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

---

Lesson 110: Revelation 7 – The Newly Created 12 Tribes of New Spiritual Israel (Part 2)

Viewing Through First-Century Christian, Historical, and Literary Lenses

---

Introduction: The Three Kinds of People

You’ve returned for Part 2 of Revelation 7. You’ve learned about the 144,000—the “priests” who are sealed first. You’ve been invited to Mount Zion. You’ve been warned not to “look back” like Lot’s wife. You’ve been told that you are living in “the fulfillment of the second coming.”

Now, as the lesson begins, the instructor reads from the “Yeast of Heaven”:

“There are three kinds of people: don’t be someone who must not be here, or someone that makes no difference whether he is here or not, but be someone who is of complete necessity.”

Three kinds of people.

The first kind: “must not be here” – These are people who shouldn’t be in Shincheonji at all. They’re obstacles. They’re problems. They’re the ones who will be removed.

The second kind: “makes no difference whether he is here or not” – These are people who are just taking up space. They’re not contributing. They’re passive. They’re forgettable.

The third kind: “of complete necessity” – These are the people Shincheonji needs. These are the valuable ones. These are the ones who matter.

Which kind of person are you?

The message is clear: You need to prove your worth. You need to be essential. You need to be “of complete necessity.”

This is not just a lesson about Revelation 7 and the great multitude. This is a lesson about your value, your place, your significance in the organization. And that value is not inherent—it must be earned through commitment, recruitment, and loyalty.

The instructor continues with enthusiasm:

“Now, one thing to remember about Revelation that’s really key for us to understand so that we’re not confused is this: Prophecy shows the end state.”

This is a sophisticated theological move. The instructor is about to explain why some details about the fulfillment are unclear, why the process isn’t exactly as described, why things don’t quite match up. The answer? “Prophecy shows the end state.”

“So what John is seeing here is the great multitude already being gathered. What he sees is the 144,000 already have been gathered. He’s seeing the end state of the matter. What John does not see is how it comes about.”

Translation: “We’re claiming this is the fulfillment, but we can’t explain all the details. That’s okay—prophecy shows the end state, not the process. Trust us, we’re getting there.”

The instructor then makes an extraordinary claim about the 144,000:

“So when the world finds out about who these people are, how will the world react? Shocked. The way it’s happening. Won’t they be the most famous people ever? One of the 144,000 is here. Come teach me. I must know your ways. I must know the ways of God. We’ve been waiting for you a long time. It will be the most famous people in the world.”

The 144,000 will be “the most famous people in the world.” When their identity is revealed, the world will be shocked. Everyone will want to learn from them. They will be celebrities of biblical proportions.

And then comes the subtle encouragement:

“Now, of course, we’re not striving to be a part of the number because of fame. But that’s just going to be a natural bystanding of that, or a natural consequence of the number being revealed. So strive.”

“We’re not striving for fame… but strive.” The appeal to fame and recognition is made, then immediately covered with a spiritual veneer. “Of course we’re not doing this for fame… but won’t it be amazing when the world recognizes us?”

This is masterful psychological manipulation. It appeals to the ego, to the desire for significance, to the longing to be part of something important—while maintaining a facade of humility.

But is any of this biblical? Is the great multitude a separate organizational tier from the 144,000? Does prophecy really “show the end state” in a way that allows for unlimited flexibility in interpretation? Will the 144,000 be “the most famous people in the world”?

And most importantly: What did the first-century Christians understand when they read about the great multitude in Revelation 7?

In this refutation, we will examine Lesson 110 through the dual lenses outlined in “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story”—the Reflectional Lens (examining psychological and spiritual impact) and the Discernment Lens (testing claims against Scripture, history, and logic). We will also apply the First-Century Christian lens, asking what the original recipients would have understood, and the Historical and Political lens, examining the actual events through verifiable evidence.

This refutation does not focus on debates between Premillennialism, Amillennialism, or Postmillennialism. Instead, it seeks to understand Revelation as the first-century church would have—as a letter of encouragement and hope written to real communities facing real persecution.

For a more comprehensive examination of Shincheonji’s claims, visit closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination.

---

Part 1: The Three Kinds of People – Creating Hierarchy and Pressure

SCJ’s Teaching: Which Kind Are You?

The lesson opens with a stark categorization from the “Yeast of Heaven”:

“There are three kinds of people: don’t be someone who must not be here, or someone that makes no difference whether he is here or not, but be someone who is of complete necessity.”

This creates three tiers:

Tier 1: “Must not be here”

• These are people who are obstacles
• They shouldn’t be in Shincheonji
• They will be removed or should leave

Tier 2: “Makes no difference”

• These are passive members
• They’re not contributing significantly
• They’re forgettable and dispensable

Tier 3: “Of complete necessity”

• These are essential members
• The organization needs them
• They are valuable and significant

The implicit message is clear: You need to prove which tier you belong to. You need to demonstrate that you’re “of complete necessity,” not just someone who “makes no difference.”

The Psychological Impact

This categorization serves several manipulative purposes:

1. It Creates Performance Anxiety

Your value in the organization is not inherent—it must be proven. You must constantly demonstrate that you’re “of complete necessity.” This creates anxiety about your standing and motivates increased commitment.

2. It Establishes Hierarchy

Not all members are equal. Some are “of complete necessity,” others “make no difference.” This creates competition and comparison among members.

3. It Justifies Removal

If someone is deemed to be in the first category (“must not be here”), their removal is justified. They weren’t valuable anyway. They were obstacles.

4. It Motivates Recruitment and Activity

How do you prove you’re “of complete necessity”? By:

• Recruiting others
• Attending all meetings
• Being active in the organization
• Never questioning or causing problems
• Demonstrating loyalty

The more you do, the more “necessary” you become.

5. It Creates Fear of Insignificance

No one wants to be in the middle category—someone who “makes no difference whether he is here or not.” This fear motivates increased activity and commitment.

Biblical Response: Your Value Is Inherent in Christ

The Bible teaches that your value is not based on your performance or your usefulness to an organization. Your value is inherent because you are made in God’s image and loved by Him.

Genesis 1:27:

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

You are made in God’s image. This is your inherent value—not your usefulness to Shincheonji.

Psalm 139:13-14:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

You are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Your value comes from being God’s creation, not from being “of complete necessity” to an organization.

Romans 5:8:

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

Christ died for you while you were still a sinner—not after you proved your worth, not after you became “of complete necessity,” but while you were still a sinner. This is the measure of your value to God.

Ephesians 2:10:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

You are “God’s handiwork.” You have purpose and value because God created you and has prepared good works for you—not because an organization deems you “necessary.”

The Contrast: Performance-Based vs. Grace-Based Value

Shincheonji’s system is performance-based:

• Your value depends on what you do
• You must prove you’re “of complete necessity”
• You can lose your value if you don’t perform
• You’re in competition with others for significance

The biblical system is grace-based:

• Your value is inherent in being made in God’s image
• Christ died for you while you were still a sinner
• Your value cannot be lost because it’s based on God’s love, not your performance
• You’re not in competition—all believers are equally loved and valued

Galatians 3:28:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

In Christ, there are no tiers, no hierarchy of value. All believers are “one in Christ Jesus.”

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (the body of Christ passage):

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its parts form one body, so it is with Christ… The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’ On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable… But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”

Paul teaches that in the body of Christ:

• Every part is necessary
• No part can say to another “I don’t need you”
• The parts that seem weaker are “indispensable”
• There should be “no division” based on perceived importance

This is the opposite of Shincheonji’s three-tier system. In Christ’s body, everyone is necessary. No one “makes no difference.” No one “must not be here.”

The Danger of Performance-Based Value

When your value is based on performance, several destructive things happen:

1. You Never Feel Secure

You must constantly prove your worth. There’s no rest, no assurance, no peace. You’re always wondering: “Am I doing enough? Am I ‘of complete necessity’?”

2. You Become Vulnerable to Exploitation

If your value depends on what you do for the organization, the organization can demand more and more from you. “If you want to be ‘of complete necessity,’ you need to recruit more, give more, commit more.”

