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

Lesson 126: Rev 18 – The Marriage with Satan Who Destroyed the Nations

Viewing Through First-Century Christian, Historical, and Literary Lenses

Introduction: The Marriage You Don’t Want

Imagine you’re sitting in that classroom now, 13-15 months into your journey. You’ve learned about the dragon’s war, the beast’s mark, the 144,000 on Mount Zion, the temple of testimony, the seven bowls of wrath, and the prostitute drunk with blood. You’ve been told not to research outside sources because they’re “Satan’s domain.” You’ve been explicitly instructed to follow Lee Man-hee because “the word is present with him.” You’ve learned about “Wash Day” and the need for organizational gatherings to stay spiritually clean.

You’re approaching the end now. Just a few more lessons until graduation, until new family education, until Passover. You can feel the anticipation building. Soon you’ll be sealed, officially part of the 144,000, a member of Mount Zion.

But today’s lesson has an ominous title: “The Marriage with Satan Who Destroyed the Nations.”

The instructor begins with a sobering tone: “There’s something special about Revelation 18 and its relationship with chapter 19. What’s the relationship between these chapters?”

A pause. Then the answer: “Revelation 18 is the marriage with Satan, and Revelation 19 is the marriage with Jesus. They’re contrasting chapters.”

You feel the weight of this. Two marriages. Two destinies. One with Satan, one with Jesus. And you’re being told that Revelation 18 describes the marriage with Satan—the union of false Christianity (Babylon) with demonic forces.

The instructor continues: “The most precious thing we can think about is the relationship between this Word that God planned and me. This does not apply to those who walk this faith walk only when they can and if they can’t, they won’t, and even if they do, they do not do so with much importance or value. This will be very precious to those who truly want to walk this faith.”

The message is clear: This lesson is for those who are serious, committed, who value God’s word. If you’re not fully committed, this won’t resonate with you. But if you truly want to walk in faith, this will be precious.

It’s a subtle pressure—distinguishing between those who are “truly” committed and those who aren’t. And you want to be in the first category. You’ve come this far. You’ve invested over a year. You’re not going to be someone who walks this faith “only when they can.”

The evangelist adds: “We can’t just be here to learn the open word and study passively, but we have to be those that believe in the words of God that they are true and are of great importance and value.”

Passive learning isn’t enough. You must believe. You must value. You must be active, engaged, committed.

“By learning through history and having endurance to the very end, we can be even more encouraged in our journey to come to the complete understanding and have a hundred percent faith in God’s word. So everyone, let’s make efforts to be in the word so that we can see more of God in us and truly change to become walking Bibles.”

Walking Bibles. That’s the goal. Not just knowing the Bible, but becoming it. Embodying it. Living it out through Shincheonji’s interpretation.

The lesson begins with a review of the relationship between Revelation 16, 17, and 18:

Key Points:

1. Revelation 17 is part of the time period of the 7 bowls (bowls 4-6)
2. Revelation 16, 17, and 18 happen together
3. Revelation 18 on a small scale (SEC) has been shown as false
4. Revelation 18 on a large scale (all of Babylon—the Christian world) is still to be fulfilled

Wait. Two scales? Small scale and large scale?

The instructor explains: “Revelation 18 takes place at two scales. It takes place on a small scale because the organization of the prostitute, the Stewardship Education Center, is judged, is shown as false, and is no more. And a large scale because we still have the rest of Babylon that is still a thing and must still be judged.”

So Revelation 18 has already been fulfilled on a small scale (the SEC in Korea in the 1980s-1990s) but still needs to be fulfilled on a large scale (all of Christianity worldwide).

This seems… convenient. If the dramatic events of Revelation 18 didn’t happen as described, you can say “that was just the small scale fulfillment; the large scale is still coming.” It’s a way to claim fulfillment while deferring expectations for events that haven’t happened.

But you push the thought away. That’s probably just doubt, the enemy trying to create confusion.

The lesson continues with a review of Revelation 17:

The devil’s food = the wine of adulteries = lies, commentaries, thoughts and rules and ideas of man. “Spiritual junk food” that people unknowingly eat because “the nutrition label is not printed on the product.”

The beast with 7 heads and 10 horns = the great prostitute = Mr. Tak (Babylon). This is something New John came to realize when Revelation 17 was fulfilled.

The beast with 10 horns = the 8th king = Mr. Oh, who takes the 10 horns from the 7 pastors and judges the prostitute.

You’ve heard this before. It’s the organizational conflict in Korea in the 1980s-1990s. Mr. Tak was the betrayer, the prostitute. Mr. Oh became the 8th king who judged him. The 10 horns (leaders) switched sides and exposed Mr. Tak.

Then the lesson moves into Revelation 18:1-3:

“After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. With a mighty voice he shouted: ‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird. For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.'”

The instructor emphasizes: “How many times have we read Revelation 18 during this class? Many times, right? Many times, especially these 4 verses, because it describes the place where unfortunately Satan is working.”

The place where Satan is working. And you’ve been told that place is the Christian world—all the churches you used to attend, all the Christians you know, all the denominations and traditions that have existed for 2000 years.

They’re all Babylon. All of them. A home for demons. A haunt for every evil spirit.

The instructor then makes a key point: “After this”—what does that mean?

“After this” appears 6 times in Revelation:

1. Revelation 4:1
2. Revelation 7:1
3. Revelation 7:9
4. Revelation 15:5
5. Revelation 18:1 (we are here)
6. Revelation 19:1

So Revelation 18:1 is the 5th occurrence. “After this” means after the judgment of Babylon (Revelation 17). Sequential progression.

Then comes a crucial teaching: “Babylon: Churches (Christian World)”

The instructor explains: “Babylon, historically was a giant conglomerate nation, a giant conglomerate nation.”

And then the lesson will go on to explain that just as historical Babylon was made up of many conquered nations, modern Babylon (Christianity) is made up of many denominations—all conglomerated into one false religious system.

You look around the room. Your classmates are nodding, taking notes. This all seems to make sense to them. And you want it to make sense to you too.

But something nags at you. If all of Christianity for 2000 years is Babylon, a home for demons, destined for judgment—what about all the faithful Christians throughout history? What about the missionaries who gave their lives to spread the gospel? What about the churches that preserved Scripture, that proclaimed Christ, that served the poor and suffering?

Were they all deceived? Were they all part of Babylon?

And if Revelation 18 was fulfilled on a “small scale” with the SEC in Korea, why didn’t the dramatic events described in the chapter happen? Where were the merchants mourning? Where were the sea captains throwing dust on their heads? Where was the smoke rising from her burning?

But you’ve been taught not to question. Questioning is from the enemy. Research is “going beyond what is written.” Outside sources are “Satan’s domain.”

So you take notes. You listen. You try to believe.

But the questions remain, quiet but persistent, in the back of your mind.

This lesson represents a critical point in Shincheonji’s indoctrination process. Students are being taught that all of Christianity is Babylon, destined for judgment, while Shincheonji alone represents the true faith. The “two-scale fulfillment” theory allows Shincheonji to claim Revelation 18 has been fulfilled (small scale) while deferring expectations for events that haven’t happened (large scale still to come). This creates an unfalsifiable claim and reinforces the extreme us-vs-them mentality.

As we examine this lesson through the lens of first-century Christian understanding, historical context, and careful biblical interpretation, we’ll discover that Shincheonji’s teaching fundamentally misunderstands Revelation 18, misidentifies Babylon, and creates a false framework that serves organizational purposes rather than biblical truth.

For those seeking additional resources and support, visit https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination for comprehensive analysis of Shincheonji’s teachings, testimonies from former members, and resources for families.

Let’s begin by examining what Revelation 18 actually means in its first-century context, then explore the problems with Shincheonji’s interpretation, and finally address the dangerous implications of this teaching.

Part 1: Understanding Revelation 18 – The Fall of Babylon

The Biblical Text

Revelation 18 is a lengthy chapter (24 verses) that describes the fall of Babylon in dramatic, poetic language. Let’s examine key sections:

Revelation 18:1-3 (NIV84):

“After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. With a mighty voice he shouted: ‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird. For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.'”

Revelation 18:4-8:

“Then I heard another voice from heaven say: ‘Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Pour her a double portion from her own cup. Give her as much torment and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. In her heart she boasts, “I sit enthroned as queen. I am not a widow; I will never mourn.” Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.'”

Revelation 18:9-19 (Summary):

This section describes the mourning of three groups over Babylon’s fall:

1. Kings of the earth (vv. 9-10) – who committed adultery with her
2. Merchants of the earth (vv. 11-17a) – who grew rich from her
3. Sea captains and sailors (vv. 17b-19) – who transported her goods

Each group mourns because Babylon’s fall means their economic prosperity is destroyed.

Revelation 18:20-24:

“Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets! For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you… Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: ‘With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again… In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.'”

First-Century Christian Understanding

To understand what first-century Christians would have understood from Revelation 18, we need to consider the historical, political, and literary context.

1. Babylon = Rome

As we established in our refutation of Lesson 125 (Revelation 17), first-century Christians would immediately recognize Babylon as Rome:

• Seven hills (Rev 17:9) = Rome’s famous seven hills
• Great city ruling over kings (Rev 17:18) = Rome, the imperial capital
• Drunk with blood of saints (Rev 17:6) = Roman persecution of Christians
• Economic dominance (Rev 18:11-19) = Rome’s vast trade empire

According to “How First-Century Christians Read Revelation Like a Political Cartoon,” Revelation uses symbolic imagery that would have been immediately recognizable to its original audience. Just as modern political cartoons use symbols everyone understands (Uncle Sam = America, a bear = Russia, a dragon = China), Revelation uses symbols first-century Christians would instantly recognize.

Babylon = Rome. This wasn’t a mystery or a code to be cracked 2000 years later. It was obvious to the original audience.

2. Why “Babylon” Instead of “Rome”?

Why does John call Rome “Babylon” instead of using its actual name?

Several reasons:

Safety: Writing explicitly against Rome could endanger John and the churches. Using symbolic language provided some protection.

Theological Connection: Babylon in the Old Testament was the great enemy of God’s people—the nation that destroyed Jerusalem, burned the temple, and took Israel into exile. By calling Rome “Babylon,” John connects Rome with that historical enemy. Just as Babylon oppressed God’s people in the past, Rome oppresses God’s people now.

Prophetic Pattern: The Old Testament prophets pronounced judgment on Babylon (Isaiah 13-14, 21; Jeremiah 50-51). John applies that prophetic pattern to Rome—the new Babylon will fall just as the old Babylon fell.

3. The Economic System

Revelation 18:11-19 provides extensive detail about Babylon’s economic system:

The Cargo List (Rev 18:12-13):

“Cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.”

This is a detailed description of Rome’s trade empire. Rome imported luxury goods from across the known world:

• Gold, silver, precious stones – from Spain, Britain, Egypt
• Fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet – from Egypt, Phoenicia, China
• Spices, incense – from Arabia, India
• Wine, olive oil, wheat – from across the Mediterranean
• Slaves – from conquered territories

Rome’s economy was built on this vast trade network. Merchants, sea captains, and sailors grew rich transporting these goods.

The Mourning (Rev 18:9-19):

When Babylon (Rome) falls, three groups mourn:

1. Kings – political allies who benefited from Rome’s power
2. Merchants – traders who grew rich from Rome’s luxury market
3. Sea captains/sailors – those who transported the goods

They mourn not because they loved Babylon, but because her fall means their economic prosperity ends. They’ve lost their source of wealth.

This is a devastating critique of Rome’s economic system—built on exploitation, slavery, and luxury while many suffered in poverty.

4. The Call to “Come Out of Her”

Revelation 18:4: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues.”

This is a call to God’s people (Christians in the Roman Empire) to separate from Rome’s evil practices:

• Don’t participate in emperor worship
• Don’t compromise with pagan culture
• Don’t be seduced by Rome’s wealth and power
• Don’t conform to Rome’s values

This echoes Old Testament calls to separate from Babylon:

Jeremiah 51:45: “Come out of her, my people! Run for your lives! Run from the fierce anger of the Lord.”

Isaiah 52:11: “Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the Lord’s house.”

The call is not to physically leave the Roman Empire (that wasn’t possible for most Christians), but to spiritually separate—to not participate in Rome’s evil, to maintain distinct Christian identity and values.

5. The Message for First-Century Christians

What message would first-century Christians receive from Revelation 18?

Encouragement: Despite Rome’s apparent invincibility, God will judge Rome. Rome will fall. God’s justice will prevail.

Warning: Don’t be seduced by Rome’s wealth and power. Don’t compromise with Rome’s evil. Stay faithful to Christ.

Hope: God sees Rome’s oppression. He hears the cries of the martyrs. He will avenge His people.

Vindication: Those who suffer under Rome’s persecution will be vindicated. God will judge Rome for the blood of the saints.

This was tremendously relevant and encouraging to Christians suffering under Roman persecution. The message: Stay faithful. Don’t compromise. Rome seems all-powerful, but God will judge it. Your suffering is not in vain.

6. The Literary Structure

Revelation 18 is structured as a taunt song or funeral dirge—a poetic lament over Babylon’s fall. This literary form was common in Old Testament prophecy (see Isaiah 14:4-21, Ezekiel 27-28).

The structure includes:

• Announcement of fall (vv. 1-3)
• Call to come out (vv. 4-8)
• Laments of mourners (vv. 9-19)
  • Kings (vv. 9-10)
  • Merchants (vv. 11-17a)
  • Sea captains (vv. 17b-19)
• Call to rejoice (v. 20)
• Final judgment (vv. 21-24)

This is not a literal, chronological description of events, but a poetic, dramatic portrayal of God’s judgment using established literary conventions.

What First-Century Christians Would NOT Understand

First-century Christians reading Revelation 18 would NOT understand:

❌ That Babylon represents Christian churches 1900+ years in the future
❌ That there’s a “two-scale fulfillment” (small scale in Korea, large scale global)
❌ That the chapter describes a “marriage with Satan”
❌ That they need to identify organizational conflicts in 1980s Korea
❌ That the merchants and kings represent people associated with a Korean organization
❌ That this prophecy would be fulfilled in two separate stages centuries apart

Why? Because:

1. The text identifies Babylon: Seven hills, great city ruling over kings, drunk with blood of saints = Rome. This is clear in the text itself.
2. The context is first-century persecution: The blood of the saints (18:24) refers to Roman persecution happening in John’s time.
3. The message is for first-century Christians: They needed encouragement to remain faithful under Roman oppression. A prophecy about Korea in the 1980s would be irrelevant to them.
4. The literary genre is apocalyptic: Revelation uses symbolic imagery rooted in Old Testament prophecy to address current situations, not to predict specific organizational events 2000 years later.
5. The economic details match Rome: The cargo list, the merchants, the sea captains—all of this describes Rome’s trade empire, not a Korean organization.

