In Revelation, “the Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit. The phrase “what the Spirit says to the churches” appears seven times (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22), and in each instance, it points to the Holy Spirit as the one conveying Jesus’ message to His people—just as Jesus promised in John 14–16. This reflects the divine order of communication: from the Father to the Son, through the Holy Spirit, and then to the Church. Revelation 2–3 continues this Trinitarian pattern, showing how the persons of the Godhead work together in unity. Jesus speaks through the Spirit, not because He is the Spirit, but because the Father, Son, and Spirit are distinct persons who act in perfect harmony.

John 16:13–14 says, “He [the Spirit of truth] will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears… He will glorify me.” This passage makes it clear that the Holy Spirit does not replace Jesus or take on a new incarnation through another human being. Instead, the Spirit’s role is to reveal and glorify Christ by guiding believers into the truth that Jesus has already spoken. Therefore, when Revelation says, “Hear what the Spirit says,” it is affirming that the Holy Spirit continues to convey Jesus’ message to the churches. It does not imply that Jesus lost His physical, resurrected body or that the Spirit now speaks through a new “chosen vessel.” The Spirit’s purpose is to point believers back to Christ, not to substitute for Him.

In Greek, the phrase ho echōn ous akousatō (“Let the one having an ear hear…”) is identical to the expression Jesus used repeatedly in the Gospels (Matthew 11:15; 13:9; Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8): “He who has ears, let him hear.” This linguistic continuity shows that it is the same Jesus speaking in Revelation as in His earthly ministry. The difference is not one of essence but of setting. During His earthly ministry, Jesus spoke directly and physically to His followers; in Revelation, He continues to speak through the Holy Spirit from His heavenly throne. Thus, the phrase does not suggest a transformation of Jesus into spirit only, but rather a change in the mode of communication—from His bodily presence on earth to His glorified voice from heaven.

Each of the seven letters to the churches in Revelation follows a consistent literary structure. They begin with an introduction identifying the speaker: “These are the words of him (αὐτοῦ, masculine) who…” and conclude with the exhortation, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit (τὸ Πνεῦμα, neuter) says to the churches.” For instance, Revelation 2:7 in Greek reads, ὁ ἔχων οὖς ἀκουσάτω τί τὸ Πνεῦμα λέγει ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις (“The one having an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”). Earlier in the same verse, the letter begins with Τάδε λέγει ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας… (“These are the words of him who holds the seven stars…”). This pattern demonstrates that each letter distinguishes between the one speaking—Jesus—and the Spirit who conveys His words to the churches.

In Greek, the distinction between Jesus and the Spirit is reinforced grammatically. Jesus is always referred to with masculine articles and pronouns, such as ὁ (the masculine definite article “the”) and αὐτός (“he” or “him”). The Spirit, however, is referred to using neuter grammatical forms, such as τὸ Πνεῦμα (the neuter definite article “the Spirit”) and ὅ (the neuter relative pronoun, when applicable). This consistent grammatical distinction underscores that the Spirit and Jesus are not the same person. Instead, the Spirit functions as the divine agent who communicates the words of Christ to the churches, maintaining the unity of purpose within the distinct persons of the Trinity.

We have to recall that the scriptures are often translated from Greek to English; so, when making these distinctions, we may need to do a deep dive into the Greek.

Revelation 2:7 – “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

SCJ teaches that the tree of life refers to the revealed word of truth and that access to it is granted only at the Second Coming, through their leader, “the one who overcomes.”

They say no one could eat from this tree for 2,000 years because the Word (truth) was sealed and lost, and that only now, through the “revealed word” from the Promised Pastor, can believers “eat” the fruit of eternal life.

What does the Tree of Life mean?

The tree of life represents eternal life in fellowship with God, restored through Jesus Christ.

Scripture shows that this eternal life is already available to believers through the gospel — not a future or hidden revelation.

1 John 5:11–12

11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

A few things to take note: 

• Eternal life is already given
• Access is already granted though the Son; there’s no need for another future mediator
• Therefore, believers are already abiding in Christ 

John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”

This metaphor (vine and branches) mirrors the “tree of life.”, and Christians are already grafted in this vine through faith; Paul talks about this in Romans 10. The life-giving sap — the Holy Spirit — flows now, not at a future event.