3. You Judge Others

If you’re “of complete necessity” and others “make no difference,” you begin to look down on those who aren’t as committed. This creates division and pride.

4. You Fear Being Cast Out

If you question, if you doubt, if you don’t perform—you might become someone who “must not be here.” This fear keeps you compliant and silent.

But in Christ, your value is secure:

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.”

Nothing can separate you from God’s love. Not poor performance, not questioning, not leaving an organization. Your value is secure in Christ.

---

Part 2: “The Most Famous People in the World” – Appealing to Ego and Recognition

SCJ’s Teaching: Fame and Recognition

The instructor makes an extraordinary claim about what will happen when the 144,000 are revealed:

“So when the world finds out about who these people are, how will the world react? Shocked. The way it’s happening. Won’t they be the most famous people ever? One of the 144,000 is here. Come teach me. I must know your ways. I must know the ways of God. We’ve been waiting for you a long time. It will be the most famous people in the world.”

The 144,000 will be:

• The most famous people ever
• Sought after by the world
• Recognized as having special knowledge
• Celebrated globally

And then the subtle encouragement:

“Now, of course, we’re not striving to be a part of the number because of fame. But that’s just going to be a natural bystanding of that, or a natural consequence of the number being revealed. So strive.”

Translation: “We’re not doing this for fame (wink, wink), but won’t it be amazing when you’re famous? So strive to be part of the 144,000.”

The Psychological Tactic

This is a sophisticated appeal to ego and the desire for significance. The instructor:

1. Paints a vivid picture of fame and recognition
2. Appeals to the desire to be special, important, sought-after
3. Covers it with spiritual language (“of course we’re not doing this for fame”)
4. Encourages striving to be part of this elite group

This tactic works because:

1. Everyone Wants to Be Significant

We all want our lives to matter. We all want to be part of something important. The promise of being “the most famous people in the world” appeals to this deep desire.

2. It Creates Aspiration

If the 144,000 will be famous, everyone wants to be part of that number. This creates motivation to work harder, commit more, prove your worth.

3. It Distinguishes the Elite from the Regular

Not everyone will be part of the 144,000. Only the most committed, the most faithful, the most “necessary” will achieve this status. This creates competition and hierarchy.

4. It’s Covered with Spiritual Language

By saying “of course we’re not doing this for fame,” the instructor maintains plausible deniability. “We’re spiritual, not worldly. But fame will be a natural consequence.”

Biblical Response: Seeking Glory from God, Not People

The Bible consistently warns against seeking fame and recognition from people:

John 5:44:

“How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”

Jesus asks: How can you believe if you’re seeking glory from one another? True faith seeks glory from God, not recognition from people.

Matthew 6:1-2:

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”

Jesus warns against practicing righteousness “to be seen by others.” If you do, you’ve already received your reward—human recognition. But you forfeit the reward from God.

Galatians 1:10:

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Paul asks: Are we trying to win approval from people or from God? If we’re trying to please people, we’re not servants of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:4-6:

“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.”

Paul and his companions were “not looking for praise from people.” They could have asserted their authority as apostles, but they didn’t. They sought approval from God, not fame from people.

The Danger of Seeking Fame

Jesus warned about religious leaders who sought recognition:

Matthew 23:5-7:

“Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at feasts and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.”

The Pharisees did everything “for people to see.” They loved:

• Places of honor
• Important seats
• Respectful greetings
• Titles and recognition

Jesus condemned this attitude.

Matthew 23:11-12:

“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The greatest in God’s kingdom is the servant, not the celebrity. Those who exalt themselves (seeking fame and recognition) will be humbled.

The True 144,000: Marked by Humility, Not Fame

If we take Revelation 14’s description of the 144,000 (which Shincheonji also claims to fulfill), what are they characterized by?

Revelation 14:4-5:

“These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.”

The 144,000 are characterized by:

• Purity (“did not defile themselves”)
• Following the Lamb (“follow the Lamb wherever he goes”)
• Being offered to God (“offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb”)
• Truthfulness (“no lie was found in their mouths”)
• Blamelessness (“they are blameless”)

There is no mention of fame, recognition, or being “the most famous people in the world.” The focus is on character and devotion to God, not on worldly recognition.

The Contrast

Shincheonji’s 144,000:

• Will be the most famous people in the world
• Will be sought after for their knowledge
• Will be recognized and celebrated globally
• Strive to be part of this elite group

Biblical description of God’s faithful:

• Humble servants
• Following the Lamb wherever He goes
• Seeking glory from God, not people
• Characterized by purity, truthfulness, and blamelessness

Which description sounds more like Jesus? Which sounds more like the Pharisees?

---

Part 3: “Prophecy Shows the End State” – A Flexible Interpretation Strategy

SCJ’s Teaching: God Shows the End, Not the Process

The instructor introduces a key interpretive principle:

“Now, one thing to remember about Revelation that’s really key for us to understand so that we’re not confused is this: Prophecy shows the end state.”

He elaborates:

“So what John is seeing here is the great multitude already being gathered. What he sees is the 144,000 already have been gathered. He’s seeing the end state of the matter. What John does not see is how it comes about… Apostle John sees the end state. What he does not see is how.”

The instructor uses an illustration:

“God is a being that is outside of time or the end and the beginning are equally accessible to God. That’s why he said in Isaiah 46:10, I make known the end from the beginning. Both are equally accessible to God, beginning and end. But we as beings, we are bound to time… So when God is showing a vision, oftentimes God shows this right here (the end result). And then he says, trust me along the way, for I am leading you to where I want you to be.”

He applies this to Shincheonji:

“So the same thing, actually, with Revelation’s fulfillment. Apostle John is seeing the end state. And John, New John, also sees the end state too. That’s also shown to him. But exactly how we get there has to be fulfilled along the way. So the testimony of fulfillment becomes more clear as things happen, as things take place. We go, oh, that’s what this was, actually. Oh, this is the reality of this, we understand.”

Understanding This Interpretive Strategy

This is a sophisticated theological move that serves several purposes:

1. It Explains Away Inconsistencies

If details don’t match up, if the process isn’t exactly as described, if things don’t happen as expected—the answer is: “Prophecy shows the end state, not the process. We’re still figuring out how we get there.”

2. It Creates Flexibility

This principle allows Shincheonji to claim fulfillment while maintaining flexibility about details. “We know this is the fulfillment, but exactly how it’s happening will become clear as we go.”

3. It Requires Trust

“Trust me along the way, for I am leading you to where I want you to be.” You must trust the leadership’s interpretation even when details are unclear.

4. It Makes the Interpretation Unfalsifiable

If things happen as predicted: “See, this proves we’re right!” If things don’t happen as predicted: “Prophecy shows the end state, not the process. This is just how we’re getting there.”

This makes the interpretation impossible to falsify—it can accommodate any outcome.

The Problem with This Approach

While it’s true that God exists outside of time and can reveal future events, this interpretive principle has serious problems:

1. It Makes Prophecy Meaninglessly Flexible

If “prophecy shows the end state” means we can’t know any details about how it will be fulfilled, then prophecy becomes so flexible that it’s meaningless. Any outcome can be claimed as fulfillment.

2. It Contradicts Shincheonji’s Own Claims

Shincheonji claims to have specific, detailed fulfillment of Revelation:

• The Tabernacle Temple is the seven golden lampstands
• Yoo Jae-yeol is the star/messenger
• The events of Revelation 6 happened at specific times and places
• Lee Man-hee is the white horse
• The 144,000 are being gathered at Shincheonji right now

These are not vague “end state” claims—these are specific, detailed claims about how prophecy is being fulfilled. But when challenged, Shincheonji retreats to “prophecy shows the end state, we’re still figuring out the details.”

You can’t have it both ways. Either you have specific, verifiable fulfillment, or you have vague “end state” claims. Shincheonji wants to claim specific fulfillment while maintaining flexibility through the “end state” principle.

3. It Removes Accountability

If the interpretation is always flexible, if details can always be adjusted, if “we’re still figuring out how we get there”—then the interpretation can never be proven wrong. There’s no accountability.

Biblical prophecy, by contrast, is specific and testable:

Deuteronomy 18:21-22:

“You may say to yourselves, ‘How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?’ If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.”