The Historical Reality: Rome’s Fall

Did Rome fall as Revelation 18 describes?

The answer is nuanced:

Rome’s Political Fall:

The Western Roman Empire gradually declined and fell in 476 AD. The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) continued until 1453 AD.

Rome’s fall wasn’t as dramatic as Revelation 18 describes (sudden, in one day, consumed by fire). But the symbolic language of apocalyptic literature isn’t meant to be taken literally. The point is: Rome, despite its apparent invincibility, eventually fell. God’s judgment came.

Rome’s Spiritual Fall:

More significantly, Rome’s persecution of Christianity ended. Constantine legalized Christianity in 313 AD. Christianity eventually became the dominant religion of the empire.

The “Babylon” that persecuted Christians—the Rome that demanded emperor worship, that martyred believers, that opposed God’s people—was defeated. Not through military conquest, but through the spread of the gospel.

The Vindication of the Martyrs:

The martyrs who died under Roman persecution were vindicated. Christianity triumphed over the empire that tried to destroy it. This is the ultimate fulfillment of Revelation’s message: God’s people, though persecuted, will be vindicated. The oppressor will fall.

The Symbolic Nature:

As “The Revelation Project – Day 1-6 (Dr. Chip Bennett & Dr. Warren Gage)” explains, Revelation’s imagery is symbolic and theological, not literal and predictive. The dramatic descriptions (Babylon falling in one day, consumed by fire, merchants mourning) are poetic portrayals of God’s judgment, not literal predictions of how events would unfold.

The point is theological: God will judge evil. The oppressor will fall. God’s people will be vindicated. This happened with Rome, and it will ultimately happen with all evil when Christ returns.

Part 2: Shincheonji’s Interpretation – The Two-Scale Fulfillment Theory

Shincheonji’s Claims

Lesson 126 presents a unique interpretation of Revelation 18:

Claim 1: Revelation 18 has two scales of fulfillment

“Revelation 18 takes place at two scales. It takes place on a small scale because the organization of the prostitute, the Stewardship Education Center, is judged, is shown as false, and is no more. And a large scale because we still have the rest of Babylon that is still a thing and must still be judged.”

Claim 2: Small scale = SEC (already fulfilled)

“Revelation 18 on a small scale (SEC) shown as false… Revelation 16, 17 and the small scale version of 18 happened during the pouring of the 7 bowls of wrath over the 7 years [1984-1990].”

Claim 3: Large scale = Christian world (still to be fulfilled)

“Revelation 18 on a large scale (All of Babylon – Christian World) still to be fulfilled.”

Claim 4: Babylon = Christian churches

“Babylon: Churches (Christian World)… Babylon, historically was a giant conglomerate nation. A giant conglomerate nation.”

Claim 5: Revelation 18 describes a “marriage with Satan”

“Revelation 18 is the marriage with Satan and Revelation 19 is the marriage with Jesus. They’re contrasting chapters.”

The Problems with This Interpretation

Problem 1: No Biblical Basis for “Two-Scale Fulfillment”

Where in Scripture does it teach that prophecies have “two-scale fulfillment”—a small scale and a large scale, fulfilled at different times?

This concept doesn’t exist in Scripture. It’s an invention by Shincheonji to explain why Revelation 18’s dramatic descriptions don’t match what happened with the SEC in Korea.

The Logic:

1. Shincheonji claims Revelation 18 was fulfilled with the SEC (small scale)
2. But the dramatic events described (merchants mourning, sea captains throwing dust on heads, city consumed by fire, economic collapse) didn’t happen
3. Solution: Claim there’s a “small scale” fulfillment (already happened with SEC) and a “large scale” fulfillment (still to come with all Christianity)
4. This allows them to claim fulfillment while deferring expectations for events that haven’t happened

The Problem:

This is unfalsifiable. If the dramatic events don’t happen, they’re always “still future” (large scale not yet fulfilled). If they do happen someday, Shincheonji can claim they predicted it. Either way, the interpretation can’t be proven wrong.

This is a manipulation tactic, not biblical interpretation.

Problem 2: The Events Don’t Match Even on “Small Scale”

Let’s compare what Revelation 18 describes with what happened to the SEC:

Revelation 18 describes:

• Angel with great authority illuminating the earth (v. 1)
• Mighty voice shouting “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon!” (v. 2)
• Babylon becomes home for demons (v. 2)
• All nations have drunk her wine (v. 3)
• Kings of the earth committed adultery with her (v. 3)
• Merchants of the earth grew rich from her (v. 3)
• Voice from heaven calling “Come out of her, my people” (v. 4)
• Her sins piled up to heaven (v. 5)
• Judgment: death, mourning, famine, consumed by fire (v. 8)
• Kings mourn from a distance (vv. 9-10)
• Merchants weep and mourn because no one buys their cargo (vv. 11-17)
• Detailed cargo list: gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, citron wood, ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron, marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, carriages, slaves (vv. 12-13)
• Sea captains, sailors, all who earn living from sea throw dust on heads and mourn (vv. 17-19)
• Mighty angel throws boulder like large millstone into sea (v. 21)
• Music, craftsmen, millstone sound never heard again (v. 22)
• Light of lamp never shine again (v. 23)
• Voice of bride and bridegroom never heard again (v. 23)
• In her was found blood of prophets and saints (v. 24)

What happened to the SEC (according to Shincheonji’s own account):

According to “SCJ’s Fulfillment of Revelation Part 1 and Part 2” and “The Real Reasons Behind the Tabernacle Temple’s Destruction and Sale”:

• The SEC was an organization founded by Mr. Tak
• Internal conflicts arose between leaders
• Mr. Oh and others left and exposed Mr. Tak’s teachings as false
• The organization declined and eventually dissolved
• There was no dramatic judgment, no economic collapse, no merchants mourning, no sea captains throwing dust on heads, no city consumed by fire

The disconnect is obvious.

Revelation 18 describes cosmic, dramatic judgment with international economic implications. The SEC’s dissolution was an internal organizational conflict with no international impact, no economic collapse, no dramatic judgment.

Claiming the SEC fulfilled Revelation 18 (even on a “small scale”) is like claiming a local business closing fulfilled prophecies about the fall of the Roman Empire. The scope, scale, and nature of the events don’t match.

Problem 3: The Cargo List Makes No Sense for SEC

Revelation 18:12-13 provides a detailed list of cargo that merchants traded with Babylon:

“Cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.”

This is a specific, detailed description of Rome’s trade empire. These were the actual goods Rome imported from across its empire.

How does this apply to the SEC? Did the SEC trade in:

• Gold, silver, precious stones, pearls?
• Fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet cloth?
• Citron wood, ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron, marble?
• Cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense?
• Wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat?
• Cattle, sheep, horses, carriages?
• Slaves?

Obviously not. The SEC was a religious organization, not a trade empire. This cargo list makes no sense when applied to the SEC.

Shincheonji’s response would likely be: “It’s symbolic. The cargo represents spiritual things.”

But if it’s symbolic, what does each item symbolize? And why would John provide such specific details if they’re all just symbols for “false teachings”?

The simpler explanation: This is a description of Rome’s actual trade empire, not a symbolic description of a Korean religious organization.

Problem 4: The Mourners Make No Sense for SEC

Revelation 18 describes three groups mourning Babylon’s fall:

1. Kings of the earth (vv. 9-10)
2. Merchants of the earth (vv. 11-17)
3. Sea captains, sailors, all who earn living from sea (vv. 17-19)

These groups mourn because Babylon’s fall means their economic prosperity ends.

Who mourned the SEC’s dissolution?

• Were there “kings of the earth” who mourned?
• Were there “merchants of the earth” who wept because no one bought their cargo?
• Were there “sea captains and sailors” who threw dust on their heads?

No. The SEC’s dissolution affected a small group of people in Korea. There were no international mourners, no economic collapse, no merchants losing their livelihood.

Again, the scope and scale don’t match.

Problem 5: Babylon = Christian Churches Is Eisegesis, Not Exegesis

Shincheonji claims Babylon represents Christian churches. But this is eisegesis (reading into the text) not exegesis (drawing meaning from the text).

The Text Identifies Babylon:

• Seven hills (Rev 17:9) – Rome
• Great city ruling over kings (Rev 17:18) – Rome
• Drunk with blood of saints (Rev 17:6) – Roman persecution
• Economic dominance (Rev 18:11-19) – Rome’s trade empire

The text itself identifies Babylon. We don’t need to guess or impose our own interpretation. The clues are there.

Shincheonji Ignores These Clues:

Instead of accepting the text’s identification, Shincheonji imposes its own:

• Babylon = Christian churches
• Seven hills = seven pastors
• Great city = organizational structure
• Blood of saints = spiritual death through false teaching

This requires ignoring what the text actually says and replacing it with Shincheonji’s narrative.

Problem 6: The “Marriage with Satan” Framework Is Not in the Text

Shincheonji claims Revelation 18 describes a “marriage with Satan” that contrasts with the “marriage with Jesus” in Revelation 19.

But Revelation 18 never mentions a “marriage with Satan.” It describes:

• Babylon’s fall and judgment
• The mourning of those who profited from Babylon
• The call to God’s people to separate from Babylon
• The rejoicing of heaven over Babylon’s judgment

Where is the “marriage with Satan”?

Shincheonji is imposing this framework to create a contrast with Revelation 19. But it’s not in the text.

The Actual Contrast:

The actual contrast between Revelation 18 and 19 is:

• Revelation 18: Judgment on evil (Babylon/Rome)
• Revelation 19: Celebration of Christ’s victory and the marriage supper of the Lamb

It’s a contrast between judgment and celebration, between the fall of evil and the triumph of good. Not between two different “marriages.”

Shincheonji’s Teaching

Lesson 126 explicitly teaches that Babylon represents Christian churches:

“Babylon: Churches (Christian World)… Babylon, historically was a giant conglomerate nation. A giant conglomerate nation.”

The lesson goes on to explain that just as historical Babylon was made up of many conquered nations united under one empire, modern Babylon (Christianity) is made up of many denominations—all conglomerated into one false religious system.

The implications are severe:

According to Revelation 18:2: “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.”

If Babylon = Christian churches, then Shincheonji is teaching that Christian churches are:

• A home for demons
• A haunt for every evil spirit
• A haunt for every unclean and detestable bird

According to Revelation 18:3: “For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”

If Babylon = Christian churches, then:

• All nations have drunk the maddening wine of false teachings from churches
• Political leaders have compromised with churches
• Religious leaders have grown rich from churches’ excessive luxuries

According to Revelation 18:4: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues.”

If Babylon = Christian churches, then:

• God’s people must leave Christian churches
• Staying in churches means sharing in their sins
• Staying in churches means receiving their plagues (judgment)

According to Revelation 18:24: “In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.”

If Babylon = Christian churches, then:

• Churches are responsible for the blood of prophets and saints
• Churches have slaughtered God’s people

This is an extreme, totalizing demonization of all Christianity outside Shincheonji.

The Problems with This Teaching

Problem 1: It Contradicts Historical Reality

If Christian churches are Babylon—a home for demons, destined for judgment—how do we explain:

The Preservation of Scripture:

Christian churches preserved the biblical manuscripts through centuries. Monks copied Scripture by hand. Scholars translated it into various languages. The church protected and transmitted God’s Word.

If churches are demonic, how did they faithfully preserve Scripture?

The Spread of the Gospel:

Christian missionaries spread the gospel to every continent. They translated the Bible into hundreds of languages. They planted churches, served the poor, healed the sick, and proclaimed Christ—often at great personal cost, including martyrdom.

If churches are demonic, how did they spread the gospel worldwide?

The Great Saints and Theologians:

Throughout church history, there have been faithful believers who loved Christ, served God’s people, and advanced understanding of Scripture:

• Augustine
• Martin Luther
• John Calvin
• John Wesley
• Charles Spurgeon
• C.S. Lewis
• Billy Graham
• And countless others

Were they all deceived? Were they all part of demonic Babylon?

The Fruit of the Church:

Christian churches have:

• Established hospitals and medical care
• Founded universities and schools
• Served the poor and marginalized
• Fought against slavery and injustice
• Provided disaster relief and humanitarian aid
• Proclaimed the gospel and made disciples

If churches are demonic, how do we explain this good fruit?

Jesus said: “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). The fruit of Christianity over 2000 years includes the preservation of Scripture, the spread of the gospel, countless faithful believers, and immense service to humanity.

This doesn’t look like the fruit of a demonic system.

Problem 2: It Requires Ignoring Jesus’ Promise

Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church:

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

If all Christian churches for 2000 years have been Babylon—demonic, false, destined for judgment—then the gates of hell DID prevail against Christ’s church.

But Jesus promised this wouldn’t happen. His church would endure. The gates of hell would not overcome it.

Either:

1. Jesus’ promise failed (the church became Babylon)
2. Or Shincheonji’s interpretation is wrong (the church is not Babylon)

Which is more likely?

Problem 3: It Creates an Impossible Timeline

If Christian churches are Babylon, when did the church become Babylon?

Option 1: From the beginning

If the church was Babylon from the beginning, then:

• The apostles founded a demonic system
• The early church was demonic
• The New Testament was written by people in a demonic system
• The gospel was spread by a demonic organization

This is absurd. The apostles were faithful to Christ. The early church, despite imperfections, genuinely followed Jesus. The New Testament is God’s inspired Word, not the product of a demonic system.

Option 2: At some point after the apostles

If the church became Babylon at some point after the apostles, when?

• When Constantine legalized Christianity (313 AD)?
• When the Roman Catholic Church developed (4th-5th centuries)?
• At the Great Schism (1054 AD)?
• At the Protestant Reformation (1517)?

Shincheonji doesn’t specify. But whenever it happened, this creates problems:

If the church became Babylon in the 4th century, what about faithful Christians from the 4th century to the 20th century? Were they all deceived?

If the church became Babylon at the Reformation, what about Protestant churches that returned to biblical teaching? Are they also Babylon?

Option 3: Only until Shincheonji was founded

This seems to be Shincheonji’s implicit claim: All churches were Babylon until Shincheonji was founded in 1984. Now Shincheonji is the true church, and all others remain Babylon.

But this means:

• For 1950+ years (from the apostles to 1984), there was no true church
• Jesus’ promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church failed for 1950+ years
• God left His people without a true church for nearly 2000 years
• Only in 1984 did a true church finally emerge—in Korea, through Lee Man-hee

This is incredibly arrogant and historically absurd.

Problem 4: It Ignores the Actual Babylon (Rome)

As we’ve established, first-century Christians would have understood Babylon as Rome:

• Rome persecuted Christians
• Rome demanded emperor worship
• Rome ruled over the known world
• Rome’s economic system exploited conquered peoples
• Rome martyred believers

Rome was the actual oppressor, the actual “Babylon” of the first century.

