Analysis of Shincheonji Bible Study Lesson 31: “Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Clothes”

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

---

Introduction: The Garment That Defines You

Lesson 31, titled “Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Clothes,” presents itself as a teaching about spiritual preparedness—clothes represent our hearts, actions, and doctrines, and we need to have clean robes to enter heaven. On the surface, this appears to be sound biblical teaching about righteousness and holiness that many Christians would affirm.

However, as “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” demonstrates throughout its 30 chapters, Shincheonji (SCJ) consistently operates on multiple levels. The visible teaching sounds biblical and appealing, but beneath it lies a carefully constructed framework designed to prepare students to accept SCJ’s exclusive claims and to justify leaving their churches.

By Lesson 31, students in the Intermediate Level (“Bible Logic”) have been conditioned through dozens of lessons to accept SCJ’s interpretive framework. Now, this lesson introduces crucial concepts that will be used to:

1. Create performance anxiety – “Are my robes clean enough? What percentage of my heart resembles God?”
2. Establish works-based salvation – Despite quoting Ephesians 2:8-9, the lesson emphasizes that “eternal life depends on our habits” and actions
3. Prepare for church separation – The Laodicean accusation plants seeds that most churches are “spiritually naked”
4. Set up exclusive authority – Only those who understand the “opened word” (SCJ’s teaching) can have truly clean robes
5. Introduce the “fleeing” requirement – Matthew 24’s instruction to “flee to the mountains” will later be interpreted as leaving one’s church to join SCJ

The lesson’s stated hope—”to be properly clothed with clean robes at the time of the second coming”—sounds like a call to pursue holiness, but it’s actually preparing students to believe that only SCJ members have clean robes and that other Christians are spiritually naked like Laodicea.

Let’s examine this lesson through the Reflective Lens (understanding the psychological manipulation) and the Discernment Lens (testing against Scripture), as modeled in “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story.”

For comprehensive refutation of SCJ teachings, readers are encouraged to visit the Shincheonji Examination page at https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination.

---

Part 1: The Opening Frame—”A Love Letter” and Emotional Manipulation

What SCJ Teaches:

The lesson opens with a romantic, emotionally charged section titled “A Love Letter”:

“In the quiet moments, we’ve been unfolding a message of love, a tender note from those who cherish us deeply—God and Jesus. It’s a letter crafted in words we’re still learning to understand, a call to us, the Harvest class, from a place of enduring love… ‘Come closer, my dear ones. With all my heart, I’ve reached out to you, letting my love flow and my sacrifices speak for themselves. We’ve been apart for so long, separated by the shadows of conflict of war that stretch back through time… The day is nearing when we’ll see each other once more. Hold on to this promise, my love. I’ve sketched out a path of return in the words I’ve sent you. When the time comes, be swift to follow it. Escape to the mountains where we’ll find each other.'”

The Reflective Lens: Emotional Manipulation and Urgency Creation

This opening section is not simply a devotional reflection—it’s a carefully crafted emotional manipulation designed to create several psychological effects:

1. The Romantic Framework

By framing God’s relationship with believers as a romantic love letter, SCJ creates intense emotional attachment. The language is intimate, personal, and urgent: “my dear ones,” “my love,” “my yearning for our forever union.”

This romantic framing serves several purposes:

• Creates emotional dependency – Students feel personally loved and chosen
• Increases urgency – “The day is nearing when we’ll see each other once more”
• Justifies sacrifice – If this is true love, any sacrifice is worth it
• Produces guilt – “Will you join me, Harvest class?” implies that refusing is rejecting Jesus’ love

2. The Separation Narrative

Notice the language: “We’ve been apart for so long, separated by the shadows of conflict of war that stretch back through time.”

This creates a narrative of tragic separation that needs to be resolved. The implicit message: You’ve been separated from Jesus all this time (even if you’ve been a Christian for years), and now SCJ is offering you the path to reunion.

This undermines students’ previous Christian experience and creates a sense that they’ve been missing something essential.

3. The Hidden Path

“I’ve sketched out a path of return in the words I’ve sent you. When the time comes, be swift to follow it. Escape to the mountains where we’ll find each other.”

This language suggests that there’s a hidden path that most Christians don’t know about, but SCJ is revealing it. The instruction to “escape to the mountains” references Matthew 24:16, which SCJ will later interpret as leaving one’s church to join SCJ.

The urgency—”be swift to follow it”—creates pressure to act quickly without careful consideration.

4. The Study Requirement

“I ask you, my cherished ones, to delve into the stories I’ve told—the parables—and to study the words I’ve written just for you. Look closely at the map I’ve provided. Put on your lenses of faith and truly see.”

This frames SCJ’s Bible study as the “map” Jesus has provided. The message: If you want to reunite with Jesus, you must study SCJ’s teaching diligently.

Chapter 11 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Wisdom of Hiding: Deceive, Deny, Revise,” addresses how SCJ uses emotional manipulation and romantic language to create psychological dependency while preparing students for more controversial teachings.

The Discernment Lens: What Does Scripture Teach About Our Relationship with God?

Biblical Truth #1: We Are Not Separated from God Through Christ

The “love letter” creates a narrative of separation: “We’ve been apart for so long.” But Scripture teaches that believers are united with Christ now, not separated:

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.”

If you’re in Christ, nothing can separate you from God’s love. You’re not waiting for a future reunion—you’re united with Him now.

Colossians 3:3 – “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Your life is “now hidden with Christ in God”—present tense, not future hope.

Ephesians 2:13 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

If you were far away, you’ve been “brought near” through Christ’s blood. The separation has already been resolved.

Biblical Truth #2: God’s Love Is Not Conditional on Our Study Performance

The “love letter” implies that to experience Jesus’ love and reunion, you must “delve into the stories” and “study the words” (meaning SCJ’s teaching). But Scripture teaches that God’s love is unconditional:

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God loved us “while we were still sinners”—before we studied anything, before we understood anything.

1 John 4:10 – “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

God’s love is not a response to our efforts (studying, understanding, performing). His love is the initiating cause—He loved us first.

Ephesians 1:4-5 – “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

God chose us “before the creation of the world”—not based on our study performance or understanding.

Biblical Truth #3: The “Path” Is Jesus Himself, Not Hidden Knowledge

The “love letter” suggests there’s a hidden “path of return” that SCJ is revealing. But Scripture teaches that Jesus Himself is the path:

John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

Jesus is the way—not a hidden map, not secret knowledge, not an organization’s teaching.

Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Salvation is found in Jesus’ name alone—not in understanding SCJ’s interpretations.

Hebrews 10:19-20 – “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body…”

The “way” to God has been “opened for us through” Jesus’ body—His sacrifice on the cross. It’s not a hidden path that requires special teaching to discover.

The Danger of SCJ’s “Love Letter”:

By creating a romantic narrative of separation and reunion that depends on studying SCJ’s teaching, the lesson:

• Undermines assurance – Makes believers feel separated from God even if they’re in Christ
• Creates dependency – Positions SCJ as the mediator of reunion with Jesus
• Produces urgency – “Be swift to follow” creates pressure to act without careful thought
• Justifies future demands – If this is true love, any sacrifice (leaving church, family, career) is worth it

Chapter 21 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Heart of God: When Love Refuses to Let Go,” contrasts SCJ’s conditional, performance-based love with the biblical gospel of unconditional grace.

---

Part 2: The “Yeast of Heaven”—Habits, Works, and Eternal Life

What SCJ Teaches:

The “Yeast of Heaven” section states:

“Eternal Life depends on our habits. Those who can conquer their habits with the Word are those that can have eternal life. If you want eternal life, change your habits. Anyone can dream about having eternal life, but what turns that dream into eternal life are diligent habits.”

The Reflective Lens: The Performance Trap

This brief section contains a profound theological shift from grace to works. Let’s examine the psychological dynamics:

1. The Conditional Statement

“Eternal Life depends on our habits.” This is a clear, unambiguous statement: Your eternal destiny depends on what you do—specifically, on your habits.

This creates immediate anxiety: “Are my habits good enough? Am I conquering my habits well enough? What if I fail?”

2. The Self-Effort Emphasis

“Those who can conquer their habits with the Word are those that can have eternal life.” The emphasis is on what you “can” do—your ability, your effort, your conquest.

This positions eternal life as something you achieve through self-discipline rather than something you receive as a gift.

3. The Dream vs. Reality Dichotomy

“Anyone can dream about having eternal life, but what turns that dream into eternal life are diligent habits.”

This implies that most Christians are merely “dreaming” about eternal life but haven’t actually secured it because they lack “diligent habits.” The message: Your church may have taught you that you have eternal life through faith, but that’s just a dream—the reality requires diligent habits (which SCJ will define).

4. The Preparation for Escalating Demands

By establishing that eternal life depends on habits, SCJ is preparing students to accept escalating behavioral demands. Later lessons will define what these “diligent habits” are: attending all classes, memorizing SCJ’s interpretations, evangelizing (recruiting), eventually leaving one’s church, and dedicating full-time service to SCJ.

Chapter 22 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “When Satan Tried to Hijack God’s Plan (And Failed Every Time),” addresses how SCJ’s works-based emphasis contradicts the biblical gospel of grace.

The Discernment Lens: What Does Scripture Teach About Eternal Life?

Biblical Truth #1: Eternal Life Is a Gift, Not an Achievement

The New Testament is absolutely clear that eternal life is a gift received by faith, not a reward earned by habits:

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Eternal life is explicitly called “the gift of God”—not wages earned, not a reward for good habits, but a gift.

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.”

Eternal life comes through believing in Jesus—not through conquering habits.

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

Notice the tense: “has eternal life”—present possession, not future achievement. And the condition: “believes”—not “conquers habits.”

John 6:47 – “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.”

Simple, clear, direct: “the one who believes has eternal life.” Not “the one who conquers habits” or “the one with diligent habits.”

1 John 5:11-13 – “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

John writes so believers “may know that you have eternal life”—present assurance based on having the Son, not future hope based on habit conquest.