True prophecy is testable: “If what a prophet proclaims… does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken.”

Shincheonji’s “prophecy shows the end state” principle makes their claims untestable—and therefore unbiblical.

Biblical Examples: God’s Prophecies Were Specific and Verifiable

When God gave prophecies in Scripture, they were specific enough to be verified:

1. The Birth of Jesus

Micah 5:2:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Specific location: Bethlehem. This was fulfilled and verifiable (Matthew 2:1).

2. The Destruction of Jerusalem

Jesus prophesied:

Luke 21:20-24:

“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near… They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

Specific events:

• Jerusalem surrounded by armies
• Desolation
• People falling by the sword
• Taken as prisoners to all nations
• Jerusalem trampled by Gentiles

This was fulfilled in AD 70 when Rome destroyed Jerusalem. It was specific and verifiable.

3. The Resurrection

Jesus prophesied His own resurrection:

Matthew 16:21:

“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

Specific timeline: “on the third day.” This was fulfilled and verifiable (Matthew 28:1-10).

Biblical prophecy is specific, testable, and verifiable—not vague “end state” claims that can be adjusted to fit any outcome.

The Danger of Unfalsifiable Claims

When a claim is unfalsifiable (cannot be proven wrong), it’s not a strength—it’s a weakness.

Science recognizes this principle: A good theory must be falsifiable. If a theory can accommodate any outcome, it’s not a useful theory.

The same principle applies to biblical interpretation: If an interpretation can accommodate any outcome (through the “prophecy shows the end state” principle), it’s not a faithful interpretation—it’s an unfalsifiable claim that can never be tested.

This is how false teachers operate:

2 Peter 2:1-3:

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”

False teachers “exploit you with fabricated stories.” They create interpretations that sound biblical but cannot be tested or verified.

Shincheonji’s “prophecy shows the end state” principle allows them to claim fulfillment while avoiding verification—exactly what Peter warned against.

---

Part 4: The Great Multitude – Two-Tier Organizational Structure

SCJ’s Teaching: 144,000 (Priests) + Great Multitude (Kingdom)

The instructor explains Shincheonji’s understanding of the relationship between the 144,000 and the great multitude:

From the previous lesson (109), the instructor stated:

“Jesus’s blood does what? Jesus’s blood purchases a kingdom and priests. Kingdom being, we’ll learn about today, a great multitude of people. And the priests being the 144,000 who have a very special d…”

Shincheonji teaches:

1. The 144,000 are “priests”
   • Elite members
   • Leaders and evangelists
   • Special roles and responsibilities
   • Limited number (exactly 144,000)
2. The great multitude is the “kingdom”
   • Regular members
   • Unlimited number
   • Not part of the 144,000 but still saved
   • Second-tier status

This creates a two-tier organizational structure:

• Tier 1 (Elite): The 144,000 priests
• Tier 2 (Regular): The great multitude

The Organizational Function

This two-tier structure serves several organizational purposes:

1. It Creates Hierarchy

Not all members are equal. The 144,000 have special status as “priests,” while the great multitude are just “kingdom.”

2. It Creates Aspiration

Everyone wants to be part of the elite 144,000, not just the regular great multitude. This motivates increased commitment and activity.

3. It Creates Scarcity

There are only 144,000 spots available in the elite tier. This creates urgency: “Strive to be part of the 144,000 before the number is complete!”

4. It Justifies Leadership Structure

The 144,000 “priests” have special authority and roles. This justifies the hierarchical leadership structure within Shincheonji.

5. It Allows for Unlimited Growth

The great multitude is described as “a great multitude that no one could count.” This allows Shincheonji to recruit unlimited members beyond the 144,000.

Biblical Response: Are These Two Different Groups?

As we discussed in the refutation of Lesson 109, the evidence suggests the 144,000 and the great multitude are the same group viewed from different perspectives, not two different tiers.

Let’s review the evidence:

1. Both Groups Are Described as God’s People

The 144,000 (Revelation 7:3-4):

“Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God. Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.”

The great multitude (Revelation 7:9):

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

Both are God’s people—the 144,000 are “servants of our God,” and the great multitude stands “before the throne and before the Lamb.”

2. Both Are Protected/Cleansed

The 144,000: Sealed (protected from harm)

The great multitude (Revelation 7:14):

“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.”

Both groups are protected/cleansed—the 144,000 by sealing, the great multitude by washing their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

3. The Transition Suggests Different Perspectives, Not Different Groups

Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked…”

This phrase (“after this”) is used throughout Revelation to introduce new visions, not necessarily sequential events. It’s like saying “Next in the vision, I saw…”

The structure suggests:

• First perspective (7:1-8): God’s people viewed as the complete, numbered Israel (144,000)
• Second perspective (7:9-17): The same people viewed as the universal, uncountable church from all nations

4. Why Would God Count One Group But Not the Other?

If these are two different groups with different statuses, why would God count the 144,000 (exactly 144,000) but not count the great multitude (“no one could count”)?

This makes more sense if they’re the same group:

• As the perfected Israel: Numbered and complete (144,000)
• As the universal church: Uncountable, from all nations

5. Both Groups Have the Same Destiny

The 144,000 (implied by their sealing): Protected to stand before God

The great multitude (Revelation 7:15-17):

“Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Both groups end up in the same place—before God’s throne, sheltered by His presence, with all tears wiped away.

If these were two different tiers with different statuses, wouldn’t they have different destinies?

The Literary Technique: Recapitulation

Revelation frequently uses a literary technique called recapitulation—describing the same reality from multiple perspectives to emphasize different aspects.

As explained in “The Revelation Project” by Dr. Warren Gage and in “How First-Century Christians Read Revelation Like a Political Cartoon,” this technique was common in apocalyptic literature.

Examples in Revelation:

• The seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls describe overlapping judgments, not sequential events
• The woman in Revelation 12 and the bride in Revelation 21 both represent God’s people
• The beast from the sea (Revelation 13) and Babylon (Revelation 17-18) both represent the same oppressive empire

Similarly, the 144,000 and the great multitude likely represent the same reality—God’s people—from two different perspectives:

144,000 perspective:

• Emphasizes completeness (12 × 12 × 1,000)
• Uses Israel imagery (12 tribes)
• Numbered and sealed
• Highlights God’s sovereignty in choosing and protecting His people

Great multitude perspective:

• Emphasizes universality (from every nation, tribe, people, and language)
• Uncountable (emphasizing vastness)
• Highlights the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that “all nations will be blessed”
• Shows the result: standing before God’s throne in worship

Both perspectives communicate the same truth: God’s people are sealed, protected, and will stand before His throne in worship.

The Problem with Shincheonji’s Two-Tier System

Shincheonji’s interpretation creates problems:

1. It Contradicts the New Testament Teaching on Equality in Christ

Galatians 3:28:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

All believers are “one in Christ Jesus”—not divided into elite priests and regular kingdom members.

2. It Contradicts the Teaching That All Believers Are Priests

1 Peter 2:9:

“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.”

All believers are “a royal priesthood”—not just the 144,000.

Revelation 1:5-6:

“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

Christ “has made us to be a kingdom and priests”—all believers, not just an elite 144,000.

3. It Creates Unbiblical Hierarchy

Matthew 23:8-10:

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah.”

Jesus taught against creating hierarchies with special titles and statuses. “You are all brothers”—equal in Christ.

4. It Mirrors the Error of the Nicolaitans

Revelation 2:6, 15:

“But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate… Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.”

While we don’t know exactly what the Nicolaitans taught, early church tradition suggests they created a hierarchy separating “spiritual” leaders from regular believers—similar to Shincheonji’s two-tier system.

Jesus commended the church in Ephesus for hating the practices of the Nicolaitans. Creating hierarchy and division within the church is contrary to Christ’s teaching.

---

Part 5: The Names of the Tribes – Reinterpreting Scripture

SCJ’s Teaching: Jacob’s Sons Point to Jesus’ Disciples

The instructor explains:

“Now, in Revelation 7, we learn or we see the parable of the names of Jacob’s sons. But in reality, they are the names of Jesus, because Jesus is keeping his promise that he made to his disciples in Matthew chapter 19. So as Jesus keeps this promise, in reality, the 12 tribes are named after his disciples. But the parable that points to [them] is [Jacob’s sons].”

