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

Analysis of SCJ Bible Study Lesson 62: “Why We Test”

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Introduction: The Final Exam You Didn’t Know You Were Studying For

Imagine you’re taking a college course that seems like a straightforward introduction to literature. The professor is engaging, the readings are classic texts, and the discussions are intellectually stimulating. Throughout the semester, the professor emphasizes the importance of “close reading,” “understanding the author’s intent,” and “internalizing the text so deeply that it becomes part of you.”

You attend every class, take diligent notes, and participate in discussions. The professor frequently says things like, “Don’t just read the words—let them transform you. The text should be written on your heart. When you’re tested, what’s truly in your heart will come out.”

Then, near the end of the semester, the professor announces a comprehensive exam. “This test will reveal whether you’ve truly understood the material,” he explains. “It’s not just about knowledge—it’s about whether you’ve internalized the correct interpretation. Those who pass demonstrate they have the text written on their hearts. Those who fail show they haven’t truly received what we’ve been teaching.”

You sit down for the exam, confident in your understanding of the literature. But as you read the questions, something feels wrong. The exam isn’t testing your understanding of the actual texts you read—it’s testing whether you’ve memorized the professor’s specific interpretations, many of which contradicted standard literary scholarship. Questions like:

• “According to our course, what does the white whale in Moby Dick really symbolize?” (The “correct” answer isn’t what Melville scholars say, but what the professor taught.)
• “Explain how Shakespeare’s Hamlet fulfills the prophecy found in our course framework.” (A prophecy you never found in Hamlet itself, but in the professor’s lectures.)
• “Demonstrate that you have internalized the correct interpretation by reproducing the analysis we covered in Lesson 34.”

You realize too late that the entire course wasn’t about understanding literature—it was about indoctrinating you into the professor’s interpretive system. The emphasis on “internalizing” and “having it written on your heart” wasn’t about deep engagement with texts; it was about memorizing and accepting one person’s interpretation as absolute truth. The test isn’t measuring understanding—it’s measuring compliance and mental conformity.

And here’s the most troubling part: students who pass feel validated (“I have the text written on my heart!”), while those who struggle feel spiritually deficient (“I haven’t internalized it enough”). The test itself becomes a tool of control, creating an in-group of those who’ve successfully absorbed the professor’s system and an out-group of those who haven’t.

This is what happens in SCJ Lesson 62.

The lesson appears to be an inspiring message about why Bible study programs include tests—to help students internalize God’s Word, to ensure they’re “approved workmen” who correctly handle Scripture, and to examine whether they truly have faith. Instructor Nate walks students through beautiful passages about having God’s Word in their hearts (Deuteronomy 6:5-9), being approved by God (2 Timothy 2:15), and examining themselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). Everything seems biblically grounded and spiritually motivating.

But beneath the surface, something else is happening. This lesson sits at a critical juncture—Lesson 62, near the end of the Introductory Level (Parables). Students have now completed approximately 60 lessons over many months. They’ve invested hundreds of hours, formed relationships with instructors and fellow students, and progressively accepted SCJ’s interpretive framework without realizing it. Now they’re being prepared for a test that will measure not their understanding of Scripture, but their absorption of SCJ’s specific interpretations.

The lesson uses legitimate biblical teaching about internalizing God’s Word to justify a testing system that actually serves a very different purpose: to reinforce SCJ’s interpretive framework, to identify students who’ve successfully internalized SCJ’s teachings, to create psychological pressure to conform, and to prepare students for the increasingly rigorous testing that will continue throughout their involvement in SCJ—culminating in the “sealing” process where they must demonstrate mastery of Lee Man-hee’s testimony to potentially become one of the 144,000.

By the time students take this test, they’ve already accepted the framework that will make SCJ’s heretical teachings seem like natural conclusions. The test isn’t measuring biblical knowledge—it’s measuring indoctrination. And the emphasis on “having God’s Word in your heart” has been subtly shifted from genuine spiritual transformation to memorization of SCJ’s interpretive system.

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

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Part 1: The Setup—God’s Desire for His Word

What SCJ Teaches in This Section

The lesson begins with what appears to be orthodox biblical teaching:

The Instructor’s Opening: “To delve into some quick background information that’s quite important to us, let’s consider how we can describe God. A key aspect to note is that God likens Himself to the word. This comparison is not just figurative; it represents a profound truth. Since the very beginning, God has harbored a desire regarding how people engage with His word. He wishes for individuals to not merely hear or read the word but to internalize it, to let it guide their actions and decisions.”

John 1:1 is quoted: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

The instructor then asks: “How does one believe in God’s word? What’s the process?”

The Answer: “The process of believing in God’s word involves hearing, understanding, and believing. But it doesn’t stop there. The word must also take root in the heart, so that one not only believes it, but also acts according to it. Actions are crucial.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 is then quoted extensively, showing God’s command to the Israelites to keep His commandments in their hearts, teach them to their children, talk about them constantly, and even write them on their doorframes.

The instructor concludes: “God instructed people to put his law in their hearts. Why? Because it’s easier to be obedient and remember the law when it is embedded within. When you’re living your life, you don’t always have a physical Bible or scroll with you, but when the word is in your heart, you can live according to it.”

What Is Biblical and What Is Uniquely SCJ

Biblical Elements:

Everything in this opening section is biblically accurate:

1. God is the Word: John 1:1 does identify the Word (Greek: Logos) with God, and John 1:14 reveals that “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”—referring to Jesus Christ.
2. Internalizing God’s Word: The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of having God’s word in our hearts:
   • Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”
   • Colossians 3:16: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly”
   • Joshua 1:8: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night”
3. Hearing, Understanding, Believing, Acting: James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” The progression from hearing to doing is biblical.
4. Deuteronomy 6:5-9: This passage, known as the Shema, was central to Jewish faith and practice. God did command His people to keep His word constantly before them—in their hearts, in their homes, in their conversations, and even physically on their bodies (phylacteries) and doorframes (mezuzahs).

So What’s the Problem?

At this point, there isn’t one—at least not obviously. The teaching is biblically sound. This is precisely what makes SCJ’s indoctrination so effective: it begins with truth.

As explained in Chapter 2 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” SCJ’s method is to “establish credibility through orthodox teaching before introducing deviations.” Students who might be wary of obvious false teaching are disarmed by lessons that seem entirely biblical.

But notice what’s being set up:

1. The emphasis on internalization: God’s word must be “in your heart,” “embedded within,” something you can “live according to” without always having a physical Bible.
2. The connection between heart and action: The word in your heart leads to obedience and right living.
3. The standard of faithfulness: This has “always been God’s desire” and “has not changed.”

These are all true statements. But they’re being used to create a framework where the upcoming test becomes a measure of whether God’s word is truly in your heart. If you don’t score well, it’s not just that you didn’t study enough—it’s that the word hasn’t taken root, that you’re not truly obedient, that you haven’t met God’s unchanging standard.

This is what Chapter 11 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “truth as a trojan horse”—using accurate biblical teaching to smuggle in a framework that will later be used for manipulation.

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Part 2: The Disciples’ Example—Studying to Be Approved

What SCJ Teaches in This Section

The lesson continues by showing how the disciples understood their responsibility to God’s word:

The Instructor’s Teaching: “Let’s see how the disciples described their relationship to the word and what was important for them to do, as they had a very important duty to carry out all those years ago. The disciples recognized the significance of the word being within their hearts. They understood the importance of living according to the word, as that was their duty and responsibility.”

2 Timothy 2:15 is quoted in two versions:

NIV: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

KJV: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The instructor comments: “It says to ‘study to show’ yourself approved. ‘Shew’ was an old English way of saying ‘show.’ The goal of studying is not to be some sort of arrogant or glorified person, but to show yourself approved.”

The Key Question: “Why is studying important? The purpose of studying is to correctly handle the word of truth. This is crucial because through us, people will hear about God, and what we say needs to be accurate. It is a significant responsibility that should not be taken lightly.”

1 Thessalonians 2:4 is then quoted: “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.”

The instructor explains: “When God entrusts someone with something, it means He trusts that person to handle it with great care. The gospel is a precious thing, and when God entrusts us with it, He is saying, ‘I trust that you will handle my word with great care.’ That’s why it’s important for us to study the gospel diligently.”

What Is Biblical and What Is Uniquely SCJ

Biblical Elements:

Again, the teaching appears entirely biblical:

1. 2 Timothy 2:15: This verse does call believers to be diligent in studying and correctly handling God’s word. Paul is instructing Timothy, a young pastor, to be careful and accurate in his teaching.
2. The importance of accuracy: It is indeed crucial that those who teach God’s word do so accurately. James 3:1 warns, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
3. Being entrusted with the gospel: 1 Thessalonians 2:4 does speak of being “approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.” Paul understood the weight of his responsibility to proclaim God’s truth faithfully.
4. God tests hearts: The verse does say “God tests our hearts.” Throughout Scripture, God examines the heart to see what is truly there (1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 2:23).

The Subtle Shift:

But notice what’s happening in the application:

Problem 1: From Teachers to All Students

2 Timothy 2:15 is addressed to Timothy, a pastor and teacher. Paul is instructing him about his specific responsibility as one who will teach others. The verse is about the qualifications and duties of those in teaching ministry.

SCJ applies this verse to all students taking the Introductory Level Test. Every student is told they must “study to show themselves approved” and “correctly handle the word of truth” as if they were all teachers with Timothy’s responsibility.

This creates enormous pressure: if you don’t do well on the test, you’re not just a student who needs more study time—you’re a “workman who needs to be ashamed” because you’re not “correctly handling the word of truth.”

Problem 2: “Correctly Handling” Means Accepting SCJ’s Interpretation

The phrase “correctly handles the word of truth” (or “rightly dividing the word of truth” in KJV) becomes code for accepting SCJ’s specific interpretive system.

In the biblical context, Paul is telling Timothy to teach Scripture accurately, not to distort it or use it for selfish purposes (as false teachers were doing). He’s calling for faithful exposition of God’s word.

In SCJ’s context, “correctly handling the word of truth” means:

• Accepting SCJ’s symbol system (farmer = pastor, field = church, etc.)
• Applying parables to SCJ’s organizational history
• Interpreting Revelation as being fulfilled in 1980s Korea
• Memorizing SCJ’s answers rather than studying Scripture independently

As explained in Chapter 21 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” this is “hermeneutical captivity”—students are taught that correct interpretation means accepting SCJ’s framework, not engaging with Scripture on its own terms.

Problem 3: Testing as Spiritual Evaluation

The instructor connects 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (“God tests our hearts”) with the upcoming exam. The implication is clear: this test is not just an academic evaluation—it’s God testing your heart.

But in the biblical context, “God tests our hearts” refers to God’s ongoing examination of our motives, desires, and faithfulness throughout life. It’s not about passing written exams on biblical interpretation.

Psalm 26:2 says, “Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.” This is David asking God to examine his inner life—his integrity, his motives, his devotion. It’s not about whether he can correctly identify the meaning of biblical symbols.

By connecting “God tests our hearts” with the Introductory Level Test, SCJ makes the exam a spiritual evaluation rather than an academic one. Students who struggle with the test aren’t just academically weak—they’re spiritually deficient. Their hearts are being tested, and a low score means they’ve failed God’s examination.

This is psychologically manipulative and theologically unsound.

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Part 3: The Parable of the Sower—Good Soil vs. Bad Soil

What SCJ Teaches in This Section

The instructor continues: “What is God trying to find as He tests our hearts? The answer lies in the parable of the sower. The good soil represents those who have a noble heart, retain the word, and persevere. They are the ones who have truly received the gospel.”

This reference to the parable of the sower is brief but crucial. The instructor doesn’t quote the parable in full, but the implication is clear: the test will reveal what kind of soil you are.

What Is Biblical and What Is Uniquely SCJ

Biblical Elements:

The parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15) is indeed about different responses to God’s word:

1. The path: The word is snatched away immediately (hard-hearted rejection)
2. Rocky ground: Initial enthusiasm but no root, so faith withers under pressure (shallow faith)
3. Thorns: The word is choked by worries, wealth, and desires (distracted faith)
4. Good soil: The word takes root, grows, and produces fruit (genuine faith)

Jesus explains that the good soil represents “those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop” (Luke 8:15).

The Dangerous Application:

But notice how SCJ applies this parable:

In the Biblical Context:

• The parable is about how people respond to the gospel message
• It’s about genuine faith vs. false profession
• The “fruit” is spiritual growth, Christlike character, and perseverance in faith
• The test of genuine faith is time—does the person continue following Christ through trials?

In SCJ’s Context:

• The parable is about how students respond to SCJ’s teaching
• It’s about whether students memorize and accept SCJ’s interpretive system
• The “fruit” is scoring well on the test and advancing to the next level
• The test of genuine faith is the written exam—does the student achieve 90%?

This is a fundamental distortion. Jesus’ parable is about lifelong faithfulness to the gospel, not about performance on a Bible knowledge test.

As explained in Chapter 14 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” SCJ “colonizes biblical parables for organizational purposes.” The parable of the sower, which Jesus told to illustrate responses to the gospel, is repurposed to evaluate students’ performance in SCJ’s education system.

The Psychological Impact:

By invoking the parable of the sower before the test, the instructor creates intense psychological pressure:

• If you do well: You’re “good soil,” you have a “noble heart,” you’ve “truly received the gospel”
• If you do poorly: You’re rocky ground or thorny ground, your heart isn’t right, you haven’t truly received the word

This makes the test about your spiritual identity, not just your academic performance. Students who struggle aren’t just weak students—they’re spiritually deficient, their hearts are questionable, they might not be true believers.

This is spiritually abusive. It uses Jesus’ teaching about genuine faith to manipulate students into intense study and memorization, not out of love for God’s word, but out of fear of being identified as “bad soil.”

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Part 4: Examining Yourself—The Ultimate Test

What SCJ Teaches in This Section

The lesson reaches its climax with 2 Corinthians 13:5:

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”

The instructor comments: “This, of course, is talking about everyday life, but we can also understand it as what is within you? When someone is going through a trial, the real them reveals itself. So when we are tested, who do we show ourselves to be?”

The Conclusion: “Let’s show ourselves as those approved who correctly handle the word of truth. That’s the reason why we test.”

The instructor ends with Luke 6:45: “As you have been putting God’s word into your heart, may it flow out of your mouth—or, in this case, your hand and pencil.”

What Is Biblical and What Is Uniquely SCJ

Biblical Elements:

2 Corinthians 13:5 is a genuine call to self-examination. Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, which was struggling with various sins and false teachings. He challenges them to examine whether they’re truly in the faith—whether Christ is genuinely in them.

The verse is about spiritual self-examination: Are you truly a believer? Is your faith genuine? Is Christ’s transforming power evident in your life?

Luke 6:45 is also genuine: “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

Jesus is teaching that what’s in your heart will eventually be revealed in your words and actions. If your heart is full of God’s word, it will overflow in your speech and behavior.

The Dangerous Application:

But notice how SCJ applies these verses:

In the Biblical Context:

• 2 Corinthians 13:5 is about examining whether you’re genuinely saved, whether Christ is in you
• The “test” is your life—does it show evidence of genuine faith and transformation?
• “Failing the test” means you’re not truly a believer, not that you scored poorly on an exam

In SCJ’s Context:

• 2 Corinthians 13:5 is about the Introductory Level Test
• The “test” is the written exam—do you score 90% or higher?
• “Failing the test” means you didn’t memorize SCJ’s answers well enough

This is a catastrophic misapplication of Scripture. Paul is talking about examining your salvation, not taking a Bible knowledge test.

Similarly, Luke 6:45 is about your heart’s condition being revealed in your speech and behavior over time. It’s not about what you write on a test paper.

The Psychological Manipulation:

By connecting these verses to the Introductory Level Test, SCJ creates a framework where:

1. The test measures your salvation: If you fail, you’re not just academically weak—you might not be truly saved
2. The test reveals your heart: What you write on the test shows whether God’s word is truly in your heart
3. The test proves your faithfulness: Scoring well shows you’re “approved by God”; scoring poorly shows you’re “ashamed”

This is spiritually abusive. It weaponizes students’ natural anxiety about salvation and faithfulness to God, using it to ensure they study intensely and accept SCJ’s teaching without question.

As explained in Chapter 16 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” this is “salvation anxiety manipulation”—making students doubt their salvation unless they perform well in the group’s system.

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Part 5: The Real Purpose of SCJ’s Testing System

Understanding the Broader Context

To fully understand Lesson 62, we need to see it in the context of SCJ’s overall testing system. This isn’t just one test—it’s part of a comprehensive evaluation structure that continues throughout a member’s time in SCJ.

The Testing Progression:

1. Introductory Level Test (Lesson 57): Students must score 90% to advance to Intermediate Level
2. Intermediate Level Test: Students must score 90% to advance to Revelation Level
3. Revelation Level Test: Students must score 90% to “graduate” from the education system
4. Sealing Tests: After graduation, members take periodic tests to maintain their “sealed” status
5. 144,000 Qualification Tests: Members who aspire to be among the 144,000 must demonstrate mastery of SCJ’s interpretation of Revelation and Lee Man-hee’s testimony

The Pattern:

Each level requires:

• Intensive memorization of SCJ’s specific answers
• Handwritten responses (creating psychological investment)
• High pass rates (90%), ensuring only committed students advance
• Repeated testing on the same material (reinforcing SCJ’s interpretive framework)

What Ex-Members Report:

Former SCJ members consistently describe the testing culture:

• Constant evaluation: Even after completing the education system, members face ongoing tests to prove they’ve retained SCJ’s teaching
• Repetitive memorization: Members must repeatedly memorize the same SCJ interpretations of Revelation, particularly the narrative of the Tabernacle Temple and Lee Man-hee’s role
• Sealing as internalization: The goal is for SCJ’s interpretation to be “sealed” in members’ minds and hearts—so deeply internalized that they cannot read Scripture any other way
• Mastery required: To be considered for the 144,000, members must demonstrate complete mastery of Revelation as interpreted by SCJ, including detailed knowledge of Lee Man-hee’s testimony
• Identity formation: The testing system shapes members’ identity—they become “those who understand,” distinct from Christians who “don’t understand the parables”

The Real Purpose:

SCJ’s testing system serves multiple purposes beyond evaluating biblical knowledge:

1. Ensuring Doctrinal Compliance

By requiring 90% scores, SCJ ensures that only students who have thoroughly internalized their interpretive system advance. Students who question or struggle with SCJ’s teaching are filtered out before they reach the Revelation Level, where SCJ’s identity and claims are revealed.

2. Creating Psychological Investment

The requirement to handwrite answers for hours creates what psychologists call the “sunk cost fallacy”—students have invested so much time and effort that they’re reluctant to walk away, even when they encounter troubling teachings.

3. Reinforcing Interpretive Control

Repeated testing on the same material (especially in sealing tests) reinforces SCJ’s interpretive framework until it becomes automatic. Members can no longer read Scripture without immediately applying SCJ’s symbol system.

4. Establishing Hierarchy

The testing system creates a hierarchy of knowledge and status:

• Those who haven’t completed the education system are “students”
• Those who have graduated are “sealed”
• Those who score highest are candidates for leadership and the 144,000
• Those who struggle are spiritually weak or possibly not truly saved

5. Preventing Critical Thinking

By making test performance a measure of spiritual faithfulness, SCJ discourages critical evaluation of their teaching. To question SCJ’s interpretation is to risk being identified as “bad soil” or someone who “doesn’t understand.”

6. Isolating from Other Christians

The testing system creates a sense of superiority: “We understand the parables; other Christians don’t.” This isolation makes it easier for SCJ to later teach that all other Christianity is “Babylon” that must be left behind.

As explained in Chapter 28 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” this is “cognitive colonization through evaluation”—using testing to colonize students’ minds with SCJ’s framework while preventing alternative interpretations.

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Part 6: The Biblical Understanding of Testing and Examination

How the Bible Actually Talks About Testing

To see how far SCJ has departed from biblical teaching, let’s examine what Scripture actually says about testing, examination, and proving one’s faith:

1. God Tests Hearts, Not Biblical Knowledge

When the Bible speaks of God testing hearts, it’s about examining character, motives, and faithfulness—not about written exams on biblical interpretation.

• Jeremiah 17:10: “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve”
• 1 Thessalonians 2:4: “We speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts”
• Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”

Notice that God’s testing examines:

• Character: Are you growing in Christlikeness?
• Motives: Why do you do what you do?
• Faithfulness: Do you remain loyal to God through trials?
• Conduct: Do your actions reflect your faith?

God’s testing is not about whether you can correctly identify that “farmer = pastor” or that “water = word.”

2. Trials Reveal and Refine Faith

The New Testament speaks extensively about trials and testing, but always in the context of life circumstances that reveal and refine genuine faith:

• James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”
• 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”
• Romans 5:3-5: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us”

The Bible’s teaching on testing is about:

• Life trials: Persecution, suffering, hardship, temptation
• Purpose: To refine faith, develop character, produce perseverance
• Result: Mature, proven faith that brings glory to God

The Bible never suggests that written exams on biblical interpretation serve this purpose.

3. Self-Examination Is About Genuine Faith, Not Performance

When Paul calls believers to “examine yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5), he’s asking them to evaluate whether they’re genuinely saved, not whether they’ve memorized correct answers:

The Context of 2 Corinthians 13:5:

Paul is writing to a church that was questioning his apostolic authority while tolerating false teachers. He challenges them: “You want proof that Christ is speaking through me? Examine yourselves! If Christ is in you, that’s proof enough. But if you fail this examination—if Christ is not in you—then you’re not truly saved.”

Paul is talking about salvation, not Bible knowledge tests.

How to Examine Yourself Biblically:

The Bible provides clear criteria for self-examination:

• Do you believe in Jesus Christ? (John 3:16; Romans 10:9)
• Is the Holy Spirit in you? (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16)
• Is your life being transformed? (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-23)
• Do you love God and others? (1 John 4:7-8, 20)
• Do you persevere in faith despite trials? (1 John 2:19; Hebrews 10:39)
• Do you obey God’s commands? (1 John 2:3-6)

Notice that none of these criteria involve:

• Scoring 90% on a Bible knowledge test
• Memorizing a specific organization’s interpretive system
• Accepting one group’s claims to be the fulfillment of prophecy

4. Studying Scripture Is About Knowing God, Not Proving Yourself

When Paul tells Timothy to “study to show yourself approved” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV), he’s talking about Timothy’s responsibility as a teacher to handle Scripture accurately. But the goal of studying Scripture is not to prove yourself—it’s to know God.

• John 5:39: “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me”
• 2 Timothy 3:15-17: “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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”

The purpose of studying Scripture is:

• To know Christ: The Scriptures testify about Jesus
• To be saved: The Scriptures make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ
• To be transformed: The Scriptures teach, rebuke, correct, and train us in righteousness
• To be equipped: The Scriptures prepare us for good works

The purpose is NOT:

• To prove you’re “good soil”
• To show you’re “approved” by scoring well on tests
• To demonstrate you can “correctly handle” a specific organization’s interpretive system

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Part 7: The Psychological Mechanisms at Work

How Lesson 62 Functions as Indoctrination

Lesson 62 is a masterclass in psychological manipulation disguised as spiritual encouragement. Let’s examine the specific mechanisms at work:

Mechanism 1: Reframing Anxiety as Spiritual Examination

Normal Response to Tests: Anxiety about performance, fear of failure, concern about looking foolish

SCJ’s Reframe: “This anxiety is actually God testing your heart. The test reveals your spiritual condition.”

Effect: Students can’t dismiss their anxiety as normal test anxiety. It becomes a spiritual issue. If you’re anxious, maybe it’s because you haven’t truly internalized God’s word. This creates a double bind: anxiety about the test becomes evidence that you’re not spiritually prepared, which increases anxiety.

Mechanism 2: Elevating Stakes from Academic to Spiritual

Normal Test: “Did I study enough? Will I pass?”

SCJ’s Reframe: “Am I good soil or bad soil? Is Christ in me or have I failed the test? Am I approved by God or ashamed?”

Effect: The test is no longer just an academic evaluation—it’s a spiritual examination. Failure isn’t just disappointing; it’s spiritually devastating. This motivates intense study and memorization, not out of love for learning, but out of fear of spiritual failure.

Mechanism 3: Using Scripture to Validate the System

The Pattern:

1. Quote genuine Scripture (John 1:1, Deuteronomy 6:5-9, 2 Timothy 2:15, etc.)
2. Teach accurate biblical principles (God’s word should be in your heart, studying is important, etc.)
3. Apply these principles to SCJ’s testing system
4. Make the test a measure of whether you’ve met biblical standards

Effect: Students can’t question the testing system without seeming to question Scripture itself. “Are you saying God’s word shouldn’t be in your heart? Are you saying studying isn’t important? Are you saying we shouldn’t examine ourselves?”

This is what Chapter 9 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “scriptural camouflage”—using genuine biblical teaching to validate unbiblical practices.

Mechanism 4: Creating Identity Through Performance

The Message:

• High scorers = “good soil,” “approved by God,” “noble heart,” “truly received the gospel”
• Low scorers = “rocky ground,” “ashamed,” “questionable heart,” “haven’t truly received the word”

Effect: Students’ spiritual identity becomes tied to test performance. This creates:

• Motivation to succeed: “I must score well to prove I’m good soil”
• Fear of failure: “If I fail, it means I’m not truly saved”
• Comparison with others: “Those who score higher are more spiritual”
• Shame for struggling: “If I’m having trouble, something is wrong with my heart”

This is spiritually abusive. It makes salvation and spiritual worth dependent on performance in SCJ’s system rather than on faith in Christ.

Mechanism 5: Preventing Critical Evaluation

The Setup:

• “God tests our hearts”
• “The test reveals what kind of soil you are”
• “Let’s show ourselves approved”

The Effect: Students who might question SCJ’s teaching face a dilemma:

• If I question the teaching, I might not score well
• If I don’t score well, it means I’m “bad soil” or “not approved”
• Therefore, I shouldn’t question—I should just memorize and accept

This prevents critical thinking at precisely the moment when it’s most needed—before students commit more deeply to the organization.

As explained in Chapter 24 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” this is “weaponized self-doubt”—using students’ natural uncertainty and desire to be faithful to prevent them from questioning the group’s teaching.

Mechanism 6: Normalizing Discomfort

The instructor acknowledges that testing can be uncomfortable, but reframes this discomfort as normal and even positive:

“When someone is going through a trial, the real them reveals itself. So when we are tested, who do we show ourselves to be?”

The Message: Discomfort during the test is like a trial that reveals your true character. If you’re uncomfortable, that’s actually a good sign—it means you’re being tested and have an opportunity to prove yourself.

The Effect: Students can’t use their discomfort as a signal that something might be wrong. Instead, discomfort becomes evidence that the process is working—that they’re being tested and refined.

This is particularly insidious because it prevents students from trusting their instincts. If something feels wrong, they’re taught to interpret that feeling as spiritual testing rather than as a warning sign.

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Part 8: The Contrast with Biblical Christianity

How Historic Christianity Understands Testing and Examination

To see how far SCJ has departed from biblical Christianity, let’s contrast their approach with how the historic church has understood testing, examination, and spiritual growth:

1. Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith, Not Through Performance

Historic Christianity:

• Salvation is a free gift received by faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9)
• We are justified by faith, not by works (Romans 3:28)
• Our standing before God is based on Christ’s righteousness, not our performance (2 Corinthians 5:21)
• Assurance of salvation comes from trusting God’s promises, not from evaluating our performance (1 John 5:13)

SCJ’s Implicit Teaching:

• Salvation is connected to understanding parables (Question 9 of Introductory Level Test)
• Your spiritual status is revealed by test performance
• Scoring well proves you’re “good soil” and “approved by God”
• Assurance comes from performing well in SCJ’s system

The Difference: Historic Christianity grounds assurance in Christ’s finished work. SCJ makes assurance dependent on performance in their system.

2. Spiritual Growth Is a Process, Not a Test Score

Historic Christianity:

• Sanctification (spiritual growth) is a lifelong process (Philippians 1:6)
• We grow at different rates and in different ways (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)
• Maturity is measured by Christlike character, not by knowledge (Galatians 5:22-23)
• God is patient with our weaknesses and failures (Psalm 103:13-14)

SCJ’s Implicit Teaching:

• Spiritual status is measured by test scores
• Those who score higher are more spiritual
• Struggling with the material indicates spiritual problems
• You must achieve 90% to be considered faithful

The Difference: Historic Christianity recognizes that spiritual growth is messy, non-linear, and varies among believers. SCJ creates a rigid hierarchy based on test performance.

3. Understanding Scripture Is Important, But Not the Measure of Salvation

Historic Christianity:

• Growing in biblical understanding is part of discipleship (2 Peter 3:18)
• The Holy Spirit guides all believers into truth (John 16:13)
• Understanding grows over time through study, teaching, and experience (Hebrews 5:12-14)
• Salvation doesn’t depend on perfect understanding (1 Corinthians 13:12)

SCJ’s Implicit Teaching:

• Understanding parables is necessary for salvation (Question 9)
• Only those who accept SCJ’s interpretation truly understand
• Test scores measure whether you truly understand
• Without SCJ’s interpretive key, you cannot understand Scripture

The Difference: Historic Christianity sees understanding as a goal of discipleship, not a condition for salvation. SCJ makes their specific interpretation necessary for salvation.

4. The Church Examines Teaching, Not Just Students

Historic Christianity:

• Believers are called to test teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1)
• The church examines whether teaching is sound (1 Timothy 1:3-4; Titus 1:9)
• Teachers are held to a higher standard (James 3:1)
• Authority comes from faithfulness to Scripture, not from organizational position

SCJ’s Practice:

• Students are tested on their acceptance of SCJ’s teaching
• SCJ’s interpretation is assumed to be correct
• Questioning is discouraged as evidence of spiritual weakness
• Authority comes from position in SCJ’s hierarchy

The Difference: Historic Christianity tests teaching; SCJ tests students’ acceptance of their teaching.

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Part 9: Red Flags and Warning Signs

How to Recognize Manipulative Testing Practices

For students currently in SCJ or families concerned about loved ones, here are specific red flags in Lesson 62 and SCJ’s testing system:

Red Flag 1: Making Test Performance a Measure of Salvation

Warning Sign: When a group connects test scores to spiritual status, salvation, or God’s approval

Biblical Response: Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9), not by performance on tests. Our standing before God is based on Christ’s righteousness (Romans 3:22), not our achievements.

Red Flag 2: Using Scripture to Validate Organizational Practices

Warning Sign: When a group quotes Bible verses accurately but applies them to their own system rather than to the original context

Biblical Response: Scripture must be interpreted in context. 2 Timothy 2:15 is about teaching ministry, not about test-taking. 2 Corinthians 13:5 is about examining whether you’re truly saved, not about written exams.

Red Flag 3: Preventing Critical Thinking Through Spiritual Pressure

Warning Sign: When questioning or struggling is treated as evidence of spiritual problems rather than as normal parts of learning

Biblical Response: The Bereans were commended for examining Paul’s teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11). Healthy Christian communities encourage thoughtful questions and examination of teaching.

Red Flag 4: Creating Hierarchy Based on Performance

Warning Sign: When a group creates spiritual hierarchy based on test scores, with high performers seen as more spiritual or more faithful

Biblical Response: Spiritual maturity is measured by Christlike character (Galatians 5:22-23), not by test scores. God shows no favoritism (Acts 10:34), and spiritual gifts are distributed as the Spirit determines (1 Corinthians 12:11), not based on academic performance.

Red Flag 5: Requiring Repeated Testing on the Same Material

Warning Sign: When a group requires ongoing tests on the same material to maintain status or prove faithfulness

Biblical Response: While reviewing Scripture is good, requiring repeated testing to prove you’ve retained a specific interpretation is about control, not about spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth (John 16:13); we don’t need constant testing to prove the Spirit’s work.

Red Flag 6: Making Discomfort a Sign of Spiritual Testing

Warning Sign: When a group reframes discomfort or doubt as spiritual testing that you must overcome rather than as potential warning signs

Biblical Response: While trials do test and refine faith (James 1:2-4), discomfort with teaching can also be the Holy Spirit’s warning. We’re called to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and examine teaching carefully (Acts 17:11), not to dismiss our concerns as spiritual weakness.

Red Flag 7: Handwritten Responses Creating Investment

Warning Sign: When a group requires handwritten responses for hours, creating psychological investment that makes it harder to walk away

Biblical Response: While writing can aid learning, requiring hours of handwritten responses serves primarily to create sunk cost—students have invested so much time that they’re reluctant to leave even when they encounter troubling teaching.

Red Flag 8: High Pass Rates Filtering Out Questioners

Warning Sign: When a group sets high pass rates (like 90%) that filter out anyone who doesn’t fully accept their teaching

Biblical Response: Jesus welcomed seekers with questions (John 3; John 4). He didn’t require perfect understanding before accepting people. Healthy Christian communities welcome honest seekers, even those who struggle with certain teachings.

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Part 10: For Students—Questions to Ask Yourself

Critical Thinking Questions About Lesson 62 and SCJ’s Testing System

If you’re currently studying with SCJ and preparing for the Introductory Level Test, consider these questions:

About the Test Itself:

1. Does the Bible really teach that test scores measure spiritual status? Where does Scripture connect written exams with salvation or God’s approval?
2. Is 2 Timothy 2:15 really about test-taking? Or is it about teaching ministry and handling Scripture accurately in that context?
3. Is 2 Corinthians 13:5 really about written exams? Or is it about examining whether you’re genuinely saved based on the evidence of your life?
4. Why does SCJ require 90% to pass? Is this biblical standard, or is it designed to filter out anyone who doesn’t fully accept their teaching?

About the Parable of the Sower:

5. Did Jesus intend the parable of the sower to be about test scores? Or was it about different responses to the gospel over a lifetime?
6. Does “good soil” really mean “scores well on tests”? Or does it mean someone who receives the gospel, perseveres through trials, and produces spiritual fruit over time?
7. Can you be “good soil” even if you struggle with SCJ’s interpretive system? What if you love Jesus, trust Scripture, and are growing in faith, but you question SCJ’s specific interpretation of Revelation?

About SCJ’s Interpretive System:

8. Why must you memorize SCJ’s specific answers? Why can’t you study Scripture independently and provide your own understanding?
9. Does “correctly handling the word of truth” mean accepting one organization’s interpretation? Or does it mean faithfully teaching Scripture in its proper context?
10. If SCJ’s interpretation is obviously correct, why does it require such intensive memorization? Shouldn’t truth be recognizable without needing to memorize specific wording?

About Your Experience:

11. How do you feel about the test? Is it normal academic anxiety, or is it spiritual fear created by the lesson’s framing?
12. What happens if you don’t score 90%? Are you allowed to continue with questions and doubts, or must you repeat the level until you fully accept SCJ’s teaching?
13. Have you been able to discuss your questions openly? Or are questions treated as evidence of spiritual problems?
14. What would happen if you disagreed with SCJ’s interpretation? Would you be welcomed as a sincere seeker, or would you be seen as “bad soil” or spiritually deficient?

About the Bigger Picture:

15. Why hasn’t SCJ revealed their identity yet? If they’re teaching biblical truth, why the secrecy about who they are?
16. What will you learn in the next levels? Are you being told what’s coming, or is information being gradually revealed?
17. What do former members say about SCJ? Have you been encouraged to research SCJ and read testimonies from those who left?
18. What does your Christian community think? Have you been able to share what you’re learning with your pastor, family, or Christian friends? If not, why not?

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Part 11: For Families—How to Help

Supporting a Loved One Preparing for SCJ’s Test

If someone you love is studying with SCJ and preparing for the Introductory Level Test, here’s how you can help:

1. Understand the Psychological Pressure

Your loved one is facing intense pressure:

• They’ve invested months of time in study
• They’ve formed relationships with instructors and students
• They’ve been told the test measures their spiritual status
• They believe failing means they’re “bad soil” or not approved by God

Don’t minimize this pressure. Saying “It’s just a test” won’t help because they’ve been taught it’s much more than that.

2. Ask Gentle Questions

Rather than confronting directly, ask thoughtful questions:

• “What happens if you don’t score 90%? Can you continue with questions?”
• “Does the Bible really teach that test scores measure spiritual status?”
• “What did Jesus mean by ‘good soil’ in the parable of the sower?”
• “Why do they require handwritten answers? How does that help you learn?”
• “Have you been able to share your questions openly?”

3. Provide Biblical Perspective

Share Scripture that contrasts with SCJ’s teaching:

• On salvation: Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9; John 3:16
• On assurance: 1 John 5:13; Romans 8:38-39; John 10:28-29
• On spiritual growth: Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
• On testing: James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7; Jeremiah 17:10

Help them see that the Bible’s teaching on these topics is different from what SCJ is teaching.

4. Share Resources

Point them to:

• Closer Look Initiative (https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination): Comprehensive resources on SCJ
• “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story”: Detailed examination of SCJ’s teaching
• Testimonies from former members: Help them hear from those who’ve left SCJ

5. Maintain Relationship

Don’t issue ultimatums or cut off contact. Your loved one needs to know you’re a safe person to talk to, even if they’re deep in SCJ’s system.

Continue to:

• Express love and concern
• Invite them to family events
• Share your faith journey
• Pray for them consistently

6. Pray for Discernment

Pray that:

• The Holy Spirit would give them discernment
• They would recognize manipulation when they see it
• They would have courage to ask hard questions
• They would find freedom in the true gospel

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Part 12: The Gospel Alternative

What the Bible Really Teaches About Testing, Approval, and Assurance

After examining SCJ’s teaching on testing, let’s return to what the Bible actually teaches:

1. You Are Approved by God Through Faith in Christ

You don’t need to score 90% on a test to be approved by God. You need to trust in Jesus Christ:

• Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”
• Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
• Ephesians 1:6: “He has blessed us in the Heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ… to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves”

Your approval before God is based on Christ’s righteousness, not your test scores.

2. Assurance Comes from God’s Promises, Not Your Performance

You can be certain of your salvation because God promises it, not because you performed well:

• 1 John 5:13: “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 10:28-29: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand”
• 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”

Your assurance is grounded in God’s faithfulness, not your performance.

3. Spiritual Growth Is a Process, Not a Test Score

God is patient with your growth and doesn’t measure your spirituality by test scores:

• Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”
• 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”
• Psalm 103:13-14: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust”

God knows you’re in process. He’s patient with your questions, your struggles, and your growth.

4. Understanding Grows Over Time

You don’t need perfect understanding to be saved or to be approved by God:

• 1 Corinthians 13:12: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known”
• Philippians 3:12: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me”

Even the apostle Paul acknowledged his understanding was partial. You don’t need to master SCJ’s interpretive system to be saved.

5. The Gospel Is Simple

The gospel is simple enough for anyone to understand and respond to:

• Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”
• 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”
• Acts 16:31: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved”

You don’t need to:

• Score 90% on a test
• Understand complex symbol systems
• Memorize specific interpretations
• Prove yourself through performance

You need only:

• Recognize your need for salvation
• Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again
• Trust in Him alone for salvation
• Follow Him as Lord

This is the gospel. It’s free. It’s simple. It’s sufficient.

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Conclusion: The Test Behind the Test

Lesson 62, “Why We Test,” presents itself as spiritual encouragement before an exam. It quotes Scripture extensively, teaches biblical principles about God’s word being in your heart, and calls students to examine themselves.

But beneath the biblical language and spiritual framing, something else is happening:

SCJ is testing whether students are ready for deeper indoctrination.

The Introductory Level Test doesn’t primarily measure biblical knowledge. It measures:

1. Compliance: Will students invest the time and effort to memorize SCJ’s answers?
2. Acceptance: Will students accept SCJ’s interpretive framework without questioning?
3. Psychological investment: Have students invested enough that they’re unlikely to walk away?
4. Isolation: Have students begun to see themselves as different from other Christians?
5. Readiness: Are students ready to learn SCJ’s identity and explicit claims?

Students who score 90% or higher have demonstrated that they’re ready. They’ve internalized SCJ’s symbol system, accepted the betrayal-destruction-salvation framework, and proven their commitment through intensive study.

They’re now ready to advance to the Intermediate Level, where they’ll learn more explicitly about the Tabernacle Temple, the Seven Stars, and eventually about Lee Man-hee’s role as “the one who overcomes.”

But here’s the truth that Lesson 62 obscures:

You don’t need to pass SCJ’s test to be approved by God.

You don’t need to score 90% to be “good soil.”

You don’t need to memorize SCJ’s interpretive system to be saved.

You need only 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” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

If you’re preparing for SCJ’s test, know this: God’s approval doesn’t depend on your score. It depends on Christ’s finished work on the cross.

You are free to question, to doubt, to walk away. Your salvation doesn’t hang in the balance. Christ has already secured it.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

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Resources for Further Study

For comprehensive examination of SCJ’s teachings:

• Closer Look Initiative – SCJ Examination: https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination
• “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story”: The 30-chapter series examining SCJ’s theology and methods

For understanding biblical interpretation:

• “How First-Century Christians Read Revelation Like a Political Cartoon”
• “Early Christian Revelation Understanding”

For former members and families:

• Testimonies from former SCJ members (available at closerlookinitiative.com)
• Support resources for those affected by high-control groups

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“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32)