Biblical Truth #2: Good Habits Are the Fruit, Not the Root

The Bible does teach that believers should grow in godliness and develop good habits. But these habits are the fruit of salvation, not the root:

Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

These qualities are “the fruit of the Spirit”—they’re produced by the Holy Spirit in believers, not achieved through self-effort to earn eternal life.

Philippians 2:12-13 – “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

We “work out” our salvation (live it out), but notice: “it is God who works in you.” Our good works are the result of God’s work in us, not the cause of our salvation.

Titus 2:11-14 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

Notice the order:

1. Grace appears and offers salvation
2. Grace teaches us to live godly lives
3. We become eager to do good

Grace comes first, then godly living flows from it.

Biblical Truth #3: If Eternal Life Depended on Habits, No One Could Be Saved

If eternal life truly depended on conquering our habits, we would all be doomed:

Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

All have sinned—no one has perfectly conquered their habits.

Isaiah 64:6 – “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”

Even our best efforts (“righteous acts”) are “like filthy rags” compared to God’s holiness.

Galatians 3:10 – “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.'”

If salvation depends on works (habits), you must do “everything” perfectly. One failure brings a curse.

The Gospel Solution:

Since we can’t conquer our habits perfectly enough to earn eternal life, God provides salvation as a gift:

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.”

We’ll examine SCJ’s misuse of this passage later in this analysis.

The Irony:

SCJ’s “Yeast of Heaven” statement—”Eternal Life depends on our habits”—directly contradicts the gospel. If this were true:

• No one could have assurance of salvation (How do you know your habits are good enough?)
• Salvation would be by works, not grace
• Christ’s death would be unnecessary (If we can save ourselves through habits, why did Jesus need to die?)
• The gospel would be bad news, not good news (“Try harder! Conquer your habits!”)

Chapter 21 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Heart of God: When Love Refuses to Let Go,” contrasts SCJ’s performance-based system with the biblical gospel of grace.

---

Part 3: The Foot-Washing Story—Setting Up “Later Understanding”

What SCJ Teaches:

The lesson uses John 13:5-10 (Jesus washing the disciples’ feet) and emphasizes verse 7:

“Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.'”

The instructor comments:

“Jesus likes to set the foundation for lessons by using physical actions. By washing the disciples’ feet, he taught them not only to be servants, but also something they will understand more fully later. So let’s keep verse 7 in mind as we proceed.”

The Reflective Lens: The “Later Understanding” Setup

This section appears to be a simple devotional reflection on Jesus’ humility and servant leadership. However, it’s actually setting up a crucial psychological framework that SCJ uses throughout their teaching:

1. The “You Don’t Understand Yet” Pattern

By emphasizing “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand,” SCJ is establishing a pattern: It’s normal not to understand things now. You’ll understand later.

This serves several purposes:

• Suspends critical thinking – “Don’t worry if this doesn’t make sense now; it will later”
• Creates dependency – You need SCJ to explain what things mean “later”
• Justifies delayed revelation – SCJ can introduce controversial teachings gradually, saying “Now you’ll understand what we meant earlier”
• Prevents questioning – If you question something, the response is “You don’t understand yet, but you will later”

2. The Physical-to-Spiritual Interpretation Method

“Jesus likes to set the foundation for lessons by using physical actions.” This establishes that physical actions in Scripture have hidden spiritual meanings that require special interpretation.

This is the foundation of SCJ’s allegorical method, which allows them to reinterpret virtually any biblical passage to support their theology. For example:

• Washing feet = being cleansed by the Word
• Mountains = SCJ’s organization
• Sea = other churches
• Babylon = traditional Christianity

By establishing this pattern early, SCJ prepares students to accept increasingly creative interpretations.

3. The Authority Transfer

In the biblical account, Jesus says “later you will understand.” The disciples did understand later—after Jesus’ resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

But SCJ transfers this “later understanding” to their own teaching: “You don’t understand now, but as you continue studying with us, you’ll understand later.”

This positions SCJ as the source of the “later understanding” rather than the Holy Spirit.

Chapter 12 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Importance of Independent Research,” addresses how SCJ discourages independent Bible study and positions themselves as the exclusive interpreters of Scripture.

The Discernment Lens: What Does Scripture Teach About Understanding?

Biblical Truth #1: The Holy Spirit Gives Understanding

Jesus did promise that His disciples would understand later, but He explained how:

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 would teach them—not a human organization.

John 16:13 – “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

The Spirit of truth guides believers into truth—not an exclusive organization.

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.”

Believers have the Holy Spirit’s anointing and “do not need anyone to teach you”—meaning you don’t need an exclusive human mediator. You can understand Scripture through the Spirit’s illumination.

Biblical Truth #2: Understanding Comes Through Scripture and Community

While the Holy Spirit gives understanding, He works through Scripture and the community of believers:

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

Scripture itself is “useful for teaching”—it’s not so obscure that only one organization can interpret it.

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 were commended for examining Scripture themselves to verify Paul’s teaching. They didn’t just accept it because Paul (an apostle!) said it.

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Understanding and growth happen in community—the church—not through one exclusive organization.

Biblical Truth #3: Beware of Groups That Claim Exclusive Understanding

When a group claims that only they can provide the “later understanding” Jesus promised, that’s a warning sign:

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.”

No one has exclusive rights to Scripture interpretation. While some interpretations are wrong, the solution is not to trust one organization but to study Scripture carefully with the Spirit’s help.

Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

Beware of teachings that claim special knowledge beyond what Scripture plainly teaches.

The Danger of SCJ’s “Later Understanding” Framework:

By establishing that “you don’t understand now, but you will later,” SCJ:

• Suspends critical thinking – Students accept confusing or contradictory teachings without questioning
• Creates dependency – Students believe they need SCJ to understand Scripture
• Justifies gradual revelation – SCJ can introduce controversial teachings slowly
• Prevents accountability – If you question something, you’re told “You don’t understand yet”

Chapter 18 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Real Test of Authority: Distinguishing Genuine from Counterfeit Authority,” addresses how to test claims of exclusive spiritual authority.

---

Part 4: The Doubt Condemnation—Silencing Questions

What SCJ Teaches:

Using James 1:2-8, the instructor emphasizes:

“When you ask, do so with faith, without doubting. Doubt does not come from God; it is an assurance that God provides. Doubt comes from the enemy. ‘Is this right?’ ‘I don’t know.’ ‘What is this?’ God shows what is right and wrong, and shows you clearly with his word. Confusion and questioning what is right comes from the enemy. God does not lead you away from his true word, he will always lead you to it and assure you with it… So let us cast doubt away. No more doubts, but rather assurance and joy as we grow into maturity and completion.”

The Reflective Lens: Silencing Critical Thinking

This section appears to be about having faith and trusting God. However, it’s actually a sophisticated tactic to silence questions and critical thinking:

1. The False Equation

The instructor equates “doubt” (healthy questioning and critical thinking) with lack of faith and even satanic influence: “Doubt comes from the enemy.”

This creates a false dichotomy:

• Faith = accepting SCJ’s teaching without question
• Doubt = satanic influence

But this is a manipulation. There’s a difference between:

• Healthy discernment – Testing teachings against Scripture (1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11)
• Destructive unbelief – Refusing to trust God’s clear promises

SCJ conflates these two, labeling all questioning as “doubt from the enemy.”

2. The Thought-Stopping Technique

By teaching that questions like “Is this right?” or “I don’t know” come from the enemy, SCJ creates a thought-stopping technique. When students have legitimate concerns or questions, they’re taught to suppress them as satanic.

This prevents critical thinking and makes students vulnerable to manipulation.

3. The Certainty Claim

“God shows what is right and wrong, and shows you clearly with his word. Confusion and questioning what is right comes from the enemy.”

The implicit message: SCJ’s teaching is so clear that if you’re confused or questioning, it’s because Satan is attacking you, not because the teaching might be wrong.

This positions SCJ’s teaching as beyond questioning and makes students feel guilty for normal intellectual processes.

4. The Isolation from Wisdom

By teaching students to “cast doubt away” and suppress questions, SCJ isolates them from wise counsel. If a pastor, family member, or friend raises concerns, students are trained to dismiss these as “doubt from the enemy.”

Chapter 11 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Wisdom of Hiding: Deceive, Deny, Revise,” addresses how SCJ uses thought-stopping techniques to prevent critical evaluation.

The Discernment Lens: What Does Scripture Teach About Testing and Questioning?

Biblical Truth #1: We Are Commanded to Test Teachings

Far from condemning all questioning, Scripture commands believers to test teachings:

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.”

We are commanded to “test” teachings—not accept everything without question.

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

“Test everything”—not “accept everything without doubt.”

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 were commended for examining Paul’s teaching against Scripture—they didn’t just accept it because an apostle said it.

Proverbs 14:15 – “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”

The “simple” (foolish) believe anything without testing. The “prudent” (wise) think carefully.

Biblical Truth #2: There’s a Difference Between Doubt and Discernment

James 1:6 does warn against doubting when we pray: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

But context matters. James is talking about doubting God’s character and promises when we pray—not about questioning human teachings.

The difference:

Doubting God’s promises = Wrong

• Example: “God says He’ll provide, but I don’t believe He will”

Testing human teachings = Right

• Example: “This teacher claims to speak for God, but does his teaching align with Scripture?”

SCJ conflates these two to silence legitimate questions about their teaching.

Biblical Truth #3: Confusion Can Come From False Teaching, Not Just Satan

SCJ teaches: “Confusion and questioning what is right comes from the enemy.” But Scripture teaches that confusion often comes from false teaching:

1 Corinthians 14:33 – “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”

God is not a God of confusion. But that doesn’t mean all confusion comes from Satan—it can come from unclear or false teaching.

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.”

The Galatians were confused because false teachers were “throwing them into confusion” with a false gospel. The solution wasn’t to suppress their questions but to return to the true gospel.

2 Peter 3:16 – “His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.”

Even Peter acknowledged that some of Paul’s teachings are “hard to understand.” This is normal. The solution is careful study, not suppressing questions.

Biblical Truth #4: Jesus Welcomed Questions

Jesus didn’t condemn His disciples for asking questions—He welcomed them:

John 14:5 – “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?'”

