Analysis of SCJ Lesson 12: “Faith and Determination”

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

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Introduction: The Training Program with Hidden Objectives

Imagine you’ve decided to get in shape for the new year. You join what appears to be a reputable fitness program with excellent reviews. The trainer is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and encouraging. “This year is going to be your year!” he says. “We’re going to build strength, develop endurance, and equip you to handle any physical challenge.”

The first few sessions focus on legitimate fitness principles: proper form, the importance of consistency, understanding how muscles work, and the need for proper nutrition. The trainer emphasizes that you need to “protect your gains” by maintaining discipline and avoiding “toxic influences” that might derail your progress. Everything sounds reasonable and motivating.

But gradually, you notice something odd. The trainer keeps emphasizing that you need his specific program to see results. “Other gyms teach incorrect form,” he warns. “Their methods look similar to ours, but they’re actually harmful. You might not see the damage immediately, but over time, their approach will hurt you.” He encourages you to distance yourself from friends who work out elsewhere because “their bad habits might contaminate your training.”

The exercises themselves become increasingly specialized and unusual. When you question whether a particular movement is necessary, the trainer responds: “That’s your old mindset talking. You’re used to ineffective methods, so the right approach feels strange at first. Your discomfort actually proves you’re making progress. Trust the process.”

Months later, you realize you’ve been isolated from your previous fitness community, you’re dependent on this specific trainer’s methods, and you’re not actually any healthier—in fact, you’re more exhausted and confused than when you started. The “strength training” was actually preparing you for something entirely different than general fitness. You were being conditioned for a specific agenda you never agreed to pursue.

This is what happens in SCJ Lesson 12.

The lesson appears to be an inspiring New Year’s message about faith—how to build it, protect it, and strengthen it for the year ahead. The instructor, Nate, walks students through biblical passages about faith (Hebrews 11), the armor of God (Ephesians 6), and the importance of hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Everything sounds biblical, encouraging, and spiritually mature.

But beneath the surface, something else is being constructed. The lesson uses legitimate biblical teaching about faith to build a framework that will eventually make students dependent on SCJ’s interpretive system while isolating them from other Christian teaching. By emphasizing that “not every word is life-giving,” that students must “discern whether they’re receiving pure water or salt water,” and that “faith comes from hearing the word” (implying SCJ’s specific teaching), the lesson creates a system where students learn to distrust all Christian teaching except SCJ’s.

This lesson sits at position 12 in the Introductory (Parables) Level—strategically placed as the final lesson before the critical “Sealed vs. Opened Word” teaching in Lesson 13. By this point, students have been studying for approximately 2.5 weeks and are approaching a significant commitment point. The New Year’s timing is strategic: students are making resolutions, feeling motivated for change, and susceptible to messages about “building faith” and “protecting” what they’re learning. The lesson doesn’t yet reveal that SCJ claims to be the exclusive source of “pure water,” but it lays the foundation for that claim by teaching students to be suspicious of other Christian teaching.

As we explored in Chapter 1 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” we can examine teachings through two lenses: the organizational lens (how the teaching serves the group’s agenda) and the spiritual lens (what Scripture actually teaches in context). Both lenses reveal the manipulation at work in this lesson, which uses biblical truth about faith as a foundation for isolation tactics and interpretive control that will eventually replace genuine Christian community with organizational dependency.

Let’s examine how this lesson uses legitimate biblical teaching about faith to create a framework for isolation and control, and how the principles in “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” expose the deception.

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Part 1: What SCJ Teaches in This Lesson

The Surface Teaching (What Students Hear)

The lesson presents what appears to be straightforward, encouraging biblical teaching about faith:

Opening Words of Encouragement:

The instructor begins with a motivational New Year’s message:

“One of the things I love about New Year’s is that it provides a refreshing reset as we acknowledge our desire to improve in the upcoming year. My prayer is that we all use this as an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future with hope. Today we will focus on building faith—how to establish and protect it.”

The Spiritual Warfare Warning:

“As I’ve said before, when someone starts studying Scripture more deeply, Satan takes notice and attacks. My hope is that this year becomes the year you grow strongest in your faith, like a well-trained soldier, equipped to handle any challenge. While this year may bring many hopeful promises, hardship will come too, especially for believers. You must stand firm so that you can overcome.”

The Lesson’s Hope Statement:

“Our Hope: To establish, build, and protect our faith in this year through the study of the Word.”

Main Teaching: Understanding Faith

The lesson establishes several key concepts about faith:

1. The Definition of Faith (Hebrews 11:1, 6):

Hebrews 11:1, 6: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see… And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

The instructor emphasizes:

“The key term here is ‘do not see.’ This term is very important, as it implies that there will come a time when we will be able to see what we are waiting for. Verse 6 states that without faith, it is impossible to please God. This means that God expects this kind of persevering faith from every believer.”

2. Faith vs. Blind Faith:

The instructor makes an important distinction:

“Many people talk about a ‘blind faith’ – a sort of blind allegiance without question. However, the biblical concept of faith is not simply blindly believing without evidence. Rather, it is a confident trust and assurance in the truths and promises of God, even when we cannot yet see the fulfillment.”

“One of the biggest criticisms of Christians is that we have blind faith – that we haven’t met Jesus, we haven’t seen God, we haven’t witnessed miracles. So why do we believe these things exist when we haven’t seen anything? However, blind faith is not biblical. Not once has God asked someone to believe in Him without first giving them something concrete to have faith in, without first showing that He is capable of keeping His promises.”

The Key Statement:

“What is it we have not yet seen? It is God’s promises. Faith is intimately tied to God’s promises – the two cannot be divorced from each other. What God asks us to believe in is what He has said He will do.”

True faith means believing in two things:

1. God’s promises
2. His ability to fulfill those promises

3. The Example of Abraham (Hebrews 11:17-19):

The lesson examines Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac:

“Abraham had God’s promises. In Genesis 15, God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants, as numerous as the stars in the sky. God told him ‘I will give you a son from your own body.’ Then God told him again that it is through Isaac that the descendants He promised would come. So when God then asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham operated based on the promises God had already made and kept.”

“Part one of true faith is believing that God will do what He said He will do. It is trusting that He can accomplish what He promised. This belief in God’s promise is the first step of faith. Without this, one cannot take the second step of acting on that faith to please God.”

4. Believing What God Has Done (John 14:29):

John 14:29: “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.”

The instructor explains:

“Believing in what God has done completes true faith. Believing in God’s promises is only half the battle. If one does not actually believe in what God has done, then their faith is incomplete and void. That is why John 14:29 says, ‘I have told you these things, now before they take place, so that when they do take place, you may believe.'”

The Critical Statement:

“Both faith in God’s promises and belief in what He has done are important. But it is also important to be attentive to what God has done so that we can recognize and believe it when it happens. Let us be those in this year who are attentive to fulfillment. We must be so that we can recognize it and believe it when it happens.”

Summary: True faith = Believing in what God has done in the way God has done it (promise + fulfillment)

5. Where Does Faith Come From? (Romans 10:17):

Romans 10:17: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

The instructor emphasizes:

“You cannot divorce faith from hearing the word. You cannot just ask someone to believe in something they have not heard about. This is why knowledge comes before faith and actions. First, someone must hear. So in this year, make the determination to never stop hearing the word. For if you stop hearing the word, like disconnecting something from a power outlet, eventually your spiritual battery will drain and faith will diminish.”

The Critical Warning:

“In order for someone to continually renew their faith, they must continue hearing the word, like a plant being fed by water. However, not every word is life-giving or faith-building, as we discussed earlier. You still have to be able to discern whether you’re receiving pure water or salt water.”

“Someone adrift at sea drinking salt water will perish faster, even though it’s water. There’s other harmful stuff in it. So although the word of God is like water (Deuteronomy 32:2), one must receive the right kind of word.”

The Key Statement:

“So in this year, let’s focus on discerning the words we are receiving. It is very important for our lives of faith – a question of life and death, actually. Let’s be those who carefully discern which words we’re receiving.”

