Chapter 1 introduces the remarkable claim that the Book of Revelation—long regarded by many as symbolic, distant, or mysterious—has now been fulfilled in reality. According to Shincheonji (SCJ), the fulfillment did not happen vaguely or spiritually, but physically, in the Republic of Korea, in the 20th century. The narrative centers around a man named Lee Man-hee, whom SCJ identifies as the “New John,” chosen by heaven to witness and testify to the events of Revelation.

The chapter opens with the historical and prophetic weight of Revelation 1:1–2, describing the chain of communication: from God → Jesus → angels → New John. SCJ claims that this “New John” is a real person, alive today, who saw and heard the events of Revelation and now delivers the testimony just as Apostle John did 2,000 years ago. It asserts that the true reality of Revelation is not a matter of interpretation, but something that can be seen and heard, and that Lee Man-hee is this witness.

It also introduces key SCJ vocabulary: “promised pastor,” “fulfillment,” and “testimony,” laying the groundwork for future chapters that build on the betrayal–destruction–salvation pattern. This chapter is not just an introduction to a book; it is, in their view, the beginning of the restoration of God’s kingdom on earth, made visible through events in South Korea.

SCJ Terminology

This is an ongoing series, and changes may occur until its completion. Additional articles will be added over time as they become available.

Prologue

In this time and place, the extraordinary story of the Book of Revelation—what had never happened before and will never happen again—is unfolding. From Revelation 1 to 22, the secrets held within the visions of Apostle John are being revealed—not only as prophecy but as fulfillment. This is not an abstract vision. It is the turning point of history.

And yet, it is happening in a place most would never expect. For generations, believers anticipated the fulfillment of Revelation to unfold in the West, or in the historical lands of Israel—the birthplace of the Old Testament prophets and Jesus himself. But God’s work has always defied human expectations. This fulfillment has not appeared where religious scholars predicted, but in the East—in a small, quiet town in the Republic of Korea, called Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do.

In this unlikely place, resembling ancient Israel in geography and spirit, something unprecedented is unfolding. A country that rose from war and ashes is now witnessing the revelation long promised. It is here, in our lifetime, that the God who worked through Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus has chosen to fulfill what He declared through Apostle John. This is the appointed time—not metaphorically, but in physical reality. A story that defies every expectation is now becoming truth.

To understand this extraordinary moment, we must begin at the very beginning—in the time of Adam.

God’s 6,000-Year Journey Toward Fulfillment

To fully grasp this fulfillment, we must understand where it began—at the beginning of creation. God’s work has spanned 6,000 years, unfolding through a cycle of promise, betrayal, destruction, and salvation. From Adam to Noah, from Abraham to Moses, and then to Jesus, each generation bore witness to God’s effort to restore His kingdom on earth. And now, a new era has begun, one promised through prophecy: the fulfillment of Revelation.

God created Adam, the first man, breathing into him the breath of life. Entrusting him with dominion over all creation, God made a covenant with Adam—not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Yet Adam, seduced by the serpent and driven by his own greed and deception, broke that covenant. His fall marked the beginning of a long line of rebellion. His descendants, too, sinned against God. But rather than abandon humanity, God chose Noah—the ninth generation from Adam—to be the vessel of a new beginning.

When the corruption of that generation grew unbearable, God judged the world through a great flood and ended the world of Adam (The Creation of Heaven & Earth, p. 149). However, even Noah’s world faltered after Ham’s transgression, leading to Canaan, the son of Ham, being cursed (The Creation of Heaven & Earth, p. 398).

So again, God chose one man—Abraham. He made a new promise: after four generations, He would call out Abraham’s descendants from among the Gentiles. True to His word, God raised up Moses, who led the physical Israelites out of Egypt after they had spent 400 years in hard labor (The Creation of Heaven & Earth, p. 112).