Shincheonji teaches:

• The tribal names in Revelation 7 are “parables”
• They don’t actually refer to the tribes of Israel
• They refer to Jesus’ disciples
• This is Jesus keeping His promise in Matthew 19

Let’s examine this claim carefully.

The Biblical Text: Matthew 19:28

Matthew 19:28:

“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.'”

Jesus promised His disciples:

• At the renewal of all things
• When the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne
• The twelve disciples will sit on twelve thrones
• Judging the twelve tribes of Israel

This is a promise about the disciples’ role in the future kingdom—not a promise that the twelve tribes would be renamed after them.

The Problem with Shincheonji’s Interpretation

1. It Misreads Matthew 19:28

Jesus said the disciples would “sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

He did not say:

• The twelve tribes would be renamed after the disciples
• The disciples would replace the twelve tribes
• The tribal names in Revelation refer to the disciples

Jesus’ promise is about the disciples’ role (judging), not about renaming the tribes.

2. It Ignores the Actual Tribal Names in Revelation 7

Revelation 7:5-8 lists specific tribal names:

• Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin

These are the names of Jacob’s sons (with some variations). They are not the names of Jesus’ disciples (Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot/Matthias).

If the tribal names “in reality” refer to Jesus’ disciples, why doesn’t the text use the disciples’ names?

3. It Makes the Text Meaningless

If the tribal names are just “parables” that don’t actually refer to tribes, then the text becomes meaningless. Why list specific tribal names if they don’t mean what they say?

This is the same error Shincheonji makes throughout their interpretation: Taking clear, specific language and saying “this is just a parable for something else.”

But Revelation 7 doesn’t say “these names are parables.” It says “12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of Reuben…” The text presents these as actual tribal names.

4. It Contradicts the Symbolism

The 144,000 from the twelve tribes symbolizes the complete, perfected people of God viewed as the new Israel. The twelve tribes represent the people of God throughout history.

This symbolism works because:

• Twelve is the number of God’s people (12 tribes, 12 apostles)
• The tribal names connect to Old Testament Israel
• The vision shows continuity between Old Testament Israel and the New Testament church

If the tribal names actually refer to Jesus’ disciples, the symbolism breaks down. The point is to show that God’s people (Israel) are now complete and perfected through Christ—not to rename the tribes after the disciples.

The Actual Fulfillment of Matthew 19:28

How is Jesus’ promise in Matthew 19:28 fulfilled?

1. The Disciples’ Role in Establishing the Church

The twelve apostles had a foundational role in establishing the church:

Ephesians 2:19-20:

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

The church is “built on the foundation of the apostles.” This is part of their role in God’s kingdom.

2. The Disciples’ Authority in Teaching

Matthew 16:19 (to Peter, representing all the apostles):

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

The apostles were given authority to teach and establish doctrine—part of their “judging” role.

3. The Disciples’ Future Role

The promise in Matthew 19:28 also has a future fulfillment: “at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne.”

This refers to the future kingdom when Christ returns. The disciples will have a special role in that kingdom.

But this doesn’t mean the twelve tribes are renamed after them. It means they will have authority in judging/ruling alongside Christ.

The Danger of Allegorizing Everything

Shincheonji’s approach allegorizes everything:

• The tribal names don’t really mean tribes—they’re “parables” for disciples
• The numbers don’t really mean numbers—they’re organizational structures
• The visions don’t really mean what they say—they’re codes for events in Korea

But this approach makes Scripture meaningless. If words don’t mean what they say, if everything is a “parable” for something else, then the text can mean anything you want it to mean.

This is the opposite of faithful biblical interpretation.

2 Peter 1:20-21:

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Scripture didn’t come about by “the prophet’s own interpretation.” We must interpret it faithfully, according to what it actually says, not according to our own creative allegorizing.

---

SCJ’s Teaching: After the Sealing and After the Great Tribulation

The instructor explains the phrase “after this” in Revelation 7:9:

“So let’s talk about some of the key points that we see here in this chapter. So starting from verse 9, what do we see? What does it start with in verse 9? ‘After this’. We see after this. After what? After the sealing of the 144,000. And after another event and after the great tribulation.”

Shincheonji teaches that “after this” in Revelation 7:9 means:

1. After the sealing of the 144,000
2. After “another event” (unspecified)
3. After the great tribulation

The instructor then introduces the “prophecy shows the end state” principle to explain why the timeline isn’t clear:

“One thing to remember about Revelation that’s really key for us to understand so that we’re not confused is this: Prophecy shows the end state. So what John is seeing here is the great multitude already being gathered. What he sees is the 144,000 already have been gathered. He’s seeing the end state of the matter. What John does not see is how it comes about.”

Understanding the Timeline Manipulation

This teaching serves several purposes:

1. It Creates Sequential Events

By saying “after this” means “after the sealing of the 144,000 and after the great tribulation,” Shincheonji creates a specific sequence:

• First: Sealing of 144,000
• Second: Great tribulation
• Third: Gathering of great multitude

This sequence supports their organizational narrative:

• The 144,000 are sealed first (elite members)
• They go through tribulation (organizational conflicts)
• Then the great multitude is gathered (regular members recruited by the 144,000)

2. It Allows for Ongoing Fulfillment

By saying “prophecy shows the end state,” Shincheonji can claim:

• The sealing of the 144,000 is complete (or nearly complete)
• But we’re still in the process of gathering the great multitude
• The “end state” is shown, but we’re still getting there

This allows them to claim fulfillment while explaining why the complete picture isn’t clear yet.

3. It Makes the Timeline Flexible

If challenged about timeline inconsistencies, Shincheonji can respond:

• “Prophecy shows the end state, not the exact process”
• “We’re still seeing how it unfolds”
• “The testimony becomes clearer as things happen”

This makes their timeline unfalsifiable—it can be adjusted to fit whatever happens.

The Biblical Text: What Does “After This” Mean?

Let’s look at the actual text:

Revelation 7:9:

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

The phrase “after this” (Greek: meta tauta) is used throughout Revelation to introduce new visions in the sequence John is seeing—not necessarily to indicate sequential time in the fulfillment.

Examples in Revelation:

Revelation 4:1:

“After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven.”

This introduces the throne room vision. It doesn’t mean this happens chronologically after Revelation 2-3—it means “next in the vision sequence.”

Revelation 7:1:

“After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth.”

Revelation 7:9:

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude…”

Revelation 15:5:

“After this I looked, and I saw in heaven the temple—that is, the tabernacle of the covenant law—and it was opened.”

Revelation 18:1:

“After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven.”

In each case, “after this” introduces the next vision John sees—not necessarily the next event chronologically in the fulfillment.

Think of it like watching a movie with multiple camera angles:

• “After this, the camera showed the hero”
• “After this, the camera showed the villain”
• “After this, the camera showed the crowd”

These aren’t necessarily sequential events—they’re different perspectives on the same reality or overlapping events shown from different angles.

The Literary Structure of Revelation 7

Understanding the structure of Revelation 7 helps us see what “after this” means:

Revelation 7:1-8: The 144,000

• Four angels holding back the winds
• Angel from the east with the seal
• 144,000 sealed from the twelve tribes

Revelation 7:9-17: The Great Multitude

• “After this I looked…”
• A great multitude from all nations
• Standing before the throne
• Coming out of the great tribulation

The structure suggests these are two perspectives on the same reality:

First perspective (7:1-8):

• God’s people viewed as the complete, numbered Israel
• Sealed and protected
• Before judgment falls (winds are held back)

Second perspective (7:9-17):

• The same people viewed as the universal church from all nations
• Having come through tribulation
• Standing before God’s throne in worship

“After this” introduces the second perspective—not a chronologically later event, but a different angle on the same reality.

The Great Tribulation: What Does It Mean?

Revelation 7:14:

“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.”

Shincheonji teaches that “the great tribulation” refers to organizational conflicts at the Tabernacle Temple and Shincheonji. But what did the first-century Christians understand?