By reinterpreting Babylon as Christian churches, Shincheonji:

• Ignores the historical context
• Misses the message for first-century Christians
• Imposes a modern interpretation that serves organizational purposes

Problem 5: It Serves Shincheonji’s Agenda

Why does Shincheonji teach that all Christian churches are Babylon?

To Create Separation:

By demonizing all other churches, Shincheonji creates extreme separation between students and other Christians. You can’t fellowship with Babylon. You can’t learn from Babylon. You must leave Babylon.

This isolates students from outside Christian influence.

To Establish Exclusivity:

If all other churches are Babylon (demonic, false, destined for judgment), then Shincheonji is the only true church. This establishes Shincheonji’s exclusive claim to truth.

To Prevent Comparison:

If students believe other churches are demonic, they won’t compare Shincheonji’s teaching with mainstream Christian teaching. They won’t seek counsel from pastors or theologians. They won’t research what Christians have believed for 2000 years.

This prevents discovery of Shincheonji’s errors.

To Create Urgency:

If your family and friends are in Babylon, destined for judgment, you must urgently recruit them to Shincheonji. This creates pressure to evangelize and recruit.

To Justify Deception:

If other churches are demonic Babylon, then using deceptive recruitment methods (not revealing Shincheonji connection, using front organizations) can be justified as “protecting the truth from Babylon’s persecution.”

The Biblical Understanding of the Church

What does the Bible actually teach about the church?

The Church Is Christ’s Body:

Ephesians 1:22-23: “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”

Colossians 1:18: “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

The church is Christ’s body. He is the head. The church is not a demonic system—it’s Christ’s own body.

The Church Is Built on Christ:

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

The church is built on Christ, not on human organizations or leaders. Any church that proclaims Christ as Lord and Savior, that trusts in His finished work on the cross, that seeks to follow Him—is part of Christ’s church.

The Church Is the Bride of Christ:

Ephesians 5:25-27: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

Christ loves the church. He gave Himself for her. He is preparing her to be His bride. The church is not Babylon—she is the bride Christ loves and died for.

The Church Is Universal:

The church is not one organization or denomination. It’s all believers in Christ, everywhere, throughout all time:

Hebrews 12:22-23: “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.”

The church includes all whose names are written in heaven—all who trust in Christ, regardless of denomination or organization.

The Church Is Imperfect But Loved:

Yes, the church has imperfections. Yes, there have been failures, scandals, and errors throughout church history. The church is made up of sinful humans who are being sanctified.

But the church is still Christ’s body, His bride, the object of His love. He doesn’t call His church “Babylon.” He calls her His beloved.

Revelation 2-3 contains letters to seven churches. These churches had serious problems:

• Loss of first love (Ephesus)
• Persecution and poverty (Smyrna)
• Compromise with false teaching (Pergamum, Thyatira)
• Spiritual deadness (Sardis)
• Lukewarmness (Laodicea)

But Jesus doesn’t call these churches “Babylon.” He calls them “churches” and addresses them with both correction and encouragement. He calls them to repent and return to faithfulness, not to leave and join a different organization.

The Church Will Endure:

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

Christ’s church will endure. The gates of hell will not prevail against it. Despite imperfections, failures, and attacks, the church will stand because Christ is building it and sustaining it.

The Danger of Demonizing the Church

Demonizing all Christian churches as “Babylon” is dangerous because:

1. It Isolates Students:

Students are cut off from the broader Christian community. They can’t learn from 2000 years of Christian wisdom. They can’t benefit from mature believers’ counsel. They’re isolated within Shincheonji.

2. It Creates Arrogance:

Believing you’re part of the only true church (Shincheonji) while everyone else is in demonic Babylon creates spiritual arrogance. You have the truth; everyone else is deceived. This is the opposite of Christian humility.

3. It Damages Relationships:

Students view family members and friends in other churches as being in Babylon—demonic, deceived, destined for judgment. This damages relationships and creates division.

4. It Prevents Correction:

If all outside Christian voices are dismissed as “Babylon,” students can’t receive correction from mature Christians, pastors, or theologians. This prevents discovery of Shincheonji’s errors.

5. It Contradicts Scripture:

Scripture presents the church as Christ’s body and bride, not as Babylon. Demonizing the church contradicts biblical teaching about the church.

6. It Serves Cultic Control:

Demonizing all outside groups while claiming exclusive truth is a classic cult tactic. It creates dependency on the organization and prevents members from leaving.

As Chapter 12 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, high-control groups often demonize outside groups (especially other religious communities) to create separation, establish exclusivity, and prevent members from seeking outside counsel. This is exactly what Shincheonji does by teaching that all Christian churches are Babylon.

The Reality

The reality is:

Christian churches are not Babylon. They are imperfect communities of believers seeking to follow Christ. Some are more faithful than others. Some have serious problems. But they are not demonic, and they are not destined for judgment simply for being churches.

Babylon in Revelation 18 is Rome. First-century Christians would have understood this clearly. Rome was the oppressor, the persecutor, the empire that demanded worship and martyred believers.

The message of Revelation 18 is encouragement: Despite Rome’s power, God will judge it. Despite persecution, God’s people will be vindicated. Stay faithful. Don’t compromise. God’s justice will prevail.

Shincheonji’s reinterpretation serves organizational purposes: By demonizing all other churches, Shincheonji isolates students, establishes exclusivity, prevents comparison, and creates urgency for recruitment.

If you’re being taught that all Christian churches are Babylon, ask yourself:

• Does this align with Scripture’s teaching about the church as Christ’s body and bride?
• Does this align with historical reality (churches preserving Scripture, spreading the gospel, producing faithful believers)?
• Does this align with Jesus’ promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church?
• Or does this serve Shincheonji’s agenda of isolation, exclusivity, and control?

Part 4: The Relationship Between Revelation 16, 17, and 18

Shincheonji’s Teaching

Lesson 126 presents a specific understanding of the relationship between Revelation 16, 17, and 18:

Key Points:

1. Revelation 17 is part of the time period of 7 Bowls (bowls 4-6)
2. Revelation 16, 17, and 18 happen together
3. They all occurred during 1984-1990 (the 7-year period of God’s payback)
4. Revelation 18 on small scale (SEC) was fulfilled during this period
5. Revelation 18 on large scale (Christian world) is still to be fulfilled

The lesson emphasizes: “Revelation 16, 17 and the small scale version of 18 happened during the pouring of the 7 bowls of wrath over the 7 years so they all happened together during that time, small scale.”

The Problems with This Understanding

Problem 1: Forcing Chapters into a Specific Timeline

Shincheonji forces Revelation 16, 17, and 18 into a specific 7-year timeline (1984-1990) based on their organizational history.

But this requires:

Ignoring the Literary Structure:

Revelation is not strictly chronological. It uses recapitulation—revisiting the same events from different perspectives. Chapters 17-18 are an extended vision focusing specifically on Babylon’s judgment, not a new chronological sequence.

Ignoring the Scope:

Revelation 16 describes cosmic judgments (sea turning to blood, sun scorching people, darkness, earthquake, islands fleeing, mountains disappearing). Revelation 17-18 describe the fall of a great empire that ruled over kings and dominated world trade.

These are cosmic/global events, not localized organizational conflicts in Korea.

Imposing Organizational Timeline:

Shincheonji has a predetermined timeline based on their organizational history (1984-1990 = 7 bowls period). They then force Revelation 16, 17, and 18 into this timeline, regardless of whether the events match the biblical descriptions.

This is eisegesis (reading into the text) not exegesis (drawing meaning from the text).

Problem 2: The Literary Structure of Revelation

Understanding Revelation’s literary structure is crucial. Revelation is not a linear, chronological account. It uses a technique called recapitulation.

Recapitulation:

Recapitulation means revisiting the same time period or events from different perspectives. Revelation presents multiple visions that cover overlapping time periods, each adding new details or perspectives.

According to “Early Christian Revelation Understanding” and “The Revelation Project – Day 1-6 (Dr. Chip Bennett & Dr. Warren Gage),” Revelation’s structure includes seven parallel sections, each covering the period from Christ’s first coming to His second coming, with increasing detail and intensity:

1. Seven Churches (Rev 2-3)
2. Seven Seals (Rev 6-7)
3. Seven Trumpets (Rev 8-11)
4. The Woman and the Dragon (Rev 12-14)
5. Seven Bowls (Rev 15-16)
6. Fall of Babylon (Rev 17-19:10)
7. Final Judgment and New Creation (Rev 19:11-22:5)

Each section revisits the same basic story (the conflict between God’s people and evil, culminating in Christ’s victory) but from different angles and with increasing intensity.

Chapters 17-18 as Extended Vision:

Revelation 17-18 is an extended vision focusing specifically on Babylon’s judgment. It’s not a new chronological sequence after chapter 16. It’s a detailed exploration of one aspect of God’s judgment—the fall of Babylon (Rome).

This is why Revelation 17:1 says: “One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, ‘Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute.'”

An angel who had one of the seven bowls (from chapter 16) now shows John a detailed vision of Babylon’s judgment. This indicates that chapters 17-18 are elaborating on what was introduced in chapter 16, not presenting a new chronological sequence.

Problem 3: The “After This” Argument

Shincheonji emphasizes that Revelation 18:1 begins with “After this,” and argues this indicates chronological sequence.

The lesson states: “‘After this’ appears 6 times in the book of Revelation… So this is Revelation 18:1, the 5th one… So what is after this, after the judgment of Babylon.”

But “after this” (Greek: meta tauta) in Revelation doesn’t always indicate strict chronological sequence. It often means “after this vision” or “next in the vision sequence,” not necessarily “next in chronological time.”

The Six Occurrences:

1. Revelation 4:1 – After the letters to the seven churches, John sees a vision of heaven’s throne room
2. Revelation 7:1 – After the sixth seal, John sees four angels holding back winds
3. Revelation 7:9 – After the sealing of the 144,000, John sees a great multitude
4. Revelation 15:5 – After the seven angels with seven plagues are introduced, John sees the temple opened
5. Revelation 18:1 – After the vision of the prostitute’s judgment (ch 17), John sees an angel announcing Babylon’s fall
6. Revelation 19:1 – After Babylon’s fall (ch 18), John hears heaven rejoicing

In most of these cases, “after this” introduces a new vision or a new aspect of the same vision, not necessarily a new chronological event.

For example, Revelation 7:1 and 7:9 both occur “after this,” but they’re both describing the same time period (the sealing of God’s people during the tribulation), just from different angles.

Similarly, Revelation 17 and 18 both describe Babylon’s judgment, with chapter 17 focusing on the prostitute’s identity and chapter 18 focusing on the lament over her fall. “After this” in 18:1 introduces a new aspect of the vision, not a new chronological event.

Problem 4: The Relationship Is Thematic, Not Chronological

The relationship between Revelation 16, 17, and 18 is thematic, not strictly chronological:

Revelation 16 – The seven bowls of God’s wrath are poured out, representing complete judgment on evil

Revelation 17 – A detailed vision of the prostitute (Babylon/Rome) and her judgment, explaining who she is and why she’s judged

Revelation 18 – A poetic lament over Babylon’s fall, describing the mourning of those who profited from her and the rejoicing of heaven

These chapters all relate to God’s judgment on evil, specifically on Babylon (Rome). But they’re not three separate chronological events. They’re different perspectives on the same reality—God’s judgment on the oppressive empire.

The Flow:

• Chapter 16: God’s complete judgment (seven bowls)
• Chapters 17-18: Detailed focus on one aspect of that judgment—the fall of Babylon
• Chapter 19: Heaven’s celebration of God’s justice and Christ’s victory

This is a thematic progression, not a chronological timeline.

Problem 5: Shincheonji’s Timeline Doesn’t Match the Text

Even if we accept Shincheonji’s premise that these chapters are chronological, their timeline doesn’t match the text:

Shincheonji claims:

• Revelation 16 (seven bowls) = 1984-1990 (7 years)
• Revelation 17 (prostitute judged) = during bowls 4-6 (part of 1984-1990)
• Revelation 18 (Babylon falls) = small scale during 1984-1990, large scale still future

Problems:

1. Revelation 16 doesn’t describe a 7-year period. The seven bowls are poured out in rapid succession, not over 7 years. The text gives no indication of a 7-year timeframe.
2. Revelation 17 doesn’t specify it occurs during bowls 4-6. Shincheonji assigns it to this period based on their organizational timeline, not based on the text.
3. Revelation 18 describes one fall of Babylon, not two scales. The text describes one dramatic judgment, not a small-scale fulfillment followed by a large-scale fulfillment.

Shincheonji’s timeline is imposed on the text, not derived from it.

The First-Century Understanding

What would first-century Christians understand about the relationship between Revelation 16, 17, and 18?

They Would Understand:

1. These chapters all relate to God’s judgment on Rome
   • The bowls (ch 16) represent complete judgment
   • The prostitute (ch 17) is Rome, identified by seven hills and ruling over kings
   • Babylon’s fall (ch 18) is Rome’s eventual downfall
2. The message is encouragement during persecution
   • Despite Rome’s power, God will judge it
   • Despite persecution, God’s people will be vindicated
   • Stay faithful; don’t compromise; God’s justice will prevail
3. The literary style is apocalyptic
   • Symbolic imagery (bowls, prostitute, Babylon)
   • Poetic language (laments, taunt songs)
   • Recapitulation (revisiting same events from different angles)
   • Not meant to be a literal, chronological timeline
4. The scope is cosmic/universal
   • God’s judgment affects the whole earth
   • The fall of Babylon (Rome) has international implications
   • This is not about localized organizational conflicts

They Would NOT Understand:

❌ That these chapters describe events in Korea 1900+ years later
❌ That there’s a specific 7-year timeline (1984-1990)
❌ That Revelation 18 has two scales of fulfillment
❌ That they need to identify organizational conflicts to understand these chapters
❌ That Babylon represents Christian churches rather than Rome

Why? Because the text itself, in its historical and literary context, points to Rome as Babylon and addresses the situation of first-century Christians under Roman persecution.

The Biblical Understanding

The biblical understanding of the relationship between Revelation 16, 17, and 18:

Thematic Unity:

These chapters are thematically united around God’s judgment on evil, specifically on Babylon (Rome):

• Chapter 16: Complete judgment (seven bowls)
• Chapter 17: Identification and condemnation of the prostitute (Babylon/Rome)
• Chapter 18: Lament over Babylon’s fall and heaven’s rejoicing

Recapitulation:

These chapters use recapitulation—revisiting the same reality (God’s judgment on Rome) from different angles:

• Chapter 16: The judgments themselves
• Chapter 17: The identity of the one being judged
• Chapter 18: The impact and response to the judgment

Apocalyptic Genre:

These chapters use apocalyptic literary conventions:

• Symbolic imagery
• Poetic language
• Dramatic descriptions
• Not meant to be literal, chronological predictions

First-Century Context:

These chapters address the situation of first-century Christians:

• Suffering under Roman persecution
• Tempted to compromise with Roman culture
• Needing encouragement that God will judge Rome and vindicate His people

Universal Application:

While these chapters specifically addressed Rome in the first century, they have universal application:

• All oppressive empires will fall
• God will judge all evil
• God’s people will be vindicated
• We must not compromise with evil systems

But this universal application doesn’t mean we should ignore the first-century context and impose modern organizational timelines.

The Danger of Shincheonji’s Approach

Shincheonji’s approach to Revelation 16, 17, and 18 is dangerous because:

1. It Ignores Literary Context:

By treating Revelation as strictly chronological and forcing chapters into a specific timeline, Shincheonji ignores the apocalyptic literary genre and the use of recapitulation.

2. It Misses the First-Century Message:

By reinterpreting these chapters as describing events in 1980s Korea, Shincheonji misses the message for first-century Christians—encouragement during Roman persecution.

3. It Creates Unfalsifiable Claims:

By claiming two-scale fulfillment (small scale already happened, large scale still future), Shincheonji creates claims that can’t be proven wrong. If dramatic events don’t happen, they’re always “still future.”

4. It Serves Organizational Narrative:

By forcing these chapters into Shincheonji’s organizational timeline, they make Revelation about Shincheonji rather than about Christ’s victory over evil.

5. It Prevents Proper Interpretation:

By imposing a predetermined timeline, Shincheonji prevents students from properly interpreting these chapters in their historical, literary, and theological context.

As Chapter 18 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, forcing Scripture into predetermined organizational timelines is a common tactic in high-control groups. It makes the organization central to biblical prophecy and prevents members from recognizing that the organization’s interpretation doesn’t align with the text in context.

Part 5: The Literary Structure – Recapitulation vs. Strict Chronology

The Issue

One of the fundamental problems with Shincheonji’s interpretation of Revelation is treating it as a strictly chronological account. Shincheonji reads Revelation as a linear timeline:

• Chapters 1-3: Letters to seven churches
• Chapters 4-5: Heaven’s throne room
• Chapter 6: Seven seals
• Chapters 7-11: Seven trumpets
• Chapter 12: War in heaven
• Chapter 13: Beast and mark
• Chapter 14: 144,000 on Mount Zion
• Chapter 15: Seven angels with seven plagues
• Chapter 16: Seven bowls
• Chapter 17: Prostitute judged
• Chapter 18: Babylon falls
• Chapter 19: Marriage supper
• Chapters 20-22: Final judgment and new creation

In Shincheonji’s view, each chapter describes events that happen after the previous chapter, in chronological order. This allows them to map these chapters onto their organizational timeline (1960s-1990s and beyond).

But this approach fundamentally misunderstands Revelation’s literary structure.

Recapitulation in Revelation

Revelation uses a literary technique called recapitulation—revisiting the same time period or events from different perspectives, each time adding new details or intensity.

According to “Early Christian Revelation Understanding” and “The Revelation Project – Day 1-6 (Dr. Chip Bennett & Dr. Warren Gage),” early Christian interpreters recognized that Revelation contains parallel sections that cover the same time period (from Christ’s first coming to His second coming) from different angles.

The Seven Parallel Sections:

1. Seven Churches (Rev 2-3)
   • Christ addresses His church during the church age
   • Covers the period from first coming to second coming
   • Themes: Faithfulness, persecution, compromise, lukewarmness
2. Seven Seals (Rev 6-7)
   • The scroll of God’s redemptive plan is opened
   • Covers the same period from a different angle
   • Themes: Conquest, war, famine, death, martyrdom, cosmic signs
   • Ends with the great multitude before God’s throne (ultimate victory)
3. Seven Trumpets (Rev 8-11)
   • Warnings and partial judgments
   • Again covers the church age from another perspective
   • Themes: Judgments on earth, demonic oppression, witness of God’s people
   • Ends with the kingdom of the world becoming the kingdom of Christ (Rev 11:15)
4. The Woman and the Dragon (Rev 12-14)
   • The spiritual warfare behind history
   • The church (woman) vs. Satan (dragon) and his agents (beasts)
   • Covers the same period, focusing on spiritual conflict
   • Ends with harvest judgment (Rev 14:14-20)
5. Seven Bowls (Rev 15-16)
   • Complete, final judgment
   • Intensification of the trumpet judgments
   • Themes: God’s wrath poured out completely
   • Ends with “It is done!” (Rev 16:17)
6. Fall of Babylon (Rev 17-19:10)
   • Detailed focus on judgment of the oppressive empire
   • Babylon (Rome) falls, God’s people are vindicated
   • Ends with heaven’s celebration (Rev 19:1-10)
7. Final Judgment and New Creation (Rev 19:11-22:5)
   • Christ’s return, final judgment, new heaven and earth
   • The ultimate conclusion of all the previous sections
   • Ends with eternal dwelling with God

The Pattern:

Each section covers roughly the same time period (the church age, from Christ’s first coming to His second coming) but from different perspectives and with increasing intensity. Each section ends with the ultimate victory—God’s kingdom established, evil defeated, God’s people vindicated.

This is recapitulation. Not strict chronology, but thematic repetition with variation.

Evidence for Recapitulation

Evidence 1: Multiple “Endings”

If Revelation were strictly chronological, it would have one ending. But Revelation has multiple passages that describe the ultimate end:

• Revelation 6:12-17: Cosmic signs, people hiding from God’s wrath, “the great day of their wrath has come”
• Revelation 11:15-19: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever”
• Revelation 14:14-20: Harvest judgment, winepress of God’s wrath
• Revelation 16:17-21: “It is done!” Babylon splits, islands flee, mountains disappear
• Revelation 19:11-21: Christ returns, defeats the beast and false prophet
• Revelation 20:7-15: Satan defeated, final judgment, lake of fire
• Revelation 21-22: New heaven and earth, New Jerusalem, eternal dwelling with God

These passages all describe ultimate, final events. If Revelation were strictly chronological, why would there be multiple “ultimate endings”?

The answer: These are not separate chronological events. They’re different perspectives on the same ultimate reality—Christ’s victory, God’s judgment, the establishment of God’s kingdom.

Evidence 2: Overlapping Content

The seven sections contain overlapping content, indicating they cover the same time period:

• Persecution of God’s people: Appears in seals (6:9-11), trumpets (11:7-10), woman/dragon (12:13-17), bowls (16:6), Babylon (17:6, 18:24)
• Cosmic signs: Appear in seals (6:12-14), trumpets (8:7-12), bowls (16:8-9, 18-21)
• One-third judgments: Trumpets (8:7-12) parallel bowls (16:2-9) but with different intensity
• Babylon’s fall: Mentioned in bowls (16:19) and detailed in chapters 17-18
• Marriage supper: Mentioned in chapter 19 but anticipated throughout

This overlapping content indicates recapitulation, not strict chronology.

Evidence 3: Intensification

The sections show intensification—each cycle covers similar ground but with increasing intensity:

• Seals: One-fourth of earth affected (6:8)
• Trumpets: One-third affected (8:7-12)
• Bowls: Complete, total judgment (16:1-21)

This pattern of intensification suggests recapitulation—revisiting the same period with increasing severity—not strict chronological progression.

Evidence 4: Literary Structure

Revelation uses chiastic structure and parallelism, common in Hebrew poetry and apocalyptic literature. This literary structure indicates thematic organization, not chronological.

According to “Chiasmus in the New Testament,” Revelation contains multiple chiastic structures that organize content thematically:

Example – Revelation 12-14:

A. Woman and dragon (12:1-6) B. War in heaven (12:7-12) C. Dragon persecutes woman (12:13-17) D. Beast from sea (13:1-10) D’. Beast from earth (13:11-18) C’. Lamb and 144,000 on Mount Zion (14:1-5) B’. Three angels announce judgment (14:6-13) A’. Harvest judgment (14:14-20)

This chiastic structure organizes content thematically (persecution, beasts, judgment) not chronologically.

Implications for Interpretation

Understanding recapitulation has major implications for interpreting Revelation:

Implication 1: Don’t Force Strict Chronology

We shouldn’t force Revelation into a strict chronological timeline. The sections overlap and revisit the same period from different angles.

Shincheonji’s approach of mapping each chapter onto a specific year or event in their organizational timeline misunderstands the literary structure.

Implication 2: Look for Themes, Not Just Events

Revelation is organized around themes (persecution, witness, judgment, victory) not just chronological events. We should look for the theological message, not just try to identify specific historical events.

Implication 3: Recognize Multiple Fulfillments

Because Revelation uses recapitulation and addresses first-century Christians while also having universal application, we can recognize multiple levels of fulfillment:

• Immediate fulfillment: For first-century Christians (Rome as Babylon, persecution under Roman Empire)
• Ongoing fulfillment: Throughout church history (the church faces persecution, witnesses, and is vindicated in various contexts)
• Ultimate fulfillment: At Christ’s return (final judgment, new creation)

But this doesn’t mean we should ignore the first-century context and impose modern organizational timelines. The first-century context is primary; other applications flow from that.

Implication 4: Don’t Isolate Chapters

We shouldn’t isolate individual chapters and assign them to specific events without considering the overall structure. Chapters 17-18, for example, are part of the larger section on Babylon’s fall (17-19:10), which is itself one of the parallel sections covering the church age.

Shincheonji’s Misunderstanding

Shincheonji’s approach misunderstands Revelation’s literary structure in several ways:

Misunderstanding 1: Treating Revelation as Strictly Chronological

Shincheonji reads Revelation as a linear timeline, with each chapter describing events that happen after the previous chapter. This ignores recapitulation and forces the text into a chronological framework it doesn’t have.

Misunderstanding 2: Mapping Chapters onto Organizational Timeline

Shincheonji maps each chapter onto specific years or events in their organizational history:

• Chapter 12: 1966-1980 (war in heaven = organizational conflict)
• Chapter 13: 1980 (betrayal and marking)
• Chapter 14: 1981+ (gathering the 144,000)
• Chapter 16: 1984-1990 (seven bowls)
• Chapter 17: During 1984-1990 (prostitute judged)
• Chapter 18: Small scale 1984-1990, large scale still future

This forces Revelation into Shincheonji’s narrative rather than interpreting it in its literary and historical context.

Misunderstanding 3: Ignoring First-Century Context

By treating Revelation as a prediction of 20th-century Korean events, Shincheonji ignores the first-century context. But Revelation was written to first-century Christians facing Roman persecution. The primary meaning must address their situation.

Misunderstanding 4: Missing the Theological Message

By focusing on identifying specific organizational events, Shincheonji misses Revelation’s theological message:

• God is sovereign over history
• Christ has won the victory
• Evil will be judged
• God’s people will be vindicated
• Stay faithful despite persecution
• Worship God alone

This message is timeless and universal, not limited to one organization’s history.

The Correct Approach

The correct approach to Revelation’s literary structure:

1. Recognize Recapitulation

Understand that Revelation uses recapitulation—parallel sections covering the same time period from different angles. Don’t force strict chronology.

2. Understand First-Century Context

Interpret Revelation first in its first-century context. What would the original audience understand? How does this message address their situation?

3. Identify Themes

Look for the theological themes: God’s sovereignty, Christ’s victory, persecution and witness, judgment on evil, vindication of God’s people, new creation.

4. Recognize Literary Genre

Revelation is apocalyptic literature, using symbolic imagery, poetic language, and dramatic descriptions. Don’t interpret it as literal, chronological prediction.

5. Apply Universally

After understanding the first-century context and theological themes, apply the message universally. How does this encourage us today? How does it call us to faithfulness?

But don’t skip the first-century context and jump straight to modern application. The first-century meaning is the foundation for all other application.

As Chapter 14 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, proper biblical interpretation requires understanding literary genre, historical context, and authorial intent. Revelation is apocalyptic literature addressing first-century Christians. Interpreting it as a chronological prediction of 20th-century Korean events violates basic principles of biblical interpretation.

The Biblical Text

Revelation 18:4-5 contains a crucial call:

“Then I heard another voice from heaven say: ‘Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.'”

This is one of the most important verses in Revelation 18, and it’s a verse Shincheonji uses extensively to support their teaching that people must leave Christian churches (Babylon) and join Shincheonji.

Shincheonji’s Interpretation

While Lesson 126 doesn’t explicitly detail the interpretation of Revelation 18:4, Shincheonji’s teaching on this verse is well-established throughout their curriculum:

Shincheonji’s Understanding:

• “Her” = Babylon = Christian churches
• “My people” = True believers who are currently in false churches
• “Come out of her” = Leave your church and join Shincheonji
• “Share in her sins” = Participate in false teaching
• “Receive any of her plagues” = Experience judgment for staying in false churches

The Application:

Students are taught that this verse is God’s command to leave their churches and join Shincheonji. Staying in a church means:

• Sharing in Babylon’s sins (false teaching)
• Receiving Babylon’s plagues (judgment)
• Disobeying God’s direct command

This creates urgency and pressure: You must leave your church. God is commanding it. If you don’t, you’ll share in judgment.

The Problems with This Interpretation

Problem 1: Misidentifying Babylon

As we’ve established, Babylon in Revelation 18 is Rome, not Christian churches. First-century Christians would have understood this clearly:

• Seven hills (17:9) = Rome’s seven hills
• Great city ruling over kings (17:18) = Rome
• Economic dominance (18:11-19) = Rome’s trade empire
• Blood of saints (18:24) = Roman persecution

If Babylon = Rome, then “come out of her” is not a command to leave Christian churches. It’s a command to separate from Rome’s evil practices.

Problem 2: Misunderstanding “Come Out”

What does “come out of her” mean in the context of first-century Christians under Roman rule?

NOT Physical Departure:

First-century Christians couldn’t physically leave the Roman Empire. Rome controlled the entire Mediterranean world. Where would they go?

“Come out of her” is not a command to physically leave Rome’s territory.

Spiritual Separation:

“Come out of her” means spiritual separation—don’t participate in Rome’s evil practices:

• Don’t worship the emperor: Even though Rome demands it, don’t compromise
• Don’t participate in pagan rituals: Even though it’s culturally expected, don’t conform
• Don’t be seduced by Rome’s wealth and power: Don’t adopt Rome’s values
• Don’t compromise your faith: Stay faithful to Christ despite pressure

This echoes Old Testament calls to separate from Babylon:

Jeremiah 51:45: “Come out of her, my people! Run for your lives! Run from the fierce anger of the Lord.”

This was written to Jews in Babylonian exile. “Come out of her” meant:

• Don’t adopt Babylon’s idolatry
• Don’t assimilate into Babylon’s culture
• Maintain your distinct identity as God’s people
• Trust God for deliverance

It didn’t mean physically flee Babylon (many Jews remained in Babylon even after the exile ended). It meant spiritual separation.

Isaiah 52:11: “Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the Lord’s house.”

This call to “come out” and “be pure” is about spiritual purity, not physical relocation.

2 Corinthians 6:17: “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.'”

Paul applies this Old Testament principle to Christians: Be separate from unbelievers in terms of values and practices, but this doesn’t mean physical isolation. Paul explicitly says Christians should not “leave the world” (1 Corinthians 5:9-10). We live in the world but are not of the world.

The Meaning for First-Century Christians:

For first-century Christians, “come out of her” (Revelation 18:4) meant:

1. Don’t participate in emperor worship: Even under threat of persecution
2. Don’t compromise with pagan culture: Maintain Christian distinctiveness
3. Don’t be seduced by Rome’s materialism: Don’t adopt Rome’s values of wealth, power, and luxury
4. Don’t conform to Rome’s injustice: Don’t participate in Rome’s oppression and exploitation
5. Stay faithful to Christ: Despite pressure, persecution, and temptation

This was tremendously relevant to first-century Christians facing pressure to compromise. The message: Separate yourself spiritually from Rome’s evil. Don’t participate. Stay faithful. God will judge Rome, but you don’t need to share in that judgment if you remain faithful.

Problem 3: Applying It to Churches Is Backwards

Shincheonji applies “come out of her” to Christian churches, claiming people must leave churches to avoid judgment.

But this is backwards. The church is not Babylon; the church is God’s people who are called to come out of Babylon.

The Church = “My People”

Revelation 18:4 says: “Come out of her, my people.”

“My people” = God’s people = the church. The church is not Babylon; the church is the ones being called out of Babylon.

In the first-century context:

• Babylon = Rome (the oppressive empire)
• My people = Christians (God’s people)
• Come out = Separate spiritually from Rome’s evil

The church is the community of those who have “come out” of the world’s evil systems and are following Christ.

The Church as Alternative Community:

The early church was an alternative community within the Roman Empire:

• They didn’t worship the emperor; they worshiped Christ
• They didn’t adopt Rome’s values; they followed Christ’s teaching
• They didn’t participate in Rome’s injustice; they served the poor and marginalized
• They didn’t conform to Rome’s culture; they maintained distinct Christian identity

This is what it means to “come out of Babylon”—to be part of a community that lives differently, that follows Christ rather than conforming to the world’s evil systems.

Problem 4: Creating False Urgency

By applying Revelation 18:4 to churches, Shincheonji creates false urgency:

“God is commanding you to leave your church. If you don’t, you’ll share in judgment. You must come out now.”

This pressure tactic:

• Manipulates students through fear
• Creates urgency to leave their churches
• Isolates students from Christian community
• Positions Shincheonji as the only safe place

But this is based on a misinterpretation. Revelation 18:4 is not a command to leave Christian churches. It’s a call to spiritual separation from evil systems—which the church itself embodies by following Christ rather than conforming to the world.

Problem 5: Ignoring the Actual Call

Ironically, while Shincheonji uses Revelation 18:4 to call people out of churches, they ignore what the verse actually calls people to do:

“Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins.”

What are Babylon’s (Rome’s) sins?

According to Revelation 18:

• Economic exploitation (vv. 11-19): Rome’s wealth built on exploitation of conquered peoples
• Materialism and luxury (vv. 3, 7, 14, 16): Rome’s excessive luxury while many suffered
• Violence and bloodshed (v. 24): “In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth”
• Arrogance (v. 7): “In her heart she boasts, ‘I sit enthroned as queen. I am not a widow; I will never mourn'”
• Deception (v. 23): “By your magic spell all the nations were led astray”

The call to “come out” is a call to not participate in these sins:

• Don’t participate in economic exploitation
• Don’t adopt materialistic values
• Don’t participate in violence
• Don’t be arrogant
• Don’t deceive

This is a call to Christian discipleship—living differently than the world, following Christ’s values of justice, humility, service, and truth.

The Irony:

The irony is that Shincheonji, while claiming to fulfill Revelation 18:4, exhibits some of the very characteristics Revelation condemns:

• Deception: Using deceptive recruitment methods (not revealing organizational connection, using front organizations)
• Arrogance: Claiming exclusive truth, demonizing all other churches
• Control: Demanding extensive time commitment, controlling information access
• Division: Breaking apart families, creating separation between members and loved ones

If we’re truly called to “come out” of systems characterized by deception, arrogance, and division, perhaps the call is to come out of Shincheonji, not to join it.

The Correct Understanding

The correct understanding of Revelation 18:4:

1. Babylon = Rome (First-Century Context)

In the first-century context, Babylon represents Rome. The call to “come out of her” is a call to separate spiritually from Rome’s evil practices.

2. “Come Out” = Spiritual Separation

“Come out” doesn’t mean physical departure but spiritual separation:

• Don’t participate in emperor worship
• Don’t compromise with pagan culture
• Don’t adopt Rome’s values
• Stay faithful to Christ

3. The Church = “My People”

The church is not Babylon; the church is “my people” who are called to come out of Babylon. The church is the community of those who have separated from the world’s evil and are following Christ.

4. Universal Application

While the primary meaning addresses first-century Christians and Rome, there’s universal application:

• Don’t participate in any evil system
• Don’t compromise your faith for cultural acceptance
• Don’t adopt worldly values of materialism, power, and violence
• Stay faithful to Christ despite pressure

But this doesn’t mean leaving Christian churches. It means the church (the community of believers) should maintain its distinct identity and not conform to the world’s evil.

5. The Call Today

What does “come out of her” mean for Christians today?

• Don’t conform to worldly values: Materialism, selfishness, pride, violence
• Don’t participate in injustice: Economic exploitation, racism, oppression
• Don’t compromise your faith: For cultural acceptance or personal gain
• Live as an alternative community: The church should model Christ’s values of love, justice, humility, and service

This is about the church being distinct from the world, not about leaving the church.

Questions to Ask

If you’re being taught that Revelation 18:4 commands you to leave your church and join Shincheonji, ask:

1. Does the text identify Babylon as churches?

No. The text identifies Babylon as a city on seven hills that rules over kings and dominates world trade. This is Rome, not Christian churches.

2. Would first-century Christians understand this as a command to leave churches?

No. They would understand it as a call to separate spiritually from Rome’s evil practices.

3. Is the church Babylon or “my people”?

The text says “come out of her, my people.” The church is “my people,” not Babylon.

4. Does “come out” mean physical departure or spiritual separation?

In biblical usage, “come out” typically means spiritual separation—don’t participate in evil, don’t compromise your faith.

5. What are Babylon’s sins that we’re called to avoid?

Economic exploitation, materialism, violence, arrogance, deception. Are these characteristics of Christian churches, or of worldly systems (including potentially Shincheonji)?

6. Does leaving my church align with biblical teaching about the church?

The Bible teaches that the church is Christ’s body (Ephesians 1:22-23), that we should not forsake assembling together (Hebrews 10:25), that we need Christian community for growth and accountability. Does leaving your church align with this teaching?

7. What is the fruit of this interpretation?

Does Shincheonji’s interpretation of Revelation 18:4 produce good fruit (families united, people growing in love and freedom) or bad fruit (families divided, people isolated and controlled)?

As Chapter 16 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, misapplying Scripture to serve organizational purposes is a common tactic in high-control groups. Revelation 18:4 is a call to spiritual separation from evil, not a command to leave Christian churches and join a specific organization. Understanding this verse in its first-century context reveals that Shincheonji’s interpretation serves their agenda of recruitment and isolation, not biblical truth.

Part 7: The Merchants, Kings, and Sea Captains in Context

The Biblical Text

Revelation 18:9-19 describes three groups mourning over Babylon’s fall:

1. The Kings of the Earth (vv. 9-10):

“When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: ‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon! In one hour your doom has come!'”

2. The Merchants of the Earth (vv. 11-17a):

“The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore—cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves. They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’ The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn and cry out: ‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls! In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!'”

3. The Sea Captains, Sailors, and All Who Earn Their Living from the Sea (vv. 17b-19):

“Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city?’ They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: ‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin!'”

The First-Century Understanding

What would first-century Christians understand from these descriptions?

1. Rome’s Economic System

These three groups—kings, merchants, and sea captains—represent Rome’s vast economic system.

The Kings:

“Kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury” = Political allies and client kings who benefited from alliance with Rome.

Rome controlled a vast empire through a combination of military conquest and political alliances. Client kings ruled their territories under Rome’s authority, sharing in Rome’s power and wealth.

These kings “committed adultery” with Rome—they compromised their independence and integrity for the benefits of Roman alliance.

The Merchants:

“Merchants of the earth… who gained their wealth from her” = Traders who grew rich from Rome’s luxury market.

Rome was the economic center of the ancient world. Wealthy Romans demanded luxury goods from across the empire and beyond:

• Gold and silver from Spain and Britain
• Precious stones from India
• Pearls from the Persian Gulf
• Fine linen from Egypt
• Purple dye from Phoenicia
• Silk from China (via the Silk Road)
• Spices from Arabia and India
• Wine from Gaul and Italy
• Olive oil from Spain and North Africa
• Wheat from Egypt (Rome’s breadbasket)
• Slaves from conquered territories

Merchants grew wealthy supplying these goods to Rome’s luxury market.

The Sea Captains and Sailors:

“All who earn their living from the sea” = Those who transported goods across the Mediterranean.

Rome’s economy depended on maritime trade. Ships transported goods from across the empire to Rome. Sea captains, sailors, and ship owners grew rich from this trade.

The Mediterranean was Rome’s highway. Controlling the sea meant controlling trade, which meant controlling wealth.

2. The Cargo List

The detailed cargo list in verses 12-13 is not random. It’s a specific description of Rome’s actual imports:

Luxury Items:

• Gold, silver, precious stones, pearls
• Fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet cloth
• Citron wood (expensive, aromatic wood)
• Ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron, marble

Spices and Incense:

• Cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense

Food and Drink:

• Wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat

Animals:

• Cattle, sheep, horses, carriages

Slaves:

• “Human beings sold as slaves” (literally “bodies and souls of men”)

This last item is particularly significant. Rome’s economy was built on slavery. Conquered peoples were enslaved and sold. The cargo list ends with slaves, highlighting the human cost of Rome’s wealth.

3. The Mourning

Why do these three groups mourn?

NOT Because They Loved Babylon:

They don’t mourn because they loved Rome or cared about its people. They mourn because Rome’s fall means their source of wealth is gone.

Kings mourn: “In one hour your doom has come!” They’ve lost their powerful ally and source of luxury.

Merchants mourn: “No one buys their cargoes anymore.” They’ve lost their market. Their wealth is destroyed.

Sea captains mourn: “All who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin!” They’ve lost their livelihood.

This is selfish mourning. They mourn their own loss, not Rome’s suffering.

4. The Critique

This is a devastating critique of Rome’s economic system:

Built on Exploitation:

Rome’s wealth came from exploiting conquered peoples. The cargo list ends with slaves, highlighting that Rome’s luxury was built on human suffering.

Benefiting the Few:

Rome’s wealth benefited the elite—wealthy Romans, allied kings, merchants, ship owners. The masses suffered in poverty while the elite enjoyed luxury.

Creating Dependency:

Kings, merchants, and sea captains became dependent on Rome’s economic system. When Rome falls, they fall too.

Ultimately Fragile:

Despite appearing invincible, Rome’s economic system is fragile. “In one hour” it can be brought to ruin. Wealth built on exploitation is ultimately unstable.

5. The Message for First-Century Christians

What message would first-century Christians receive from this description?

Don’t Be Seduced by Rome’s Wealth:

Rome’s luxury and power are seductive. But they’re built on exploitation and are ultimately destined for judgment. Don’t be seduced. Don’t adopt Rome’s values of materialism and power.

Don’t Participate in Rome’s Economic System:

As much as possible, don’t participate in Rome’s exploitation. Don’t profit from injustice. Live simply, serve the poor, practice economic justice.

Rome’s Fall Is Coming:

Despite appearances, Rome will fall. Those who depend on Rome’s economic system will mourn. But God’s people should not depend on Rome; they should depend on God.

God Sees the Injustice:

God sees the human cost of Rome’s wealth—the slaves, the exploited, the suffering. He will judge Rome for this injustice. God’s people will be vindicated.

This was tremendously relevant to first-century Christians, many of whom were poor, some of whom were slaves, all of whom lived under Rome’s economic and political domination.

Shincheonji’s Interpretation

How does Shincheonji interpret these passages?

While Lesson 126 doesn’t provide detailed interpretation of the merchants, kings, and sea captains, Shincheonji’s general approach is to spiritualize these figures:

Shincheonji’s Likely Interpretation:

• Kings = Religious or organizational leaders allied with the prostitute (Mr. Tak/SEC)
• Merchants = Those who profited from false teaching (perhaps leaders who gained followers/money)
• Sea captains = Those who transported false teaching (perhaps evangelists or teachers)
• Cargo = Spiritual goods (false teachings, commentaries, etc.)

This interpretation makes the passage about organizational conflicts and false teaching rather than about economic exploitation and political oppression.

The Problems with Spiritualizing

Problem 1: Ignoring the Specific Details

The text provides very specific details:

• Specific cargo items (gold, silver, spices, wheat, slaves, etc.)
• Specific groups (kings, merchants, sea captains, sailors)
• Specific economic language (buying, selling, gaining wealth, becoming rich)
• Specific mourning (over lost wealth and livelihood)

Spiritualizing these details (making them all symbols for false teaching) ignores the specificity. Why would John provide such detailed description of Rome’s trade goods if they’re all just symbols for “false teaching”?

Problem 2: Missing the Social Critique

Revelation 18 contains a powerful social and economic critique of Rome’s exploitative system. By spiritualizing the passage, Shincheonji misses this critique.

The passage isn’t just about false teaching; it’s about economic injustice, exploitation, materialism, and the human cost of empire.

Problem 3: The Cargo List Doesn’t Fit

The cargo list (gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, citron wood, ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron, marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, carriages, slaves) doesn’t fit Shincheonji’s interpretation.

If this is about the SEC or false teaching, what do these specific items represent? Shincheonji doesn’t provide clear answers because the items don’t fit their interpretation.

Problem 4: The Scale Doesn’t Match

Revelation 18 describes international trade, vast wealth, and economic collapse affecting kings, merchants, and sea captains from across the world.

The SEC’s dissolution was a localized organizational event. There were no international merchants mourning, no sea captains throwing dust on their heads, no economic collapse.

The scale doesn’t match.

Problem 5: Missing the First-Century Context

By spiritualizing the passage, Shincheonji misses what first-century Christians would have understood: This is about Rome’s economic system and its eventual fall.

First-century Christians would have recognized the cargo list as Rome’s actual imports. They would have understood the kings, merchants, and sea captains as those who benefited from Rome’s economic dominance. They would have received the message: Don’t be seduced by Rome’s wealth; it’s built on exploitation and destined for judgment.

Shincheonji’s spiritualized interpretation misses this entirely.

