[Special Lesson 122] HWPL – The Work of Peace at the Second Coming

The work of peace being carried out by the organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) under the leadership of Chairman Lee Man-hee, who is believed to be the promised pastor or New John prophesied in Revelation, was thoroughly explained. God’s desire for true peace, Jesus’ role as the Prince of Peace, and the significance of New John being given authority to rule and teach from the throne were covered. The need for peacemakers to gather the great multitude from all nations at the Second Coming was highlighted. How HWPL is working towards this through religious dialogues, peace education, legal efforts like the DPCW, and support for women and youth affected by war was described. Major HWPL events like the WARP Summits that bring religious leaders together for peace were discussed. The symbolism of the tree of life and leaves healing the nations through this peace organization’s global efforts was also explained. Overall, HWPL’s activities and Chairman Lee’s role were presented positively as fulfilling biblical prophecies about restoring peace in the last days.

 

Study Guide SCJ Bible Study

HWPL – The Work of Peace at the Second Coming

Today, we will explore a very special lesson with beautiful content that I’m excited to share with you all.

This work holds extreme importance, as we’ll develop a deeper understanding of it – both through Scripture and its manifestation in reality.

During our time in Babylon, we were taught various ideas about the true meaning of peace and about someone who would bring peace. However, these teachings were not positive, demonstrating how Satan twists God’s things. It’s important to understand that peace is actually something that God desires and wants.

1.- God is a God of peace.

God is a God of peace. To understand why, we must look back to the time before Satan’s fall. During that time, heaven in the spiritual world was one.

Where there is one, there is peace – because everyone works with the same accord, the same mission, and the same will. However, this unity came to an end, though not forever, but for a time. This happened when one of God’s archangels decided in his mind that he wanted to be God.

When this occurred, the spiritual world was no longer one, but became two – divided into holy spirits and evil spirits. After this division of heaven, peace was replaced by war. This has continued for the last 6,000 plus years.

This war in the spiritual world eventually made its way into the physical world, which explains why the world is the way it is today. However, God’s heart is to restore what was lost, both in the spiritual world and in the physical world.

Let us read about God who is a God of peace in Romans chapter 16.

Romans 16:19-20 NIV84

Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. [20] The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

God is a God of peace, and He desires for peace to return. 

This is evident in Galatians 5:22-23, where peace is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit, alongside love and joy. The fact that peace is included among the fruits of the Spirit demonstrates its significance to God. Indeed, peace matters deeply to God, as He seeks to restore what was lost.

2.- Jesus = Prince of Peace

In order to do this work, God sent his one and only Son. Who is Jesus?

Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV84

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

In this passage, we learn about Jesus and God’s government structure, which includes the throne. Jesus holds the title “Prince of Peace” and His mission is to bring peace.

This peace-bringing role has 2 aspects: one relating to His first coming and another to His second coming. 

However, interestingly, in Babylon, some denominations hold a corrupted interpretation. They believe that at the second coming, it will be the Antichrist, not Jesus, who brings peace.

This shows how Satan corrupts God’s word, which leads us to examine Revelation 6.

Revelation 6:1-2 NIV84

I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” [2] I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.

In Babylon and certain denominations, there was an unfortunate misinterpretation of the rider with a bow without arrows. They explained that this rider would bring peace yet seek conquest, concluding it must be the Antichrist.

However, through studying the open word, we now understand differently. The rider on the white horse is Jesus, as revealed in Revelation chapter 19. The white horse represents New John.

Jesus rides to war in Revelation with the purpose of ending all wars, bringing true peace, and fulfilling God’s word. This shows both Jesus as the rider and New John as the horse have their respective roles to fulfill.

3.- New John = Peacemaker

New John has been given the role of a peacemaker, as he is the one whom Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will use.

Revelation 3:21 NIV84

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

He who overcomes will sit with me on my throne, just as I sat with my Father on his throne. This means the one who overcomes will become the throne of Jesus.

This person is given the iron scepter, which represents authority to rule. In this context, to rule means to teach.

One of the essential teachings this person will share is how we can have peace.

Let us learn more about this work of peace.

4.- We Must Become Peacemakers

It’s important to understand that being a peacemaker is not solely New John’s responsibility – it extends to everyone on Mount Zion. 