6. Protecting Faith: The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17):

The lesson then examines the armor of God:

“Faith is vital in our lives. As it is written, faith comes by hearing the word of God. Therefore, we must safeguard our faith and ensure it continues to mature rather than weaken over time. We also hope for an increasingly steadfast faith rather than one susceptible to hardship. We can accomplish this through putting on the full armor of God each day.”

The instructor breaks down each piece of armor:

A. Belt of Truth (John 17:17):

“What does a belt do? Historically, soldiers would fasten weapons to their belts for readiness in battle. So a belt holds tools and weapons, keeping them close at hand. The metaphor suggests truth is like a belt of readiness.”

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

“So, the belt of truth you need to put on is the word.”

B. Breastplate of Righteousness (Psalm 37:30-31):

“What does a breastplate do? A breastplate protects the chest or the heart – where the vital organs are located. In the same way, righteousness protects us and our most vital parts.”

Psalm 37:30-31: “The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.”

“A righteous person speaks wisdom and justice because they have internalized wisdom and justice in their heart. They do the inner work first, putting God’s law and word into their heart. Then they are able to act righteously. We should be people who are grounded in God’s word.”

C. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Luke 4:16-21):

“Shoes allow for swift movement and action. They protect your feet so you don’t have to worry about the ground you’re stepping on, being able to stand firm. Similarly, having the truth of the gospel allows someone to act swiftly and move in the way God needs them to, allowing God’s work to continue.”

The instructor examines Luke 4:16-21, where Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue:

“Jesus opened the book of Isaiah and began to read from Isaiah chapter 61, verses 1-2, which talks about one who comes to proclaim peace, heal, declare and deliver the good news. So what was the news people needed to hear about that was being fulfilled? It was God’s promise to everyone. God’s promise has been fulfilled, standing right here in front of them. That’s the good news people needed to hear – that God has done what He said He would do through His Son.”

The lesson continues with the remaining pieces of armor (shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit), though the document appears to be cut off.

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The Subtext (What’s Really Being Established)

Beneath this seemingly biblical and encouraging teaching, several problematic foundations are being laid:

1. Creating the “Pure Water vs. Salt Water” Framework:

By teaching that “not every word is life-giving,” that students must “discern whether they’re receiving pure water or salt water,” and that receiving the wrong word is “a question of life and death,” the lesson creates a framework where students learn to be suspicious of all Christian teaching except SCJ’s.

This creates:

• Fear of other Christian teaching (“salt water” that will kill you)
• Dependency on SCJ to identify “pure water”
• Isolation from other Christian communities
• A sense that leaving SCJ means spiritual death

2. The “Attentive to Fulfillment” Preparation:

The emphasis on being “attentive to fulfillment” and recognizing “what God has done in the way God has done it” prepares students to accept SCJ’s claims about current fulfillment:

“Let us be those in this year who are attentive to fulfillment. We must be so that we can recognize it and believe it when it happens.”

This prepares students to:

• Accept that prophecies are being fulfilled “now” (in SCJ)
• Believe that SCJ is the fulfillment they need to recognize
• Think that rejecting SCJ means rejecting God’s fulfillment

3. The “Spiritual Warfare” Justification:

By warning that “when someone starts studying Scripture more deeply, Satan takes notice and attacks,” the lesson:

• Prepares students for opposition from family, friends, and home churches
• Frames any concerns or criticism as “Satan’s attacks”
• Creates an “us vs. them” mentality
• Justifies the isolation that will come

4. The “Faith Comes from Hearing” Dependency:

By emphasizing that “faith comes from hearing the word” and that students must “never stop hearing the word,” the lesson creates dependency on SCJ’s teaching:

“If you stop hearing the word, like disconnecting something from a power outlet, eventually your spiritual battery will drain and faith will diminish.”

This creates fear: If I stop attending SCJ’s lessons, my faith will die.

5. The “Armor of God = The Word” Equation:

By teaching that every piece of the armor of God is essentially “the word,” and by implying that SCJ provides the correct understanding of “the word,” the lesson positions SCJ as essential for spiritual protection:

• Belt of truth = the word
• Breastplate of righteousness = having God’s law (word) in your heart
• Shoes of the gospel = understanding fulfillment (which SCJ will claim to provide)

The implication: Without SCJ’s teaching (the “pure water”), you’re unprotected and vulnerable.

6. The New Year’s Timing:

The lesson strategically uses New Year’s motivation to create commitment:

• Students are making resolutions and feeling motivated for change
• The lesson frames SCJ study as the way to “build faith” in this year
• Students are encouraged to see this year as “their year” if they commit to this study
• The timing creates emotional investment and momentum

7. Preparing for Lesson 13:

This lesson sets the stage for the critical “Sealed vs. Opened Word” teaching in Lesson 13:

• Students have learned to be suspicious of other teaching (“salt water”)
• Students have learned that faith requires hearing “the word” (implying SCJ’s teaching)
• Students have been warned about “Satan’s attacks” (preparing for opposition)
• Students have been told to be “attentive to fulfillment” (preparing for SCJ’s claims)

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Part 2: Analysis Through “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story”

Chapter 1-2: Two Lenses, Two Realities

Chapter 1 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” introduces the framework of examining teachings through two lenses: the organizational lens and the spiritual lens. Let’s apply both to this lesson.

Through the Organizational Lens:

This lesson serves multiple strategic purposes for SCJ:

1. Creating Isolation Through the “Pure Water vs. Salt Water” Framework:

By teaching that “not every word is life-giving” and that students must discern between “pure water” and “salt water,” the lesson creates suspicion of all Christian teaching except SCJ’s. Students learn: Other churches might be teaching “salt water” that will kill me spiritually. I need to be careful.

2. Building Dependency on SCJ’s Teaching:

By emphasizing that “faith comes from hearing the word” and that stopping would cause faith to “drain like a disconnected power outlet,” the lesson creates fear of leaving. Students think: If I stop attending SCJ’s lessons, my faith will die.

3. Preparing for SCJ’s Fulfillment Claims:

By teaching students to be “attentive to fulfillment” and to recognize “what God has done in the way God has done it,” the lesson prepares students to accept SCJ’s later claims that they are the fulfillment of prophecy.

4. Justifying Opposition as “Spiritual Warfare”:

By warning that “Satan takes notice and attacks” when someone studies Scripture deeply, the lesson pre-frames any opposition from family, friends, or home churches as spiritual attacks rather than legitimate concerns.

5. Creating Long-Term Commitment:

The New Year’s framing creates emotional investment: This year is going to be my year of faith if I commit to this study. Students make internal resolutions that increase their commitment.

6. Positioning SCJ as Essential for Spiritual Protection:

By teaching that the armor of God is “the word” and implying that SCJ provides the correct understanding of “the word,” the lesson positions SCJ as essential for spiritual survival.

Through the Spiritual Lens:

When we examine this lesson through the spiritual lens—asking what Scripture actually teaches in context—we discover significant problems.

What’s Biblical:

• Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1)
• Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)
• Faith is not blind—it’s based on God’s character and promises
• Abraham’s faith was based on God’s proven faithfulness
• Faith comes from hearing the message about Christ (Romans 10:17)
• We should put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17)
• We should test all teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1)

What’s Uniquely SCJ:

• The “pure water vs. salt water” framework that creates suspicion of all Christian teaching except SCJ’s
• The implication that “hearing the word” specifically means SCJ’s teaching
• The emphasis on being “attentive to fulfillment” (preparing for SCJ’s claims)
• The warning that stopping SCJ’s lessons will cause faith to “drain”
• The positioning of SCJ as the source of “pure water” and spiritual protection
• The use of “spiritual warfare” to pre-frame opposition

The Blurred Lines:

The genius of this lesson is how it blurs biblical truth with SCJ’s framework:

Example 1: Faith Comes from Hearing

• Biblical truth: Faith comes from hearing the message about Christ (Romans 10:17)
• Biblical context: The gospel message proclaimed by the apostles
• SCJ addition: You must “never stop hearing the word” (implying SCJ’s lessons); stopping will cause faith to “drain”
• Result: Students fear leaving SCJ because they think their faith will die

Example 2: Discerning Teaching

• Biblical truth: We should test all teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1)
• Biblical context: Test teaching against Scripture and sound doctrine
• SCJ addition: Not every word is “life-giving”; some is “salt water” that will kill you; discernment is “a question of life and death”
• Result: Students become suspicious of all Christian teaching except SCJ’s

Example 3: Being Attentive to Fulfillment

• Biblical truth: God fulfills His promises; we should recognize His work
• Biblical context: Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies; we await His return
• SCJ addition: “Let us be those who are attentive to fulfillment” (preparing for SCJ’s claims that they are the current fulfillment)
• Result: Students are primed to accept SCJ’s later claims about being the fulfillment of prophecy

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Chapter 3-4: The Sacred Lens and Interpretive Frameworks

Chapter 3 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” examines how SCJ uses the “sacred lens” to build their framework. This lesson demonstrates how SCJ uses biblical teaching about faith to create isolation and dependency.

The Framework Being Built:

By Lesson 12, students have been systematically taught:

Lessons 1-11: The Bible requires special interpretation; most Christians don’t understand it correctly; students are learning the “true” meaning

Lesson 12: Faith requires hearing “the word” (implying SCJ’s teaching); not all teaching is “life-giving” (some is “salt water”); students must be “attentive to fulfillment” (preparing for SCJ’s claims)

This lesson is strategically positioned just before Lesson 13 (“Sealed vs. Opened Word”), which will complete the foundational framework by teaching that the Bible was “sealed” and is now being “opened” (by SCJ).

The Interpretive Method:

Notice the pattern in how SCJ teaches about faith:

1. Start with biblical teaching: Faith comes from hearing the word (Romans 10:17)
2. Add the isolation element: Not every word is life-giving; some is “salt water”
3. Create dependency: You must never stop hearing the word (implying SCJ’s lessons)
4. Add fear: Stopping will cause faith to drain; wrong teaching will kill you
5. Prepare for organizational claims: Be attentive to fulfillment (SCJ will claim to be the fulfillment)
6. Frame opposition as spiritual warfare: Satan attacks when you study deeply

The Problem:

This interpretive method:

• Isolates students from other Christian teaching and community
• Creates dependency on SCJ’s lessons
• Establishes fear of leaving
• Prepares students to accept SCJ’s organizational claims
• Pre-frames opposition as spiritual attacks

Chapter 4’s Warning:

Chapter 4 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” discusses “The Impact of Interpretive Frameworks”—how the lens through which we read Scripture shapes what we see. This lesson demonstrates how SCJ’s framework distorts biblical teaching about faith:

SCJ’s Framework:

• Faith requires hearing “the word” (implying SCJ’s teaching)
• Not all teaching is life-giving; some is “salt water” that will kill you
• Stopping SCJ’s lessons will cause faith to drain
• You must be “attentive to fulfillment” (preparing for SCJ’s claims)
• Opposition is “Satan’s attacks”

Biblical Framework:

• Faith comes from hearing the gospel message about Christ
• We should test all teaching against Scripture
• Faith is sustained by the Holy Spirit, not by one organization’s lessons
• We should recognize God’s work, but not be manipulated by false claims
• Opposition may be legitimate concern, not spiritual warfare

The framework determines the interpretation, and SCJ’s framework serves organizational control rather than spiritual truth.

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Biblical Response: What Does Scripture Actually Teach?

Let’s examine what the Bible actually teaches about faith, discernment, and spiritual protection.

1. What Is Faith?

The Biblical Definition:

Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

What SCJ Gets Right:

The lesson correctly teaches that:

• Faith is not blind—it’s based on God’s character and promises
• Abraham’s faith was based on God’s proven faithfulness
• We should believe that God will do what He promised

What SCJ Distorts:

The lesson uses biblical teaching about faith to create:

• Dependency on SCJ’s teaching (“faith comes from hearing the word” = SCJ’s lessons)
• Fear of other Christian teaching (“salt water” that will kill you)
• Preparation for SCJ’s organizational claims (“be attentive to fulfillment”)

The Biblical Reality:

1. Faith’s Object Is Christ, Not an Organization:

Colossians 2:6-7: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Faith is in Christ, not in an organization’s teaching system.

2. Faith Is a Gift from God:

Ephesians 2:8-9: “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.”

Faith is God’s gift, not something we generate by attending lessons.

3. Faith Is Sustained by the Holy Spirit:

Galatians 3:2-3: “I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?”

Faith begins and continues by the Spirit’s work, not by our efforts or by attending one organization’s lessons.

2. Does Faith Come from Hearing “The Word”?

Romans 10:17: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

What Does This Mean?

The Context (Romans 10:14-17):

“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? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our message?’ Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

The Key Point:

Paul is talking about hearing the gospel message about Christ—the good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose again. Faith comes from hearing this gospel message, not from attending one organization’s interpretive lessons.

What SCJ Distorts:

The lesson uses Romans 10:17 to create dependency on SCJ’s teaching:

“You cannot divorce faith from hearing the word… So in this year, make the determination to never stop hearing the word. For if you stop hearing the word, like disconnecting something from a power outlet, eventually your spiritual battery will drain and faith will diminish.”

The implication: If you stop attending SCJ’s lessons, your faith will die.

The Biblical Reality:

1. Faith Comes from Hearing the Gospel:

1 Corinthians 15:1-2: “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.”

Faith comes from hearing and believing the gospel—the simple message about Jesus’ death and resurrection.

2. Faith Is Sustained by the Holy Spirit:

John 14:26: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

The Holy Spirit sustains our faith, not one organization’s lessons.

3. We Grow in Faith Through Various Means:

• Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
• Prayer: Jude 1:20
• Fellowship: Hebrews 10:24-25
• Worship: Psalm 95:1-7
• Service: James 2:14-17
• Trials: James 1:2-4

Faith grows through multiple means, not just through one organization’s teaching.

3. Should We Discern Teaching? The “Pure Water vs. Salt Water” Framework

What SCJ Teaches:

“However, not every word is life-giving or faith-building, as we discussed earlier. You still have to be able to discern whether you’re receiving pure water or salt water. Someone adrift at sea drinking salt water will perish faster, even though it’s water… So in this year, let’s focus on discerning the words we are receiving. It is very important for our lives of faith – a question of life and death, actually.”

Is Discernment Biblical?

Yes! We absolutely should test all teaching.

1 Thessalonians 5:21: “but test them all; hold on to what is good.”

1 John 4:1: “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.”

Acts 17:11: “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.”

What’s the Problem with SCJ’s Teaching?

The problem isn’t the call for discernment—it’s how SCJ uses it:

1. SCJ Creates Suspicion of All Christian Teaching Except Their Own:

By framing other teaching as potentially “salt water” that will “kill you,” SCJ creates fear and isolation. Students learn to distrust their home churches, pastors, and Christian friends.

2. SCJ Positions Themselves as the Source of “Pure Water”:

The implication is that SCJ’s teaching is the “pure water” and everything else is potentially “salt water.” This creates dependency: I need SCJ to identify which teaching is safe.

3. SCJ Makes Discernment a “Question of Life and Death”:

By saying discernment is “a question of life and death,” SCJ creates fear: If I receive the wrong teaching, I’ll die spiritually. I can’t risk leaving SCJ.

The Biblical Approach to Discernment:

1. Test All Teaching Against Scripture:

Acts 17:11: The Bereans “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

We should test all teaching—including SCJ’s—against Scripture.

2. Test Teaching Against Sound Doctrine:

Titus 2:1: “You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.”

2 Timothy 4:3: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

Sound doctrine has been faithfully taught by the church for 2,000 years. We should test teaching against this historic Christian faith.

3. Test the Fruit:

Matthew 7:15-20: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them… Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”

What fruit is SCJ’s teaching producing?

• Isolation from family, friends, and home church?
• Fear of other Christian teaching?
• Dependency on one organization?
• Deception about the organization’s identity?

4. Test Against the Gospel:

Galatians 1:8-9: “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! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”

Does the teaching center on the simple gospel—that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, and that salvation is by grace through faith in Him? Or does it add requirements (like understanding SCJ’s interpretations)?

The Irony:

SCJ teaches students to “discern” teaching, but then creates a system where students can’t actually exercise discernment regarding SCJ’s own teaching. If students question SCJ, they’re told:

• They’re not humble enough
• They’re under spiritual attack
• They’re drinking “salt water”
• They’re not “attentive to fulfillment”

True discernment includes the freedom to test SCJ’s teaching against Scripture.

4. The “Attentive to Fulfillment” Preparation

What SCJ Teaches:

“Both faith in God’s promises and belief in what He has done are important. But it is also important to be attentive to what God has done so that we can recognize and believe it when it happens. Let us be those in this year who are attentive to fulfillment. We must be so that we can recognize it and believe it when it happens.”

What’s the Problem?

This teaching is preparing students to accept SCJ’s later claims that they are the fulfillment of prophecy. By teaching students to be “attentive to fulfillment” and to “recognize it when it happens,” SCJ is priming students to accept their organizational claims.

The Biblical Reality:

1. Yes, We Should Recognize God’s Work:

Luke 12:54-56: “He said to the crowd: ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, “It’s going to rain,” and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, “It’s going to be hot,” and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?'”

Jesus criticized people for not recognizing that He was the fulfillment of prophecy.

2. But We Should Test All Claims:

Matthew 24:23-25: “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. See, I have told you ahead of time.”

Jesus warned that false messiahs and false prophets would make claims about fulfillment. We should test all such claims.

3. The Danger of “Attentive to Fulfillment” Without Discernment:

By teaching students to be “attentive to fulfillment” without also teaching them to test claims against Scripture and sound doctrine, SCJ is preparing students to accept false claims.

How to Be Truly “Attentive to Fulfillment”:

1. Know What Scripture Actually Teaches:

Study the Bible in context. Understand what prophecies actually say and what they mean in their original context.

2. Test All Claims Against Scripture:

If someone claims to be a fulfillment of prophecy, test that claim against what Scripture actually teaches.

3. Remember Jesus’ Warnings:

Jesus warned that false messiahs and false prophets would make claims. Be cautious and discerning.

4. Look for the Fruit:

True fulfillment of God’s promises produces good fruit—love, joy, peace, freedom, truth. False claims produce bad fruit—fear, isolation, deception, control.

5. The Armor of God: Is It All “The Word”?

What SCJ Teaches:

The lesson teaches that every piece of the armor of God is essentially “the word”:

• Belt of truth = the word (John 17:17)
• Breastplate of righteousness = having God’s law (word) in your heart (Psalm 37:30-31)
• Shoes of the gospel = understanding fulfillment (which SCJ will claim to provide)

The implication: Since the armor is “the word,” and SCJ provides the correct understanding of “the word,” you need SCJ to be spiritually protected.

What Does Ephesians 6 Actually Teach?

Ephesians 6:10-17:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The Pieces of Armor:

1. Belt of Truth:

Yes, truth is connected to God’s word (John 17:17). But truth is also about:

• Living truthfully (not deceiving others)
• Believing the truth about God and the gospel
• Rejecting lies and deception

Ironically, SCJ violates the “belt of truth” by:

• Hiding their identity from students
• Deceiving students about the course’s purpose
• Using manipulation and information control

2. Breastplate of Righteousness:

Righteousness is about:

• Right standing with God through faith in Christ (Romans 3:22)
• Living in obedience to God’s commands
• Pursuing holiness

It’s not just about having “God’s word in your heart”—it’s about living righteously.

3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace:

The “gospel of peace” is the good news that we have peace with God through Jesus Christ:

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

Ephesians 2:14-17: “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility… He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.”

The “shoes” are about being ready to proclaim this gospel of peace, not about “understanding fulfillment” through SCJ’s interpretive system.

4. Shield of Faith:

Faith in Christ protects us from spiritual attacks. This isn’t about attending SCJ’s lessons—it’s about trusting in Christ.

5. Helmet of Salvation:

Salvation is our hope and assurance in Christ. It protects our minds from doubt and despair.

1 Thessalonians 5:8: “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”

6. Sword of the Spirit:

Yes, the sword is “the word of God.” But this is about using Scripture to combat lies and deception, not about depending on one organization’s interpretive system.

Jesus used Scripture to combat Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). He quoted Scripture accurately and in context—not through a complex interpretive system.

The Biblical Reality:

The armor of God is about:

• Strength in the Lord (not in an organization)
• Truth (not deception)
• Righteousness (not manipulation)
• The gospel (simple good news, not complex interpretations)
• Faith in Christ (not organizational dependency)
• Salvation in Christ (not through understanding interpretations)
• Scripture (tested against sound doctrine, not one organization’s system)

Ironically, SCJ violates many pieces of the armor:

• Belt of truth: They hide their identity and deceive students
• Breastplate of righteousness: They use manipulation and control
• Shoes of the gospel: They complicate the simple gospel with their interpretive system
• Shield of faith: They create dependency on their organization rather than faith in Christ
• Helmet of salvation: They make salvation dependent on understanding their teaching
• Sword of the Spirit: They use Scripture out of context to support their agenda

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Chapter 11-13: Information Control and the Verification Problem

Chapter 11 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” examines isolation strategies disguised as protection. This lesson demonstrates sophisticated isolation tactics through the “pure water vs. salt water” framework.

The Isolation in This Lesson:

The lesson teaches:

“However, not every word is life-giving or faith-building… You still have to be able to discern whether you’re receiving pure water or salt water. Someone adrift at sea drinking salt water will perish faster, even though it’s water… So in this year, let’s focus on discerning the words we are receiving. It is very important for our lives of faith – a question of life and death, actually.”

This creates:

• Fear of other Christian teaching: It might be “salt water” that will kill you
• Dependency on SCJ: They’ll help you identify “pure water”
• Isolation from Christian community: You can’t trust other churches or teachers
• Justification for leaving your church: They might be teaching “salt water”

The Verification Problem:

Chapter 13 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” addresses how to evaluate spiritual claims that cannot be independently verified. This lesson creates a massive verification problem:

How can students objectively determine which teaching is “pure water” and which is “salt water”?

The lesson provides no methodology—only:

• Not all teaching is life-giving
• Some is “salt water” that will kill you
• You must discern (but SCJ will guide your discernment)

The Circular Reasoning:

1. Not all teaching is “life-giving”
2. Some is “salt water” that will kill you
3. You must discern which is which
4. SCJ teaches you to discern
5. SCJ’s teaching is the “pure water”
6. If you question SCJ, you’re not discerning properly

This circular reasoning prevents independent verification. Students can’t objectively test the claims because SCJ controls the criteria.

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Chapter 18-20: Testing Authority and Creative Fulfillment

Chapter 18 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” examines how to test claims of spiritual authority. This lesson makes implicit authority claims by positioning SCJ as the source of “pure water” and spiritual protection.

The Authority Problem:

The lesson teaches:

“Let us be those in tis year who are attentive to fulfillment. We must be so that we can recognize it and believe it when it happens.”

This prepares students to accept SCJ’s later claims that they are the fulfillment of prophecy. But how can students verify this claim?

The lesson provides no methodology—only the instruction to be “attentive.” Students are expected to accept SCJ’s claims about fulfillment based on… SCJ’s interpretation.

Chapter 19-20’s Response:

Chapter 19 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” discusses unfalsifiable claims. The lesson’s framework creates an unfalsifiable system:

• If you accept SCJ’s teaching → You’re discerning “pure water”
• If you question SCJ’s teaching → You’re not discerning properly; you might be drinking “salt water”
• If you leave SCJ → Your faith will “drain”; you’re disconnecting from the “power outlet”

Chapter 20 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” warns about “creative fulfillment”—adding interpretive layers to Scripture that support predetermined conclusions. This lesson demonstrates that technique by preparing students to accept SCJ’s fulfillment claims.

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Chapter 21-23: God’s Character and Sovereignty

Chapter 21 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” is titled “The Heart of God: When Love Refuses to Let Go.” This chapter examines whether God’s character is primarily about fear (you might receive “salt water” and die) or about grace and security.

The Character Problem in This Lesson:

The lesson presents faith in a way that creates fear rather than security:

“Someone adrift at sea drinking salt water will perish faster, even though it’s water… So in this year, let’s focus on discerning the words we are receiving. It is very important for our lives of faith – a question of life and death, actually.”

This creates:

• Fear of other Christian teaching
• Anxiety about receiving the “wrong” teaching
• Dependency on SCJ to identify “safe” teaching
• A sense that one wrong step could be spiritually fatal

Chapter 21’s Biblical Response:

The chapter explains that God’s character is primarily defined by grace, love, and security, not by fear and anxiety.

1. God Preserves His Children:

John 10:27-29: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

God preserves His children. Our faith doesn’t “drain” if we miss a lesson or hear teaching from a different source.

2. The Holy Spirit Guides Us:

John 14:26: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

1 John 2:27: “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.”

The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth. We’re not dependent on one organization.

3. God’s Love Casts Out Fear:

1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

God’s love should cast out fear, not create it. If a teaching creates fear and anxiety, we should question whether it’s from God.

The Contrast:

SCJ’s Message:

• Not all teaching is “life-giving”; some is “salt water” that will kill you
• If you stop attending lessons, your faith will “drain”
• Discernment is “a question of life and death”
• You need SCJ to identify “pure water”

The Gospel’s Message:

• God preserves His children
• The Holy Spirit guides believers
• We should test all teaching, but God’s love casts out fear
• Faith is sustained by the Holy Spirit, not by one organization’s lessons

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Part 3: The Psychological Progression

The Indoctrination Process at Lesson 12

By Lesson 12, students have been in the Parables course for approximately 2.5 weeks. Let’s examine what’s happened psychologically:

1. Accumulated Framework:

Students have been taught:

• The Bible requires special interpretation (Lessons 1-11)
• Now: Not all teaching is “life-giving”; some is “salt water”; faith requires hearing “the word” (implying SCJ’s teaching)

2. The New Year’s Timing:

The lesson strategically uses New Year’s motivation:

• Students are making resolutions
• The lesson frames SCJ study as the way to “build faith” in this year
• Students see this year as “their year” if they commit
• Emotional investment increases

3. The “Pure Water vs. Salt Water” Framework:

This creates:

• Fear of other Christian teaching
• Dependency on SCJ to identify “safe” teaching
• Justification for leaving one’s home church
• Isolation from Christian friends and family

4. The “Faith Will Drain” Fear:

By teaching that stopping lessons will cause faith to “drain like a disconnected power outlet,” the lesson creates:

• Fear of leaving SCJ
• Dependency on attending lessons
• Sense that missing lessons is spiritually dangerous

5. The “Attentive to Fulfillment” Preparation:

This prepares students to:

• Accept SCJ’s later claims about being the fulfillment of prophecy
• See questioning SCJ as missing God’s fulfillment
• Feel urgency about recognizing what God is doing “now”

6. The “Spiritual Warfare” Pre-Framing:

By warning that “Satan attacks” when someone studies deeply, the lesson:

• Pre-frames opposition from family/friends as spiritual attacks
• Creates an “us vs. them” mentality
• Justifies the isolation that will come
• Makes students feel like spiritual warriors

7. Preparation for Lesson 13:

This lesson sets the stage for the critical “Sealed vs. Opened Word” teaching:

• Students fear other teaching (“salt water”)
• Students depend on SCJ’s teaching (the “power outlet”)
• Students are warned about “Satan’s attacks”
• Students are told to be “attentive to fulfillment”

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The Strategic Positioning of Lesson 12

Chapter 7 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains SCJ’s gradual disclosure strategy. Lesson 12 is strategically positioned:

Before Lesson 12:

• Students learned the Bible requires special interpretation
• Foundation was laid for dependency

Lesson 12:

• Creates fear of other Christian teaching (“salt water”)
• Establishes dependency on SCJ’s teaching (the “power outlet”)
• Prepares for SCJ’s fulfillment claims (“be attentive”)
• Pre-frames opposition as spiritual warfare

After Lesson 12:

• Lesson 13 will teach that the Bible was “sealed” and is now being “opened” (by SCJ)
• Students will study specific parables using SCJ’s system
• The isolation and dependency will deepen
• Eventually, students will learn SCJ’s organizational claims

Lesson 12 is a critical preparation lesson that creates the fear and dependency necessary for students to accept the “sealed/opened” framework in Lesson 13.

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The Testimony Pattern

Chapter 14 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” shares testimonies from former members. A common theme regarding the “pure water vs. salt water” teaching:

“The ‘pure water vs. salt water’ framework made me terrified of other Christian teaching. I stopped attending my home church because I thought they might be teaching ‘salt water’ that would kill me spiritually. I isolated myself from Christian friends because I was afraid their teaching would contaminate my faith. I became completely dependent on SCJ’s lessons because I thought my faith would ‘drain’ if I stopped attending. It took me months after leaving to realize that this was manipulation, not biblical discernment. The Holy Spirit guides all believers, not just one organization. God preserves His children—our faith doesn’t ‘drain’ if we miss a lesson. SCJ had used fear to create isolation and dependency.”

This lesson creates that fear and dependency.

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Part 4: Distinguishing Biblical Truth from SCJ Framework

What’s Biblical in This Lesson?

It’s important to acknowledge what’s actually true and biblical:

1. Faith is important:

Hebrews 11:1, 6. Yes, without faith it is impossible to please God.

2. Faith is not blind:

Faith is based on God’s character and promises, demonstrated through His faithfulness.

3. Abraham’s faith was based on God’s proven faithfulness:

God had shown Himself faithful, so Abraham trusted Him.

4. Faith comes from hearing the message about Christ:

Romans 10:17. Yes, we need to hear the gospel.

5. We should test all teaching:

1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1. Yes, we should discern truth from error.

6. We should put on the armor of God:

Ephesians 6:10-17. Yes, we need spiritual protection.

7. We should recognize God’s work:

Yes, we should be attentive to what God is doing.

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What’s Uniquely SCJ?

The problematic elements are subtle but significant:

1. The “pure water vs. salt water” framework:

• Biblical: We should test all teaching
• SCJ: Not all teaching is “life-giving”; some is “salt water” that will kill you; you need SCJ to identify which is which

2. The “faith will drain” fear:

• Biblical: Faith comes from hearing the gospel; we should continue in God’s word
• SCJ: If you stop attending SCJ’s lessons, your faith will “drain like a disconnected power outlet”

3. The “attentive to fulfillment” preparation:

• Biblical: We should recognize God’s work
• SCJ: “Let us be those in this year who are attentive to fulfillment” (preparing for SCJ’s claims that they are the fulfillment)

4. The “spiritual warfare” pre-framing:

• Biblical: There is spiritual warfare
• SCJ: “When someone starts studying Scripture more deeply, Satan takes notice and attacks” (pre-framing opposition as spiritual attacks)

5. The implication that SCJ’s teaching is the “pure water”:

• Biblical: God’s word is life-giving
• SCJ: You need SCJ to identify “pure water”; other teaching might be “salt water”

6. The positioning of the armor as dependent on SCJ:

• Biblical: The armor of God includes truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and Scripture
• SCJ: Since the armor is “the word,” and SCJ provides the correct understanding of “the word,” you need SCJ to be protected

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The Blurred Lines

The genius of this lesson is how it blurs biblical truth with SCJ’s framework:

Example 1: Faith Comes from Hearing

• Biblical truth: Faith comes from hearing the message about Christ (Romans 10:17)
• Biblical context: The gospel message proclaimed by the apostles
• SCJ addition: You must “never stop hearing the word” (implying SCJ’s lessons); stopping will cause faith to “drain”
• Result: Students fear leaving SCJ because they think their faith will die

Example 2: Discerning Teaching

• Biblical truth: We should test all teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
• Biblical context: Test teaching against Scripture and sound doctrine
• SCJ addition: Not all teaching is “life-giving”; some is “salt water” that will kill you; discernment is “a question of life and death”
• Result: Students become terrified of other Christian teaching and depend on SCJ to identify “safe” teaching

Example 3: Being Attentive to Fulfillment

• Biblical truth: We should recognize God’s work
• Biblical context: God fulfills His promises; we should be discerning
• SCJ addition: “Let us be those in this year who are attentive to fulfillment” (preparing for SCJ’s claims)
• Result: Students are primed to accept SCJ’s later claims about being the fulfillment of prophecy

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Part 5: The Larger Pattern

How This Lesson Fits SCJ’s Overall Strategy

This lesson is part of a carefully designed progression:

Lessons 1-11: Building the Framework

• Bible requires special interpretation
• Most Christians don’t understand correctly
• You’re learning the “true” meaning

Lesson 12: Creating Isolation and Dependency

• Not all teaching is “life-giving” (fear of other Christian teaching)
• Faith requires hearing “the word” (dependency on SCJ’s lessons)
• Be “attentive to fulfillment” (preparing for SCJ’s claims)
• “Satan attacks” when you study deeply (pre-framing opposition)

Lesson 13: The Critical Capstone

• The Bible was “sealed”
• It’s now being “opened” (by SCJ)
• You need SCJ to understand

Lessons 14-25: Applying the Framework

• Detailed parable study using SCJ’s system
• Each parable reinforces the framework
• Increasing isolation and dependency

Intermediate Level: Identity Revelation

• Christianity has been “destroyed”
• SCJ is the restoration
• Lee Man-hee is the “promised pastor”

Advanced Level: Full Indoctrination

• Detailed study of Revelation through SCJ’s lens
• SCJ is the 144,000
• Students must join SCJ to be “sealed”

Lesson 12’s Specific Role:

This lesson creates the fear and dependency necessary for students to accept the “sealed/opened” framework in Lesson 13 by:

• Creating fear of other Christian teaching (“salt water”)
• Establishing dependency on SCJ’s teaching (the “power outlet”)
• Preparing for SCJ’s fulfillment claims (“be attentive”)
• Pre-framing opposition as spiritual warfare
• Using New Year’s timing to increase emotional investment

Everything that follows builds on this foundation. The fear and dependency created in this lesson make the “sealed/opened” framework in Lesson 13 seem necessary and logical.

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Conclusion: The Path Forward

For Those Currently in SCJ’s Course

If you’re reading this while taking SCJ’s Bible study, you’re at a critical juncture. The “pure water vs. salt water” teaching has likely made you fearful: What if I’m receiving the wrong teaching? What if I leave SCJ and my faith drains? What if I miss God’s fulfillment?

But consider this: God’s love casts out fear.

1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

If a teaching creates fear and anxiety rather than love and security, we should question whether it’s from God.

Chapter 27 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” (“Your Investigation Begins”) provides practical steps:

1. Examine the “Pure Water vs. Salt Water” Claim:

Does the Bible teach that most Christian teaching is “salt water” that will kill you? Or does it teach that we should test all teaching against Scripture and sound doctrine?

2. Test the “Faith Will Drain” Fear:

Does the Bible teach that faith “drains” if you miss lessons from one organization? Or does it teach that the Holy Spirit sustains believers and that God preserves His children?

3. Evaluate the “Attentive to Fulfillment” Preparation:

Is SCJ preparing you to accept their organizational claims? How can you verify whether they are actually the fulfillment of prophecy?

4. Consider the Fruit:

Is this teaching producing:

• Love or fear?
• Freedom or dependency?
• Security or anxiety?
• Unity or isolation?

5. Visit the Shincheonji Examination:

For comprehensive resources and detailed biblical refutation of SCJ’s claims, visit: https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination

This resource provides:

• Detailed analysis of SCJ’s isolation tactics and fear-based teaching
• Biblical examination of faith, discernment, and spiritual protection
• Refutation of the “pure water vs. salt water” framework
• Testimonies from former members about the fear and isolation created by this teaching
• Guidance for families and counselors
• Resources for finding security in Christ and healthy Christian community

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For Those Who Have Left

Chapter 28 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” (“Hope and Help”) offers guidance for former members. Key points regarding the “pure water vs. salt water” teaching:

1. Most Christian teaching is not “salt water”:

The vast majority of Christian churches faithfully teach the gospel and sound doctrine. SCJ created fear to isolate you.

2. Your faith won’t “drain” if you’re not attending SCJ’s lessons:

The Holy Spirit sustains believers. God preserves His children. Your faith is secure in Christ, not in an organization’s lessons.

3. You can trust the Holy Spirit to guide you:

John 14:26: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

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

4. You can find healthy Christian community:

Look for churches that:

• Proclaim the simple gospel
• Teach Scripture in context
• Encourage questions and discernment
• Practice transparency and honesty
• Produce fruit of love, joy, peace, and freedom

5. God’s love casts out fear:

1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”

God’s character is love, not fear. You can rest in His grace and security.

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For the Christian Community

The existence of teachings like SCJ’s “pure water vs. salt water” doctrine should motivate us to:

1. Teach the security of believers:

John 10:27-29: God preserves His children. Our faith doesn’t “drain” if we miss a service or hear teaching from a different source.

2. Emphasize the Holy Spirit’s role:

John 14:26, 1 John 2:27: The Holy Spirit guides all believers, not just one organization.

3. Encourage healthy discernment:

1 Thessalonians 5:21, Acts 17:11: Yes, we should test all teaching—but discernment should produce freedom and security, not fear and isolation.

4. Proclaim God’s love:

1 John 4:18: God’s love casts out fear. Our teaching should produce security, not anxiety.

5. Respond with compassion:

Those caught in or leaving SCJ need grace, not condemnation. They were seeking to grow in faith; they were simply misled about how.

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Final Thoughts

This lesson—Lesson 12 on “Faith and Determination”—appears to be an inspiring New Year’s message about building faith. But beneath the surface, it’s constructing an isolation and dependency system that positions SCJ as essential for spiritual survival.

The principles in “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” help us see through the deception:

• Chapter 1-2: Recognize how organizational agenda shapes interpretation
• Chapter 3-4: Understand how interpretive frameworks distort biblical teaching
• Chapter 11-13: Identify isolation tactics and demand verifiable criteria
• Chapter 18-20: Test authority claims and watch for manipulation
• Chapter 21-23: Remember God’s character is love and security, not fear and anxiety
• Chapter 24-26: Keep the Bible’s unified message centered on Christ and the gospel
• Chapter 27-28: Know that investigation is possible and healing is available

The true gospel is better than SCJ’s counterfeit:

• Security, not fear: God preserves His children; faith doesn’t “drain”
• Freedom, not dependency: The Holy Spirit guides all believers
• Love, not anxiety: God’s love casts out fear
• Unity, not isolation: We’re part of the body of Christ, not separated from it
• Christ, not organization: Faith is in Jesus, not in attending one group’s lessons

May those reading this find freedom in Christ, who said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)—not through one organization’s fear-based system, but through faith in Him.

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“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” — 1 John 4:18

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” — John 10:27-28

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:6

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For comprehensive resources, biblical analysis, and support, visit:

https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination

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This analysis is part of the series “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story.” May God grant you wisdom, discernment, and the freedom that comes from knowing Christ alone.

Appendix: Key Scripture Passages in Context

For those wanting to study the biblical passages used in this lesson more deeply, here are the key texts with their proper context:

Hebrews 11:1, 6 (The Definition of Faith)

Context: Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith”—a chapter that recounts examples of Old Testament believers who demonstrated faith in God’s promises.

Main Point: Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. It’s not blind—it’s based on God’s character and proven faithfulness.

Key Verses:

Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Application: Faith is essential for pleasing God. But what is the object of faith? It’s God Himself—His character, His promises, His faithfulness. Faith is not in an organization or an interpretive system—it’s in God.

What SCJ Gets Right:

The lesson correctly teaches that:

• Faith is not blind—it’s based on God’s character and promises
• Without faith it is impossible to please God
• Faith involves confidence in what we hope for

What SCJ Distorts:

The lesson uses this teaching to create:

• Dependency on SCJ’s teaching (“faith comes from hearing the word” = SCJ’s lessons)
• Fear of leaving (“if you stop hearing, your faith will drain”)
• Preparation for organizational claims (“be attentive to fulfillment”)

The Biblical Reality:

Faith’s object is God Himself, revealed in Jesus Christ. Our faith is sustained by the Holy Spirit, not by attending one organization’s lessons.

Hebrews 12:2: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus is the “pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Our faith begins and ends with Him, not with an organization.

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Romans 10:17 (Faith Comes from Hearing)

Context: Romans 10 is about Israel’s unbelief and the availability of salvation to all who call on the Lord. Paul is explaining that people need to hear the gospel in order to believe.

Main Point: Faith comes from hearing the gospel message about Christ. People can’t believe in someone they haven’t heard about, so the gospel must be proclaimed.

Key Verses:

Romans 10:14-17: “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? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our message?’ Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

What Is “The Word”?

The context makes clear that “the word” is the gospel message about Christ—the good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose again.

Romans 10:9: “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.”

This is the message that produces faith—the simple gospel about Jesus.

What SCJ Distorts:

The lesson uses Romans 10:17 to create dependency on SCJ’s teaching:

“You cannot divorce faith from hearing the word… So in this year, make the determination to never stop hearing the word. For if you stop hearing the word, like disconnecting something from a power outlet, eventually your spiritual battery will drain and faith will diminish.”

The implication: “The word” = SCJ’s lessons. If you stop attending, your faith will die.

The Biblical Reality:

1. “The Word” Is the Gospel Message:

The context of Romans 10:17 makes clear that “the word” is the gospel message about Christ, not one organization’s interpretive lessons.

2. Faith Is Sustained by the Holy Spirit:

Galatians 3:2-3: “I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?”

Faith begins and continues by the Spirit’s work, not by our efforts to attend lessons.

3. We Grow Through Various Means:

Yes, we should continue in God’s word. But this happens through:

• Personal Bible reading
• Prayer
• Worship
• Fellowship with believers
• Service
• Various teaching sources (not just one organization)

Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

God preserves His children. Our faith doesn’t “drain” if we miss a lesson.

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John 14:29 (Told Before It Happens)

Context: This is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples before His crucifixion. He’s preparing them for what’s coming and promising the Holy Spirit.

Main Point: Jesus told His disciples about His death and resurrection beforehand so that when it happened, they would believe. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness—He does what He says He will do.

Key Verse:

John 14:29: “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.”

Application: Yes, God reveals His plans beforehand and then fulfills them. This strengthens our faith. Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating that God is faithful.

What SCJ Distorts:

The lesson uses this verse to prepare students for SCJ’s fulfillment claims:

“Both faith in God’s promises and belief in what He has done are important. But it is also important to be attentive to what God has done so that we can recognize and believe it when it happens. Let us be those who are attentive to fulfillment.”

The implication: SCJ is the fulfillment you need to recognize and believe.

The Biblical Reality:

1. Jesus Fulfilled Old Testament Prophecies:

Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled prophecies like Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, and many others. This is what John 14:29 is referring to.

2. We Await Jesus’ Return:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

The major prophetic fulfillment we’re awaiting is Jesus’ return, not the rise of one organization.

3. We Should Test All Claims:

Matthew 24:23-25: “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. See, I have told you ahead of time.”

Jesus warned that false messiahs and false prophets would make claims about fulfillment. We should test all such claims against Scripture.

How to Be Truly “Attentive to Fulfillment”:

1. Know what Scripture actually teaches about prophecy and fulfillment
2. Test all claims against Scripture and sound doctrine
3. Remember Jesus’ warnings about false messiahs and false prophets
4. Look for the fruit of genuine fulfillment (love, truth, freedom)
5. Don’t be manipulated by organizations claiming to be “the fulfillment”

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Ephesians 6:10-17 (The Armor of God)

Context: Paul is concluding his letter to the Ephesians with practical instructions for Christian living. He’s explaining that believers are in a spiritual battle and need spiritual protection.

Main Point: Believers face spiritual warfare and need to be equipped with spiritual armor. This armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and Scripture.

Key Verses:

Ephesians 6:10-17: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The Pieces of Armor:

1. Belt of Truth:

Truth is the foundation that holds everything together. This includes:

• The truth of the gospel
• Living truthfully (not deceiving)
• Believing truth and rejecting lies

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

Ironically, SCJ violates the “belt of truth” by:

• Hiding their identity from students
• Deceiving students about the course’s purpose
• Using manipulation and information control

2. Breastplate of Righteousness:

Righteousness protects our vital organs (heart). This includes:

• Right standing with God through faith in Christ
• Living in obedience to God’s commands
• Pursuing holiness

Romans 3:22: “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”

Psalm 37:30-31: “The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.”

Yes, righteous people have God’s word in their hearts. But righteousness is primarily about right standing with God through faith in Christ, not just about knowing Scripture.

3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace:

The gospel brings peace with God and enables us to move swiftly to proclaim it.

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

Ephesians 2:14-17: “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility… He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.”

Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'”

The “shoes” are about being ready to proclaim the gospel of peace—the good news that we have peace with God through Jesus. This isn’t about “understanding fulfillment” through SCJ’s interpretive system—it’s about proclaiming the simple gospel.

4. Shield of Faith:

Faith in Christ protects us from spiritual attacks—doubts, temptations, accusations.

1 Peter 5:8-9: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”

Faith in Christ is our shield, not attendance at one organization’s lessons.

5. Helmet of Salvation:

The assurance of salvation protects our minds from doubt, despair, and deception.

1 Thessalonians 5:8: “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”

Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Our salvation is secure in Christ. This assurance protects our minds.

6. Sword of the Spirit:

The word of God is our offensive weapon against lies and deception.

Hebrews 4:12: “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.”

Matthew 4:1-11: Jesus used Scripture to combat Satan’s temptations. He quoted Scripture accurately and in context—not through a complex interpretive system.

What SCJ Distorts:

The lesson teaches that every piece of armor is essentially “the word,” and by implying that SCJ provides the correct understanding of “the word,” positions SCJ as essential for spiritual protection.

The Biblical Reality:

The armor of God is about:

• Strength in the Lord (not in an organization)
• Truth (not deception)
• Righteousness through faith in Christ (not organizational membership)
• The simple gospel (not complex interpretations)
• Faith in Christ (not organizational dependency)
• Assurance of salvation in Christ (not fear-based teaching)
• Scripture used in context (not one organization’s interpretive system)

The Irony:

SCJ teaches about the armor of God while violating many pieces of it:

• Belt of truth: They hide their identity and deceive students
• Breastplate of righteousness: They use manipulation and control
• Shoes of the gospel: They complicate the simple gospel
• Shield of faith: They create dependency on their organization rather than faith in Christ
• Helmet of salvation: They create fear and anxiety rather than assurance
• Sword of the Spirit: They use Scripture out of context to support their agenda

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1 Thessalonians 5:21 (Test All Things)

Context: Paul is giving final instructions to the Thessalonian church, including how to respond to prophecy and teaching.

Main Point: We should test all teaching, hold on to what is good, and reject what is false.

Key Verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22: “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.”

Application: Yes, we should test all teaching—including SCJ’s. This is biblical discernment.

How to Test Teaching:

1. Test Against Scripture:

Acts 17:11: “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.”

The Bereans tested even Paul’s teaching against Scripture. We should do the same with all teaching.

2. Test Against Sound Doctrine:

2 Timothy 4:3: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

Titus 2:1: “You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.”

Sound doctrine has been faithfully taught by the church for 2,000 years. We should test teaching against this historic Christian faith.

3. Test the Fruit:

Matthew 7:15-20: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them… Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”

What fruit is the teaching producing?

• Love or fear?
• Freedom or control?
• Truth or deception?
• Unity or isolation?

4. Test Against the Gospel:

Galatians 1:8-9: “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! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”

Does the teaching center on the simple gospel—that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, and that salvation is by grace through faith in Him? Or does it add requirements?

What SCJ Gets Wrong:

SCJ teaches students to “discern” teaching (which is biblical), but then creates a system where students can’t actually exercise discernment regarding SCJ’s own teaching. If students question SCJ, they’re told they’re not humble, they’re under spiritual attack, or they’re drinking “salt water.”

True discernment includes the freedom to test SCJ’s teaching against Scripture.

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1 John 4:1 (Test the Spirits)

Context: John is warning believers about false teachers who deny that Jesus came in the flesh.

Main Point: We should test all spiritual teaching to see whether it’s from God or from false prophets.

Key Verses:

1 John 4:1-3: “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. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”

Application: We should test all teaching. John provides a specific test: Does the teaching acknowledge that Jesus Christ came in the flesh? Does it center on Jesus?

Questions to Ask About SCJ’s Teaching:

1. Does it center on Jesus? Or does it center on Lee Man-hee and SCJ’s organizational claims?
2. Does it proclaim the simple gospel? Or does it complicate salvation with requirements like understanding complex interpretations?
3. Does it produce the fruit of the Spirit? (Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) Or does it produce fear, anxiety, isolation, and deception?
4. Does it operate in truth? Or does it hide its identity and use deception?
5. Does it create freedom? Or does it create dependency and control?

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Appendix: Comparison Chart

To help clarify the differences between biblical teaching and SCJ’s framework, here’s a side-by-side comparison:

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Appendix: Questions for Reflection

If you’re currently taking SCJ’s Bible study, consider these questions:

About the “Pure Water vs. Salt Water” Framework:

1. Does the Bible teach that most Christian teaching is “salt water” that will kill you? Or does it teach that we should test all teaching against Scripture?
2. Is the “pure water vs. salt water” framework creating fear of other Christian teaching?
3. Who determines which teaching is “pure water” and which is “salt water”? (Hint: SCJ does)
4. Is this framework isolating you from your home church, Christian friends, and family?

About Faith “Draining”:

1. Does the Bible teach that faith “drains” if you miss lessons from one organization? Or does it teach that the Holy Spirit sustains believers?
2. What does Philippians 1:6 say about God preserving His work in believers?
3. Is the fear that your faith will “drain” creating dependency on SCJ’s lessons?
4. Can you test this claim? What would happen if you took a break from SCJ’s lessons?

About Being “Attentive to Fulfillment”:

1. Is SCJ preparing you to accept their organizational claims as “the fulfillment” you need to recognize?
2. How can you verify whether SCJ is actually the fulfillment of prophecy?
3. What does Matthew 24:23-25 say about claims of fulfillment?
4. Are you being manipulated to accept SCJ’s claims without proper testing?

About Spiritual Warfare:

1. Is the warning that “Satan attacks when you study deeply” pre-framing opposition from family, friends, and your home church as spiritual attacks?
2. Could their concerns be legitimate rather than spiritual attacks?
3. Is this teaching creating an “us vs. them” mentality?
4. Does the Bible teach that all opposition is from Satan, or should we listen to wise counsel?

About Discernment:

1. Does SCJ allow you to exercise true discernment regarding their own teaching? Or do they prevent questioning by saying you’re not humble, you’re under attack, or you’re drinking “salt water”?
2. What happens if you consult other Christian sources to verify SCJ’s teaching?
3. Are you free to test SCJ’s teaching against Scripture, or is that discouraged?
4. Is the emphasis on discernment actually creating fear and isolation rather than wisdom?

About the Fruit:

1. Is SCJ’s teaching producing love, joy, peace, and freedom? Or is it producing fear, anxiety, isolation, and dependency?
2. Are you becoming more loving toward other Christians? Or more suspicious and isolated?
3. Are you growing in security in Christ? Or in fear that you might receive “wrong” teaching?
4. Are you free to question and test? Or do you feel controlled?

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Appendix: Biblical Assurance

If you’re struggling with fear after this lesson—fear that other teaching is “salt water,” fear that your faith will “drain,” fear that you’ll miss God’s fulfillment—here are biblical truths to hold onto:

1. God preserves His children:

John 10:27-29: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Jude 1:24: “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.”

Your faith doesn’t “drain” if you miss a lesson. God preserves His children.

2. The Holy Spirit guides believers:

John 14:26: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

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

1 John 2:27: “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.”

You have the Holy Spirit. You’re not dependent on one organization.

3. God’s love casts out fear:

1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

Romans 8:15: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”

God’s character is love, not fear. If a teaching creates fear and anxiety, question whether it’s from God.

4. Most Christian teaching is faithful:

The vast majority of Christian churches faithfully teach the gospel and sound doctrine. Yes, we should test all teaching, but we shouldn’t live in fear that most teaching is “salt water.”

5. You can test all teaching:

1 Thessalonians 5:21: “but test them all; hold on to what is good.”

Acts 17:11: “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.”

You have permission—even a command—to test all teaching, including SCJ’s.

6. Faith is in Christ, not in an organization:

Colossians 2:6-7: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Hebrews 12:2: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Faith is in Christ, not in attending one organization’s lessons.

7. The gospel is simple:

1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

This is the gospel. It’s simple. It’s not hidden in one organization’s interpretive system.

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A Prayer for Those Struggling

If you’re feeling fear, anxiety, or dependency after this lesson, here’s a prayer you can pray:

“Lord Jesus, I’m struggling with fear. I’ve been taught that other Christian teaching might be ‘salt water’ that will kill me spiritually. I’ve been told that if I stop attending SCJ’s lessons, my faith will ‘drain.’ I’m afraid of missing Your fulfillment. I feel anxious and isolated.

But Your Word says that Your love casts out fear. Your Word says that You preserve Your children and that no one can snatch us out of Your hand. Your Word says that the Holy Spirit guides all believers.

Please help me to see clearly. If I’ve been manipulated by fear-based teaching, show me. If I’ve been isolated from healthy Christian community, restore me. If I’ve become dependent on an organization instead of on You, free me.

Thank You that my faith is secure in You, not in attending one organization’s lessons. Thank You that the Holy Spirit guides me. Thank You that Your character is love, not fear. Thank You that most Christian churches faithfully teach the gospel.

Help me to test all teaching against Your Word. Help me to find security in You, not in an organization. Help me to find healthy Christian community where I can grow in love, truth, and freedom.

In Your name I pray, Amen.”

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Closing Thoughts: The Simple Truth

After all the complex teaching about “pure water vs. salt water,” “faith draining,” and “being attentive to fulfillment,” the gospel remains beautifully simple:

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Ephesians 2:8-9: “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.”

Romans 10:9: “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.”

You don’t need to fear other Christian teaching. You don’t need one organization’s lessons to sustain your faith. You don’t need to be “attentive” to one organization’s fulfillment claims.

You need Jesus.

John 10:27-28: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Your faith is secure in Christ, not in an organization.

1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”

God’s character is love, not fear.

Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

God preserves His children.

The gospel is about Christ, not about organizational dependency or fear-based isolation.

And if you have Jesus through faith, you have everything you need.

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“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” — 1 John 4:18

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” — John 10:27-28

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:6

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For comprehensive resources, biblical analysis, and support, visit:

https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination

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This analysis is part of the series “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story.” May God grant you wisdom, discernment, and the freedom that comes from knowing Christ alone.