With this, a new era began. God used the Israelites to bring judgment on the world of Canaan, the land once inherited from Noah’s lineage, and through Joshua, the Israelites brought an end to the world of Canaan by conquering it (The Creation of Heaven & Earth, p. 398).

A Pattern of Promise and Betrayal

God’s people, the Israelites—descendants of Abraham—pledged to serve only Him. But during the reign of King Solomon, they once again turned to Gentile gods. Israel sinned, and physical Israel was brought to an end. This betrayal was symbolized by Solomon collecting 666 gold talents and building a high place for the goddess of Sidon, making all Israel bow to her (The Reality of the Revelation, p. 206).

Yet God did not remain silent. Through the prophets of the Old Testament, He laid out a new plan—one to be fulfilled in the future. That new plan took shape 2,000 years ago, when Jesus came to this earth. He fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament and declared new promises through the New Testament. Jesus gave His life on the cross as atonement for the sins of all humanity.

Before ascending to heaven, He left a promise: He would return.

The Gospel Reaches the Ends of the Earth

Jesus’ words were clear:

“This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14

And now, 2,000 years later, that gospel has indeed reached the ends of the earth—to the East, specifically the Republic of Korea. It is here, in the Republic of Korea, that the appointed time of the Lord’s Second Coming has arrived. This is the “Restoration of Light Republic of Korea”. Not metaphorically, not in theory—but in physical reality. In this time and place, the extraordinary story of the Book of Revelation—what had never happened before and will never happen again—is unfolding. From Revelation 1 to 22, the secrets held within the visions of Apostle John are being revealed—not only as prophecy but as fulfillment.

(Reality of Revelation, Preface; Creation of Heaven & Earth, pp. xiv–xvi)

The Book of Revelation: From Prophecy to Fulfillment

The Book of Revelation is not a metaphorical tale or an abstract vision—it is a book of prophecy. It was recorded by Apostle John nearly 2,000 years ago while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. In that isolated place, God revealed to John a series of visions—visions not meant for his own time, but for the future. For today.

It’s important to note that Revelation 1-8 are verses that summarize the conclusion after John saw and heard the events of the entire book of Revelation. Starting with Revelation 1:9, the events of Revelation begin after Jesus chooses the new John.

This book had been sealed for a long time, and no one in heaven or on earth could open it or understand its meaning, until the one who was worthy began to open it (The Reality of the Revelation, p. 268).

According to testimony, the beginning of fulfillment took place in February 1966, with the appearance of the Tabernacle Temple. This temple was no ordinary church. It was the place prepared by prophecy, where the seven golden lampstands would appear, fulfilling Revelation 1:20. This Tabernacle Temple is depicted as the first heaven that appeared in the last days, a place where God’s will is fulfilled.

This temple emerged at the foot of Cheonggye Mountain, in the city of Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea—the same region where the one called the New John would appear.

(Reality of Revelation, p. 25)

The Seven Stars and the First Tabernacle

At that time, a group of individuals appeared—referred to figuratively as the “seven stars,” the messengers of the first tabernacle. These individuals were given spiritual names and were chosen by God to receive the covenant. These individuals were:

Yoo Min Sung (유민성)
Yoo Jun Yeol (유준열)
Kim Chang Joon (김창준)
Baek Chun Hong (백천홍)
Jung Chang Kyu (정창규)
Shin Dong Il (신동일)
Kim Myung Hwi (김명휘)
Along with Jang Rok (장록) and Shin Tae Hwang (신태황).

This group formed what was considered the holy community in the beginning, preparing for the fulfillment of what had been prophesied. They received a revelation from God in Cheonggye Mountain and made a blood covenant with Him.

