This appears to be a lesson on the logical order of betrayal, destruction, and salvation of God’s chosen people, as seen throughout the Bible and prophesied about the end times. It examines Isaiah 1-2, which describes the betrayal of God’s people, their destruction by Gentile nations as punishment, but also promises future salvation and restoration. The pattern of betrayal leading to destruction leading to salvation is seen repeatedly, from the Old Testament all the way through prophecies about the Second Coming of Christ. Key concepts covered include the “remnant seed” who remain faithful, Zion as the place of salvation where all nations will come to learn, and the ultimate triumph of peace over war. The lesson draws parallels between the Old Testament prophecies in Isaiah and their fulfillment during the First Coming of Christ, in order to understand how that pattern will repeat during the Second Coming. Believers are encouraged to self-reflect and see themselves represented accurately in the Biblical narratives, especially in the Book of Revelation’s prophecies about the end times. The focus is on recognizing one’s role in these prophetic events.
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.
Logical Order of the Betrayal, Destruction and Salvation of the Chosen People
Isaiah 1:1-2:4, 2 Thes 2
I wanted to take some time for a short, tiny activity. Because in the last lesson, we went over something very deep.
I’d love to know your thoughts on what we discussed in the previous lesson. So, if you can, write down three things you found surprising about the last lesson on a sheet of paper. Also, note down any questions you may have.
If you have questions, please write them down. I want us to self-reflect on these things. Let’s take two minutes.
Let’s take some time to self-reflect. What are two or three quick things that really grabbed your attention? And what questions do you have? This way, we can ensure we’re digesting what we talked about in the last lesson.
Please send the questions you have to your evangelist. We’ll address these specific questions during the Q&A session. And for the points that surprised you, also send those to your evangelist and discuss them in your next one-on-one.
Let’s get into the habit of practicing this self-reflection on what we’ve learned. If we’re not doing this already, I know many of you already are. But for some of us, having a little structure for self-reflecting on the lesson, especially one that covers deep topics, can be helpful.
Preview
One of the significant takeaways from the previous lesson is that betrayal, destruction, and salvation are not solely related to the second coming but have been occurring throughout the Bible. It is the fundamental logic of how creation and recreation transpire in the Bible, and it has been happening all along.
We may not have fully comprehended it in this manner previously. However, due to the time of the end, we can now make connections that occurred even in the past.
Today, we will explore two critical chapters in the Bible, Isaiah 1:1, all the way through Isaiah 2:4.
We will read the entirety of Isaiah chapter 1 and then the first 4 verses of Isaiah chapter 2. Recall our discussion about God’s preferred method of writing His books: He informs us about what He is about to convey or summarizes the conclusion of the entire book.
Subsequently, we receive the book itself, and at the end, there is a summary of what transpired within the book.
Revelation follows a similar structure, where chapter 1 serves as a summary, particularly the first 8 verses. From verse 9 of Revelation 1 through Revelation chapter 20, we encounter the events.
Revelation 21 and 22 then summarize what was discussed. We will delve into these details more thoroughly later, but for now, it helps us understand how God summarizes, then narrates, and finally recapitulates what He has conveyed.
Today’s focus is on rebellion, destruction, and salvation, and how they unfold.
By comprehending how these events will occur during the second coming through understanding how they transpired in the past, we gain insight. And, of course, this happens to those who are the chosen people. Again, from God’s perspective, the chosen people are whoever upholds the current covenant or possesses the current covenant.
We should be familiar with 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, where the Apostle Paul discusses the rebellion, destruction, and salvation that must occur during the second coming.
Our hope is to understand the fulfillment of Isaiah 1:1, through Isaiah 2:4, and how it happened during the first coming, and then observe how its logic also applies to the second coming.
Generally, the Old Testament points to the first coming, while the New Testament points to the second coming. This is a general principle. Sometimes, there are prophecies in the Old Testament that point toward the second coming, but generally, when we read something in an Old Testament book, it was fulfilled during the first coming.
We know that certain things from the Old Testament are referring to the second coming because people at the time of the first coming spoke about that matter in a future sense. For example, Daniel prophesied about a beast emerging from the sea and entering a holy place, which was in the Old Testament. However, in Matthew 24, Jesus mentions that prophecy from Daniel in the context of the signs of the second coming. So, what Daniel saw was actually a vision of the second coming, and Jesus referenced it concerning the signs of the second coming.
While the Old Testament sometimes looks toward the second coming, the vast majority of Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled during the first coming of Jesus. The logic that God established, His fingerprint, can be seen through the words of the Old Testament, at the time of the first coming, and at the time of the second coming as well. By understanding the Old Testament and the first coming, we can better comprehend the second coming.
That is why we are going into such great detail about events that occurred in the past, so that we can also understand the future.
5 Key Points to Understand Rebellion, Destruction, and Salvation
1. Vision Concerning Judah and Jerusalem
Isaiah 1:1
The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
The Bible has something amazing that sets it apart from many other religious texts. Unlike some religious texts that are more like fables beginning with “once upon a time,” the Bible provides specific details about when, where, why, and how events occurred. This detailed account of God’s interaction with His people demonstrates that the Bible is not a storybook but a factual record.
This is the reason why genealogy is included in the Bible. The parts that we often skip over, where it lists one person being the father of another, and so on, might seem tedious, but they are important. These genealogies let us know how much time has passed between the key people God has been using.
In verse one of the book of Isaiah, we encounter the key word “vision.” This word should clue us into the fact that we are about to read prophecy. When reading prophecy, we should keep a few things in mind:
- God uses parables, as mentioned in Hosea 12:10.
- God uses historical events that have already happened to point to future events that have not yet occurred.
God uses things that the people of that time could relate to and understand, so they could expect something similar in the future. For the people who existed when these words were written, they were physically enslaved in Babylon, and Babylon had physically destroyed them.
God used events that happened to the Israelites in reality to point to what will happen to their descendants in the future. The book of Isaiah is not about current events, although to the untrained spiritual eye, it may seem that way.
Instead, it is a vision, a dream, a parable, a prophecy about the future, using historical events as the foundation to spell out the prophecy. An example of this in the time of Revelation is the use of the word “Babylon.”
Babylon is not a nation that exists anymore; that nation went extinct a long time ago. Yet, it appears in the book of Revelation, which is a prophecy.
So, we should not think that the nation of Babylon will reappear and apply for a charter at the UN. We are Babylon. We exist at this location, with our constitution. That is not what will happen.
Instead, a place will appear that will be like the spiritual Babylon of the past. That is what we should keep in mind. Now, let’s break down the verse in Isaiah chapter 1.
Reminder:
Who: Isaiah, son of Amoz
When: About 2,700 years ago
What: Vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
Context: Solomon —-> worshipped gentile gods (1 Kings chapter 1)
So, who wrote the book of Isaiah? It was Isaiah, the son of Amos, and he existed during the time of these key kings. You can read about these kings, such as Hezekiah, king of Judah, Jotham, and Ahaz, in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. The book of Isaiah actually exists during the same time as 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, 1 Kings, and 2 Kings.
Those events were happening around that time. One misconception about the Old Testament is that it doesn’t span as much time as it seems. In fact, the last event of the Old Testament was Ezra, who brought the people back into Israel. Ezra’s book is like a book in the middle of the Old Testament, but chronologically, Ezra brought people back into Israel, and then there was about 400 years before Jesus.
The main point here is that Isaiah existed during the time of the kings and before the slavery in Babylon. When was it written? Approximately 2700 years ago from us, but 700 years before Jesus was born. The context of the book of Isaiah is the vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem. It is pointing about a future time, which means parables will be used. Guess what? Judah and Jerusalem are also parables.
We should not be thinking literally as we’re reading this. We should be thinking figuratively, but when you think figuratively, you should also think that there is a reality. Thinking figuratively always points to real people, real events, and real places.
The context for the reason why Isaiah takes place this way is because of what happened in 1 Kings 11. That’s really sad. What happened in 1 Kings 11? Solomon brought Gentile gods into God’s land, breaking God’s covenant with the people. After this event takes place, let’s look at the context. This is a map of what Israel looked like during the time of the kings.
During that time, Israel was divided. In 1 Kings 11, God said to Solomon, “Because you have done this in Israel, I will tear the kingdom away from the hands of your son. I will leave you one tribe, but the other tribes will be gone.”
Consequently, Israel split into two. Eleven tribes formed the northern kingdom of Israel, while the tribe of Judah remained in the southern kingdom.
In the south, the city of Jerusalem was located. Those who considered themselves true Jews, faithful to God, migrated to the south as well. Places like Samaria and Galilee were in the north, regions that the Jewish people at the time of Jesus’ first coming disliked.
These northern areas, including places significant to Jesus’ ministry, were inhabited by people who intermingled with Gentiles, which the southern Jews disapproved of. This explains why they did not like the Samaritans and Galileans, although such distinctions were unimportant to Jesus, who mixed with everyone.
After the nation split into northern Israel and southern Judah, with Jerusalem in the south, the warring nations of Assyria and Babylon invaded and destroyed these people, enslaving them for 70 years. This was a truly sad occurrence for the people.
It is essential to keep these historical events in mind, as they will be important for understanding the context. That covers the first verse, and we have just begun.
So, let us continue on.
2. The Betrayal of the Chosen People Reared by God
Isaiah 1:2-4
2 Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth!
For the Lord has spoken:
“I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knows his master,
the donkey his owner’s manger,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.”
4 Ah, sinful nation,
a people loaded with guilt,
a brood of evildoers,
children given to corruption!
They have forsaken the Lord;
they have spurned the Holy One of Israel
and turned their backs on him.
We should be seeing this with new eyes now that we’re learning the open word.
To rear means to raise, like a parent does to a child. That’s what rear means. So God is saying, my people have betrayed me.
Those whom I raised, those whom I brought out of Egypt, as I promised I would do. Those to whom I gave a great many possessions and granted them a great land to dwell in. Those to whom I gave my covenant, they have now betrayed me.
