Analysis of SCJ Lesson 25 “Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Cooking Pot”

---

Introduction: When Your Sanctuary Becomes Your Prison

Imagine you’re invited to a friend’s home for dinner. The house is beautiful, the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Your host greets you with a smile and says, “I’ve prepared something special for you.” You’re seated at the table, and the meal is served with care and attention.

But as you eat, you notice something odd. Your host keeps watching you intently, taking notes on what you eat, how much you enjoy it, whether you finish everything. When you ask about it, they smile: “I’m just making sure you’re being properly nourished. You see, most people don’t know how to eat correctly. They think they’re being fed, but they’re actually being poisoned by bad food. I’m one of the few who knows how to prepare meals that truly nourish.”

You laugh it off at first, but then your host continues: “In fact, most restaurants and home kitchens are contaminated. The food looks good on the outside, but inside it’s toxic. People think they’re eating well, but they’re actually being slowly destroyed. That’s why I’m so careful about what I serve—and what you should eat.”

As the evening progresses, your host begins to critique every other place you’ve eaten: “That restaurant you mentioned? Contaminated kitchen. Your mother’s cooking? Well-intentioned but dangerous. Your favorite café? They’re serving poison and don’t even know it.”

By the end of the night, you’re confused and anxious. You came for a simple meal, but now you’re questioning every kitchen you’ve ever trusted. Your host smiles warmly: “Don’t worry. As long as you keep coming here, you’ll be safe. I’m one of the few who knows how to prepare food correctly. Everyone else is either deceived or deceiving others.”

You leave feeling unsettled. What started as a dinner invitation has become something else entirely—a systematic dismantling of your trust in every other source of nourishment, replaced by dependence on this one host who claims exclusive knowledge of what’s truly safe to eat.

This is precisely what happens in Shincheonji’s Lesson 25: “Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Cooking Pot.”

The lesson appears to be creative biblical teaching about Old Testament symbolism. Instructor Nate walks students through passages about cooking pots, explaining how they represent churches and congregations. He uses Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and the Gospels to illustrate his points. Everything sounds scholarly, biblical, and intellectually stimulating.

But beneath the surface, something else is happening. The lesson is constructing a framework that will teach students to view every church—except the one they’re being prepared to join—as spiritually toxic, “encrusted,” and offering people to Satan rather than to God. By the time students realize what they’re being taught, they’ve already accepted the premise that:

• Most churches are “Satan’s pot” (encrusted, corrupted, deadly)
• Only one church is “God’s pot” (holy, pure, life-giving)
• Religious leaders are either deceiving or deceived
• You must discern which “pot” you’re in
• The wrong pot leads to spiritual death

Lesson 25 sits strategically near the end of the Introductory Level before students transition to the Intermediate course where Shincheonji’s identity and unique doctrines become more explicit. It’s the penultimate preparation phase, where students learn to categorize all of Christianity into two camps: the encrusted pot (traditional churches) and the holy pot (Shincheonji, though not named yet).

By the time students complete this lesson, they’ve been psychologically conditioned to:

• Distrust their home churches
• View their pastors with suspicion
• Question whether they’re being “properly prepared” for God
• Feel anxiety about being in the “wrong pot”
• Believe that only this study offers the “right pot”

Let’s examine how this lesson uses legitimate biblical imagery to build an illegitimate framework of fear, control, and isolation—and how the 30 chapters of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” expose these tactics.

---

Part 1: The Cooking Pot Metaphor—Biblical Imagery or Manipulative Framework?

What the Lesson Teaches

The lesson begins by introducing the concept of a “figurative cooking pot”:

“Cooking pots tend to be larger in size compared to bowls. So a cooking pot may represent a collection of people, like a church congregation – a grouping of individual members.”

Nate then breaks down the components:

Physical Characteristics:

1. A pot is a large container
2. A cooking pot’s role is to cook meat to make it edible and nutritious
3. Cooking transforms raw food into a digestible state

Spiritual Meaning:

• Cooking Pot = Church
• Meat = People
• Fire = Word of God
• Wood = Leaders/Pastors

He states:

“The pastor’s job is to prepare the people so that they can be offered up. It matters greatly who the people are being offered to and where this offering occurs. The people should be offered up to God.”

The Hidden Framework

On the surface, this seems like creative biblical interpretation—using Old Testament imagery to explain spiritual truths. But notice what’s being established:

The Binary Setup:

The lesson is preparing students to accept that there are only two types of churches:

1. God’s Pot – Holy, pure, properly preparing people for God
2. Satan’s Pot – Encrusted, corrupted, offering people to Satan

There’s no middle ground, no nuance, no acknowledgment that most churches are faithfully serving God despite human imperfection.

The Anxiety Creation:

By introducing the question “which pot am I in?”, the lesson creates immediate anxiety:

• Am I in the right church?
• Is my pastor properly preparing me?
• Am I being offered to God or to Satan?
• How can I know for sure?

The Authority Transfer:

The lesson establishes that discerning the “right pot” requires special knowledge:

• You need to understand prophecy and fulfillment
• You need to recognize the signs of an “encrusted pot”
• You need teaching from someone who can explain these things
• Conveniently, this study provides that teaching

Chapter 4: “The Impact of Interpretive Frameworks” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” addresses this tactic:

“The same biblical passage can be used to build faith or destroy it, depending on the interpretive framework applied. Shincheonji uses legitimate biblical imagery to create a framework that undermines confidence in all of Christianity except themselves.”

The Biblical Problem

Let’s examine whether the “cooking pot” metaphor actually teaches what Shincheonji claims:

Ezekiel 11:3 in Context:

“They say, ‘Haven’t our houses been recently rebuilt? This city is a pot, and we are the meat in it.'”

Full Context (Ezekiel 11:1-13):

This passage is about specific leaders in Jerusalem who were giving false counsel, saying the city was safe when judgment was coming. The “pot” metaphor here is being used by the wicked leaders themselves to claim false security—”we’re safe in this pot (city).”

But God responds (Ezekiel 11:7-11):

“Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: The bodies you have thrown there are the meat and this city is the pot, but I will drive you out of it. You fear the sword, and the sword is what I will bring against you, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will drive you out of the city and deliver you into the hands of foreigners and inflict punishment on you. You will fall by the sword, and I will execute judgment on you at the borders of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord. This city will not be a pot for you, nor will you be the meat in it; I will execute judgment on you at the borders of Israel.”

What the passage actually teaches:

• The leaders were falsely claiming security (“we’re safe in this pot”)
• God was pronouncing judgment on their false confidence
• The “pot” metaphor was about Jerusalem as a city, not about churches
• The issue was false prophecy and wicked leadership, not church structures

The passage does NOT teach:

• That churches are “cooking pots”
• That there are two types of pots (God’s and Satan’s)
• That you need to discern which pot you’re in
• That most churches are “encrusted pots” offering people to Satan

Ezekiel 24:3-6 in Context:

“Tell this rebellious people a parable and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Put on the cooking pot; put it on and pour water into it… Woe to the city of bloodshed, to the pot now encrusted, whose deposit will not go away!'”

Full Context (Ezekiel 24:1-14):

This is a parable about Jerusalem’s coming destruction because of persistent sin and bloodshed. The “encrusted pot” represents Jerusalem’s deep-seated corruption that cannot be cleansed.

What the passage actually teaches:

• Jerusalem had become so corrupt it was like an encrusted pot
• The corruption was so deep that even fire couldn’t cleanse it
• God’s judgment was coming because of persistent rebellion
• This was a specific historical situation, not a template for categorizing all churches

The passage does NOT teach:

• That churches can be categorized as “encrusted pots”
• That most churches are offering people to Satan
• That you need to find the “non-encrusted pot”
• That religious leaders are generally corrupt

Zechariah 14:20-21 in Context:

“On that day holy to the Lord will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the Lord’s house will be like the sacred bowls in front of the altar. Every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the Lord Almighty.”

Full Context (Zechariah 14:1-21):

This is an eschatological prophecy about the Day of the Lord when everything will be consecrated to God—even common items like cooking pots and horse bells will be holy.