The Rise of Spiritual Babylon and the Nicolaitans

But as light rises, so too does opposition. In the same way, a counterforce appeared—described as the spiritual Babylon, the kingdom of the dragon. This was a Stewardship Education Center (SEC), also known as the Christian Stewardship Training Center (CSTC), led by figures associated with the Nicolaitans, a name taken from Revelation to symbolize opposition to God’s will. This opposing group, too, took form in physical reality. According to the narrative, in February 1975, their appearance was confirmed. Among them were figures identified as destroyers, referred to as the beast with seven heads and ten horns, symbolizing deception and corruption. This organization is described as being composed of seven pastors and ten elders. The names recorded for this group include:

Serpent Nicholas (니골라) (This Nicholas is actually Mr. Oh, who entered the Tabernacle Temple in 1975, acting as a double agent)
Dan Sung Han (단성한)
Dan Myung Han (단명한)
Kim Yong Du (김용두)
Baek Yong Seop (백용섭)
Kim Yong Gwan (김용관)
Han Yong Taek (한용택)
Won Yong Ho (원용호) This group is said to have introduced Satan’s doctrines—including food sacrificed to idols—and began spiritually invading the tabernacle.

A New Figure Appears: The Promised Pastor

In response, a pivotal figure emerges: the new John, a promised pastor, described as the one who saw and heard the entire book of Revelation. He is accompanied by symbolic figures: the seven spirits in the flesh, four living creatures, the 24 elders, 12 tribe leaders, 12 tribes, and 144,000 clothed in white. This new John does not represent a symbolic idea—he is a real person, physically present at the scene of fulfillment. Just as the Apostle John received a revelation about the Lord’s Second Coming 2,000 years ago, so too does this new John receive direct testimony of fulfillment. He is the witness—not speaking on his own, but testifying to what he has seen, heard, and was commanded to proclaim. It is important to clarify that names of people and locations appearing in Revelation are figuratively borrowed from people and locations in the past, and the names of the characters who appear in this program are assumed names. Apostle John in Revelation is the new John at the time of the fulfillment of Revelation. The new John is not his actual name, but only an assumed name of the one who overcomes. This new John is a servant, not God or Jesus, working with the counselor to share the words of Revelation.

The Beginning of Fulfillment in the East

The island of Patmos, where Apostle John once received the Revelation, is mirrored today by Gwacheon, where its events unfold. The sea in Revelation represents the world, and the island signifies a church within that world (Reality of Revelation (1985) Translation., p. 196). The time is no longer distant. It is now. God, who first gave these words, is also the one who fulfills them. As it is written:

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End”. This fulfillment begins with the appearance of the seven stars, represented by the tabernacle of the seven golden lampstands, which prepares the way for the Second Coming. But just as in times past, Satan’s Nicolaitans—the beast with seven heads and ten horns—enter and corrupt this place. They feed the pastors and congregation members with idol-sacrificed food, causing them to commit spiritual adultery.

The Calling of New John and the Letters to the Seven Stars

In this time of spiritual invasion, when deception was taking root inside the tabernacle, Jesus chooses a man—referred to as the new John. To him, Jesus reveals the events of fulfillment and entrusts him with a mission. The new John sees what happens, hears the commands, and is instructed to act. Jesus sends letters through this new John—letters addressed to the seven stars, the seven messengers of the tabernacle. These letters are not mere words; they are urgent calls for repentance, for a return to truth, and for overcoming the deception that has entered among them. These letters specifically ask the messengers to repent from their acts of betrayal (The Physical Fulfillment of Revelation, p. 3). In each letter, Jesus offers a promise:

“To the one who overcomes, I will give the blessings written in Revelation chapters 2 and 3”.

The names and places mentioned in Revelation are not randomly assigned. They are figurative, borrowing from the past to describe people, places, and events of today. The Apostle John of long ago is now reflected in this new John—the living witness of the physical fulfillment of Revelation. He is not just a figurehead. He is the overcomer, the one who has been entrusted to testify exactly as he was shown.

The Three Great Plagues of Revelation

As this testimony begins, so too does the judgment. According to the book of Revelation, three great plagues occur during the time of fulfillment:

The plague of the seven seals
The plague of the seven trumpets
The plague of the seven bowls These are not merely symbolic—they represent stages of judgment, unfolding step by step (The Reality of the Revelation, p. 206).