Therefore, we should all strive to become peacemakers.

Matthew 5:5-9 NIV84

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are the peacemakers – this raises the question: who should we be?

We must be peacemakers. During the time of the second coming, those who perform the work of peace have a particularly special role. According to Revelation 7:9 and Revelation 7:13-14, there must be a gathering of a great multitude.

Who will accomplish this work? It cannot be those focused on:

– War and conquest

– Bombs, bullets, and swords

These people cause division, not unity. The true people mentioned in Revelation 7:9 and 7:14 will be those who gather people together.

The work of peace involves gathering the great multitude by:

– Bringing people from every tribe

– Uniting those from every language

– Collecting those from every nation

– Gathering from north, south, east, and west

– Bringing them together in one place: the mountain

This is what God’s true people will be doing at the second coming – not promoting war, famines, plagues, and strife.

We need to understand more about this work of peace by examining:

1.- How it manifested during the first coming
2.- How it must be implemented in our time

5.- Work of Peace at the First Coming.

 

Jesus was performing the work of peace through teaching. Specifically, he was teaching the fulfillment of the words of Revelation, which constituted his work of peace.

The disciples recognized this and proclaimed, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

When the Pharisees demanded Jesus to rebuke his disciples, it showed they opposed the work of peace. Jesus responded with deep sorrow, saying “If you only knew what would bring you peace” – referring to the truth. He then prophesied their destruction because they denied this truth.

This prophecy carries profound meaning, showing the consequences of rejecting the work of peace and truth.

6.- Work of Peace at the First Coming

The Pharisees, who are described as a “brood of vipers” in Matthew 23:33, demonstrated their hatred for the work of peace and attempted to destroy it. But where does true peace originate from?

To answer this question, we can find insight in Psalm 119:165, which provides a beautiful explanation.

Psalm 119:165 NIV84

Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Great peace belongs to those who love God’s law, and nothing can make them stumble.

In the Bible, those who truly possessed the word were unshakable people. When the disciples faced persecution – being thrown into prison, flogged in the streets and synagogues, and forced to flee from towns – did they curse? Did they scream? Did they lament? No, instead they sang songs of praise.

The words of Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:10-13 perfectly illustrate this truth. While we are familiar with Philippians 4:13, the preceding verses reveal how Paul learned to be content in any situation. Whether he had plenty or little, was clothed or naked, hungry or full, he maintained contentment in every circumstance.

This represents true peace – being unshakable by worldly circumstances. This peace comes from the word and understanding of the word, through God’s grace. His grace provides true understanding of scripture.

A person who has this understanding will be at peace. Consider the time before the open word, when people were easily swayed by news articles and events – anything could shake them. The hope is that this is no longer the case.

7.- Place of Peace

I hope you are beginning to understand the broader arc of God’s work. We are now much closer than ever before to understanding this. Coming to this realization will start to bring you peace.

However, regarding the second coming – where exactly will this peace manifest? The place of peace will be at Mount Zion.

Isaiah 33:20 NIV84

Look upon Zion, the city of our festivals; your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved; its stakes will never be pulled up, nor any of its ropes broken.

The discussion centers on Zion and its significance as a peaceful abode – a place of peace. For those seeking true and lasting peace, Zion represents the destination.

The question posed is: What actions do the people in this place take to maintain this peace?

The answer can be found in Isaiah 2:1-4, a passage that should be familiar from the intermediate level.

Isaiah 2:1-4 NIV84

This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: [2] In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. [3] Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. [4] He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s Temple will be established as the chief mountain. The mountain figuratively represents the church. At this place, the mountain of the Lord’s temple, people will be taught the ways of peace and how to walk in the path of peace.

As stated in Isaiah 2:4, the Lord will judge among different nations and settle disputes between many peoples. They will turn their weapons of war into harvesting tools. This harvesting represents the work of peace, and it takes place on the mountain.

This has always been God’s way of gathering people, not Satan’s way of deceiving them.

8. Work of Peace at the Second Coming

Why is there a need for the work of peace at the second coming?

1.- According to 1 John 5:19, the whole world is under the evil one’s control. This clearly shows how the world is dominated by evil forces.

2.- There are numerous points of division among people:

– Nationality division

– Race division 

– Cultural division

– Religious division

Humans have developed a remarkable ability to find countless ways to create division. When we examine this closely, the flesh (human nature) appears to be infinitely divisible. 

If we solely focus on the flesh, true unity among people becomes impossible. This is because when we only look at physical or worldly differences, we can always find ways to distinguish and separate ourselves from others. This has been a significant mistake that prevents people from getting along.

The core issue lies in focusing only on the flesh while neglecting the spirit. This physical-centered perspective continues to be the source of division among people.

But how will this end? In Revelation 22:-1-2 to see how this will finally come to an end.

Revelation 22:1-2 NIV84

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb [2] down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

The Actual Reality

The tree of life will yield 12 crops of fruit, producing fruit monthly. Where is this tree of life located today?

To understand the reality of the tree of life, it represents New John and the organization, which is New Heaven and New Earth, Shincheonji.

The leaves of this tree serve for healing the nations that have fallen into corruption. When these nations are healed, they will unite as one. Currently, many people sense the world approaching its end.

We observe signs through various events like plagues and climate change. Some might think it doesn’t matter how we treat the earth, believing God will return and resolve everything. However, we have an important role to play in this mission.

Ecclesiastes 1:4 provides insight about the earth’s duration. This verse helps us understand how long the earth will continue to exist.

Ecclesiastes 1:4 NIV84

Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.

Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.

We should take care of our planet because this will continue to be our home. The reason is that heaven wants to come down to earth. Therefore, please do your part in taking care of your planet. We must take care of God’s big temple (the earth) just as we are his little temples.
What is the reality of this situation? How will this actually unfold?

9.- Peace Organization at the Second Coming

Let’s explore the reality of the work of peace at the second coming.

We are going to examine something truly beautiful – the work of peace at the second coming. There is a peace organization where New John, Chairman Lee, serves as the head.

This established peace organization is beautiful. What is it called? Let’s examine it together.

The organization is called HWPL.

It was established on May 25, 2013 with a specific mission, which is reflected in its beautiful name.

Let’s examine the name, but first, let’s read Ephesians 4:22-26.

Ephesians 4:22-26 NIV84

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. [25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

Paul sought to guide our understanding of how we should live as those who have come to Christ and God.

This organization aims to spread this culture and way of life globally.

Let’s examine what HWPL stands for:

1.- H = Heavenly Culture

Referenced in Ephesians 4:22-26

2.- W and P = World Peace

As stated in Revelation 22:1-2, “the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

3.- L = Restoration of Light

This is supported by John 1:1-4:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”

Therefore, HWPL stands for Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light. The organization’s mission is to conduct peace education worldwide.

Religious Dialogues

HWPL is deeply involved in peace talks worldwide, including those who are interested in politics and world relations or PR. A significant part of these peace talks involves religious dialogues.

The reason for these religious dialogues is crucial: 80% of wars worldwide are fought for religious reasons. To end these conflicts, one of the most effective approaches is bringing different religions together for dialogue – a simple yet rarely implemented solution.

At HWPL, these dialogues take place in rooms where representatives from various religions gather – Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and others. The process is straightforward:

1. They open their respective scriptures
2. They read about specific topics from each religious text
3. They discover common teachings across different scriptures

What makes these meetings remarkable is when they read the Bible, as it provides explanations that relate to other scriptures as well. This leads to participants developing a greater understanding of each other’s beliefs.

This process represents how the great multitude will come together. “All people” includes those who don’t yet believe in God and Jesus – they are part of how God’s kingdom is bringing in the great multitude of non-believers.

Two Wings of HWPL

HWPL operates with 2 wings, which are focused on providing support to the two groups most affected by war. We will examine these two groups in detail.

Let us review some significant events that occurred. 

First Wing: IWPG. 

IWPG (International Women’s Peace Group) is an organization dedicated to women’s causes. This group exists because women are among those who suffer the most from war and violence.

The organization’s mission centers on providing education and support to women facing various challenging situations. IWPG works to empower and encourage women through these difficulties.

Second Wing: IPYG

The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) is an organization that focuses on caring for young people, particularly because youth are often the ones sent to fight in wars. Their work centers on providing educational programs specifically designed for women and youth.

IPYG serves as one of the two wings of HWPL, like those of a dove. Together, they work in harmony for their mission.

There are a couple big events that I want us to note:

1.- The WARP Summit (World Alliance of Religions for Peace)

– The event took place on September 18th, 2014

– This significant gathering brought together numerous religious leaders from around the world in Korea

– The purpose was to discuss world peace through religious dialogues

– It was a beautiful and large-scale event

2.- The Establishment of DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War Act)

– Presented to the United Nations

– Signed on March 14th, 2016

– Consists of 10 articles and 38 clauses

– The document outlines methods to establish world peace

The presentation notes indicate that there is more to learn about HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) in future sessions, and videos about the DPCW and WARP Dialogues will be shown to provide additional information.

Memorizing

VIDEOS

So we will see that more. So let’s go ahead and play the video.

[VIDEO]

When the Declaration of World Peace was made public on May 25, 2013, HWPL was created as an NGOs working with the UNECOSOC to make the world peaceful and free of wars. HWPL works for peace in more than 170 countries around the world. The goal of HWPL is to create a legal tool that will keep the peace around the world so that people of all races, religions, and borders can live together in peace.

Hewlett-Packard launched the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War on March 14, 2016. The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War was read out loud. It had 10 articles and 38 clauses. The DPCW was shown to the permanent representatives of 145 countries at the UN in May 2018 by HWPL.

The DPCW will be sent to the UN as a draft resolution with the support of the rest of the diplomatic community. In particular, the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Seychelles, Eswatini, and Comoros all said they would support the DPCW. The Pan-African Parliament, which is made up of 55 African countries and is the legislative body of the African Union, signed an MOU with HWPL to support the DPCW. The Central American Parliament also passed a resolution in support of the DPCW.

A lot of political leaders and legal and educational experts in Europe also support the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula. This is seen as a way to end wars and bring about peace. As the advisory council, they are doing a number of different things. At the moment, civil society groups around the world are doing things like the Legislate Peace Campaign and the Peace Letter Campaign to support the implementation of the DPCW.

Peace networks are being set up by people all over the world in politics, education, religion, the media, youth groups, and women’s groups, as well as with HWPL. Through 250 HWPL warp offices in 128 countries, religious leaders are leading the way to end conflicts and build peace. Peace education helps students understand how important it is to live as a citizen in this time of peace.

The HWPL peace education curriculum is being used not only in schools but also at the government level. Children who learn about peace will become peace messengers and work to keep the world peaceful for a long time. The HWPL World Peace Summit is a celebration for the family of peace. It’s a time to see the progress that has been made for peace and to promise to do more work for peace in the future.

A solution to make the world more peaceful was suggested at the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit in 2014, which had about 200,000 people in attendance. The solution was to use international law for peace and work toward religious harmony. In 2018, the fourth annual HWPL World Peace Summit celebration took place. To promote a culture of peace, MOAs and MOUs were signed with many international groups, such as five ministries of education and major media outlets in 12 countries. Heads of state, prime ministers, chief justices, and religious leaders joined the HWPL Peace Advisory Council after 30 World Peace Tours that visited 71 countries. Journalists from around the world also joined and became HWPL publicity ambassadors, spreading the word about HWPL’s peace activities.

Because of the work that was done to end the fighting in Mindanao, Philippines, January 24 was named Mindanao Peace Agreement Day. Also, many countries around the world have set aside HWPL days, such as September 18th as World Alliance of Religions Day and Declaration of World Peace Day. With the help of the HWPL Peace Museum, Library, and Peace Park, people can remember and honor peace.

HWPL is working with the rest of the world to end wars and leave the next generation a peaceful world. People from all over the world will work together with HWPL to make the future of people peaceful. We will all follow the path of peace as HWPL to bring about a new era of endless wealth that everyone has dreamed of.

[Instructor]

So wasn’t that wonderful? The work of peace being done around the world. This is one of the things that really increased my belief in God and Jesus using New John, because he is the one who’s going around the world and having these dialogues.

You saw him in the video. See, he was there. He’s not a very tall man either.

Standing next to these other world leaders and religious leaders, he’s actually quite short. But this is the work that’s happening, right? So really God is at work at this time.

Let’s Us Discern