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

John testifies that the “Word of life” (Christ Himself) was revealed at the first coming. There’s no mention of needing a second revealer or another “tree of life” later. Christians already see, touch, and proclaim this life through Christ.

Romans 8:10–11

“If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.”

The Holy Spirit gives believers ongoing access to divine life now. It’s a present reality, not something dependent on a future revelation.

Colossians 1:27 –

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.

For a comparison table:

The tree of life is not a future physical organization or new revelation – it’s a spiritual reality already inaugurated in Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 2:7 promises not a new way to access life but final confirmation that those who persevere in Christ will enjoy that eternal life fully in the paradise of God (Rev 22:2, 14).

Both Christians and Shincheonji agree that the crown of life is eternal life; however, the difference is when and how to get access to the crown of life.

According to Shincheonji, once Lee Man-hee and the Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony opened in 1984, the only way to receive this crown of life is to become a member of Shincheonji. However; the epistles paint a different picture.

Yes, according to the epistles and the gospels, the Christians already had access to the crown of life.

1 John 5:11 – 12: 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

John 5:24:   “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life

Titus 1:2 — We live “in the hope of eternal life, which God… promised before the beginning of time.”

These passages show that believers already participate in eternal life through the indwelling Spirit (Romans 8:10–11). The final reward in Revelation is the completion of what believers already possess, not a new revelation or access point.

SCJ’s reinterpretation effectively delays salvation and replaces Christ as the mediator.
They claim that no one truly had eternal life or understood it for 2,000 years — until Lee Man-hee revealed it.
But the apostles taught the opposite: that eternal life began with Christ’s resurrection and continues in every believer who trusts Him.

So while the words overlap (“crown of life = eternal life”), the framework diverges entirely:

• Christianity: “Eternal life is received through Christ.”
  

SCJ: “Eternal life is received through revelation about Christ, mediated by the overcomer.”

Both Christians and Shincheonji members agree that the second death is eternal hellfire; thus, just showing that the Christians are not going to be affected by the second death will suffice, because then this begs the question: why do we need to have yet another mediator, or “Promised Pastor”, or “Advocate”, if what Jesus’s work on the cross is already enough?

Yes, Christians already weren’t going to be harmed by the second death.

Romans 6:5-9 –

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.

• Through baptismal union with Christ, believers already died with Him.
• Because He conquered death, it no longer has dominion — not even the “second death.”
• This isn’t future immunity; it’s the present status of those united with Christ.

Romans 8:1 – 2 –

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

• “No condemnation” = no final judgment.
• Believers are already set free from the “law of death.”
• Eternal judgment (the second death) cannot touch those whom the Spirit has made alive.

1 John 3:14 – 

 “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love one another.”

• John uses the same perfect-tense verb: we have passed (μεταβεβήκαμεν).
• The transition is complete.
• Believers no longer face death’s penalty — the second death has no claim over them

Colossians 3:3–4

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

• Believers’ lives are already hidden with Christ in God — inaccessible to judgment.
• When He appears, they will appear in glory, not condemnation.
• The imagery directly parallels Revelation 2:11 — those “in Christ” are untouchable by the second death.

Shincheonji teaches that the hidden manna is the “revealed word” that was hidden away until the time of fulfillment. They would tie in this concept with the Faithful and Wise servant, who gave food at the proper time. They teach that this hidden food — the true word of life — is now being revealed only through the Promised Pastor (Lee Man-hee), who alone has “seen and heard all the events of Revelation.” Therefore, only those who learn the word through him and belong to the “12 tribes” are said to be “eating the hidden manna.” All other Christians, they claim, have been eating “food sacrificed to idols” – false doctrines – for 2,000 years.

There are issues with Shinheonji’s interpretation of the “Hidden Manna”.

We can already see that all mysteries point to Christ, as stated below –

Colossians 1:26-27

“The mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

It’s called “hidden” not because it’s unavailable, but because it’s spiritually discerned (1 Cor 2:14). The gospel remains “hidden” only to those who are perishing (2 Cor 4:3–4). To simply put, to believers the gospel is already open and nourishing, while those who do not believe the gospel is veiled by unbelief.

So “hidden manna” refers to the spiritual food of Christ’s Word, perceived by faith — not a future revelation accessible through an intermediary.

This is why the “New Song”, which is what Christ did on the cross by purchasing a kingdom and priests through his blood (Revelation 1:5-6, Revelation 5:9-10) is sung and shown to be the “eternal kingdom” in Revelation 14:6).

The hidden manna is already accessible because the Word became flesh (John 1:14, 18), the mystery once hidden is now revealed in Christ (Col 1:26), and believers feed daily on Christ through scripture and the spirit (1 Peter 2:2).

SCJ’s view – The white stone symbolizes authority to judge or to grant salvation, which they say is given to “the one who overcomes” — their leader, Lee Man-hee. The “new name” written on the stone represents the name of the overcomer himself — a new divine identity, confirming his role as the mediator between God and humanity. For SCJ, this promise is exclusive: the white stone (truth + authority) is handed only to their leader, and those who learn from him share in that name by association.

In the first-century world, white stones had several meanings:

• Judicial acquittal: jurors used white stones to vote not guilty and black stones for guilty.
• Tokens of admission: victors or honored guests received white stones to gain entry to feasts or celebrations.
• Symbol of purity and victory: the color white represents righteousness and triumph.

We can already see that the first century Christians already had been justified by Christ – 

Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Justification is a completed verdict — believers have already been declared “not guilty.” The white stone represents this divine acquittal. No new “mediator” or end-time revelation is needed to secure it.

We can also see how believers have already been given this new name.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Galatians 3:27–28 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ… you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The “new name” isn’t a secret future code — it’s the believer’s new identity in Christ. The old self and old record of guilt are gone; believers wear His righteousness. SCJ’s teaching replaces this universal transformation with an organizational one, but the epistles emphasize it’s already true of all who believe.

We can also already see how this new name is through Christ and already shared with believers.

Philippians 2:9–10
“God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name…”

Ephesians 1:13 – “In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”

Believers already share in Christ’s exalted name — sealed by the Spirit. The “new name” in Revelation 2:17 therefore represents participation in Christ’s identity and authority, not a substitute name revealed later through another man.

We can also see how access to the feast and the fellowship is already granted through Christ alone.

1 Corinthians 1:9 – “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Hebrews 10:19 – “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…”

And lastly, the knowledge of this new name is “personal”, reinforced by:

Romans 8:15-16 – “You received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

The new name written “known only to the one who receives it” reflects the intimate witness of the Spirit — each believer personally knows their adoption by God.

This inward assurance, not a secret revelation, is what makes the “stone” personal and known only to the recipient.

The white stone represents the complete justification and new identity given in Christ.

For Christians, the white stone represents the complete justification and new identity already given in Christ:

• The verdict of acquittal: “Not guilty” (Romans 8:1).
• The token of access: admission to God’s presence by His blood (Heb 10:19).
• The new name: belonging to Christ and bearing His righteousness (Eph 1:13; 2 Cor 5:17).

The stone imagery always pointed to Christ or his church, not a future Promised Pastor.

Shincheonji would claim that since Lee Man-hee was the first to overcome in fulfillment, then he is the one first to receive the iron scepter and have the ecclesiastical authority to rule on behalf of God and Jesus.

Yes, Christians already have authority given to them through Christ.

The One Who Overcomes, a Biblical Definition

The One Who Overcomes, a Historical Context

The Iron Sceptor and Genesis 49

The Male Child of Revelation 12 and the Iron Scepter

For Shincheonji, the morning star is Jesus, but Jesus works exclusively through Lee Man-hee and the 12 Tribes of Shincheonji. They would make an emphasis on the light of the star, the dawn of the fulfillment of Revelation, and how it shines the light on the corruption of Babylon, the home of demons, also known as Christianity.

We can also see this definition continued to be reinforced through scripture.

• 2 Peter 1:19 – The “morning star rises in your hearts” when believers hold to the prophetic word.
• Numbers 24:17 – The prophecy of a “star from Jacob” is fulfilled in the Messiah.

So biblically, the morning star represents the person and light of Christ — His revelation, hope, and resurrection glory — not a human teacher.

However, Christians already have this blessing through the union of Christ.

• 2 Corinthians 4:6 – “God… has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
• Ephesians 5:8 – “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.”
• Colossians 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

When believers received Christ, His light already dawned in their hearts. The “morning star” is not future revelation — it’s the indwelling presence of Jesus by the Holy Spirit.

Shincheonji may also try to bring up the following verses as well – 

Isaiah 14:12 – 

How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!

And compare this to who Christ is, in Revelation 22:16 – 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

One thing to point out, is how the devil fell from grace and from heaven, something that Jesus himself claimed to have witnessed in Luke 10:18 –

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Another thing to keep in mind, is the wording for describing the devil in Isaiah 14:12 –

son of the dawn

Compared to how Christ is described in Revelation 22:16 – 

and the bright Morning Star

We can see the connection with Numbers 24:17 – “A star will come out of Jacob;”

Referring to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Shincheonji teaches that:

• The white garments symbolize true understanding of the revealed word and being part of the 12 tribes at the time of the Second Coming.
• Only those who are “clothed in the word of testimony” from the Promised Pastor are considered clean and righteous.
• Christians today are said to be “naked” — without the proper “spiritual clothing” — because they lack revelation from the Promised Pastor (Lee Manhee).
• SCJ links “white garments” to Revelation 19:8, saying that the “righteous acts of the saints” refers specifically to those who participate in SCJ’s new heaven and new earth.
  

Thus, they redefine the garment as membership plus knowledge, not Christ’s righteousness.

The only issue with this interpretation is that it now adds beyond what the core gospel is. We can already see the gospel being plainly explained in Revelation 1:5-6, Revelation 5:9-10, and Revelation 14:3 and verse 6.

We can also see this reinforced in Romans 3:22-26 – 

22 This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[b] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

We can see that the Christians already have access to these “white garments” throughout the epistles.

We already had union with Christ –

• “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

We already have righteousness because of Christ –

• “We are the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

We are already being sanctified and cleansed – 

• We are continually being cleansed (1 John 1:7; Ephesians 5:25–27).

Therefore, Christians are not “naked” waiting for a future revelation. They are already clothed with the righteousness of Christ and are being transformed by the Holy Spirit. The white garments will be fully revealed in glory (Philippians 3:20–21), but they are presently possessed by faith.

Shincheonji adds more to what the Bible says about this righteousness, even in the book of Revelation!

Revelation 7:14 – And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

SCJ would often conflate Romans 10 and hearing the word with the need to have the revealed word of today in order for one’s sins to be forgiven.

I wrote more about this here.

Shincheonji misplaces the source of purity by teaching that spiritual “whiteness” comes from knowing the secrets of revelation rather than being washed by the blood of the Lamb. This interpretation contradicts Revelation 7:14, which clearly states that the saints’ robes are made white through Jesus’ blood, not by belonging to a particular organization or understanding hidden parables. By redefining righteousness as knowledge or loyalty to a human pastor, SCJ shifts the focus away from Christ’s atoning work to man-centered revelation.

The Bible, however, never equates righteousness with intellectual insight or group affiliation. Instead, it consistently teaches that believers are already sanctified and justified through faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). The white garments represent the righteousness of Christ, freely given to all who believe. Christians already wear these garments by grace through faith, not through membership in a specific “tribe” or through hidden knowledge claimed by any individual.

Shincheonji makes the claim that they have the fulfillment of their book of life, which is ultimately their church registry. Only those whose names are written in the physical records of SCJ’s 12 tribes are in the true “Book of Life.” Those who fail to keep the “word of testimony” from the Promised Pastor, or who leave SCJ, are said to be blotted out of this book. They connect this to verses like Revelation 21:27 (“only those written in the Lamb’s Book of Life”) but reinterpret it to mean their organizational roster — not a spiritual record known to God.