The Three Mysteries and Three Types of Pastors

Within Revelation lie three key mysteries:

The mystery of the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands
The mystery of the beast with seven heads and ten horns
The mystery of the seventh trumpet
And alongside them, three types of pastors emerge during the fulfillment:
The seven stars, who were called to prepare the way—but later betrayed
The pastors of the beast, represented by the seven heads and ten horns—the destroyers (These beasts are false priests who lack the wisdom of God) (The Reality of the Revelation, p. 206)
The promised pastor—the new John, the overcomer, who brings salvation

The Process of Revelation: From God to the Churches

The Book of Revelation follows a divine order of delivery. God, the Creator of heaven and earth, first gave a sealed book—sealed with seven seals —to Jesus. This sealed book contains the secrets of God. Jesus, receiving the book, opens the seals and begins the fulfillment. He gives the open book to an angel, commanding him to deliver it. The angel then gives this open book (which is now in an open state) to the new John, along with further instructions. The new John, in turn, delivers God’s word and Jesus’ testimony—the content of the entire Book of Revelation—to the servants he was commanded to speak to. His role is not to interpret but to testify to what he saw and heard. The words of Revelation are a book that cannot be deciphered by human knowledge or wisdom.

The Purpose of Fulfillment: Harvest and Sealing

The purpose of all this is clear and profound:

To harvest the believers of all nations with the revealed word.
To seal them with the truth.
To create God’s new kingdom—the Twelve Tribes.
To participate in this, believers must be born of God’s seed, sealed with His word on their foreheads and hearts, and become part of one of the 12 tribes, as these tribes are the gates to the Holy City. When this is accomplished, something glorious is said to take place:
God
Heaven
and Jesus will descend upon the twelve tribes. And finally, the long-awaited moment arrives: The Wedding Banquet of Spirit and Flesh. This is the culmination of everything that believers throughout history have longed for—a kingdom of peace where God reigns forever.

Revelation Chapter 1: The Beginning of Fulfillment

The Birth of the Seven Messengers

Before the events described in Revelation chapters 1 and 2 begin, something remarkable takes place. Revelation 1-8 are verses that summarize the conclusion after John saw and heard the events of the entire book of Revelation. Starting with Revelation 1-9, the events of Revelation begin after Jesus chooses the new John. According to the narrative, in 1966, several people gathered in Makgye-ri, Gwacheon-myeon, Siheung-gun, Gyeonggi-do, and began a prayer meeting (Reality of Revelation (1985) Translation., p. 196).

It is night. They have been praying throughout the night, calling out to the heavens. Then, a voice is heard from above. During their prayer, they were able to hear the voice of the Lord from the heavens.

“I am Jesus, whom you are seeking. Today I have chosen all of you as my messengers. You must prepare the way of the Lord”.

This moment is sacred. The atmosphere changes. Their prayers turn into trembling awe. These eight individuals are given a divine command—and they obey without hesitation. In response to the voice from heaven, they ascend Cheonggye Mountain, carrying with them nothing but faith and the mission entrusted to them. There, beneath a great rock, they erect a tent, just as commanded. The eight people created this tent on Cheonggye Mountain and prayed there.

Spiritual Names and the Holy Spirit of Jehovah

This place becomes a holy site—a spiritual outpost. In the quiet sanctuary of that tent, the eight pray and wait. And during these prayers, something extraordinary happens. A new voice speaks—not just any spirit, but the voice of the Holy Spirit of Jehovah.

“I am the Holy Spirit of Jehovah. If you hear my words and keep them, I will absolutely fulfill the promised prophecy. I am not an ordinary spirit of the prophets, but the Holy Spirit of Jehovah. Therefore, from now on, I will give you spiritual names. Do not deny me. I have given you power. Therefore, believe—and act” (The Reality of the Revelation, p. 29).

