Lies and Deceptions

Lies and deceptions are presented as fundamental aspects of the spiritual conflict between God and Satan, deeply influencing the spiritual state and ultimate destiny of individuals and groups. (John 8:44; Revelation 12:9)

See Term:

Wisdom of Hiding

Definition and Nature of Lies and Deceptions

• A lie is fundamentally that which is not true, which is false, misrepresenting reality. (Proverbs 12:22; Colossians 3:9)

• Deception is the act of convincing people that something that is actually false is true. It is rooted in falsehood and untruth. (Genesis 3:4-5; 2 Corinthians 11:3)

• Lies are often difficult to detect or discern because they are disguised or masquerade as truth or light. Satan, for instance, disguises himself as an “angel of light”. (2 Corinthians 11:14)

• They frequently twist or corrupt what is of God, as Satan is not an originator but a distorting force. (Genesis 3:1; Matthew 4:6)

• Lies are typically mixed with elements of truth to make them more convincing. (2 Peter 2:1; Matthew 24:24)

• They can be conveyed using vague language that allows for later reinterpretation, enabling those who speak them to avoid responsibility for mistakes. (James 3:10-12; Proverbs 26:28)

• Lies are associated with dishonest scales, symbolizing the manipulation of truth for selfish gain. (Proverbs 11:1; Micah 6:11)

• Figuratively, lies can be represented by fire, smoke, and sulfur that come out of the mouths of false pastors, burning and killing spirits. They are also called “weeds” sown among good seed. (Revelation 9:17-19; Matthew 13:25, 38-39)

Sources and Methods of Lies and Deceptions

• Satan is the primary source of all lies and deception. He is called a “liar and the father of lies,” and falsehood is his “native language”. (John 8:44)

• The serpent in the Garden of Eden was the first to make up and spread lies to Eve. (Genesis 3:1-5)

• Evil spirits work through people, planting thoughts of doubt and deceiving them. (1 Timothy 4:1; James 1:14-15)

• False pastors and prophets are key purveyors of lies. They teach lies and lead people astray. (Jeremiah 14:14; Ezekiel 13:6-9; Matthew 7:15)

• Satan’s organizations, such as Babylon and the Nicolaitans, are central to spreading deception. They are described as places filled with demons and evil spirits. (Revelation 18:2; Revelation 2:6, 15)

• Lies are often spread through “commentaries” and “arbitrary interpretations” of the Bible, which are considered human-made doctrines that mix in worldly things and distort God’s true word. (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:9)

• “Maddening wine of adulteries” symbolizes these false teachings that cause all nations to fall. (Revelation 17:2; Revelation 18:3)

• False miracles, signs, and wonders are employed to deceive those who are perishing. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10; Revelation 13:13-14)

• Deception involves deliberately withholding information, misusing language for selfish gain, and spreading propaganda. (Proverbs 6:16-19; 2 Corinthians 4:2)

• Front organizations are used to confuse potential recruits and hide agendas. (Matthew 23:28; Ezekiel 22:28)

• Gaslighting is a form of manipulation where false information is systematically forced upon people to make them doubt their own sanity, memory, and sense of reality. (Isaiah 5:20; Psalm 52:2)

• Instilling self-doubt through emphasizing human flaws or biblical passages like “lean not on your own understanding”. (Proverbs 3:5)

• Creating fake background stories or exaggerating claims. (Proverbs 14:5; Revelation 22:15)

Targets and Consequences of Deception

• Deception primarily targets God’s chosen people, believers, and all nations. (Matthew 24:24; Revelation 12:9; 2 Timothy 3:13)

• The primary consequence of believing lies is spiritual death. (Romans 6:23; James 1:15)

• It leads to separation from God, abandoning the covenant, and losing one’s position in heaven. (Isaiah 59:2; Hebrews 10:26-27)

• Those deceived receive the “mark of the beast”, which is Satan’s word of lies, leading to eternal torment in the fiery lake of burning sulfur and the second death. (Revelation 13:16-17; Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 21:8)

• It causes spiritual sleep and idleness, spiritual nakedness and shame, and one becomes Satan’s possession. (1 Thessalonians 5:6; Revelation 3:17-18)

• Deception results in confusion and makes people unable to discern truth from lies. (2 Corinthians 4:4; Isaiah 44:20)

• It leads to spiritual corruption, turning formerly “faithful cities” into “harlots”, and causes spiritual blindness and deafness. (Isaiah 1:21; Matthew 13:14-15)

• Ultimately, those who follow lies will receive plagues and curses. (Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Revelation 22:18-19)

Contrast with Truth

• God’s word is truth. (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160)

• While there are many lies, there is only one truth. (Ephesians 4:5; John 14:6)

• Discernment is the most critical skill for believers to distinguish between truth and lies, enabling them to avoid deception and maintain their faith. (Hebrews 5:14; 1 John 4:1)

Shincheonji’s Perspective on Lies and Deception

• Justification of Deception: SCJ is stated to claim they “deceive to protect” and that if deception advances God’s kingdom, it is not considered lying in God’s eyes. This is rationalized by comparing their methods to biblical figures like Paul, who adapted to his audience, implying that the ends justify the means. (1 Corinthians 9:20-22)
  → Counterpoint: 2 Corinthians 4:2; Romans 3:7-8 – Paul rejects the idea of doing evil so that good may result.

• Denial and Deflection: SCJ leaders reportedly deny contradictions in their doctrine despite evidence and attribute questions or criticisms to “misinformation online,” “slander,” or “persecution”. They deflect responsibility by blaming the questioner for “lack of understanding” or “reading ahead”. (Proverbs 18:2; Galatians 6:3)

• Doctrinal Inconsistencies: There are reports of doctrine changes over time, such as the identity of the “beast of the earth”, and accusations that their leader, Man Hee Lee (MHL), has testified incorrectly about Revelation’s fulfillment by “adding and taking away from his testimony”. (Revelation 22:18-19)

• Control and Isolation: SCJ is said to use fear tactics (e.g., threat of losing salvation, eternal punishment, being shunned) to control members. They foster an “us versus them” mentality, claiming only group members and their doctrine can be trusted, creating an echo chamber where outside information is disregarded or labeled as “deception” or “poison”. (Galatians 5:1; 2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Peter 2:1-3)

• Manipulation and Gaslighting: Leaders may instill self-doubt, leading members to distrust their own thinking. They are accused of gaslighting, where exposed deceptions are denied, stories are changed, and former members are discredited as “emotionally unstable” or “delusional”. (Proverbs 26:24-26; Isaiah 59:13-15)

• Recruitment Practices: SCJ reportedly exploits people’s vulnerabilities during recruitment, gathering personal details to devise strategies. They use false identities and fake background stories. (Matthew 7:15; Romans 16:18)

• Internal Views on Lies: SCJ acknowledges that Satan’s “food” or “seed” is lies and his teachings are a “mixture of good and evil”. They define lying in a religious context as adding to or subtracting from the Bible/God’s word. (Matthew 13:25, 38-39; Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19)