Jesus spoke of “great tribulation” in Matthew 24:

Matthew 24:21:

“For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.”

In context, Jesus was speaking about the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. This was the “great tribulation” for first-century Jewish Christians—the destruction of their holy city and temple.

But “great tribulation” also has a broader meaning: The trials and persecutions that God’s people face throughout history.

John 16:33:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Acts 14:22:

“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

Revelation itself was written to churches facing persecution under Rome. The “great tribulation” they were experiencing was Roman persecution—being martyred, imprisoned, and oppressed for their faith.

So when first-century Christians read about “those who have come out of the great tribulation,” they understood:

• These are believers who have endured persecution
• They have remained faithful through trials
• They have “washed their robes… in the blood of the Lamb” (remained pure through faith in Christ)
• They now stand before God’s throne in victory

This is a message of hope: “You are going through tribulation now, but you will stand before God’s throne in victory. Your suffering is not meaningless.”

Shincheonji’s interpretation—that “the great tribulation” refers to organizational conflicts in Korea—completely misses this message of hope for persecuted Christians.

The Problem with Shincheonji’s Timeline

Shincheonji’s timeline creates several problems:

1. It Makes Revelation About Organizational Sequence

Instead of Revelation being a message of hope for persecuted Christians, it becomes a timeline of organizational events at Shincheonji:

• First the 144,000 are sealed
• Then organizational conflicts happen
• Then the great multitude is gathered

This organizational focus misses the point of Revelation entirely.

2. It Creates Confusion About Who Is Sealed

If the 144,000 are sealed first, and then the great multitude comes “after this,” when is the great multitude sealed?

Shincheonji teaches that the great multitude must also be sealed (taught Shincheonji’s interpretation). But if the sealing happens in Revelation 7:1-8, and the great multitude appears “after this” in 7:9-17, when does their sealing happen?

This confusion arises because Shincheonji is trying to force an organizational timeline onto a literary structure that’s showing different perspectives, not sequential events.

3. It Makes the Timeline Unfalsifiable

By saying “prophecy shows the end state,” Shincheonji can adjust the timeline to fit any outcome:

• If the 144,000 is complete: “We’ve reached the end state!”
• If the 144,000 isn’t complete: “We’re still getting there—prophecy shows the end state, not the process”
• If organizational conflicts happen: “This is the great tribulation!”
• If conflicts don’t happen as expected: “The testimony becomes clearer as things unfold”

This flexibility makes their claims untestable and unfalsifiable.

The True Timeline: Already and Not Yet

The New Testament presents a timeline of “already and not yet”:

Already:

• Christ has come
• He has died and risen
• The Holy Spirit has been poured out
• The church has been established
• God’s people are sealed by the Holy Spirit
• The kingdom has been inaugurated

Not Yet:

• Christ has not returned visibly
• The resurrection of the dead has not occurred
• The final judgment has not happened
• The new heaven and new earth have not come
• All tears have not been wiped away

We live in the “already and not yet”—the time between Christ’s first and second coming.

Revelation 7 reflects this reality:

• God’s people are already sealed (by the Holy Spirit when they believe)
• They are already standing before God’s throne (spiritually, through Christ)
• But they are not yet in the final state (physical resurrection, new heaven and new earth)

This is not about organizational timeline at Shincheonji—it’s about the reality of all believers throughout history.

---

Part 7: The Psychological Progression – Advanced Level, Revelation 7 Part 2

Where Students Are Now

By Lesson 110, students have progressed through:

Beginner Level (Parables):

• Established distrust of traditional Christianity
• Learned the “Betrayal-Destruction-Salvation” pattern
• Created dependence on Shincheonji for biblical understanding

Intermediate Level (Bible Logic):

• Learned pattern recognition and “Bible logic”
• Reinforced that only Shincheonji has correct interpretation
• Deepened isolation from other Christians

Advanced Level – Revelation 1-6:

• Learned the Tabernacle Temple narrative
• Identified Lee Man-hee as the “white horse” and “New John”
• Witnessed “judgment” in Revelation 6

Advanced Level – Revelation 7 Part 1 (Lesson 109):

• Learned about the 144,000 “priests”
• Received invitation to Mount Zion
• Warned not to “look back” like Lot’s wife
• Told they are living in “the fulfillment of the second coming”

Advanced Level – Revelation 7 Part 2 (Lesson 110 – Current):

• Learning about the great multitude (second tier)
• Being categorized: “three kinds of people”
• Hearing about the fame of the 144,000
• Learning the “prophecy shows end state” principle
• Being encouraged to “strive” for the 144,000

The Psychological Tactics at This Stage

At this stage, multiple sophisticated psychological tactics converge:

1. Categorization and Hierarchy

The “three kinds of people” opening creates:

• Fear of being in the wrong category
• Pressure to prove you’re “of complete necessity”
• Competition with other students
• Motivation to increase commitment

2. Aspiration and Fame

The promise that the 144,000 will be “the most famous people in the world” creates:

• Appeal to ego and desire for significance
• Aspiration to be part of the elite group
• Motivation to work harder to achieve that status
• Cover through spiritual language (“we’re not doing this for fame”)

3. Flexible Interpretation

The “prophecy shows the end state” principle creates:

• Flexibility to adjust claims to fit any outcome
• Unfalsifiability (claims can never be proven wrong)
• Trust requirement (“trust us as we figure out the details”)
• Complexity that sounds scholarly and sophisticated

4. Two-Tier Structure

The 144,000 (priests) + great multitude (kingdom) structure creates:

• Hierarchy (elite vs. regular members)
• Scarcity (limited spots in the 144,000)
• Urgency (strive now before it’s too late)
• Justification for leadership authority

5. Identity Reinforcement

Students are repeatedly told:

• “You ARE the reality of Revelation 7”
• “You are part of the 144,000 or the great multitude”
• “This is the fulfillment happening now”
• “You are living in the most important time in history”

This identity reinforcement makes leaving psychologically devastating.

The Progression of Commitment

Notice how commitment has escalated:

Beginner Level:

• Attend weekly Bible studies
• Learn new interpretations
• Form friendships

Intermediate Level:

• Accept Shincheonji’s framework as correct
• Distance from other Christians
• Depend on Shincheonji for biblical understanding

Advanced Level – Early (Revelation 1-5):

• Identify as part of the 144,000
• See yourself as special/chosen
• Anticipate the “fulfillment”

Advanced Level – Middle (Revelation 6-7 Part 1):

• Accept the Tabernacle Temple narrative
• Accept Lee Man-hee as the “white horse”
• Receive invitation to Mount Zion
• Fear “looking back”

Advanced Level – Current (Revelation 7 Part 2):

• Categorize yourself (which of the three kinds are you?)
• Aspire to be part of the 144,000 (the most famous people in the world)
• Accept flexible interpretation (prophecy shows end state)
• Understand the two-tier structure (priests vs. kingdom)
• Prepare to strive for elite status

Each stage builds on the previous, making it progressively harder to leave.

The Sunk Cost at This Point

By Lesson 110, students have invested:

Time:

• 6-7 months of weekly classes (3+ hours per week)
• Additional study time
• Attendance at events and services
• Possibly visiting Mount Zion

Relationships:

• Deep friendships with instructors and other students
• Possibly distanced from family and friends outside Shincheonji
• Emotional bonds through shared “special knowledge”

Identity:

• Self-concept as part of the 144,000 or great multitude
• Identity as someone living in “the fulfillment”
• Sense of being chosen and special

Mental Energy:

• Learned an entire interpretive framework
• Memorized teachings and patterns
• Integrated Shincheonji’s worldview

The thought of leaving means:

• Losing all that time investment
• Losing those relationships
• Losing that identity
• Admitting you were wrong
• Starting over

This sunk cost creates immense psychological pressure to continue, even when doubts arise.