The eight are overcome. They are each given spiritual names. Among them, seven are chosen as the seven messengers, and one is appointed as the elder. These seven are recognized as the stars in Jesus’ right hand, the ones written about in Revelation—the golden lampstands that were to prepare the way.

Training Under the Holy Spirit

Their mission is not symbolic—it is exacting, disciplined, and real. The seven messengers begin a one hundred-day training, led by the Holy Spirit, using the words of the Bible as their sole instruction. This period of intense preparation mirrors the command given to Moses in Exodus 25:32, where the lampstand must be tended from evening till morning. The lamp that was made at this time was not made out of the will of man, but Moses made this exactly according to what he saw from heaven. This lampstand was made after seeing the Spirit of the lamp of fire in the spiritual world (Reality of Revelation (1985) Translation., p. 74-75). At the end of their training, a solemn command is issued:

“Cut your arteries. Swear your loyalty to God with your blood”. And they do. With trembling hands and sincere hearts, the seven messengers swear a covenant of loyalty to God, sealed in their own blood.

“Father, thank you. We will keep the covenant”. This oath becomes the foundation upon which everything that follows will be built.

The Tabernacle Temple is Born

After descending from Cheonggye Mountain, the messengers carry out their next mission. Following divine instruction, they establish a place of worship: The Tabernacle Temple. With no concern for their own safety, and at the risk of their lives, they begin to evangelize fervently. In no time, thousands of believers gathered (Reality of Revelation (1985) Translation., p. 196), and their numbers grew rapidly.

“We are the seven messengers who have established a covenant with God and have testified to the Word of God through the work of the Holy Spirit”. This is the declaration that echoes throughout the land. Through their work, branch churches begin to form all over the country. Revival spreads. The movement accelerates. The Tabernacle Temple becomes the central location—the spiritual stage—where the events of Revelation are now being fulfilled in real time. And so, the Kingdom of Heaven draws near. The Tabernacle Temple has become a location where the events of Revelation have fulfilled. The Kingdom of Heaven is near. The day when the Kingdom of Heaven will come down is not far off.

The Early Life of the New John: A Birth of Light

“Who is the young worker who serves and volunteers in the Tabernacle Temple?”

In a quiet farming village, a grandfather lived with a deep and enduring faith in God. One day, this grandfather had a dream—one unlike any other he had ever experienced. “Hmm, what a strange dream”. This dream was a prophetic sign of a birth soon to come (Reality of Revelation (1985) Translation., p. 2).

The heavens above, once brilliantly lit with stars, suddenly grew dark. Then, from the sky, a powerful and radiant light burst through the darkness and descended—not randomly, but directly upon his daughter-in-law. Recognizing the meaning of what he had seen, the grandfather took out a piece of paper and wrote the name of the unborn child: “Lee Man-hee (희만)”—which means “complete and perfect light”. He folded the paper, gently placed it in his drawer, and waited. Ten minutes later, a baby boy was born.

A Childhood of Prayer and Signs

As he grew up, Lee Man-hee inherited his grandfather’s faith. He developed a habit of praying both morning and night. These weren’t forced routines—they were heartfelt acts of devotion taught to him from a young age. One day, after Lee Man-hee had matured, something extraordinary happened. For three days, he saw a great star descending from the sky, coming down upon him. And then, in a deep mountain path, he encountered a spiritual being—surrounded by white light. This being spoke to him: “This must be God. Starting from this day and on, I will guide you. You must follow me. Father”.

A Blood-Oath of Loyalty

That moment became a turning point. Deeply moved, Lee Man-hee responded in the only way he knew how—with complete surrender. He swore loyalty to God in the most solemn manner possible: by writing an oath in his own blood. “Now I am dead, and Lord, you are the one who lives. I swear to be faithful and loyal to you, with all of my life”. This marked the beginning of his spiritual journey—not merely one of belief, but one of calling.

