Table of Contents
This lesson is about the importance of overcoming challenges and rising up again after falling, which is a trait exemplified by Jesus and righteous people like Job. It discusses the Book of Life, which serves as a church registry recording the names of God’s people who will enter Mount Zion. Submitting personal information for this registry is compared to immigration processes, as it helps organize and care for the members.
The lesson also covers the biblical practice of making pledges or oaths to demonstrate commitment to serving God. It draws parallels to the Israelites pledging to serve God under Joshua’s leadership after being delivered from Egypt. Similarly, those being called out of spiritual Babylon today are encouraged to make a pledge to God, promising to remain faithful without looking back.
The pledge outlines specific commitments, such as not betraying or denying the church, not returning to Babylon, resisting deceptions, avoiding improper financial dealings, staying humble, loving others, and ultimately becoming a saint. The core message emphasizes the need for a resolute mindset and oath to overcome trials and persevere in following God’s will to the end.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Reflection – Overcoming
This is a class about overcomers.
Overcoming is a trait that belongs to Jesus, and ultimately, it is God’s trait. When Satan fights, those who do not overcome will be defeated by him.
They may remain stuck in whatever calamities have befallen them. However, those who are righteous in God’s eyes respond differently to calamity. Shall we examine this further? Proverbs 24:16 NIV84 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
A righteous person falls, but what distinguishes them is their ability to get back up. Being righteous does not mean being without sin – it means overcoming when we fall. The difference between a righteous and unrighteous person lies in their response to falling: the unrighteous remain down, which is Satan’s desire, while the righteous rise again.
Job serves as an example of righteousness. Despite experiencing horrible circumstances, he consistently got back up. This demonstrates the true nature of righteousness – persistence in rising after every fall.
Therefore, we should strive to be like Job – people who always get up regardless of circumstances. Through this determination to rise again, we will fight and overcome.
Explanations on the Church Registry & Pledge
Today’s special lesson focuses on two crucial aspects for those who wish to enter Mount Zion, which I hope includes all of us.
Before we begin, let’s establish some fundamental understanding. The ultimate goal of this class isn’t simply Bible study that ends with us going our separate ways. Through our studies, we’ve come to realize that as revelation reaches its fulfilment, there must be an established place on earth that mirrors heaven – a gathering place for people.
The final objective of this class is entering Mount Zion. As evangelists and instructors, we are here to guide you on this journey toward entering Mount Zion.
Today, we will explore the practical and logical requirements for entering Mount Zion. While it is an organization governed by heaven, the work is carried out by people. Organization is essential because we’re not dealing with just hundreds or thousands, but hundreds of thousands of people.
With such a large number of people in one place, organization becomes crucial. We must be well-organized to properly manage God’s flock and God’s people. We will learn about certain matters that we take very seriously.
We will also discuss the Book of Life, which, as mentioned in previous lessons, serves as a church registry. We’ll revisit those verses again. This registry essentially records the people who will be at Mount Zion.
This sets the framework for today’s discussion.
What is Book of Life?
The Book of Life, which is what we call our church registry, is found in Revelation.
This Book of Life appears by name a total of 8 times throughout the Bible, with 6 of those occurrences specifically in the Book of Revelation.
- Phil 4:3
- Ps 69:27-28
- Rev 3:5
- Rev 13:8
- Rev 17:8
- Rev 20:12
- Rev 20:15
- Rev 21:27
When something is mentioned 6 times in the Book of Revelation, it signifies its importance.
Therefore, it is crucial for us to gain a thorough understanding of the Book of Life and its true meaning. In our previous discussion, we came to a significant realization about the Book of Life during the first coming, particularly in relation to Apostle Paul’s time – it was not just figurative, but existed as an actual, physical book. Philippians 4:3 NIV84 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Paul’s reference to the Book of Life was in the present tense, stating that their names “are” in the Book of Life. While this detail might have been overlooked, its significance is actually straightforward. The reason Paul could speak in present tense about the Book of Life was because they physically possessed one among them.
In the Book of Matthew, we learn that heaven respects and honors whatever is done on earth by those who are truly God’s people. The emphasis on “truly” is significant here.
This principle was demonstrated when Apostle Paul and Apostle Peter performed acts requiring great faith, such as healing people after Jesus’s departure. Heaven honored their faith, their mission, and their duty, resulting in successful healing. This fulfills Jesus’s promise when He said He would give them the key, and their earthly actions would be reflected in heaven.
The Book of Life was a physical book during the first coming, serving as a registry of God’s people. While we cannot find this original Book of Life today, a new Book of Life has emerged, containing the names of those who are truly God’s people who have come out of Babylon.
To understand the reality of the Book of Life, we can reference:
– Matthew 6:10
– Matthew 16:19 Matthew 6:10 NIV84 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 16:19 NIV84 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Jesus did not give his disciples a literal, physical key, even though as a carpenter, he could have fashioned one. Instead, he gave them a figurative key – the wisdom to know the secrets of heaven.
This wisdom, which we haven’t discussed since studying the parables, ultimately represents the word. Because the disciples possessed the true word, their actions were respected and acknowledged by heaven. Psalm 87:5-6 NIV84 Indeed, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.” [6] The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah
In the register of the peoples, it will be written that “this one was born in Zion.” Our ultimate goal is to be born in the Zion of the second coming, where the Lamb appears and dwells.
This is our deepest desire – to be present where Jesus promised to be. To achieve this, we must ensure our names are recorded in the registry of the peoples of Zion, which is the Lamb’s book of life. This registry of the peoples belongs to the Lamb.
This is our destination. Now, let us examine what qualifies to be written in this book of life.
Actual Reality of the Book of Life
Book of Life at the First Coming
The book of life during the first coming was a registry of Jesus’ church, containing the twelve tribes of spiritual Israel. When the disciples went out to testify and preach, the people who received their message became part of their respective tribes, as these disciples served as their spiritual fathers.
Book of Life at the Second Coming
Similarly, at the second coming, there will be a registry of the church led by the one who overcomes – Shincheonji, representing the twelve tribes of new spiritual Israel. This will establish heaven on earth, uniting the physical world’s heaven with the spiritual world’s heaven, making them one.
In this church registry, certain information is required, which is standard practice in the world:
– Name
– Address
– Background
– Faith
– Occupation
At Mount Zion, these details are requested to properly acknowledge each saint in the book of life, which is particularly important given that the saints number in the hundreds of thousands.
Church Registry
Why We Submit Personal Information
We submit detailed personal information (including name, nationality, address, birthplace, contact details, email, phone number, height, marital status, faith, academic background, family, and job status) because this represents a spiritual immigration process.
According to the book of Revelation, all nations have been under Babylon, which is the kingdom of demons (Rev 18:3). However, God, who is at Mount Zion, has chosen and called us out of Babylon (Rev 17:14; Rev 18:4) so we can enter the kingdom of God. This process is like a spiritual immigration.
Throughout every era, there has been a consistent pattern:
– A calling out from a place of captivity
– A bringing to a new place of salvation
It’s important to remember that salvation is a destination, not a state of being.
From the time of Noah, through the Exodus, to the first coming of Jesus, and even in our present time, there have always been people who didn’t realize they were in captivity. However, in each era, someone was sent to preach the word and call people out.
Just as natural immigration requires detailed documentation and registration processes for citizenship, spiritual immigration also requires proper registration. This can be compared to those who have gone through the tedious process of becoming citizens of the United States when they weren’t natural-born citizens.
A Class Discussion on U.S. Citizenship Process
[Instructor]
Can anyone describe the process you had to go through to do that?
What was it like becoming a citizen of the United States?
[Student 1]
It was long, and many papers had to be filled with many appointments.
[Instructor]
Did you have to study too, for some tests?
[Student 1]
Yes. I believe it’s 100 questions, but they only asked 10 out of them.
[Instructor]
So, that seems awful. How many years did it take you?
[Student 1]
I applied in 2019. So, just a year. So, in 2020 is when I became a citizen.
[Instructor]
Wow. It seems a little bit streamlined.
[Student 2]
That was not the case for my dad. So, when my dad did it, it took him several years. We moved to the States in 1988, he didn’t receive citizenship until 1997. So, it took us almost 10 years to do the full immigration.
And because my brother and I were minors, when he became a citizen, we too automatically became citizens. So, we’re grateful to our dad who went through that process. But immigration is a process where the country that you’re going into needs to know who you are.
[Instructor]
In God’s kingdom, just as in earthly processes, there is a need to know who is entering. While God knows people spiritually, his kingdom is also administered by people.
Consider the immigration process to the United States as an example. The I-485 form for U.S. Permanent Residence requires specific information such as:
– Legal name
– Country of birth
– Mailing address
– Employment history
– Occupation
These requirements are standard in any application process. Many applications also require payments to be processed. Although the Book of Life doesn’t require any payments, these types of processes are natural and common in our experiences.
Mindset Towards the Registry
1.- When applying for permanent residency in the United States, individuals must complete an 18-page form, attend interviews, make payments, and more. People submit these requirements without questioning the U.S. government’s need for such information, driven by their hope and desire to live in this country. Some are even willing to pay substantial fees to lawyers to help them through this process of obtaining residence or citizenship.
2. – With this in mind, if we have hope and desire to enter Shincheonji, the 12 tribes, which represents God’s kingdom created on earth as heaven, shouldn’t our mindset be at least equal to, if not better than, those seeking U.S. residency?
This process is not as tedious as the lengthy U.S. government forms or payments. Rather, it is about becoming part of God’s people in a global Mount Zion, a global ministry. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are going through this same process. Even for something as basic as a gym membership, people must provide health information, address, and other details.
This is, therefore, quite a normal process.
3. – Why should we enter God’s kingdom, Shincheonji? It is because this is where the true living God has declared to dwell forever (Ps 132:13-14), and where our spirit can live and revive through the word of truth that comes from there. In God’s kingdom, we receive the benefit of spiritual training that holds value for eternal life (1 Tim 4:8).
4. – God’s kingdom does not require payment for this training, nor does God ask us to pay for eternal life. However, if we cannot provide even basic information for the church registry, we need to reassess our mindset.
5. – When filling out forms for the U.S. government or a gym facility, we typically don’t question the process.
However, if we experience doubts about registering for God’s kingdom, we must discern which spirit is influencing our thoughts.
As written in 1 Peter 5:8, the devil, your enemy, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking to devour the elect and prevent them from reaching heaven.
Satan works not only through false prophets but can also use our own fleshly thoughts to block our entry into God’s kingdom. Consider Judas Iscariot – if he had only discerned his thoughts when the devil prompted him to betray Jesus (John 13:2), his destiny could have been different!
The key point is simple: the book of life requires basic information like names and addresses. People often question why such information is needed. This registry serves multiple purposes:
– To know and understand those entering the kingdom
– To protect and care for the members
– To identify specific skills among the people
What’s particularly helpful about the form is that it reveals valuable information about members’ backgrounds, such as:
– Those with construction or design experience who can assist in construction ministry
– People from the music industry who can contribute to praise and worship
This system helps place each person where they can best serve in the kingdom. While thoughts of uncertainty may arise, rest assured that all information is protected and kept safe.
This registry ultimately serves to maintain a record of who belongs to the kingdom of God.
Pledge of a Good Conscience
Why do I have to make a pledge to enter Shincheonji?
Making a pledge or oath before God is a biblical practice that appears multiple times throughout the Bible and its history. This act of making oaths is demonstrated in several ways:
- God Himself makes oaths to demonstrate His determination, as shown in Isaiah 14:24.
- Angels make oaths to confirm the truthfulness of God’s promises, as recorded in Revelation 10:6.
- Throughout biblical history, God’s people have made oaths to demonstrate their commitment to serve God alone.
When God makes a promise, He keeps it. Amen. Isaiah 14:24 NIV84 The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.
When God says He will do something, He will surely accomplish it, as He has sworn. God pledges and swears that He will get things done, and He always fulfills His word.
In the same way, God expects His people to follow His example – to be those who declare “we will obey,” “we will do,” and “we will keep our promises.”
The Enemy Purpose
The enemy doesn’t want us to keep our promises to God. Instead, the enemy desires our failure in keeping these promises by placing obstacles that impede our ability to fulfill our commitments to God.
Consider this – if one never makes a promise in the first place, how can they overcome the obstacles that come before them?
Therefore, what is needed is for everyone to make a commitment to God, acknowledging: “God, your word is being fulfilled in my time, and I commit myself to what is happening here.”
Maturity and Commitment
In the past, my prayers were always focused on asking God for things – “God, do this for me, give me this, give me that.”
However, now as we have matured in faith, our prayers have transformed. Instead of asking what God can do for us, we ask, “God, what can I do for you?” This reflects our desire to help complete God’s will.
Making a commitment helps us stay resolved through our daily challenges. The life of faith is never an easy journey for anyone. Yet, those who are determined to overcome and fight, those who make an oath, can reach their intended destination.
Let us examine Matthew 24, where Jesus describes the important actions for God’s people. Matthew 24:12-13 NIV84 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, [13] but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
He who stands firm until the end will be saved. As shown in Proverbs 24:16, our goal is to stand up.
Pledge for the Physical Israel
The oath serves as our commitment. When we make a promise to God, we must keep it. Looking at the Bible, we can examine what kinds of pledges people made to God in the past:
God led the physical Israelites out after they had spent a long time in a land of Gentile gods. He brought them to Canaan, the promised land. In Shechem, Joshua gathered all the people together and asked them to make a choice about which God they would serve. They made an oath to serve the living God, and Joshua set up a stone as a testimony of their pledge.
Joshua warned them that if they forsake [betray] God, they would be cursed (Joshua 24:14-27).
Joshua 24:14-27 NIV84 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. [15] But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” [16] Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods! [17] It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. [18] And the Lord drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the Lord, because he is our God. ” [19] Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. [20] If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.” [21] But the people said to Joshua, “No! We will serve the Lord.” [22] Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the Lord.” “Yes, we are witnesses, ” they replied. [23] “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” [24] And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.” [25] On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he drew up for them decrees and laws. [26] And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of the Lord. [27] “See!” he said to all the people. “This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the Lord has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God.”
This is a very powerful message from Joshua 24. Joshua took on the crucial responsibility of leadership after Moses, who had struggled for many years to bring the people to the promised land. It was Joshua’s duty to lead them into the land.
By Joshua 24, significant events had already taken place between Joshua assuming leadership and bringing the people to the point where they declared their commitment to serve the Lord. The people made a solemn oath to make God their God.
Joshua’s profound declaration in Joshua 24:15 stands out: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
This commitment remains relevant and can be our declaration even in our present time.
Pledge for us today
God has revealed to us that we were also in spiritual Egypt, which is like Babylon, where people were unknowingly in spiritual marriage with demons (Revelation 18:23).
Since God has now called us out of spiritual Egypt and is guiding us to His promised land, Mount Zion, we should make a proper pledge before God. This pledge is to serve Him alone, without turning back to Babylon (1 Peter 3:21; Hebrews 6:4-6).
The Story of Lot
God is showing us the importance of moving forward as we flee to the mountains. We shouldn’t look back at the place being judged (Sodom and Gomorrah), but instead run forward toward the mountains. This is a familiar depiction.
What happened to one family member during this escape?
Lot’s wife, despite being instructed to keep running, looked back and was transformed into a pillar of salt.
This is why Jesus specifically said to remember Lot’s wife – she looked back and lost the blessing that was meant for her. This same principle applies today.
Jesus deliberately connected the days of the second coming to the days of Noah and Lot. These two historical events weren’t mentioned by chance – both involved places under God’s judgment. Even lifelong Christians who claim to love God, if they stay in a place that’s being judged, will face judgment too.
As we escape from Babylon, we must make an oath and pledge to run forward without looking back.
So let me show you what the pledge is like, and we will go over a few points before we close.
Pledge Paper
So commitment to enter the church.
I’ll read a few of these here.
Pledge to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, (John 12:48-50, Revelation 20:12).
- I will not betray, rebel, or become an apostate against Shinchonji, Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, the Promised Pastor, and the Word.
- I will not deny them because of trials and persecutions.
- I will never go back to Babylon and lie in wallowing mud and eat what I vomited.
- I will not do the act of allowing seven evil spirits to enter the house of the heart that has received the Word and been cleansed.
- After receiving an appointed duty, I will not leave my position of authority, abandoning my home, or doing any sect building like the acts of Cain and Balaam.
- I will not go out from the 12 tribes and become an antichrist and receive the chosen and deceive the chosen 12 tribes.
- I will not believe the words of the devil, slanders, insults, persecutions, curses posted on the internet, websites, blogs, and other places.
- I will not engage in financial transactions with Shinchonji members such as multi-level marketing, fraudulent acts, and to lower saints’ faith.
- I will not act for the sake of power or money because I must be humble.
- Like Jesus, I will lower myself.
- I will become one who can love, forgive, and bless others.
- I will become a saint all people of the world need and rejoice with truth.
- I will love my neighbor as myself.
- I will be a volunteer worker who builds up the church.
All these things I firmly resolve before God.
If I break the above promises, God will punish me.
Heaven and earth will be seen and heard as evidence to these words.
When one makes the decision to enter Mount Zion, which I sincerely pray you will do, it requires signing a commitment. This commitment to God has been made by all evangelists, instructors, and hundreds of thousands of people, as this is where heaven is returning to.
Jesus taught in Matthew 5:37 that we should let our yes be yes and our no be no, for anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
In this era, God seeks to see our heart’s determination to serve Him at Mount Zion, Shincheonji.
Like David’s confession to God in Psalm 57:7, let our hearts be steadfast, firm, and unwavering. May our confession today echo Peter’s words in John 6:68. John 6:68 NIV84 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
Peter’s confession to Jesus was: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Today, Jesus is on Mount Zion.
Q&A
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
A Journey to Mount Zion: Understanding Church Registry and Pledge
I. Reflection – Overcoming
This section establishes the importance of overcoming as a defining characteristic of righteousness, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Job who faced adversity with resilience. It emphasizes the continuous effort of rising after every fall as a crucial aspect of faith.
II. Special Lesson: Explanations on the Church Registry & Pledge
This section introduces the central theme of entering Mount Zion, a physical manifestation of heaven on Earth. It highlights the need for organization and the importance of the Book of Life, a church registry, in achieving this objective.
III. What is Book of Life?
This section delves into the biblical significance of the Book of Life, exploring its mentions in Revelation and its historical presence as a physical book during the first coming of Jesus. It connects the Book of Life with the concept of spiritual immigration, drawing parallels to the detailed documentation required for natural immigration processes.
IV. Actual Reality of the Book of Life
- A. Book of Life at the First Coming: Explains the Book of Life as a registry for the church of Jesus, consisting of the twelve tribes of spiritual Israel during his time.
- B. Book of Life at the Second Coming: Presents the Book of Life as a registry for the church led by the one who overcomes, Shincheonji, representing the twelve tribes of the new spiritual Israel.
- C. Church Registry: This sub-section outlines the specific personal information required for the church registry, emphasizing its necessity for acknowledging saints and managing a large congregation effectively.
V. Why We Submit Personal Information
This section draws an analogy between physical and spiritual immigration, highlighting that entering God’s kingdom, like migrating to a new country, requires a formal registration process. It uses the U.S. citizenship application process as a relatable example to demonstrate the rationale behind providing personal details.
VI. A Class Discussion on U.S. Citizenship Process
This interactive section features a dialogue between the instructor and students, providing real-life accounts of the U.S. citizenship process. This discussion aims to normalize the concept of submitting personal information for a significant life change, emphasizing the similarity with entering God’s kingdom.
VII. Mindset Towards the Registry
This section urges individuals to adopt a mindset that values their spiritual journey as much as they value worldly aspirations. It encourages them to willingly provide necessary information for the church registry, recognizing the importance of becoming part of God’s kingdom and the benefits it offers.
VIII. Pledge of a Good Conscience
- A. Why do I have to make a pledge to enter Shincheonji?: This sub-section addresses the biblical practice of making oaths, citing instances where God, angels, and God’s people made oaths to demonstrate commitment and truthfulness.
- B. The Enemy’s Purpose: This part cautions against the enemy’s attempts to hinder believers from fulfilling their commitments to God, underscoring the importance of making a pledge and staying resolute in facing obstacles.
IX. Maturity and Commitment
This section highlights the shift from self-centered prayers to a desire to serve God’s will, reflecting a mature faith. It emphasizes the significance of making a commitment to God and enduring the challenges of the faith journey.
X. Pledge for the Physical Israel
This part recounts the historical pledge made by the Israelites to serve God after their exodus from Egypt, emphasizing Joshua’s leadership and the people’s commitment to follow God’s covenant.
XI. Pledge for us today
This section draws parallels between the Israelites leaving Egypt and believers being called out of spiritual Babylon. It emphasizes the importance of a pledge to serve God alone, without returning to the former state of spiritual captivity.
XII. The Story of Lot
This section uses the biblical story of Lot and his wife to illustrate the consequences of looking back and the need to move forward decisively in faith. It connects this principle to the second coming, urging believers to flee Babylon and commit fully to God’s kingdom.
XIII. Pledge Paper
This section provides a detailed breakdown of the pledge required to enter Shincheonji, focusing on key commitments such as loyalty, resilience against trials, and resisting worldly temptations. It emphasizes the firm resolve required to fulfill these promises before God.
XIV. Conclusion
The concluding section reasserts the importance of commitment and a steadfast heart in joining God’s kingdom. It encourages believers to embrace their faith journey and make a definitive choice to follow God’s word.
A Study Guide
Understanding Mount Zion: A Study Guide
Quiz:
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- What distinguishes a righteous person from an unrighteous person according to Proverbs 24:16?
- What is the ultimate goal of the class as stated in the “Special Lesson: Explanations on the Church Registry & Pledge”?
- How does the Book of Life function as a church registry?
- Why does the church registry require detailed personal information?
- How is spiritual immigration similar to natural immigration?
- What is the primary reason for entering Shincheonji, according to the text?
- How does the church registry assist in utilizing members’ skills and talents?
- What is the biblical basis for making a pledge or oath to God?
- What warning did Joshua give the Israelites in Shechem regarding their oath to God?
- What lesson can be learned from the story of Lot’s wife during the escape from Sodom and Gomorrah?
Quiz Answer Key:
- A righteous person falls but rises again, while an unrighteous person remains down after facing calamity. This ability to overcome and rise again defines righteousness.
- The ultimate goal of the class is to guide individuals towards entering Mount Zion, the place on earth that mirrors heaven and serves as a gathering place for God’s people.
- The Book of Life serves as a record of those who will be at Mount Zion, representing a registry of God’s people in the new spiritual Israel.
- The church registry requires detailed personal information because it represents a spiritual immigration process, transitioning individuals from the kingdom of Babylon into the kingdom of God at Mount Zion.
- Spiritual immigration, like natural immigration, requires proper registration and documentation to acknowledge individuals entering a new kingdom or nation. This process signifies a commitment to the new community.
- Entering Shincheonji is essential because it is the dwelling place of the true living God, where individuals can experience spiritual revival through the word of truth and receive training for eternal life.
- The church registry reveals valuable information about members’ backgrounds and skills, allowing them to be placed in service roles within the kingdom that best utilize their talents, such as construction, design, or music.
- Making a pledge or oath to God is a biblical practice demonstrated by God Himself, angels, and God’s people throughout history to express commitment and confirm the truthfulness of promises.
- Joshua warned the Israelites that if they betrayed God after making their oath, they would be cursed and face the consequences of breaking their commitment to serving the Lord.
- The story of Lot’s wife teaches the importance of unwavering commitment and moving forward without looking back. Her disobedience in looking back at Sodom resulted in her destruction, emphasizing the need for a resolute mindset when escaping judgment and entering the promised land.
Essay Questions:
- Analyze the significance of the Book of Life in both the first and second coming of Jesus. How does its purpose and function remain consistent, and how does it adapt to the specific context of each era?
- Explain the analogy of spiritual immigration presented in the text. How does this analogy clarify the purpose and importance of the church registry and pledge within the framework of entering Mount Zion?
- Discuss the role of overcoming in the context of righteousness. How does the example of Job illustrate the concept of overcoming, and how does this understanding inform the journey towards Mount Zion?
- Compare and contrast the pledges made by the physical Israelites in Shechem with the pledge expected of individuals entering Shincheonji. What are the similarities in their commitment and purpose, and how do they reflect the unchanging nature of God’s covenant with His people?
- Evaluate the significance of Jesus’ statement in Matthew 24:12-13 (“he who stands firm to the end will be saved”) in relation to the pledge and commitment required for entering Mount Zion. How does this verse connect the concept of perseverance with the ultimate goal of salvation?
Glossary of Key Terms:
Book of Life: A biblical concept representing a registry of God’s people, signifying those who are destined for eternal life. It functions as a spiritual record of those who belong to God’s kingdom.
Mount Zion: A metaphorical and physical representation of God’s dwelling place, both in heaven and on earth. It represents the ultimate destination for God’s people, a place of peace, righteousness, and eternal life.
Babylon: A symbolic representation of the world system opposed to God and characterized by wickedness, spiritual darkness, and demonic influence. It represents the place of captivity from which God’s people are called out.
Spiritual Immigration: The process of transitioning from the kingdom of Babylon into the kingdom of God, signifying a change in allegiance, belief, and way of life. It involves leaving behind the old ways and embracing the new life offered in God’s kingdom.
Pledge: A solemn oath or vow made to God, expressing commitment and determination to follow His will and remain faithful to His covenant. It signifies a conscious choice to align oneself with God’s purpose and serve Him wholeheartedly.
Overcomer: An individual who perseveres through trials, temptations, and obstacles, ultimately achieving victory through faith and reliance on God. It signifies a resilient spirit that refuses to be defeated and rises above challenges to achieve spiritual triumph.
Righteousness: The quality of being morally upright and living in accordance with God’s standards. It involves pursuing holiness, justice, and truth, and seeking to live a life pleasing to God.
Shincheonji: The name of the church referred to in the text, representing the twelve tribes of the new spiritual Israel. It is presented as the place where heaven is returning to on earth, the dwelling place of the true living God.
Breakdown
- Creation: God creates the world and establishes His covenant with humanity.
- Noah’s Ark: God judges the wicked world through a flood, saving Noah and his family.
- Exodus: God calls the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and leads them to the Promised Land.
- Joshua’s Leadership: Joshua succeeds Moses and leads the Israelites into Canaan, where they pledge to serve the Lord alone.
- David’s Reign: King David expresses his unwavering faith and commitment to God.
First Coming of Jesus:
- Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus establishes His church and gives His disciples authority to preach and heal.
- Book of Life: A physical book is maintained, recording the names of those who belong to the church.
- Apostle Paul’s Ministry: Paul spreads the gospel and emphasizes the importance of overcoming sin and standing firm in faith.
Second Coming of Jesus (Present Era):
- Babylonian Captivity: Humanity is spiritually enslaved in Babylon, the kingdom of demons.
- God’s Call Out of Babylon: God calls His people out of spiritual Babylon to Mount Zion, the New Jerusalem.
- Establishment of Shincheonji: Shincheonji, representing the twelve tribes of new spiritual Israel, is established as the dwelling place of God on earth.
- Church Registry (Book of Life): A new Book of Life is established, recording the names of those who belong to Shincheonji.
- Pledge of a Good Conscience: Members of Shincheonji make a pledge to serve God faithfully and resist the temptations of the devil.
Future:
- Judgment of Babylon: God will judge Babylon and those who remain in it.
- Eternal Life in Mount Zion: Those who have overcome and remained faithful will enjoy eternal life in Mount Zion with God.
Cast of Characters:
God: The ultimate authority and creator of all things. He is depicted as righteous, holy, and jealous, desiring His people to serve Him alone.
Jesus: The Son of God and the Messiah who came to earth to offer salvation through His death and resurrection. He is now dwelling in Mount Zion.
Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity, working in conjunction with God and Jesus to guide and empower believers.
Satan (The Devil): The enemy of God who seeks to deceive and destroy humanity. He tempts people to sin and turn away from God.
Noah: A righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and repopulate the earth.
Moses: The prophet who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. He received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai.
Joshua: Moses’ successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He encouraged them to make a covenant with God and serve Him faithfully.
David: The second king of Israel, known for his unwavering faith and his Psalms of praise to God.
Apostle Paul: A prominent early Christian leader who wrote many letters in the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of faith, grace, and overcoming sin.
Apostle Peter: One of Jesus’ twelve disciples, known for his bold confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah.
Lot: A righteous man who escaped the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, but his wife disobeyed God’s command and was turned into a pillar of salt.
Shincheonji Church Members: Individuals who have been called out of Babylon and have pledged to serve God faithfully in the church of Shincheonji.
Instructor: A teacher within the Shincheonji church who guides members in understanding the Bible and church practices.
Students: Members of the Shincheonji church who are learning and growing in their faith.
Overview
Overview: Entering Mount Zion – Requirements and Commitments
Main Themes:
This lesson outlines the process of joining Shincheonji, referred to as “Mount Zion,” the “true church” and the “kingdom of God on earth.” It emphasizes the importance of commitment and obedience, aligning with biblical precedents of oaths and pledges to God. The lesson draws parallels between joining Shincheonji and processes like immigration and US citizenship, highlighting the seriousness and formality of entering this spiritual community.
Key Ideas and Facts:
- Book of Life: A physical registry of members, echoing its existence in the first coming (Philippians 4:3). It contains detailed personal information, mirroring secular processes like immigration applications, to manage and organize the growing number of members. This data also helps identify individuals’ skills for service within the community.
“In God’s kingdom, just as in earthly processes, there is a need to know who is entering.”
- Spiritual Immigration: Leaving “Babylon,” the world ruled by demons (Rev 18:3), and entering the kingdom of God requires a commitment akin to physical immigration. This entails a formal process and a change in allegiance.
“This process is like a spiritual immigration.”
- Pledge of a Good Conscience: A written commitment mirroring biblical oaths, signifying dedication to Shincheonji, its teachings, and its leader, the “Promised Pastor.” This pledge outlines expected behaviors and warns against betrayal, apostasy, and engaging in activities deemed detrimental to the community.
“When one makes the decision to enter Mount Zion… it requires signing a commitment.”
- Overcoming: A central theme emphasizing resilience in the face of trials and temptations. The document utilizes the story of Lot’s wife as a warning against looking back or wavering in commitment.
“He who stands firm until the end will be saved.”
- Serving God Alone: Drawing upon the example of Joshua leading the Israelites into Canaan, the document calls for unwavering allegiance to Shincheonji and its leader, rejecting any other spiritual influence.
“God has revealed to us that we were also in spiritual Egypt, which is like Babylon…Since God has now called us out…we should make a proper pledge before God.”
Concerns:
- The lesson heavily emphasizes obedience and submission to the “Promised Pastor,” potentially raising concerns about individual autonomy and critical thinking.
- Comparisons to US citizenship and immigration might be interpreted as manipulative, potentially pressuring individuals into joining.
- The pledge contains clauses restricting financial interactions and communication with other members, raising potential red flags regarding control and isolation.
Q&A
Q&A
What is the Book of Life?
The Book of Life is a biblical concept mentioned eight times in the Bible, with six occurrences in Revelation. In Shincheonji, it refers to the church registry, a physical record of those who will be at Mount Zion. This registry is believed to be essential for organizing and managing God’s people as they enter the kingdom of God.
Why do I need to submit personal information to the church registry?
Submitting personal information, including name, address, faith, and occupation, is considered a spiritual immigration process. It signifies a transition from Babylon, the kingdom of demons, to Mount Zion, the kingdom of God. This process is compared to earthly immigration procedures that require detailed documentation for citizenship. Just as nations require registration, God’s kingdom also requires a formal process to acknowledge and care for its members.
Why is there a pledge to sign before entering Shincheonji?
Making a pledge is a biblical practice demonstrating commitment to God. Throughout history, God, angels, and His people have made oaths to confirm their dedication. By signing the pledge, members vow to:
- Remain faithful to Shincheonji and its teachings.
- Resist temptations from Babylon and the devil.
- Serve God wholeheartedly and contribute to the church.
This pledge signifies a commitment to uphold the teachings and principles of Shincheonji and to actively participate in building God’s kingdom on earth.
What is the significance of the pledge’s content?
The pledge outlines specific commitments, including:
- Not betraying or rebelling against Shincheonji.
- Resisting worldly temptations and influences.
- Avoiding financial exploitation within the community.
- Embracing humility and love for others.
- Actively participating in church building efforts.
These commitments reflect Shincheonji’s core values and expectations for its members, emphasizing spiritual growth, unity, and service to God.
What biblical examples support the act of making pledges to God?
Several biblical examples support the significance of oaths and pledges:
- God’s oath: In Isaiah 14:24, God swears to fulfill His plans, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises.
- Angelic oaths: Revelation 10:6 describes an angel swearing to confirm God’s truthfulness.
- Joshua’s covenant: Joshua led the Israelites in making a pledge to serve God alone, establishing a covenant between them and their God (Joshua 24:14-27).
These examples emphasize the seriousness and importance of making commitments before God.
What is the connection between the pledge and overcoming?
Overcoming is a central theme in Shincheonji. The pledge helps members stand firm in their faith and resist temptations. By making a commitment, they are better equipped to face challenges and remain steadfast in their belief, as Proverbs 24:16 states, “for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.”
What is the meaning of “spiritual Egypt” and how does it relate to the pledge?
“Spiritual Egypt” refers to the state of being spiritually captive in Babylon, a world ruled by demonic influences. The pledge signifies a commitment to leave behind this spiritual captivity and enter Mount Zion, the promised land of God’s kingdom. It echoes the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, representing a liberation from spiritual darkness and a journey toward God’s light.
Why is it important to not look back after making the pledge?
Looking back symbolizes returning to the ways of Babylon and abandoning the commitment to God. The story of Lot’s wife, who turned into a pillar of salt after looking back at Sodom, serves as a warning. It emphasizes the importance of moving forward with unwavering faith and leaving behind the old life of sin and spiritual captivity.