Shincheonji View
Shincheonji interprets Daniel 12:4 as indicating that the prophecies of Daniel were sealed until the “time of the end,” which they believe is now. They assert that their leader, Lee Man Hee, is divinely chosen to unseal these prophecies and reveal their true meanings. The phrase “knowledge shall increase” is seen as the spread of this newfound spiritual understanding through their teachings. Lastly, the reference to “many shall run to and fro” is interpreted as the global expansion of their missionary efforts, fulfilling the prophecy of an active pursuit of enlightenment.
Christian Response
For the context of the book of Daniel, the verse does plainly say that Daniel did not understand what he was writing down, and that there will be a time when “knowledge increases”. However; after going through all of the other verses and pointing out the doctrinal issues of how SCJ uses the other verses to justify their sealed book, it is still problematic for SCJ to then claim that they are the ones who fulfill this prophecy.
Can we trust Shincheonji’s interpretation?
Considering how the other verses were using in vain, and instead each verse was “added and subtracted to”, breaking Revelation 22:18-19, one has to call into question whether or not Lee Manhee truly did witness the events of Revelation and their fulfillment, and whether or not his commentary on the book of Revelation is divinely appointed.
Is there another Messiah or Promised Pastor other than Jesus in the Book of Daniel?
In the Book of Daniel, there is no indication of a “3rd” prophet speaking on behalf of God and the “Son of Man”, instead, we only see two characters in the visions of Daniel 7 and Daniel 12.
In Daniel 12 alone, there is no indication of another messenger speaking on behalf of God and Jesus in the future. In fact, in Hebrews 1:1-3, it is clear that Paul and the early Christians believed that Jesus was the fulfillment of all of the mysteries, and that they were in the last days.
Daniel 7:9-10 – “I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took His seat; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him; thousands upon thousands were serving Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; the court convened, and the books were opened.”
Daniel 7:13-14 – “I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven one like a son of man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, honor, and a kingdom, so that all the peoples, nations, and populations of all languages might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.”
We only see two distinct characters for the Messianic figure. One is the Father, and the other is the “son of man”, whom both a Christian and Shincheonji member would agree is Jesus Christ.