A New Chapter Begins in Gwacheon

In 1967, under divine guidance, Lee Man-hee left behind his familiar life and moved to Gwacheonsin, Gyeonggi-do. There, he joined the Tabernacle Temple as a humble worker. According to the narrative, at this time, Lee Man-hee was approximately 35 or 36 years old (turning 36 in September 1967). The Tabernacle Temple, which was established in 1966, was 1 year old.

“Hello.” “Lee Man-hee, you should find some time to rest too.” “It’s okay. Working is a part of my body”.

He carried out his service with a fervent life of faith, built upon the Word and prayer. He wasn’t just attending services—he was living them. About three years into his service, something caught his attention—a news article about the Tabernacle Temple. Something seemed off. The name of the head of the church didn’t match what he expected.

“Yoo Jun Yeol (유준열), Yoo Min Sung (유민성)’s son, representative from the tabernacle temple. That’s strange. The name of the head of the church is different. I should ask the head about this. You must now seek after wisdom. I will always be with you”. A troubling realization began to form. And in the midst of this confusion, Lee Man-hee remembered a warning from a relative of Mr. Yoo: “Did you read the magazine too? There’s a serious article inside. If revealed, it could shut the church doors completely”. By chance, Lee Man-hee finds the weaknesses within the tabernacle. “Hey, who told you to worry about these things? Please leave. I’m busy”.

Betrayal and the Fall of Trust

After discovering troubling information in the news article, Lee Man-hee began to sense something was deeply wrong. The name of the head of the church didn’t match what had been publicly shared. As he tried to seek answers, a clear warning echoed in his mind—words from a relative of Mr. Yoo: “If this content is revealed, the church could be forced to shut its doors”. And indeed, those concerns proved well-founded. Yoo Jun Yeol (유준열), the representative of the Tabernacle Temple, soon became aware that Lee Man-hee knew too much. Behind closed doors, he began to scheme:

“Worker Deacon Lee Lee Man-hee… he knows too much about the tabernacle. I will quietly take care of it” (Reality of Revelation (1985) Translation., p. 196). What had once been a holy place for Lee Man-hee had now become a danger zone. He realized the intentions against him were deadly.

“They’re trying to get rid of me”. With no choice left, Lee Man-hee left the Tabernacle Temple he had served for three years. According to the narrative, he left around 1970, making him approximately 38 or 39 years old. The Tabernacle Temple was 4 years old. After Lee Man-hee almost died two times, he packed what little he had and returned to his hometown. But when he arrived—there was no one waiting. No house. No family. No homecoming. He walked along the road—penniless, unwelcome, and utterly alone. His future seemed to vanish into hopelessness.

A Dangerous Infiltration Begins

Meanwhile, back at the Tabernacle Temple, another story was unfolding. In the year 1975, Mr. Yoo Jr. Junyeol met a man in front of a coffee shop. The man introduced himself as a Protestant pastor from a Stewardship Education Center (SEC). Evangelizing him was easy. “Before we begin today’s service, I’d like to introduce someone very special.” “From this day forward, we welcome a new family member: Pastor Nicholas Kim”. According to the narrative, at this point, the Tabernacle Temple was 9 years old. Nicholas (니콜라) entered the Tabernacle Temple with great ease, and his arrival was well-received. With an impressive academic background and public speaking ability, Nicholas quickly rose to popularity among the congregation. Yoo Jun Yeol Junyeol, impressed by his credentials, granted him authority over doctrinal education. But what no one yet realized was this: Nicholas was not a pastor sent by God. He was the fulfillment of Revelation chapters 2 and 3—a false stewardship, a Nicolaitan, an infiltrator sent to devour the temple from within (The Reality of the Revelation, p. 312). According to the narrative, the Nicolaitans actively infiltrated the Tabernacle Temple in 1975.

