Read Revelation for Yourself:

Read Revelation in its entirety, in context, using reputable biblical commentaries. Compare what you’re being taught with what the text actually says.

4. Consult with Trusted Christians:

Talk with a pastor, Christian counselor, or trusted believer outside Shincheonji. Get perspective from people who aren’t invested in the organization.

5. Test Against Scripture:

Use the Berean method (Acts 17:11): examine everything against Scripture. Does Shincheonji’s teaching align with the consistent message of the Bible?

6. Trust the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth (John 16:13). If something feels wrong, trust that instinct.

7. Remember: You Can Leave:

You are not trapped. Leaving Shincheonji does not mean losing salvation. Salvation is in Christ alone, secured by His finished work, not by organizational membership.

Chapter 28 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” (Hope and Help) provides detailed guidance for those considering leaving Shincheonji, including practical steps and resources for healing.

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Part 13: For Family and Friends

Understanding the Situation

If someone you love is involved with Shincheonji and has reached Lesson 99, they’re deeply invested in the organization. They’ve spent 7 months studying, are attending four classes per week, and are being told they’re living in the most important time in history and participating in God’s ultimate work.

What They’re Experiencing:

• Cognitive dissonance: Biblical language mixed with organizational doctrine
• Fear: Anxiety about being “created according to Revelation”
• Pressure: Urgency to “finish strong” and demonstrate “tenacity”
• Identity shift: Seeing themselves as part of God’s special work
• Isolation: Spending most free time in classes and with Shincheonji members

How to Help

1. Maintain Relationship:

Don’t cut off contact, even if your loved one becomes distant. Keep communication lines open. Express unconditional love.

2. Ask Gentle Questions:

Rather than attacking Shincheonji directly, ask questions that encourage critical thinking:

• “How do you know that interpretation is correct?”
• “What if the prophecy doesn’t come true as predicted?”
• “Can you show me where in Revelation it says there will be a ‘new John’?”
• “What does ‘created according to Revelation’ mean exactly?”
• “Have you researched this organization independently?”

3. Share Information Carefully:

Provide resources (like this refutation or materials at closerlookinitiative.com) without pressure. Say something like: “I came across this and found it interesting. Would you be willing to read it?”

4. Highlight Specific Concerns:

Focus on verifiable issues:

• The “Prophecy and Fulfillment” series documents changing interpretations
• Former members’ testimonies reveal deceptive practices
• The salvation-by-knowledge system contradicts the gospel
• The isolation from family contradicts biblical teaching

5. Pray Consistently:

Pray for:

• Wisdom in your interactions
• Your loved one’s eyes to be opened
• Protection from deception
• Restoration of relationship
• God’s work in ways you can’t see

6. Be Patient:

Leaving a high-control group is a process. Your loved one may need time to:

• Process doubts
• Overcome fear
• Rebuild relationships
• Reconstruct their faith

Don’t give up hope. Many people have left Shincheonji and rebuilt their lives.

Chapter 29 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” provides extensive guidance for families and friends, including communication strategies and resources.

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Conclusion: The True Blueprint

What Lesson 99 Reveals

Lesson 99, “Overview of Revelation Part 2,” presents itself as a scholarly overview of Revelation’s structure and themes. It uses legitimate analytical tools (5W1H, identifying mysteries, recognizing structure) and incorporates genuine biblical language (blueprint, prophecy and fulfillment, the one who overcomes).

However, beneath this biblical veneer, the lesson is establishing a framework that fundamentally contradicts the gospel:

1. Salvation by being “created according to Revelation” rather than by grace through faith
2. Dependence on a human interpreter (Lee Man-hee) rather than on the Holy Spirit
3. Focus on identifying human figures and organizations rather than on Christ’s victory
4. Anxiety about conforming to a pattern rather than assurance in Christ’s finished work
5. Organizational membership as the path to salvation rather than faith in Christ alone

The True Blueprint

The Bible does present a “blueprint,” but it’s not what Shincheonji teaches. The true blueprint is God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ:

Planned Before Creation:

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” (Ephesians 1:4-5)

Revealed Through the Prophets:

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow.” (1 Peter 1:10-11)

Accomplished in Christ:

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

Applied by the Spirit:

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14)

Consummated at Christ’s Return:

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21)

This is God’s blueprint—a plan of redemption centered on Christ, accomplished by grace, applied through faith, and consummated at His return. We don’t need to be “created according to Revelation” by conforming to an organizational pattern. We need only trust in Christ’s finished work.

The Gospel Invitation

If you’re currently involved with Shincheonji, please hear this: You don’t need Shincheonji to be saved. You don’t need to be “created according to Revelation” by mastering their interpretations. You don’t need to recognize Lee Man-hee as the “one who overcomes.” You need only Jesus Christ.

The gospel is beautifully simple:

“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.” (Romans 10:9)

“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.” (John 3:16)

“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Salvation is a gift, freely offered to all who believe. You don’t earn it by conforming to a blueprint or mastering interpretations. You receive it by trusting in Christ.

The True Message of Revelation

When we read Revelation as first-century Christians would have understood it, the message is clear and powerful:

Jesus Christ is Lord: Despite appearances, despite persecution, despite the apparent power of evil, Jesus reigns supreme.

The Lamb has triumphed: Through His death and resurrection, Christ has won the victory over sin, death, and Satan.

God’s people are protected: Though we face tribulation, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and secure in God’s love.

Evil will be judged: All forms of oppression, injustice, and rebellion against God will be judged and destroyed.

God will dwell with His people forever: The ultimate hope is not organizational membership but eternal fellowship with God in the new creation.

The invitation is open to all: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17)

This invitation is not limited to 144,000 members of a Korean organization. It’s extended to all who are thirsty, all who wish to come. Salvation is a free gift, not something earned through organizational conformity.

Final Encouragement

For those who have recognized the deception and are considering leaving: You are making the right choice. It takes courage to admit you’ve been deceived and to walk away from an organization where you’ve invested time and formed relationships.

Know that:

• God’s grace is greater than any deception
• Your salvation is secure in Christ, not in any organization
• Many people have left Shincheonji and rebuilt their faith and lives
• Healing and restoration are possible
• You are not alone

For additional resources, testimonies, and support, please visit: closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination

And remember Jesus’ words:

“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)

Jesus’ yoke is easy and His burden is light. Shincheonji’s system—with its anxiety about being “created according to Revelation,” its pressure for “tenacity,” its isolation from family, and its constantly changing interpretations—is neither easy nor light.

The true gospel offers:

• Rest, not anxiety
• Peace, not fear
• Assurance, not uncertainty
• Freedom, not control
• Grace, not works
• Christ, not human mediators

This is the true message of Revelation—and the true hope of the gospel.

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