What the passage actually teaches:

• In the future kingdom, everything will be holy to the Lord
• Even ordinary items will be consecrated for God’s purposes
• This speaks of universal holiness in God’s kingdom
• It’s about the transformation of all things, not about identifying the “right church”

The passage does NOT teach:

• That Jesus is the “holy pot”
• That there’s one special church that’s the “holy pot”
• That you need to identify which pot you’re in
• That this is a template for church evaluation

Chapter 24: “The Scarlet Thread – Part 1” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains:

“There’s a fundamental difference between reading the Bible and studying it in pieces. Imagine taking a tapestry—a magnificent work of art woven with a single scarlet thread running through every scene—and cutting it into fragments… This is what happens in Shincheonji’s Bible study. From their introductory level through advanced Revelation classes, they don’t take you through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. They don’t show you the continuous narrative. Instead, they select specific chapters and verses—carefully chosen to support a predetermined conclusion.”

Shincheonji takes isolated “cooking pot” passages from different contexts and weaves them into a narrative that the Bible itself doesn’t teach.

---

Part 2: The “Two Pots” Framework—Creating Fear and Control

What the Lesson Teaches

The lesson explicitly establishes two types of cooking pots:

Satan’s Pot (Encrusted Pot):

Using Ezekiel 24:3-6 and Micah 3:1-3, 11, Nate describes:

“An encrusted pot is full of rust, an old pot that’s falling apart. What happens when you cook something in a rusted pot? The food gets corrupted inside. It ruins the meat, makes it inedible, unpresentable, undesirable – like it was cooked too long.”

He identifies the characteristics:

• Cooking Pot: Synagogues (at Jesus’ time)
• Meat: People of Israel
• Fire: Falsehood and lies
• Wood: Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, Teachers of the law

He applies this to the first coming:

“So when the Pharisees brought someone into their organization, into their synagogue, into their Church, who were they, ultimately offering them up to? They were offering them up to Satan, to be devoured. And the people did not know it.”

God’s Pot (Holy Pot):

Using Zechariah 14:20-21 and John 17:8, Nate describes:

“His pots will become holy and sacred for people to use, and good things will happen with these pots. So who is the fulfillment, the reality behind these holy and sacred ‘pots’? Who appeared that was like this pot? Jesus.”

He identifies the characteristics:

• Cooking Pot: Jesus’ Church
• Meat: 12 Disciples
• Fire: Word of Truth (John 17:8)
• Wood: True Pastor (Jesus)

Then comes the critical application:

“Why are we talking about something in the past? As it says in 1 Corinthians 10:11, these things were written down as examples and warnings for us who come in the future, for us to take note and be aware. This needs to be us, who are ready and prepared. Will there be cooking pots of both kinds in our time? Yes. So now the question is – which pot am I being cooked in? That’s what you should ask yourself today.”

The Hidden Framework

This section accomplishes several critical manipulative objectives:

1. Creates Binary Thinking

The lesson forces students into either/or thinking:

• Either your church is God’s pot OR Satan’s pot
• Either your pastor is a true shepherd OR a false leader
• Either you’re being offered to God OR to Satan
• No middle ground, no nuance, no grace for human imperfection

2. Generates Existential Anxiety

By asking “which pot am I in?”, the lesson creates profound spiritual anxiety:

• What if I’m in the wrong pot?
• What if my pastor is offering me to Satan without knowing it?
• What if I’ve been deceived my whole life?
• How can I be sure I’m in the right pot?

3. Undermines Existing Church Relationships

The lesson systematically teaches students to view their churches with suspicion:

• Is my church “encrusted”?
• Are the leaders teaching “falsehood and lies”?
• Am I being “corrupted” by bad teaching?
• Should I leave and find the “holy pot”?

4. Positions Shincheonji as the Solution

Though not stated explicitly yet, the implication is clear:

• This study is teaching you how to discern the pots
• This study is giving you prophecy and fulfillment (the key to the holy pot)
• This study is preparing you properly
• Therefore, this study must be the “holy pot”

5. Creates Dependence on the Teacher

The lesson establishes that you can’t discern the pots on your own:

• You need to understand prophecy and fulfillment
• You need someone to teach you the “deeper things of God”
• You need to be “cooked” properly
• Conveniently, this instructor provides that teaching

Chapter 5: “The Divine Blueprint or Cult Manipulation?” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” identifies this as Step 3: Destabilization:

“Once the foundation is laid, the system introduces anxiety and uncertainty. Members are taught that their previous understanding was dangerously wrong, that most Christians are deceived, and that only this group has the truth. This creates psychological dependence on the group for spiritual security.”

The Biblical Problem

Does the Bible Teach a “Two Pots” Framework?

Let’s examine what Scripture actually says about the church:

The Church as Christ’s Body:

Ephesians 1:22-23 – “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”

1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

Colossians 1:18 – “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

The biblical metaphor for the church is Christ’s body, not a cooking pot. This metaphor emphasizes:

• Unity – One body with many members
• Life – Living organism, not inanimate container
• Connection to Christ – He is the head
• Interdependence – Members need each other

The Church as God’s Building:

1 Corinthians 3:9-11 – “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 2:19-22 – “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

The church is described as God’s building or temple, emphasizing:

• Foundation in Christ – He is the cornerstone
• Growth – Being built up together
• God’s presence – A dwelling place for the Spirit
• Unity – Joined together

The Church as Christ’s Bride:

Ephesians 5:25-27 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

Revelation 19:7-8 – “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”

The church is described as Christ’s bride, emphasizing:

• Love relationship – Christ loves the church
• Purity – Being made holy
• Faithfulness – Covenant relationship
• Future hope – The wedding feast

Notice: None of these biblical metaphors support Shincheonji’s “two pots” framework.

What About Imperfect Churches?

Yes, the New Testament addresses problems in churches. But notice how:

Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches

Jesus addresses seven churches with various problems:

• Ephesus – Lost first love
• Smyrna – Facing persecution
• Pergamum – Tolerating false teaching
• Thyatira – Tolerating Jezebel
• Sardis – Dead works
• Philadelphia – Faithful but weak
• Laodicea – Lukewarm

But notice what Jesus does:

• He addresses each church individually (not categorizing as “God’s pot” or “Satan’s pot”)
• He commends what’s good while correcting what’s wrong
• He calls them to repentance, not to leave and find another church
• He promises rewards to “those who overcome” within these imperfect churches
• He never says “leave this encrusted pot and find the holy pot”

1 Corinthians: A Deeply Flawed Church

The Corinthian church had serious problems:

• Divisions and quarrels (1 Cor 1:10-12)
• Sexual immorality (1 Cor 5:1)
• Lawsuits among believers (1 Cor 6:1-8)
• Misuse of spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12-14)
• Denial of resurrection (1 Cor 15:12)

But Paul doesn’t say:

• “You’re in Satan’s encrusted pot”
• “Leave and find the holy pot”
• “This church is offering you to Satan”

Instead, Paul:

• Addresses them as “sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor 1:2)
• Calls them “God’s temple” (1 Cor 3:16)
• Corrects errors while affirming their identity in Christ
• Works to restore and build up, not to condemn and abandon

Chapter 6: “The Consistent or Selective Narrative?” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains:

“Shincheonji selectively uses Scripture to create doubt about traditional Christianity while ignoring passages that contradict their own system. They emphasize Jesus’ warnings about false teachers to discredit other churches, but don’t apply the same standards to their own organization.”

The Logical Problem

Contradiction 1: If most churches are “Satan’s pot,” then:

• Jesus’ promise that “the gates of hell will not overcome” the church (Matthew 16:18) failed
• The Holy Spirit’s guidance of the church failed
• Christianity has been predominantly Satanic for 2,000 years
• God’s plan to build His church was mostly unsuccessful

Contradiction 2: If only one organization is “God’s pot,” then:

• All the faithful Christians throughout history who weren’t in that organization were in Satan’s pot
• Martyrs who died for Christ in other churches were deceived
• The global church that has spread the gospel worldwide is actually Satanic
• God’s work has been limited to one small group

Contradiction 3: The lesson uses Matthew 23 to condemn the Pharisees, but:

• Jesus was critiquing specific leaders for specific sins (hypocrisy, greed, pride)
• Jesus never said “leave the synagogue and find a different pot”
• In fact, Jesus said “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach” (Matthew 23:2-3)
• Jesus distinguished between the office (which should be respected) and the behavior (which should not be imitated)

Chapter 17: “The Logical Contradiction in Shincheonji’s Claims” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains:

“Every detective knows that when a theory contains internal contradictions, it’s likely false. A suspect who claims he was in two places at once, or that he both knew and didn’t know critical information, reveals through contradiction that something in his account is untrue.”