The Doctrines of the Nicolaitans Enter the Tabernacle

Nicholas began to preach. But instead of Scripture, he taught from commentaries—teachings full of the wisdom of men, not the revelation of God. These commentaries, based on human interpretations, mixed God’s pure word with other words, making it like diluted wine (The Creation of Heaven & Earth, p. 360).

“What is in these commentaries?” “It’s wisdom… yes, but whose wisdom?”

He introduced teachings of the Nicolaitans—symbolically, food sacrificed to idols. The spiritual food being served was now laced with deception. Confusion began to stir among the congregation.

“These teachings… they’re completely different from what we learned at the tabernacle.” “Why is he telling us to study the commentaries?”

“This isn’t what we were taught before.” “The teachings are completely different from the teachings of the tabernacle temple, right?”

“These words are different from what we heard before.” “Isn’t he telling us to read those commentaries again?”

“No matter how much I think about this, what I don’t understand is why he allowed that kind of teaching.”

“I’ve studied national rights and laws. I swore to protect truth. But now, I’m not sure what we’re standing on”.

Some began to whisper. Others were silenced. Still, unease spread. According to the narrative, the Nicolaitans introduced false doctrines and corrupted the Tabernacle Temple. This act of mixing doctrines and acting as a false husband is depicted as spiritual adultery, where the devil, through his own doctrine, mixes himself into God’s word.

Winds of Political Pressure

The 1980s brought a different kind of storm. A government directive was issued by the President of South Korea—a nationwide effort to eradicate cults.

“Yes, Mr. President. We will comply.”

“A command has been given by the president to get rid of all cults. Yes, president.”

“They probably want to crush the world of religion, so they have no voice.” “A cult cleansing, you say? Then what will happen to the world of religion? A huge wind will blow.

Then the first target for this cult cleansing will most likely be the tabernacle temple”.

Authorities began targeting religious organizations under suspicion. The first to fall under scrutiny? The Tabernacle Temple. In response, the Nicolaitans began forging political and religious alliances with influential pastors across the nation. They began building walls of doctrine and control. They summoned seven pastors—men with authority in various nations—and urged them to dominate the temple through new doctrines. The Tabernacle Temple was now surrounded.

A Compromise in the Face of Fear

Yoo Jun Yeol, caught between internal corruption and government scrutiny, was backed into a corner. The Nicolaitans pressured him to put the Tabernacle Temple under Presbyterian doctrine as a way to avoid destruction.

“As long as the tabernacle isn’t completely established with a doctrine, we can avoid the cult cleansing. You already know this, right?

Fellow believers are receiving false accusations and are being pulled into Samcheong Gyukbae. If even one small thing catches their eye, then we will be forced to close at this instant”.

“If we don’t solidify under a recognized doctrine, they’ll shut us down.” “They’re already pulling believers into Samcheong Gyukbae. If they see even one flaw, it’s over”.

Faced with this fear, options were presented.

“Then what should we do now? What is this?” “Why not go to seminary in America? Just until things calm down here?”

But resistance remained: “Why do I have to attend a seminary school?” “We are the seven messengers. We were trained directly by heaven!” “Then will you fight them? This is the safest route. Just think of it as rest for now”. “I will do whatever it takes to protect the church here as a certified pastor”.

Eventually, Yoo Jun Yeol gave in. He signed the documents. The Tabernacle Temple was officially placed under Presbyterian control, affirming its registration with the Calvin Presbyterian system. They changed their doctrine to the Presbyterian doctrine and checked to see if this person was registered under the Presbyterian doctrine. Representatives of Tabernacle Temple listened to and accepted the words of the Nicolaitans. According to the narrative, the Tabernacle Temple became spiritually adulterous with the Nicolaitans.

Spiritual Adultery: The Tabernacle is Betrayed

With the Nicolaitans now firmly inside, the Tabernacle Temple began to lose its identity. The messengers, once trained by the Holy Spirit, had their voices silenced. The church that once stood as a light in the darkness began to dim under foreign control. One by one, congregation members were led down a path of spiritual betrayal. The Nicolaitans instructed them: “Throw away everything you learned from the Tabernacle Temple. Read the commentaries.” “The wisdom from those brilliant pastors from seminary schools will help you receive salvation”. They accepted it. They stopped listening to God’s word and began consuming Satan’s doctrine—symbolized in Revelation as food sacrificed to idols. It was not merely wrong teaching. It was an act of spiritual adultery—marrying the devil by uniting with false doctrine. The action of not listening to God’s word but to Satan’s sermon was showing that they were becoming one with the Nicolaitans and accepting Satan’s spirit. This was the event of marrying with the devil. The congregation was now deceived, spiritually captured, and led by leaders who had compromised with the world and its systems.

A Woman’s Deception: Feeding the Beasts

In this figurative fulfillment, a spiritual woman—representing the Nicolaitans—deceived the seven messengers who had been chosen by Jesus. She led them astray and fed the congregation food sacrificed to idols—doctrines rooted in commentary, not in God’s revealed word. As Revelation 2 foretells, this spiritual adultery was now reality. The golden lampstands, once burning with divine light, flickered under the weight of compromise.

Seven Years of Silence: Lee Man-hee’s Reflection

Meanwhile, according to the narrative, seven years had passed since Lee Man-hee left the Tabernacle Temple. This places his re-emergence around 1977. Lee Man-hee had walked away with nothing—no home, no allies, only his loyalty to God. But in that silence, he never stopped praying. One day, as he reflected on all that had happened, he cried out in prayer:

“I will guide you, starting today. Follow me. Lord, you who said that will guide me. Which path must I walk in now?”

It was then, near a bridge in Cheongdo, that something astonishing occurred. Lee Man-hee was walking within his thoughts while he was near a bridge in Cheongdo. Before his very eyes, the scenery changed. His vision transformed. And suddenly, he was no longer in Cheongdo.

“This is Gwacheon”.

The Unprecedented Story Unfolds

This is the moment where the true and unprecedented story of Revelation begins to unfold. The book of Revelation had been sealed for a long time, and no one could open it or understand its meaning until the worthy one appeared (The Reality of the Revelation, p. 268).

“Write what you have seen, what is now, and what will take place later and send it to the seven messengers of the seven churches”. This is the command of Jesus to the new John, as written in Revelation 1:19.

“Why to Lee Man-hee? He isn’t dead, but He is still alive?”.

According to the narrative, when he was appointed by Jesus around 1977, Lee Man-hee was approximately 45 or 46 years old. The Tabernacle Temple, having been established in 1966, was 11 years old at this pivotal moment. Why Lee Man-hee? Because he was not dead, but alive—spiritually awake, purified by hardship, and ready to testify. He had seen the betrayal. He had lived through the corruption. And now, he stood ready to receive the vision of fulfillment. This was the beginning of a story that had never taken place before and will never happen again. The unprecedented true story of the book of Revelation is not an ordinary testimony. This is the prophecy and fulfillment promised with Jesus’ blood. If anyone adds to or subtracts from this, he will not be able to enter the kingdom of heaven. We hope that you will hear this explanation through the Internet broadcast, believe it without adding to it or subtracting from it, and be saved.

Sources

Lee, Man Hee. The Creation of Heaven & Earth. Shincheonji Press, 2007. (2nd edition published April 23, 2014).
Lee, Man Hee. The Physical Fulfillment of Revelation. SHINCHEONJI PRESS.
Lee, Man Hee. The Reality of the Revelation. Translated by Cho, Choong Hee. SHIN CHEON JI Publishing Co., 1993. (English translation published May 15, 1995).
Lee, Man Hee. Reality of Revelation (1985) Translation.
Shincheonji Bible Study Seminar. SCJ Bible Study – Advanced Level: Revelation. Lessons 98, 121, 128.
The Reality of Revelation movie produced by Lee Man-hee.

Additional References for more Exploration