Thomas expressed confusion and asked a question. Jesus didn’t rebuke him for “doubt from the enemy”—He answered: “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

John 14:8 – “Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.'”

Philip asked for clarification. Jesus patiently explained.

John 20:24-29 – The famous “doubting Thomas” story. Thomas said he wouldn’t believe unless he saw Jesus’ wounds. Jesus didn’t condemn him—He appeared to Thomas and invited him to touch His wounds. Then Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus gently corrected Thomas but didn’t condemn him for questioning.

The Danger of SCJ’s Doubt Condemnation:

By teaching that all questioning is “doubt from the enemy,” SCJ:

• Silences legitimate concerns – Students suppress questions about contradictions or problems
• Prevents wise counsel – Students dismiss concerns from pastors, family, and friends
• Creates false guilt – Students feel guilty for normal intellectual processes
• Makes students vulnerable – Without critical thinking, students accept increasingly problematic teachings

Chapter 13 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “Evaluating Spiritual Claims and Evidence,” provides a framework for testing spiritual claims without falling into the trap of false doubt condemnation.

---

Part 5: The Wedding Clothes Parable—Setting Up Exclusivity

What SCJ Teaches:

The lesson uses Matthew 22:1-14 (the parable of the wedding banquet) and emphasizes verses 11-14:

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

The instructor comments:

“What do they [wedding clothes] represent figuratively? Fine linens represent righteous actions. When one’s heart is cleansed, their actions and doctrines also washed pure as crystal waters. Thus they are granted righteous vestments from above. As we read on, let us fully understand the dire consequences facing those lacking such righteous apparel.”

The Reflective Lens: The Exclusivity Setup

This teaching appears to be about the importance of righteousness and being prepared for Christ’s return. However, it’s setting up several crucial elements of SCJ’s exclusive theology:

1. The Binary Framework

The parable divides people into two groups:

• Those with wedding clothes → Heaven
• Those without wedding clothes → Hell

This creates a stark binary that SCJ will use to divide people into:

• Those who accept SCJ’s teaching (have wedding clothes)
• Those who don’t (lack wedding clothes)

2. The Righteous Actions Emphasis

“Fine linens represent righteous actions.” This is biblical (Revelation 19:8 does say this). However, SCJ will define what these “righteous actions” are:

• Understanding the “opened word” (SCJ’s interpretation of Revelation)
• Fleeing to the mountains (leaving your church to join SCJ)
• Being sealed (becoming an official SCJ member)
• Evangelizing (recruiting new students)

By the time students reach the Advanced Level (Revelation), they’ll understand that “wedding clothes” means accepting Chairman Lee Man-hee’s authority and SCJ’s exclusive claims.

3. The Fear Motivation

“Let us fully understand the dire consequences facing those lacking such righteous apparel.” The parable ends with the unprepared guest being thrown “outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

This creates fear: “What if I don’t have wedding clothes? What if I think I’m prepared but I’m not?”

This fear will be used to motivate students to accept SCJ’s teaching and increase their commitment.

4. The “Many Called, Few Chosen” Exclusivity

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.” This verse is used to suggest that most Christians think they’re saved but aren’t actually chosen. Only a few—those who accept SCJ’s teaching—are truly chosen.

Chapter 16 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “When Messiahs Multiply: The Pattern of Korean Messianic Movements,” addresses how multiple Korean groups use similar exclusivity claims.

The Discernment Lens: What Does the Wedding Banquet Parable Actually Teach?

Let’s examine Matthew 22:1-14 in its proper context:

The Context:

Jesus told this parable to the chief priests and Pharisees (Matthew 21:45). It’s one of several parables about Israel’s rejection of the Messiah and the inclusion of the Gentiles.

The Parable’s Elements:

1. The King = God the Father
2. The Son = Jesus
3. The Wedding Banquet = The kingdom of heaven / messianic age
4. Those First Invited = Israel, particularly the religious leaders
5. The Servants = The prophets and apostles
6. Those Who Refused = Israel’s leaders who rejected Jesus
7. The Destruction of the City = Judgment on Jerusalem (fulfilled in 70 AD)
8. Those Invited from the Streets = The Gentiles and outcasts
9. The Wedding Clothes = Righteousness / being clothed in Christ

What Are the “Wedding Clothes”?

The wedding clothes represent the righteousness required to enter God’s kingdom. But how do we obtain this righteousness?

Isaiah 61:10 – “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

God clothes us with “garments of salvation” and “a robe of his righteousness”—not our own righteousness.

Zechariah 3:3-4 – “Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, ‘Take off his filthy clothes.’ Then he said to Joshua, ‘See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.'”

God removes our filthy clothes (sin) and gives us fine garments (His righteousness).

Revelation 7:13-14 – “Then one of the elders asked me, ‘These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?’ I answered, ‘Sir, you know.’ And he said, ‘These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'”

Robes are made white “in the blood of the Lamb”—through Christ’s sacrifice, not our own efforts.

Philippians 3:9 – “…and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

Paul explicitly contrasts two kinds of righteousness:

• His own righteousness (from the law) = Insufficient
• Righteousness through faith in Christ = Sufficient

The Wedding Clothes Are Christ’s Righteousness

The wedding clothes represent being clothed in Christ’s righteousness through faith:

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

We are “clothed with Christ”—this is the wedding garment.

Romans 13:14 – “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

We clothe ourselves with Christ—not with our own righteous actions.

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

We become righteous through Christ’s substitutionary work, not our own efforts.

What About Revelation 19:8?

SCJ correctly quotes Revelation 19:8: “Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)”

But notice several things:

1. The linen was “given” – Not earned, but given as a gift
2. “Righteous acts of God’s holy people” – These are acts done by people who are already holy (saved), not acts done to become holy
3. The order matters – First you’re saved by grace through faith, then you do righteous acts as a result

The righteous acts are the fruit of salvation, not the root.

The Man Without Wedding Clothes:

Who is the man without wedding clothes? In the parable’s context, he represents someone who tries to enter God’s kingdom on their own terms—without the righteousness God provides.

This could represent:

• Religious people who rely on their own righteousness (like the Pharisees)
• Those who claim to follow Jesus but don’t truly trust in His righteousness
• Those who think they can enter heaven based on their own merit

The key point: You can’t enter God’s kingdom in your own righteousness. You need the wedding clothes God provides—Christ’s righteousness received by faith.

The Danger of SCJ’s Application:

By teaching that wedding clothes represent righteous actions (defined as accepting SCJ’s teaching), SCJ:

• Reverses the gospel – Makes righteousness the cause of salvation rather than the result
• Creates exclusivity – Only those who accept SCJ’s teaching have “wedding clothes”
• Produces anxiety – “Do I have enough righteous actions? Are my clothes clean enough?”
• Undermines Christ’s work – Shifts focus from what Christ has done to what we must do

Chapter 17 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Logical Contradiction in Shincheonji’s Claims,” addresses how SCJ’s theology contradicts the biblical gospel.

---

Part 6: The Laodicean Accusation—Your Church Is Spiritually Naked

What SCJ Teaches:

Using Revelation 3:17-18, the instructor teaches:

“In our study, we observed the condition of the messenger in the Church of Laodicea. This individual is depicted as being in a state of shameful nakedness, yet unaware of it. In response to this, Jesus advises the messenger to acquire white clothes to cover this nakedness and avoid shame… Therefore, when it speaks of someone being ‘spiritually naked,’ it suggests a lack of spiritual awareness or righteousness that is invisible to the individual.”

The Reflective Lens: The Church Condemnation Setup

This teaching appears to be a straightforward exposition of Revelation 3:17-18. However, it’s setting up a crucial accusation that will be made explicit in later lessons:

1. The Implicit Application

While the instructor doesn’t explicitly say “Your church is like Laodicea,” the implication is clear. By Lesson 31, students have been conditioned to see their churches as spiritually deficient. The Laodicean accusation reinforces this:

• Laodicea thought they were rich but were actually poor
• Your church thinks it has God’s Word but is actually spiritually naked
• Laodicea was unaware of their condition
• Your church is unaware of its spiritual poverty

2. The Spiritual Blindness Theme

“This individual is depicted as being in a state of shameful nakedness, yet unaware of it.” This creates a narrative of tragic self-deception: You think you’re spiritually clothed, but you’re actually naked and don’t realize it.

This produces anxiety: “What if I’m like Laodicea? What if I think I’m spiritually prepared but I’m actually naked?”

3. The Solution Setup

“Jesus advises the messenger to acquire white clothes to cover this nakedness.” The implicit message: You need to “acquire” something you don’t currently have. What is it? The “opened word”—SCJ’s exclusive teaching.

Later lessons will make this explicit: The “white clothes” are obtained by understanding the fulfilled Revelation through Chairman Lee Man-hee’s testimony.

4. The Urgency Creation

Revelation 16:15 is quoted: “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

This creates urgency: Jesus is coming soon, and you need to make sure you’re clothed (have accepted SCJ’s teaching) before He arrives.

Chapter 13 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Church Under Attack: How SCJ Undermines Your Faith Community,” addresses how SCJ systematically undermines students’ confidence in their churches.

The Discernment Lens: What Does Revelation 3:14-22 Actually Teach?

Let’s examine the letter to Laodicea in its proper context:

The Seven Churches:

Revelation 2-3 contains letters to seven specific churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) in the first century. These were real churches with real issues. While the letters have application for all churches throughout history, they were first addressed to specific congregations.

Laodicea’s Specific Problem:

Revelation 3:15-17 – “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

Laodicea’s problem was:

1. Lukewarmness – Spiritual complacency and indifference
2. Self-sufficiency – “I am rich… and do not need a thing”
3. Spiritual blindness – Not realizing their true condition

Historical Context:

Laodicea was a wealthy city known for:

• Banking and finance
• Production of black wool garments
• A medical school famous for eye salve

Jesus’ words play on these: They thought they were rich (financially), but were spiritually poor. They produced garments, but were spiritually naked. They had eye salve, but were spiritually blind.

The church had become comfortable and self-reliant, losing their passion for Christ.

Does This Describe All Churches?

SCJ implies that most churches today are like Laodicea. But is this fair?

Consider:

1. Many churches are not wealthy and self-sufficient – Millions of churches worldwide are poor, persecuted, and dependent on God
2. Many churches are not lukewarm – Countless Christians are fervently serving God, sacrificing for the gospel, and even facing martyrdom
3. Many churches faithfully teach Scripture – While no church is perfect, many churches faithfully proclaim the gospel and teach Scripture

To claim that all churches except SCJ are “Laodicean” is a gross generalization that ignores the global reality of the faithful church.

What Is the Solution?

Revelation 3:18-20 – “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Jesus’ solution for Laodicea:

1. Buy gold refined in the fire – True spiritual wealth through trials
2. White clothes – Righteousness and purity (Christ’s righteousness)
3. Salve for eyes – Spiritual sight and discernment
4. Repent – Turn from complacency and self-reliance
5. Open the door to Jesus – Intimate fellowship with Christ

Notice: The solution is not “join a different organization” or “accept a special interpretation.” The solution is repentance and renewed intimacy with Jesus.

The “Gold Refined in the Fire”:

SCJ will later interpret the “gold refined in the fire” as their “opened word.” But what does it actually mean?

1 Peter 1:6-7 – “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Gold refined in fire represents faith tested through trials—not secret knowledge or special teaching.

Proverbs 8:10-11 – “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”

True spiritual wealth is wisdom and knowledge of God—not organizational membership.

The Irony:

Jesus’ words to Laodicea could actually apply to SCJ:

“You say, ‘I am rich'” – SCJ claims to have exclusive understanding of Scripture

“You do not need a thing” – SCJ claims they don’t need input from other Christians or churches; they have the complete “opened word”

“You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” – SCJ doesn’t recognize their spiritual poverty—their lack of grace, their deception, their control tactics, their false gospel

Chapter 20 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Danger of Creative Fulfillment: How Adaptation, Gap-Filling, and Selective Reform Create False Narratives,” addresses how SCJ misapplies biblical passages to support their exclusive claims.

---

Part 7: The Physical Characteristics of Clothes—Setting Up Allegorical Interpretation

What SCJ Teaches:

The instructor lists physical characteristics of clothes:

“1. Clothes cover nakedness. They can also be worn as protection or armor, or to provide warmth like a coat. 2. Identity – like a uniform. A soldier wears a combat uniform, a police officer wears a police uniform, a doctor or nurse wears scrubs. 3. Clothing can be put on and taken off. 4. Clothing needs to be cleaned often, or washed. Some people do a better job of this than others.”

Then applies this spiritually:

“The same is true spiritually – our spiritual clothes have to be washed often too.”

The Reflective Lens: The Allegorical Method Foundation

This section appears to be a simple teaching technique—using physical examples to illustrate spiritual truths. However, it’s establishing the foundation for SCJ’s allegorical interpretation method:

1. The Physical-to-Spiritual Pattern

By establishing that physical things have spiritual meanings, SCJ creates a framework where virtually anything in Scripture can be reinterpreted allegorically:

• Physical clothes → Spiritual clothes (heart, actions, doctrines)
• Physical washing → Spiritual washing (being cleansed by the Word)
• Physical mountains → Spiritual mountains (SCJ’s organization)
• Physical sea → Spiritual sea (other churches)
• Physical Babylon → Spiritual Babylon (traditional Christianity)

This method allows SCJ to bypass the plain meaning of Scripture and impose their own interpretations.

2. The Romans 1:20 Justification

The instructor references Romans 1:20: “God speaks to the prophets, envisions dreams and parables of things to come. But he then compares those things to the physical things he has made, so that men are without excuse and can understand.”

This is a misuse of Romans 1:20. Let’s look at what it actually says:

Romans 1:20 – “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

Paul is saying that God’s “eternal power and divine nature” are evident from creation—not that everything in Scripture should be interpreted allegorically.

3. The Hosea 12:10 Misapplication

The instructor also references Hosea 12:10, claiming it supports allegorical interpretation. Let’s examine it:

Hosea 12:10 – “I spoke to the prophets, gave them many visions and told parables through them.”

This verse simply states that God spoke through prophets using visions and parables. It doesn’t say that everything in Scripture is a parable or that physical things always have hidden spiritual meanings.

4. The Danger of Unlimited Allegory

By establishing that physical things have spiritual meanings, SCJ can reinterpret virtually any passage to support their theology. This is dangerous because:

• It bypasses authorial intent – What did the original author mean?
• It ignores context – What was the historical and literary context?
• It allows subjective interpretation – Anyone can claim anything means anything
• It undermines Scripture’s clarity – If everything is a hidden symbol, how can we know what anything means?

Chapter 26 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “Reading Revelation Like a First-Century Christian: Or, Why Your Grandmother’s End-Times Chart Might Be Missing the Point,” addresses how to read apocalyptic literature responsibly without falling into the trap of unlimited allegorical interpretation.

The Discernment Lens: How Should We Interpret Scripture?

Biblical Principle #1: Scripture Interprets Scripture

The best interpreter of Scripture is Scripture itself. When we encounter difficult passages, we should:

1. Examine the context – What comes before and after?
2. Consider the genre – Is this history, poetry, prophecy, parable, apocalyptic?
3. Look for clear passages – What do clearer passages say about this topic?
4. Compare Scripture with Scripture – Does this interpretation align with the rest of the Bible?

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 didn’t come from human interpretation, so we shouldn’t impose our own interpretations on it.

Biblical Principle #2: Respect the Genre

Different genres of Scripture should be read differently:

• Historical narrative – Read for the plain historical meaning
• Poetry – Look for figurative language and emotional expression
• Prophecy – Consider both near and far fulfillment
• Apocalyptic – Understand the symbolic language in its historical context
• Parables – Look for the main point, not hidden meanings in every detail

Jesus’ parables, for example, usually have one main point. We shouldn’t allegorize every detail.

Biblical Principle #3: Beware of Allegorical Excess

While Scripture does use figurative language, we must be careful not to allegorize everything:

Galatians 4:24 – Paul uses allegory in Galatians 4, but he explicitly says so: “These things are being taken figuratively…”

When Scripture uses allegory or symbolism, it usually makes it clear or explains the meaning.

The Danger of Unlimited Allegory:

If everything can mean anything, then Scripture becomes a wax nose that can be twisted to support any teaching. This is exactly what cults do—they impose their own meanings on Scripture rather than discovering what the text actually says.

Biblical Principle #4: Test Interpretations

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.”

Even when an apostle taught, the Bereans examined Scripture to verify his teaching. How much more should we test the teachings of modern organizations?

Questions to Ask:

1. Does this interpretation align with the clear teaching of Scripture?
2. Does it fit the context of the passage?
3. Does it respect the genre and historical setting?
4. Does it point to Christ and the gospel?
5. Does it produce good fruit (love, humility, unity)?

The Danger of SCJ’s Allegorical Method:

By teaching that physical things always have hidden spiritual meanings, SCJ:

• Bypasses Scripture’s plain meaning – Imposes their own interpretations
• Claims exclusive authority – Only they can decode the “hidden meanings”
• Makes Scripture inaccessible – You can’t understand it without SCJ’s help
• Supports false teachings – Can reinterpret any passage to fit their theology

Chapter 24 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Scarlet Thread – Part 1,” demonstrates how Scripture has a unified narrative centered on Christ that doesn’t require allegorical gymnastics to discover.

---

Part 8: The Spiritual Meaning of Clothes—Introducing the Framework

What SCJ Teaches:

The instructor defines the spiritual meaning of clothes:

“Figurative clothing represents one’s heart, actions, and doctrines or teachings… Clothes cover someone’s nakedness and can also identify a person’s role or duty. Clothes can be put on or taken off. Someone may be in a state of nakedness, like losing their clothes.”

Using Revelation 19:13-16 and Ephesians 6:10-17, the instructor teaches:

“The armor of light refers to God’s word… All elements of the armor of God importantly relate to the Word in some way. This allows us to have hearts clothed in and wearing the proper Word.”

The Reflective Lens: The Three-Part Definition

This teaching establishes a crucial three-part definition that will be used throughout SCJ’s theology:

Clothes = Heart + Actions + Doctrines

This definition allows SCJ to:

1. Create a Comprehensive System

By defining clothes as heart, actions, and doctrines, SCJ creates a system that encompasses:

• Internal state (heart) – What you believe and feel
• External behavior (actions) – What you do
• Intellectual content (doctrines) – What you understand and teach

This comprehensive definition allows SCJ to evaluate and control all three areas.

2. Set Up the “Proper Word” Requirement

“This allows us to have hearts clothed in and wearing the proper Word.” The key word is “proper.” What is the “proper” Word?

Later lessons will make clear: The “proper” Word is the “opened word”—SCJ’s interpretation of Revelation through Chairman Lee Man-hee’s testimony.

3. Prepare for the “Wrong Clothes” Accusation

If clothes represent heart, actions, and doctrines, then “wrong clothes” means:

• Wrong heart (not accepting SCJ’s teaching)
• Wrong actions (not following SCJ’s instructions)
• Wrong doctrines (believing what your church teaches instead of SCJ’s teaching)

This sets up the accusation that most Christians have “wrong clothes” and need to change them.

4. Justify Church Separation

If your church teaches “wrong doctrines” (anything that contradicts SCJ), then staying in your church means wearing “wrong clothes.” The solution: Leave your church and join SCJ to get the “proper Word.”

Chapter 15 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “What Pastors and Counselors Discovered,” includes testimonies from former members who describe how this “clothes” framework was used to justify leaving their churches.

The Discernment Lens: What Does the Armor of God Actually Teach?

Let’s examine Ephesians 6:10-17 carefully:

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 Armor’s Components:

1. Belt of truth – Living in truth and integrity
2. Breastplate of righteousness – Living righteously (both Christ’s righteousness and righteous living)
3. Shoes of the gospel of peace – Being ready to share the gospel
4. Shield of faith – Trusting God to protect against spiritual attacks
5. Helmet of salvation – Assurance of salvation protecting our minds
6. Sword of the Spirit – God’s Word used offensively against lies

What Is the Armor For?