The Warning Signs at This Stage

Students at this stage may be experiencing:

1. Cognitive Dissonance

The tension between:

• “The Bible teaches salvation by grace through faith” vs. “I must be part of Shincheonji to be saved”
• “Jesus said no one knows the day or hour” vs. “The second coming is happening now”
• “I should be honest with family” vs. “I’m hiding my involvement”
• “I should test all teaching” vs. “Questioning is ‘looking back’ like Lot’s wife”

2. Increasing Pressure

• Pressure to prove you’re “of complete necessity”
• Pressure to strive for the 144,000
• Pressure to recruit others
• Pressure to attend more events
• Pressure to commit more time and resources

3. Isolation

• Spending most free time with Shincheonji members
• Distancing from family and friends outside
• Difficulty relating to people who don’t understand the “special knowledge”
• Feeling like Shincheonji is the only place where you belong

4. Identity Confusion

• Your entire identity is wrapped up in being part of the fulfillment
• You don’t know who you are apart from Shincheonji
• Your value depends on your category (which of the three kinds)
• Your significance depends on achieving 144,000 status

5. Suppressed Doubts

• You have questions but are afraid to ask
• Things don’t quite add up but you push the doubts away
• You tell yourself “prophecy shows the end state, I just need to trust”
• You fear that doubting means you’re “looking back”

These are warning signs that you’re in a high-control group, not a healthy Christian community.

The Healthy Alternative

In a healthy Christian community:

1. Your Value Is Inherent

You don’t need to prove you’re “of complete necessity.” Your value comes from being made in God’s image and loved by Him.

2. There Is No Hierarchy of Believers

All believers are equal in Christ. There are different roles and gifts, but not different tiers of value.

3. Questions Are Welcomed

Healthy communities encourage questions and testing of teaching. Doubts are not seen as “looking back” but as opportunities to seek truth.

4. Relationships Are Transparent

You don’t need to hide your involvement from family and friends. Healthy communities encourage maintaining outside relationships.

5. Identity Is in Christ

Your identity is “child of God through faith in Christ”—not “member of the 144,000 at Shincheonji.” This identity is secure and cannot be lost.

If you’re experiencing the warning signs, it’s time to step back and reassess.

---

Part 8: The Theological Problems with Shincheonji’s Structure

Problem #1: It Contradicts the Priesthood of All Believers

Shincheonji teaches that the 144,000 are “priests” while the great multitude is the “kingdom.” This creates a division between clergy (priests) and laity (kingdom).

But the New Testament teaches the priesthood of all believers:

1 Peter 2:5:

“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

All believers are “a holy priesthood”—not just an elite 144,000.

1 Peter 2:9:

“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.”

All believers are “a royal priesthood.” There is no division between priestly elite and regular kingdom members.

Revelation 1:5-6:

“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

Christ “has made us to be a kingdom and priests”—all of us, not just 144,000 of us.

Revelation 5:9-10:

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.'”

Those purchased by Christ’s blood are made “a kingdom and priests”—all of them, from every tribe, language, people, and nation.

Shincheonji’s division between “priests” (144,000) and “kingdom” (great multitude) contradicts the clear biblical teaching that all believers are both kingdom and priests.

Problem #2: It Creates Unbiblical Hierarchy

Jesus explicitly taught against creating hierarchies within the community of believers:

Matthew 20:25-28:

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'”

In God’s kingdom, greatness is measured by service, not by hierarchical position. “Not so with you”—don’t create the kind of hierarchies that worldly rulers create.

Matthew 23:8-12:

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Key points:

• “You are all brothers”—equal, not hierarchical
• Don’t use titles that create hierarchy
• The greatest is the servant
• Those who exalt themselves will be humbled

Shincheonji’s two-tier system (144,000 elite priests vs. great multitude regular members) creates exactly the kind of hierarchy Jesus warned against.

James 2:1-4:

“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

James condemns showing favoritism or creating hierarchies based on status. All believers are to be treated equally.

Shincheonji’s system creates favoritism: “You’re part of the 144,000—you’re special, elite, a priest. You’re just part of the great multitude—you’re regular, second-tier, kingdom.”

This is exactly what James condemns.

Problem #3: It Mirrors Gnostic Heresy

The early church faced a heresy called Gnosticism, which taught that there were different levels of believers:

• Pneumatics (spiritual elite who had special knowledge)
• Psychics (regular believers who had faith but not special knowledge)
• Hylics (unbelievers, bound to material world)

Shincheonji’s system is remarkably similar:

• 144,000 (elite who have special knowledge and roles)
• Great multitude (regular believers who are saved but don’t have elite status)
• Everyone else (outside Shincheonji, not part of the fulfillment)

The early church fathers strongly condemned Gnosticism because it:

• Created hierarchy among believers
• Made salvation dependent on special knowledge
• Divided the church into elite and regular members
• Elevated human teachers to special status

Irenaeus, writing against Gnostic heresy in the 2nd century, said:

“The Church, having received this preaching and this faith, although scattered throughout the whole world, yet, as if occupying but one house, carefully preserves it. She also believes these points [of doctrine] just as if she had but one soul, and one and the same heart, and she proclaims them, and teaches them, and hands them down, with perfect harmony, as if she possessed only one mouth.”

The church has “one soul, one heart, one mouth”—unity, not hierarchy. All believers share the same faith, the same status, the same access to God through Christ.

Shincheonji’s two-tier system is a return to the Gnostic heresy that the early church rejected.

Problem #4: It Contradicts Salvation by Grace

Shincheonji’s system makes salvation and status dependent on:

• Being part of the right organization
• Achieving the right tier (144,000 vs. great multitude)
• Proving you’re “of complete necessity”
• Striving to be part of the elite group

But the Bible teaches salvation by grace through faith:

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, not by:

• Organizational membership
• Achieving elite status
• Proving your necessity
• Striving for recognition

Romans 3:22-24:

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

“There is no difference”—all who believe are justified freely by grace. There is no two-tier system, no elite vs. regular, no priests vs. kingdom.

Galatians 3:26-28:

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

All who have faith are “children of God”—equally. “You are all one in Christ Jesus”—no hierarchy, no tiers, no elite vs. regular.

Shincheonji’s system undermines the gospel of grace by making status dependent on organizational membership and personal striving.

---

Part 9: What the First-Century Christians Understood

Reading Revelation 7 as a First-Century Christian

Let’s step into the sandals of a first-century Christian receiving the letter of Revelation.

You are a believer in one of the seven churches of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). You live under Roman rule. Christians are facing increasing persecution:

• Some have been martyred for refusing to worship the emperor
• Some have been imprisoned
• Some have lost property and livelihoods
• All face social ostracism and pressure

You gather with your church to hear a letter from John, the beloved apostle, now exiled on the island of Patmos. The letter is read aloud. You’ve just heard the terrifying visions of Revelation 6—the seals being opened, judgment falling, cosmic upheaval. The chapter ended with a question: “Who can withstand the day of God’s wrath?”

Now Revelation 7 is read:

What You Hear in Revelation 7:1-8 (The 144,000)

“After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: ‘Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.’ Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.”

What you understand:

1. God’s People Are Protected

Before judgment falls (“do not harm… until we put a seal”), God seals His people. They are marked as belonging to Him and are protected from His wrath.

This answers the question from Revelation 6:17: “Who can withstand it?” Answer: Those who are sealed by God.

You think of Ezekiel 9, where God marked His faithful people before judgment fell on Jerusalem. This is the same pattern—God protects His own.

2. The Number Is Symbolic

144,000 = 12 tribes × 12,000 per tribe = 12 × 12 × 1,000

You recognize this as symbolic:

• 12 is the number of God’s people (12 tribes of Israel)
• 1,000 represents completeness or a large number
• 12 × 12 × 1,000 = the complete, perfected people of God

This is not a literal census—it’s a symbolic representation of God’s complete people.

3. You Are Included

Although you’re a Gentile, you understand that you’re part of the “Israel of God” through faith in Christ.

Paul taught:

Romans 2:28-29:

“A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.”

Galatians 3:29:

“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

So when you hear “144,000 from all the tribes of Israel,” you understand: “This is God’s complete people—including me, a Gentile believer in Christ.”

What You Hear in Revelation 7:9-17 (The Great Multitude)

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”

What you understand:

1. This Is the Same Group from a Different Perspective

First perspective (144,000): God’s people viewed as the complete, numbered Israel Second perspective (great multitude): The same people viewed as the universal church from all nations

You recognize this as the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham:

Genesis 12:3:

“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

The 144,000 (Israel imagery) and the great multitude (from all nations) together show: God’s promise to Israel is fulfilled in the universal church that includes all nations.

2. You Will Stand Before God’s Throne

“They were wearing white robes… standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

White robes symbolize purity and victory. You will stand before God’s throne, clothed in righteousness, victorious through Christ.

This is your hope: Despite current persecution, you will stand before God in victory.

3. You Will Come Through Tribulation

“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.”

You understand “the great tribulation” as:

• The persecution you’re currently facing under Rome
• The trials all believers face in this world
• The ultimate vindication when you remain faithful

“Washed their robes… in the blood of the Lamb” means: You are cleansed and made righteous through Christ’s sacrifice, not through your own works.

4. All Suffering Will End

“Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

This is your ultimate hope: All the suffering, persecution, hunger, thirst, tears—all of it will end. God will wipe away every tear.

This echoes Isaiah 25:8:

“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces.”

And Isaiah 49:10:

“They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.”

God’s ancient promises are being fulfilled in you and all believers.

What You DO NOT Understand

As a first-century Christian, you do NOT understand Revelation 7 as:

1. A description of a Korean organization in the 20th-21st century
   • You have no concept of Korea
   • You have no knowledge of events 1,900+ years in the future
2. A two-tier organizational structure (priests vs. kingdom)
   • You understand all believers as both kingdom and priests (Revelation 1:6)
   • You don’t see two different groups with different statuses
3. A literal number of 144,000 elite members
   • You recognize the number as symbolic (12 × 12 × 1,000)
   • You understand it represents the complete people of God, not a limited elite group
4. A promise of worldly fame (“the most famous people in the world”)
   • You understand faithfulness may lead to martyrdom, not fame
   • You seek glory from God, not recognition from the world
5. A requirement to join a specific organization
   • You understand sealing as the work of the Holy Spirit when you believe (Ephesians 1:13)
   • You don’t think you need to join a specific group in the future to be sealed

The Message You Receive

As a first-century Christian facing persecution, Revelation 7 gives you hope:

1. You Are Sealed and Protected

God has marked you as His own. You are protected from His wrath. Though you may face persecution from Rome, you will not face God’s judgment.

2. You Are Part of God’s Complete People

You are part of the 144,000 (symbolically)—the complete, perfected people of God. You are not forgotten. You are numbered and known by God.

3. You Are Part of a Universal Church

You are part of the great multitude from all nations. God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham is being fulfilled in you.

4. Your Suffering Is Not Meaningless

You will “come out of the great tribulation.” Your faithfulness through persecution has meaning and will be rewarded.

5. All Tears Will Be Wiped Away

One day, all suffering will end. God will wipe away every tear. You will stand before His throne in victory.

This is the message of Revelation 7—a message of hope, protection, and ultimate victory for persecuted believers.

It is not a message about joining a Korean organization, achieving elite status, or becoming famous. It is a message about God’s faithfulness to His people through all trials.

---

Part 10: Practical Guidance – What Should You Do?

If You’re Currently Taking This Lesson

You’re at a critical point in your journey with Shincheonji. You’ve learned about the two-tier structure (144,000 and great multitude). You’ve been categorized (“three kinds of people”). You’ve been told about the fame of the 144,000. You’ve been encouraged to “strive.”

Before you commit further, you need to:

1. Recognize the Manipulation Tactics

Understand what’s happening psychologically:

• Categorization (“three kinds of people”) creates pressure to prove your worth
• Appeal to fame (“most famous people in the world”) appeals to ego while maintaining spiritual cover
• Flexible interpretation (“prophecy shows end state”) makes claims unfalsifiable
• Two-tier structure creates hierarchy, aspiration, and competition
• Identity reinforcement (“you ARE the reality of Revelation 7”) makes leaving psychologically devastating

Recognizing these tactics doesn’t mean the people using them are evil—many instructors genuinely believe what they’re teaching. But it does mean you need to be aware of how these tactics affect your decision-making.

2. Test the Core Claims

Ask yourself:

• Is the two-tier structure biblical? Does the Bible really teach that the 144,000 are elite priests while the great multitude is regular kingdom members? Or does the Bible teach that all believers are both kingdom and priests?
• Is the interpretation consistent? Why take the number 144,000 literally but spiritualize the tribes? Why claim specific fulfillment but then say “prophecy shows the end state” when details don’t match?
• Can the claims be verified? Can the Tabernacle Temple narrative be verified through independent historical research? Can the claim that Lee Man-hee is the “white horse” be tested against Scripture?
• Does this align with what first-century Christians would have understood? Would they have understood Revelation 7 as describing a Korean organization? Or as a message of hope for persecuted believers?

3. Seek Outside Perspectives

Don’t make this decision in isolation. Talk to:

• A pastor or Christian counselor outside of Shincheonji
• Family members or friends who can give objective perspective
• Former Shincheonji members who can share their experiences

Visit closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination for comprehensive resources, testimonies, and support.

4. Examine Your Motivations

Ask yourself honestly:

• Am I attracted to the promise of being “the most famous people in the world”?
• Am I motivated by wanting to be part of an elite group?
• Am I afraid of being categorized as someone who “makes no difference”?
• Am I striving to prove I’m “of complete necessity”?

These are worldly motivations, not spiritual ones. The gospel calls us to humility, service, and seeking glory from God—not fame, elite status, or proving our worth.

5. Remember Your Identity in Christ

Your identity is not:

• “Member of the 144,000”
• “Part of the great multitude at Shincheonji”
• “Someone of complete necessity”
• “Future famous person”

Your identity is:

• Child of God through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:26)
• Sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)
• Part of the universal church (Ephesians 4:4-6)
• Loved unconditionally by God (Romans 5:8)

This identity is secure, not based on organizational membership or personal striving.

If You’re Feeling Pressure to “Strive”

The instructor said: “So strive.”

But what does the Bible say about striving?

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, not by striving.

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 offers rest, not striving. His yoke is easy, His burden is light.

Philippians 3:7-9:

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

Paul gave up striving for status and achievement. He counted it all as “garbage” compared to knowing Christ. His righteousness came through faith, not through personal striving.

If you’re feeling pressure to strive for elite status, to prove you’re “of complete necessity,” to compete for limited spots in the 144,000—this is not the gospel of grace.

The gospel says: Rest in Christ. Your value is secure. You don’t need to prove anything.

If You’re Concerned About Being “One of the Three Kinds”

The “three kinds of people” teaching creates fear:

• Fear of being someone who “must not be here”
• Fear of being someone who “makes no difference”
• Pressure to be someone “of complete necessity”

But this is performance-based value, not grace-based value.

The Bible teaches:

Romans 8:1:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

If you are in Christ, there is no condemnation. You’re not in danger of being someone who “must not be here.”

1 Corinthians 12:22:

“On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.”

In Christ’s body, even the parts that seem weaker are “indispensable.” No one “makes no difference.”

Ephesians 2:10:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

You are “God’s handiwork.” He has prepared good works for you. You are of complete necessity—not because you’ve proven your worth to an organization, but because God created you with purpose.

Don’t let fear-based categorization manipulate you into proving your worth. Your worth is inherent in being God’s creation and loved by Him.

If You’re Already Deeply Involved

If you’ve already:

• Visited Mount Zion multiple times
• Identified strongly as part of the 144,000 or great multitude
• Recruited friends or family
• Invested significant time, money, and emotional energy

You may feel like it’s too late to turn back. But it’s not.

Many former members have left after years of involvement and have found healing, freedom, and genuine faith in Christ.

If you’re having doubts:

1. Acknowledge Them

Don’t suppress your doubts. Doubts are not a sign of weak faith—they’re an opportunity to seek truth.

2. Research Independently

Read testimonies from former members. Research the Tabernacle Temple through independent historical sources. Study how other Christians interpret Revelation.

3. Reach Out for Help

Contact organizations that help people leave high-control groups. Talk to a counselor who understands spiritual abuse. Connect with former members who can support you.

4. Plan Your Exit

Leaving may be difficult, especially if your social circle is entirely within Shincheonji. Plan ahead:

• Reconnect with family and friends outside the group
• Find a healthy church community
• Seek counseling if needed
• Be prepared for pressure to stay

5. Remember: Leaving Shincheonji Is Not Leaving God

Leaving an organization that teaches unbiblical doctrine is not abandoning faith—it’s choosing truth.

Your relationship with God is not dependent on organizational membership. God’s love for you is secure in Christ, regardless of where you worship or what organization you’re part of.

---

Part 11: The True Message of the Great Multitude

A Message of Hope for All Believers

Let’s return to the true message of Revelation 7:9-17—the vision of the great multitude.

Revelation 7:9-10:

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'”

This is a vision of worship—the ultimate destiny of all believers:

1. From Every Nation

“From every nation, tribe, people and language” fulfills God’s promise to Abraham that “all nations will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3).

The gospel is not limited to one ethnic group, one nation, or one organization. It’s for all people everywhere.

2. Standing Before the Throne

“Standing before the throne and before the Lamb” is the ultimate privilege—direct access to God’s presence.

Through Christ, we have this access now:

Hebrews 4:16:

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

And we will have it fully when Christ returns:

Revelation 21:3:

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'”

3. Wearing White Robes

White robes symbolize purity and righteousness—not our own, but Christ’s righteousness given to us.

Revelation 7:14:

“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.”

We are made pure “in the blood of the Lamb”—through Christ’s sacrifice, not through organizational membership or personal achievement.

Isaiah 1:18:

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

God cleanses us. We don’t cleanse ourselves.

4. Holding Palm Branches

Palm branches were symbols of victory and celebration. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, people waved palm branches (John 12:13).

In Revelation 7, the great multitude holds palm branches—celebrating victory. Not victory through their own strength, but victory through the Lamb.

5. Crying Out: “Salvation Belongs to Our God”

The great multitude attributes salvation to God and the Lamb—not to themselves, not to an organization, not to correct interpretation.

“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

This is the heart of the gospel: Salvation is God’s work, accomplished through Christ, received by faith.

The Blessings of the Great Multitude

Revelation 7:15-17 describes the blessings of those who stand before God’s throne:

“Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

These blessings are for all believers, not just an elite 144,000:

1. Before the Throne

We will be in God’s presence forever.

2. Serve Him Day and Night

Our eternal purpose is worship and service—not out of obligation, but out of joy.

3. Sheltered by His Presence

God Himself will be our shelter and protection.

4. No More Hunger or Thirst

All physical and spiritual needs will be met.

5. No More Scorching Heat

All suffering will end.

6. The Lamb Will Be Our Shepherd

Christ will lead us—not a human leader, not an organization, but Christ Himself.

7. Springs of Living Water

We will have eternal life and satisfaction in God.

8. Every Tear Wiped Away

All sorrow, pain, grief, and suffering will end forever.

This is the hope of all believers—not fame, not elite status, not organizational recognition, but eternal life in God’s presence where all tears are wiped away.

This Hope Is for You

If you are in Christ—if you have faith in Him—this is your hope too.

You don’t need to:

• Join Shincheonji to be part of the great multitude
• Achieve 144,000 status to stand before God’s throne
• Prove you’re “of complete necessity” to be valued by God
• Strive for fame to be significant

You need Christ. And if you have Christ, you have everything.

Romans 8:32:

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

If God gave us His Son, He will give us all things. We don’t need to strive, compete, or prove ourselves. We rest in His grace.

---

Conclusion: The Choice Before You

Two Visions of the Great Multitude

You are being presented with two visions:

Shincheonji’s Vision:

• The great multitude is the second tier of Shincheonji’s organizational structure
• They are “kingdom” while the 144,000 are “priests”
• You must join Shincheonji to be part of this group
• You should strive to be part of the 144,000 (the most famous people in the world)
• Your value depends on which of the “three kinds of people” you are
• Prophecy shows the end state, so trust the leadership as details unfold

Biblical Vision:

• The great multitude represents all believers from all nations throughout history
• All believers are both kingdom and priests (Revelation 1:6)
• You become part of this group through faith in Christ, not organizational membership
• You seek glory from God, not fame from the world (John 5:44)
• Your value is inherent in being made in God’s image and loved by God (Genesis 1:27, Romans 5:8)
• You stand before God’s throne in worship, with all tears wiped away (Revelation 7:17)

Which vision sounds more like the gospel of grace?

Which vision sounds more like Jesus’ teaching about humility and service?

Which vision would have given hope to first-century Christians facing persecution?

The Question That Matters

The question is not: “Which of the three kinds of people am I?”

The question is: “Am I trusting in Christ alone, or am I trusting in organizational membership?”

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 Christ—not by being part of the 144,000, not by being “of complete necessity,” not by striving for elite status.

John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

“Whoever believes in him”—not “whoever joins Shincheonji,” not “whoever achieves 144,000 status,” but “whoever believes in him.”

The Invitation That Matters

Jesus invites you:

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.”

Come to Jesus—not to an organization, not to an elite group, not to prove your worth.

Come and find rest—not striving, not competition, not pressure to be “of complete necessity.”

His yoke is easy, His burden is light—not the heavy burden of performance-based value and organizational hierarchy.

You Are Loved

Wherever you are in this journey—whether you’re just beginning to question, whether you’re deeply involved, whether you’re considering leaving, or whether you’ve already left—hear this:

You are loved by God—not because of your organizational membership, not because of your status as 144,000 or great multitude, not because you’re “of complete necessity,” but because you are His creation, made in His image, and He sent His Son to die for you.

Romans 5:8:

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

While you were still a sinner—before you knew anything about Revelation, before you heard of Shincheonji, before you proved your worth—Christ died for you.

That’s the gospel. That’s the good news. That’s what really matters.

May you find rest in Christ alone.

---

Final Encouragement and Resources

You Are Not Alone

Thousands of people have walked this path before you. Many have left Shincheonji and found freedom, healing, and genuine faith in Christ.

Their testimonies are available at closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination.

You can:

• Read their stories
• Learn from their experiences
• Find hope in their recovery
• Connect with support resources
• Access comprehensive refutations of Shincheonji’s teachings

Next Steps

If you’re ready to seek truth:

1. This Week:

• Read Revelation 7 in multiple translations
• Read it in context (Revelation 6-8 together)
• Ask: “Would first-century Christians have understood this as describing a Korean organization?”

2. This Month:

• Research the Tabernacle Temple independently (not just Shincheonji’s version)
• Read testimonies from former Shincheonji members
• Talk to a pastor or Christian counselor outside of Shincheonji
• Read a commentary on Revelation by a respected scholar

3. Before Making Any Further Commitment:

• Test Shincheonji’s claims against Scripture
• Seek outside perspectives
• Examine your motivations honestly
• Take as much time as you need—don’t let urgency pressure you

4. If You’re Ready to Leave:

• Reach out to family and friends
• Contact support organizations
• Find a healthy church community
• Consider counseling to process your experience

A Prayer

If you’re struggling with these questions, here’s a prayer you can pray:

“Heavenly Father,

I’m confused about what I’ve been taught. I’ve been told I need to be part of a specific organization, that I need to strive for elite status, that I need to prove I’m ‘of complete necessity.’ But I’m not sure this is what You teach.

Your Word says that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Your Word says that in Christ, we are all one, with no hierarchy (Galatians 3:28). Your Word says that all believers are both kingdom and priests (Revelation 1:6).

Please give me wisdom to discern truth from error. Help me to test everything and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). If Shincheonji’s teaching is true, confirm it through Your Word. If it’s false, expose it and lead me to truth.

I don’t want to strive for fame or elite status. I don’t want to prove my worth through organizational membership. I want to rest in Your grace. I want to find my identity in Christ alone.

Help me to remember that nothing can separate me from Your love (Romans 8:38-39)—not leaving an organization, not questioning teaching, not ‘looking back.’ Your love for me is secure in Christ.

Give me courage to seek truth, even if it’s difficult. Give me strength to make the right decision, even if it costs me relationships. Give me peace that comes from knowing You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

---

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

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

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

---

For more resources, testimonies, and support, visit: closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination