Analyzing SCJ Lesson 85: The Reality of the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil

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

Introduction: When Familiar Words Hide Unfamiliar Meanings

Imagine sitting in a Bible study where the instructor opens with John 14:26 and talks about Jesus as the true vine. Everything sounds biblical, familiar, even comforting. But by the end of the lesson, you’ve been told that:

• Trees are people
• Fruits are converts
• Your job is to “bear fruit” by recruiting
• There’s a specific person today who speaks “on behalf of God and Jesus”
• Understanding these “secrets” makes you part of an elite group

What happened? You started with Scripture and ended somewhere else entirely.

This is the genius—and the danger—of SCJ Lesson 85. It uses what Chapter 3 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “The Sacred Lens”—taking biblical imagery and reinterpreting it through a specialized framework that sounds spiritual but fundamentally changes the gospel message.

Let’s examine this lesson carefully, distinguishing what’s biblical from what’s uniquely SCJ teaching, and understanding the psychological techniques at work.

Part 1: The Opening Setup – Establishing Authority

What SCJ Says:

The “Yeast of Heaven” section states:

“People needed to listen to Moses’ words and Moses’ generation, Isaiah’s words and Isaiah’s generation, and Jesus’ words and Jesus’ generation. And today, shouldn’t we listen to the words spoken on behalf of God and Jesus and believe them so that we can put in the effort to live according to them?”

The instructor elaborates:

“In every era, we hear words spoken to us through a specific channel. These words are spoken on behalf of God and Jesus.”

The Two Lenses Analysis:

What’s Biblical:

• God did speak through prophets in the Old Testament (Hebrews 1:1)
• Jesus is God’s ultimate revelation (Hebrews 1:2)
• We should listen to God’s word

What’s Uniquely SCJ:

• The implication that there’s a “specific channel” today equivalent to Moses, Isaiah, and Jesus
• The phrase “spoken on behalf of God and Jesus” suggests a mediator beyond Scripture
• The pattern establishes that just as people needed to listen to specific individuals in past eras, we must listen to a specific person today

Biblical Refutation:

This is what Chapter 7 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “The Hidden Savior” technique—gradually establishing that there’s a special messenger for our generation.

Hebrews 1:1-2 is crystal clear:

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”

Notice the contrast: “In the past… BUT in these last days.” The writer of Hebrews is saying that the era of progressive revelation through various prophets has ended. God’s final and complete word is Jesus Christ.

John 14:26, quoted in the lesson’s “Home Blessing,” says:

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

The Holy Spirit’s role is to remind us of what Jesus already said, not to give new revelation through a new prophet. The Spirit points to Jesus, not to a new mediator.

1 Timothy 2:5 states:

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”

Not Moses for his generation, Isaiah for his generation, and Lee Man-hee for our generation. One mediator, period.

The Psychological Technique:

As Chapter 4 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, this is “pattern establishment”—creating a historical framework that makes the introduction of a modern-day prophet seem logical and necessary. By the time students reach advanced lessons, they’ve been conditioned to accept that God always works through one special person per era.

This also employs what Chapter 11 calls “The Wisdom of Hiding”—the instructor doesn’t explicitly name Lee Man-hee yet, but the foundation is being laid. Students are being prepared to accept that someone today speaks with the same authority as biblical prophets.

Part 2: The Tree Metaphor – Biblical Foundation or Recruitment Framework?

What SCJ Says:

The lesson presents John 15:1-5 and breaks down the elements:

• Gardener = God
• Tree/Vine = Jesus
• Branches = Disciples
• Seed = Word
• Leaves = Evangelists
• Fruits = New converts (“saints being born through the Word”)
• Birds = Holy spirits

The instructor emphasizes:

“The disciples’ job is to bring more individuals to be attached to Jesus, who is the tree of life. This is what it means to bear fruit.”

“If we find it hard to bear fruit, it might be because we don’t have enough of Jesus’ seed within us.”

The Two Lenses Analysis:

What’s Biblical:

• Jesus is the vine, we are branches (John 15:5)
• We cannot bear fruit apart from Christ (John 15:4)
• God is the gardener who prunes (John 15:2)
• Remaining in Christ is essential (John 15:4-7)

What’s Uniquely SCJ:

• The exclusive definition of “fruit” as recruitment/converts
• The pressure that inability to recruit means you don’t have enough “seed”
• The detailed allegorization of every element (leaves = evangelists, birds = spirits)
• The implication that “bearing fruit” is primarily about organizational growth

Biblical Refutation:

Let’s look at what Jesus actually says about fruit in John 15:

John 15:8:

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

What fruit? Jesus defines it in the immediate context:

John 15:12:

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

John 15:17:

“This is my command: Love each other.”

The “fruit” Jesus emphasizes in John 15 is love—specifically, loving one another as Christ loved us. This aligns with Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul lists the “fruit of the Spirit”:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Notice: None of these are recruitment numbers.

Yes, Christians are called to share the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20), but reducing “bearing fruit” exclusively to recruitment creates what Chapter 9 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “The Harvesting Metaphor”—a theological justification for aggressive recruitment tactics.

The Psychological Technique:

This reinterpretation does several things:

1. Creates measurable performance metrics – Your spiritual health is quantified by how many people you bring to class
2. Generates guilt and pressure – If you’re not recruiting, you “don’t have enough of Jesus’ seed”
3. Shifts focus from character to activity – From becoming more like Christ to bringing more people to the organization
4. Establishes organizational loyalty – Your value is tied to your productivity for the group

As Chapter 5 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, this mirrors classic high-control group tactics: “Your worth is measured by your usefulness to the organization.”

Part 3: The Two Trees – Where Biblical Imagery Becomes Organizational Doctrine

What SCJ Says:

The lesson moves to Genesis 2-3 and presents the two trees:

“In the center of the garden stood two crucial trees, which essentially mark the beginning of the Bible’s narrative. These two trees initiate the entire sequence of events in the Bible, representing the two greatest secrets within it.”

The instructor explains:

“For over 3,500 years, believers have pondered these questions: What are these two trees? Are they literal? Do they still exist?”

“The reality of the fruit is words – either the word of truth or words of lies.”

“So, in the book of Genesis, the tree of life that gives fruit represents God, while the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that gives lies represents Satan.”

The lesson then connects this to John 15:

Reminder box states:

“True Vine = God’s Tree of Life” “Wild Vine = Satan’s Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Isa 5, Jer 2:21)”

The Two Lenses Analysis:

What’s Biblical:

• There were two trees in Eden (Genesis 2:9)
• The tree of life represented ongoing communion with God
• Eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil brought death (Genesis 2:17)
• Jesus is the way to eternal life (John 14:6)
• Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44)

What’s Uniquely SCJ:

• The claim that these are “the two greatest secrets” in the Bible
• The assertion that believers have been confused about this for 3,500 years
• The exclusive equation: Tree of Life = God’s organization, Tree of Knowledge = Satan’s organization
• The implication that understanding this “secret” is essential for salvation
• The setup for identifying specific organizations today as these two trees

Biblical Refutation:

Let’s examine what Scripture actually teaches about the trees in Eden:

Genesis 2:16-17:

“And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.'”

Genesis 3:22:

“And the Lord God said, ‘The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.'”

The trees in Genesis represent:

1. The Tree of Life – Ongoing relationship with God, eternal life in His presence
2. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil – Human autonomy apart from God, deciding for ourselves what is right and wrong

The issue wasn’t primarily about “words” or “lies” versus “truth”—it was about trust and obedience. Would humanity trust God’s word and live under His loving authority, or would they grasp at autonomy and try to be “like God” (Genesis 3:5)?

Where SCJ Takes This:

While the lesson doesn’t fully reveal it yet, this framework is building toward a specific conclusion that becomes clear in later SCJ teaching:

• Tree of Life = Shincheonji (specifically, the organization centered on Lee Man-hee)
• Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil = Traditional Christianity (all other churches)

This is what Chapter 6 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “Consistent Narrative vs. Selective Narrative”—taking a biblical pattern and forcing it onto a predetermined conclusion.

The Theological Problem:

Revelation 22:14 says:

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”

Access to the tree of life comes through having our robes washed—which Revelation 7:14 explains:

“These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

The tree of life is accessed through the blood of Jesus, not through joining a specific organization or understanding a “secret” interpretation.

John 6:47-51:

“Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life… I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

Jesus Himself is the tree of life. He is the source of eternal life. Not an organization. Not a special interpretation. Jesus.

Part 4: The “Secrets” That Aren’t Secret – Examining the Claims

What SCJ Says:

The lesson repeatedly emphasizes hidden knowledge:

“These two trees… representing the two greatest secrets within it.”

“For over 3,500 years, believers have pondered these questions… It was frustrating for those who spent their lives searching but never found them because we didn’t truly understand God’s message.”

The instructor asks students to consider:

“Are the things I’m hearing now something I’ve always known? There’s a difference between being familiar with Bible content and truly understanding its meaning.”

The Two Lenses Analysis:

What’s Biblical:

• God reveals truth to those who seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13)
• The Holy Spirit guides us into truth (John 16:13)
• Some things in Scripture require careful study (2 Peter 3:16)

What’s Uniquely SCJ:

• The claim that essential truths have been hidden for 3,500 years
• The implication that previous generations of believers were fundamentally confused
• The suggestion that this group has special revelation others lack
• The creation of an “insider/outsider” dynamic based on knowledge

Biblical Refutation:

This is what Chapter 13 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “The Verification Problem”—claims that cannot be tested because they’re based on special revelation only accessible to insiders.

Let’s look at what Jesus actually said about His teaching:

John 18:20:

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

Jesus taught openly. His message wasn’t hidden knowledge for an elite group.

Mark 4:22:

“For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.”

Yes, Jesus taught in parables, but He explained them to His disciples (Mark 4:34). And after His resurrection, the gospel was proclaimed publicly to all nations (Matthew 28:19).

1 Corinthians 2:7-10:

“No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began… these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.”

Paul speaks of a “mystery” that was hidden—but notice verse 10: it “has been revealed.” The mystery was Christ Himself and the inclusion of the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:3-6). This mystery is now revealed to all believers through the Spirit, not hidden in a special organization.

The Psychological Technique:

Creating a narrative of “hidden knowledge finally revealed” does several things:

1. Makes students feel special – “We know something others don’t”
2. Devalues outside sources – “Other Christians don’t understand”
3. Creates dependency – “Only this group can teach you the truth”
4. Generates urgency – “This has been hidden for 3,500 years; don’t miss it”

As Chapter 12 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” warns, this is “When Narrative Becomes More Important Than Truth”—the story of being the special group with special knowledge becomes more important than testing whether the claims are actually true.

Part 5: The Fruit = People Equation – Biblical Evangelism or Recruitment Pressure?

What SCJ Says:

The lesson explicitly defines fruit:

“What fruit must be born? It’s saints being born through the Word, born again of the seed of the Word.”

“James 1:18 says, ‘He chose to give us birth through the Word of truth, so that we might be a kind of first fruits.'”

The instructor emphasizes:

“Being fruitful is very important… God pleaded for one more year. Being fruitful is very important.”

“Think back to what God first told Adam and Noah in Genesis 1, 2, and 9: ‘Be fruitful and multiply.’ This is not an accident. It’s very important to God for His people to grow and prosper.”

The Two Lenses Analysis:

What’s Biblical:

• Christians are called to share the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20)
• God desires all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4)
• We are born again through the word of truth (James 1:18)
• The early church grew as believers shared their faith (Acts 2:47)

What’s Uniquely SCJ:

• The exclusive reduction of “fruit” to recruitment numbers
• The connection of Genesis 1:28 (“be fruitful and multiply”) to organizational growth
• The pressure that fruitfulness is “very important” with implied consequences
• The subtle shift from sharing Jesus to bringing people to this specific organization

Biblical Refutation:

Let’s examine the passages SCJ uses:

James 1:18:

“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

Yes, we are born again through the word of truth. But notice what James says about true religion in the very same chapter:

James 1:27:

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

True faith produces compassion and holiness, not just recruitment numbers.

Genesis 1:28:

“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'”

This command was about physical procreation and stewarding creation, not about organizational recruitment. Using this verse to pressure people into recruiting is what Chapter 20 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “The Danger of Creative Fulfillment”—taking a verse out of context to support a predetermined agenda.

The Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9):

SCJ references this parable about a tree that doesn’t bear fruit. But let’s read it in context:

Luke 13:1-5:

“Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.'”

The parable that follows is about repentance, not recruitment. The “fruit” God is looking for is transformed lives, not organizational growth metrics.

What True Fruitfulness Looks Like:

John 15:8:

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

How do we show ourselves to be disciples? Jesus just told us:

John 13:35:

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Galatians 5:22-23:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Colossians 1:10:

“So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”

Fruit includes:

• Character transformation (Galatians 5:22-23)
• Good works (Colossians 1:10)
• Love for one another (John 13:35)
• Praise and thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15)
• Sharing with others (Hebrews 13:16)
• Yes, sharing the gospel (Romans 1:13)

But reducing “fruit” exclusively to recruitment creates a performance-based spirituality that contradicts grace.

The Psychological Impact:

As Chapter 9 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, this “harvesting metaphor” creates:

1. Constant pressure – Your spiritual health is measured by recruitment success
2. Guilt and shame – If you’re not recruiting, something is wrong with you
3. Competitive dynamics – Members compare “fruit” counts
4. Burnout – The pressure never ends; there’s always more fruit to bear
5. Exploitation – Members’ relationships become recruitment opportunities

This is not the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10). This is spiritual exhaustion masquerading as fruitfulness.

Part 6: The “Leaves” and “Birds” – When Allegory Becomes Doctrine

What SCJ Says:

The lesson allegorizes every element of the tree:

On Leaves:

“Leaves protect the tree and gather sunlight to produce food. When crushed and ground up, leaves are often used for medicine in the world… In Revelation 22:2, it says, ‘the leaves are for the healing of the nations.’ This suggests that those who need to do the work of healing must be attached to the main tree.”

“What is the reality of a leaf? They represent evangelists who go out and give the medicine of the Word of God.”

On Birds:

“In this parable, these spiritual birds represent Holy spirits… Spirits are transient, quickly moving from one place to another, always at work without needing rest.”

The Two Lenses Analysis:

What’s Biblical:

• Revelation 22:2 does mention leaves for healing
• The Holy Spirit does work in believers’ lives
• Christians are called to share the gospel

What’s Uniquely SCJ:

• The detailed allegorization of every tree element
• The equation: leaves = evangelists in this specific organization
• The implication that you must be “attached to the main tree” (their organization) to do healing work
• The specific interpretation of birds as spirits in Matthew 13

Biblical Refutation:

This is where we need to understand the difference between illustration and allegory.

Illustration: Using a comparison to make a point (Jesus is like a vine; we should stay connected to Him)

Allegory: Assigning specific meanings to every element of a story, often beyond the author’s intent

Jesus used parables as illustrations, not detailed allegories where every element has a hidden meaning. In fact, when Jesus explained parables, He focused on the main point, not on allegorizing every detail.

Matthew 13 – The Parable of the Sower:

When Jesus explained this parable (Matthew 13:18-23), He interpreted:

• The seed = the word
• The soils = different responses to the word

But He didn’t allegorize:

• The birds that ate the seed
• The specific depth of the soil
• The thorns’ botanical characteristics
• The exact percentages of yield (30, 60, 100-fold)

The Danger of Over-Allegorization:

When we assign specific meanings to every detail, we can make the text say whatever we want. This is what Chapter 3 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” warns about—“The Sacred Lens” that reinterprets everything through a predetermined framework.

Revelation 22:2:

“On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

This is apocalyptic literature describing the New Jerusalem. The “healing of the nations” refers to the restoration and wholeness that comes in God’s eternal kingdom, not to evangelists in a specific organization today.

To claim that “leaves = evangelists in our group” is to:

1. Take symbolic literature literally (when convenient)
2. Apply it exclusively to one group (creating insider/outsider dynamics)
3. Miss the main point (God’s ultimate restoration of all things)

The Psychological Technique:

This detailed allegorization serves several purposes:

1. Creates a complete system – Every biblical image fits into their framework
2. Appears sophisticated – “Look how everything connects!”
3. Discourages questioning – The system is so intricate, questioning one part threatens the whole
4. Establishes organizational necessity – You must be part of this “tree” to function properly

As Chapter 17 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, this creates “The Logical Contradiction”—a system so internally consistent that it seems true, but built on faulty premises.

Part 7: The “Another Counselor” Setup – Preparing for the Promised Person

What SCJ Says:

The “Review” section establishes:

“Jesus was the counselor during the first coming. He spoke to God on our behalf and to us on God’s behalf, acting as our mediator.”

“Jesus promised to send another counselor. What other names is this promised counselor known by? The spirit of truth.”

“Another Counselor is the Spirit of Truth. All spirits must work through flesh. Spirits operate through human bodies.”

“They execute their words through a person. That person speaks, and people hear those words, leading to greater understanding.”

The Two Lenses Analysis:

What’s Biblical:

• Jesus promised the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, 26)
• The Spirit is called the “Spirit of truth” (John 14:17)
• The Spirit works in and through believers (Acts 1:8)

What’s Uniquely SCJ:

• The emphasis that spirits “must” work through flesh (implying one specific person)
• The parallel structure: Jesus was the counselor then; someone else is the counselor now
• The setup that we should listen to “a person” speaking God’s words today
• The groundwork for introducing Lee Man-hee as this “counselor”

Biblical Refutation:

This is one of the most crucial distortions in SCJ teaching. Let’s carefully examine what Jesus actually said:

John 14:16-17:

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

John 14:26:

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

Notice several critical points:

1. The Counselor is the Holy Spirit – Not a person, but God Himself (third person of the Trinity)
2. He will be WITH you forever – Not a temporary, generational messenger
3. He will be IN you – The Spirit indwells all believers (Romans 8:9), not just one special person
4. He will remind you of what Jesus said – The Spirit points back to Jesus’ completed revelation, not forward to new revelation

Acts 2:1-4, 17-18:

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place… All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit… ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.'”

The Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers, not channeled through one special person. Every Christian has access to the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).

1 John 2:27:

“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.”

We don’t need a special mediator beyond Jesus to understand God’s truth. The Spirit teaches all believers.

The Deceptive Parallel:

SCJ creates a false parallel:

• First Coming: Jesus was the counselor/mediator
• Second Coming: Another person is the counselor/mediator

But Scripture teaches:

1 Timothy 2:5:

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”

Hebrews 7:24-25:

“But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

Jesus is still our mediator. He didn’t pass the baton to someone else. His priesthood is permanent.

The Psychological Setup:

This is what Chapter 7 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “The Hidden Savior: New John”—the gradual revelation of Lee Man-hee’s central role.

By Lesson 85, students have been conditioned to accept:

1. God works through specific people in each era
2. Spirits must work through flesh
3. There’s someone today speaking “on behalf of God and Jesus”
4. This person is the “counselor” for our generation

Later lessons will explicitly identify this person as Lee Man-hee, but the foundation has been carefully laid through lessons like this one.

Part 8: The “True Vine vs. Wild Vine” – Setting Up Us vs. Them

What SCJ Says:

“Why is this vine called the true vine? And what is the opposite of the true vine? The opposite of a true vine is a wild vine. A true vine represents God’s tree of life.”

“The vine must be qualified as ‘true’ because there are two types. Something only needs to be described as true if its opposite exists.”

“The wild vine has become corrupt, as mentioned in Isaiah 5 and Jeremiah 2:21. It represents Satan’s tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

“We need to stay away from wild vines that produce the maddening wine of adultery and bear false fruit or false words.”

The Two Lenses Analysis:

What’s Biblical:

• Jesus calls Himself the “true vine” (John 15:1)
• Israel is sometimes described as a vine that became corrupt (Isaiah 5:1-7, Jeremiah 2:21)
• There are false teachers to avoid (2 Peter 2:1)

What’s Uniquely SCJ:

• The binary division: true vine (one organization) vs. wild vine (everyone else)
• The equation: wild vine = all other churches/Christianity
• The implication that staying connected to Jesus means staying in their organization
• The setup for later teaching that leaving SCJ = eating from Satan’s tree

Biblical Refutation:

Let’s examine the passages SCJ references:

Isaiah 5:1-7:

“I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside… I looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit… The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are the vines he delighted in.”

This is about Israel’s unfaithfulness, not about dividing Christianity into true and false organizations. God planted Israel as a choice vine, but they produced bad fruit through injustice and unrighteousness.

Jeremiah 2:21:

“I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?”

Again, this is about Israel’s spiritual adultery—worshiping idols instead of God. It’s not a template for identifying true vs. false Christian organizations today.

John 15:1 – “I am the TRUE vine”:

Why does Jesus call Himself the “true” vine? The context is important. In the Old Testament, Israel was often called God’s vine (Psalm 80:8-16, Isaiah 5:1-7). But Israel failed. They didn’t produce the fruit God desired.

Jesus is saying: “I am the true Israel. I am the faithful vine that Israel failed to be. I will accomplish what Israel could not.”

This is about Jesus fulfilling Israel’s calling, not about one Christian organization being “true” while all others are “wild.”

The Real Division:

Scripture does make divisions, but not the way SCJ teaches:

John 15:6:

“If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

The division is between:

• Those who remain in Christ (through faith)
• Those who don’t remain in Christ (through unbelief)

Not between:

• Those in Shincheonji
• Those in other churches

1 John 4:2-3:

“This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.”

The test is: Do they confess Jesus Christ? Not: “Are they in our organization?”

The Dangerous Implication:

By equating “true vine” with their organization and “wild vine” with all other churches, SCJ creates what Chapter 11 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “The Isolation Strategy”:

1. Spiritual danger is outside – Other churches are the “wild vine”
2. Safety is only inside – You must stay connected to this organization
3. Leaving = spiritual death – Departing from SCJ = eating from Satan’s tree
4. Questioning = disloyalty – Doubting the organization = doubting God

This is not biblical discernment. This is organizational control.

Matthew 18:20:

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Jesus is present wherever believers gather in His name, not exclusively in one organization.

Ephesians 4:4-6:

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

The “one body” is all believers in Christ, not one organization.

Part 9: The Persecution Narrative – Reframing Criticism as Confirmation

What SCJ Says:

“Jesus explains that those who truly belong to God will face persecution. Persecution is not something that God’s children do; it is a characteristic of those born of Satan.”

“Persecution can take many forms. It might involve preventing someone from sharing the words they have been instructed to spread, or lying about the person who has come to speak these words. It can include slander, prevention of speech, and even murder.”

The instructor emphasizes:

“Therefore, we should not be people who persecute. Instead, we should strive to be: 1. Someone who loves 2. Someone who forgives 3. Someone who blesses”

The Two Lenses Analysis:

What’s Biblical:

• Jesus warned His followers would face persecution (John 15:18-20)
• Christians throughout history have been persecuted for their faith (2 Timothy 3:12)
• We should respond to persecution with love and forgiveness (Matthew 5:44)

What’s Uniquely SCJ:

• The implication that criticism of SCJ = persecution of God’s people
• The framing that those who warn about SCJ are “preventing speech” and “lying”
• The subtle reversal: SCJ members are the persecuted, critics are the persecutors
• The setup that any negative information about SCJ comes from “those born of Satan”

Biblical Refutation:

Jesus did warn about persecution, but He also warned about false prophets and deception:

Matthew 7:15:

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

Matthew 24:4-5:

“Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah,” and will deceive many.'”

2 Corinthians 11:13-15:

“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.”

The Difference Between Persecution and Accountability:

Persecution = Suffering for following Jesus Christ Accountability = Being questioned for unbiblical teaching or deceptive practices

Acts 17:11:

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

The Bereans tested Paul’s teaching. They didn’t accept it blindly. And Paul commended them for this! He didn’t call them persecutors.

1 John 4:1:

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

We are commanded to test teaching. This isn’t persecution; it’s obedience.

The Psychological Technique:

This is what Chapter 11 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “Deceive, Deny, Revise”—specifically, the “deny” tactic:

1. Pre-frame criticism as persecution – Before students hear concerns, they’re told it’s persecution
2. Create an identity of martyrdom – “We’re persecuted because we have the truth”
3. Dismiss legitimate concerns – Any criticism is reframed as satanic opposition
4. Strengthen group cohesion – “It’s us (the persecuted) vs. them (the persecutors)”

This prevents students from seriously considering:

• Testimonies from former members
• Concerns from family members
• Warnings from pastors and cult experts
• Documented evidence of deceptive practices

As Chapter 15 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” documents, “What Pastors and Counselors Discovered”—there are legitimate, well-documented concerns about SCJ’s practices. Dismissing all criticism as “persecution” is intellectually dishonest and spiritually dangerous.

Real Persecution vs. Legitimate Concern:

Real Persecution:

• Being imprisoned for faith in Christ
• Being physically harmed for preaching the gospel
• Being denied employment because you’re a Christian
• Being killed for refusing to deny Jesus

Legitimate Concern:

• Questioning why SCJ uses deceptive recruitment tactics
• Asking why members are told to lie about their affiliation
• Investigating why former members report psychological harm
• Examining whether SCJ’s teachings align with Scripture

One is suffering for Christ. The other is accountability for unbiblical practices.

Part 10: The “Shaking” Language – Normalizing Cognitive Dissonance

What SCJ Says:

In the “Our Hope” section, the instructor says:

“Throughout our week, many things can occur. However, when we approach the Word, these distractions vanish. We can then focus on God’s current work and His actions through us.”

“We are reaching various realizations, some of which might frighten or shake us. This is intentional. A shaking must occur before one can understand who they are, where they stand, and what actions they need to take.”

“Jesus was undoubtedly a shaker. His words were not always easy for everyone to accept. However, those with resilience and a desire to continue learning were able to receive more from Jesus after the initial shaking.”

“Therefore, if we experience shaking, we shouldn’t worry. It’s part of the process. After being shaken and coming to a realization, we become stronger.”

The Two Lenses Analysis:

What’s Biblical:

• God’s word can challenge us (Hebrews 4:12)
• Jesus’ teaching sometimes challenged cultural norms (Matthew 5-7)
• Growing in faith can involve wrestling with difficult truths (Genesis 32:22-32)

What’s Uniquely SCJ:

• The normalization of feeling “frightened” or “shaken” by teaching
• The framing that discomfort = spiritual growth
• The implication that if you’re troubled, you should push through rather than question
• The comparison of SCJ teaching to Jesus’ teaching (“Jesus was a shaker”)

Biblical Refutation:

Yes, God’s word challenges us. But there’s a crucial difference between:

Biblical Conviction = The Holy Spirit convicting us of sin, leading to repentance and peace Psychological Manipulation = Teaching that creates fear, confusion, and dependence

John 14:27:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Jesus brings peace, not ongoing fear and shaking.

1 John 4:18:

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

2 Timothy 1:7:

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

The Holy Spirit produces power, love, and self-discipline, not fear and confusion.

What’s Really Happening:

When students feel “shaken” by SCJ teaching, it’s often because:

1. The teaching contradicts what they previously understood – This creates cognitive dissonance
2. The implications are troubling – “Are all other Christians deceived? Is my family in Satan’s church?”
3. The pressure is intense – “I must understand this or I’m not truly committed”
4. The system is overwhelming – So much information, so quickly, with no time to process

This isn’t spiritual growth. This is what Chapter 4 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “The Impact of Interpretive Frameworks”—a systematic reframing of reality that leaves people disoriented and dependent.

How Jesus Actually Taught:

Yes, Jesus challenged people. But notice how:

Matthew 11:28-30:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus’ teaching brings rest, not exhaustion. His yoke is easy, not crushing.

Mark 10:21:

“Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'”

When Jesus challenged the rich young ruler, He did so with love. And when the man walked away, Jesus let him go. He didn’t manipulate or pressure.

John 6:66-68:

“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.'”

When people found Jesus’ teaching difficult, He let them leave. He didn’t normalize their discomfort as “necessary shaking.”

The Psychological Technique:

By normalizing “shaking,” SCJ:

1. Prevents students from trusting their instincts – “Discomfort means growth”
2. Reframes warning signs as positive – “If you’re troubled, you’re on the right track”
3. Creates pressure to continue – “Those with resilience keep learning”
4. Dismisses legitimate concerns – “Don’t worry about feeling shaken; it’s part of the process”

This is what cult experts call “thought-stopping”—teaching people to dismiss their own doubts and concerns.

As Chapter 28 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains in “Hope and Help”, if you’re feeling consistently anxious, fearful, or confused by teaching, that’s a warning sign, not a sign of spiritual growth.

Part 11: The Implicit Claims – What’s Not Said (Yet)

What’s Being Set Up:

While Lesson 85 doesn’t explicitly state these conclusions, the framework is being carefully constructed for later revelations:

1. There’s a specific person today who speaks “on behalf of God and Jesus”
2. This person is the “counselor” for our generation (like Jesus was for His)
3. Shincheonji is the “true vine” (tree of life)
4. All other churches are the “wild vine” (tree of knowledge of good and evil)
5. Understanding these “secrets” is essential for salvation
6. Bearing fruit (recruiting) is the primary measure of spiritual health
7. Criticism of SCJ is persecution from those who don’t understand

Where This Leads:

By the time students complete the full curriculum, they will have been taught:

• Lee Man-hee is the promised pastor (the “another counselor”)
• He is the only one who truly understands Revelation
• Salvation requires believing his testimony
• The 144,000 are SCJ members
• All other Christians are deceived by Satan
• Leaving SCJ means losing salvation

This is what Chapter 8 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “The Shifting Standards of Salvation”—gradually introducing requirements beyond faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Biblical Refutation:

Ephesians 2:8-9:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, period. Not:

• Grace + understanding special revelation
• Grace + joining the right organization
• Grace + bearing fruit (recruiting)
• Grace + believing a specific person’s testimony

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.”

The name is Jesus, not Lee Man-hee. Not Shincheonji. Jesus alone.

Romans 10:9:

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

This is the gospel. Simple. Clear. Complete.

Part 12: Testing the Framework – Questions to Ask

As Chapter 10 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” emphasizes, “Truth Welcomes Examination.” Here are questions to test SCJ’s framework:

About Authority:

1. If Jesus is our permanent mediator (Hebrews 7:24-25), why do we need another person speaking “on behalf of God and Jesus”?
2. If the Holy Spirit indwells all believers (Romans 8:9), why must He work through one specific person?
3. If Scripture is sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17), why do we need special revelation to understand it?

About the Trees:

4. If Jesus is the vine and we are branches, how does an organization become “the tree”?
5. If access to the tree of life comes through Jesus’ blood (Revelation 7:14, 22:14), how can an organization claim to be that tree?
6. If other churches preach Christ crucified and risen, how are they the “wild vine” of Satan?

About Fruit:

7. If fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23), why is it reduced to recruitment?
8. If Jesus said we’d be known by our love (John 13:35), why is fruitfulness measured by numbers?
9. If the gospel is about transformation, why is the focus on organizational growth?

About Salvation:

10. If salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), why are additional requirements being added?
11. If Jesus said “It is finished” (John 19:30), what more needs to be revealed for salvation?
12. If the gospel is for all people (Mark 16:15), why is it presented as hidden knowledge for an elite group?

About Testing:

13. If we’re commanded to test teaching (1 John 4:1), why is questioning framed as persecution?
14. If the Bereans were commended for testing Paul (Acts 17:11), why can’t we test SCJ’s teaching?
15. If truth welcomes examination, why does SCJ discourage independent research?

As Chapter 12 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” emphasizes, “The Importance of Independent Research” cannot be overstated. Truth doesn’t fear investigation.

Part 13: The Heart of God vs. The System of Control

What SCJ Presents:

A system where:

• Salvation depends on special knowledge
• Spiritual health is measured by performance
• God’s truth is accessible only through one channel
• Safety is found only inside one organization
• Leaving means spiritual death

What Scripture Presents:

A God who:

Loves unconditionally:

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

Seeks the lost:

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Gives freely:

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” (Isaiah 55:1)

Offers rest:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Provides assurance:

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

This is what Chapter 21 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” calls “The Heart of God”—a God whose love refuses to let go, not a system that controls through fear and performance.

Conclusion: Two Trees, Two Gospels

Lesson 85 presents what appears to be biblical teaching about trees, vines, and fruit. But beneath the surface, it’s constructing a framework that fundamentally contradicts the gospel:

SCJ’s Gospel:

• Salvation through special knowledge
• Access to God through a special person
• Spiritual life through organizational membership
• Assurance through performance (bearing fruit)
• Safety through isolation from “wild vines”

The Biblical Gospel:

• Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone
• Access to God through Jesus, our one mediator
• Spiritual life through the indwelling Holy Spirit
• Assurance through God’s promises
• Unity with all believers in Christ

As Chapter 22 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” reminds us, “When Satan Tried to Hijack God’s Plan (And Failed Every Time)”—God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ cannot be improved upon, added to, or replaced.

Galatians 1:6-9:

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”

For Those Studying with SCJ:

If you’re currently in SCJ classes, please consider:

1. Test everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21) – Don’t accept teaching just because it sounds biblical
2. Search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11) – Read passages in context, not just isolated verses
3. Seek outside counsel (Proverbs 11:14) – Talk to mature Christians outside SCJ
4. Trust your instincts (1 John 2:27) – If something feels wrong, investigate further
5. Remember the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) – Salvation is through Christ alone

You are loved by God not because of your performance, your knowledge, or your organizational affiliation, but because Jesus died for you.

Romans 8:38-39:

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

For Family and Friends:

If someone you love is studying with SCJ:

1. Respond with love, not anger (1 Peter 3:15)
2. Ask gentle questions rather than making accusations
3. Share your concerns from a place of care
4. Provide resources like “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story”
5. Pray consistently for truth to be revealed
6. Stay connected even if they push away

Chapter 28 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” provides detailed guidance for “Hope and Help – Guidance for Members, Families, Christians, and Pastors.”

Additional Resources:

For more detailed refutation of SCJ teaching, including:

• Verse-by-verse analysis of their proof texts
• Testimonies from former members
• Theological examination of their doctrines
• Practical guidance for those leaving

Visit: https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination

The Shincheonji Examination section provides comprehensive resources for understanding and responding to Shincheonji’s teachings.

Final Thoughts:

Lesson 85 is sophisticated. It uses biblical language, quotes Scripture, and presents a seemingly coherent system. But as Chapter 26 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” reminds us, “Reading Revelation Like a First-Century Christian” means understanding the original context and intent, not imposing modern organizational structures onto ancient texts.

The trees in Genesis, the vine in John 15, the tree of life in Revelation—these point to Jesus Christ, not to an organization. They speak of relationship with God, not membership in a group. They offer life through faith, not salvation through special knowledge.

As Chapter 27 concludes, “Your Investigation Begins” now. Don’t take our word for it. Don’t take SCJ’s word for it. Search the Scriptures for yourself.

John 5:39-40:

“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”

The Scriptures testify about Jesus. Come to Him—not to an organization, not to a special teacher, not to hidden knowledge—come to Jesus, and you will have life.

“Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” – Available for those seeking to understand and respond to SCJ teaching with truth, love, and biblical clarity.

For more resources: https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination