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

Analysis of SCJ Bible Study Lesson 3: “Overview of Introductory Level”

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Introduction: The Map That Leads Nowhere

Imagine you’re planning a cross-country road trip. You stop at a visitor center where a friendly guide offers you a detailed map. “Most GPS systems and standard maps have errors,” he explains. “They’ll get you lost. But this map uses the original cartography that most people have forgotten. Follow this, and you’ll reach your destination safely.”

The map looks professional—detailed roads, accurate landmarks, proper symbols. The guide is knowledgeable, quoting highway codes and explaining navigation principles. He shows you examples of travelers who got lost using “standard maps.” “See? Those people thought they knew where they were going, but they didn’t understand true navigation. Your journey will be different because you’re using the correct map.”

You set out confidently. The map directs you through familiar territory at first, using real highways and recognizable towns. But gradually, the routes become less familiar. When you express concern, the guide (who’s been calling to check on you) reassures you: “That’s normal. The correct route often feels wrong at first because you’re used to the faulty maps. Your confusion actually proves you’re on the right path.”

Weeks later, you’re hopelessly lost. The “shortcuts” led to dead ends. The “landmarks” don’t exist. The “destination” keeps changing. And now you’re so far from your original route that finding your way back seems impossible. You’ve wasted time, money, and energy following a map that looked legitimate but was designed to lead you astray.

This is what happens in SCJ Lesson 3.

The lesson appears to be an overview of the Introductory Level—a roadmap for understanding the Bible through parables. Instructor Nate walks students through the importance of biblical knowledge, explains how to interpret parables using Scripture, and emphasizes the need for discernment. Everything seems biblically grounded, educationally sound, and spiritually enriching. He quotes extensively from Scripture, teaches students to “test the spirits,” and encourages them to be like the Bereans who examined everything against God’s Word.

But beneath the surface, something else is happening. The lesson is providing a “map” that looks biblical but contains subtle misdirections that will eventually lead students far from orthodox Christianity. By the time students realize where this map is taking them, they’ve already invested significant time and accepted the foundational premises: that the Bible is written in code that requires special interpretation, that understanding parables is essential for salvation, that most Christians lack this knowledge and are “in darkness,” and that this organization has the “key” to unlock Scripture’s true meaning.

Lesson 3 is particularly strategic because it sits at the beginning of the Introductory Level, establishing the entire framework for how students will approach Scripture for the next 30+ lessons. Students don’t yet know they’re in Shincheonji. They don’t yet know that this “overview” is installing an interpretive lens that will filter every subsequent teaching, making heretical doctrines seem like natural conclusions. They’re receiving a map that looks legitimate, unaware that it’s designed to lead them away from the true destination.

Let’s examine how this lesson operates on multiple levels simultaneously, using the analytical tools from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story.”

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Part 1: What’s Biblical vs. What’s SCJ—Distinguishing the Layers

The Surface Layer: Legitimate Biblical Teaching

At first glance, Lesson 3 contains solid biblical content:

1. Knowledge of God Is Important

“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6) “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)

This is biblical. Knowing God is indeed essential for eternal life.

2. We Should Test Teaching Against Scripture

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)

This is biblical. We should test all teaching against Scripture.

3. God’s Word Is Truth

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

This is biblical. God’s Word is truth and sanctifies believers.

4. Jesus Spoke in Parables The lesson correctly notes that Jesus taught using parables (Matthew 13, Mark 4) and that understanding parables is important.

5. Scripture Interprets Scripture The lesson teaches that “the solutions to the parables are already present within the Bible,” which is a sound hermeneutical principle.

This is why the lesson is effective. As Chapter 2 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, Shincheonji operates by presenting “Two Realities, Same Story.” The biblical content is real and accurate, but it’s being used to construct an interpretive framework that will later support heretical teachings.

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The Hidden Layer: SCJ’s Interpretive Framework

Beneath the biblical teaching, the lesson is building several frameworks that are uniquely SCJ:

1. The “Parables Are Code” Framework

The lesson establishes that parables function as a code that must be unlocked:

“The parables function like a code that remains opaque until the key is found.”

“When you understand the metaphor (parables), it unlocks the meaning of the prophecy.”

“Understanding parables is important. He said that if you don’t understand the parable of the sower, you have no hope of understanding any of the other parables.”

What’s Biblical: Jesus did speak in parables. Understanding parables is important. Some parables contain symbolic elements that require interpretation.

What’s SCJ: The lesson is creating a framework where:

• The entire Bible is written in code (parables) that requires special interpretation
• Understanding this code is essential for salvation (“eternal life”)
• Most Christians don’t understand this code and are “in darkness”
• This organization has the “key” to unlock the code

Biblical Response:

While Jesus did speak in parables, the Bible is not primarily a coded message requiring special decryption. Let’s examine what Scripture actually teaches:

1. Jesus explained why He spoke in parables:

“He replied, ‘Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.'” (Matthew 13:11-13)

Jesus spoke in parables to:

• Reveal truth to those with receptive hearts (the disciples and followers)
• Conceal truth from those who had hardened their hearts (those who rejected Him)
• Fulfill prophecy (Matthew 13:14-15, quoting Isaiah 6:9-10)

2. Jesus explained His parables to His disciples:

Jesus didn’t leave His parables as permanent mysteries. He explained them:

• The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:18-23)
• The Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:36-43)
• The Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:49-50)

And He commissioned His disciples to teach others, implying that the parables’ meanings could be understood and communicated.

3. Much of Scripture is clear and straightforward:

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

The Bible itself claims to give understanding to “the simple”—not just to those with special knowledge or interpretive keys.

4. The gospel is meant to be understood:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14)

The gospel is meant to be preached and understood, not hidden in code.

5. The Holy Spirit illuminates all believers:

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)

“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” (1 John 2:27)

All believers have the Holy Spirit who guides them into truth. We don’t need a special organization to decode Scripture for us.

The Manipulation:

By creating a “parables are code” framework, the lesson:

• Makes the Bible seem incomprehensible without special interpretation
• Creates dependency on the organization for understanding Scripture
• Prepares students to accept SCJ’s interpretations as the “key”
• Makes students feel that most Christians are “in darkness” because they don’t have this “key”

This is particularly dangerous because it undermines confidence in the Holy Spirit’s ability to illuminate Scripture and creates dependency on human teachers (specifically, SCJ instructors).

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2. The “Oil Equals Knowledge” Framework

The lesson interprets the Parable of the Ten Virgins to teach that “oil” represents knowledge:

“Consider the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. They all possess lamps, representing the word of God which provides light and understanding. However, only the wise virgins have sufficient oil to keep their lamps burning. Understanding what this ‘oil’ symbolizes is critical, especially if we see ourselves reflected in this parable. The oil represents that which sustains and nourishes our faith, keeping the light of God’s word shining brightly in our lives.”

What’s Biblical: The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) is indeed about being prepared for Christ’s return.

What’s SCJ: The lesson is interpreting “oil” as knowledge/understanding of parables, which will later be defined as SCJ’s specific teachings. This creates a framework where:

• Having “oil” (SCJ’s knowledge) means you’re prepared for Christ’s return
• Lacking “oil” (not having SCJ’s knowledge) means you’ll be shut out
• You must get “oil” from the right source (SCJ) before it’s too late

Biblical Response:

Let’s examine the Parable of the Ten Virgins in context:

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:1-13)

The context of the parable:

This parable comes in a series of teachings about the end times and Christ’s return (Matthew 24-25). Jesus is teaching about readiness and watchfulness.

What does the “oil” represent?

Various interpretations have been offered by orthodox Christianity:

1. The Holy Spirit: Many scholars interpret the oil as representing the Holy Spirit, based on Old Testament imagery where oil was used for anointing and symbolized God’s Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13, Zechariah 4:1-6).

2. Genuine faith and relationship with Christ: The fact that the bridegroom says “I don’t know you” suggests the foolish virgins lacked a genuine relationship with Him. The oil represents authentic faith that sustains through the wait.

3. Spiritual preparedness: The oil represents being spiritually prepared and ready for Christ’s return, not just outward profession (having lamps) but inward reality (having oil).

What the oil does NOT represent:

The oil does NOT represent:

• Special knowledge of parables
• Understanding of coded messages
• Membership in a specific organization
• Acceptance of a particular interpretive system

Key points from the parable:

1. The oil cannot be shared or transferred:

“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you.'” (Matthew 25:9)

This suggests the oil represents something personal and non-transferable—like genuine faith or the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, not knowledge that could be taught.

2. The issue is readiness, not knowledge:

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)

Jesus’ conclusion emphasizes watchfulness and readiness, not understanding parables.

3. The bridegroom says “I don’t know you”:

“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.'” (Matthew 25:12)

This is about relationship, not knowledge. Compare with:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” (Matthew 7:21-23)

The issue is relationship with Christ and doing God’s will, not having special knowledge.

The Manipulation:

By interpreting “oil” as knowledge of parables, the lesson:

• Makes salvation dependent on understanding SCJ’s teachings
• Creates urgency (“you need to get oil before it’s too late”)
• Implies that Christians without SCJ’s knowledge are like the foolish virgins
• Prepares students to accept that SCJ has the “oil” they need

This fundamentally distorts the parable’s meaning and makes salvation dependent on knowledge rather than faith in Christ.

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3. The “Light and Darkness” Framework

The lesson creates a stark binary between those who understand parables (light) and those who don’t (darkness):

“Someone who comprehends the word of God as life and light has understanding – the word makes complete sense to them. However, a person lacking comprehension of the word is in darkness, even fellow believers can be in spiritual darkness until they gain understanding of the word.”

“Let us not resemble darkness devoid of understanding.”

What’s Biblical: The Bible does use light and darkness imagery to contrast truth and error, understanding and ignorance (John 1:5, 8:12, 12:35-36, Ephesians 5:8).

What’s SCJ: The lesson is creating a framework where:

• Understanding parables (SCJ’s way) = light
• Not understanding parables (most Christians) = darkness
• Even “fellow believers” are in darkness without this understanding
• You must gain this understanding to move from darkness to light

Biblical Response:

Let’s examine what the Bible actually teaches about light and darkness:

1. Jesus is the light:

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” (John 8:12)

The light is Jesus Himself, not understanding of parables.

2. Believers are in the light through faith in Christ:

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

We become light through being “in the Lord,” not through understanding parables.

3. The light is the gospel:

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

The light is knowledge of God’s glory in Christ—the gospel—not knowledge of parable interpretations.

4. Walking in darkness means living in sin:

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7)

Walking in darkness means living in sin and not having fellowship with God. Walking in light means living in truth and fellowship with God through Christ’s blood.

The Manipulation:

By creating a “light and darkness” framework based on understanding parables, the lesson:

• Makes students feel they’re in “darkness” if they don’t understand parables SCJ’s way
• Creates a sense of urgency to gain this understanding
• Implies that most Christians are in darkness
• Prepares students to see SCJ as the source of “light”

This distorts the biblical meaning of light and darkness, shifting it from relationship with Christ to intellectual understanding of parables.

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4. The “Most Christians Are Deceived” Framework

The lesson subtly establishes that most Christians lack true knowledge and are deceived:

“God’s people are destroyed because they lack knowledge. This is tragic. Often when we read about something bad in the Bible, we assume it refers to non-believers. But actually no – it is often about God’s own people falling into trouble and facing destruction.”

“Satan is extremely effective at deceiving people. He has been doing it for six thousand years, and he has caused great distress and destruction to God’s people.”

“There is one who pretends to be like God to deceive believers and destroy their faith.”

“Even fellow believers can be in spiritual darkness until they gain understanding of the word.”

What’s Biblical: The Bible does warn about false teaching and deception (Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 24; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Peter 2:1-3). Some who profess faith may not truly know Christ (Matthew 7:21-23).

What’s SCJ: The lesson is creating a framework where:

• Most of “God’s people” (Christians) are deceived and lack knowledge
• Satan is actively working to deceive believers
• Even sincere believers are in “darkness” without the right understanding
• This organization has the knowledge that others lack

Biblical Response:

While the Bible does warn about false teaching, it does not teach that the majority of true believers are deceived or in darkness:

1. The Holy Spirit guides all believers:

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)

“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” (1 John 2:27)

All true believers have the Holy Spirit who guides them into truth.

2. Christ builds and protects His church:

“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.” (Matthew 16:18)

Jesus promised that His church would not be overcome. If the vast majority of Christians are deceived (as SCJ implies), then Jesus’ promise failed.

3. The church has been preserved throughout history:

“To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:21)

God has been glorified in the church throughout all generations. The church has preserved and transmitted the gospel for 2,000 years.

4. We should be wary of those who claim exclusive truth:

“At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:23-24)

Jesus warned against those who claim to have exclusive access to truth or special revelation.

The Manipulation:

By creating a “most Christians are deceived” framework, the lesson:

• Makes students distrust mainstream Christianity
• Creates a sense that they need this organization’s teaching to avoid deception
• Prepares students to accept SCJ as having truth that others lack
• Inoculates against warnings from pastors, family, and Christian friends (“they’re the deceived ones”)

This is a classic cult tactic: claim that everyone else is deceived, but we have the truth.

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Part 2: The Psychological Mechanisms at Work

How the Lesson Functions as Indoctrination

As Chapter 5 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explores, we can examine this lesson through two lenses: “Investigating Shincheonji’s Divine Blueprint vs. The Cult Playbook.” Let’s look at how Lesson 3 employs sophisticated psychological techniques:

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1. Creating Cognitive Dissonance

The Technique:

The lesson creates tension between what students currently believe and what they’re being taught:

• “You think you understand the Bible, but it’s actually written in code”
• “You think you have faith, but you might be like the foolish virgins without oil”
• “You think you’re in the light, but you might be in darkness”

The Psychological Function:

This creates cognitive dissonance—psychological discomfort from holding contradictory beliefs. Students feel:

• Uncertain about their current understanding
• Anxious about their spiritual state
• Motivated to resolve the discomfort by accepting the new teaching

The Problem:

This dissonance is artificially created by redefining biblical concepts (oil, light, knowledge) in ways that make students doubt their faith and understanding.

Biblical Response:

True biblical teaching creates confidence, not chronic uncertainty:

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

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

The gospel creates assurance and peace, not perpetual anxiety about whether we have enough “oil” or “light.”

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2. Installing a Filter

The Technique:

The lesson installs an interpretive filter through which students will read all subsequent Scripture:

• “Parables are code that must be unlocked”
• “Understanding parables is essential for salvation”
• “The answers are in the Bible, but you need the right interpretation”

The Psychological Function:

This filter ensures that students will:

• Approach Scripture looking for hidden meanings
• Distrust their own understanding
• Depend on SCJ’s interpretations
• See SCJ’s teachings as unlocking what was previously mysterious

The Problem:

This filter prevents students from reading Scripture naturally and depending on the Holy Spirit for illumination. Instead, they become dependent on SCJ’s interpretive system.

Biblical Response:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Scripture itself makes us “thoroughly equipped”—not partially equipped awaiting special interpretation.

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3. Creating Urgency

The Technique:

The lesson creates urgency through the Parable of the Ten Virgins:

• “The foolish virgins ran out of time”
• “Understanding what this ‘oil’ symbolizes is critical”
• “You need oil before the bridegroom arrives”

The Psychological Function:

This urgency:

• Motivates students to continue the study
• Creates fear of missing out
• Prevents careful examination of the teaching
• Makes students feel they must act quickly

The Problem:

This urgency is based on a distorted interpretation of the parable. The oil doesn’t represent knowledge of parables, and salvation isn’t dependent on completing SCJ’s course.

Biblical Response:

“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, not by acquiring special knowledge before time runs out.

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4. Establishing Authority

The Technique:

The lesson establishes the organization’s authority by:

• Demonstrating extensive biblical knowledge
• Teaching students to “test the spirits” (ironically)
• Encouraging the Berean approach (while subtly undermining it)
• Claiming to have the “key” to unlock Scripture

The Psychological Function:

This establishes the organization as:

• Biblically knowledgeable and trustworthy
• Aligned with sound hermeneutical principles
• The source of true understanding
• Worthy of students’ trust and time investment

The Problem:

The organization is using sound hermeneutical language while actually installing an interpretive system that will lead to heretical conclusions.

Biblical Response:

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:8)

We must test not just individual teachings, but the entire theological system they create. Does it lead to the biblical gospel or to something else?

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Part 3: The Progression of Indoctrination

Where Lesson 3 Fits in the Recruitment Process

Understanding where this lesson appears in SCJ’s curriculum helps us see its strategic function:

Introductory Level (Parables) – Lesson 3:

• Students have completed 2 lessons on basic parable interpretation
• They’re now receiving the “overview” that establishes the framework
• They’re investing significant time (2-4 classes per week)
• They still don’t know they’re in Shincheonji
• They haven’t yet been taught SCJ’s core doctrines explicitly

The Strategic Function of Lesson 3:

This lesson serves as the foundational framework for the entire Introductory Level:

What students learn at Lesson 3:

1. The Bible is written in code (parables) that must be unlocked
2. Understanding this code is essential for salvation (“oil,” “light”)
3. Most Christians lack this understanding and are in “darkness”
4. This organization has the “key” to unlock Scripture
5. They must gain this understanding urgently

How this prepares for later teaching:

By Lesson 10, students will learn:

• Specific parable interpretations that support SCJ’s theology
• That symbols in Revelation must be interpreted using SCJ’s system

By Lesson 20, students will learn:

• That the Bible has been “sealed” for 2,000 years
• That only Lee Man-hee has “opened” it

By Intermediate Level (Lesson 65+), students will learn:

• That Lee Man-hee is the “promised pastor” of Revelation
• That all churches except SCJ are “Babylon”
• That salvation requires being “sealed” in SCJ

By Advanced Level (Lesson 98+), students will learn:

• That Lee Man-hee witnessed the events of Revelation
• That his testimony is the “fulfillment” of prophecy
• That rejecting his testimony means rejecting God

The framework from Lesson 3 makes these later teachings seem like the logical conclusion rather than the radical departure from Christianity they actually are.

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Part 4: Red Flags in This Lesson

Warning Signs That Should Prompt Investigation

Even without knowing this is Shincheonji, several elements of this lesson should raise concerns:

1. The Bible Is Presented as Incomprehensible Code

“The parables function like a code that remains opaque until the key is found.”

Red Flag: Why is this Bible study presenting Scripture as coded messages that require special interpretation?

Healthy Christian Teaching:

• Affirms that Scripture is clear on essential matters
• Teaches that the Holy Spirit illuminates all believers
• Encourages personal Bible reading and study
• Doesn’t create dependency on human teachers for basic understanding

2. Understanding Parables Is Made Essential for Salvation

“Understanding what this ‘oil’ symbolizes is critical, especially if we see ourselves reflected in this parable.”

Red Flag: Why is this Bible study making understanding of parables essential for salvation?

Healthy Christian Teaching:

• Teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ
• Affirms that understanding grows over time as believers mature
• Doesn’t make salvation dependent on intellectual understanding
• Focuses on relationship with Christ, not knowledge of interpretive systems

3. Most Christians Are Portrayed as Deceived and in Darkness

“Even fellow believers can be in spiritual darkness until they gain understanding of the word.”

Red Flag: Why is this Bible study suggesting that most Christians are in darkness and lack true understanding?

Healthy Christian Teaching:

• Affirms that all true believers have the Holy Spirit
• Recognizes believers at different stages of maturity
• Doesn’t create an elite group that has truth while others are in darkness
• Values the global body of Christ across denominations and traditions

4. The Organization Positions Itself as Having Exclusive Truth

The lesson subtly positions the organization as having the “key” to unlock Scripture that others lack.

Red Flag: Why is this Bible study implying that they have truth that the rest of Christianity lacks?

Healthy Christian Teaching:

• Values the church’s historical understanding of Scripture
• Recognizes that the Holy Spirit has been guiding the church for 2,000 years
• Doesn’t claim exclusive access to truth
• Submits interpretations to the broader Christian community for examination

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Part 5: For Students Currently in This Study

Questions to Ask Yourself

If you’re currently taking this Bible study, here are some questions to consider:

About the Framework:

1. Is the Bible really incomprehensible without special interpretation?
   • Does the Holy Spirit illuminate all believers (John 16:13, 1 John 2:27)?
   • Or do I need a special organization to understand Scripture?
2. Is understanding parables really essential for salvation?
   • What does the Bible say about how we’re saved (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9)?
   • Is salvation by grace through faith, or by knowledge?
3. Are most Christians really in darkness?
   • Has Christ been building His church for 2,000 years (Matthew 16:18)?
   • Or has the entire church been deceived until this organization came along?

About the Interpretation:

4. Does the “oil” in the Parable of the Ten Virgins really represent knowledge of parables?
   • What does the parable actually emphasize (readiness, relationship)?
   • Does this interpretation align with how the parable has been understood historically?
5. Is “light and darkness” really about understanding parables?
   • What does the Bible say about who is the light (John 8:12)?
   • What does it mean to walk in the light (1 John 1:5-7)?

About the Organization:

6. Why is this organization positioning itself as having exclusive truth?
   • Do they claim to have understanding that the rest of Christianity lacks?
   • What does Jesus say about those who claim “here is the Christ” (Matthew 24:23-24)?
7. Am I becoming dependent on this organization for understanding Scripture?
   • Am I losing confidence in my ability to read and understand the Bible?
   • Am I starting to distrust other Christians and churches?

About Investigation:

8. Am I free to investigate concerns?
   • Can I research this organization online?
   • Can I discuss what I’m learning with my pastor or mature Christians?
   • Or do I feel I shouldn’t question because that would show lack of understanding?
9. What does my pastor think?
   • Have I shown my pastor the materials from this Bible study?
   • Am I willing to hear my pastor’s concerns?
10. Am I experiencing the fruit of the gospel?
    • Am I experiencing peace, joy, and assurance (Romans 5:1, 1 John 5:13)?
    • Or am I experiencing anxiety, uncertainty, and fear about my spiritual state?

Biblical Principle:

“Test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

If this teaching is true, testing it will confirm that truth. If it’s false, testing it will set you free.

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Part 6: For Family and Friends of Students

How to Help Someone in This Study

If someone you love is taking this Bible study, here’s how to help:

1. Understand What’s Happening

Your loved one is being taught a framework that:

• Makes the Bible seem incomprehensible without special interpretation
• Creates anxiety about their spiritual state
• Positions this organization as having exclusive truth
• Prepares them to accept heretical teachings later

2. Ask Strategic Questions

Rather than attacking the teaching, ask questions that promote critical thinking:

About interpretation:

• “What does this Bible study teach about how to interpret parables?”
• “Do they teach that the Bible is written in code that requires special interpretation?”
• “What do they say about Christians who don’t have this interpretation?”

About salvation:

• “What does this study teach about how we’re saved?”
• “Is salvation by grace through faith, or does it require special knowledge?”
• “What does the ‘oil’ in the Parable of the Ten Virgins represent?”

About authority:

• “Does this organization claim to have truth that other Christians lack?”
• “What does your pastor think about these interpretations?”
• “How do these interpretations compare with how the church has historically understood these passages?”

3. Provide Resources Gently

Share resources without pressure:

• “I found this article about how to interpret parables. Would you be willing to read it?”
• “There’s a website (closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination) that examines these teachings. Can we look at it together?”
• “I’d love to hear what your pastor thinks about this teaching. Can we talk to them together?”

4. Maintain Relationship

The most important thing is staying connected. By maintaining relationship, you provide a lifeline when they’re ready to leave.

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Part 7: The Real Biblical Framework

What the Bible Actually Teaches

The lesson presents a framework for understanding Scripture that looks biblical but leads to heretical conclusions. Let’s look at what the Bible actually teaches:

How to Understand Scripture

1. Scripture is meant to be understood:

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)

2. The Holy Spirit illuminates all believers:

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)

“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you.” (1 John 2:27)

3. Scripture interprets Scripture:

We should interpret unclear passages in light of clear passages, and use the whole counsel of Scripture.

4. The church has wisdom:

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

God has given teachers to the church. We should value the church’s historical understanding.

How We Are Saved

1. Salvation is by grace through faith:

“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

2. Salvation is through faith in Christ:

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

3. Salvation brings assurance:

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

1. The context is readiness for Christ’s return:

The parable is part of Jesus’ teaching about the end times (Matthew 24-25).

2. The oil likely represents:

• The Holy Spirit
• Genuine faith and relationship with Christ
• Spiritual preparedness

3. The point is:

• Be ready for Christ’s return
• Have genuine faith, not just outward profession
• You cannot borrow someone else’s faith

4. The oil does NOT represent:

• Special knowledge of parables
• Understanding of coded messages
• Membership in a specific organization

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Conclusion: The Map That Leads Nowhere

Lesson 3 appears to be providing a biblical framework for understanding Scripture. But upon examination, it’s actually providing a map that looks legitimate but leads away from orthodox Christianity.

SCJ’s Map:

• The Bible is code that requires special interpretation
• Understanding this code is essential for salvation
• Most Christians lack this understanding and are in darkness
• This organization has the key to unlock Scripture

Biblical Map:

• Scripture is meant to be understood by all believers
• Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ
• The Holy Spirit guides all believers into truth
• The church has preserved and transmitted the gospel for 2,000 years

The Question:

Will you follow SCJ’s map, or the biblical map?

The Choice:

You can continue following the map this organization provides, accepting their framework for understanding Scripture.

Or you can return to the biblical map: salvation by grace through faith, illumination by the Holy Spirit, and confidence in Christ.

The Real Map:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

God’s Word itself is the lamp and light. We don’t need a special organization to decode it for us. We need the Holy Spirit, humble hearts, and the community of believers throughout history.

Truth leads home. Deception leads astray.

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Resources for Further Investigation

For detailed examination of Shincheonji’s teachings:

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

For understanding how to interpret parables:

• Review Chapters 3, 10, and 12 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story”

For understanding how SCJ builds its interpretive system:

• Review Chapters 2, 5, and 8 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story”

For help leaving or supporting someone who’s leaving:

• See Chapter 28: “Hope and Help—Guidance for Members, Families, Christians, and Seekers”

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Remember: The gospel creates confidence and assurance, not chronic anxiety about whether you have enough “oil” or “light.” If a teaching creates perpetual uncertainty about your salvation, it’s not the biblical gospel.

“Test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)