The Correct Understanding

The correct understanding of the merchants, kings, and sea captains:

1. Historical Context

In the first-century context, these groups represent those who benefited from Rome’s economic system:

• Kings = Political allies
• Merchants = Traders in luxury goods
• Sea captains = Those who transported goods

2. Economic Critique

This passage critiques Rome’s economic system:

• Built on exploitation (including slavery)
• Benefiting the elite while masses suffer
• Creating dependency
• Ultimately fragile despite appearing invincible

3. Message for First-Century Christians

Don’t be seduced by Rome’s wealth. Don’t participate in exploitation. Don’t depend on Rome’s economic system. Trust God, who will judge Rome and vindicate His people.

4. Universal Application

While the primary meaning addresses Rome, there’s universal application:

• Don’t be seduced by materialism
• Don’t participate in economic exploitation
• Don’t depend on unjust systems
• Live simply, serve the poor, practice economic justice
• Trust God, not wealth or power

5. The Church’s Call

The church is called to be an alternative economic community:

• Practicing generosity and sharing (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35)
• Caring for the poor and marginalized (James 1:27, 2:1-9)
• Not pursuing wealth and luxury (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
• Trusting God for provision (Matthew 6:25-34)

This is what it means to “come out of Babylon”—to live differently than the world’s exploitative economic systems.

The Irony

There’s irony in Shincheonji’s interpretation. While claiming to fulfill Revelation 18, Shincheonji exhibits some characteristics the passage condemns:

Exploitation:

Shincheonji exploits members’ time, energy, and relationships for organizational growth. Members are pressured to recruit, to attend extensive meetings, to prioritize organizational activities over family and rest.

Creating Dependency:

Shincheonji creates dependency—members depend on the organization for spiritual life, for understanding Scripture, for salvation (through being sealed).

Materialism:

While not as obvious as Rome’s luxury, Shincheonji’s focus on organizational growth, numbers (144,000), and global expansion reflects a kind of organizational materialism—measuring success by size and reach rather than by spiritual fruit.

If Revelation 18 critiques systems built on exploitation and dependency, perhaps the critique applies to Shincheonji itself.

Questions to Ask

If you’re being taught that Revelation 18’s merchants, kings, and sea captains represent people associated with false teaching, ask:

1. Does the text support spiritualizing these specific details?

The text provides very specific economic details. Is there textual support for making these all symbols for false teaching?

2. What would first-century Christians understand?

Would they understand this as describing Rome’s economic system or as predicting organizational conflicts in Korea 1900+ years later?

3. Why the detailed cargo list?

If the cargo represents false teaching, why provide such specific details? What does each item symbolize?

4. Does the scale match?

Does the international scope (kings, merchants, sea captains from across the world) match the SEC’s localized dissolution?

5. What is the social critique?

What is Revelation 18 critiquing? Is it just false teaching, or is it also economic exploitation, materialism, and injustice?

6. How does this apply today?

If Revelation 18 critiques exploitative economic systems, how does this apply to our lives today? Are we called to practice economic justice, generosity, and simplicity?

As “Prophecy and Fulfillment” explains, proper interpretation of prophetic texts requires understanding the historical context, recognizing the literary genre, and identifying the primary audience and their situation. Revelation 18’s description of merchants, kings, and sea captains makes sense in the context of Rome’s economic system. Spiritualizing these details to fit an organizational narrative misses the text’s powerful social and economic critique.

Part 8: The Progression of Indoctrination at This Critical Stage

Where Students Are Now

By Lesson 126, students have been in Shincheonji’s system for 13-15 months. They’re approaching the final lessons of Revelation (only chapters 19-22 remain). Let’s examine where students are psychologically, socially, and spiritually at this critical stage.

The Psychological State

1. Deep Identity Investment

After 13-15 months, students’ identity is deeply tied to Shincheonji:

Before Shincheonji:

• Individual Christian
• Member of a church
• Part of the universal body of Christ

Now:

• Part of the 144,000
• Member of Mount Zion
• One of the sealed
• Separated from Babylon
• Participant in God’s end-times plan
• Future worker in God’s kingdom

This identity is powerful. It makes students feel special, chosen, part of something significant. Leaving would mean losing this identity.

2. Complete Worldview Transformation

Students’ entire worldview has been transformed:

Before:

• Mainstream Christian understanding
• Jesus is central
• Church is the body of Christ
• Revelation is about God’s ultimate victory

Now:

• Shincheonji’s symbolic interpretation system
• Lee Man-hee is the promised pastor
• Shincheonji is the only true church; others are Babylon
• Revelation is about Shincheonji’s organizational history
• All other Christians are deceived and destined for judgment

This is a complete worldview shift. Everything students once believed has been reinterpreted through Shincheonji’s lens.

3. Massive Sunk Cost

Students have invested:

• Time: 13-15 months, 100+ hours in classes, countless hours in one-on-ones, Wash Day services, events
• Emotional energy: Relationships with evangelist and classmates, excitement about being part of 144,000
• Mental energy: Learning complex interpretation system, memorizing symbolic meanings
• Identity: Seeing themselves as part of the sealed, chosen, special
• Relationships: Strained family relationships, distance from previous church, isolation from non-Shincheonji friends

Leaving now would feel like wasting all this investment. The sunk cost is enormous.

4. Fear-Based Motivation

Much of students’ motivation is fear-based:

• Fear of judgment: If they don’t complete, they’ll miss being sealed
• Fear for family: Family members are in Babylon, destined for judgment
• Fear of persecution: Opposition is “persecution” confirming they’re on the right path
• Fear of the enemy: Doubts and questions are from Satan trying to hinder them
• Fear of missing out: They’re so close to completion; stopping now means missing everything

This fear drives commitment but creates constant anxiety.

5. Information Control Internalized

By now, information control is deeply internalized:

• Don’t research outside sources: They’re “Satan’s domain”
• Don’t listen to family’s concerns: That’s “persecution”
• Don’t question the teaching: That’s from “the enemy”
• Don’t compare with other interpretations: That’s “going beyond what is written”
• Follow Lee Man-hee: “The word is present with him”

Students have internalized these thought-stopping mechanisms. They automatically dismiss doubts, questions, and outside information.

6. Cognitive Dissonance

Despite high commitment, many students experience cognitive dissonance:

Dissonance 1: Love vs. Division

Students value family relationships but Shincheonji has created division. This creates tension.

Resolution: “My family is persecuting me because they don’t understand. I must prioritize God’s will.”

Dissonance 2: Truth vs. Deception

Students value honesty but may have used deceptive recruitment methods.

Resolution: “The deception was necessary to protect the truth from persecution.”

Dissonance 3: Freedom vs. Control

Students value freedom but experience organizational control over time, beliefs, and relationships.

Resolution: “This isn’t control; it’s guidance. I’m free to choose, and I choose to follow.”

Dissonance 4: All Christians vs. Only Shincheonji

Students may have respected Christians outside Shincheonji but are now taught they’re all in Babylon, deceived, destined for judgment.

Resolution: “They seem sincere, but they’re deceived. Only Shincheonji has the truth.”

The Social State

1. Primary Social Network Is Shincheonji

After 13-15 months, students’ primary social network is entirely within Shincheonji:

• Closest relationships: Evangelist, classmates, Shincheonji members
• Social activities: Wash Day services, classes, one-on-ones, organizational events
• Sense of belonging: From Shincheonji community
• Support system: Within Shincheonji

2. Outside Relationships Are Severely Strained

Relationships outside Shincheonji are often:

• Family: Severely strained due to concerns about involvement, time commitment, changed beliefs
• Previous church: Completely severed (students view their previous church as Babylon)
• Non-Shincheonji friends: Reduced contact, viewed with suspicion
• Christian friends: Viewed as deceived, in Babylon, needing to be recruited

3. Extreme Us vs. Them

By Lesson 126, the us-vs-them mentality is extreme:

Us (Shincheonji):

• God’s true people
• The 144,000
• Mount Zion
• Those who have the truth
• Those who will be saved
• The bride of Christ (anticipating Lesson 127)

Them (Everyone Else):

• Babylon
• Home for demons
• Deceived by false teaching
• Destined for judgment
• The prostitute married to Satan (Lesson 126)

This extreme dichotomy makes it nearly impossible to have genuine relationships with people outside Shincheonji. Everyone is either “us” (enlightened, saved) or “them” (deceived, lost).

4. Social Pressure at Peak

Social pressure to continue is at its peak:

• Evangelist: Has invested 13-15 months in you, expecting you to complete
• Classmates: All moving forward together toward graduation
• Shincheonji members: Excited about new members joining
• Organizational expectation: Clear expectation that you’ll complete, attend new family education, be baptized at Passover

Stopping now would disappoint many people and result in social consequences (disappointment, potential shunning, loss of relationships).

The Spiritual State

1. Dependence on Organization

Students are completely dependent on Shincheonji for spiritual life:

• Understanding Scripture: Need Shincheonji’s interpretation system
• Spiritual cleansing: Need Wash Day services to stay spiritually clean
• Salvation: Need to be sealed in Shincheonji
• Purpose: Need organizational involvement to fulfill God’s plan
• Access to truth: Need Lee Man-hee’s teaching

This dependence makes leaving feel like abandoning spiritual life entirely.

2. Disconnection from Christ

Despite extensive Bible study, many students feel disconnected from Christ:

• Focus is organizational: Membership, sealing, organizational status
• Emphasis is on mastery: Mastering interpretation system, passing exams
• Identity is organizational: Part of 144,000, member of Mount Zion
• Assurance is organizational: Based on being sealed, not on Christ’s finished work
• Mediation is through Lee Man-hee: “The word is present with him”

Christ has become secondary to the organization.

3. Performance-Based Spirituality

Students have internalized performance-based spirituality:

• Must pass exams: High scores required
• Must attend all services: Wash Day twice weekly, plus classes, plus events
• Must respond to evangelist: Immediately and positively
• Must overcome persecution: Family’s concerns must be dismissed
• Must prove commitment: Through time, energy, and loyalty

This creates constant pressure and anxiety about measuring up.

4. Fear of Judgment

Students live with fear of judgment:

• If they don’t complete: They’ll miss being sealed
• If they question: They’re being hindered by the enemy
• If they research: They’re going to Satan’s domain
• If their family doesn’t join: Their family will be judged with Babylon

This fear is oppressive and exhausting.

5. Anticipation of “Marriage with Jesus”

By Lesson 126, students are anticipating the next lesson (Revelation 19) about the “marriage with Jesus.” They’ve been taught that:

• Revelation 18 = marriage with Satan (Babylon/false Christianity)
• Revelation 19 = marriage with Jesus (Shincheonji/true believers)

Students anticipate being part of the “bride” who marries Jesus. This creates excitement and anticipation, but also pressure—they must complete to be part of the bride.

The Indoctrination Techniques at This Stage

Let’s identify the specific indoctrination techniques operating at this stage:

Technique 1: Extreme Demonization

All Christian churches are demonized as Babylon—home for demons, destined for judgment. This creates maximum separation and makes leaving Shincheonji feel like joining the demonic.

Technique 2: Identity Transformation

Students’ identity is completely tied to Shincheonji. They are part of the 144,000, members of Mount Zion, separated from Babylon. Leaving means losing this identity.

Technique 3: Sunk Cost Manipulation

After 13-15 months of massive investment, leaving feels like wasting everything. The sunk cost is so great that continuing feels like the only option.

Technique 4: Fear Manipulation

Constant fear (of judgment, of missing out, of family’s fate, of the enemy) drives commitment and prevents leaving.

Technique 5: Information Control

Complete information control—students are told not to research, not to listen to concerns, not to question. All outside information is dismissed as “Satan’s domain” or “persecution.”

Technique 6: Thought-Stopping

Internalized thought-stopping mechanisms automatically dismiss doubts, questions, and concerns: “That’s the enemy,” “That’s persecution,” “That’s going beyond what is written.”

Technique 7: Social Pressure

Maximum social pressure from evangelist, classmates, and organizational expectation. Stopping now would have severe social consequences.

Technique 8: Anticipation and Excitement

Creating anticipation for the next lesson (marriage with Jesus) and for graduation, new family education, and Passover. This forward momentum prevents pausing to reflect.

Technique 9: Us vs. Them

Extreme us-vs-them dichotomy makes it nearly impossible to have genuine relationships outside Shincheonji or to consider outside perspectives.

Technique 10: Organizational Dependency

Complete dependency on the organization for spiritual life, understanding Scripture, salvation, and purpose. Leaving feels like abandoning God.

These techniques work together to create a powerful system of influence that makes leaving extremely difficult, even when doubts arise.

The Critical Juncture

This is a critical juncture because:

1. Very Close to Completion

Students are very close to completing the curriculum (only Revelation 19-22 remain). The finish line is in sight. Stopping now feels like quitting right before the end.

2. Maximum Investment

The investment (time, energy, relationships, identity) is at its maximum. The sunk cost is enormous.

3. Maximum Pressure

Social pressure, organizational expectation, and internal pressure (fear, anticipation) are all at their peak.

4. Extreme Worldview

The worldview transformation is complete. Students now see all other Christians as Babylon, destined for judgment. This makes it very difficult to seek outside counsel or consider alternative perspectives.

5. Anticipation of “Marriage”

Students are anticipating being part of the “bride” who marries Jesus (Revelation 19). This creates excitement and makes completion feel essential.

6. Approaching Passover

After completing Revelation, students will enter new family education, then Passover (baptism). The transition to full membership is imminent.

What This Means for Students

If you’re at this stage, you need to understand:

1. You’re at Maximum Vulnerability

The combination of massive investment, extreme worldview, social pressure, fear, and anticipation makes you maximally vulnerable to organizational influence. You’re less able to think critically or consider alternative perspectives.

2. The Pressure Is Intentional

The momentum, urgency, social pressure, fear, and information control are intentional tactics to carry you through to completion without pausing to reflect or evaluate.

3. You Still Have the Right to Pause

Despite the pressure and investment, you still have the right to pause, step back, research, pray, and seek counsel. Don’t let sunk cost, social pressure, or fear prevent you from making an informed decision.

4. The Demonization of Christianity Is Extreme

Teaching that all Christian churches are Babylon—home for demons—is an extreme position that should raise serious concerns. This level of demonization is not biblical; it’s a control tactic.

5. Your Family’s Concerns May Be Valid

If your family has concerns about Shincheonji, those concerns may be valid. Don’t automatically dismiss them as “persecution.” Consider the possibility that they see things you can’t see because you’re too close to the situation.

6. Leaving Is Still Possible

Many people have left Shincheonji at various stages, including right before completion. It’s difficult, but possible. And former members consistently report that leaving was the best decision they made.

7. You Don’t Need Shincheonji

You don’t need Shincheonji to know God, understand Scripture, or be saved. You need Jesus Christ. If you trust in Him, you have everything you need (Colossians 2:9-10).

Questions for Self-Evaluation

Ask yourself honestly:

About Beliefs:

1. Do I genuinely believe all Christian churches are Babylon—home for demons?
2. Does this align with Scripture’s teaching about the church as Christ’s body and bride?
3. Does this align with historical reality (churches preserving Scripture, spreading the gospel, producing faithful believers)?

About Relationships: 4. Are my family relationships improving or deteriorating? 5. Have I honestly listened to and investigated my family’s concerns? 6. Am I isolated from all non-Shincheonji relationships?

About Freedom: 7. Do I feel free to question, research, and evaluate? 8. Or do I automatically dismiss doubts and outside information? 9. Am I making decisions freely, or am I being pressured?

About Fruit: 10. What is the fruit of Shincheonji’s teaching in my life? 11. Am I growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness? 12. Or am I experiencing anxiety, fear, guilt, broken relationships?

About Sunk Cost: 13. Am I continuing because I genuinely believe, or because I’ve invested so much? 14. If I discovered Shincheonji’s teaching is false, would I be willing to leave despite the investment?

About the Future: 15. What will my life look like as a full Shincheonji member? 16. Am I willing to commit to the time demands, organizational control, and relational costs? 17. Or do I have doubts and concerns I’m suppressing?

Your honest answers to these questions can help you discern whether to continue or to pause and investigate further.

As Chapter 22 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, understanding the progression of indoctrination helps individuals recognize what’s happening and make informed decisions. At this critical stage (approaching completion), the combination of massive investment, extreme worldview, social pressure, fear, and anticipation creates maximum vulnerability. Recognizing these tactics and intentionally slowing down to evaluate is crucial for making a free, informed decision.

By Lesson 126, you’re at a critical juncture—very close to completing the curriculum, approaching new family education and Passover, with massive investment and pressure to continue. Before you take that final step into full membership, it’s crucial to pause and honestly evaluate what you’ve learned and what you’re being asked to commit to.

These questions are designed to help you think critically and biblically about Shincheonji’s teaching on Revelation 18 and the broader implications of what you’ve been taught. They’re not meant to attack or accuse, but to encourage careful discernment—which is exactly what Scripture commands (1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11).

Take time with these questions. Write down your answers. Pray for wisdom. Seek counsel from trusted people outside Shincheonji. Don’t let pressure, momentum, or sunk cost prevent you from making an informed decision.

Questions About Revelation 18 and Babylon

1. Identifying Babylon:

• Revelation 17:9 says the woman (Babylon) sits on “seven hills.” Rome was famously known as the city on seven hills. Why does Shincheonji say Babylon is not Rome but Christian churches?
• Revelation 17:18 says the woman is “the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.” In the first century, what city ruled over the kings of the earth—Rome or Christian churches that didn’t even exist yet as a global institution?
• If first-century Christians reading Revelation 17-18 would naturally understand Babylon as Rome (their contemporary oppressor), why would God give them a prophecy about Christian denominations 1900+ years later that would be irrelevant to their situation?

2. The Economic Details:

• Revelation 18:11-19 provides extensive detail about Babylon’s trade: merchants, sea captains, specific cargo (gold, silver, spices, wheat, slaves, etc.). How does this describe Christian churches?
• Did Christian churches trade in gold, silver, precious stones, spices, cattle, sheep, horses, and slaves?
• If these details are symbolic, what does each specific item symbolize? And why would John provide such detailed economic descriptions if they’re all just symbols for “false teaching”?

3. The Mourners:

• Revelation 18 describes kings, merchants, and sea captains mourning because they’ve lost their source of wealth. Who mourned when the SEC dissolved? Were there international merchants weeping? Sea captains throwing dust on their heads? Kings lamenting?
• Does the scale and scope of Revelation 18’s description match the SEC’s dissolution?
• Or does it better match the fall of a great economic empire like Rome?

4. The Two-Scale Fulfillment:

• Where in Scripture does it teach that prophecies have “two-scale fulfillment”—a small scale and a large scale, fulfilled at different times?
• Isn’t this theory convenient for explaining why Revelation 18’s dramatic events didn’t happen as described? (If they didn’t happen, claim “that was just small scale; large scale is still coming”)
• How can you verify that the “small scale” fulfillment actually happened if it can’t be observed outside Shincheonji?
• If the “large scale” fulfillment is always “still future,” how can this theory ever be proven wrong? Isn’t this an unfalsifiable claim?

5. The “Marriage with Satan”:

• Where in Revelation 18 does it mention a “marriage with Satan”?
• Isn’t Shincheonji imposing this framework to create a contrast with Revelation 19, even though the text doesn’t describe a marriage in chapter 18?
• Isn’t the actual contrast between judgment on evil (Rev 18) and celebration of Christ’s victory (Rev 19)?

6. First-Century Relevance:

• If Revelation 18 is about the SEC in Korea (small scale) and Christian denominations (large scale), how was this relevant to first-century Christians suffering under Roman persecution?
• What encouragement would they receive from a prophecy about Korea in the 1980s?
• Doesn’t it make more sense that Revelation 18 addressed their situation—encouraging them that Rome, despite its power, would eventually fall and they would be vindicated?

Questions About “Come Out of Her”

7. The Call to Come Out:

• Revelation 18:4 says “Come out of her, my people.” If “her” is Babylon and Babylon is Rome, then “my people” (Christians) are being called to come out of Rome (spiritually separate from Rome’s evil).
• How can the church be both “her” (Babylon) and “my people” (those called to come out)? Isn’t this a contradiction?
• Doesn’t the text indicate that the church is “my people,” not Babylon?

8. What “Come Out” Means:

• In biblical usage, does “come out” mean physical departure or spiritual separation?
• Jeremiah 51:45 calls God’s people to “come out of” Babylon (historical Babylon). Did this mean physically flee, or spiritually separate (don’t adopt Babylon’s idolatry)?
• 2 Corinthians 6:17 says “Come out from them and be separate.” Does this mean leave all contact with unbelievers, or maintain spiritual distinctiveness while living in the world?
• If “come out of her” means spiritual separation from evil, couldn’t this apply to any evil system (including potentially Shincheonji) rather than specifically to Christian churches?

9. The Church in Scripture:

• Ephesians 1:22-23 says the church is Christ’s body. Ephesians 5:25-27 says the church is Christ’s bride. Can Christ’s body and bride be Babylon—a home for demons?
• Matthew 16:18 records Jesus promising “the gates of Hades will not overcome” His church. If all Christian churches for 2000 years have been Babylon (demonic, false), did Jesus’ promise fail?
• Hebrews 10:25 commands “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” How does leaving your church to join Shincheonji align with this command?

10. Historical Christianity:

• If Christian churches are Babylon, how do we explain:
  • The preservation of Scripture through centuries by Christian monks and scholars?
  • The spread of the gospel worldwide by Christian missionaries?
  • The countless faithful believers throughout church history (Augustine, Luther, Wesley, Spurgeon, C.S. Lewis, etc.)?
  • The good fruit of Christianity (hospitals, schools, humanitarian aid, fighting injustice)?
• Were all these faithful Christians deceived? Were they all part of demonic Babylon?
• Or is it more likely that Shincheonji’s interpretation is wrong?

Questions About the Relationship Between Revelation 16, 17, and 18

11. Chronology vs. Recapitulation:

• Does Revelation use strict chronology (each chapter describing events after the previous chapter)?
• Or does Revelation use recapitulation (revisiting the same time period from different perspectives)?
• Why does Revelation have multiple passages describing the ultimate end (6:12-17, 11:15-19, 14:14-20, 16:17-21, 19:11-21, 20:7-15, 21-22) if it’s strictly chronological?
• Doesn’t this suggest recapitulation rather than strict chronology?

12. The Seven-Year Timeline:

• Where in Revelation 16 does it indicate the seven bowls are poured out over seven years?
• Isn’t Shincheonji imposing this timeline based on their organizational history (1984-1990) rather than deriving it from the text?
• If the seven bowls describe cosmic judgments (sea turning to blood, sun scorching people, darkness, massive earthquake, islands fleeing, mountains disappearing), how do these match organizational events in Korea 1984-1990?

13. “After This”:

• Revelation 18:1 begins with “after this.” Does this always indicate strict chronological sequence?
• Or can it mean “after this vision” or “next in the vision sequence” without indicating chronological time?
• Revelation 7:1 and 7:9 both begin with “after this,” but they describe the same time period from different angles. Doesn’t this show that “after this” doesn’t always mean strict chronological sequence?

14. Literary Structure:

• Have you studied how apocalyptic literature works?
• Have you compared Revelation’s structure with other apocalyptic texts (Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah)?
• Have you considered that Revelation uses symbolic imagery, poetic language, and recapitulation rather than literal, chronological prediction?
• Or have you only learned Shincheonji’s interpretation without comparing it to how scholars and theologians understand apocalyptic literature?

Questions About Demonizing Christianity

15. The Extreme Claim:

• Shincheonji teaches that all Christian churches are Babylon—a “home for demons” (Rev 18:2). Is this claim:
  • Supported by Scripture’s teaching about the church?
  • Supported by historical reality (churches preserving Scripture, spreading the gospel)?
  • Supported by the fruit of Christianity over 2000 years?
• Or is this an extreme claim that serves Shincheonji’s agenda of isolation and exclusivity?

16. When Did the Church Become Babylon?:

• If Christian churches are Babylon, when did this happen?
• Was the church Babylon from the beginning? (Then the apostles founded a demonic system)
• Did the church become Babylon at some point? (When? And what about faithful Christians after that point?)
• Or was the church Babylon until Shincheonji was founded in 1984? (Then there was no true church for 1950+ years, and Jesus’ promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church failed)
• Which of these options makes sense?

17. The Fruit Test:

• Jesus said “by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). What is the fruit of Christianity over 2000 years?
  • Preservation of Scripture
  • Spread of the gospel worldwide
  • Countless faithful believers and martyrs
  • Hospitals, schools, humanitarian aid
  • Fighting against slavery, injustice, and oppression
• Does this look like the fruit of a demonic system?
• What is the fruit of Shincheonji?
  • Families divided
  • Deceptive recruitment methods
  • Information control
  • Extreme us-vs-them mentality
  • Former members reporting manipulation and control
• Which fruit looks more like it comes from God?

18. The Purpose of Demonization:

• Why does Shincheonji demonize all Christian churches?
• Does it serve your interests (helping you grow in faith, maintain healthy relationships, think critically)?
• Or does it serve Shincheonji’s interests (isolating you from outside Christian influence, establishing exclusivity, preventing comparison, creating urgency for recruitment)?

Questions About Your Experience

19. Your Relationships:

• How have your family relationships changed since joining Shincheonji?
• Are they improving or deteriorating?
• If your family has concerns, have you honestly investigated those concerns?
• Or have you automatically dismissed them as “persecution”?
• If your family sees problems you don’t see, could it be because they have perspective you lack?

20. Your Freedom:

• Do you feel free to question Shincheonji’s teaching?
• Do you feel free to research outside sources?
• Do you feel free to take time to evaluate before committing to Passover?
• Or do you feel pressure, guilt, and fear when you consider questioning, researching, or pausing?
• If you don’t feel free, what does that say about the organization?

21. Your Spiritual Life:

• Is your relationship with Jesus Christ growing?
• Do you experience His presence, peace, and joy?
• Or has your spiritual life become focused on organizational involvement, passing exams, and maintaining status?
• Where is Christ in your daily life—central or secondary to organizational demands?

22. Your Fruit:

• Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Are you experiencing more of these since joining Shincheonji, or less?
• Are you experiencing more anxiety, fear, guilt, pressure, and broken relationships?
• What does this say about the source of Shincheonji’s teaching?

23. Your Doubts:

• Do you have doubts or questions about Shincheonji’s teaching?
• Have you suppressed these doubts because you were taught they’re from “the enemy”?
• What if those doubts are your conscience or the Holy Spirit warning you?
• Don’t you owe it to yourself to honestly investigate your doubts before making a lifelong commitment?

24. Your Decision:

• Are you continuing toward Passover because you genuinely believe Shincheonji’s teaching is true?
• Or because of sunk cost (you’ve invested so much), social pressure (disappointing evangelist and classmates), fear (missing out on being sealed), or momentum (you’re so close to finishing)?
• If all pressure were removed and you could decide freely, what would you choose?

Questions About Biblical Interpretation

25. Context:

• Have you studied Revelation in its historical and literary context?
• Have you learned what first-century Christians would have understood?
• Have you studied how apocalyptic literature works?
• Or have you only learned Shincheonji’s interpretation without comparing it to mainstream Christian understanding?

26. Mainstream Understanding:

• Why does Shincheonji’s interpretation differ so dramatically from 2000 years of Christian interpretation?
• Is it credible that the entire church has been wrong for 2000 years and only Shincheonji (since 1984) has the correct interpretation?
• Or is it more likely that Shincheonji has departed from biblical interpretation?

27. Proof-Texting:

• Does Shincheonji use proof-texting (isolating verses out of context to support predetermined conclusions)?
• Have you examined the verses Shincheonji uses in their full context?
• Do they actually support Shincheonji’s interpretation when read in context?

28. The Holy Spirit:

• John 14:26 says the Holy Spirit “will teach you all things.” 1 John 2:27 says “you do not need anyone to teach you” because “his anointing teaches you about all things.”
• If the Holy Spirit teaches all believers, why do you need Shincheonji’s interpretation system?
• Why do you need Lee Man-hee to access “the word”?
• Doesn’t this make the organization and its leader essential, replacing the Holy Spirit’s role?

29. Christ’s Sufficiency:

• Colossians 2:9-10 says “in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.”
• If you have fullness in Christ, why do you need Shincheonji?
• Is Christ sufficient for your salvation, sanctification, and understanding of God?
• Or do you need Christ plus Shincheonji?

Questions About the Future

30. Full Membership:

• What does full Shincheonji membership involve?
  • Time commitment (Wash Day twice weekly, plus other services and events)
  • Financial expectations
  • Organizational involvement (evangelism, teaching, administrative roles)
  • Relationship costs (continued strain with family, isolation from non-Shincheonji friends)
• Are you fully informed about what you’re committing to?
• Are you willing to pay these costs for the rest of your life?

31. Leaving Later:

• If you commit to Passover and later discover Shincheonji’s teaching is false, how easy will it be to leave?
• Former members consistently report that leaving after full commitment is much harder than leaving before.
• Why make an irreversible commitment before thoroughly investigating?

32. Your Family:

• If your family’s salvation depends on joining Shincheonji, and they refuse to join, what will you do?
• Will you accept that they’re “in Babylon, destined for judgment”?
• Or will you trust that God loves them more than you do and can save them through faith in Christ, regardless of organizational membership?

33. Alternative Paths:

• Have you considered that you can follow Christ, study Scripture, and be part of a Christian community without joining Shincheonji?
• Have you visited healthy, biblical churches to see what genuine Christian community looks like?
• Why does it have to be Shincheonji or nothing?

34. Worst-Case Scenarios:

• What’s the worst case if you leave Shincheonji and they’re right?
  • According to biblical Christianity, if you trust in Christ, you’re saved regardless of organizational membership
  • According to Shincheonji, you’ll miss being sealed and won’t be saved
  • But if Shincheonji is wrong, their worst-case scenario doesn’t apply
• What’s the worst case if you join Shincheonji and they’re wrong?
  • You commit your life to a false teaching
  • You damage family relationships permanently
  • You waste years in an organization
  • You potentially lead others astray
  • You miss out on genuine Christian community and growth
• Which risk is greater?

35. Peace:

• Do you have peace about proceeding to Passover?
• Or do you have doubts, questions, and concerns that you’re suppressing?
• Colossians 3:15 says “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
• Do you have Christ’s peace about this decision, or anxiety and pressure?

Questions About Shincheonji’s Track Record

36. Failed Predictions:

• Has Shincheonji made predictions that didn’t come true?
• Have there been specific dates given for completing the 144,000 that weren’t met?
• Deuteronomy 18:21-22 says if a prophet’s predictions don’t come true, “that prophet has spoken presumptuously.” What does this say about Shincheonji’s claims?

37. Former Members:

• Why have so many people left Shincheonji?
• What do former members say about their experience?
• Do their testimonies show patterns of manipulation, deception, and control?
• Have you read testimonies from former members, or have you avoided them because you were told they’re “persecution”?

38. External Perspective:

• How is Shincheonji viewed by mainstream Christianity?
• How is it viewed by cult experts and religious scholars?
• Why is it widely recognized as a cult?
• Could all these outside observers be wrong and only Shincheonji be right?

39. Deception:

• Has Shincheonji used deceptive practices in recruitment?
  • Not revealing organizational connection initially
  • Using front organizations (Bible study groups, volunteer organizations)
  • Being vague about beliefs until students are deeply involved
• If so, can good fruit come from deceptive methods?
• Jesus said He is “the truth” (John 14:6). Does deception align with following Jesus?

40. Accountability:

• Is Shincheonji’s leadership accountable to anyone outside the organization?
• Is there transparency about finances, decision-making, and organizational practices?
• Or is there secrecy and lack of accountability?
• What does lack of accountability say about an organization?

Questions for Deep Reflection

41. Your Gut:

• What does your gut tell you about Shincheonji?
• Have you had moments of doubt, concern, or unease?
• Have you suppressed these feelings because you were taught they’re from “the enemy”?
• What if those feelings are your conscience or the Holy Spirit warning you?

42. If You Could Start Over:

• If you could go back to before you joined Shincheonji, knowing what you know now, would you join?
• If not, why are you continuing?
• Is it because you genuinely believe, or because of sunk cost, social pressure, and fear?

43. The Investment:

• You’ve invested 13-15 months, 100+ hours in classes, countless hours in other activities.
• But is this a reason to continue if the teaching is false?
• Would you rather “waste” 13-15 months by leaving now, or waste the rest of your life by staying in a false teaching?

44. Your Identity:

• Who are you apart from Shincheonji?
• Can you imagine your life without Shincheonji?
• If your identity is completely tied to Shincheonji, is this healthy?
• Shouldn’t your identity be in Christ, not in an organization?

45. The Gospel:

• Can you articulate the gospel simply: God loves you, you are a sinner, Christ died for your sins, rose from the dead, and offers salvation by grace through faith in Him?
• Or has the gospel become complicated: you must join Shincheonji, accept Lee Man-hee, be sealed as part of the 144,000, and follow organizational requirements?
• Which gospel aligns with Scripture?

46. Assurance:

• If you died today, do you know you would go to heaven?
• Is your assurance based on Christ’s finished work (John 19:30, “It is finished”)?
• Or on your organizational status (being sealed in Shincheonji)?
• Which assurance is biblical?

47. Freedom in Christ:

• Galatians 5:1 says “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
• Do you feel free in Christ, or burdened by organizational demands?
• Is Shincheonji leading you into freedom or into a new form of slavery?

48. The Great Commandment:

• Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and the second is “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).
• Are you growing in love for God and love for others?
• Or are you growing in organizational loyalty while relationships with family and non-Shincheonji friends deteriorate?

49. Prayer:

• Have you earnestly prayed for wisdom and discernment about Shincheonji?
• James 1:5 promises “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
• What is God telling you in your prayer time?
• Are you listening, or are you only praying for confirmation of what Shincheonji teaches?

50. Your Decision:

• Ultimately, what will you decide?
• Will you proceed to Passover despite unanswered questions and concerns?
• Will you take time to research, reflect, pray, and seek counsel outside Shincheonji?
• Or will you recognize that Shincheonji’s teaching doesn’t align with Scripture and leave?

These 50 questions are designed to help you think critically and biblically about Shincheonji’s teaching on Revelation 18 and the broader implications of your involvement. Don’t rush through them. Take time with each one. Write down your answers. Pray. Seek counsel from trusted people outside Shincheonji.

This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Don’t let pressure, momentum, sunk cost, or fear push you into a commitment you’ll later regret. Take the time you need to make an informed, prayerful decision.

As Chapter 25 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” emphasizes, asking critical questions is not a sign of weak faith—it’s a sign of biblical discernment. God gave you a mind to think, a conscience to guide you, and His Spirit to teach you. Use these gifts to evaluate carefully what you’re being taught and what you’re being asked to commit to.

Conclusion: The True Babylon and the True Hope

The Contrast Shincheonji Presents

Lesson 126 presents a stark contrast:

• Revelation 18 = The marriage with Satan (Babylon/false Christianity)
• Revelation 19 = The marriage with Jesus (Shincheonji/true believers)

This contrast is designed to make the choice seem obvious: Choose Shincheonji (the bride who marries Jesus) and reject everything else (Babylon who is married to Satan).

But this is a false dichotomy. The real contrast is not between Shincheonji and everyone else. The real contrast is between Christ and everything else—including Shincheonji.

Let’s examine what Scripture actually teaches about Babylon, about the church, and about our hope.

The True Babylon

In Revelation’s First-Century Context:

Babylon in Revelation 17-18 represents Rome:

The Evidence:

• Seven hills (17:9) = Rome’s famous seven hills
• Great city ruling over kings (17:18) = Rome, the imperial capital
• Drunk with blood of saints (17:6) = Roman persecution
• Economic dominance (18:11-19) = Rome’s vast trade empire
• Specific cargo (18:12-13) = Rome’s actual imports

This identification is clear in the text itself and would have been immediately obvious to first-century Christians.

The Message for First-Century Christians:

Despite Rome’s apparent invincibility, God will judge it. Despite persecution, God’s people will be vindicated. Stay faithful. Don’t compromise. Don’t be seduced by Rome’s wealth and power. God’s justice will prevail.

This was tremendously relevant and encouraging to Christians suffering under Roman persecution.

The Universal Application:

While Babylon specifically represents Rome in the first-century context, there’s universal application:

• All oppressive empires will eventually fall
• All economic systems built on exploitation will be judged
• All powers that oppose God’s people will be defeated
• God’s justice will ultimately prevail

But this universal application doesn’t mean we should ignore the first-century context and impose modern organizational interpretations. The first-century meaning is the foundation for all other application.

What Babylon Is NOT:

Babylon is NOT:

• Christian churches
• Faithful believers throughout 2000 years of church history
• The community of those who trust in Christ
• The body and bride of Christ

Claiming that Christian churches are Babylon contradicts Scripture’s teaching about the church, contradicts historical reality, and serves Shincheonji’s agenda of isolation and exclusivity rather than biblical truth.

The True Church

Scripture’s Teaching:

The Church Is Christ’s Body:

Ephesians 1:22-23: “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”

The church is Christ’s body. He is the head. The church is not Babylon; it’s Christ’s own body.

The Church Is Christ’s Bride:

Ephesians 5:25-27: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

Christ loves the church. He gave Himself for her. He is preparing her to be His bride. The church is not Babylon; she is the bride Christ loves and died for.

The Church Is Universal:

The church is not one organization or denomination. It’s all believers in Christ, everywhere, throughout all time:

Hebrews 12:22-23: “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.”

The church includes all whose names are written in heaven—all who trust in Christ, regardless of denomination or organization.

The Church Will Endure:

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

Christ’s church will endure. The gates of hell will not prevail against it. Despite imperfections, failures, and attacks, the church will stand because Christ is building it and sustaining it.

The Reality:

The church is imperfect because it’s made up of imperfect people. There have been failures, scandals, and errors throughout church history. But the church is still Christ’s body, His bride, the object of His love.

Christ doesn’t call His church “Babylon.” He calls her His beloved. He is preparing her to be His bride.

The True Hope

Christ Is Our Hope:

Colossians 1:27: “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.”

1 Timothy 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.”

Christ is our hope. Not an organization, not a leader, not organizational membership, not being part of the 144,000. Christ alone is our hope.

Our Hope Is Secure:

Hebrews 6:19-20: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Our hope is an anchor—firm and secure—because it’s grounded in Christ, who has entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf. He is our high priest, our mediator, our hope.

This hope doesn’t depend on organizational membership, passing exams, or being sealed. It depends only on Christ and His finished work.

Our Hope Is Based on Grace:

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

Titus 3:5-7: “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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

Our hope is based on grace—God’s unmerited favor. We are saved by grace through faith, not by joining an organization or mastering an interpretation system.

Our Hope Is the Return of Christ:

Titus 2:13: “While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

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

Our hope is Christ’s return. He will come again, raise the dead, gather His people, and establish His kingdom. This is our blessed hope.

Our Hope Is Eternal Life:

1 John 2:25: “And this is what he promised us—eternal life.”

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Our hope is eternal life with God. This is promised to all who believe in Christ, not just to members of one organization.

The Real Choice

The real choice is not between Shincheonji and Babylon. The real choice is between:

Christ or Organization:

• Will you trust in Christ alone for salvation, or in Christ plus organizational membership?
• Will you find your identity in Christ, or in being part of Shincheonji?
• Will you depend on Christ for spiritual life, or on organizational involvement?

Grace or Performance:

• Will you rest in God’s grace, or strive to earn salvation through performance?
• Will you have assurance based on Christ’s finished work, or anxiety based on organizational status?
• Will you experience freedom in Christ, or bondage to organizational demands?

Scripture or Interpretation System:

• Will you trust Scripture illuminated by the Holy Spirit, or Shincheonji’s interpretation system?
• Will you read Scripture in context, or through Shincheonji’s symbolic lens?
• Will you test everything against Scripture, or accept Shincheonji’s teaching without question?

Christ’s Mediation or Human Mediation:

• Will you access God directly through Christ, or through Lee Man-hee’s mediation?
• Will you follow Christ, or follow a human leader?
• Will you trust the Holy Spirit to teach you, or depend on organizational teaching?

Truth or Control:

• Will you pursue truth wherever it leads, or accept information control?
• Will you research and evaluate, or avoid outside sources as “Satan’s domain”?
• Will you think critically, or suppress questions and doubts?

Freedom or Bondage:

• Will you experience the freedom Christ offers, or the control of organizational demands?
• Will you have healthy relationships, or strained family relationships and isolation?
• Will you make your own decisions, or be pressured into organizational conformity?

The Invitation

Jesus’ invitation still stands:

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

If you’re weary from the pressure to perform, burdened by organizational demands, exhausted from anxiety and guilt—come to Jesus. He offers rest.

His yoke is easy. His burden is light. He doesn’t demand that you pass exams with 100%, master a complex interpretation system, attend twice-weekly services, respond immediately to organizational communications, or carry the weight of others’ salvation.

He simply invites you to come to Him, trust in Him, and find rest.

John 6:37: “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”

Come to Jesus. He will never drive you away. You don’t need organizational membership. You don’t need to be sealed. You don’t need to master an interpretation system. You just need Jesus.

Revelation 22:17: “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.”

The invitation is simple: Come. If you’re thirsty, come. If you wish, take the free gift of the water of life.

It’s free. It’s a gift. You don’t earn it by joining an organization or following a human leader. You receive it by faith in Christ.

The Truth Will Set You Free

Jesus said: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

The truth about Shincheonji—that their interpretation doesn’t align with Scripture, that their methods are manipulative, that their organization is controlling—will set you free.

The truth about the gospel—that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, that you have direct access to God, that Christ is sufficient—will set you free.

The truth about yourself—that you are loved by God, that you are valuable apart from organizational status, that you have the freedom to choose—will set you free.

Don’t let fear, guilt, pressure, sunk cost, or social pressure keep you in bondage. The truth will set you free.

A Prayer

If you’re struggling with these questions, here’s a prayer you can pray:

“God, I’m confused and overwhelmed. I’ve invested over a year in Shincheonji, and I’m very close to completion. But I have questions and doubts that I’ve been suppressing.

Please give me wisdom to discern truth from error. Give me courage to examine these teachings carefully, even though I’ve been told not to research outside sources. Help me to see clearly what is from You and what is from human organization.

If Shincheonji’s teachings are true, confirm it. If they’re false, reveal it. I want to know the truth, whatever the cost.

Protect my mind from manipulation. Protect my heart from fear and guilt. Protect my relationships with family and friends.

If I need to leave Shincheonji, give me the courage to do so, despite the massive investment and relationships. If my family’s salvation is at stake, I trust You to reach them—You love them more than I do.

Most of all, help me to know You personally through Jesus Christ. Let my faith be in Him alone, not in any organization, interpretation system, or human leader.

I trust You to guide me into truth. Thank You for Your patience, Your grace, and Your love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Resources and Support

If you’re struggling with these questions or considering leaving Shincheonji, please know you’re not alone. Many people have walked this path before you and found freedom, healing, and genuine faith in Christ.

Visit https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination for:

• Comprehensive analysis of Shincheonji’s teachings
• Detailed refutations of specific doctrines
• Information about Shincheonji’s history and practices
• Testimonies from former members
• Resources for families affected by Shincheonji
• Support for those considering leaving or who have left
• Connection with healthy Christian communities
• Biblical teaching on the passages Shincheonji misuses
• Information about HWPL and organizational structure
• Guidance for recovery and healing after leaving

You don’t have to figure this out alone. There are people who understand, who can answer your questions, who can support you, and who can help you find genuine faith in Christ and connection with a healthy Christian community.

Your family is not alone either. If you have family members in Shincheonji, there are resources to help you understand what they’re experiencing and how to help them.

God’s grace is sufficient. Whatever you’ve done, whatever you’ve invested, whatever mistakes you’ve made—God’s grace is sufficient. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

There is hope. Many former members have found healing, restored relationships, and genuine faith in Christ. You can too.

The truth will set you free. Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Knowing the truth about Shincheonji’s teachings and practices, and knowing the truth of the gospel, will set you free.