---

Part 3: The Micah 3 Distortion—Weaponizing Prophetic Critique

What the Lesson Teaches

The lesson uses Micah 3:1-3, 11 to describe “Satan’s pot”:

“This passage from Micah depicts a dire situation for God’s people. God condemns the leaders who are meant to guide the people, yet instead tear them apart. The imagery of cooking flesh in unauthorized pots illustrates how the leaders are exploiting the people for their own benefit, not caring for their wellbeing. Verse 11 provides a clue about the identity of these leaders – they accept payment in exchange for their teachings, indicating greed and misuse of their authority.“

Nate applies this to identify false leaders:

“The message condemns abusive leadership over God’s flock, acting without divine approval for selfish gain rather than caring for the people.”

The Hidden Framework

This teaching accomplishes several objectives:

1. Creates Suspicion of Paid Pastors

By emphasizing that the corrupt leaders “teach for a price,” the lesson plants seeds of doubt about:

• Pastors who receive salaries
• Churches that collect tithes and offerings
• Any religious leader who is financially supported

2. Implies Shincheonji is Different

Though not stated explicitly, the implication is:

• Those corrupt leaders taught “for a price”
• This study is free (initially)
• Therefore, this study must be from God
• Your church that pays its pastor must be corrupt

3. Weaponizes Legitimate Prophetic Critique

The lesson takes a specific prophetic condemnation of specific leaders in a specific historical context and universalizes it to condemn all paid religious leadership.

The Biblical Problem

Micah 3:1-3, 11 in Full Context:

Let’s read the complete passage:

Micah 3:1-12:

“Then I said, ‘Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice, you who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; who eat my people’s flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot?’

Then they will cry out to the Lord, but he will not answer them. At that time he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done.

This is what the Lord says: ‘As for the prophets who lead my people astray, who proclaim “peace” if they have something to eat, but prepare to wage war against anyone who refuses to feed them. Therefore night will come over you, without visions, and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them. The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced. They will all cover their faces because there is no answer from God.’

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin. Hear this, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right; who build Zion with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness. Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say, ‘Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us.’ Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.”

What the passage actually condemns:

1. Leaders who pervert justice – “hate good and love evil”
2. Violent exploitation – “tear the skin from my people”
3. Prophets who prophesy based on payment – “proclaim peace if they have something to eat”
4. Judges who take bribes – “leaders judge for a bribe”
5. Priests who teach for profit while being corrupt – “teach for a price” while building “with bloodshed”
6. False confidence – “Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come”

What the passage does NOT condemn:

1. Legitimate financial support for ministry – The issue is not payment itself, but corruption and greed
2. All religious leadership – The issue is specific corrupt leaders, not leadership in general
3. Churches that support their pastors – The issue is exploitation, not legitimate compensation

What Does the Bible Actually Teach About Supporting Ministers?

1 Corinthians 9:7-14:

“Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk? Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.’ Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more?

But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.“

Paul explicitly teaches:

• Ministers have a right to financial support
• This is God’s command, not human invention
• It’s based on Old Testament law and Jesus’ teaching
• Those who serve spiritually should be supported materially

1 Timothy 5:17-18:

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.'”

Paul teaches:

• Elders who lead well deserve “double honor” (including financial support)
• This is especially true for those who preach and teach
• This is biblical principle, not corruption

Galatians 6:6:

“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with the one who teaches.”

Those who are taught should support their teachers financially.

Luke 10:7:

“Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.”

Jesus Himself taught that workers deserve wages.

The Difference:

The Bible condemns:

• Greed – Teaching for profit while exploiting people
• Corruption – Taking bribes, perverting justice
• False prophecy for money – Saying what people want to hear for payment
• Exploitation – Using ministry for personal enrichment

The Bible supports:

• Legitimate compensation – Those who serve should be supported
• Sharing resources – Those taught should support teachers
• Fair wages – Workers deserve their pay
• Honoring leaders – Those who serve well deserve recognition

Chapter 11: “The Wisdom of Hiding: Deceive, Deny, Revise” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains:

“Shincheonji uses selective Scripture to create suspicion of traditional churches while hiding their own practices. They criticize paid pastors while their own organization collects significant financial resources from members, requires unpaid labor, and enriches the leadership.”

The Irony

The lesson condemns leaders who “teach for a price,” but let’s examine Shincheonji’s actual practices:

Financial Exploitation in Shincheonji:

1. “Free” classes with hidden costs:
   • Initial classes are free to recruit members
   • Once committed, members face increasing financial pressure
   • Tithes, offerings, and “voluntary” donations
2. Unpaid labor requirements:
   • Members work long hours without compensation
   • Recruitment quotas (“harvesting”) without pay
   • Administrative work, event planning, facility maintenance
3. Time as currency:
   • 4+ classes per week (Advanced Level)
   • Homework, memorization, testing
   • Recruitment activities
   • Group events
4. Organizational wealth:
   • Shincheonji owns significant real estate
   • Large facilities worldwide
   • Substantial financial resources
   • Leadership lives comfortably

The lesson condemns pastors who receive modest salaries for full-time ministry, while preparing students to join an organization that will exploit their time, labor, and resources far more extensively.

---

Part 4: The Luke 24 Manipulation—Gradual Revelation as Justification for Deception

What the Lesson Teaches

The lesson concludes with an extended section on Luke 24:13-35 (the Road to Emmaus story). Nate uses this passage to justify Shincheonji’s practice of hiding their identity:

“Jesus kept critical information about who he was to himself until the disciples understood the scriptures. Then he revealed himself to them and allowed himself to be known. This was an act of grace. Imagine if Jesus had just shown up unexpectedly. The disciples would have been shocked because their understanding was not ready yet. So even though they would have been glad to see Jesus, they still would have been confused. Jesus did them a favor by gradually increasing their knowledge. So when they saw the fulfillment of prophecy, they completely understood and were filled with deep excitement.“

The Hidden Framework

This section is critical because it provides theological justification for Shincheonji’s deceptive practices:

1. Justifies Hidden Identity

The lesson teaches:

• Jesus hid His identity initially
• This was “an act of grace”
• Revealing too much too soon would confuse people
• Therefore, hiding information is actually loving

Implication for students:

• It’s okay that you don’t know you’re in Shincheonji yet
• It’s okay that the instructors haven’t revealed the organization’s identity
• This deception is actually “grace”—protecting you from confusion
• When you’re “ready,” the full truth will be revealed

2. Establishes “Readiness” Requirement

The lesson teaches:

• Jesus waited until the disciples were “ready”
• Understanding must be built gradually
• You can’t handle the full truth yet
• Trust the process

Implication for students:

• You’re not ready for the full truth yet
• Keep studying and you’ll eventually be ready
• Don’t question why information is being withheld
• Trust that the instructors know when you’re ready

3. Creates Dependency on Teachers

The lesson teaches:

• Jesus had to explain the Scriptures to the disciples
• They couldn’t understand on their own
• They needed someone to teach them
• Only then could they recognize the truth

Implication for students:

• You can’t understand Scripture on your own
• You need these teachers to explain it to you
• Don’t try to research independently
• Stay dependent on this teaching

The Biblical Problem

Does Luke 24 Actually Justify Deceptive Practices?

Let’s examine what actually happened in Luke 24:13-35:

The Context:

Two disciples were walking to Emmaus, discussing Jesus’ crucifixion. They were confused and disappointed because they thought Jesus was the Messiah who would redeem Israel, but He had been killed.

