The lesson discusses the figurative meanings of spring and river in relation to the word of God and receiving spiritual life. A spring represents a pastor or temple meant to receive and deliver the pure word from heaven above. A river represents disciples and evangelists who receive the word from the spring and spread it outward, bringing life. There were Old Testament prophecies about a future fountain that would cleanse sins, fulfilled by Jesus as the source of living water at his first coming. However, Revelation prophesies about Jesus leading people to “springs of living water” at his second coming, suggesting a specific source delivering the pure word in the last days, in contrast to false “springs without water.” The lesson emphasizes discerning the true spring and river of God’s word from counterfeits as the end times approach.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Figurative meanings:
Spring = Pastor and Temple
River = Heart of a disciple or evangelist
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Spring and River
I pray that this lesson will refresh us like a fresh glass of cool water on a hot summer day.
Picture this: it’s a sweltering summer afternoon, with temperatures in the nineties. You’ve been outside mowing the lawn or walking the dog. When you come back inside, the air conditioning envelops you. You go to the refrigerator, take out a fresh, chilled glass of water, and drink it. You feel rejuvenated and renewed. That’s how I hope you feel each time you come to study God’s word
– like you’ve just drunk a refreshing glass of clean water.
In this lesson, we will be going over spring and river just to continue the lesson of the figurative of water.
Spring represents Pastor and Temple
River represents the Heart of a disciples or evangelists.
So what’s the logic of this? Let’s understand this in this lesson.
Figurative Spring and River
Main Reference
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain, or you can say a spring of life. This means the things they say give life to others, like water that flows.
But the opposite comes out of the mouth of the wicked, leading them to death.”
1. Physical Characteristics of Springs and Rivers.
Springs are the source of water on Earth. They are often the first places where water emerges from underground. Springs are fed by rainwater seeping down from above. The rainwater fills up the springs, allowing them to overflow with water. Springs can also receive groundwater that originates from rain permeating into the earth.
The water cycle illustrates this circular system. God created the water cycle, demonstrating this continuous process. Springs collect the water, becoming full, and then the water begins to flow out.
The outpouring of water from springs forms rivers. Rivers transport water that originates from springs. Rivers typically flow downhill, from higher to lower elevations. One of the longest river systems in the United States is the Mississippi River, which flows from northern Minnesota down to the Gulf of Mexico in the south – a very gradual descent from a high point to a low point.
Rivers ultimately empty into the sea, which is the final destination of flowing water. As discussed in the previous lesson, the sea symbolizes a place of spiritual turmoil. The reason rivers flow into the sea will be explored in the next lesson. In summary, these are some key physical characteristics of springs and rivers.
2. Spiritual (True) Meaning of Spring and River
Draw a picture depicting a cloud hovering above a mountain.
At the mountain’s peak, sketch a spring flowing from the rock. Additionally, illustrate rain pouring from the cloud onto the mountain. Then, originating from the spring, depict a river winding down the mountainside.
Each component of this scene carries spiritual significance.
Each one of these things has a spiritual meaning. Each one of them does. So let’s talk about each meaning.
Cloud
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
So, what did the writer of Hebrews say here?
We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.
Who are these witnesses?
They are spirits. Whenever we see figurative clouds in the Bible, it represents the invisible spiritual world that is presently here or active in that location.
A cloud symbolizes the invisible spiritual realm, similar to what Ezekiel saw in Ezekiel 1. He saw a cloud descend and started to see visions of angels. The cloud represents a symbol of the invisible spiritual world.
And that makes sense because that’s where the water cycle begins – with rainwater from above.
It is the freshest and cleanest water. When the water flows through the dirty earth, it becomes corrupted and has to evaporate and become fresh again.
The rainwater is purest as it comes down from above.
Rain
Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.
The rain is the word.
So, from the spirits above, the word comes down. And where does the word first land? On a spring. And that makes a lot of sense.
Well, let’s see it in scripture. This is a critical chapter for this topic, and we’ll really break this down over the next two days.
Spring
The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side.
So water was flowing from the temple. We read later in Ezekiel 47 that it flowed and became a great river. That river eventually flows into the sea.
Wherever the river flowed, life sprang up. Trees and grass were fed from the coming of that water.
When it flows into the sea, the seawater becomes fresh. However, not all the seawater becomes fresh. Some of that water still remains salty, like a marsh. I’ll discuss that more later.
The temple was the source of the water flowing down the mountain. A temple, or place of worship, is where the person inside is supposed to receive water from above and allow it to flow out.
Who is that person?
A pastor should be one that receives the water from the clouds above and flows it to the people below. They are the source of that water on Earth, but they are fed from above. That’s how it should be.
That’s how it should work. But does it always work that way?
That’s the question.
River
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.
What did Jesus say?
“Whoever hears my words, if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. And whoever comes to me and drinks, rivers—or some versions might say streams, same thing—will flow from within them.” From within their hearts.
The goal for the person receiving the stream from the spring is not to keep it to themselves.
What is the purpose of a river?
It is to carry water and give life wherever it flows. So from within that person’s heart, like the disciples who heard Jesus’ word in John 15:3, their hearts would be cleansed.
They would be set on fire to go and teach others as well, saying “Have you heard about this man named Jesus?
Let me tell you about him.” As they share the word, others would be washed clean, and the cycle would repeat as the water keeps flowing.
But the source is always from above. The true water of life must originate from God.
So what should happen to a person receiving God’s word?
Hebrews 6 issues a warning, speaking about those who should understand and believe yet do not. Let’s examine the consequences described there.
7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Land that receives rain and produces good fruit is praiseworthy. Conversely, land that receives rain but produces thorns and thistles is problematic.
Both types of land receive the same water from above, yet their results differ.
This passage evokes thoughts of the parable of the sower.
The concern is not actually for the land itself.
Rather, the land represents people and their reactions to receiving the word from above.
One type of land produces fruit, while the other only yields thorns and thistles, and ultimately this unfruitful land is burned.
This analogy is similar to the parable of the weeds and the wheat.
Many people receive the same word, yet some produce fruit while others do not. Let us ensure we are like the good soil, producing fruit for God, not thorns.
Jesus spoke the same words to a whole crowd, but only explained further to those humble enough to approach for more understanding. The others left after merely hearing.
So let us be those who produce fruit for God.
3. Springs and Rivers at the First Coming and the Second Coming
Old Testament Prophecy
“On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.
“So, what did we see here in Zechariah 13:1? The passage began by saying “On that day,” indicating that prophecy is now being used.
“On that day” signals that figurative language will follow. The passage states that “A fountain will be opened in the house of David and in the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”
What will this fountain do? It will cleanse the people from their sin and impurity.
Imagine living at Zechariah’s time, reading this passage, and expecting a physical fountain to literally appear that would cleanse sins. People likely waited for such a fountain, thinking their sins would be purified when it arrived.
Many probably took the words literally until a particular fountain manifested that truly delivered life-cleansing, sin-cleansing effects.
This Old Testament prophecy of a fountain or “well” or “spring” foretold what it would do – cleanse sin and impurity. Did this prophesied fountain appear? What name did this cleansing spring go by?
Of course, it was Jesus.”
First Coming Fulfillment
6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”
13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Jesus often used figurative language when speaking to people, who would initially misunderstand Him. He would then have to explain further. Very few were able to immediately grasp what Jesus was saying. Those who did understand quickly, Jesus would often point out, like the Roman centurion whose faith impressed Jesus.
Most people responded more like the Samaritan woman, saying “Give me this water so I don’t have to keep coming to draw water from the well.” But Jesus told her, “Whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst…” Jesus, the source of water on Earth, was Himself fed from above.
He told His disciples in John 7:38, “Streams of living water will flow from within believers.”
Jesus said disciples themselves become rivers, carrying the word to many. “Whoever hears My words and believes will have streams flowing from them,” to deliver the word received from Jesus to many nations, languages and kings – that is their mission.
So we see how this prophecy was fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming, through Him. What then about prophecies of a spring appearing at His second coming?
New Testament Prophecy
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’
Will lead. What does this “will” mean? What kind of content are we reading when we see the word will?
We are reading prophecy.
Who was the lamb?
Jesus is the Lamb. So, what is Jesus saying then, here and now?
Jesus is saying, “I will lead my people to springs of living water.”
Wait, isn’t Jesus the spring?
So, what is Jesus saying here?
Where’s Jesus?
Jesus is in Heaven.
So, he’s saying when the time comes, when Revelation is fulfilled, “I will send people to springs of my living water.”
People who should be able to deliver my word truthfully. So, how will this be fulfilled?
Revelations 21:6
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
I will come, and this is God speaking now. I will give from the spring of the water of life. So, at the second coming, a spring is prophesied to appear.
And we know what a spring represents: a pastor and temple that is supposed to deliver the water of life. And what happens when that temple delivers water? It then flows.
And there will be disciples and evangelists to take that water and flow it as well. And this will be the place where God and Jesus work—a place.
Have we found a place like this yet?
A place where receiving the opened word, explanations of the deep things of God occur. Because at this place, the word should be able to be explained clearly from Genesis to Revelation.
But there are many other places that look similar to this but are not. They’re missing some key components.
4. Satan’s Springs.
These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.
Apostle Peter prophesies about those who will speak boastful words.
They will promise freedom, but they themselves are enslaved to depravity. In this place, there will be springs – but what kind of springs? Springs without water.
Can we even call those springs at all if they lack water? A place like this cannot bring someone to salvation.
Though they may have pleasing words, a beautiful building, and even a large congregation, those are not signs that God is at work in a place.
The signs that God is working in a place are the word and the presence of the word.
We must be able to discern – we must. Because we are amidst places like this.
Have we found a place that openly provides the word and the water of life?
Let us continue studying that.
Memorization
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
Spring represents a pastor and a temple according to Ezekiel 47:1-2.
Springs flow into rivers, and rivers carry that water from a high place to a low place, bringing life. The job of a spring is to deliver the word from above, down, just like the natural water cycle that God created so we can understand.
There was a prophecy that a fountain, well, or spring would appear and cleanse the impurities of those who receive its water. That reality became Jesus, as He delivered the living water that welled up to eternal life within each person.
But that very same Jesus, at the time of the second coming, said "I will lead people to springs of living water" (Revelation 7:17). At the time of Revelation's fulfillment, at that place, the water of life will be given - a place where God and Jesus will be, the opposite of a place where God in Jesus will not be.
Places where there are springs without water, which means places without the word. The word will not be there in that place.
Let us be those able to find that place and be fed like well-bred grass.
Review with the Evangelist
REVIEW
The title lesson: Secrets of Heaven, the Figurative Spring and River
So, we need to run the spring that gives the word of life at the second coming. How to do that? But before that, we've got to know what a river and a spring are—the figurative meaning of spring and river.
A spring is a pastor or temple. A spring is a pastor or a temple, and a river is the heart of a disciple or evangelist.
Let's talk about some physical characteristics. Both of these are sources of water, springs and rivers, but they have different functions. We're going to talk about the physical characteristics of springs and rivers. Why is that important? God uses the physical things He has created to help us understand the spiritual things.
What are some physical characteristics of a spring?
A spring receives its water from above. So, rainwater is what creates the spring. It usually shoots up the water in an interesting way. And then gravity causes the water to flow down, creating a river. That's the physical characteristic of a spring - it receives water from above, from heaven.
So then, a spring should receive what? The word from heaven, understanding from heaven, not from their own thoughts, right? And then that spring creates rivers - rivers because the water is overflowing; it creates a river. And what are rivers again? Others, evangelists and disciples who also have the word and spread the word.
Where does a physical river deposit into? Like what is its destination? Into the sea or the ocean, right? What does that mean spiritually? The rivers take the water from the spring to fresh water or the word of life. And then deposit that into the sea.
Let's talk about the first coming. What was the situation at the first coming? Who was the spring or the fountain that's prophesied in Zechariah 13:1? There was a fountain - who is that spring or fountain that appeared that was able to give the water of life or the word of life? It was Jesus. Jesus was the spring who gave the word or water of life to whom? To his disciples, his followers. And they became like what? They became rivers of living water.
By God's grace, they spread that water to many. They gave the water to many, even to the point today that we know about Jesus, right? If they hadn't become like rivers and spread that water, we wouldn't know today.
There is a promise in Revelation 21:6 - “It is done.” It is done, meaning what? It is fulfilled. It's a promise - I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
How can I find that spring of water of life that's promised? That's our hope. Let us be those who are able to discern. This learning is essential to finding the Spring of Water of Life.
How do we discern? With the Bible. There are two essential steps we need to take - Listen with our ears and then examine with the scriptures, right? In Job 34:3-4, we have to test our spiritual food, which is the word. So we have to test the words and then like in Acts 17:11, check the scriptures to see if what I was told is true. Because the Bible is our standard.
It seems like it's been a while since we talked about these things, but actually, this is how we can find the spring - by discerning.
Let's Us Discern
Analysis of Shincheonji Bible Study Lesson 34: "Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Spring and River"
Using "Testing Shincheonji's Claims: Two Lenses, One Story"
Introduction: The Source of Living Water
Lesson 34, titled "Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Spring and River," presents itself as a refreshing teaching about spiritual nourishment—comparing God's Word to water that gives life, springs that overflow, and rivers that flow from believers. The imagery is beautiful and biblical. The instructor even begins with an appealing metaphor: coming to God's Word should feel like drinking a cold glass of water on a hot summer day—refreshing, rejuvenating, renewing.
However, as "Testing Shincheonji's Claims: Two Lenses, One Story" demonstrates throughout its 30 chapters, Shincheonji (SCJ) consistently operates on multiple levels. The surface teaching sounds biblical and appealing, but beneath it lies a carefully constructed framework designed to prepare students to accept SCJ's exclusive claims—particularly that Chairman Lee Man-hee is the "spring" that provides the "water of life" (the "opened word") at the Second Coming.
By Lesson 34, 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 establish SCJ's exclusive authority:
- The "sealed and opened word" theology - Scripture was "sealed" and incomprehensible until now
- The urgency of the times - We're living in the Second Coming era, like the days of Noah
- The identification of the "spring" - There is a specific source (person/organization) providing the "water of life" today
- The call to radical commitment - Like Noah and Lot, you must be ready to leave everything behind
The lesson's stated hope—"to find the spring that gives the water of life at the second coming"—sounds like a call to seek God, but it's actually preparing students to believe that Chairman Lee Man-hee is this "spring" and that only through SCJ can one receive the "water of life."
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 closerlookinitiative.com.
Part 1: The Daniel 12 Foundation—The "Sealed Word" Theology
What SCJ Teaches:
The lesson begins by reviewing Daniel 12:8-9:
"Daniel heard and saw the visions but did not understand. Was it because he lacked intelligence or diligence? Why couldn't he understand what he was hearing and seeing from God? It was because the word was sealed; it was not time for him to understand... They were in a state of being sealed, so no matter how intelligent someone is, or how many times they read the scripture Daniel wrote, they would not have been granted the knowledge to understand because it wasn't time."
The instructor then asks: "Has that time come? And what is the evidence? If we look at verse 9, 'because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end.' When this time comes, what will happen to the words that Daniel heard and saw? They will be unsealed and fulfilled. And when they are fulfilled, they will be explained. This is the evidence that the end times that were promised have now come."
The Reflective Lens: The Authority Foundation
This teaching appears to be about God's timing in revealing truth, but it's actually laying the foundation for SCJ's most central claim: that Scripture (particularly Revelation) has been "sealed" for 2,000 years and only now, through Chairman Lee Man-hee, has been "opened." Let's examine the psychological progression:
1. The Reasonable Starting Point
The lesson begins with a legitimate biblical observation: Daniel didn't understand everything he saw in his visions. This is true and gains students' agreement.
2. The Subtle Expansion
However, SCJ expands this specific instance (Daniel not understanding his visions) into a universal principle: All of Scripture (particularly prophecy) has been "sealed" and incomprehensible until the "time of the end." This is a significant leap that students have been conditioned to accept through previous lessons.
3. The Present Application
The instructor asks, "Has that time come?" and implies the answer is yes—we're living in the "time of the end," so the sealed word is now being opened. This creates urgency and positions what students are learning as uniquely significant.
4. The Exclusive Authority Claim
The logic SCJ is building:
- Premise 1: Scripture was sealed until the time of the end
- Premise 2: We're now living in the time of the end
- Premise 3: When prophecy is fulfilled, it can be explained
- Premise 4: Someone must have witnessed the fulfillment to explain it
- Conclusion: Therefore, there is someone (Chairman Lee Man-hee) who witnessed Revelation's fulfillment and can now explain the "opened word"
While Lee Man-hee is not named in this lesson, the groundwork is being systematically laid for students to accept his exclusive authority.
5. The Self-Doubt Neutralization
Notice the instructor's pastoral tone: "So, whenever you felt like you read the Bible and you were just like, 'What does this mean? Is something wrong with me?' No, nothing was wrong with you. It just wasn't time yet."
This is psychologically powerful. It validates students' past confusion while simultaneously positioning SCJ as the solution. The message: "Your previous inability to understand wasn't your fault—the word was sealed. But now it's being opened, and we can help you understand."
Chapter 9 of "Testing Shincheonji's Claims: Two Lenses, One Story," titled "The Parable Puzzle: How SCJ Redefines Biblical Interpretation," addresses this "sealed word" theology extensively. The chapter explains how SCJ takes legitimate biblical principles (like progressive revelation) and distorts them to support exclusive claims.
The Discernment Lens: What Does Daniel 12 Actually Teach?
Let's examine Daniel 12:8-9 in its proper context:
Daniel 12:1-13 - This chapter describes future events, including:
- A time of great distress (v. 1)
- Resurrection of the dead (v. 2)
- The wise will shine like stars (v. 3)
- Daniel is told to "close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end" (v. 4)
- Various time periods are mentioned (v. 7, 11-12)
- Daniel asks for understanding but is told, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end" (v. 9)
What Was "Sealed"?
The specific visions Daniel received about future events—particularly concerning the end times, the resurrection, and final judgment—were sealed until "the time of the end." This doesn't mean:
- All of Scripture was sealed
- No one could understand any biblical truth until one specific moment
- The entire Bible required one person's exclusive interpretation
When Was It "Unsealed"?
The New Testament reveals that "the time of the end" began with Jesus' first coming:
Hebrews 1:1-2 - "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe."
We've been living in "the last days" since Jesus' first coming. The "unsealing" began with Christ's revelation of God's plan of salvation.
Acts 2:16-17 - "No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.'"
Peter, speaking at Pentecost (shortly after Jesus' resurrection and ascension), declared that "the last days" had begun. The Spirit was poured out, enabling believers to understand God's truth.
What About Revelation?
SCJ teaches that Revelation was "sealed" until Chairman Lee Man-hee received its interpretation in 1984. However, Revelation itself contradicts this:
Revelation 1:1-3 - "The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
Notice:
- Revelation was given to "show his servants" (plural, all believers) what must "soon take place" (relevant to the first-century audience)
- A blessing is pronounced on "the one who reads" and "those who hear it" (implying it's meant to be read and understood by ordinary believers)
- "The time is near" (not 2,000 years in the future)
Revelation 22:10 - "Then he told me, 'Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.'"
This is crucial: John was explicitly told NOT to seal Revelation. This directly contradicts SCJ's claim that Revelation has been sealed for 2,000 years.
The Biblical Pattern of Progressive Revelation:
The Bible does teach progressive revelation—God revealed His plan gradually over time, culminating in Jesus Christ:
Ephesians 3:4-6 - "In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
The "mystery" that was hidden has been revealed—not through one person in the 20th century, but through Jesus Christ and the apostolic testimony recorded in the New Testament.
Colossians 1:25-27 - "I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
The mystery has been disclosed to "the Lord's people" (all believers)—not to one exclusive interpreter.
Chapter 19 of "Testing Shincheonji's Claims: Two Lenses, One Story," titled "The Timeline Trap: When Prophecy Becomes a Puzzle Only One Person Can Solve," addresses how SCJ misuses passages about sealed prophecy to claim exclusive interpretive authority.
Part 2: The Noah and Lot Urgency—Creating Fear and Radical Commitment
What SCJ Teaches:
The lesson transitions to Matthew 24:36-39, where Jesus compares His coming to the days of Noah. The instructor emphasizes:
"In Noah's time, God came to a righteous man, Noah, and gave him instructions to build an ark. It took Noah about one hundred years to build the ark. During that time, Noah preached to the people: 'The flood is coming. Get on the ark.' And how did the people respond? 'Go away, Noah!' They continued on with their daily lives as if nothing would happen. Then the flood came and it was too late for them."
The instructor then applies this to the present: "Yes, we need to work and provide for our families. But if those things consume all of our time, effort and energy, our priorities are off. According to the signs, it may be time now to put first things first. We need to be ready to move when the call comes, to gather our families and go. So are we getting close to this time? Are the signs of the times being revealed? Let's keep alert to the signs."
The Reflective Lens: The Urgency Manipulation
This teaching appears to be about spiritual readiness and prioritizing God's kingdom, but it's actually creating psychological pressure to make radical commitments to SCJ. Let's examine the dynamics:
1. The Legitimate Biblical Warning
Jesus did teach that His return would be unexpected, like in Noah's day. This is a legitimate biblical warning about spiritual preparedness. By starting here, SCJ gains students' agreement.
2. The Present Application
However, SCJ applies this warning to the present moment in a specific way: The signs are appearing now, the time is near, you need to be ready to "move when the call comes" and "gather your families and go."
This creates urgency and positions SCJ's teachings as the "ark" that will save you from judgment. The implicit message: Just as Noah built an ark and called people to enter it, so SCJ is the organization you need to join to be saved.
3. The Radical Commitment Demand
The instructor acknowledges that work and family are important but warns that if they "consume all of our time, effort and energy, our priorities are off." This prepares students for the radical demands SCJ will make:
- Attending multiple classes per week (often 3-5 times)
- Spending hours in "homework" (memorizing SCJ's interpretations)
- Evangelizing (recruiting new students)
- Eventually leaving their church
- Distancing from family members who oppose SCJ
- Potentially quitting jobs or changing careers to serve SCJ full-time
The Noah and Lot examples are used to justify these demands: "Just as Noah and Lot had to leave everything behind, so you must be willing to leave everything for God's work."
4. The Fear Motivation
The underlying message is fear: "If you don't respond to this message, you'll be like those who ignored Noah—swept away in judgment. If you hesitate like Lot's wife, you'll perish. Time is running out. You need to act now."
This fear-based motivation is psychologically powerful. It overrides rational decision-making and pushes people toward immediate, radical action.
5. The Isolation Preparation
The reference to "gather your families and go" prepares students for potential isolation from family members who don't accept SCJ's teaching. The message: "Try to bring your family with you, but if they won't come, you need to go anyway—like Lot leaving his sons-in-law behind."
Chapter 11 of "Testing Shincheonji's Claims: Two Lenses, One Story," titled "The Isolation Strategy: When Progressive Revelation Becomes Progressive Control," explains how this urgency narrative is used to justify increasingly radical commitments and isolation from outside influences.
The Discernment Lens: What Does Matthew 24 Actually Teach?
Let's examine Matthew 24:36-39 in its proper context:
Matthew 24:36-44 - "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken in. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
What Jesus Was Teaching:
- The Timing Is Unknown: "No one knows... not even the angels... nor the Son, but only the Father." Jesus emphasizes that the exact timing of His return is unknown. This contradicts SCJ's claim that we can know we're in the specific time of fulfillment.
- Life Will Seem Normal: People will be going about normal activities (eating, drinking, marrying) when Jesus returns. This doesn't mean normal activities are wrong—it means people will be unprepared spiritually.
- The Call Is to Watchfulness: "Keep watch... be ready." The emphasis is on ongoing spiritual readiness, not on identifying one specific organization as the "ark."
- The Return Will Be Sudden and Visible: Other passages clarify that Jesus' return will be unmistakable:
Matthew 24:27 - "For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."
Revelation 1:7 - "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him."
Jesus' return will not be a secret event in one organization in Korea in 1984. It will be visible to everyone.
What Jesus Was NOT Teaching:
- That His return would be a secret spiritual event in one organization
- That believers need to identify and join a specific organization (the "ark") to be saved
- That normal life activities (work, family) are obstacles to spiritual readiness
- That we can know the specific time of His return by identifying signs
The Noah Analogy:
Yes, Jesus compared His return to Noah's day. But what's the point of comparison?
The Similarity: People will be unprepared spiritually, going about life without regard for God's judgment.
The Difference: Noah's ark was a physical structure that saved people from physical judgment. Salvation in Christ is spiritual—through faith in Jesus, not through membership in an organization.
1 Peter 3:20-21 - "...who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Peter uses Noah's ark as a symbol of baptism and salvation through Christ's resurrection—not as a pattern for joining one exclusive organization.
The Danger of False Urgency:
Throughout history, groups claiming exclusive truth have used false urgency to manipulate people:
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 - "Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction."
Paul warns against being "unsettled or alarmed" by teachings claiming the day of the Lord has come. False urgency is a tool of deception.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 - "Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober."
Paul teaches ongoing spiritual readiness ("be awake and sober"), not panic-driven radical action based on claims that the time has come.
Chapter 15 of "Testing Shincheonji's Claims: Two Lenses, One Story," titled "What Pastors and Counselors Discover," includes testimonies from former members who describe how this urgency narrative drove them to make hasty decisions they later regretted—leaving jobs, abandoning education, cutting off family relationships.
Part 3: The Spring and River Symbolism—Identifying the Source
What SCJ Teaches:
The lesson establishes symbolic meanings:
Spring = Pastor and Temple River = Heart of disciples or evangelists
The instructor explains: "Springs are the source of water on Earth. They are often the first places where water emerges from underground... The water cycle illustrates this circular system. God created the water cycle, demonstrating this continuous process. Springs collect the water, becoming full, and then the water begins to flow out. The outpouring of water from springs forms rivers."
The lesson references Proverbs 10:11: "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence."
The Reflective Lens: The Source Identification
This teaching appears to be about how God's Word flows from teachers to disciples, but it's actually preparing students to identify Chairman Lee Man-hee as the "spring" that provides the "water of life." Let's examine the progression:
1. The Reasonable Metaphor
The spring and river imagery is biblically rooted and makes intuitive sense: Just as water flows from a spring to rivers to the sea, so God's Word flows from teachers to disciples to the world. This gains students' agreement.
2. The Source Emphasis
However, notice the emphasis on the spring as the "source"—the place where water "emerges from underground," where it "becomes full" before flowing out. This prepares students to ask: "What is the spring today? Where is the source of the water of life?"
3. The Implicit Answer
While not stated explicitly in this lesson, the answer students will learn in subsequent lessons is: Chairman Lee Man-hee is the "spring" (the pastor/temple) from whom the "water of life" (the opened word) flows. SCJ members are the "rivers" who carry this water to others.
4. The Exclusive Source Claim
The logic being built:
- There is one primary spring (source)
- Rivers flow from this spring
- To receive pure water, you must go to the source
- Therefore, to receive the "water of life," you must receive from the "spring" (Lee Man-hee through SCJ)
5. The Dependency Creation
This creates psychological and spiritual dependency: "I need to stay connected to the spring (SCJ) to receive the water of life. If I leave, I'll be cut off from the source."
Chapter 16 of "Testing Shincheonji's Claims: Two Lenses, One Story," titled "The Promised Pastor Problem: When Human Leaders Claim Divine Authority," addresses how SCJ's "spring" teaching creates unhealthy dependency on one human leader.
The Discernment Lens: What Does Scripture Say About the Source of Living Water?
Biblical Truth #1: Jesus Is the Source of Living Water
The Bible is clear about who provides living water:
John 4:10, 13-14 - "Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.'... Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"
Jesus is the source of living water. When we receive from Him, we ourselves become springs—not rivers flowing from one human source, but springs with our own direct connection to Jesus.
John 7:37-39 - "On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.' By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive."
Notice:
- Jesus invites anyone to come directly to Him
- Those who believe in Jesus have rivers flowing "from within them"—they're not dependent on one human source
- This refers to the Holy Spirit dwelling in all believers
Biblical Truth #2: All Believers Have Direct Access to the Source
The New Testament emphasizes that all believers have direct access to God through Jesus:
Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Ephesians 2:18 - "For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."
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."
All believers have the Spirit's anointing and direct access to God. We don't need one human "spring" to mediate God's truth to us.
Biblical Truth #3: Multiple Teachers, One Source
The New Testament presents a model of multiple teachers, all pointing to the one source (Jesus):
Ephesians 4:11-13 - "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
Christ gives multiple types of teachers (plural) to equip all believers. There's no "one spring" model—there are many teachers, all pointing to the one source (Christ).
1 Corinthians 3:5-9 - "What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building."
Paul emphasizes that teachers are servants—not the source. God is the source who makes things grow. No human teacher should be elevated as "the spring."
Biblical Truth #4: The Danger of Depending on One Human Source
Scripture warns against depending on one human leader:
1 Corinthians 1:12-13 - "What I mean is this: One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas'; still another, 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?"
Paul condemns the very thing SCJ promotes—dividing into factions based on which human leader you follow.
Jeremiah 17:5-8 - "This is what the LORD says: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.'"
Trusting in human leaders leads to spiritual barrenness. Trusting in the Lord leads to life.
The Proverbs 10:11 Context:
Let's examine the verse SCJ cites:
Proverbs 10:11 - "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence."
This is a general proverb about righteous people (plural) whose words bring life. It's not a prophecy about one specific person being "the fountain." The contrast is between righteous and wicked people in general, not between one exclusive teacher and everyone else.
Chapter 18 of "Testing Shincheonji's Claims: Two Lenses, One Story," titled "When One Voice Claims to Speak for God," contrasts SCJ's "one spring" model with Scripture's teaching about distributed leadership and direct access to God through Jesus.
Part 4: The Progression of Indoctrination—Where Lesson 34 Fits
By Lesson 34, 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
Intermediate Level (Bible Logic) - Including Lessons 33-39:
Lesson 33 (Water = Word):
- Goal: Establish that "water" represents God's Word, specifically the "water of life" represents the "opened word"
- Method: Teaching figurative interpretation of water imagery
- Effect: Students learn to equate "water of life" with "opened word" (SCJ's exclusive teaching)
Lesson 34 (Spring and River):
- Goal: Establish the "sealed word" theology, create urgency, and identify the "spring" (source) of the "water of life"
- Method: Teaching Daniel 12 (sealed word), Matthew 24 (urgency), and spring/river symbolism
- Effect: Students believe Scripture was sealed until now, feel urgency to act, and are prepared to identify Lee Man-hee as the "spring"
- Psychological Preparation: Creating fear of missing out, justifying radical commitment, establishing dependency on one source
Lessons 35-39 (Sea, Fisherman, Beast, Sealed/Opened Word, No Room):
- Goal: Complete the framework for exclusive authority and justify leaving one's church
- Method: Teaching that most Christians are "in the sea," that there are right/wrong teachers, that 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 Next:
- Goal: Reveal Chairman Lee Man-hee's exclusive claims
- Method: Teaching that Lee is the "one who overcomes," the "Promised Pastor," the "spring," the only one with the "opened word"
- Effect: Students accept SCJ's complete authority and Lee's unique position
The Strategic Function of Lesson 34:
Lesson 34 serves several strategic functions:
1. Establishing the "Sealed Word" Foundation
By teaching that Scripture was "sealed" until now, SCJ creates the need for their exclusive interpretation. Students learn: "I couldn't understand before because the word was sealed. Now it's being opened, and SCJ can help me understand."
2. Creating Urgency
The Noah and Lot examples create fear-based urgency: "Time is running out. I need to act now. I need to be willing to leave everything behind."
3. Identifying the Source
The spring/river imagery prepares students to ask: "What is the spring today?" The answer (to be revealed more explicitly later): Chairman Lee Man-hee and SCJ.
4. Justifying Radical Commitment
The Noah and Lot examples justify increasingly radical demands: attending multiple classes weekly, spending hours on homework, evangelizing, eventually leaving one's church and potentially distancing from family.
5. Neutralizing Doubt
The pastoral tone ("Nothing was wrong with you. It just wasn't time yet.") neutralizes students' past doubts while positioning SCJ as the solution.
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 5: The Subtext—What Lesson 34 Is Really Teaching
Let's identify the hidden messages beneath the surface teaching:
Surface Message:
"God's Word is like water that gives life. Springs represent pastors who provide this water. Rivers represent disciples who carry it to others. We should seek the spring that gives the water of life."
Hidden Subtext:
1. Scripture Has Been Incomprehensible Until Now
The Bible (particularly prophecy) has been "sealed" for 2,000 years. No one—no matter how intelligent or diligent—could truly understand it. Only now is it being "opened."
2. We're Living in the Critical Moment
We're in the "time of the end" when the sealed word is being opened. This is the most significant moment in 2,000 years of church history. You're privileged to be alive now.
3. There Is One Source (Spring) of Truth
Just as rivers flow from one spring, so the "water of life" (opened word) flows from one source. That source is Chairman Lee Man-hee (though not named yet in this lesson).
4. You Must Make Radical Commitments Now
Like Noah and Lot, you must be willing to leave everything behind—job, education, family relationships, your church—to follow God's call (which means joining SCJ).
5. Normal Life Is a Distraction
Work and family are necessary but can become obstacles if they "consume all your time, effort and energy." You need to prioritize SCJ's activities above normal life responsibilities.
6. Hesitation Is Dangerous
Like those who ignored Noah or like Lot's wife who looked back, hesitation or attachment to your old life will lead to destruction. You must act decisively now.
7. Your Previous Understanding Was Wrong
Your past confusion about Scripture wasn't because you needed better teaching or more study—it was because the word was "sealed." Only now, through SCJ, can you truly understand.
8. You Need SCJ to Understand
Just as rivers need a spring, you need the "spring" (SCJ/Lee Man-hee) to receive the "water of life." Without this source, you'll remain spiritually thirsty.
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 I needed one person (Lee Man-hee) to understand the Bible. It was presented so gradually through these symbolic teachings that I accepted it without questioning."
Part 6: Critical Questions for Discernment
If you're studying with SCJ or considering their teachings, here are essential questions to ask:
About the "Sealed Word" Teaching:
- Does Daniel 12:9 actually teach that all of Scripture was sealed until one specific moment in the 20th century, or that Daniel's specific visions were sealed until "the time of the end" (which began with Jesus' first coming)?
- If Revelation was sealed until 1984, why does Revelation 22:10 explicitly say NOT to seal it? How do you reconcile these contradictory claims?
- If Scripture was incomprehensible for 2,000 years, how did the church survive and grow? Were all Christians throughout history deceived? Did no one understand the gospel?
- Does the New Testament teach that Scripture is "sealed" or that it's "God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16)?
About the Urgency Claims:
- Has SCJ made specific predictions about timing that didn't come true? If so, doesn't this disqualify them according to Deuteronomy 18:22?
- Does Jesus teach that we can know the specific time of His return, or that "no one knows the day or hour" (Matthew 24:36)?
- Is the urgency you feel based on biblical evidence or on psychological pressure from SCJ? Take time to research and pray before making radical decisions.
About the "Spring" Teaching:
- Does the Bible teach that there is one human "spring" (source) of truth, or that Jesus is the source and all believers have direct access to Him?
- Does John 7:38 teach that rivers flow from one human source to others, or that rivers flow "from within" each believer who has the Holy Spirit?
- If Chairman Lee Man-hee is the "spring," how can you independently verify this claim? What evidence exists beyond SCJ's own interpretation?
About Radical Commitment:
- Is SCJ asking you to make commitments (leaving your church, distancing from family, spending extensive time in classes) that Jesus never asked His disciples to make?
- Does the Noah and Lot comparison justify leaving your church and family, or is it about spiritual readiness for Christ's return?
- Are the commitments SCJ asks producing good fruit in your life (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), or are they producing stress, division, and isolation?
About Your Experience:
- Has SCJ's teaching led you to see all other Christians and churches as spiritually deficient? Is this producing love and unity or judgment and division?
- When you express doubts or concerns, does SCJ validate them and encourage you to seek outside counsel, or do they dismiss them and pressure you to commit more fully?
- Are you becoming more connected to the broader Christian community or more isolated? Does SCJ encourage you to discuss their teachings with your pastor and family, or do they discourage it?
Chapter 27 of "Testing Shincheonji's Claims: Two Lenses, One Story," titled "Your Investigation Begins: The Detective's Assignment," provides a comprehensive framework for investigating spiritual claims through careful questioning and multiple sources.
Part 7: The Way Forward—Responding to SCJ's "Spring" Teaching
For Those Currently Studying with SCJ:
1. Test the "Sealed Word" Claim
Read Daniel 12 in context. Research what biblical scholars say about when the "time of the end" began. You'll find that mainstream Christian interpretation understands "the last days" to have begun with Jesus' first coming (Hebrews 1:1-2, Acts 2:16-17), not in 1984.
Read Revelation 1:1-3 and 22:10. Notice that Revelation was meant to be read and understood by first-century churches, not sealed for 2,000 years.
2. Resist False Urgency
The Noah and Lot examples are about spiritual readiness, not about joining one specific organization. Don't let fear-based urgency push you into hasty decisions.
Take time to:
- Research SCJ's history and failed predictions
- Talk to your pastor and family about your concerns
- Read what former SCJ members say about their experiences
- Pray for wisdom and discernment
James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
3. Identify the True Source
The Bible is clear: Jesus is the source of living water, not any human leader. You have direct access to Jesus through faith and the Holy Spirit. You don't need one human "spring" to mediate God's truth to you.
John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
4. Evaluate the Fruit
Jesus said we recognize teachers by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). What fruit is SCJ producing in your life?
- Good fruit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Bad fruit: Division from family, isolation from church, judgment of other Christians, stress, fear, deception
If SCJ is producing bad fruit, this is a warning sign.
5. Seek Outside Counsel
Talk to your pastor about SCJ's teachings. Show them the materials. Ask for their perspective. If SCJ discourages this, ask yourself why. Truth can withstand scrutiny.
Proverbs 11:14 - "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers."
Proverbs 15:22 - "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."
For Those Who Have Left SCJ:
1. Unlearn the "Sealed Word" Lie
You may have internalized the belief that Scripture was incomprehensible until SCJ explained it. Recognize that this was a lie designed to create dependency.
The Bible has always been accessible to God's people. While some passages are challenging, the core message—the gospel of Jesus Christ—has always been clear.
2. Rediscover Direct Access to God
SCJ taught you that you needed them (the "spring") to access the "water of life." Rediscover the truth: You have direct access to God through Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:19-22 - "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, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings."
3. Process the Urgency Manipulation
Recognize that the urgency you felt was manipulation, not the Holy Spirit's leading. SCJ used fear to push you into hasty decisions. Give yourself permission to feel angry about this manipulation.
Take time to heal. Don't rush into new commitments. Rebuild your relationship with God at a healthy pace.
4. Rebuild Healthy Relationships
SCJ may have damaged your relationships with family, friends, and your church. Rebuilding takes time and humility. Reach out to those you hurt or distanced from. Apologize where appropriate. Be patient with yourself and others.
5. Find a Healthy Church
Look for a church that:
- Teaches the Bible faithfully in context
- Points you to Jesus, not to human leaders
- Welcomes questions and encourages growth
- Produces good fruit in members' lives
- Maintains healthy boundaries (doesn't demand excessive time or control)
Chapter 28 of "Testing Shincheonji's Claims: Two Lenses, One Story," titled "Hope and Help: Guidance for Recovery," provides detailed guidance for those recovering from involvement in SCJ.
For Pastors and Christian Leaders:
1. Teach Biblical Interpretation
Help your congregation understand:
- Progressive revelation (God revealed His plan gradually, culminating in Christ)
- The difference between "sealed" prophecies and accessible Scripture
- How to interpret apocalyptic literature in context
- The sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
This provides a foundation for recognizing SCJ's distortions.
2. Address False Urgency
Teach about Jesus' return in a balanced way:
- Yes, we should be spiritually ready
- No, we cannot know the specific timing (Matthew 24:36)
- Beware of groups claiming "the time is now"
- Spiritual readiness means ongoing faithfulness, not panic-driven radical action
3. Affirm Direct Access to God
Emphasize that all believers have:
- Direct access to God through Jesus (Hebrews 4:16)
- The Holy Spirit dwelling within them (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- The ability to understand Scripture through the Spirit's guidance (1 John 2:27)
No one needs a human "spring" to mediate God's truth.
4. Create Healthy Community
People join SCJ partly because they're seeking deeper community and purpose. Create a church culture where:
- People feel known and valued
- Questions are welcomed
- Service opportunities are available
- Spiritual growth is encouraged
- Healthy boundaries are maintained
Chapter 29 of "Testing Shincheonji's Claims: Two Lenses, One Story," titled "How Do We Know Which Voice to Trust?" provides guidance for church leaders in helping members discern truth from deception.
Conclusion: The True Spring of Living Water
Lesson 34 asks: "What is the spring that gives the water of life at the second coming?" SCJ's answer: Chairman Lee Man-hee, the "spring" from whom the "opened word" flows.
But the Bible's answer is clear and unchanging:
Jesus Christ is the spring of living water.
John 4:13-14 - "Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"
Notice: When you drink from Jesus, you yourself become a spring. You don't become a river flowing from one human source—you become a spring with your own direct connection to Jesus.
Revelation 21:6 - "He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.'"
Revelation 22:1, 17 - "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb... 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 water of life flows from God's throne, not from one human leader. It's a free gift to all who come to Jesus.
You don't need to find a human "spring." You need to come to Jesus, who offers living water freely to all who believe.
Isaiah 55:1 - "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost."
"Test everything; hold fast what is good." - 1 Thessalonians 5:21
For comprehensive refutation of Shincheonji teachings and support for those investigating or leaving the group, please visit the Shincheonji Examination page at closerlookinitiative.com.
A Final Word:
If you're studying with SCJ and feeling increasing pressure to make radical commitments, that pressure is not from God. The Holy Spirit leads gently, not through fear and urgency.
Isaiah 30:21 - "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"
Take time to investigate. Seek counsel from multiple sources. Don't let false urgency push you into decisions you'll regret.
If you've left SCJ and are recovering from being taught that you needed them to access the "water of life," know this: You have direct access to Jesus. You always did. SCJ's claim to be the exclusive "spring" was a lie designed to control you.
Come to Jesus. Drink freely. And discover that when you drink from Him, you yourself become a spring of living water—not dependent on any human source, but connected directly to the true source of life.
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 true spring of living water, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the source of eternal life.
Outline
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Spring and River
Introduction
- This lesson aims to refresh learners by delving into the figurative meanings of "spring" and "river" within biblical scripture, building upon previous lessons on the "water of life."
Part 1: Foundation
Section 1: Review: Water as the Word of Life
- Recap of the concept of "water" symbolizing the revealed and fulfilled word of God, emphasizing the importance of understanding this figurative meaning.
Section 2: Daniel's Sealed Prophecy and the Unsealing of the Word
- Examination of Daniel 12:8-9, highlighting Daniel's inability to understand his visions because the words were sealed until the time of the end.
- Connection to Matthew 24:36-39, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the signs of the times and preparing for the Second Coming, just as Noah prepared for the flood.
Part 2: Exploring the Figurative Spring and River
Section 3: Proverbs 10:11: The Righteous Mouth as a Spring of Life
- Analysis of Proverbs 10:11, establishing the connection between a righteous person's words and a life-giving spring.
Section 4: Physical Characteristics of Springs and Rivers
- Explanation of the natural water cycle, highlighting springs as sources of water fed by rainwater and groundwater, and rivers as transporters of water originating from springs.
- Brief mention of rivers emptying into the sea, symbolizing a place of spiritual turmoil.
Section 5: Spiritual Meaning of Spring and River
- Introduction of a visual analogy: a cloud (spiritual realm) raining (the word) onto a mountaintop spring (pastor/temple), which overflows into a river (disciples/evangelists) flowing down the mountain.
Section 5.1: Cloud: The Invisible Spiritual Realm
- Interpretation of Hebrews 12:1, defining "cloud" as a symbol of the invisible spiritual world, emphasizing the source of the purest word being from above.
Section 5.2: Rain: The Word of God
- Using Deuteronomy 32:2, solidifies the association of "rain" with the word of God descending from the spiritual realm.
Section 5.3: Spring: Pastor and Temple
- Examination of Ezekiel 47:1-2, portraying the temple as the source of water flowing down, symbolizing a pastor/temple receiving the word from above and allowing it to flow to others.
Section 5.4: River: The Heart of a Disciple or Evangelist
- Analysis of John 7:37-38, where Jesus promises streams of living water flowing from believers, representing disciples becoming rivers, carrying the word and sharing it with others.
Section 5.5: The Importance of Bearing Fruit
- Utilizing Hebrews 6:7-8, emphasizes the importance of producing good fruit after receiving the word, contrasting with those who only yield thorns and thistles and ultimately face judgment.
- Draws parallels to the parable of the sower, highlighting the varying responses people have to receiving the word.
Section 6: Quick Review: Spring and River Symbolism
- Summary of the figurative meanings: spring representing pastor/temple, river representing the heart of disciples/evangelists.
Section 7: Daniel 12 and Receiving the Water of Life
- Revisiting Daniel 12, connecting it to the concept of receiving the water of life meaning accepting previously sealed words that are now revealed.
Section 8: Ezekiel 47 and the Life-Giving Flow of Rivers
- Return to Ezekiel 47, emphasizing how rivers, symbolizing the spread of the word, bring life wherever they flow, ultimately reaching the sea and making the saltwater fresh.
- Connection to 1 Peter 1:22-24, reinforcing the comparison of humanity to grass nourished by descending water.
Part 3: Springs and Rivers in Prophecy
Section 9: Old Testament Prophecy and First Coming Fulfillment
- Exploration of Zechariah 13:1, which prophesies a fountain cleansing people from sin and impurity.
- Fulfillment of the prophecy in John 4:6-14, identifying Jesus as the spring or fountain who provides living water.
- Jesus' statement in John 7:38, confirming that believers become rivers, carrying the word to many.
Section 10: New Testament Prophecy and Second Coming Anticipation
- Examination of Revelation 7:17, where Jesus promises to lead His people to springs of living water at the Second Coming.
- Revelation 21:6, God's promise to provide water from the spring of the water of life.
- Emphasis on discerning the true spring of the water of life, contrasting it with false springs lacking the word.
Section 11: Satan's Springs
- Analysis of 2 Peter 2:17, highlighting the existence of false springs or "springs without water," symbolizing places lacking the true word and leading people astray.
- Urging readers to discern between true and false springs based on the presence of the word of God.
Conclusion
- Recap of the figurative meaning of spring and river, their importance in understanding biblical prophecy, and the importance of discerning the true spring of the water of life at the Second Coming.
- Call to action: finding and being nourished by the true spring, becoming like well-bred grass nurtured by the water of life.
Review
- Summary of key concepts discussed in the lesson: the symbolism of spring and river, their connection to the water of life, and the prophecies surrounding them.
- Emphasis on the importance of discerning with the Bible, using Job 34:3-4 and Acts 17:11 as guidelines for testing spiritual food and checking scriptural accuracy.
- Final encouragement to diligently seek the spring of the water of life.
A Study Guide
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Spring and River Study Guide
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- What is the figurative meaning of water in the Bible, and provide a supporting scripture verse?
- Why couldn't Daniel understand the visions he received from God, even though he was intelligent and faithful?
- Explain the analogy between the physical characteristics of springs and rivers and their spiritual significance.
- What is the spiritual meaning of a cloud, rain, and spring according to the lesson?
- How does the parable of the sower relate to the concept of receiving the word of God?
- What Old Testament prophecy pointed towards the appearance of a life-giving spring, and how was it fulfilled in the New Testament?
- What promise does Jesus make in Revelation 7:17 regarding springs of living water at the second coming?
- What warning does 2 Peter 2:17 give about "springs without water"?
- What are the two essential steps for discerning the true Spring of Water of Life?
- Why is it important to examine the words we hear and check them against the scriptures?
Quiz Answer Key
- Water represents the Word of God that gives life – the Word of Life. Deuteronomy 32:2 states, “Let my teachings fall like rain and my words descend like dew."
- Daniel couldn't understand his visions because the word was sealed; the time for those prophecies to be fulfilled and explained had not yet arrived.
- Springs, fed by rainwater (the Word from above), represent pastors and temples who receive and dispense the Word. Rivers, originating from springs, symbolize disciples and evangelists who carry the Word and spread it to others.
- A cloud symbolizes the invisible spiritual realm. Rain represents the Word of God coming down from the spiritual realm. A spring represents a pastor or a temple where the Word is received and flows out to others.
- The parable of the sower illustrates how different people respond to receiving the Word. Some produce good fruit, while others yield thorns and thistles, highlighting the importance of being receptive and allowing the Word to transform us.
- Zechariah 13:1 prophesied a fountain that would cleanse people from sin and impurity. This was fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus, who offered living water that brings eternal life.
- Jesus promises that He will lead His people to springs of living water, indicating that there will be places where the true Word of God is taught and understood at His second coming.
- 2 Peter 2:17 warns against "springs without water," which represent places or people who may seem appealing but lack the true Word of God and cannot lead to salvation.
- The two essential steps are: (1) Listening attentively to what is being taught and (2) examining those teachings against the scriptures to verify their truth.
- Examining and checking against the scriptures is crucial because the Bible is the ultimate standard for truth. It helps us discern between true and false teachings and ensures we are receiving the authentic Word of God.
Additional Questions
1. What are the true meanings of Spring and River?
- Spring = pastor (Proverbs 10:11) and temple (Ezekiel 47:1-2)
- River = heart of a disciple/evangelist (John 7:38)
2. Who were the spring and rivers at the First Coming?
- First Coming = Jesus and his 12 disciples (Zechariah 13:1, John 4:6-14)
3. Who are the spring and rivers at the Second Coming?
- Second Coming = Springs of living water (Revelation 7:17, Revelation 21:6)
4. What are Satan’s springs?
- Springs without water (2 Peter 2:17)
Glossary of Key Terms
Word of Life: The revealed and fulfilled Word of God, represented by water, which brings spiritual life and cleansing.
Sealed Word: Prophecies or teachings in the Bible that were not yet fully understood until their appointed time of fulfillment.
Spring: Figuratively represents a pastor, a temple, or any source that dispenses the true Word of God.
River: Figuratively represents the heart of a disciple or evangelist, who receives the Word from the spring and carries it to others.
Sea: Figuratively symbolizes a place of spiritual turmoil or a world that is yet to be fully reached with the Word of God.
Cloud: Represents the invisible spiritual realm.
Rain: Represents the Word of God coming down from the spiritual realm.
Thorns and Thistles: Represent the negative consequences of not accepting or applying the Word of God in one's life.
Springs Without Water: Places or individuals who lack the true Word of God and cannot lead to genuine spiritual nourishment or salvation.
Discernment: The ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, particularly in matters of faith and spiritual teaching.
Breakdown
Overview
Overview: The Spiritual Significance of Springs and Rivers
Main Theme: This lesson explores the figurative meaning of springs and rivers in the Bible, focusing on their representation of spiritual sources and the flow of God's word. It examines the roles of pastors, temples, and disciples in spreading this "living water" and contrasts true sources of God's word with false ones.
Key Ideas:
- Water as the Word of Life: Water consistently symbolizes God's word, particularly the revealed and fulfilled word that brings spiritual life (Deuteronomy 32:2). This understanding is crucial for understanding the figurative meaning of springs and rivers.
- Spring as Pastor/Temple: Springs represent pastors and temples who are meant to receive God's word ("rain") and distribute it to others. They are the initial source of the "living water" on earth (Ezekiel 47:1-2).
- River as Disciples/Evangelists: Rivers symbolize disciples and evangelists who receive the word from the "spring" and carry it to others, spreading the message and bringing spiritual life (John 7:37-38).
- The First Coming Fulfillment: Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy of a cleansing fountain appearing (Zechariah 13:1). He is the ultimate source of living water (John 4:6-14).
- Second Coming Prophecy: Revelation prophecies a future appearance of "springs of living water" (Revelation 7:17), signifying a renewed outpouring of God's word and the establishment of a place where God and Jesus work (Revelation 21:6).
- Discernment Against False Springs: The lesson warns against "springs without water" (2 Peter 2:17), representing false teachers or places that appear to offer spiritual nourishment but lack true substance. It emphasizes the importance of testing teachings against Scripture (Job 34:3-4, Acts 17:11).
Important Facts:
- The lesson draws parallels between the physical characteristics of springs and rivers and their spiritual counterparts.
- It references the water cycle to illustrate the continuous flow of God's word, originating from above and being distributed throughout the earth.
- It uses the analogy of land producing fruit or thorns to represent individuals' responses to receiving God's word.
- It emphasizes the importance of being like "good soil" and producing fruit for God.
Key Quotes:
- "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence." (Proverbs 10:11)
- "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:38)
- "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water." (Revelation 7:17)
- "These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them." (2 Peter 2:17)
Conclusion:
This lesson provides a detailed analysis of the figurative meanings of springs and rivers in the Bible, urging readers to seek true sources of God's word, become conduits of that word like rivers, and remain vigilant against false teachings. It emphasizes the importance of both receiving and spreading the "living water" of God's truth.
Q&A
Q&A: Figurative Springs and Rivers in the Bible
1. What do springs and rivers represent in the Bible?
Springs symbolize pastors and temples, places where the word of God is received and flows out to others. They are the source of living water, representing God's word.
Rivers symbolize the hearts of disciples and evangelists. They receive the living water from the spring (pastor or temple) and carry it to others, spreading the word of God and giving life wherever they flow.
2. How does the physical water cycle relate to the spiritual meaning of springs and rivers?
The water cycle illustrates the spiritual flow of God's word. Just as rain from clouds fills springs, God's word comes down from the spiritual realm and nourishes the spring (pastor or temple). The spring overflows, creating rivers (disciples and evangelists) that carry the living water to others, ultimately reaching the sea, which represents the world.
3. How was the prophecy of a cleansing spring fulfilled at Jesus' first coming?
The Old Testament prophecy of a fountain cleansing people from sin and impurity (Zechariah 13:1) was fulfilled in Jesus. He is the spring of living water who offers eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 4:6-14). His disciples, receiving His word, became rivers, spreading the Gospel throughout the world.
4. What is the prophecy of a spring at Jesus' second coming?
Revelation 7:17 prophesies that at Jesus' second coming, He will lead His people to springs of living water. This signifies a place where God's word will be revealed and explained in its fullness, a place where God and Jesus will work powerfully.
5. What are "springs without water," and why are they dangerous?
"Springs without water" (2 Peter 2:17) refer to places that appear to be sources of truth but lack the true word of God. They may have attractive qualities, but without the life-giving water of God's word, they cannot lead to salvation.
6. How can we discern true springs from those without water?
We must be discerning by:
- Listening carefully to the teachings and messages we hear.
- Examining the Scriptures (Acts 17:11) to see if what we hear aligns with God's word.
- Testing our spiritual food (Job 34:3-4) to ensure it is nourishing and life-giving.
7. What is the ultimate goal for those who receive the living water?
Those who receive the living water are called to become rivers, flowing out and sharing the truth with others. They are to spread the word of God, giving life and bringing others to salvation.
8. How can we ensure we are like good soil, producing fruit for God?
We must receive God's word with open hearts, allowing it to transform us. We should actively seek understanding and apply the word to our lives, producing good fruit that glorifies God.