Even an ox knows its master, and the donkey its owner’s manger. But my people are worse than that because they don’t even know me. And they have become a sinful nation.
Of course, this happened in Israel’s history, in 1 Kings 11, and a little bit throughout too, all the way since the time of Moses. The people struggled. And at the time of Solomon, it was the biggest struggle.
So yes, this happened in history. But remember, God said something key here that should continue to remind us that we’re actually reading a prophecy about the future. Two things are important here.
In verse 4, it says, “they have forsaken the Lord. They have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.” Why did God use “Him” here instead of “me”?
Because the “Him” he’s talking about is Jesus.
So we’re reading about a prophecy. The Holy One of Israel is Jesus.
So it’s a prophecy about Jesus. We should be thinking of his first coming as we’re reading this. But yes, they definitely also betrayed during the time when these words were recorded.
ONE – Heaven and Earth
At the beginning of verse 2, it says, “Hear, O heavens, listen, O earth.” So, we know it’s referring to heaven and earth figuratively. What should we understand by “earth” in this context?
Heaven: Spritits in the Spiritual World and on earth, Tabernacle of the Chosen People in the Physical World
Earth: Flesh (Saints)
However, when referring to heaven in the spiritual world, it primarily means spirits. The verse is saying, “Listen, heaven, and listen, earth.” It’s a decree from God about His people.
What did God say? He declared that they have sinned against Him, becoming a sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to destruction. This represents the reality at the time of the first coming.
But what is heaven when it’s in the spiritual world? It’s spirits.
And on earth, it’s tabernacle of the chosen people in the physical world. But it’s primarily talking about spirits because it’s saying listen.
So listen, heaven, and listen, earth. I have a decree about my people. And what did God say?
That they have sinned against Him. They become a sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to destruction. So what is the reality of this at the time of the first coming?
TWO – Conflict between Jesus and the Jews (Tribe of Judah)
Isaiah 29:9-13 ——> John 8
For the sake of time, we won’t read all of these verses because we have a lot to cover today. However, we’ll provide a quick summary. At the time of the first coming, when the Holy One appeared, the people at that time went to war against Him.
Remember, John 8 is a critical passage about the war between those who were Jews at the time versus Jesus and His disciples. So there was conflict between them.
There was conflict between Jesus and the Jews, also known as the tribe of Judah, those who were in the south. Jesus said, “Why don’t you hear me? You don’t hear me because God is no longer your father. Satan is now your father. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires.”
They were doing this. There was war between Jesus and them at that time. And this was the very war that was promised and would take place throughout the book of Isaiah.
Isaiah 29 talks about the sealed word. If you remember correctly, the sealed word is what is discussed in Isaiah 29. So the sealed word versus Jesus’s opened word was going to war.
THREE – Choicest Vibes —-> Bad fruit
During that era, the people could not comprehend the things God was doing. However, Jesus certainly could. The people of that time represented God’s garden.
They were the choicest vines, those that God had nurtured and raised, but had now become corrupt. So Isaiah 5:1-2 is a figurative parable about God’s vineyard, which we read in the previous lesson.
The content remains the same here. The choicest vines that produced bad fruit. So what does God decide to do in this situation?
FOUR – His own did not receive Him (Holy One of Israel)
In John 1:11, it says, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” So God decided those who will receive him will become His children. Those who receive His Son, who receive Him, also known as the Holy One of Israel.
Those who spurned Him will be held accountable. So the second main point is the betrayal of the chosen people reared by God.
After betrayal comes destruction.
3. Destruction of the Chosen People by the Gentiles
The destruction of the chosen people by the Gentiles is a significant event. It’s important to remember that God can utilize and does utilize anyone and anything for His purpose, doesn’t He? Even those who are carrying out actions that may not be considered good, God can still use them too, as demonstrated throughout the Bible.
Let us comprehend how God permitted the Gentiles to bring about the destruction of the chosen people.
Isaiah 1:5-7
5 Why should you be beaten anymore?
Why do you persist in rebellion?
Your whole head is injured,
your whole heart afflicted.
6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head
there is no soundness—
only wounds and welts
and open sores,
not cleansed or bandaged
or soothed with oil.
7 Your country is desolate,
your cities burned with fire;
your fields are being stripped by foreigners
right before you,
laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.
God laments about what has happened to His people. He questions, “Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in these actions that cause you to be beaten? Why do you persist in your rebellion?”
Your cities and fields are burned with fire. Everything about you has been destroyed. After betrayal, destruction always comes.
God uses a tool to judge and destroy. Let’s see an example in Isaiah 10:5. Keep your finger here in Isaiah 1, as we’ll come back to it.
ONE – Assyria = Club of my wrath
Isaiah 10:5
“Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger,
in whose hand is the club of my wrath!
Assyria figuratively represents the club or instrument through which God’s wrath was fulfilled. It can be said that Assyria contained or embodied God’s wrath. As a result, God allowed Assyria to destroy Israel, which was a prophecy or parable of His wrath. The word “my wrath” and the phrase “my being God’s” refer to how Babylon, like Assyria, was also an instrument through which God’s wrath was manifested, as extensively discussed in the book of Isaiah.
TWO – The chosen people who betrayed —> The shepherds and people of Jerusalem (Israelites)
So what happens to the chosen people? Who were the chosen people who betrayed at the time of the first coming, when this was fulfilled?
We can identify them as the shepherds and people of Jerusalem, the Israelites at the time of the first coming.
THREE – Who destroyed like the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Teachers of the Law
Who were the Gentiles or foreigners who destroyed them at the first coming?
Oh, this is an interesting point. Let me explain a concept that I think will help us understand this better.
There are four ways a person can exist, both physically and spiritually.
Let me illustrate this by drawing four people.
Every person has a physical characteristic and a spiritual characteristic.
Every person possesses both characteristics.
In God’s eyes, there are only two groups of people: Jews and Gentiles. But here’s the thing:
These characteristics are both spiritual and physical at the same time. However, many of us paid attention only to the physical aspect because we didn’t fully understand the spiritual aspect.
From God’s perspective, there are two groups of people: Jews and Gentiles
Group 1 = A person can be a Jew physically, but a Gentile spiritually.
Group 2 = A person can be a Jew physically and a Jew spiritually.
Group 3 = A person can be a Gentile physically, but a Jew spiritually.
Group 4 = A person can be both a Gentile physically and spiritually.
At the time of the first coming, who were each of these groups of people?
Group 1 = Those who were physically Jews but spiritually Gentiles were those who rejected Jesus.
Group 2 = Those who were physically Jews and remained spiritually Jews were those who accepted Jesus.
Group 3 = Those who were physically Gentiles but became spiritually Jews were those who also accepted Jesus, like us. I don’t know if there are any Jewish people in the class, but that’s us. That’s everybody else who accepted Jesus.
Group 4 = Those who were physically Gentiles and remained spiritually Gentiles were the non-believers who weren’t Jewish. So, at the first coming, those who rejected Jesus became, in God’s eyes, spiritual Gentiles. If we turn to Romans chapter 2, we’ll see this clearly.
Romans 2:28-29
28 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God.
At the time of Jesus’ first coming, the standard of who was considered Jewish in God’s eyes changed. It was no longer solely about being physically Jewish that determined someone as God’s chosen person, but rather those who accepted Jesus. They are the ones who continued to be regarded as Jewish in God’s eyes, even if they were not physically Jewish.
By God’s grace, we all became spiritually Jewish by believing in Jesus. So when I say Gentile here, let’s go back to the main point. I’m actually talking spiritually, not physically anymore at this point.
At the time of the first coming, who were the spiritual Gentiles that destroyed the chosen people? Those who were Jews, Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law acted like an invading army. They destroyed the people, causing them to focus only on men’s teachings and traditions, and preventing them from accepting Jesus, who was the one they were waiting for in the first place. This was very sad. But out of these people comes those that God intends to use to do something new.
Isaiah 1:8-9
8 The Daughter of Zion is left
like a shelter in a vineyard,
like a hut in a field of melons,
like a city under siege.
9 Unless the Lord Almighty
had left us some survivors,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah.
Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors, there’s that concept again, right?
It goes through the whole Bible. Survivors like Noah and his seven family members. Survivors like those who actually entered the promised land.
Because not everyone who escaped Egypt was allowed to enter the promised land. Some people didn’t make it. So God always grabs those who try and remain repentant and righteous, though everyone around them is not anymore.
And God uses them to build something new.
1.- So who are the remnant seed at the time of the first coming?
Jesus and the twelve disciples. And God built something new with them.
2.- Well, then what about the time of the second coming?
New John and the twelve tribes of new spiritual Israel, also known as the 144,000 and the great multitude in white, holding palm branches in their hands. They are the ones that come out of Babylon and gather on Mount Zion.
Let us now continue in Isaiah chapter 1 and examine how God perceives the people who have betrayed and are now being destroyed, and what He chooses not to accept from them anymore.
Isaiah 1:10-15
10 Hear the word of the Lord,
you rulers of Sodom;
listen to the law of our God,
you people of Gomorrah!
11 “The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?” says the Lord.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your evil assemblies.
14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts
my soul hates.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers,
I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood;
You know, when I teach the early versions of lessons before someone joins the course, one of the lessons I really enjoy teaching is about prayer.
Some of you may have heard that lesson during your one-on-one time before you started studying. And one of the questions asked in that early lesson is, “Does God hear every prayer?” It’s often surprising when people say, “Yeah, of course.”
Then, you show them Isaiah 1:15, and they go, “Whoa.” If someone’s hands are full of blood spiritually, God is not listening to what those people are praying. And what did He say? Their sacrifices, their worship services, their celebrations, festivals – all of those things became detestable to God. They became detestable.
And God was no longer listening.
This is the reason why it’s so important to ensure someone is living right in God’s eyes and not just right in their own eyes. Because if someone is living right in their own eyes, they may be wasting their time offering things to God that He does not want or desire.
It’s almost like, let’s say, there’s a marriage relationship, and the man does all kinds of awful things to his wife. Yet, every time he comes home, he brings a gift – flowers, chocolate, food – but nothing changes about his attitude, heart, or the way he operates with her. So, though those gifts were lovely, accepted, and awesome at the beginning of the relationship, because of the person’s heart, those gifts now become disgusting. They lose their value. It’s like, “Ah, get those things away from me. I don’t want them anymore because they’re coming from someone whose heart is not really with me.”
So, if someone can continue offering, “Oh God, God, God, God, God,” but God says, “You didn’t keep my covenant, and you refuse to repent,” and even after He sent destroyers, they’re still not repenting, God cannot accept prayers, worship, or anything like that from that kind of person.
Instead, God will focus on these people – the remnant seeds, the survivors – those who are the ones who come out, not those who remain in the way they’ve always done things. Traditions tend to keep people trapped and unable to see what God needs them to do today.
Isaiah 1:16-20
16 wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds
out of my sight!
Stop doing wrong,
17 learn to do right!
Seek justice,
encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.
18 “Come now, let us reason together,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the best from the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
What is God’s heart? It is loving and forgiving. However, God forgives only if people repent. God’s heart desires for them to repent, but God is also just. God is a judge, and He will judge. He keeps His word and cannot break it.
Yet, God’s heart pleads, “Please, come back, please. Don’t make me judge you.” It’s as if God is saying, “Please listen to what I’m saying.” Oftentimes, people think they are doing the right thing and don’t need to repent. So, what did God say? “Take up the case of the widow. Take care of the fatherless,” meaning orphans.
Didn’t we have a parable lesson on this? It was even on our test. Who was the spiritual widow? A pastor who betrayed. And the fatherless are the congregation of the pastor who betrayed.
“Take up their case” means go and reason with them.
Verse 18 says, “Come now, let us reason together or settle the matter. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Come and repent. Come back to me.
God’s desire is for people to repent, to experience forgiveness and repentance. God desires people to be saved. That’s His heart.
But this happens by reasoning, by settling the matter. And that’s what we’re actually doing here. That’s why we say, “Come to one-on-ones. Come to small group.” When you don’t come to small group, you’re missing a key part of the class. We’re actually missing out on a lot when you skip out on small group because we get a chance to digest the lesson and ask deep questions. Come to small group.
Reminder:
- Window = Pastor who betrayed
- Fatherless = Congregation Members of the pastor who betrayed
- God’s desire = Forgiveness and repentance —> to be saved
Isaiah 1:21-23
21 See how the faithful city
has become a harlot!
She once was full of justice;
righteousness used to dwell in her—
but now murderers!
22 Your silver has become dross,
your choice wine is diluted with water.
23 Your rulers are rebels,
companions of thieves;
they all love bribes
and chase after gifts.
They do not defend the cause of the fatherless;
the widow’s case does not come before them.
Once a faithful city has become a harlot, has fallen, has become a prostitute. Their silver and wine, we know what silver and wine represent spiritually, right?
What does silver and wine figuratively represent when in a good position?
Silver and wine represent the word, correct? Let’s revisit those parable lessons, everyone.
Silver and wine represent the word, but the fact that they have become dross and diluted is not good. They have lost their potency. They have become dissolved.
They are no longer pertinent to God. Dross represents waste. It’s like a waste product or byproduct.
It’s valueless, meaningless.
Let’s read Revelation 9:21 to see the second coming’s equivalent of this.
Revelation 9:21
Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.
In Revelation 9, we are also reading about the destruction of a chosen people. This destruction takes place at the second coming. We’ll see this in detail when we get to Revelation, but know that this is the equivalent. The people refused to repent of their sins, even though they were being judged and destroyed. This happened to Judah and Jerusalem, as mentioned in Isaiah Chapter 1.
Reminder:
- Faithful City has fallen —> Harlot
- Silver and Wine —> The word —-> Dross and diluted
- Rev 9:21 —> People refused to repent
Isaiah 1:24-27
24 Therefore the Lord, the Lord Almighty,
the Mighty One of Israel, declares:
“Ah, I will get relief from my foes
and avenge myself on my enemies.
25 I will turn my hand against you;
I will thoroughly purge away your dross
and remove all your impurities.
26 I will restore your judges as in days of old,
your counselors as at the beginning.
Afterward you will be called
the City of Righteousness,
the Faithful City.”
27 Zion will be redeemed with justice,
her penitent ones with righteousness.
So what do we see here?
That there is going to be judgment of those who destroyed. In Isaiah 1:24-26, it says, “I will relieve myself from my foes and avenge myself on my enemies.”
“I will turn my hand against you. I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all of your impurities and restore your judges.” So there will be a judgment of those whom God had used to judge.
So, judgment of the destroyers.
But also redemption, redemption of the penitent ones.
Penitent is another way of saying repentant. Those who repent. It’s another way of saying that those who repent will be redeemed. Where?
Oh, on Zion, right? The penitent ones, those who repent, will be on Zion. Okay, we have to keep going.
Isaiah 1:28-31
28 But rebels and sinners will both be broken,
and those who forsake the Lord will perish.
29 “You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks
in which you have delighted;
you will be disgraced because of the gardens
that you have chosen.
30 You will be like an oak with fading leaves,
like a garden without water.
31 The mighty man will become tinder
and his work a spark;
both will burn together,
with no one to quench the fire.”
So what happens to those who betray and to those who destroy?
As it says, the rebels and sinners receive judgment. And the fire that cannot be quenched represents eternal judgment.
Let’s be those who repent always.
ONE – Oaks: False Pastors
So who are the oaks and the gardens mentioned here? Oh, let’s see if we’re paying attention.
What is an oak? Is this a good tree in these passages? No.
What kind of tree is it?
You can also call it a false pastor. The opposite of John 15:1.
Or you can also say the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which produces fruits that corrupt people’s hearts.
You can tell a tree by its fruit.
TWO – Gardens = Gentile Churches
What about the gardens? They represent Gentile churches or congregations that those who betrayed become a part of.
They are becoming one with the destroyers. This definitely happens at the time of the second coming, particularly in Revelation 13.
Also, Isaiah 5:28-31, which we read about in the last lesson about God’s vineyard. So, as God says, he tells us, and then he tells us again.
THREE – The Beast Invades
When the beast invades the holy place, the people cannot fight him anymore. And they begin to worship. They’ll become assimilated.
FOUR – Quench Fire = Eternal Judgment
But God will judge all of these people. God will judge.
4. The Place All Nations Must Come to Learn
We will now examine Isaiah chapter 2.
Chapter 1 of Isaiah discusses the downfall of Judah and Jerusalem. They began well but ended poorly. God nurtured them, yet they betrayed Him and were ultimately destroyed by the Gentiles.
However, let us focus on Isaiah chapter 2, reading through verse 4:
Isaiah 2:1-4
This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
2 In the last days
the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
as chief among the mountains;
it will be raised above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
ONE – This is what Isaiah, the son of Amos, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in verse 1.
Oh, and then he just says all good things. What’s going on here? Because Isaiah 1:1 also mentions a vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem, and it was not good things that were being talked about there.
So what’s happening? What’s happening here? Salvation.
Of whom? The chosen people.
Which chosen people? The survivors. And what does God do with those survivors?
He does something new. So Isaiah 1:1 and Isaiah 2:1 are not talking about the same people, though it seems like it.
Though parables are used, Isaiah 2:1 talks about the chosen people who are recreated.
That’s who Isaiah 2:1 is talking about. But Isaiah 1:1 refers to the chosen people who betrayed and are destroyed – those who were created in the first place but betrayed and are destroyed. So not talking about the same people, but different people. Another way to say this is that at the time of the first coming, it was physical Israel, and those who are recreated are spiritual Israel at the first coming.
At the second coming, it’s similar. New spiritual Israel and spiritual Israel like that. The logic is the same.
TWO – So in Zechariah 8:3 and Isaiah 60:14, both talk about God’s return to Zion and God appointing one who is called Zion. That one, at the time of the first coming, is Jesus.
And Jesus builds something new with the people who were the remnant. And at this Zion, it becomes the chief mountain, and all the nations will stream to it.
And from this place, the word or the law will go out, and all nations must come to learn. All nations come. That was at the first coming.
But guess what? The logic is consistent at the second coming too. God will appoint a chief mountain as well, and all nations will stream to this place to come and learn. Not learn about who was right and who was wrong, but learn about what is being done at this time that is different than what is being done everywhere else – what God and Jesus are doing today.
5. Making Spears into Pruning Hooks
Isaiah 2:4
He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
ONE – At the place where all nations will gather, there will be the work of peace.
The work of peace. So if there is a place that is welcoming and spurring on war, it is not Zion. Because that is antithetical to what is prophesied to take place.
Spears are weapons of war, and they are important for a time. Because God is at war.
But eventually, God would rather do the work of pruning hooks. What are pruning hooks tools of? They are harvesting tools. Turning spears into pruning hooks, they become tools of harvest.
It is hard to harvest during wartime, but it is possible. So the spears will become tools of harvest.
The very word “spears” represents the word of God. Pruning hooks also represent the word, by the way.
Spears that were once used to fight in the battle, to overcome, are now being used to gather people, to harvest. The same words, but with a different purpose.
This transformation must happen at the place that is truly Zion. At a place that does not say, “Yay, war,” like physical war.
Not Zion. Let’s go to Isaiah 52:7 to see this in detail.
Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
How beautiful are the feet of those who bring peace. A time when God can reign. A time when God is desperately waiting for that era to reign.
TWO – We see this, of course, in Revelation 21:1-4, when death, mourning, crying, and pain will end. No more death. No more mourning. No more crying. And no more pain at Zion. Let that be true one day sooner.
So, we covered a lot for today. But again, these were a summary of rebellion, destruction, and salvation. Right? But in more detail, and it has been going on since the beginning of the whole Bible.
Since the beginning.
Memorization
Isaiah 2:4
He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
Let’s Us Discern
Analyzing Shincheonji Lesson 70: “Logical Order of the Betrayal, Destruction and Salvation of the Chosen People”
A Critical Examination Using “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story”
Introduction: The Template Applied
Lesson 70 represents the practical application of the “8 Steps” framework introduced in Lesson 69. Having established their interpretive system, the instructor now demonstrates how to apply it to specific biblical texts—in this case, Isaiah 1-2. This lesson is essentially teaching students how to read the Bible through SCJ’s lens.
The instructor is saying: “Now that you understand the pattern (8 steps), let me show you how to find it everywhere in Scripture.” By the end of this lesson, students will have learned to:
- Read Old Testament prophecy as coded messages about SCJ
- Reinterpret historical events as patterns for today
- See “betrayal, destruction, salvation” in every biblical passage
- Apply this framework to Revelation (and ultimately, to SCJ)
As Chapter 3 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” warns, the lens through which we view Scripture determines everything we see. This lesson installs a lens that makes SCJ appear in passages that have nothing to do with them.
The instructor’s stated goal is to help students “understand the fulfillment of Isaiah 1:1-2:4 at the first coming, and see how the logic of its fulfillment applies to the second coming.” But what’s actually happening is the construction of a hermeneutical (interpretive) method that:
- Strips passages of their historical context
- Reinterprets them as prophecies about SCJ
- Makes questioning this method appear as rejecting God’s revelation
This is sophisticated biblical manipulation. Let’s examine it carefully.
For additional refutation resources, check CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section, which provides detailed analysis of SCJ’s interpretive methods.
Part 1: The Foundation – “Rebellion → Destruction → Salvation”
The Core Teaching
What the Lesson Says:
The instructor establishes the pattern:
- Rebellion (Betrayal): God’s people break covenant
- Destruction: God uses enemies to judge His people
- Salvation: God raises up a new leader to restore
He explains:
- “Betrayal, destruction, and salvation are not solely related to the second coming but have been occurring throughout the Bible”
- “The 8 steps of creation and recreation are essentially a more detailed representation of rebellion, destruction, and salvation”
- “By comprehending how these events will occur during the second coming through understanding how they transpired in the past, we gain insight”
Analysis:
This is the master template being applied. The instructor is teaching students to:
- Find this pattern everywhere in Scripture
- Assume it’s repeating today through SCJ
- Read all prophecy as coded messages about this pattern
Chapter 4 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“The Impact of Interpretive Frameworks”) warns about this: Once you accept this framework, you’ll “see” it everywhere—not because it’s actually there, but because the lens makes you see it.
What’s Biblical About This Pattern
The Bible Does Show Cycles of Sin and Judgment:
Judges 2:11-19 describes a cycle in Israel’s history:
- Israel does evil and serves other gods
- God’s anger burns; He gives them to enemies
- Israel cries out to God
- God raises up judges to deliver them
- After the judge dies, Israel returns to sin
- The cycle repeats
2 Chronicles 36:15-16: “The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.”
So yes, there are patterns of sin → judgment → repentance → deliverance in Scripture.
What’s Problematic About SCJ’s Use
1. They Make It a Universal Template
The instructor claims this pattern:
- Governs all of Scripture
- Repeats in every era
- Is currently being fulfilled through SCJ
But biblically:
- Not every period follows this pattern (e.g., the patriarchal period, the united monarchy under David)
- The pattern in Judges was specific to that era
- The exile to Babylon was a unique, unrepeatable event in redemptive history
2. They Strip Context
Chapter 6 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“Consistent vs. Selective Narrative”) exposes this: SCJ selectively applies the pattern while ignoring historical and literary context.
Isaiah 1-2 in Context:
Isaiah 1:1 explicitly states: “The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.”
This is a historical prophecy about:
- Specific people (Judah and Jerusalem)
- Specific time (8th century BC)
- Specific sins (idolatry, injustice)
- Specific judgment (Assyrian and Babylonian invasions)
- Specific hope (Messiah’s coming kingdom)
The prophecy was fulfilled in history:
- Judah did sin (1 Kings 11, 2 Kings 17, 21)
- Assyria did invade (2 Kings 18-19)
- Babylon did destroy Jerusalem (2 Kings 25)
- A remnant did return (Ezra-Nehemiah)
- The Messiah did come (Gospels)
3. They Reinterpret Fulfillment
The instructor claims:
- Isaiah 1-2 was fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming
- But the “logic” applies to the second coming
- Therefore, we should expect the same pattern through SCJ
The Problem:
Isaiah 2:1-4 was partially fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming and will be fully fulfilled at His second coming:
Isaiah 2:2-4: “In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.’ The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
Partial Fulfillment (First Coming):
- The gospel went out from Jerusalem (Acts 1:8)
- All nations are streaming to worship the God of Jacob (Acts 15:14)
- Christ is teaching us His ways (Matthew 28:19-20)
Full Fulfillment (Second Coming):
- Universal peace (“nation will not take up sword against nation”)
- Christ’s visible reign from Jerusalem
- Complete justice and righteousness
This doesn’t require SCJ as an intermediary fulfillment. The pattern is:
- Prophecy (Isaiah 2) → First Coming (partial fulfillment) → Second Coming (complete fulfillment)
Not:
- Prophecy (Isaiah 2) → First Coming → SCJ → Second Coming
For detailed refutation of SCJ’s interpretive methods, see CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section.
Part 2: The Isaiah 1 Teaching
The “Vision” Interpretation
What the Lesson Says:
Isaiah 1:1: “The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.”
The instructor explains:
- “The key word ‘vision’ should clue us into the fact that we are about to read prophecy”
- “God uses historical events that have already happened to point to future events that have not yet occurred”
- “The book of Isaiah is not about current events… it is a vision, a dream, a parable, a prophecy about the future”
- “Judah and Jerusalem are also parables. We should not be thinking literally as we’re reading this”
Analysis:
This is the core of SCJ’s hermeneutical manipulation. The instructor is teaching students to:
- Ignore the historical context
- Read everything as coded prophecy
- Apply it to SCJ’s current claims
The Biblical Reality:
1. “Vision” Doesn’t Mean “Not Historical”
Many prophetic books begin with “vision” or “oracle” (Hebrew: חָזוֹן, chazon):
- Obadiah 1:1: “The vision of Obadiah”
- Nahum 1:1: “A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum”
- Habakkuk 1:1: “The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received”
These are prophetic messages about real historical situations:
- Obadiah: Judgment on Edom (a real nation)
- Nahum: Judgment on Nineveh (a real city)
- Habakkuk: Judgment on Judah by Babylon (real nations)
“Vision” means prophetic revelation, not “ignore history.”
2. Isaiah Addresses Real Historical Situations
Isaiah 7:1-2: “When Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem, but they could not overpower it. Now the house of David was told, ‘Aram has allied itself with Ephraim’; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.”
This is specific historical detail:
- Specific king (Ahaz)
- Specific enemies (Rezin of Aram, Pekah of Israel)
- Specific threat (invasion of Jerusalem)
- Specific response (fear)
Isaiah 36-39 records the historical fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies during Hezekiah’s reign:
- Assyrian invasion (Isaiah 36)
- Hezekiah’s prayer (Isaiah 37)
- Jerusalem’s deliverance (Isaiah 37:36-37)
- Hezekiah’s illness and healing (Isaiah 38)
These are historical events, not just coded prophecies about SCJ.
3. Prophecy Can Have Multiple Layers
Biblical prophecy often has:
- Immediate fulfillment (in the prophet’s time)
- Messianic fulfillment (at Christ’s coming)
- Eschatological fulfillment (at the end of history)
Example: Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Immediate context: A sign to King Ahaz about deliverance from Aram and Israel (Isaiah 7:1-17)
Messianic fulfillment: Jesus born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:22-23)
This doesn’t mean we ignore the historical context. Understanding the immediate context enriches our understanding of the Messianic fulfillment.
Chapter 20 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“The Danger of Creative Fulfillment”) addresses this: SCJ strips prophecies of their historical fulfillment to claim they’re being fulfilled through their organization.
The “Judah and Jerusalem Are Parables” Claim
What the Lesson Says:
The instructor claims:
- “Judah and Jerusalem are also parables”
- “We should not be thinking literally as we’re reading this. We should be thinking figuratively”
- “Thinking figuratively always points to real people, real events, and real places”
Analysis:
This is hermeneutical sleight of hand. The instructor is:
- Claiming Judah and Jerusalem are “parables” (not literal)
- But saying they point to “real people, real events, and real places” (literal)
- Setting up to claim they point to SCJ (the “real” fulfillment)
The Biblical Reality:
Judah and Jerusalem Were Real Places:
Isaiah 1:1 explicitly states: “The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem.”
Judah: The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting primarily of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with Jerusalem as its capital.
Jerusalem: The city where the temple stood, the center of Jewish worship.
These were real, historical, geographical locations.
The Prophecy Was About Real Historical Events:
Isaiah 1:7: “Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.”
This was fulfilled historically:
2 Kings 25:8-10: “On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard, an official of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down. The whole Babylonian army under the commander of the imperial guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem.”
This actually happened. It’s not just a parable about SCJ.
New Testament Usage:
When the New Testament refers to Jerusalem, it sometimes uses it:
- Literally: The physical city (Luke 2:22, 41; Acts 1:4)
- Symbolically: The heavenly Jerusalem (Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 21:2)
Context determines which meaning is intended.
In Isaiah 1, the context clearly indicates the literal, historical city of Jerusalem and the literal, historical kingdom of Judah.
The Danger:
By claiming “Judah and Jerusalem are parables,” SCJ can:
- Ignore the historical fulfillment
- Claim the prophecy is about them
- Make any passage mean whatever they want
Chapter 4 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” warns: Once you accept that everything is “parable” requiring SCJ’s interpretation, you’ve lost the ability to test their claims against Scripture.
The “Betrayal of the Chosen People” Teaching
What the Lesson Says:
Isaiah 1:2-4: “Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: ‘I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.’ Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.”
The instructor explains:
- This happened in Israel’s history (1 Kings 11)
- But it’s “a prophecy about the future”
- “The Holy One of Israel is Jesus”
- Therefore, this is about Jesus’ first coming
- And the “logic” applies to the second coming
What’s Biblical:
1. Isaiah Does Prophesy About the Messiah:
Isaiah 9:6-7: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”
Isaiah 53: The suffering servant (fulfilled in Jesus’ death and resurrection)
2. “Holy One of Israel” Can Refer to the Messiah:
Isaiah 41:14: “Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you, declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”
Mark 1:24: “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
What’s Problematic:
1. The Immediate Context is Historical Judgment:
Isaiah 1:2-4 is addressing Judah’s current sin in Isaiah’s time:
- They had rebelled against God (worshiping idols, injustice)
- God is pronouncing judgment
- This was fulfilled when Assyria invaded (2 Kings 18-19) and Babylon destroyed Jerusalem (2 Kings 25)
2. The Passage Doesn’t Require a Future Fulfillment Beyond Christ:
Yes, Isaiah prophesies about the Messiah throughout the book. But that doesn’t mean every verse is about the Messiah or requires a future fulfillment through SCJ.
Isaiah 1:2-4 is primarily about:
- Judah’s sin in Isaiah’s time
- God’s judgment through Assyria and Babylon
- The need for repentance
The Messianic hope comes in Isaiah 2:1-4 (the mountain of the Lord’s temple, nations streaming to it, peace).
3. The “Logic” Doesn’t Require SCJ:
The instructor claims the “logic” of Isaiah 1 applies to the second coming. But what is that logic?
- God’s people sin
- God judges them
- God offers hope of restoration through the Messiah
This was fulfilled:
- First Coming: Israel rejected Jesus; Jerusalem was destroyed (AD 70); the gospel went to the nations
- Second Coming: Christ will return; judge the world; establish His kingdom
There’s no need for an SCJ intermediary step.
For more on SCJ’s misuse of Old Testament prophecy, check CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section.
Part 3: The “Destruction by Gentiles” Teaching
The Pattern Applied
What the Lesson Says:
Isaiah 1:5-7: “Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil. Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.”
The instructor explains:
- After betrayal comes destruction
- God uses Gentiles to judge His people
- This happened historically (Assyria, Babylon)
- But it’s a pattern that repeats
- Therefore, it’s happening now through SCJ
What’s Biblical:
God Did Use Gentile Nations to Judge Israel:
Isaiah 10:5-6: “Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath! I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger me, to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets.”
Jeremiah 25:9: “I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, declares the Lord, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations.”
Habakkuk 1:6: “I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own.”
What’s Problematic:
1. This Was Specific Historical Judgment:
The Assyrian invasion (722 BC) and Babylonian exile (586 BC) were unique, unrepeatable events in redemptive history:
- They fulfilled specific prophecies
- They judged specific sins
- They led to the coming of the Messiah
These events are not a template for endless repetition.
2. The New Covenant Changes the Dynamic:
Under the Old Covenant:
- Israel was a theocratic nation
- National sin brought national judgment
- God used foreign nations to discipline Israel
Under the New Covenant:
- The church is a spiritual community of believers from all nations
- Judgment is primarily spiritual (church discipline, final judgment)
- God doesn’t use one nation to judge another in the same way
Matthew 21:43: “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.”
The kingdom was taken from ethnic Israel as a nation and given to the church (all believers, Jew and Gentile).
1 Peter 2:9-10: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
The church is now God’s “holy nation”—not a physical nation subject to physical invasion, but a spiritual community.
3. SCJ Misapplies This Pattern:
The instructor will use this pattern to claim:
- Traditional Christianity is the “betrayed chosen people”
- SCJ represents the “Gentiles” God is using to judge them
- Or, traditional Christianity represents “Babylon” invading God’s true people (SCJ)
Both applications are false:
The church has not been “destroyed” by Gentiles. Christianity has:
- Spread to every nation (Matthew 28:19)
- Endured persecution and thrived (Matthew 16:18)
- Produced millions of faithful believers
- Preserved and transmitted Scripture
Chapter 22 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“When Satan Tried to Hijack God’s Plan”) addresses this: God’s plan through the church has not failed. Any teaching that requires the church to have completely failed contradicts Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18.
The “Heaven and Earth” Reinterpretation
What the Lesson Says:
Isaiah 1:2: “Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth!”
The instructor explains:
- Heaven: “Spirits in the Spiritual World and on earth, Tabernacle of the Chosen People in the Physical World”
- Earth: “Flesh (Saints)”
- “When referring to heaven in the spiritual world, it primarily means spirits”
Analysis:
This is imposing SCJ’s interpretive system onto the text. The instructor is teaching students to automatically translate biblical terms into SCJ’s framework.
The Biblical Reality:
“Heaven and Earth” is a Merism:
A merism is a figure of speech that uses two contrasting parts to refer to the whole.
Examples:
- “Young and old” = everyone
- “Near and far” = everywhere
- “Heaven and earth” = all creation
Deuteronomy 32:1: “Listen, you heavens, and I will speak; hear, you earth, the words of my mouth.”
Moses is calling all creation to witness God’s words to Israel.
Isaiah 1:2: “Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth!”
Isaiah is calling all creation to witness God’s indictment of Judah.
This is poetic language, not a coded message about “spirits” and “tabernacles.”
Similar Usage:
Psalm 50:4: “He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people.”
Micah 6:1-2: “Listen to what the Lord says: ‘Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say. Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the Lord has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel.'”
These are rhetorical devices emphasizing the seriousness of God’s message, not coded references to SCJ’s organizational structure.
The Danger:
By redefining “heaven and earth” as “spirits and tabernacles,” SCJ:
- Strips the text of its poetic power
- Makes it about their organization
- Trains students to automatically translate biblical terms into SCJ’s framework
Chapter 4 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” warns: Once you accept SCJ’s redefinitions, you can no longer read Scripture objectively.
Part 4: Psychological Manipulation Techniques
Technique #1: Self-Reflection as Reinforcement
What the Lesson Says:
At the beginning, the instructor asks students to:
- “Write down three things you found surprising about the last lesson”
- “Note down any questions you may have”
- “Send the questions to your evangelist”
- “Discuss the surprising points in your next one-on-one”
Analysis:
This appears to encourage critical thinking, but it actually:
- Reinforces the previous lesson (by focusing on what was “surprising,” not what was questionable)
- Channels questions through controlled channels (evangelist, one-on-one) rather than open discussion
- Creates accountability (evangelist will follow up)
- Builds emotional investment (you’ve written down what surprised you, making it more memorable)
Chapter 12 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“The Importance of Independent Research”) warns about controlled investigation: You’re encouraged to “reflect,” but only within SCJ’s framework.
Genuine Critical Thinking Would Ask:
- What did I find questionable about the last lesson?
- What claims need verification from outside sources?
- What contradicts what I’ve learned elsewhere?
- Can I discuss this with people outside SCJ?
Technique #2: Redefining Biblical Terms
Examples from the Lesson:
- “Vision” = “ignore historical context”
- “Judah and Jerusalem” = “parables, not literal”
- “Heaven and earth” = “spirits and tabernacles”
- “Holy One of Israel” = “Jesus” (correct) → “therefore this is about SCJ” (incorrect leap)
- “Destruction” = “assimilation, stripping identity”
Analysis:
This is linguistic hijacking. By redefining biblical terms, SCJ:
- Makes their teaching sound biblical
- Prevents meaningful communication with outsiders
- Creates a private language that reinforces group identity
- Makes it harder to recognize manipulation
Chapter 4 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” explains how interpretive frameworks work: Once these redefinitions are accepted, students will “see” SCJ in every passage.
Biblical Response:
Words have meanings determined by:
- Context (how the author uses the word)
- Grammar (Hebrew/Greek structure)
- Historical setting (cultural background)
- Canonical context (how the word is used elsewhere in Scripture)
We don’t get to redefine biblical terms to fit our theology. We must submit to what Scripture actually says.
Technique #3: Pattern Recognition
How It Works:
The lesson demonstrates the pattern:
- Isaiah 1-2 shows “betrayal, destruction, salvation”
- This was fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming
- The “logic” applies to the second coming
- Therefore, we should expect the same pattern through SCJ
Analysis:
Once this pattern is accepted, SCJ appears as the inevitable next step. Students feel they’ve “discovered” this through Bible study, not realizing the pattern was constructed to lead to this conclusion.
Chapter 4 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” explains: The framework determines what you see.
The Problem:
This pattern is imposed, not derived:
- It requires ignoring historical context
- It redefines biblical terms
- It assumes the pattern must repeat through SCJ
- It contradicts explicit biblical teaching (e.g., Christ’s work is complete)
Technique #4: Historical Determinism
Examples:
- “Generally, the Old Testament points to the first coming, while the New Testament points to the second coming”
- “By understanding the Old Testament and the first coming, we can better comprehend the second coming”
- “That is why we are going into such great detail about events that occurred in the past, so that we can also understand the future”
Analysis:
This creates a sense of historical inevitability: The past determines the future in a predictable pattern, and SCJ is the current fulfillment.
The Biblical Reality:
God’s Ways Are Higher:
Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God’s plans are not bound by human patterns.
The Second Coming Will Be Different:
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.”
The second coming will be visible, public, and unmistakable—not a hidden fulfillment through one organization.
Chapter 19 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“When Claims Cannot Be Tested”) addresses this: SCJ’s claims about the second coming contradict Scripture’s clear teaching about its visible, universal nature.
Technique #5: Controlled Information Flow
The Pattern:
- Information is revealed gradually over many lessons
- Questions are channeled through evangelists
- Discussion happens in one-on-ones, not open forums
- Students are discouraged from consulting outside sources
Analysis:
This creates dependence on the organization for understanding. Students can’t see the full picture until they’re deeply invested.
Chapter 10 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“Why Truth Welcomes Examination”) addresses this: Genuine truth doesn’t need to be revealed gradually through controlled channels. It can withstand open examination.
Biblical Response:
2 Corinthians 4:2: “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”
Truth is plain, not hidden in layers of lessons requiring organizational mediation.
For more on information control tactics, check CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section.
Part 5: What the Lesson Gets Right (And How to Respond)
Legitimate Biblical Truths:
The lesson does reference some genuine biblical truths:
- Isaiah is a prophetic book ✓
- Isaiah prophesies about the Messiah ✓
- Judah did sin and face judgment ✓
- God used Gentile nations to judge Israel ✓
- Isaiah 2:1-4 points to Messianic hope ✓
The Proper Response:
Use these same biblical truths to evaluate SCJ:
1. Isaiah is prophetic—and was fulfilled in Christ:
Luke 4:16-21: Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 and declares, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Acts 8:30-35: Philip explains Isaiah 53 to the Ethiopian eunuch, showing it’s about Jesus.
Isaiah’s prophecies were fulfilled in Christ, not SCJ.
2. Isaiah prophesies about the Messiah—Jesus, not Lee Man-hee:
Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This is Jesus, God incarnate, not a human leader of an organization.
3. Judah sinned—but God preserved a remnant:
Isaiah 10:20-22: “In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of Jacob, will no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God.”
God always preserves a faithful remnant. The church has not completely failed.
4. God used Gentiles to judge Israel—but the New Covenant is different:
Hebrews 8:6: “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.”
The church is not subject to the same national judgments as Old Testament Israel.
5. Isaiah 2:1-4 points to Messianic hope—fulfilled in Christ’s kingdom:
Colossians 1:13: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”
Revelation 21:1-4: The ultimate fulfillment is the new heaven and new earth, not SCJ.
Part 6: Red Flags in This Lesson
🚩 Red Flag #1: Ignoring Historical Context
What to Watch For:
- Claiming historical prophecies are “not about current events”
- Teaching that “Judah and Jerusalem are parables”
- Ignoring the specific historical fulfillment
Why It Matters:
If we ignore historical context, we can make any passage mean anything.
Biblical Response:
2 Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
“Correctly handling” means respecting historical context.
🚩 Red Flag #2: Redefining Biblical Terms
What to Watch For:
- “Heaven and earth” = “spirits and tabernacles”
- “Vision” = “ignore history”
- “Judah” = “parable”
Why It Matters:
Redefining terms allows SCJ to make Scripture say whatever they want.
Biblical Response:
Proverbs 30:5-6: “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”
🚩 Red Flag #3: Creating Repeating Patterns
What to Watch For:
- “This pattern repeats”
- “The logic applies to the second coming”
- “We’re seeing the same thing today”
Why It Matters:
Imposed patterns can make anything appear prophesied.
Biblical Response:
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.”
Jesus is God’s final word, not a repeating pattern.
🚩 Red Flag #4: Controlled Investigation
What to Watch For:
- Questions channeled through evangelists
- Discussion in one-on-ones, not open forums
- Discouragement from consulting outside sources
Why It Matters:
Acts 17:11: “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character… for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
True biblical teaching welcomes open examination.
🚩 Red Flag #5: Claiming Exclusive Understanding
What to Watch For:
- “We now exist at the time of the end”
- “This couldn’t be understood before”
- “Only we can see this pattern”
Why It Matters:
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.”
All believers have the Holy Spirit to guide them.
For more red flags and warning signs, check CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section.
Part 7: Questions for Reflection
If you’re studying with Shincheonji or considering their teaching, ask yourself:
About Context:
- Does Isaiah 1 explicitly state it’s about Judah and Jerusalem in Isaiah’s time?
- Was this prophecy fulfilled historically (Assyrian invasion, Babylonian exile)?
- Does ignoring historical context allow us to make Scripture mean anything we want?
About Fulfillment:
- Does the New Testament show Isaiah’s prophecies were fulfilled in Christ?
- Is there biblical basis for requiring another fulfillment through SCJ?
- If Christ’s work is complete (John 19:30), why would we need SCJ?
About Method:
- Am I being taught to respect context, or to ignore it?
- Am I encouraged to test these interpretations with outside scholars?
- Can I discuss this openly, or only through controlled channels?
About Verification:
- Can I verify SCJ’s interpretation of Isaiah 1 with Christian scholars outside their organization?
- Do Bible commentaries support SCJ’s reading, or contradict it?
- Am I being given time to research, or pressured to accept?
Part 8: A Biblical Alternative
How to Read Isaiah 1-2:
1. Respect Historical Context:
Isaiah 1:1 tells us this is about Judah and Jerusalem in the 8th century BC.
Isaiah 1:7-9 describes historical invasion (Assyria).
2 Kings 18-19 records the fulfillment.
2. Recognize Messianic Prophecy:
Isaiah 2:1-4 prophesies about the Messiah’s kingdom.
This was fulfilled:
- Partially at Christ’s first coming (gospel to all nations)
- Completely at Christ’s second coming (universal peace)
3. Apply Appropriately:
Moral lessons: God hates injustice (Isaiah 1:16-17); we should pursue righteousness
Typological lessons: Just as God judged Israel’s sin, He will judge all sin
Messianic fulfillment: Christ is the Holy One of Israel who brings salvation
We don’t need to find SCJ in every verse.
4. Test Everything:
1 Thessalonians 5:21: “Test everything; hold fast what is good.”
Acts 17:11: Examine the Scriptures to see if teaching is true.
Part 9: For Those Who Are Concerned
If You’re Studying with SCJ:
Take Time:
- Don’t let the pattern pressure you
- Research Isaiah 1-2 in Bible commentaries
- Ask: Does this interpretation respect context?
Seek Multiple Perspectives:
- Talk to trusted Christians outside SCJ
- Ask pastors about Isaiah interpretation
- Read about biblical hermeneutics
- Research independently
Test the Claims:
- Does Isaiah 1 require a future fulfillment beyond Christ?
- Can I verify SCJ’s interpretation outside their organization?
- Do Christian scholars support this reading?
Ask Questions:
- Why must I ignore historical context?
- Why are “Judah and Jerusalem” parables?
- If this was fulfilled historically and in Christ, why does it need SCJ?
- Can I discuss this openly, or only through controlled channels?
Resources:
- Chapter 27 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims” (“Your Investigation Begins”)
- Chapter 28 (“Hope and Help”)
- CloserLookInitiative.com (especially the SCJ Examination section)
If Someone You Love is Involved:
Stay Connected:
- Don’t cut off relationship
- Express love and concern
- Ask questions about their interpretation of Isaiah
Educate Yourself:
- Study Isaiah 1-2 in context
- Understand biblical interpretation principles
- Learn about the historical fulfillment
Pray:
- For wisdom in conversations
- For the Holy Spirit to reveal truth
- For protection from deception
Seek Support:
- Connect with other families
- Consider consulting with a pastor
- Don’t handle this alone
Resources:
- Chapter 28 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims”
- CloserLookInitiative.com (SCJ Examination section)
- Local cult awareness resources
Conclusion: The Real Fulfillment
Lesson 70 teaches students to read Isaiah 1-2 as a coded prophecy about SCJ. But the Bible presents a different fulfillment:
Isaiah 1-2 Was Fulfilled:
Historically:
- Judah sinned (1 Kings 11, 2 Kings 21)
- Assyria invaded (2 Kings 18-19)
- Babylon destroyed Jerusalem (2 Kings 25)
- A remnant returned (Ezra-Nehemiah)
Messianically:
- Jesus came as the Holy One of Israel
- He was rejected by the religious leaders
- The gospel went to all nations
- The church became God’s people
Eschatologically:
- Christ will return visibly (Revelation 1:7)
- He will judge all nations (Matthew 25:31-46)
- He will establish His kingdom (Revelation 21-22)
- There will be universal peace (Isaiah 2:4)
There’s no need for SCJ in this fulfillment.
The Real Message of Isaiah 1-2:
Isaiah 1:16-18: “Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. ‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'”
This is the gospel:
- We are sinners (Isaiah 1:4)
- God offers cleansing (Isaiah 1:18)
- Through the Messiah (Isaiah 2:1-4)
- Available to all who believe (Isaiah 2:2-3)
You don’t need:
- Secret patterns
- Organizational membership
- Redefined terms
- Controlled investigation
You need Jesus.
Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
True freedom is found in Christ alone.
For additional resources and detailed refutation of SCJ’s interpretive methods, visit CloserLookInitiative.com’s SCJ Examination section.
May God grant you wisdom, discernment, and courage as you seek truth.
This analysis is provided in the spirit of Jude 22-23: “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”
For more resources, see “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” (Chapters 1-30), CloserLookInitiative.com, and the SCJ Examination section.
Outline
Unveiling the Logic of Betrayal, Destruction, and Salvation: An In-Depth Look at Isaiah 1:1-2:4
Introduction
This table of contents offers an in-depth exploration of betrayal, destruction, and salvation as recurring themes in the Bible, with a particular focus on Isaiah 1:1–2:4. Drawing parallels between the first and second comings of Jesus, this analysis utilizes historical context and prophetic interpretation to shed light on God’s unwavering purpose for His chosen people.
Part I: Deciphering Prophetic Language: Isaiah 1:1
- Understanding Biblical Prophecy: This section emphasizes the importance of recognizing the use of parables, historical events as pointers to future events, and figurative language in biblical prophecy. (The source uses the example of “Babylon” in Revelation.)
- Unpacking the Key Elements of Isaiah 1:1: A detailed examination of the verse identifies Isaiah, son of Amoz, as the author and pinpoints the time of writing as approximately 2,700 years ago, 700 years before Jesus. The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem is highlighted as the core subject matter.
- Historical Context: Solomon’s Betrayal: This section connects the prophetic vision to the historical context of Solomon’s introduction of Gentile gods into Israel, leading to the division of the nation into northern Israel and southern Judah.
- Understanding Judah and Jerusalem as Parables: The source underscores the importance of interpreting “Judah” and “Jerusalem” figuratively, representing real people, events, and places within a spiritual context.
Part II: The Cycle of Betrayal, Destruction, and Salvation
A. The Betrayal of the Chosen People (Isaiah 1:2-4)
- God’s Lament: This section analyzes God’s expression of sorrow and disappointment over the betrayal of His chosen people, comparing their lack of understanding to oxen and donkeys.
- Spiritual Significance of “Heaven and Earth”: The source interprets “heaven” as spirits in the spiritual realm and the tabernacle of the chosen people on earth, while “earth” represents the flesh or saints.
- Conflict Between Jesus and the Jews: This section points to John 8 as an example of the conflict between Jesus and the Jews during the first coming, emphasizing the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah.
- The Choicest Vines Producing Bad Fruit: Drawing on Isaiah 5:1-2, the source depicts God’s people as a vineyard that has become corrupt, producing bad fruit despite being carefully nurtured.
- Rejection of the Holy One of Israel: This section links the prophecy to John 1:11, highlighting the Jews’ rejection of Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s words.
B. Destruction by Gentiles (Isaiah 1:5-9)
- God’s Questioning and Lament: This section delves into God’s expression of sorrow over the destruction of His people, questioning why they persist in rebellion.
- Assyria as the Instrument of God’s Wrath: Citing Isaiah 10:5, the source identifies Assyria as a figurative representation of God’s wrath, used as a tool to judge and destroy Israel.
- Spiritual Gentiles as Destroyers: The source establishes the concept of four categories of people based on their physical and spiritual identities (Jew/Gentile), revealing that those who rejected Jesus became spiritual Gentiles in God’s eyes.
- Pharisees, Sadducees, and Teachers of the Law as Destroyers: This section identifies these groups as the spiritual Gentiles who destroyed the chosen people at the first coming, preventing them from accepting Jesus.
- The Remnant Seed: This section focuses on the survivors who remained faithful and repentant. At the first coming, the remnant seed was Jesus and the twelve disciples. At the second coming, it is New John and the twelve tribes of new spiritual Israel (the 144,000 and the great multitude in white).
C. God’s Rejection of Meaningless Offerings (Isaiah 1:10-23)
- The Importance of Living Rightly: The source stresses the importance of aligning one’s actions with God’s will, emphasizing that external rituals become meaningless if the heart is not right.
- God’s Inability to Hear Prayers from Unrepentant Hearts: This section focuses on Isaiah 1:15, revealing that God will not hear the prayers of those who refuse to repent and continue in sin.
- God’s Plea for Repentance: This section highlights God’s merciful nature and desire for repentance, as expressed in Isaiah 1:16-20.
- The Fallen City: This section draws on Isaiah 1:21-23 to depict the spiritual decline of the once faithful city, highlighting the corruption of their spiritual understanding (represented by “silver” and “wine”).
- Parallels to the Second Coming: The source links the refusal to repent in Isaiah 1:21-23 to Revelation 9:21, emphasizing that the same pattern of unrepentance leads to destruction at the second coming.
D. Judgment and Redemption (Isaiah 1:24-31)
- Judgment of the Destroyers: This section focuses on Isaiah 1:24-26, revealing that those who God used to judge will themselves face judgment.
- Redemption of the Penitent Ones: The source highlights God’s promise to redeem those who repent, emphasizing that true redemption is found in turning away from sin.
- Eternal Judgment for the Unrepentant: This section examines the consequences of rejecting God, describing the “fire that cannot be quenched” as a symbol of eternal judgment.
- False Pastors and Gentile Churches: The source interprets “oaks” as false pastors and “gardens” as Gentile churches that those who betrayed God have joined.
- The Beast’s Invasion and Assimilation: This section connects the imagery of the “gardens” to Revelation 13, revealing that the beast will invade the holy place and assimilate those who refuse to repent.
Part III: The Mountain of the Lord: A Place of Peace and Harvest (Isaiah 2:1-4)
- Salvation for the Recreated Chosen People: This section interprets Isaiah 2:1-4 as a prophecy of salvation for the remnant seed, emphasizing the recreation of God’s people both at the first and second comings of Jesus.
- Zion as the Chief Mountain: This section highlights the establishment of Mount Zion as the central gathering place for all nations, a place where they will learn God’s ways.
- The Word Going Out from Zion: This section emphasizes the importance of spreading God’s word and teachings from Zion to the entire world.
- From Spears to Pruning Hooks: This section explores the transformation from war to peace and harvest, symbolizing the shift from fighting to gathering and nurturing God’s people.
- The Beauty of Peace: This section draws on Isaiah 52:7 to portray the beauty and importance of bringing peace, aligning with God’s desire for His reign to be established.
- The End of Suffering: This section connects the imagery of peace and harvest to Revelation 21:1-4, envisioning the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan where death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more.
Conclusion
This detailed analysis of Isaiah 1:1-2:4 reveals the cyclical nature of betrayal, destruction, and salvation in God’s plan for humanity. By understanding these patterns, we can better position ourselves as faithful members of the remnant seed, seeking repentance and contributing to the establishment of God’s reign of peace and righteousness on Mount Zion.
A Study Guide
The Logical Order of Betrayal, Destruction, and Salvation: A Study Guide
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences.
- How does the Bible differentiate itself from other religious texts in terms of its historical accounts?
- What is the significance of the word “vision” in Isaiah 1:1, and what are two key aspects to consider when reading prophecy?
- Explain the historical context of Isaiah’s prophecy and the division of Israel during his time.
- Who is the “Holy One of Israel” referred to in Isaiah 1:4, and how does this verse point to the prophetic nature of Isaiah’s words?
- Explain the four ways a person can exist in terms of their physical and spiritual characteristics, and provide examples of each group at the time of Jesus’ first coming.
- What is the significance of Romans 2:28-29 in understanding the shift in the standard of who is considered Jewish in God’s eyes?
- According to Isaiah 1:10-15, why does God reject the sacrifices and offerings of the people?
- Who are the “widow” and the “fatherless” mentioned in Isaiah 1:17 in a spiritual context, and what does it mean to “take up their case”?
- What do the “silver” and “wine” represent in Isaiah 1:22, and what does their transformation into “dross” and dilution signify?
- Explain the contrast between the use of “spears” and “pruning hooks” in Isaiah 2:4 and what this transformation symbolizes.
Answer Key
- Unlike fables or mythological narratives, the Bible provides specific details about the time, place, and individuals involved in its historical accounts, grounding it in reality. Genealogies further emphasize the passage of time and connections between key figures.
- “Vision” signifies that Isaiah’s words are prophetic, foretelling future events. When reading prophecy, we must recognize God’s use of parables and historical events to prefigure future happenings, understanding that these prophecies often carry both literal and figurative meanings.
- Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of several Judean kings, after Solomon’s introduction of Gentile gods led to the division of Israel into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem located in the south.
- The “Holy One of Israel” refers to Jesus. The verse points to the future, as Isaiah, writing before Jesus’ birth, prophesies the betrayal of the chosen people against Jesus during His first coming.
- A person can be: (1) Physically Jewish, Spiritually Gentile (e.g., Jews who rejected Jesus), (2) Physically Jewish, Spiritually Jewish (e.g., Jews who accepted Jesus), (3) Physically Gentile, Spiritually Jewish (e.g., Gentile believers in Jesus), (4) Physically Gentile, Spiritually Gentile (e.g., non-believing Gentiles).
- Romans 2:28-29 highlights the shift from physical lineage to spiritual acceptance of Jesus as the defining characteristic of being Jewish in God’s eyes. True circumcision becomes a matter of the heart, achieved through the Holy Spirit.
- God rejects their offerings because their hearts are not truly aligned with Him. Their outward displays of piety are meaningless without genuine repentance and a change in their actions, making their worship detestable in God’s sight.
- The “widow” represents a pastor who has betrayed God, while the “fatherless” symbolizes the pastor’s abandoned congregation. “Taking up their case” means reasoning with them, guiding them toward repentance and restoration.
- “Silver” and “wine” represent the word of God. Their transformation into “dross” and dilution signifies the corruption and loss of potency of the word among those who have betrayed God, rendering it meaningless and ineffective.
- “Spears,” representing the word used for battle and overcoming, are transformed into “pruning hooks,” symbolizing the word used for gathering and harvesting. This shift highlights the transition from a time of judgment and conflict to a time of peace and restoration under God’s reign.
Essay Questions
- Analyze the concept of “creation and recreation” as presented in the source material. How does this concept relate to the cycle of betrayal, destruction, and salvation throughout biblical history?
- Discuss the symbolic significance of “Judah and Jerusalem” in Isaiah’s prophecies. How do these locations function as both literal and figurative representations of God’s chosen people?
- Examine the role of “Gentiles” in the destruction of the chosen people. How does the source material distinguish between physical and spiritual Gentiles, and how does this understanding contribute to the overall message of the prophecies?
- Explain the concept of “Zion” as presented in the source material. What characteristics define Zion, and how does it function as a place of salvation and restoration for God’s chosen people?
- Analyze the use of agricultural metaphors such as “vineyard,” “oaks,” and “gardens” in Isaiah’s prophecies. What do these metaphors reveal about God’s relationship with His people and the consequences of their actions?
Glossary of Key Terms
- Betrayal: The act of breaking a covenant or trust with God, often manifested through disobedience and idolatry.
- Destruction: The consequence of betrayal, involving the loss of identity, spiritual corruption, and often physical suffering or exile.
- Salvation: God’s act of redeeming and restoring those who repent and return to Him, offering forgiveness and a renewed relationship.
- Chosen People: Those who uphold God’s covenant, both physically and spiritually, representing the true Israel in God’s eyes.
- Vision: A prophetic revelation from God, often conveying future events through symbolic language and imagery.
- Judah and Jerusalem: The southern kingdom and its capital city, representing both literal locations and symbolic representations of God’s chosen people.
- Gentiles: Individuals who are not physically Jewish. In a spiritual context, those who reject God and His covenant, regardless of their physical heritage.
- Holy One of Israel: A title referring to Jesus, emphasizing His divine nature and role as the Messiah.
- Remnant Seed: The faithful few who remain true to God amidst widespread betrayal and destruction, forming the foundation for a new beginning.
- Zion: The place of God’s dwelling and the future destination of the redeemed, representing peace, righteousness, and spiritual restoration.
- Spears and Pruning Hooks: Weapons of war transformed into tools of harvest, symbolizing the shift from conflict to peace and the gathering of God’s people.
- Oaks and Gardens: Symbolic representations of false pastors and Gentile churches that lead people astray from God’s true path.
- Silver and Wine: Metaphors for the word of God, signifying its purity and potency, which become corrupted and diluted through betrayal.
- Widow and Fatherless: Spiritual representations of a betrayed pastor and their abandoned congregation, highlighting the need for restoration and reconciliation.
- Repentance: Turning away from sin and returning to God with a sincere heart, leading to forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
Old Testament Times:
- Pre-Isaiah: Solomon introduces Gentile gods into Israel, breaking the covenant and leading to the division of the kingdom (1 Kings 11).
- Around 700 BC: Isaiah receives a vision concerning the future of Judah and Jerusalem (Isaiah 1:1).
- Unspecified Time: The Northern Kingdom of Israel (11 Tribes) is invaded and destroyed by Assyria (Isaiah 10:5).
- Unspecified Time: The Southern Kingdom of Judah, including Jerusalem, is invaded and destroyed by Babylon. The people are exiled for 70 years. This event is used as a parable for future spiritual destruction.
First Coming of Jesus:
- Around 30 AD: Jesus arrives and is rejected by the majority of the Jewish people, fulfilling the prophecy of betrayal (John 1:11, Isaiah 1:2-4).
- Around 30 AD: Conflict arises between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, Teachers of the Law) who are seen as spiritual Gentiles (John 8, Isaiah 29:9-13).
- Around 30 AD: God rejects the offerings and prayers of those who have betrayed him and refuse to repent (Isaiah 1:10-15).
- Around 30 AD: A remnant, consisting of Jesus and his disciples, is saved and forms the foundation of a new spiritual Israel (Isaiah 1:8-9).
Second Coming of Jesus:
- Unspecified Future Time: A new spiritual Israel, consisting of New John, the 144,000, and the great multitude, will be formed (Revelation 7).
- Unspecified Future Time: This new spiritual Israel will gather on Mount Zion, which will become a place of peace and learning for all nations (Isaiah 2:1-4, Zechariah 8:3, Isaiah 60:14).
- Unspecified Future Time: The Beast will invade the holy place and many will be assimilated, similar to the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem (Revelation 13).
- Unspecified Future Time: God will judge those who betrayed and those who destroyed, with eternal judgment for the unrepentant (Isaiah 1:28-31, Revelation 9:21).
- Unspecified Future Time: On Mount Zion, death, mourning, crying, and pain will cease, ushering in a time of peace and God’s reign (Revelation 21:1-4, Isaiah 52:7).
Cast of Characters
Old Testament Figures:
- Solomon: King of Israel, responsible for introducing Gentile gods, leading to the division of the kingdom.
- Isaiah: Prophet who received visions concerning the future of Judah and Jerusalem.
First Coming Figures:
- Jesus: The Holy One of Israel, rejected by many Jews but accepted by a remnant who formed a new spiritual Israel.
- Pharisees, Sadducees, Teachers of the Law: Jewish religious leaders who opposed Jesus and are seen as spiritual Gentiles, responsible for the spiritual destruction of the people.
- The Disciples: The remnant, along with Jesus, who formed the foundation of a new spiritual Israel.
Second Coming Figures:
- New John: A key figure in the new spiritual Israel, possibly analogous to John the Baptist.
- The 144,000: A symbolic number representing the chosen people of God in the end times, part of the new spiritual Israel.
- The Great Multitude: A vast number of people from all nations who come to Mount Zion to learn and worship, part of the new spiritual Israel.
- The Beast: A figure representing evil and deception, who will invade the holy place and lead many astray.
Symbolic Figures:
- Judah and Jerusalem: Represents both the physical nation of Israel and, symbolically, the chosen people of God who betray and are destroyed.
- Mount Zion: The place where God dwells and where the redeemed will gather, a place of peace, learning, and restoration.
- Oaks: False pastors who lead people astray, symbolized by the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
- Gardens: Gentile churches or congregations that those who betray God become part of, symbolizing assimilation and spiritual corruption.
- Spears: The word of God used for fighting and overcoming.
- Pruning Hooks: The word of God used for harvesting and gathering people into the faith.
- Silver and Wine: The pure word of God.
- Dross and Diluted Wine: The word of God that has become corrupted and lost its potency.
Overview
Overview: The Logical Order of Betrayal, Destruction, and Salvation
Main Themes:
- The cyclical nature of rebellion, destruction, and salvation throughout biblical history: This cycle, seen from the Old Testament to the New Testament and projected into the second coming, emphasizes God’s consistent approach to interacting with humanity.
- The symbolic nature of biblical prophecy: Understanding the figurative language and parables used in prophecy is crucial to correctly interpreting events, both past and future.
- The spiritual dimension of being “chosen”: Being a Jew or Gentile transcends physical lineage and centers around accepting Jesus and aligning oneself with God’s covenant.
- The importance of repentance and righteous living: God rejects empty rituals and offerings from those who refuse to align their actions with their faith.
- The establishment of a new Zion: God consistently raises a place of refuge and righteous teaching for the faithful remnant, drawing all nations to learn His ways.
Key Points and Facts:
- Rebellion, Destruction, Salvation: This cycle is the “fundamental logic” of creation and recreation in the Bible.
- God establishes a covenant, Satan incites betrayal, leading to spiritual destruction (assimilation into ungodly ways), followed by God’s salvation of a faithful remnant.
- This cycle is exemplified in the historical enslavement of the Israelites and their spiritual straying from God.
- Prophecy and Parables: The book of Isaiah utilizes historical events to foreshadow future spiritual events, urging readers to think figuratively.
- Examples: Judah and Jerusalem represent spiritual entities, Babylon in Revelation symbolizes a future spiritual state.
- Spiritual Identity: True “chosenness” hinges on accepting Jesus, regardless of physical lineage.
- Romans 2:28-29: “A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly… No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly.”
- Rejection of Empty Rituals: God finds offerings and prayers from unrepentant hearts detestable.
- Isaiah 1:13: “Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me.”
- This emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and aligning one’s actions with faith.
- The Remnant and New Beginnings: God preserves a faithful remnant (e.g., Noah, Jesus and the disciples) to build anew.
- Isaiah 1:8-9: “Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom….”
- Establishment of Zion: A place of righteous teaching and peace where all nations will gather.
- Isaiah 2:2-3: “the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established… and all nations will stream to it… He will teach us his ways….”
- This points to the establishment of a new spiritual order centered around God’s word and justice.
- Transformation from War to Harvest: Weapons of war are repurposed for the gathering of souls.
- Isaiah 2:4: “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.”
- This symbolizes a shift from conflict to peaceful ingathering under God’s reign.
Important Quotes:
- “Betrayal, destruction, and salvation are not solely related to the second coming but have been occurring throughout the Bible.”
- “God always starts by selecting one person, a pastor, and tasks them with creating and taking care of a kingdom.”
- “Destruction, in this context, means assimilation – making what is not his, his own. Satan takes those who belong to God and forces them to belong to him.”
- “The ‘Him’ he’s talking about is Jesus.”
- “God can utilize and does utilize anyone and anything for His purpose.”
- “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
- “The penitent ones, those who repent, will be on Zion.”
- “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.”
Questions for Further Discussion:
- How does understanding the historical context of Isaiah’s prophecies help us interpret their spiritual implications?
- In what ways do we see the cycle of rebellion, destruction, and salvation playing out in our own lives and in the world today?
- What practical steps can we take to ensure that our worship and offerings are not “meaningless” or “detestable” to God?
- How can we actively participate in the work of peace and harvest symbolized by the transformation of spears into pruning hooks?
Q&A
Q&A: Betrayal, Destruction, and Salvation of the Chosen People
1. What is the recurring pattern found throughout the Bible concerning God’s chosen people?
The Bible reveals a recurring pattern of betrayal, destruction, and salvation concerning God’s chosen people. God establishes a covenant with His people, but they eventually betray Him. This betrayal leads to their destruction, often through the hands of other nations. However, God always preserves a remnant who remain faithful, and He uses them to bring about salvation and establish something new.
2. How does Isaiah Chapter 1 illustrate this pattern?
Isaiah Chapter 1 uses the historical context of Judah and Jerusalem facing threats from Assyria and Babylon to prophesize about the future. It highlights the betrayal of God’s chosen people, their subsequent destruction, and the eventual redemption of the penitent remnant.
3. Who are considered God’s chosen people in the New Testament?
In the New Testament, being physically Jewish is no longer the sole determinant of being God’s chosen person. Instead, those who accept Jesus as the Messiah become spiritually Jewish and are considered God’s chosen people, regardless of their physical lineage.
4. What is the meaning of “spears” and “pruning hooks” in Isaiah 2:4?
“Spears” symbolize the word of God used for fighting and overcoming. “Pruning hooks” also represent the word of God, but used for harvesting and gathering people. This transformation signifies a shift from conflict to peace and the ingathering of God’s people.
5. What is the significance of Mount Zion in both the Old and New Testaments?
Mount Zion represents the dwelling place of God and a place of salvation. In both the Old and New Testaments, it is prophesied that all nations will stream to Mount Zion to learn God’s ways and experience His peace.
6. Does God hear every prayer?
No, God does not hear every prayer. Isaiah 1:15 indicates that God does not listen to those whose hands are full of blood, symbolizing unrepentant sin. God desires genuine repentance and a changed heart.
7. What two questions should guide our study of the Bible?
Whenever we study the Bible, we should ask ourselves:
- “Who am I according to the Bible?”
- “Am I being created according to it?”
These questions encourage self-reflection and challenge us to align our lives with God’s will.
8. How can we recognize if we are being “created according to the Bible”?
Being “created according to the Bible” means recognizing ourselves in its narratives and teachings. It involves examining our beliefs, actions, and motivations in light of God’s Word and seeking transformation to align with His will.