What Jesus Did:

1. He joined them on the road (v. 15)
2. “They were kept from recognizing him” (v. 16) – This was supernatural, not deception
3. He asked what they were discussing (v. 17)
4. He listened to their confusion (v. 18-24)
5. He rebuked their slowness to believe (v. 25)
6. He explained the Scriptures (v. 27)
7. He revealed Himself when breaking bread (v. 30-31)

Critical Distinctions:

What Jesus DID:

• Supernaturally prevented recognition (not human deception)
• Asked questions to draw out their understanding
• Taught them from Scripture
• Revealed Himself at the appropriate moment
• Was honest in all His interactions

What Jesus DID NOT do:

• Lie about His identity
• Claim to be someone else
• Deceive them about His organization or purpose
• Hide His identity for months while recruiting them
• Use their confusion to manipulate them
• Create a false front organization

The Timing Issue:

The lesson claims Jesus “gradually increased their knowledge” over time. But let’s look at the actual timeline:

• Morning: Women find empty tomb (Luke 24:1-12)
• Same day, afternoon: Road to Emmaus encounter (Luke 24:13)
• Same day, evening: Jesus reveals Himself (Luke 24:29-31)
• Same day, later: Disciples return to Jerusalem and Jesus appears to the Eleven (Luke 24:33-49)

The entire sequence happened in ONE DAY, not over months of gradual revelation.

Jesus didn’t spend months hiding His identity while teaching them. He revealed Himself the same day He encountered them, after a brief teaching session.

What About Jesus’ Public Ministry?

During His three-year ministry, did Jesus hide His identity?

No. Jesus was remarkably open:

John 18:20 – “I have spoken openly to the world,’ Jesus replied. ‘I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.'”

Mark 1:14-15 – “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'”

John 4:25-26 – “The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah’ (called Christ) ‘is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’ Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you—I am he.'”

Jesus:

• Taught openly in public places
• Proclaimed His message clearly
• Revealed His identity to those who asked
• Did not create false front organizations
• Did not hide His affiliation or purpose

Chapter 11: “The Wisdom of Hiding: Deceive, Deny, Revise” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” exposes this manipulation:

“Shincheonji uses the Road to Emmaus story to justify months of deceptive recruitment, claiming they’re following Jesus’ example. But Jesus supernaturally prevented recognition for a few hours before revealing Himself the same day. Shincheonji deliberately deceives people for months, hiding organizational identity, true teachings, and ultimate commitments. These are not comparable.”

The Ethical Problem

The Difference Between Jesus and Shincheonji:

2 Corinthians 4:2 – “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Paul explicitly teaches:

• Renounce secret and shameful ways
• Do not use deception
• Do not distort God’s word
• Set forth truth plainly

Shincheonji’s practices violate all of these principles.

---

Part 5: The Prophecy and Fulfillment Framework—Creating Exclusive Authority

What the Lesson Teaches

Throughout the lesson, Nate emphasizes the importance of “prophecy and fulfillment”:

“What did Jesus give the disciples? Prophecy and fulfillment – that’s what he gave them. Not just miracles or moral teachings, but he taught them who he was according to Scripture, and who they were according to Scripture.”

He continues:

“We must have discernment, and the place where God cooks will give prophecy and fulfillment, the deeper things of God.“

And critically:

“In discussing prophecy, it’s crucial to understand something. Often, we might connect a scriptural verse with a current event or something we hear in the news. However, it’s essential to recognize that the fulfillment of a single prophecy is not enough to reveal the truth. It’s not about mere coincidences or chance. The truth is unveiled when every prophecy is fulfilled.“

The Hidden Framework

This section is setting up the foundation for Shincheonji’s ultimate claim:

1. Establishes “Prophecy and Fulfillment” as the Key

The lesson teaches:

• Understanding prophecy and fulfillment is essential
• This is what Jesus gave the disciples
• This is how you recognize the true church
• Without this, you’re in darkness

2. Creates Exclusive Knowledge Claim

The lesson implies:

• Most churches don’t teach prophecy and fulfillment correctly
• This study is giving you the real prophecy and fulfillment
• Only those who understand prophecy and fulfillment are in “God’s pot”
• You need this special knowledge to be properly prepared

3. Prepares for Lee Man-hee’s Claims

Though not stated yet, this framework is preparing students to accept that:

• Lee Man-hee has witnessed the fulfillment of Revelation’s prophecies
• He is the only one who can correctly explain prophecy and fulfillment
• Shincheonji is the only church teaching true prophecy and fulfillment
• Therefore, Shincheonji is the only “holy pot”

4. Prevents Verification

The lesson teaches that “every prophecy must be fulfilled,” but:

• Students don’t yet know which prophecies Shincheonji claims are fulfilled
• They can’t verify the claims because they don’t have the full picture
• They’re told to trust the process and keep studying
• By the time they learn the full claims, they’re already psychologically committed

The Biblical Problem

Is “Prophecy and Fulfillment” the Key to Identifying the True Church?

Let’s examine what the New Testament actually emphasizes:

What Jesus Emphasized:

John 13:34-35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The mark of Jesus’ disciples: Love

Matthew 7:16-20 – “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

The test of true vs. false: Fruit

1 John 4:2-3 – “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.”

The test of true vs. false spirits: Confession of Christ

Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

The evidence of the Spirit: Character fruit

Notice: The New Testament does NOT say:

• “By understanding prophecy and fulfillment you will know true disciples”
• “By their symbolic interpretations you will recognize them”
• “The mark of the true church is complex prophetic knowledge”

What About Prophecy and Fulfillment?

Yes, Jesus did fulfill Old Testament prophecies, and the apostles testified to this. But:

1. The prophecies were clear and verifiable:

• Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2 → Matthew 2:1)
• Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14 → Matthew 1:23)
• Ministry in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1-2 → Matthew 4:12-16)
• Triumphal entry (Zechariah 9:9 → Matthew 21:1-11)
• Crucifixion details (Psalm 22 → Gospel accounts)
• Resurrection (Psalm 16:10 → Acts 2:27-32)

These were:

• Specific – Clear predictions with clear fulfillments
• Verifiable – Witnesses could confirm them
• Public – Happened in the open
• Immediate – People could see the fulfillments
• Scriptural – Based on clear Old Testament texts

2. The apostles’ message was 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.”

The gospel message:

• Christ died for our sins
• He was buried
• He was raised on the third day
• According to the Scriptures

Not:

• Complex symbolic interpretations
• Hidden meanings requiring months of study
• Exclusive knowledge held by one organization
• Prophecy fulfillments that only one person witnessed

3. The apostles welcomed verification:

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:

• Examined the Scriptures themselves
• Verified Paul’s teaching independently
• Were commended for this approach

Not:

• Told to trust without verifying
• Discouraged from independent research
• Required to accept claims on authority alone

Chapter 13: “Evaluating Spiritual Claims and Evidence: The Verification Problem” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” addresses this:

“When someone claims that Jesus has come in spirit within their body, as Lee Man-hee does, we face a fundamental verification problem. Like a detective being told that a crime occurred in an invisible dimension—unable to access the crime scene, interview witnesses independently, or examine physical evidence through normal investigative means—we encounter the ultimate challenge: How does one investigate a claim that, by its very nature, exists beyond the reach of standard verification methods?”

Shincheonji’s “prophecy and fulfillment” claims are:

• Unverifiable – Based on Lee Man-hee’s private visions
• Complex – Requiring months of study to even understand the claims
• Exclusive – Only Shincheonji teaches this interpretation
• Unfalsifiable – No way to disprove the claims

This is fundamentally different from the apostles’ approach.

---

Part 6: The Psychological Progression—How Lesson 25 Fits the Indoctrination Pattern

Understanding the Curriculum Structure

To fully appreciate what’s happening in Lesson 25, we need to understand where it fits in Shincheonji’s curriculum:

Introductory Level (Parables):

• Lessons 1-30+
• Students don’t know they’re in Shincheonji
• Gradually introduces symbolic interpretation
• Lesson 25 is three lessons from the end of this level

Intermediate Level (Bible Logic):

• Focuses on “orthodoxy vs. heresy”
• More explicit criticism of traditional Christianity
• Introduces “Betrayal, Destruction, Salvation” pattern
• Students may still not know they’re in Shincheonji

Advanced Level (Revelation):

• Explicit Shincheonji doctrine
• Lee Man-hee identified as “promised pastor”
• Students told they must be “sealed”
• Recruitment expectations intensify

What’s Been Established Before Lesson 25

By the time students reach Lesson 25, they’ve already been taught:

From earlier Parables lessons:

• The Bible is written in parables and symbols
• Physical events represent spiritual realities
• Special teaching is needed to understand symbols
• Traditional Christianity doesn’t understand correctly

From Lesson 1 (Harvest):

• Wheat and weeds grow together
• A harvest/separation is coming
• You want to be wheat, not weeds

From lessons on the Tabernacle:

• Every detail has symbolic meaning
• Symbols are being fulfilled today
• Physical buildings represent spiritual realities

From Lesson 24 (Censer):

• You are like a censer
• You need God’s fire (Holy Spirit)
• Your prayers are like incense
• You need to be properly prepared

What Lesson 25 Adds to the Framework

Lesson 25 builds on this foundation by adding:

1. Church Categorization – All churches are either God’s pot or Satan’s pot
2. Existential Anxiety – “Which pot am I in?”
3. Distrust of Leaders – Pastors might be offering you to Satan
4. Justification for Deception – Hiding truth is “grace”
5. Exclusive Knowledge – Only this study teaches prophecy and fulfillment correctly

Chapter 5: “The Divine Blueprint or Cult Manipulation?” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” identifies this as following the classic pattern:

Step 1: Foundation (Early Introductory Level)

• Establish that special knowledge is needed
• Create dependence on the teacher/group

Step 2: Separation (Mid Introductory Level)

• Distinguish “us” (enlightened) from “them” (deceived)
• Delegitimize external sources

Step 3: Destabilization (Lesson 25-27)

• Create anxiety about spiritual status
• Undermine confidence in previous understanding
• Make students dependent on group for security
• Lesson 25 is the peak of destabilization

Step 4: Reconstruction (Intermediate/Advanced Levels)

• Provide new identity centered on the group
• Establish Lee Man-hee as ultimate authority
• Demand total commitment

The Psychological Mechanisms at Work

1. Binary Thinking

The lesson forces students into either/or categories:

Before Lesson 25:

• “My church is good, but maybe not perfect”
• “My pastor is faithful, though human”
• “I’m learning and growing in my faith”

After Lesson 25:

• “Is my church God’s pot or Satan’s pot?”
• “Is my pastor a true shepherd or a false leader offering me to Satan?”
• “Am I being properly prepared or corrupted?”

2. Existential Anxiety

The lesson creates profound spiritual anxiety:

• What if I’ve been in the wrong church my whole life?
• What if my pastor is unknowingly serving Satan?
• What if I’m being offered to Satan instead of God?
• How can I know for sure which pot I’m in?

3. Cognitive Dissonance

The lesson creates uncomfortable contradictions:

Contradiction 1:

• Belief A: My church loves Jesus and teaches the Bible
• Belief B: My church might be an “encrusted pot” offering people to Satan

Contradiction 2:

• Belief A: My pastor is a faithful servant of God
• Belief B: My pastor might be teaching “for a price” and exploiting people

Contradiction 3:

• Belief A: I should be honest and transparent
• Belief B: Hiding truth is “grace” (like Jesus on the road to Emmaus)

How students resolve the dissonance:

Most students resolve these contradictions by:

• Accepting Shincheonji’s framework as the “higher truth”
• Reinterpreting their church experience as potentially deceptive
• Trusting the instructor’s interpretation over their own judgment
• Continuing to study to resolve their confusion

4. Social Proof

The lesson leverages group dynamics:

• Instructor speaks with absolute confidence about “two pots”
• Other students nod and take notes
• Everyone seems to accept the framework
• You don’t want to be the only one who questions

5. Sunk Cost Fallacy

By Lesson 25, students have typically:

• Attended 25+ lessons (40+ hours of class time)
• Completed extensive homework and tests
• Memorized dozens of Bible verses
• Formed relationships with instructors and classmates
• Invested significant time and emotional energy

The psychological trap:

When students begin to doubt, they think:

• “I’ve already invested so much time…”
• “If I quit now, all that effort was wasted…”
• “Maybe I just need to understand this better…”
• “I’ve come this far; I should at least finish…”

Chapter 7: “Revealing the Man Behind the Message” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains:

“The strategy is brilliant in its subtlety. By the time students learn they’re in Shincheonji and that Lee Man-hee is positioned as the exclusive interpreter of Scripture, they’ve already accepted the foundational premises that make questioning nearly impossible.”

---

Part 7: Biblical Refutation—What Does Scripture Actually Teach About the Church?

The Nature of the Church

Shincheonji’s Claim: Churches are “cooking pots” that are either holy (God’s) or encrusted (Satan’s), and you must discern which pot you’re in.

Biblical Teaching:

The Church as Christ’s Body:

Ephesians 5:23-27 – “For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

The church is:

• Christ’s body – Organically connected to Him
• Loved by Christ – He gave Himself for her
• Being made holy – Ongoing sanctification process
• Christ’s bride – Covenant relationship
• Destined for glory – Will be presented radiant and blameless

Colossians 1:18 – “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

Christ is the head of the church, having supremacy in everything.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ… Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

The church is:

• One body with many members
• Diverse but unified
• Interdependent – Members need each other
• Functional – Each part has a role

The Church as God’s Building:

1 Peter 2:4-5 – “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Believers are:

• Living stones – Active, growing
• Being built together – Corporate identity
• A spiritual house – God’s dwelling place
• A holy priesthood – Offering spiritual sacrifices

Ephesians 2:19-22 – “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

The church is:

• God’s household – Family identity
• Built on Christ – He is the cornerstone
• A holy temple – Sacred space
• God’s dwelling – The Spirit lives in us

Notice: The biblical metaphors emphasize:

• Organic connection to Christ (body, bride)
• Living growth (living stones, building)
• Unity in diversity (one body, many members)
• God’s presence (temple, dwelling place)

Not:

• Inanimate containers (pots)
• Binary categories (holy vs. encrusted)
• Anxiety about being in the wrong pot
• Need to identify which pot you’re in

The Reality of Imperfect Churches

Does the Bible Acknowledge Imperfect Churches?

Yes, absolutely. But notice how Scripture addresses them:

Revelation 2-3: Seven Churches

Jesus addresses seven churches with various problems, but:

He addresses them individually:

• Each church has unique strengths and weaknesses
• No binary categorization (God’s pot vs. Satan’s pot)
• Specific commendations and corrections for each

He calls them to repentance, not abandonment:

• “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent” (Rev 2:5)
• “Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you” (Rev 2:16)
• “Wake up! Strengthen what remains” (Rev 3:2)
• “Be earnest and repent” (Rev 3:19)

He promises rewards to overcomers within these churches:

• “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life” (Rev 2:7)
• “The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death” (Rev 2:11)
• “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna” (Rev 2:17)

He never says:

• “Leave this encrusted pot”
• “Find the holy pot”
• “This church is Satan’s pot”
• “You’re being offered to Satan here”

1 Corinthians: A Deeply Flawed Church

The Corinthian church had serious problems:

• Divisions (1 Cor 1:10-12)
• Sexual immorality (1 Cor 5:1)
• Lawsuits (1 Cor 6:1-8)
• Misuse of spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12-14)
• Doctrinal error (1 Cor 15:12)

But Paul’s approach:

1 Corinthians 1:2 – “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.”

Paul addresses them as:

• The church of God (not Satan’s pot)
• Sanctified in Christ (holy, set apart)
• Called to be holy (ongoing process)

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.”

Even this flawed church is:

• God’s temple (not an encrusted pot)
• Indwelt by the Spirit (God’s presence)
• Sacred (holy to God)

Paul’s method:

• Correct errors firmly but lovingly
• Affirm their identity in Christ
• Call them to live up to who they are
• Build up, don’t tear down

Galatians: A Church in Serious Error

The Galatian churches were embracing a false gospel:

Galatians 1:6-7 – “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.”

This is serious—they’re deserting Christ for a false gospel!

But Paul’s approach:

Galatians 3:1 – “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?”

Paul is direct and confrontational, but:

• He calls them “foolish,” not “Satan’s pot”
• He seeks to restore them, not abandon them
• He reminds them of their identity in Christ
• He doesn’t tell believers to leave these churches

Chapter 6: “The Consistent or Selective Narrative?” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains:

“Shincheonji selectively uses Scripture to create doubt about traditional Christianity while ignoring passages that contradict their own system. They emphasize Jesus’ warnings about false teachers to discredit other churches, but don’t apply the same standards to their own organization.”

The Test of True vs. False

How Does the Bible Actually Distinguish True from False?

1. Confession of Christ:

1 John 4:2-3 – “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.”

Test: Does the teaching confess Jesus Christ as God in the flesh?

2. The Gospel Message:

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!”

Test: Does the teaching proclaim the true gospel (salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone)?

3. Fruit of the Spirit:

Matthew 7:16-20 – “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”

Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Test: Does the teaching produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?

4. Love:

John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1 John 4:7-8 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Test: Does the teaching produce genuine love for God and others?

5. Sound Doctrine:

2 Timothy 4:3-4 – “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. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

Test: Does the teaching align with sound doctrine (orthodox Christian teaching throughout history)?

Notice: The biblical tests focus on:

• Theological truth (confession of Christ, gospel message)
• Moral fruit (love, character, Spirit’s fruit)
• Doctrinal soundness (alignment with apostolic teaching)

Not:

• Understanding complex symbolic interpretations
• Knowing prophecy and fulfillment details
• Being in the “right pot”
• Having exclusive knowledge

Applying the Tests to Shincheonji

Let’s apply the biblical tests to Shincheonji’s teaching:

1. Confession of Christ:

Orthodox Christianity: Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity, who died for our sins and rose bodily from the dead.

Shincheonji: Jesus’ spirit has come into Lee Man-hee’s body; Lee Man-hee is the “promised pastor” who alone can interpret Scripture; salvation requires being “sealed” by Shincheonji.

Result: Fails the test. Shincheonji’s Christology is heterodox, and they elevate Lee Man-hee to a position that belongs to Christ alone.

2. The Gospel Message:

Orthodox Christianity: Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Shincheonji: Salvation requires understanding the “opened word,” completing their course, being “sealed” by their organization, and accepting Lee Man-hee as the promised pastor.

Result: Fails the test. Shincheonji teaches salvation by knowledge and works, not by grace through faith.

3. Fruit of the Spirit:

What Shincheonji produces:

• Fear and anxiety (not peace)
• Isolation from family (not love)
• Deception (not truth)
• Exhaustion (not rest)
• Control (not freedom)
• Manipulation (not gentleness)

Result: Fails the test. The fruit of Shincheonji’s system is not the fruit of the Spirit.

4. Love:

What Shincheonji teaches:

• Deceive people about organizational identity
• Hide truth from family members
• View questioning loved ones as “persecution”
• Prioritize the organization over relationships
• Use people for recruitment quotas

Result: Fails the test. Shincheonji’s practices violate biblical love.

5. Sound Doctrine:

Shincheonji’s unique teachings:

• The Bible was “sealed” for 2,000 years
• Lee Man-hee is the “promised pastor”
• Only Shincheonji has the “opened word”
• Salvation requires being “sealed” by Shincheonji
• 144,000 literal number to be sealed

Result: Fails the test. These teachings are not found in historic Christian orthodoxy and contradict core biblical truths.

Chapter 18: “The Real Test of Authority” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” provides the ultimate criterion:

“When one man claims he alone has received the opened scroll of Revelation, one man interprets what it means, one man verifies that his interpretation is correct, and questioning that man’s interpretation is treated as questioning God Himself—this is not biblical authority. This is authoritarianism disguised as spirituality.”

By every biblical test, Shincheonji’s system fails to demonstrate authentic Christian faith and practice.

---

Part 8: The Progression to What Comes Next

Understanding Where This Is Leading

Lesson 25 is not an isolated teaching—it’s part of a carefully designed progression. To understand what’s really happening, we need to see where this leads:

Introductory Level (Lesson 25):

• Churches are either “God’s pot” or “Satan’s pot”
• You must discern which pot you’re in
• Most churches are “encrusted pots” offering people to Satan
• This study teaches “prophecy and fulfillment” (the key to discernment)
• Hiding truth is “grace” (Road to Emmaus justification)

Intermediate Level (Coming Next):

• Explicit teaching about “orthodoxy vs. heresy”
• Your church is likely “heresy” (Satan’s pot)
• You need to leave your church
• Shincheonji is “orthodoxy” (God’s pot)
• “Betrayal, Destruction, Salvation” pattern introduced

From Intermediate Lesson 65: “Orthodoxy and Heresy”:

“What was planted before must be pulled out and the new must be planted. This is being born again (Jer 1:10, 1 Pt 1:23). This is destroying the old house and making a new house. This is new wine, new education, new seed and the beginning of new creation.”

The language becomes explicitly about:

• Destroying the old (your previous faith, your church)
• Planting the new (Shincheonji’s teaching)
• Being born again (redefined as leaving your church and joining Shincheonji)

Advanced Level (Revelation):

• Lee Man-hee is the “promised pastor”
• He is the one who “opened” the sealed word
• He witnessed the fulfillment of Revelation
• You must be “sealed” by Shincheonji to be saved
• Recruitment quotas (“harvesting”) become mandatory

From Advanced Lesson 98:

“We’re adding a lesson. Starting Monday, we’ll have four lessons a week. This is because we have to endure, keep going, and work even faster to be prepared when God, Jesus, and the Kingdom of Heaven come down… This way, we can get sealed much faster.”

The demands escalate:

• Four lessons per week (from 2-3 previously)
• Increased urgency (“work even faster”)
• Pressure to be sealed (“get sealed much faster”)
• Exhaustion normalized (“endure, keep going”)

The Transformation of the “Cooking Pot” Metaphor

Notice how the meaning transforms through the curriculum:

Lesson 25 (Introductory):

“Churches are like cooking pots. Some are holy (God’s), some are encrusted (Satan’s). You need to discern which pot you’re in.”

Sounds reasonable: Just discernment about church quality.

Intermediate Level:

“Traditional churches are encrusted pots. They teach for a price, exploit people, and offer them to Satan. You need to leave the encrusted pot and join the holy pot.”

Getting specific: Your church is likely the bad pot; you need to leave.

Advanced Level:

“Shincheonji is the only holy pot. Lee Man-hee is the true pastor. Only those sealed by Shincheonji are in God’s pot. Everyone else is in Satan’s pot and will be destroyed.”

Fully revealed: Shincheonji is the exclusive path to salvation; all other churches are Satanic.

This is semantic shifting—using familiar concepts but gradually changing their meaning until students accept claims they would have rejected initially.

Chapter 11: “The Wisdom of Hiding: Deceive, Deny, Revise” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains:

“The deception is deliberate and systematic. Shincheonji members are trained to hide their affiliation, use false identities, and employ manipulative tactics to recruit new members. This is not accidental—it’s official policy documented in internal training materials.”

The Isolation Strategy

The “cooking pot” framework in Lesson 25 is preparing students for isolation from:

Family:

• “Your family’s church might be an encrusted pot”
• “Your parents might be in Satan’s pot without knowing it”
• “If family questions your new church, they’re in darkness”
• Eventually: Cut ties with family members who oppose Shincheonji

Friends:

• “Your friends’ churches are likely encrusted pots”
• “They’re being offered to Satan, not God”
• “You need to rescue them by bringing them to the holy pot”
• Eventually: Replace old friends with Shincheonji members

Church:

• “Your church might be teaching falsehood and lies”
• “Your pastor might be teaching for a price”
• “You’re being corrupted in an encrusted pot”
• Eventually: Leave your church entirely

Critical Thinking:

• “You can’t discern the pots on your own”
• “You need this teaching to understand prophecy and fulfillment”
• “Questioning means you’re not ready for the full truth”
• Eventually: Complete dependence on Shincheonji’s interpretation

Chapter 28: “Hope and Help—Guidance for Members, Families, Christians, and Seekers” from “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” addresses this:

“For families watching loved ones become increasingly isolated and exhausted: You’re not imagining it. The system is designed to separate members from family relationships, reframe family concerns as persecution, and prioritize the group above all else.”

---

Part 9: Practical Guidance—How to Respond

For Current Students

If you’re currently taking this class and Lesson 25 created anxiety about your church:

1. Recognize the Manipulation

The lesson is designed to create anxiety and doubt about your church. Ask yourself:

• Why am I suddenly questioning a church I’ve trusted for years?
• Is this doubt based on actual problems or on a metaphor from one lesson?
• Am I being manipulated to distrust my spiritual community?
• Who benefits if I leave my church and join this organization?

2. Test the Framework

The lesson teaches that churches are either “God’s pot” or “Satan’s pot.” But:

• Is this binary framework actually biblical?
• Does the New Testament categorize churches this way?
• How did Jesus and the apostles address imperfect churches?
• What are the biblical tests for true vs. false teaching?

3. Examine Your Church Honestly

Instead of accepting Shincheonji’s framework, evaluate your church using biblical criteria:

Does your church:

• Confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
• Teach salvation by grace through faith?
• Produce fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace)?
• Encourage you to love God and others?
• Teach sound doctrine based on Scripture?
• Operate with transparency and honesty?
• Build up rather than tear down?
• Point you to Christ, not to a human leader?

If yes to these questions, your church is likely faithful despite human imperfection.

4. Recognize the Red Flags in Shincheonji

Compare what you’ve learned in this study with biblical standards:

Red flags:

• Hidden organizational identity (deception)
• Binary thinking (God’s pot vs. Satan’s pot)
• Creating anxiety about your spiritual status
• Undermining trust in your church and pastor
• Justifying deception as “grace”
• Claiming exclusive knowledge (“prophecy and fulfillment”)
• Preparing you to leave your church
• Building dependence on this teaching

5. Verify Independently

Don’t take this analysis (or Shincheonji’s teaching) at face value. Verify for yourself:

• Read the Bible passages in full context
• Consult multiple Bible commentaries
• Talk to trusted pastors or mature Christians
• Research Shincheonji online
• Visit https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination

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 the right—and responsibility—to verify teaching against Scripture.

6. It’s Okay to Leave

If you’ve realized this study is leading somewhere you don’t want to go:

• You haven’t wasted your time; you’ve learned discernment
• The sunk cost fallacy is a trap; don’t invest more time in deception
• Your family and church will welcome you back
• God’s grace is sufficient for any mistakes you’ve made

Hebrews 3:15 – “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Today is the day to respond to what the Holy Spirit is showing you.

For Family Members

If your loved one is taking this class:

1. Understand What They’re Being Taught

Lesson 25 is teaching them that:

• Churches are either holy or encrusted (binary thinking)
• Their church might be offering them to Satan
• Their pastor might be corrupt
• They need to find the “holy pot”
• This study is teaching them how to discern

2. Recognize the Psychological Impact

This teaching creates:

• Anxiety about spiritual status
• Doubt about their church
• Suspicion of their pastor
• Confusion about what’s true
• Dependence on the study for answers

3. Avoid Direct Confrontation

Saying “Your study is wrong” or “You’re being deceived” will likely backfire because:

• They’ve been taught that opposition proves the teaching is true
• They’ll view you as “in darkness” or “in Satan’s pot”
• Direct attacks activate defense mechanisms

Instead:

Ask gentle questions:

• “What did you learn today that was interesting?”
• “How does this teaching compare with what our church teaches?”
• “Does this create peace or anxiety for you?”
• “What happens after you finish this course?”

Express specific concerns:

• “I’m concerned about how much time this is taking”
• “I notice you seem anxious about church lately”
• “I miss spending time with you”
• “I’m worried about the isolation I’m seeing”

Share information without demanding acceptance:

• “I found some information about this organization”
• “Would you be willing to read this analysis?”
• “I’d like to understand what you’re learning”
• “Can we talk about this together?”

4. Maintain Relationship

Your consistent love and presence matter more than winning arguments:

• Keep communication open
• Don’t issue ultimatums
• Express unconditional love
• Be patient with the process
• Pray consistently

5. Provide Resources

Helpful resources:

• This analysis and the 30 chapters of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story”
• Closer Look Initiative: https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination
• Testimonies from former members
• Biblical teaching on discernment and false teaching

6. Seek Support

Connect with:

• Others who have family in Shincheonji
• Your pastor or church leaders
• Christian counselors familiar with high-control groups
• Support groups for families affected by cults

For Pastors and Church Leaders

If someone in your congregation is attending this class:

1. Understand the Threat

Lesson 25 is teaching them that:

• Their church might be “Satan’s encrusted pot”
• You (their pastor) might be teaching “for a price”
• They’re being corrupted and offered to Satan
• They need to leave and find the “holy pot”

2. Provide Preventive Teaching

Strengthen your congregation through:

Biblical literacy:

• Teach how to read Scripture in context
• Explain biblical metaphors properly
• Show how to verify teaching against Scripture
• Develop critical thinking skills

Church history:

• Teach about the early church and church fathers
• Show how Christians have understood Scripture throughout history
• Demonstrate the continuity of Christian faith
• Counter the “sealed word for 2,000 years” claim

Discernment training:

• Teach biblical tests for true vs. false teaching
• Explain common cult tactics
• Warn about groups that hide their identity
• Provide specific information about Shincheonji

Sound doctrine:

• Clearly teach the gospel (salvation by grace through faith)
• Explain the nature of the church (body of Christ, not cooking pots)
• Teach about the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding believers
• Provide assurance of salvation

3. Respond with Grace and Truth

When someone is involved with Shincheonji:

Don’t:

• Shame or condemn them
• Issue ultimatums
• Speak harshly about Shincheonji (they’ll see it as persecution)
• Give up on them

Do:

• Express genuine concern and love
• Offer to study the Bible together
• Provide biblical teaching on the issues
• Maintain relationship and pastoral care
• Pray for them consistently

4. Address the Congregation

Warning signs to teach:

Without naming Shincheonji specifically (which might create curiosity), teach about:

• Groups that hide organizational identity
• Teaching that creates anxiety about spiritual status
• Binary thinking (us vs. them, holy vs. corrupt)
• Claims that all of Christianity has been wrong
• Exclusive knowledge claims
• Justification of deception
• Isolation from family and church

5. Equip Your Leaders

Train elders, deacons, and small group leaders to:

• Recognize signs of cultic involvement
• Respond with grace and truth
• Provide biblical teaching
• Maintain relationships with those affected
• Know when to seek additional help

6. Create a Welcoming Environment for Returnees

When someone leaves Shincheonji and returns:

• Welcome them without shame
• Provide pastoral counseling
• Help them process the experience
• Rebuild confidence in Scripture
• Reconnect them with healthy community
• Be patient with their recovery

For Seekers and New Christians

If you’re new to Christianity and considering this class:

1. Know That Legitimate Bible Study Doesn’t:

• Hide its organizational affiliation
• Create anxiety about whether you’re in the “right church”
• Teach that most churches are “Satan’s pot”
• Use binary categories (holy vs. encrusted)
• Justify deception as “grace”
• Claim exclusive knowledge
• Prepare you to leave your church
• Build dependence on one teacher or organization

2. Legitimate Bible Study Does:

• Clearly identify the hosting church or organization
• Build confidence in God’s love and grace
• Respect church history and Christian tradition
• Encourage verification and critical thinking
• Operate with transparency and honesty
• Produce peace, joy, and assurance
• Strengthen family relationships
• Point you to Jesus Christ, not human teachers

3. Ask Critical Questions

Before continuing with this class, ask:

• “What church or organization is hosting this study?”
• “Why wasn’t I told the organizational affiliation from the beginning?”
• “Why are you teaching that churches are either ‘God’s pot’ or ‘Satan’s pot’?”
• “How do you determine which pot a church is?”
• “Are you preparing me to leave my church?”
• “What happens after I complete this course?”
• “Why do you justify hiding information as ‘grace’?”
• “Can I take materials home and verify your teaching independently?”
• “Can I invite my pastor to attend with me?”

If the answers are evasive, defensive, or concerning, walk away.

4. Find a Healthy Church

Look for a church that:

• Clearly teaches the gospel (salvation by grace through faith)
• Confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
• Values both Scripture and church history
• Encourages questions and verification
• Produces fruit of the Spirit in members’ lives
• Operates with transparency and honesty
• Builds healthy families and relationships
• Points to Christ as the ultimate authority
• Welcomes newcomers warmly
• Provides opportunities for growth and service

5. Learn to Read Scripture in Context

When studying the Bible:

Read full passages:

• Don’t just accept isolated verses
• Read the chapters before and after
• Understand the historical situation
• Consider the original audience

Compare translations:

• Use multiple Bible versions
• Check commentaries from various scholars
• Consult study Bibles with notes

Apply the whole counsel of Scripture:

• Don’t build theology on a few verses
• Consider what the entire Bible teaches
• Look for consistent themes
• Verify interpretations against church history

Test teachings biblically:

• Does it confess Christ as Lord?
• Does it teach the true gospel?
• Does it produce fruit of the Spirit?
• Does it align with historic Christian teaching?
• Does it build up or tear down?

---

Part 10: The Core Theological Errors in Lesson 25

Error #1: Misusing Biblical Metaphors

Shincheonji’s Error:

Taking isolated “cooking pot” passages from different contexts and weaving them into a systematic theology about churches being either “God’s pot” or “Satan’s pot.”

Why This Is Wrong:

1. Context violation: The passages are about specific historical situations, not universal church categories
2. Metaphor confusion: The Bible uses multiple metaphors for the church (body, building, bride), not just “pot”
3. Eisegesis: Reading meaning into the text rather than drawing meaning from it
4. Systematic error: Building a theological system on metaphors rather than clear doctrinal teaching

Biblical Principle:

2 Peter 1:20-21 – “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Scripture interprets Scripture. We don’t build doctrines on isolated metaphors.

Error #2: Binary Thinking About Churches

Shincheonji’s Error:

Teaching that churches are either completely holy (God’s pot) or completely corrupt (Satan’s pot), with no middle ground.

Why This Is Wrong:

1. Contradicts Revelation 2-3: Jesus addresses seven churches with varying degrees of faithfulness, not binary categories
2. Ignores sanctification: The church is being made holy (ongoing process), not already perfectly holy or completely corrupt
3. Denies reality: All churches have both strengths and weaknesses because they’re made of imperfect humans
4. Creates false dichotomy: Forces either/or thinking that doesn’t reflect biblical nuance

Biblical Principle:

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.”

The church is in process—being sanctified, not yet perfected. This applies to individual believers and to churches corporately.

Error #3: Undermining Legitimate Church Leadership

Shincheonji’s Error:

Using Micah 3:11 to create suspicion of all paid pastors, implying that financial support equals corruption.

Why This Is Wrong:

1. Misapplies the text: Micah condemned corrupt leaders who perverted justice, not legitimate financial support
2. Contradicts clear teaching: The New Testament explicitly teaches that those who preach should receive support (1 Cor 9:14, 1 Tim 5:17-18)
3. Ignores Jesus’ teaching: Jesus said “the worker deserves his wages” (Luke 10:7)
4. Creates false standard: Implies that “free” teaching is more legitimate, while Shincheonji exploits members far more extensively

Biblical Principle:

1 Timothy 5:17-18 – “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.'”

Legitimate financial support for ministers is biblical and commanded.

Error #4: Justifying Deception

Shincheonji’s Error:

Using the Road to Emmaus story to justify hiding organizational identity and gradually revealing truth.

Why This Is Wrong:

1. Misapplies the passage: Jesus supernaturally prevented recognition for hours, not months of deliberate deception
2. Contradicts Jesus’ example: Jesus taught openly (John 18:20), not through deceptive front organizations
3. Violates biblical ethics: Scripture condemns deception (2 Cor 4:2, Eph 4:25, Col 3:9)
4. Perverts grace: Calls deception “grace” when it’s actually manipulation

Biblical Principle:

2 Corinthians 4:2 – “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Christian ministry operates with honesty and transparency, not deception.

Error #5: Claiming Exclusive Knowledge

Shincheonji’s Error:

Teaching that understanding “prophecy and fulfillment” is the key to identifying the true church, and that only Shincheonji teaches this correctly.

Why This Is Wrong:

1. Contradicts Jesus’ teaching: Jesus said love would identify His disciples (John 13:35), not prophetic knowledge
2. Resembles Gnosticism: Salvation by special knowledge rather than faith in Christ
3. Creates dependency: Makes people dependent on Shincheonji’s interpretation rather than the Holy Spirit’s guidance
4. Ignores clear tests: The Bible provides clear tests for true vs. false teaching (confession of Christ, gospel message, fruit of the Spirit)

Biblical Principle:

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 teaches believers directly. We don’t need exclusive human mediators.

---

Conclusion: The True Cooking Pot

The Core Issue

Lesson 25 of Shincheonji’s curriculum uses creative biblical interpretation to accomplish several manipulative objectives:

1. Creates anxiety about your church and spiritual status
2. Undermines trust in your pastor and church leaders
3. Establishes binary thinking (God’s pot vs. Satan’s pot)
4. Justifies deception as “grace” (Road to Emmaus)
5. Claims exclusive knowledge (prophecy and fulfillment)
6. Prepares for isolation from church, family, and friends
7. Builds dependence on Shincheonji’s teaching

The lesson appears to be creative Bible study, but it’s actually psychological preparation for accepting claims that will be made explicit in later lessons: that your church is corrupt, that you need to leave, that Shincheonji is the only true church, and that Lee Man-hee is the promised pastor.

The Biblical Response

The antidote to Shincheonji’s teaching is returning to what Scripture actually teaches about the church:

1. The Church Is Christ’s Body

Not a cooking pot, but a living organism connected to Christ as the head.

Ephesians 5:29-30 – “After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body.”

2. The Church Is Being Made Holy

Not perfectly holy or completely corrupt, but in process of sanctification.

Ephesians 5:26-27 – “To make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

3. Imperfect Churches Are Still God’s Churches

Even flawed churches are addressed as “the church of God” and “God’s temple.”

1 Corinthians 1:2 – “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people.”

4. Biblical Tests Focus on Christ, Gospel, and Fruit

Not on understanding complex symbolic interpretations.

1 John 4:2 – “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.”

5. Christian Ministry Operates with Honesty

Not through deception justified as “grace.”

Ephesians 4:25 – “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

The Real Cooking Pot

If we must use the cooking pot metaphor, here’s the biblical reality:

The Pot: The church—Christ’s body, being built up in love

The Meat: Believers—being transformed into Christ’s image

The Fire: The Holy Spirit—purifying and empowering

The Wood: Faithful leaders—serving with humility and love

The Goal: Not to be “offered” to anyone, but to be transformed into the image of Christ and to glorify God

Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices, being transformed by the renewing of our minds—not by being “cooked” in the right organizational pot.

Final Encouragement

If you’re currently in Shincheonji’s Bible study:

The anxiety you’re feeling about your church isn’t conviction from the Holy Spirit—it’s the result of psychological manipulation. The doubt about your pastor isn’t spiritual discernment—it’s manufactured suspicion. The urgency to find the “right pot” isn’t biblical wisdom—it’s induced fear.

Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

If you have trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you are in Him—not in a pot, but in Christ. No organization, no special knowledge, no human teacher can add to or take away from that reality.

If you’re a family member watching a loved one in this system:

Your love and patience matter. Keep praying, keep the relationship open, and trust that God is working even when you can’t see it. The God who is the Good Shepherd will not abandon His sheep.

If you’re a pastor or church leader:

Equip your congregation with biblical literacy, theological grounding, and discernment skills. The best defense against deception is a solid foundation in truth. Teach them who they are in Christ, what the church really is, and how to test all teaching against Scripture.

If you’re a seeker exploring Christianity:

Don’t let Shincheonji’s distortion of Scripture turn you away from the genuine beauty of the gospel. The true church—imperfect as it is—has faithfully proclaimed Christ for 2,000 years. Find a healthy church where you can explore faith in a safe, honest environment.

For More Information

For detailed refutation of Shincheonji’s teachings and comprehensive analysis of their methods, visit:

Closer Look Initiative: Shincheonji Examination https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination

This resource provides:

• Detailed theological analysis
• Testimonies from former members
• Documentation of Shincheonji’s practices
• Guidance for those affected
• Resources for further research

---

May you find rest in the One who said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” May you know the peace that comes from being in Christ—not in a pot, but in the arms of the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11

“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

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

You are not meat in a pot, waiting to be offered to God or Satan. You are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, loved by the Father, indwelt by the Spirit, and being transformed into the image of Christ. That is your true identity, and no organization can take it away or add to it.