However, when reviewing scripture, we can already see that the Christians had access to the book of Life, 2000 years before Lee Man-hee and the New Spiritual Israel.

• Luke 10:20 — “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
• Philippians 4:3 — Paul speaks of fellow workers “whose names are in the Book of Life.”
• Revelation 13:8; 21:27 — It is called “the Lamb’s Book of Life,” showing ownership by Christ, not any human organization.
• Exodus 32:32–33 — God alone determines whose names are in His book; no human leader writes or erases names.

33The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book. 34Now go, lead the people to the place I described. Behold, My angel shall go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will punish them for their sin.”

We can see that what SCJ provides, compared with what the Bible says, are contradicting each other.

The phrase “I will never blot his name out” in Revelation 3:5 is a promise of assurance, not a threat of instability. It affirms the perseverance of genuine believers — Christ’s guarantee that those who overcome (true believers) will remain secure in Him (John 10:28–29).

By contrast, SCJ’s use of this imagery produces fear and dependency: members worry about being “blotted out” of the church records, confusing spiritual salvation with organizational status.

While SCJ may point to Matthew 16:19 to show that they now have the power to bind and loose, that was explicitly given to the Apostle Peter, which eventually lead to the rise of “Spiritaul Israel”, and says nothing about a future organization replacing Christianity.

This is why in the verse below, Jesus claimed that the gates of Hades would not be overcome.

How Shincheonji gets Matthew 16:18 Wrong

Shincheonji teaches that the “pillar in the temple” refers to the leaders of the 12 tribes within the New Heaven and New Earth (NHNE) — the physical organization they claim fulfills Revelation.

To “become a pillar” means to be appointed as a leader who supports the one who overcomes in governing the new kingdom.
They also claim the “new name” and “new Jerusalem” are symbols of the revealed word and Lee’s organization, where God’s name dwells again after having departed from traditional Christianity.

However, this also contradicts the Bible.

In Scripture, the pillar symbolizes permanence, stability, and honor in God’s spiritual temple — which is the Church, not a physical structure or organization.

1 Timothy 3:15 — The church is “the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
Galatians 2:9 — James, Cephas, and John were regarded as “pillars,” meaning steadfast and faithful leaders.
Revelation 21:22 — The New Jerusalem has no physical temple, “for its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb.”

Thus, “pillar” is a metaphor for those who stand firm in faith, bearing witness to Christ and belonging permanently to God’s dwelling — His people.

Then, we can already see how the Christians already have this blessing.

Ephesians 2:19–22 — “You are… members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets… and in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.”
1 Peter 2:5 — “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.”

Through faith in Christ, Christians are already part of God’s permanent temple and are called to stand firm as pillars of truth and holiness. The “name of God” and “new Jerusalem” are written on them through the indwelling Spirit (Revelation 14:1; Ephesians 1:13).

SCJ’s interpretation reduces a heavenly promise of union with God to an organizational promotion within a man-made hierarchy.

The “temple” in Revelation is not a physical building or church; it represents God’s eternal dwelling with His people (Revelation 21:3).
The “pillar” is not a leadership title but a symbol of faithful perseverance and eternal belonging.
The “new name” and “new Jerusalem” do not refer to SCJ headquarters but to Christ’s identity and God’s heavenly city, which descends from above — not from South Korea.

• SCJ redefines this promise to validate their authority structure, but biblically it is about abiding permanently in God’s presence, not human recognition.

To be made a pillar in God’s temple means to dwell eternally in His presence, secure and unshakable. This blessing is already realized spiritually in all believers and will be completed in the new creation — not through promotion within an organization. SCJ’s reinterpretation transforms an eternal, spiritual promise into an earthly hierarchy that replaces God’s dwelling with a man’s institution.

Shincheonji teaches that the three names are conferred through the Promised Pastor and identify those who belong to SCJ’s 12 Tribes. “God’s name” = God’s authority now resting on SCJ; “name of the New Jerusalem” = SCJ itself as the realized holy city on earth; “Jesus’ new name” = a name revealed and administered through the overcomer (Lee Man-hee), marking authorized membership/office within the organization.

In Scripture, names mark ownership, identity, and citizenship with God in Christ:

• God’s name = God’s ownership/seal on His people (cf. John 17:11; 2 Tim 2:19).
• Name of the New Jerusalem = citizenship in the heavenly city, not an earthly organization (Gal 4:26; Phil 3:20; Heb 12:22–24).
• Jesus’ (exalted) name = the unique, supreme name given to the risen Lord, in which believers live and serve (Phil 2:9–11; Eph 1:20–22; 2 Thess 1:12).

In Scripture, names mark ownership, identity, and citizenship with God in Christ:

• God’s name = God’s ownership/seal on His people (cf. John 17:11; 2 Tim 2:19).
• Name of the New Jerusalem = citizenship in the heavenly city, not an earthly organization (Gal 4:26; Phil 3:20; Heb 12:22–24).
• Jesus’ (exalted) name = the unique, supreme name given to the risen Lord, in which believers live and serve (Phil 2:9–11; Eph 1:20–22; 2 Thess 1:12).

Believers already bear these names by union with Christ and the Spirit’s seal:

• Sealed with God’s name/ownership: “Sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Eph 1:13; 4:30); “The Lord knows those who are his” (2 Tim 2:19).
• Heavenly-city citizenship now: “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil 3:20); believers have come to “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb 12:22–24); “Jerusalem above is our mother” (Gal 4:26).
• Bearing Jesus’ name presently: We do “everything… in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col 3:17), and His name is glorified in you (2 Thess 1:12). These are present-tense realities, not future organizational badges.

Brief refutation of SCJ’s claim

• Heavenly, not institutional: The “New Jerusalem” descends from heaven (Rev 21:2, 10); it cannot be equated with any modern headquarters or registry.
• Christ’s name is incomparable: The “name above every name” (Phil 2:9–11) is Christ’s alone; Scripture never delegates a new salvific name to a later human mediator.
• God’s seal vs. human enrollment: The Bible grounds identity in God’s seal by the Spirit (Eph 1:13), not in enrollment under a promised pastor.
• Given to each overcomer: The writing of these names is promised to every believer who overcomes, not exclusively to (or through) one man or one organization.

Bottom line: The three names mark believers’ present identity—owned by God, citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, and living under the exalted name of Jesus. This blessing is already true of all who are in Christ, not a status conferred by SCJ.

Shincheonji teaches that this verse is the ultimate prophecy of the one who overcomes — Lee Man-hee — who, like Jesus, receives authority to rule over all nations. They claim that just as Jesus overcame at the First Coming and sat on the Father’s throne, there must be another “one who overcomes” at the Second Coming who sits on Jesus’ throne. This “throne” is interpreted as the organization of Shincheonji (the New Heaven and New Earth), through which God, Jesus, and the angels reign. SCJ asserts that only those who recognize and follow the “one who overcomes” can share in this throne — meaning, in their framework, eternal life and authority flow through Lee Man-hee. In essence, SCJ uses this verse to claim divine kingship and authority for their leader, making him the mediator of Christ’s throne on earth.

Let’s see what the Bible has to say:

Scripturally, “sitting on the throne” means sharing in Christ’s victory and authority through union with Him, not through succession or replacement.

Ephesians 2:6 — “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:17 — Believers are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”
2 Timothy 2:12 — “If we endure, we will also reign with him.”

Jesus’ throne is not passed down to another man; it is shared with all who overcome through faith in Him. His victory over sin and death is unique and complete (Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 5:13).

Yet again, we can see that believers already have these blessings with their union with Christ.

When believers place their faith in Jesus, they are raised with Him and share His authority over sin and death (Colossians 3:1–3). Their reign is spiritual — they rule with Christ in righteousness, not through organizational hierarchy.
Ultimately, at the resurrection, believers will reign with Christ in the new creation (Revelation 22:5), but their authority is already secure in Him now.