Notice the purpose: “so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes… so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.”

The armor is for spiritual warfare—standing against Satan’s attacks. It’s not primarily about having the “right doctrines” (meaning SCJ’s interpretations).

The Word of God:

Yes, the “sword of the Spirit” is “the word of God.” But what does this mean?

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.”

The Word of God is Scripture—not one organization’s interpretation of Scripture.

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

Scripture itself is God’s Word, and it’s “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” We don’t need an exclusive organization to mediate Scripture for us.

The Heart Protection:

SCJ correctly notes that the armor protects the heart. But they misapply this:

Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

We should guard our hearts. But how? By testing teachings against Scripture, not by blindly accepting one organization’s interpretations.

Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

Yes, the heart is deceitful. But the solution is not to trust an organization’s teaching without question. The solution is to trust God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s illumination.

The Danger of SCJ’s Application:

By teaching that the “proper Word” means SCJ’s interpretation, they:

• Create dependency – You need SCJ to have the “proper Word”
• Undermine Scripture’s sufficiency – Scripture alone isn’t enough; you need SCJ’s interpretation
• Justify control – If SCJ has the “proper Word,” you must submit to their authority
• Condemn other Christians – Anyone who doesn’t accept SCJ’s teaching has the “wrong Word”

Chapter 18 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Real Test of Authority: Distinguishing Genuine from Counterfeit Authority,” provides criteria for testing claims of exclusive spiritual authority.

---

Part 9: Washing Robes—The Word as Cleanser

What SCJ Teaches:

Using Revelation 22:1,14, John 15:3, and Revelation 7:14, the instructor teaches:

“Blessed are those who wash their robes. They are the ones who get to enter into the holy city, Heaven. Their robes are washed with the Water of Life that flows from the throne… You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you… How is Jesus washing them? With his words. He is washing them with his words, teaching them, making them clean through understanding… They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb… What does the phrase ‘blood of the Lamb’ represent?… When Jesus speaks of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, He is referring figuratively to internalizing His words which give spiritual life.”

The instructor concludes:

“Flesh (Food) = Word Blood = Word Life = Word Spirit = Word Water = Word”

The Reflective Lens: The “Word” Redefinition

This teaching appears to be a straightforward exposition of biblical symbolism. However, it’s setting up a crucial redefinition:

1. The Initial Truth

SCJ correctly identifies that:

• Water represents God’s Word (Ephesians 5:26, John 15:3)
• The blood of the Lamb represents Christ’s sacrifice
• We are cleansed by God’s Word

These are legitimate biblical teachings.

2. The Subtle Shift

But notice the progression:

Step 1: Water = Word (Biblical) Step 2: Blood = Word (Partially biblical—blood represents both Christ’s sacrifice and His teaching) Step 3: Everything = Word (Overgeneralization)

By the end, the instructor has reduced everything to “Word”:

• Flesh = Word
• Blood = Word
• Life = Word
• Spirit = Word
• Water = Word

3. The Coming Redefinition

Once students accept that everything equals “Word,” SCJ will redefine what “Word” means:

• Initially: Word = Scripture
• Later: Word = “Opened Word” = SCJ’s interpretation
• Finally: Word = Chairman Lee Man-hee’s testimony

This progression happens gradually so students don’t notice the shift.

4. The Practical Application

If washing robes means being cleansed by the “Word,” and the “Word” is SCJ’s teaching, then:

• You can only have clean robes by accepting SCJ’s teaching
• Your church can’t give you clean robes because they don’t have the “opened Word”
• You must study SCJ’s teaching diligently to keep your robes clean

Chapter 11 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Wisdom of Hiding: Deceive, Deny, Revise,” addresses how SCJ gradually redefines terms to shift students from biblical truth to SCJ’s exclusive claims.

The Discernment Lens: What Does Scripture Teach About Cleansing?

Biblical Truth #1: We Are Cleansed by Christ’s Blood

1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

Christ’s blood purifies us from sin—this refers to His sacrificial death, not just His teaching.

Hebrews 9:14 – “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”

Christ’s blood cleanses our consciences—this is His atoning sacrifice, not merely His words.

Revelation 1:5 – “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood…”

We are freed from sins “by his blood”—His sacrificial death on the cross.

Biblical Truth #2: Yes, We Are Also Cleansed by God’s Word

John 15:3 – “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”

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.”

So yes, we are cleansed by God’s Word. But this doesn’t mean the blood of Christ is merely a metaphor for teaching. Both are true:

• Christ’s blood cleanses us from sin’s penalty – His sacrifice pays for our sins
• God’s Word cleanses us from sin’s practice – His teaching transforms our lives

These are complementary truths, not competing ones.

Biblical Truth #3: Don’t Reduce Everything to One Thing

SCJ’s equation—”Flesh = Word, Blood = Word, Life = Word, Spirit = Word, Water = Word”—is an oversimplification that loses important distinctions.

John 6:53-56 – “Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.'”

Yes, Jesus is speaking figuratively here (as John 6:63 makes clear: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life”).

But Jesus is not simply saying “My words are food and drink.” He’s saying that we must receive Him—His person, His sacrifice, His life—by faith. This is more than intellectual assent to teaching; it’s spiritual union with Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

The Lord’s Supper commemorates Christ’s death—His actual, physical, historical sacrifice. While the elements are symbolic, they point to a real event: Jesus’ body broken and blood shed on the cross.

Biblical Truth #4: The Holy Spirit Is Not Just “Word”

SCJ’s equation includes “Spirit = Word.” But Scripture distinguishes between the Word and the Spirit:

Ephesians 6:17 – “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God—the Spirit uses the Word, but the Spirit is a Person (the third member of the Trinity), not merely information.

John 14:16-17 – “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

The Holy Spirit is “another advocate”—a Person who lives in believers, not just information or teaching.

Romans 8:26-27 – “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

The Spirit “intercedes for us”—He’s a Person who acts, not merely words or teaching.

The Danger of SCJ’s Oversimplification:

By reducing everything to “Word,” SCJ:

• Loses important theological distinctions – The Trinity, the atonement, the Spirit’s work
• Prepares for the “Word” redefinition – Once everything is “Word,” they can redefine what “Word” means
• Makes salvation intellectual – If everything is “Word” (teaching/understanding), then salvation becomes about knowledge rather than relationship with Christ
• Sets up exclusive authority – If you need the right “Word” to be cleansed, and only SCJ has the right “Word,” then you need SCJ

Chapter 25 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Scarlet Thread – Part 2: God’s Fulfillment in the New Testament,” demonstrates how Christ’s sacrifice is central to the biblical narrative—not merely His teaching, but His atoning death and resurrection.

---

Part 10: Satan’s Clothes—Introducing Babylon

What SCJ Teaches:

Using Revelation 17:1-5, the instructor introduces “Satan’s clothes”:

“Mystery Babylon is described as ‘the great.’ She is adorned in purple and scarlet attire and holds a cup filled with a potent wine that intoxicates the nations. Her name is Babylon. Moreover, she is characterized as a mother, signifying that she disseminates her influence to others. However, at the time of the Second Coming, there will be a teaching that we must adamantly reject, a doctrine we should never consume or embrace. This teaching leads to inebriation and corruption. As we delve deeper into our studies, the meaning of this will become clearer.”

The Reflective Lens: The Mystery Setup

This brief section is crucial because it introduces a concept that will be fully developed in the Advanced Level (Revelation):

1. The Teaser

“As we delve deeper into our studies, the meaning of this will become clearer.” This is a classic teaser—introducing a concept without fully explaining it, creating curiosity and anticipation.

Students are left wondering: “What is this teaching we must reject? Who is Babylon?”

2. The Fear Creation

“There will be a teaching that we must adamantly reject, a doctrine we should never consume or embrace. This teaching leads to inebriation and corruption.”

This creates fear: There’s a dangerous teaching out there that will corrupt you. You need to know what it is so you can avoid it.

3. The Coming Revelation

In the Advanced Level, SCJ will reveal that “Babylon” represents traditional Christianity—specifically, the Protestant denominations and Catholic Church. The “wine of her adulteries” is their false teaching.

The message: Your church is Babylon. You must leave it to avoid spiritual corruption.

4. The Gradual Conditioning

By introducing “Babylon” in Lesson 31 without fully explaining it, SCJ begins conditioning students to see Christianity as corrupt. By the time the full teaching is revealed in the Advanced Level, students have been prepared to accept it.

Chapter 14 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Testimony Vault: Voices From Inside the System,” includes testimonies from former members who describe how the “Babylon” teaching was used to separate them from their churches.

The Discernment Lens: What Does Revelation 17 Actually Teach?

Let’s examine Revelation 17:1-5 in its proper context:

Revelation 17:1-6 – “One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, ‘Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.’ Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. The name written on her forehead was a mystery: BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.”

Historical Context:

Revelation was written to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) in the late first century, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (AD 81-96). These churches faced persecution from the Roman Empire.

What Is Babylon?

Revelation 17:18 – “The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”

In John’s time, the “great city that rules over the kings of the earth” was Rome. Babylon is symbolic language for Rome—the oppressive empire persecuting Christians.

Why “Babylon”?

Babylon was the ancient empire that destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC, taking God’s people into exile. By calling Rome “Babylon,” John is saying: “Rome is like ancient Babylon—an oppressive empire that persecutes God’s people.”

Revelation 17:9 – “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.”

Rome was famously known as “the city on seven hills.” This is a clear reference to Rome.

What About the “Wine of Her Adulteries”?

The “wine” represents:

1. Idolatry – Rome’s pagan worship and emperor cult
2. Economic exploitation – Rome’s wealth built on oppression
3. Violence – Rome’s persecution of Christians (verse 6: “drunk with the blood of God’s holy people”)

The nations were “intoxicated” with Rome’s power, wealth, and idolatry.

Broader Application:

While Revelation 17 primarily refers to Rome, it has broader application to any oppressive system that:

• Persecutes God’s people
• Promotes idolatry
• Exploits the weak
• Opposes God’s kingdom

But this does not mean “Babylon” is traditional Christianity or Protestant denominations. The characteristics don’t fit:

• Babylon persecutes Christians (17:6) – Traditional churches don’t persecute Christians; they are Christians
• Babylon is drunk with the blood of the saints – Churches that faithfully preach the gospel don’t kill believers
• Babylon commits adultery with kings – This refers to political-religious alliances for power, not churches faithfully serving God

The Irony:

If we’re looking for a religious system that:

• Claims exclusive authority
• Separates people from the broader Christian community
• Uses deception and manipulation
• Controls members through fear
• Demands total allegiance

We should look at high-control religious groups—not at faithful churches that preach the gospel and serve their communities.

The Danger of SCJ’s “Babylon” Teaching:

By teaching that “Babylon” represents traditional Christianity, SCJ:

• Justifies church separation – “Your church is Babylon; you must leave”
• Creates an us-vs-them mentality – SCJ vs. all other Christians
• Misuses Scripture – Applies a passage about Rome to modern churches
• Produces division – Separates believers from the body of Christ

Chapter 26 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “Reading Revelation Like a First-Century Christian,” provides guidance on reading Revelation in its historical context without imposing modern organizational agendas on the text.

---

Part 11: The Matthew 24-25 Connection—Fleeing to the Mountains

What SCJ Teaches:

The instructor connects Matthew 24:15-16 with Revelation:

“Matthew 24 is a mini-Revelation. Everything mentioned in Matthew 24 is expanded on in Revelation… So when we read about certain events in Matthew 24, like the abomination that causes desolation standing in the holy place, we should look for more details about them in Revelation. For example, Matthew 24 tells us that when we see this abomination standing in the holy place, we are to flee to the mountains. But to understand this instruction fully, we need to know what the abomination is, what the holy place refers to, and what mountains we are supposed to flee to.”

The instructor then discusses Matthew 25’s parables:

“In Matthew 25, through his parables, Jesus gives some clear instructions. 1. In the parable of the ten virgins, he emphasizes being prepared – keeping oil in our lamps. 2. In the parable of the talents, he teaches that we should use what God has given us for his glory – to ‘produce a profit.’ This isn’t referring to monetary profit, but spiritual fruitfulness.”

The Reflective Lens: The “Fleeing” Setup

This section is setting up one of SCJ’s most crucial teachings—the instruction to “flee to the mountains”:

1. The Connection Established

“Matthew 24 is a mini-Revelation. Everything mentioned in Matthew 24 is expanded on in Revelation.”

This connection is partially true—both Matthew 24 and Revelation discuss end-times events. However, SCJ uses this connection to reinterpret Matthew 24 through their allegorical lens.

2. The Questions Raised

“We need to know what the abomination is, what the holy place refers to, and what mountains we are supposed to flee to.”

By raising these questions without answering them, SCJ creates suspense and positions themselves as the source of answers.

3. The Coming Interpretation

In the Advanced Level, SCJ will teach:

• The abomination = False teaching entering the church
• The holy place = The church (specifically, your church)
• The mountains = SCJ’s organization (Mount Zion = SCJ)

Therefore: “When you see false teaching in your church (which all non-SCJ churches have), flee to the mountains (leave your church and join SCJ).”

4. The Preparedness Emphasis

By emphasizing the parables of the ten virgins and the talents, SCJ creates urgency: “You need to be prepared. You need to have oil (understanding). You need to produce profit (recruit others).”

This prepares students for the eventual instruction to leave their churches and join SCJ.

Chapter 15 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “What Pastors and Counselors Discovered,” includes testimonies from Korean pastors who describe how SCJ uses the “flee to the mountains” teaching to recruit members from churches.

The Discernment Lens: What Does Matthew 24:15-16 Actually Mean?

Let’s examine the passage in context:

Matthew 24:15-21 – “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.”

Historical Context:

Jesus is answering His disciples’ questions: “When will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3)

Jesus gives a two-level answer:

1. Near fulfillment – The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70
2. Far fulfillment – Events surrounding His second coming

The Abomination of Desolation:

Jesus references Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11). What is this “abomination”?

Historical Fulfillment:

In 167 BC, Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jerusalem temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar and setting up a statue of Zeus. This was an “abomination that causes desolation.”

AD 70 Fulfillment:

In AD 70, Roman armies (under Titus) surrounded Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and set up their standards (with images of Caesar, whom they worshiped) in the holy place. This was another “abomination.”

Jesus warned: When you see this happening, flee to the mountains (leave Jerusalem). Many Christians did flee to Pella (a city in the mountains) and were spared when Jerusalem was destroyed.

Future Fulfillment:

Some interpreters believe there will be another fulfillment in the end times—a final desecration of a rebuilt temple or a symbolic fulfillment involving the Antichrist.

What Are the “Mountains”?

In the historical context, Jesus was giving literal, practical advice: When you see Roman armies surrounding Jerusalem, flee to the literal mountains (the hills of Judea) to escape the coming destruction.

Does “Mountains” Mean SCJ?

No. Here’s why:

1. The context is literal – Jesus is giving practical escape instructions, not hidden spiritual meanings
2. The geography is specific – “Those who are in Judea” should flee to “the mountains” (the Judean hills)
3. The urgency is physical – “Let no one on the housetop go down… Let no one in the field go back” suggests immediate physical flight
4. The danger is real – “Great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world” describes the horrific siege and destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70

Biblical Use of “Mountain” Symbolism:

Yes, mountains sometimes have symbolic meaning in Scripture:

Isaiah 2:2-3 – “In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.’ The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”

This refers to God’s kingdom being established—not to a specific organization.

Hebrews 12:22 – “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly.”

Mount Zion represents the heavenly reality—the church universal, not a specific organization.

The Danger of SCJ’s Interpretation:

By teaching that “flee to the mountains” means “leave your church and join SCJ,” they:

• Ignore the historical context – Jesus was giving practical advice for first-century believers
• Impose their own meaning – Make the passage about their organization
• Create false urgency – “You must leave your church now!”
• Produce division – Separate believers from their faith communities
• Claim exclusive safety – “Only SCJ is safe; all other churches are in danger”

The Question to Ask:

If “mountains” means SCJ, then:

• What about the Christians who fled to Pella in AD 70? Were they wrong to take Jesus’ words literally?
• What about the millions of faithful Christians throughout history who never heard of SCJ? Were they not “in the mountains”?
• What about the global church today—faithful believers serving God worldwide? Are they all in danger because they’re not in SCJ?

The answer is clear: Jesus was giving practical, historical advice that had immediate fulfillment in AD 70 and may have future fulfillment in end-times events. But “mountains” does not mean “join SCJ.”

Chapter 17 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Logical Contradiction in Shincheonji’s Claims,” addresses how SCJ’s interpretations create logical contradictions and ignore historical context.

---

Part 12: The Ephesians 2:8-9 Misuse—Saved by Grace Through Faith?

What SCJ Teaches:

The instructor quotes Ephesians 2:8-9 but then reinterprets it:

“What does this verse say? It states that you are saved by grace, not by works. Is that what this passage is saying? That’s not the full message. What does the passage actually say? It says ‘you are saved by grace through faith.’ Why is this second part often ignored or overlooked? Because it’s not emphasized as much as it should be. What are the ‘works’ that Apostle Paul was referencing here? We have to remember who his audience was. Paul was speaking primarily to Jewish converts to Christianity – people who came from a background where they had to work for their faith by keeping various laws… So the full statement that applies to everyone is: ‘Saved by grace through faith.’ What grace? The grace of understanding who Christ is… In other words, we are not saved by our actions, but by the understanding that comes through faith.”

The Reflective Lens: The Subtle Redefinition

This section is one of the most theologically dangerous in the entire lesson because it subtly redefines the gospel:

1. The Apparent Orthodoxy

SCJ appears to affirm the biblical gospel: “Saved by grace through faith, not by works.” This gains students’ agreement and makes SCJ seem orthodox.

2. The “Full Message” Claim

“That’s not the full message.” This implies that most Christians have an incomplete understanding, but SCJ has the complete truth.

3. The Grace Redefinition

“What grace? The grace of understanding who Christ is.”

This is a subtle but crucial shift. Biblical grace is:

• God’s unmerited favor – His love and mercy toward undeserving sinners
• God’s enabling power – His work in us to do what we cannot do ourselves

But SCJ redefines grace as “understanding who Christ is”—making grace intellectual rather than relational and transformative.

4. The Faith Redefinition

“We are not saved by our actions, but by the understanding that comes through faith.”

This redefines faith as “understanding”—intellectual comprehension. But biblical faith is:

• Trust – Relying on Christ, not just understanding facts about Him
• Relationship – Personal connection with Christ, not just intellectual knowledge

5. The Coming Application

Once students accept that salvation comes through “understanding,” SCJ will define what you must understand:

• You must understand the “opened word” (SCJ’s interpretation of Revelation)
• You must understand Chairman Lee Man-hee’s role as the “promised pastor”
• You must understand the fulfillment of Revelation through SCJ

This makes salvation dependent on accepting SCJ’s teaching—a works-based salvation disguised as grace.

Chapter 22 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “When Satan Tried to Hijack God’s Plan (And Failed Every Time),” addresses how SCJ’s teaching undermines the biblical gospel of grace.

The Discernment Lens: What Does Ephesians 2:8-9 Actually Teach?

Let’s examine the passage in its full context:

Ephesians 2:1-10 – “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 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. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

The Full Message:

Let’s break down what Paul actually teaches:

1. Our Condition (verses 1-3):

• We were “dead in transgressions and sins”
• We followed “the ways of this world”
• We were “by nature deserving of wrath”

2. God’s Action (verses 4-7):

• “Because of his great love for us”
• “God, who is rich in mercy”
• “Made us alive with Christ”
• “Raised us up with Christ”
• “Seated us with him in the heavenly realms”

3. The Means (verses 8-9):

• “By grace you have been saved”
• “Through faith”
• “This is not from yourselves”
• “It is the gift of God”
• “Not by works”
• “So that no one can boast”

4. The Result (verse 10):

• “We are God’s handiwork”
• “Created in Christ Jesus to do good works”
• “Which God prepared in advance for us to do”

What Is Grace?

Grace is not “understanding who Christ is.” Grace is:

Titus 2:11 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”

Grace is God’s unmerited favor—His love and mercy toward undeserving sinners.

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Grace is God’s initiative—He loved us “while we were still sinners,” not after we understood Him.

2 Corinthians 8:9 – “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

Grace is Christ’s sacrificial work—He became poor so we might become rich.

What Is Faith?

Faith is not merely “understanding.” Faith is trust and reliance:

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

Faith is “confidence” and “assurance”—trust, not just intellectual understanding.

Romans 4:20-21 – “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

Abraham’s faith was being “fully persuaded” that God would keep His promises—trust, not just understanding.

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.”

“Believes in him”—not “understands facts about him,” but trusts in Him personally.

What Are the “Works” Paul Rejects?

SCJ claims Paul was only rejecting Jewish ceremonial laws. But is this true?

Context:

Yes, Paul often addressed Jewish-Gentile tensions and the role of the law. But in Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul’s point is broader:

“Not by works, so that no one can boast.”

If salvation were by works of any kind—whether Jewish ceremonial laws or good deeds or understanding—we could boast. But salvation is entirely God’s gift so that no one can boast.

Romans 3:27-28 – “Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”

Paul contrasts two systems:

• Works – Any human effort to earn salvation
• Faith – Trusting in Christ’s finished work

Romans 11:6 – “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”

Grace and works are mutually exclusive. If salvation requires works (including “understanding”), it’s no longer grace.

The Order Matters:

Notice the order in Ephesians 2:

1. First: Salvation by grace through faith (verses 8-9)
2. Then: Good works as a result (verse 10)

We don’t do good works to be saved; we do good works because we are saved.

Titus 3:4-8 – “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”

The order:

1. God saved us “not because of righteous things we had done”
2. We were “justified by his grace”
3. Therefore, we should “devote themselves to doing what is good”

The Danger of SCJ’s Redefinition:

By redefining grace as “understanding” and faith as “intellectual comprehension,” SCJ:

• Makes salvation intellectual – You’re saved by understanding, not by trusting Christ
• Creates a new works-based system – You must understand SCJ’s teaching to be saved
• Undermines assurance – How much understanding is enough? Can you ever be sure?
• Contradicts the gospel – Salvation becomes about what you know, not who you trust

The True Gospel:

Romans 10:9-10 – “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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

Salvation comes through:

• Believing in your heart – Not just intellectual understanding, but heart trust
• Declaring with your mouth – Public confession of faith in Christ

John 1:12 – “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

We become God’s children by “receiving” Christ and “believing in his name”—not by understanding a specific interpretation of Revelation.

Chapter 21 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Heart of God: When Love Refuses to Let Go,” contrasts SCJ’s intellectual salvation with the biblical gospel of relationship with Christ through grace.

---

Part 13: The Progression of Indoctrination—Where Lesson 31 Fits

By Lesson 31, students have been systematically prepared through a carefully designed progression. Let’s map how this lesson advances the indoctrination process:

Introductory Level (Parables):

Goal: Establish that the Bible requires special interpretation

Method: Teaching that parables have hidden meanings only revealed to the chosen

Effect: Students learn dependency on SCJ’s interpretive method

Key Lessons:

• Lesson 1: Harvest (two seeds doctrine)
• Lessons on figurative meanings (light, tree, seed, etc.)

Intermediate Level (Bible Logic) – Including Lesson 31:

Lesson 31 (Clothes/Robes):

Goal: Establish the clothes framework, create performance anxiety, prepare for church separation

Method: Teaching that clothes = heart + actions + doctrines, and that most Christians are “spiritually naked” like Laodicea

Effect: Students feel pressure to have “clean robes” (accept SCJ’s teaching) and begin to see their churches as spiritually deficient

Psychological Preparation:

• Performance anxiety (“Are my robes clean enough?”)
• Church condemnation (Laodicean accusation)
• Works-based thinking (despite quoting Ephesians 2:8-9)
• Fear motivation (wedding banquet exclusion)

Lessons 32-39 (Coming Next):

• Lesson 32: Treasure and Rich (binary thinking, time commitment)
• Lesson 33-39: Water, Spring/River, Sea, Fisherman, Beast, Sealed/Opened Word, No Room

Goal: Complete the framework for exclusive authority and justify leaving one’s church

Method: Teaching that water = Word, SCJ is the “spring,” most Christians are “in the sea,” there are right/wrong teachers, understanding requires the “opened word”

Effect: Students see their churches as spiritually dead and SCJ as the only source of truth

Advanced Level (Revelation) – Coming After Intermediate:

Goal: Reveal Chairman Lee Man-hee’s exclusive claims

Method: Teaching that Lee is the “one who overcomes,” the “Promised Pastor,” the source of the “treasure,” the only one with the “opened word”

Effect: Students accept SCJ’s complete authority and Lee’s unique position

The Strategic Function of Lesson 31:

Lesson 31 serves several strategic functions in the overall indoctrination process:

1. Establishing the Clothes Framework

By defining clothes as heart + actions + doctrines, SCJ creates a comprehensive system for evaluating spiritual condition. This framework will be used to:

• Judge whether someone has “clean robes” (accepts SCJ’s teaching)
• Condemn other churches as “spiritually naked”
• Justify leaving one’s church to get “proper clothes”

2. Creating Performance Anxiety

The emphasis on “washing robes,” “having clean clothes,” and the wedding banquet exclusion creates anxiety: “Are my robes clean enough? What if I’m not prepared?”

This anxiety drives students to greater commitment to SCJ’s teaching and activities.

3. Undermining Church Confidence

The Laodicean accusation plants seeds of doubt about students’ churches: “What if my church thinks it’s spiritually rich but is actually poor and naked?”

This prepares students for the eventual instruction to leave their churches.

4. Setting Up Exclusive Authority

By teaching that robes are washed by the “Word” (which will be redefined as SCJ’s “opened word”), the lesson prepares students to accept that only SCJ can provide the cleansing they need.

5. Introducing Key Concepts

The lesson introduces concepts that will be fully developed later:

• “Fleeing to the mountains” (Matthew 24:16) = Leaving your church to join SCJ
• “Babylon” (Revelation 17) = Traditional Christianity
• “Wedding clothes” (Matthew 22) = Accepting SCJ’s teaching
• “Opened word” = SCJ’s interpretation through Chairman Lee

6. Maintaining Emotional Engagement

The “Love Letter” opening and the romantic language create emotional attachment and urgency, keeping students engaged and motivated to continue studying.

Chapter 11 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” maps this entire progression, explaining how each level builds psychological dependence while gradually revealing more controversial claims.

---

Part 14: The Subtext—What Lesson 31 Is Really Teaching

Let’s identify the hidden messages beneath the surface teaching:

Surface Message:

“Clothes represent our hearts, actions, and doctrines. We need to have clean robes to enter heaven. We wash our robes by being cleansed by God’s Word. We should avoid Satan’s clothes (false teaching).”

Hidden Subtext:

1. You’re Not Ready Yet

The emphasis on “later you will understand” and the incomplete explanation of Babylon creates the message: “You don’t understand everything yet. You need to keep studying with us to get the full picture.”

This creates dependency and prevents students from making informed decisions about whether to continue.

2. Your Church Is Spiritually Naked

The Laodicean accusation, while not explicitly applied to students’ churches yet, plants the seed: “Your church thinks it has God’s Word, but it’s actually spiritually poor and naked.”

This undermines confidence in students’ churches and prepares them for separation.

3. Eternal Life Depends on Your Performance

Despite quoting Ephesians 2:8-9, the lesson emphasizes: “Eternal Life depends on our habits… what turns that dream into eternal life are diligent habits.”

This creates performance anxiety and makes salvation dependent on what you do (which SCJ will define).

4. Don’t Question—That’s Doubt from Satan

The teaching that “doubt comes from the enemy” and “confusion comes from the enemy” silences critical thinking. If you have questions or concerns, you’re taught to suppress them as satanic attacks.

5. You Need the “Proper Word”

The emphasis on being clothed in the “proper Word” sets up the coming claim: Only SCJ has the “proper Word” (the “opened word”). Your church doesn’t have it.

6. You Must Flee to the Mountains

The introduction of Matthew 24:16 (“flee to the mountains”) without full explanation prepares students for the eventual instruction: “Leave your church (the holy place where the abomination stands) and join SCJ (the mountains).”

7. Actions Confirm Your Faith

The emphasis on “righteous actions” and “faith without deeds is dead” sets up the coming demands: You must prove your faith through actions (attending all classes, memorizing teaching, evangelizing, leaving your church, dedicating full-time service).

8. There’s Dangerous Teaching Out There

The introduction of “Satan’s clothes” and “Babylon’s wine” creates fear: There’s dangerous false teaching that will corrupt you. You need SCJ to protect you from it.

Chapter 14 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “The Testimony Vault: Voices From Inside the System,” includes testimonies from former members who describe how these hidden messages became clear only after leaving. One former member stated: “I didn’t realize I was being taught that my church was spiritually naked and that I needed to leave it. The teaching was so gradual and subtle that I accepted it without questioning.”

---

Part 15: Critical Questions for Discernment

If you’re studying with SCJ or considering their teachings, here are essential questions to ask:

About the “Later Understanding” Pattern:

1. Why can’t SCJ explain their full teaching upfront? If their teaching is true, why must it be revealed gradually?
2. What are they not telling you yet? What teachings are being withheld until later lessons?
3. Is this how Jesus taught? Did Jesus hide His identity and teaching, or did He speak openly? (John 18:20: “I have spoken openly to the world… I said nothing in secret”)

About the Laodicean Accusation:

1. Does your church actually fit the description of Laodicea? Is your church wealthy, self-sufficient, and spiritually complacent? Or is it humbly serving God and faithfully teaching Scripture?
2. Is it fair to apply one church’s specific problem to all churches? Revelation 2-3 addresses seven different churches with different strengths and weaknesses. Why would all modern churches be like Laodicea?
3. Could SCJ be more like Laodicea? Does SCJ say, “We are rich (we have exclusive understanding) and do not need a thing (we don’t need other Christians’ input)”?

About Salvation and Works:

1. Does the Bible teach that “eternal life depends on our habits”? Or does it teach that eternal life is a gift received by faith? (Romans 6:23, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9)
2. If salvation depends on habits and actions, how can you have assurance? How do you know your habits are good enough? How many righteous actions are required?
3. Does SCJ’s teaching produce peace or anxiety? Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Does SCJ’s teaching feel easy and light, or burdensome and exhausting?

About the “Word” Redefinition:

1. What does SCJ mean by “the Word”? Do they mean Scripture, or do they mean their interpretation of Scripture?
2. Can you understand Scripture without SCJ? Or do they claim you need their “opened word” to truly understand?
3. Does SCJ’s teaching align with Scripture? Have you verified their interpretations against the biblical text and context?

About Doubt and Questions:

1. Is it wrong to have questions? Does the Bible condemn all questioning, or does it command us to test teachings? (1 John 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Acts 17:11)
2. Why does SCJ discourage questions? If their teaching is true, shouldn’t it withstand scrutiny?
3. What happens when you express doubts or concerns? Are you encouraged to investigate, or are you told that doubt comes from Satan?

About Church Separation:

1. Is SCJ preparing you to leave your church? Have they planted seeds of doubt about your church’s teaching?
2. What does the Bible say about the church? Does it teach that one organization has exclusive truth, or that the church is the body of Christ worldwide? (1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 4:4-6)
3. What would leaving your church accomplish? Would it bring you closer to God, or would it separate you from a community of believers who know and love you?

About Your Experience:

1. How do you feel after studying with SCJ? Do you feel peace, joy, and freedom? Or do you feel anxiety, guilt, and pressure?
2. Are you becoming more loving? Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Is SCJ’s teaching producing love, or judgment and division?
3. Can you talk openly with family and friends about what you’re learning? Or do you feel the need to hide it? Why?

Chapter 27 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “Your Investigation Begins: The Detective’s Report,” provides a comprehensive framework for investigating spiritual claims through careful questioning and multiple sources.

---

Part 16: The Way Forward—Responding to Lesson 31

For Those Currently Studying with SCJ:

1. Evaluate the Performance Pressure

Take an honest look at how SCJ’s teaching is affecting you emotionally and spiritually:

• Do you feel increasing anxiety about whether your “robes are clean enough”?
• Are you constantly worried about your spiritual state?
• Do you feel pressure to perform (study more, memorize more, do more)?

Remember: Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

If SCJ’s teaching is producing burden and anxiety rather than rest and peace, that’s a warning sign.

2. Test the Laodicean Accusation

Honestly evaluate whether your church fits the description of Laodicea:

• Is your church wealthy and self-sufficient, or humbly dependent on God?
• Is your church spiritually complacent, or actively serving and growing?
• Does your church faithfully teach Scripture and preach the gospel?

If your church faithfully serves God and teaches Scripture, don’t let SCJ’s accusations undermine your confidence.

3. Examine the Gospel

Compare SCJ’s teaching with the biblical gospel:

SCJ’s message: “Eternal life depends on your habits. You need to understand the opened word. You need clean robes through righteous actions.”

Biblical gospel: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Which message produces assurance and peace? Which message glorifies Christ’s finished work?

4. Talk to Your Pastor

Show your pastor SCJ’s materials and ask:

• What do you think of their teaching that “eternal life depends on our habits”?
• Does this align with the biblical gospel?
• What do you think of their claim that most churches are like Laodicea?
• What concerns do you have about this teaching?

If SCJ discourages you from talking to your pastor, ask yourself why. Truth can withstand scrutiny.

5. Research Independently

Visit https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination for comprehensive refutation of SCJ’s teachings.

Read testimonies from former members. Listen to their stories. Ask yourself: Do their experiences sound like what you’re experiencing?

For Those Who Have Left SCJ:

1. Recover From Performance Anxiety

You may be struggling with anxiety about whether your “robes are clean enough” or whether you’re “doing enough” to be saved.

Rediscover the gospel:

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

If you’re in Christ, there’s no condemnation. Your salvation is secure based on Christ’s work, not your performance.

Colossians 2:13-14 – “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”

Your sins are forgiven—all of them. The debt is canceled. You don’t need to earn God’s favor through performance.

2. Unlearn the Laodicean Accusation

SCJ taught you that most churches are spiritually naked like Laodicea. This may have created cynicism and distrust toward the church.

Rediscover the church:

Ephesians 5:25-27 – “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.”

Christ loves the church. While individual churches are imperfect, the church universal is Christ’s bride, loved and cherished by Him.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – The church is Christ’s body, with many members serving different functions. You need the church, and the church needs you.

3. Process the “Later Understanding” Manipulation

Recognize that SCJ’s “you don’t understand yet, but you will later” pattern was a manipulation tactic designed to:

• Suspend your critical thinking
• Create dependency on their teaching
• Justify gradual revelation of controversial claims
• Prevent you from making informed decisions

The truth: You don’t need an exclusive organization to understand Scripture. The Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture for all believers:

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.”

4. Rebuild Healthy Relationships

SCJ’s teaching may have damaged your relationships with family, friends, and church. Rebuilding takes time:

• Reach out to those you’ve neglected
• Apologize where appropriate
• Be patient with yourself and others
• Seek reconciliation where possible

5. Find a Healthy Church

Look for a church that:

• Faithfully teaches Scripture in context
• Preaches the gospel of grace
• Produces good fruit (love, service, transformed lives)
• Welcomes questions and encourages discernment
• Operates with transparency and accountability

Chapter 28 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “Hope and Help: Guidance for Members, Families, Christians, and Seekers,” provides detailed guidance for those recovering from involvement in SCJ.

For Pastors and Christian Leaders:

1. Teach the Gospel Clearly

Many people join SCJ because they’ve never clearly understood the gospel of grace. Make sure your congregation understands:

• Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9)
• We cannot earn God’s favor through performance
• Jesus’ righteousness is credited to us as a gift
• Assurance of salvation is based on Christ’s work, not ours

2. Address Performance Anxiety

When people are taught that “eternal life depends on your habits,” they develop profound anxiety. Teach:

• Our habits don’t determine our salvation—faith in Christ does
• Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the root
• We can have assurance because salvation depends on Christ’s finished work
• Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

3. Affirm the Church’s Value

SCJ accuses churches of being like Laodicea—spiritually poor and naked. Counter this by teaching:

• The church is Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27)
• Christ loves the church and gave Himself for her (Ephesians 5:25)
• The church is the pillar and foundation of truth (1 Timothy 3:15)
• While churches are imperfect, they’re not spiritually bankrupt if they faithfully teach the gospel

4. Teach Discernment

Help your congregation develop discernment skills:

• Test teachings against Scripture (Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21)
• Beware of groups that claim exclusive authority
• Watch for gradual revelation of controversial teachings
• Be cautious of groups that discourage questions
• Look for good fruit (Matthew 7:15-20)

5. Provide Resources

Direct people to resources like https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination for comprehensive information about SCJ’s teachings and tactics.

Chapter 29 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” titled “How Do We Know Which Voice We’re Hearing?” provides guidance for church leaders in helping members discern truth from deception.

---

Conclusion: The True Wedding Garment

Lesson 31 asks: “What are the wedding clothes?” SCJ’s answer: Heart + actions + doctrines, specifically accepting their “opened word” and following their instructions.

But the Bible’s answer is different and far more beautiful:

The wedding garment is Christ Himself.

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

We are “clothed with Christ”—not with our own righteous actions, not with perfect understanding, not with membership in an exclusive organization, but with Christ Himself.

Isaiah 61:10 – “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

God clothes us with “garments of salvation” and “a robe of his righteousness”—His righteousness, not ours.

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

This is the great exchange: Jesus took our sin so we could receive His righteousness. This is the wedding garment—Christ’s righteousness credited to us by faith.

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. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)”

Notice: The fine linen “was given her to wear”—not earned, but given as a gift. And the righteous acts are done by people who are already holy (already saved), not acts done to become holy.

The Order:

1. First: God clothes us with Christ’s righteousness through faith (the wedding garment)
2. Then: We do righteous acts as a result (fine linen)

We don’t do righteous acts to get the wedding garment. We do righteous acts because we already have the wedding garment.

And here’s the good news: This wedding garment is available to all who come to Jesus by faith. It’s not earned by performance, not accessed through one exclusive organization, not dependent on understanding secret interpretations.

Romans 10:13 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

“Everyone”—not just those who understand SCJ’s “opened word,” but everyone who calls on Jesus.

John 6:37 – “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”

Jesus promises: “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” You don’t need to have perfect understanding, perfect habits, or perfect actions. You just need to come to Jesus by faith.

Revelation 22:17 – “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”

The invitation is open: “Come!” The gift is free: “the free gift of the water of life.”

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

---

A Final Word:

If you’re studying with SCJ and feeling increasing pressure to have “clean robes,” to understand the “opened word,” and to prove yourself worthy through performance, that pressure is not from God. The gospel is about what Christ has done, not what you must do.

If you’ve left SCJ and are recovering from performance anxiety, works-based guilt, and the Laodicean accusation against the church, know this: You are clothed in Christ’s righteousness. Your robes are clean because of His blood, not your performance. Rest in His finished work.

As “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” demonstrates throughout its 30 chapters, freedom comes through seeing both the psychological tactics and the biblical truth. Use both lenses. Test everything. Hold fast to what is good.

And above all, hold fast to Jesus Christ—the one who clothes us with His righteousness, the one who washes us clean by His blood, the one who invites all who are weary and burdened to come and find rest.

For comprehensive refutation of Shincheonji teachings and support for those investigating or leaving the group, please visit the Shincheonji Examination page at https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination.