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

Lesson 113: Special Lesson – Explanations on the Church Registry & Pledge

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

Introduction: The Moment of Formal Commitment

You’ve been on this journey for months now. You started with parables, learning to see “spiritual meanings” hidden beneath the surface. You progressed through “Bible logic,” mastering pattern recognition and symbolic interpretation. You’ve studied Revelation 1-7, learned about the Tabernacle Temple, identified Lee Man-hee as “New John,” been told you were “created according to Revelation,” been warned not to be like “dogs and pigs,” been encouraged to “shoot for the stars” (Level Two sealing), and been positioned in the timeline (“You are in the Salvation era”).

Now comes a critical moment: formal organizational commitment.

The lesson begins with a reading from the “Yeast of Heaven”:

“God’s work received persecution in every generation. We must not be those that deny the work of heaven – no matter what may befall us.”

Persecution. Every generation. Don’t deny the work of heaven, no matter what.

The evangelist elaborates:

“So in our yeast of heaven, it says God’s work received persecution in every era. And throughout the course of the class, we have went over this. At the time of Moses, those that persecuted God’s work were the physical Israelites… At the time of the first coming, Jesus came according to the prophecies. But when he came, people did not believe that he was the son of God, accused them of being a cult, called them heresy, and they ended up persecuting him and his 12 disciples…”

The pattern is established: Moses was persecuted. Jesus was persecuted. And now…

“The second coming will be the same way. There will be those, the traditional churches, that persecute the work that God is doing through the one that heaven is using, New John. They call him heresy, cult. As we saw, they also imprisoned him all because of Satan.”

Moses → Jesus → “New John” (Lee Man-hee).

All persecuted. All called heretics. All opposed by religious establishments controlled by Satan.

The evangelist continues:

“This is because Satan is in control of the world. They are and will always be those that do persecute and hinder God’s work as long as Satan is still roaming around. So we have to be those that understand this, realize the time that we are living in, and are sealed with the word of testimony. So then when people around us or the environment around us tries to persecute us, we will not let it affect us and turn away from God’s work, but stand firm until the end. As it says in Matthew 24, 13, those who stand firm to the end will be saved.”

The message is clear:

• Traditional churches persecute Shincheonji because Satan controls them
• You will face persecution (from family, friends, churches)
• You must be “sealed with the word of testimony” (committed to Shincheonji’s teaching)
• You must “stand firm until the end” (don’t leave, no matter what)
• Your salvation depends on enduring (“those who stand firm to the end will be saved”)

Then comes the identity reinforcement:

“This is a class of overcomers. And overcoming is whose trait? Jesus. And ultimately, overcoming is God’s trait.”

You are an overcomer. Like Jesus. Like God.

Proverbs 24:16 is quoted:

“For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.”

The instructor asks: “What does being righteous mean from this verse? Overcoming. Getting up.”

Righteousness is redefined as “overcoming”—getting up no matter what happens, never giving up, never leaving.

Then comes the explicit statement of purpose:

“So, today’s going to be a special lesson talking about two very important things that those who desire to enter Mount Zion do, and I pray that we all do… The real goal of the class is to enter Mount Zion, right? We may have thought, I’m just coming to study the Bible, and once it’s done, I’ll go do my own thing. But as we’ve been studying, we’ve been realizing more and more that as revelation is being fulfilled, there must be a place established on earth as it is in heaven, and a place where people will gather. So, ultimately, the end goal of the class is to enter Mount Zion.“

The goal is not just to study the Bible. The goal is to join Shincheonji—to “enter Mount Zion.”

The instructor explains:

“So, what we’ll learn about today, and you’ll see this more a little bit later at the end of the class, is what it takes to enter. Logically and logistically, what does it take to enter Mount Zion? Because it is an organization, and it is run by heaven, but people carry out the work. So, it has to be organized. And remember, it’s not just a few hundred people that are there. It’s not even a few thousand, but it’s in the hundreds of thousands.“

Hundreds of thousands. This is big. This is significant. This is where God is working.

Then comes the critical teaching:

“And we’ll also be learning about the Book of Life, which is a church registry, as we talked about a few lessons ago. And we’ll see those verses again. But really, it’s a registry of the peoples who will be at Mount Zion.”

The Book of Life = Shincheonji’s church registry.

Your name in Shincheonji’s registry = your name in the Book of Life.

This equation is the foundation for everything that follows.

The instructor asks: “What is the Book of Life?”

“The Book of Life is mentioned by name, as we know, 8 times in the entire Bible. And 6 of those times is in Revelation. If it’s mentioned 6 times in the Book of Revelation, that means that it’s what? It’s important.“

Important. Critical. Essential.

Then comes the key claim:

“Now, as we talked about last time, when we talked about this, what realization did we come to about the reality of the Book of Life at the first coming with Apostle Paul, for example? What did we come to understand? It was an actual, a physical book.“

Philippians 4:3 is quoted:

“Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.“

The instructor explains:

“So, Paul mentioned that their names are in the Book of Life, present tense, and we might have looked over this and not really thought much about it, right? When I asked this question, we got many interesting answers, but really the answer is quite simple. The reason why he was able to say present tense are in the Book of Life is because they had one of their own.“

Paul had a physical Book of Life—a church registry.

Therefore, Shincheonji should have one too.

The instructor continues:

“And as we see in the Book of Matthew, whatever is done on earth for those who are truly God’s, and I put here truly because it’s important, whatever is done on earth is respected by heaven or honored by heaven.“

Matthew 6:10 and 16:19 are quoted:

“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven… 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 instructor explains:

“So, because the disciples had the true word, when they acted, heaven listened, and heaven respected what they did.”

The implication is clear: Shincheonji has the true word. Therefore, what Shincheonji does on earth (including maintaining a church registry) is respected by heaven.

Your name in Shincheonji’s registry = your name in heaven’s Book of Life.

Then comes the critical statement:

“So, the Book of Life is a physical book, a registry of the peoples that belong to God at the first coming. Of course, we can’t find the Book of Life today like that, but a new Book of Life has appeared with those who are truly God’s people who have come out of Babylon.“

A new Book of Life has appeared—at Shincheonji.

Finally, Psalm 87:5-6 is quoted:

“Indeed, of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.’ The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: ‘This one was born in Zion.'”

The instructor concludes:

“We’ll write in the register of the peoples, that this one was born in Zion. So, our goal is to be born in the Zion of the second coming, that appears and that the Lamb dwells. That is our desire. We want to be where Jesus promised to be. So, in order to do that, we need to make sure our name is in the regis…“

The document cuts off here, but the message is clear:

To be saved, your name must be in Shincheonji’s registry—the “Book of Life” of the second coming.

To have your name in the registry, you must formally join Shincheonji—”enter Mount Zion.”

This lesson is preparing you for that formal commitment: the church registry and the pledge.

But is any of this biblical? Is Shincheonji’s church registry really the Book of Life? Did Paul have a physical Book of Life? Does what Shincheonji does on earth get “respected by heaven”? Is joining Shincheonji necessary for salvation?

And most importantly: What did first-century Christians understand about the Book of Life? Did they think it was a physical church registry maintained by an organization?

In this refutation, we will examine Lesson 113 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 believers would have understood, and the Historical lens, examining the actual nature of the Book of Life in Scripture.

This refutation does not focus on debates between Premillennialism, Amillennialism, or Postmillennialism. Instead, it seeks to understand the Book of Life as first-century Christians would have—as God’s sovereign record of those who belong to Him through faith in Christ.

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

Part 1: The Persecution Narrative – Moses, Jesus, and “New John”

SCJ’s Teaching: The Pattern of Persecution

The lesson establishes a pattern:

“At the time of Moses, those that persecuted God’s work were the physical Israelites… At the time of the first coming, Jesus came according to the prophecies. But when he came, people did not believe that he was the son of God, accused them of being a cult, called them heresy, and they ended up persecuting him and his 12 disciples… The second coming will be the same way. There will be those, the traditional churches, that persecute the work that God is doing through the one that heaven is using, New John. They call him heresy, cult. As we saw, they also imprisoned him all because of Satan.”

The pattern:

1. Moses was persecuted by physical Israelites
2. Jesus was persecuted by religious leaders, called a cult/heresy
3. “New John” (Lee Man-hee) is persecuted by traditional churches, called a cult/heresy

The implication: Just as Moses and Jesus were persecuted but were truly from God, so Lee Man-hee is persecuted but is truly from God.

The conclusion: “This is because Satan is in control of the world. They are and will always be those that do persecute and hinder God’s work as long as Satan is still roaming around.”

Traditional churches that criticize Shincheonji are controlled by Satan.

The Problem: False Equivalence

This teaching creates a false equivalence between:

• Moses (prophet who led Israel out of Egypt, received the Law from God)
• Jesus (the Son of God, Savior of the world, crucified and resurrected)
• Lee Man-hee (founder of Shincheonji, claims to be “New John”)

But being persecuted does not automatically mean you’re from God. Many false teachers throughout history have been criticized and have claimed persecution as proof of their authenticity.

Jesus warned:

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.'”

“Many will come… and will deceive many.” Not everyone who claims to be from God is from God—even if they face opposition.

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. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”

False apostles “masquerade as apostles of Christ.” They claim to be from God, but they’re not. Opposition or criticism doesn’t prove authenticity.

The Problem: Persecution Complex

The persecution narrative creates a “persecution complex”—a psychological state where:

• Any criticism is seen as persecution
• All critics are seen as controlled by Satan
• Opposition is seen as proof of authenticity (“If we’re persecuted like Jesus, we must be right”)
• Members are inoculated against outside perspectives (“Don’t listen to critics—they’re persecuting us like they persecuted Jesus”)

This persecution complex serves several purposes:

1. It Demonizes Critics

Anyone who criticizes Shincheonji—pastors, family members, former members, cult researchers—is portrayed as controlled by Satan, just like the Pharisees who opposed Jesus.

This makes it very difficult for members to listen to criticism. “Why would I listen to someone controlled by Satan?”

2. It Creates In-Group/Out-Group Mentality

“We” are the persecuted righteous (like Moses and Jesus). “They” are the persecutors controlled by Satan (like the Pharisees).

This creates strong in-group loyalty and out-group hostility.

3. It Reframes Legitimate Concerns as Persecution

When family members express concern, when pastors warn about false teaching, when former members share their experiences—all of this is reframed as “persecution” rather than legitimate concern.

4. It Makes Leaving Seem Like Joining the Persecutors

If you leave Shincheonji, you’re not just leaving an organization—you’re joining the persecutors, the ones controlled by Satan, the ones opposing God’s work.

This creates a powerful psychological barrier to leaving.

Biblical Response: Test All Teaching

The Bible does not teach that persecution proves authenticity. Instead, it teaches that we must test all teaching:

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.”

“Test the spirits… because many false prophets have gone out.” Not everyone who claims to be from God is from God—we must test.

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 against Scripture. They didn’t just accept it because Paul claimed authority or because he faced persecution. They examined the Scriptures to see if what he said was true.

1 Thessalonians 5:21:

“Test everything; hold fast what is good.”

“Test everything”—not “accept everything from those who claim persecution.”

The Difference Between Persecution and Accountability

There’s a difference between persecution and accountability:

Persecution is suffering for doing what is right, for following Christ, for living righteously.

Accountability is being questioned, corrected, or challenged when teaching or behavior is problematic.

When Christians in the first century were persecuted:

• They were imprisoned for preaching the gospel (Acts 4:1-3)
• They were beaten for teaching about Jesus (Acts 5:40)
• They were martyred for refusing to deny Christ (Acts 7:54-60)
• They were scattered by violent persecution (Acts 8:1)

This was persecution—suffering for righteousness’ sake.

When Shincheonji faces criticism:

• Pastors warn their congregations about false teaching
• Family members express concern about deceptive recruitment
• Former members share their experiences
• Researchers document problematic practices

This is not persecution—this is accountability. People are raising legitimate concerns about teaching and practices.

The Bible teaches that leaders should be held accountable:

1 Timothy 5:19-20:

“Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.”

Leaders can be accused and reproved when there are witnesses to problematic behavior or teaching.

Galatians 2:11-14:

“When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all…”

Paul “opposed” Peter “to his face” because Peter was “not acting in line with the truth of the gospel.” This was not persecution—this was accountability.

If even Peter could be held accountable, how much more should modern teachers be open to accountability?

Questions to Ask

If you’re being told that criticism of Shincheonji is “persecution controlled by Satan”:

1. Is all criticism persecution?

Or is some criticism legitimate accountability? How can you tell the difference?

2. Does persecution prove authenticity?

Have there been false teachers throughout history who also claimed persecution? (Yes—many cults claim persecution as proof of authenticity.)

3. Are critics really controlled by Satan?

Or might they have legitimate concerns? Are family members who express concern really controlled by Satan, or do they love you and worry about you?

4. Does this narrative prevent you from listening to criticism?

If all criticism is dismissed as “Satanic persecution,” how can you ever test whether Shincheonji’s teaching is true?

5. What would it take to falsify Shincheonji’s claims?

If no amount of criticism or evidence can change your mind (because it’s all “Satanic persecution”), then your belief is unfalsifiable—and unfalsifiable beliefs are not based on truth, but on ideology.

Part 2: “Stand Firm Until the End” – Endurance as Salvation

SCJ’s Teaching: Endurance Equals Salvation

The evangelist teaches:

“So we have to be those that understand this, realize the time that we are living in, and are sealed with the word of testimony. So then when people around us or the environment around us tries to persecute us, we will not let it affect us and turn away from God’s work, but stand firm until the end. As it says in Matthew 24, 13, those who stand firm to the end will be saved. So let’s be those that are saved until the end.”

The message: Your salvation depends on standing firm until the end. If you leave Shincheonji (“turn away from God’s work”), you won’t be saved.

Matthew 24:13 is quoted:

“Those who stand firm to the end will be saved.”

The implication: Standing firm = staying in Shincheonji. Leaving = not being saved.

The Problem: Misinterpreting Matthew 24:13

Let’s look at Matthew 24:13 in context:

Matthew 24:9-13:

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Context: Jesus is warning His disciples about future persecution. They will be “handed over to be persecuted and put to death” and “hated by all nations because of me.”

In this context, “standing firm to the end” means:

• Not denying Christ under persecution
• Not turning away from faith in Jesus
• Not being deceived by false prophets
• Maintaining love despite wickedness

It does NOT mean:

• Staying in a specific organization
• Never questioning a group’s teaching
• Enduring psychological manipulation
• Remaining in an unhealthy religious environment

Standing firm to the end is about faithfulness to Christ, not loyalty to an organization.

The Problem: Salvation by Endurance vs. Salvation by Grace

Shincheonji’s teaching implies: Your salvation depends on your endurance—on standing firm, not leaving, persevering until the end.

This is works-righteousness—salvation based on your performance, your endurance, your loyalty.

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… through faith—not by works.” It’s not earned by enduring, by staying in an organization, by never leaving.

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 “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Not even leaving an organization.

If salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, then leaving Shincheonji doesn’t mean losing salvation—because salvation was never based on organizational membership in the first place.

The Problem: Creating Fear of Leaving

The teaching “stand firm to the end will be saved” creates fear of leaving:

“If I leave, I’m not standing firm to the end. If I’m not standing firm to the end, I won’t be saved. Therefore, I can’t leave—no matter what doubts I have, no matter what problems I see, no matter how unhealthy this environment is. I have to stay, or I’ll lose my salvation.”

This is fear-based control, not biblical teaching.

The Bible teaches that believers are secure in Christ:

John 10:27-29:

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

“They shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Believers are secure in Christ—not because of their endurance, but because of His faithfulness.

2 Timothy 2:13:

“If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”

Even when we are faithless, “he remains faithful.” Our salvation doesn’t depend on perfect endurance—it depends on Christ’s faithfulness.

Biblical Response: True Perseverance

The Bible does teach perseverance, but it’s different from Shincheonji’s teaching:

Biblical perseverance is:

1. Persevering in Faith in Christ

Hebrews 10:23:

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

Hold to “the hope we profess”—faith in Christ, not loyalty to an organization.

2. Persevering Despite Trials

James 1:12:

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Persevering “under trial”—suffering, difficulty, persecution—not persevering in an organization despite doubts and manipulation.

3. Persevering in Love and Good Works

Galatians 6:9:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

“Not become weary in doing good”—continuing to love, serve, and do good works, not continuing in an organization that demands unhealthy loyalty.

4. Persevering Because of God’s Faithfulness

Philippians 1:6:

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

God “will carry it on to completion.” Our perseverance is ultimately based on God’s work in us, not on our own effort or organizational loyalty.

The Difference

Shincheonji’s teaching: Stand firm = stay in Shincheonji, don’t leave no matter what, endure until the end to be saved.

Biblical teaching: Stand firm = remain faithful to Christ, persevere in faith despite trials, trust in God’s faithfulness.

One is about organizational loyalty. The other is about faith in Christ.

Part 3: “This Is a Class of Overcomers” – Identity Manipulation

SCJ’s Teaching: Overcomers Like Jesus

The instructor teaches:

“This is a class of overcomers. And overcoming is whose trait? Jesus. And ultimately, overcoming is God’s trait. Because Satan is fighting, and someone who does not overcome gets defeated by Satan.”

You are an overcomer. Like Jesus. Like God.

Then Proverbs 24:16 is quoted and reinterpreted:

“For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.”

The instructor asks: “What does being righteous mean from this verse? Overcoming. Getting up. Someone who is not righteous stays down.”

Righteousness is redefined as “overcoming”—getting up no matter what, never staying down, never giving up.

The instructor continues:

“So, being righteous does not mean being sinless. What does being righteous mean from this verse? Overcoming. Getting up. Someone who is not righteous stays down. That’s what Satan wants. But someone who is righteous gets up, like Job. Job is someone who gets up no matter what is happening. Even when it was horrible, he still got up. So, let’s be those that always get up, no matter what. And we’ll fight and we’ll overcome too.”

Understanding the Identity Manipulation

This teaching creates a powerful identity:

“I am an overcomer. Like Jesus. Like God. Like Job. No matter what happens, I get up. I don’t stay down. I don’t give up. I don’t leave.”

This identity serves several purposes:

1. It Makes Leaving Seem Like Failure

If you’re an “overcomer” who “gets up no matter what,” then leaving Shincheonji is “staying down”—it’s failure, it’s being defeated by Satan, it’s not being righteous.

This creates shame around the idea of leaving.

2. It Reframes Doubts as Tests to Overcome

When you have doubts, when you see problems, when you feel manipulated—these are reframed as “calamities” or “trials” that you need to “overcome” by staying and pushing through.

Your doubts are not seen as legitimate concerns—they’re seen as obstacles to overcome.

3. It Creates Pressure to Endure Unhealthy Situations

“No matter what happens, I get up. I don’t give up. I overcome.”

This creates pressure to endure even when the situation is unhealthy, manipulative, or harmful. “I’m an overcomer—I don’t quit.”

4. It Makes Questioning Seem Like Weakness

If “overcomers” push through no matter what, then questioning, doubting, or considering leaving is seen as weakness—as “staying down,” as being “defeated by Satan.”

This discourages critical thinking and self-protection.

The Problem: Misinterpreting Proverbs 24:16

Let’s look at Proverbs 24:16 in context:

Proverbs 24:15-16:

“Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place; for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”

Context: This is about the resilience of the righteous in the face of attacks from the wicked. The righteous may “fall” (experience setbacks, difficulties, even sin), but they “rise again”—they repent, they trust God, they continue in righteousness.

The contrast is between:

• The righteous: Fall but rise again (resilient, repentant, trusting God)
• The wicked: Stumble when calamity strikes (brought down, no resilience)

This verse is NOT about:

• Never leaving an organization
• Pushing through doubts without addressing them
• Enduring manipulation because “overcomers don’t quit”
• Staying in unhealthy situations to prove you’re righteous

The verse is about the resilience that comes from trusting God, not about organizational loyalty.

Biblical Response: True Overcoming

The Bible does teach about overcoming, but it’s different from Shincheonji’s teaching:

Biblical overcoming is:

1. Overcoming Through Faith in Christ

1 John 5:4-5:

“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

“Everyone born of God overcomes the world.” Overcoming is not about enduring in an organization—it’s about faith in Christ.

“This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” The victory is faith, not organizational loyalty.

2. Overcoming Evil with Good

Romans 12:21:

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Overcoming is about responding to evil with good—not about staying in an organization no matter what.

3. Overcoming Through Christ’s Strength

Revelation 3:21:

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.”

Christ is the ultimate overcomer. We overcome through Him, not through our own endurance or organizational loyalty.

4. Overcoming Satan Through Christ’s Blood

Revelation 12:11:

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb”—overcoming is through Christ’s sacrifice, not through our endurance in an organization.

The Danger of the “Overcomer” Identity

The “overcomer” identity can be used to:

• Prevent leaving (“Overcomers don’t quit”)
• Dismiss doubts (“Overcomers push through doubts”)
• Justify enduring manipulation (“Overcomers endure trials”)
• Create shame around self-protection (“If I leave, I’m not an overcomer”)

But true overcoming is about faith in Christ, not about organizational loyalty.

Sometimes, the most courageous thing you can do is leave an unhealthy situation. That’s not “staying down”—that’s wisdom, self-protection, and obedience to God’s call to test all teaching and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Part 4: “The Real Goal Is to Enter Mount Zion” – Organizational Commitment

SCJ’s Teaching: The Goal Is Organizational Membership

The instructor makes an explicit statement:

“So, today’s going to be a special lesson talking about two very important things that those who desire to enter Mount Zion do, and I pray that we all do… The real goal of the class is to enter Mount Zion, right? We may have thought, I’m just coming to study the Bible, and once it’s done, I’ll go do my own thing. But as we’ve been studying, we’ve been realizing more and more that as revelation is being fulfilled, there must be a place established on earth as it is in heaven, and a place where people will gather. So, ultimately, the end goal of the class is to enter Mount Zion.“

The goal is not just Bible study. The goal is joining Shincheonji—”entering Mount Zion.”

The instructor continues:

“So, what we’ll learn about today, and you’ll see this more a little bit later at the end of the class, is what it takes to enter. Logically and logistically, what does it take to enter Mount Zion? Because it is an organization, and it is run by heaven, but people carry out the work. So, it has to be organized. And remember, it’s not just a few hundred people that are there. It’s not even a few thousand, but it’s in the hundreds of thousands.“

Hundreds of thousands of people. This is big. This is where God is working.

Understanding the Shift

When you first started the class, you may have thought:

• “I’m just learning about the Bible”
• “This is interesting Bible study”
• “I’ll see what this is about and then decide”

But now, after months of study, the goal is made explicit:

“The real goal is to enter Mount Zion”—to formally join Shincheonji.

This is a significant shift from “Bible study” to “organizational commitment.”

The Problem: Salvation Tied to Organizational Membership

By making “entering Mount Zion” the goal, Shincheonji is tying salvation to organizational membership:

• To be saved, you must be “born in Zion” (as the lesson will explain using Psalm 87)
• To be born in Zion, you must enter Mount Zion (join Shincheonji)
• To enter Mount Zion, you must have your name in the registry (the “Book of Life”)
• Therefore, salvation = joining Shincheonji and having your name in their registry

This is the equation Shincheonji is building: Salvation = Organizational Membership.

Biblical Response: Salvation Is Through Faith in Christ

The Bible does not teach that salvation requires joining a specific organization. It teaches that salvation is through faith in Christ:

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 the right organization,” but “whoever believes in him.”

Acts 16:30-31:

“He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'”

“What must I do to be saved?” “Believe in the Lord Jesus.” Not “join Mount Zion,” not “enter the right organization,” but “believe in the Lord Jesus.”**

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.”

Salvation requires confession and faith—not 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”—not by joining an organization.

What About “Mount Zion” in the Bible?

Shincheonji teaches that “entering Mount Zion” means joining their organization. But what does “Mount Zion” mean in the Bible?

In the Old Testament:

Mount Zion was the hill in Jerusalem where the temple was built. It represented:

• God’s presence with His people
• The place where God dwelt
• The center of worship

Psalm 48:1-2:

“Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King.”

In the New Testament:

Mount Zion is used symbolically to represent:

• The heavenly Jerusalem
• The gathering of all believers
• The presence of God and the Lamb

Hebrews 12:22-24:

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”

“You have come to Mount Zion”—all believers have come to Mount Zion through faith in Christ. This is not about joining a specific organization in Korea—it’s about being part of the universal church through faith.

Revelation 14:1:

“Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.”

The Lamb stands on Mount Zion with the 144,000. This is a vision of God’s people with Christ—not a physical organization in Korea.

As explained in “How First-Century Christians Read Revelation Like a Political Cartoon,” first-century Christians would have understood Mount Zion as representing the heavenly reality of God’s people gathered with Christ—not a physical organization 2,000 years later in Korea.

The Danger of Organizational Salvation

When salvation is tied to organizational membership, several problems arise:

1. It Makes Christ Insufficient

If salvation requires joining Shincheonji, then Christ’s work on the cross is not sufficient. You need Christ PLUS organizational membership.

But the Bible teaches Christ alone is sufficient:

Colossians 2:10:

“And in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.”

“In Christ you have been brought to fullness”—not “in Christ plus Shincheonji.”

2. It Creates Fear of Leaving

If salvation = organizational membership, then leaving = losing salvation.

This creates powerful fear that keeps people trapped even when they see problems.

3. It Gives the Organization Control

If the organization controls access to salvation (through the registry, through “entering Mount Zion”), then the organization has ultimate control over members.

This is spiritual abuse—using fear of losing salvation to control people.

4. It Contradicts the Gospel

The gospel is good news: Salvation is a free gift through faith in Christ.

Organizational salvation is bad news: Salvation requires joining the right organization, maintaining membership, having your name in the registry, not leaving.

These are two different gospels.

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!”

“A different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” When salvation is tied to organizational membership, it’s a different gospel—not the gospel of grace through faith in Christ.

SCJ’s Teaching: Book of Life = Shincheonji’s Registry

The instructor makes the critical equation:

“And we’ll also be learning about the Book of Life, which is a church registry, as we talked about a few lessons ago. And we’ll see those verses again. But really, it’s a registry of the peoples who will be at Mount Zion.”

Book of Life = Church Registry = Registry of people at Mount Zion (Shincheonji).

The instructor emphasizes:

“The Book of Life is mentioned by name, as we know, 8 times in the entire Bible. And 6 of those times is in Revelation. If it’s mentioned 6 times in the Book of Revelation, that means that it’s what? It’s important.“

Important. Critical. Essential to understand.

Then comes the key claim about Philippians 4:3:

“Now, as we talked about last time, when we talked about this, what realization did we come to about the reality of the Book of Life at the first coming with Apostle Paul, for example? What did we come to understand? It was an actual, a physical book.“

Philippians 4:3:

“Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.“

The instructor explains:

“So, Paul mentioned that their names are in the Book of Life, present tense, and we might have looked over this and not really thought much about it, right? When I asked this question, we got many interesting answers, but really the answer is quite simple. The reason why he was able to say present tense are in the Book of Life is because they had one of their own.“

The logic:

1. Paul said “names are in the book of life” (present tense)
2. Therefore, Paul must have had a physical Book of Life
3. This physical book was a church registry
4. Therefore, churches should have a physical Book of Life (registry)
5. Shincheonji has one—their church registry is the Book of Life

Then comes the authority claim:

“And as we see in the Book of Matthew, whatever is done on earth for those who are truly God’s, and I put here truly because it’s important, whatever is done on earth is respected by heaven or honored by heaven.“

Matthew 6:10 and 16:19 are quoted:

“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven… 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 instructor explains:

“So, because the disciples had the true word, when they acted, heaven listened, and heaven respected what they did.”

The implication: Shincheonji has the true word. Therefore, what Shincheonji does on earth (maintaining a registry) is respected by heaven.

Your name in Shincheonji’s registry = Your name in heaven’s Book of Life.

Finally, the critical statement:

“So, the Book of Life is a physical book, a registry of the peoples that belong to God at the first coming. Of course, we can’t find the Book of Life today like that, but a new Book of Life has appeared with those who are truly God’s people who have come out of Babylon.“

A new Book of Life has appeared—at Shincheonji.

Psalm 87:5-6 is quoted:

“Indeed, of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.’ The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: ‘This one was born in Zion.'”

The instructor concludes:

“We’ll write in the register of the peoples, that this one was born in Zion. So, our goal is to be born in the Zion of the second coming, that appears and that the Lamb dwells. That is our desire. We want to be where Jesus promised to be. So, in order to do that, we need to make sure our name is in the regis…“

The equation is complete:

To be saved → Your name must be in the Book of Life → The Book of Life is Shincheonji’s registry → Therefore, to be saved, your name must be in Shincheonji’s registry → Therefore, you must join Shincheonji and not leave (or your name will be removed).

Why This Teaching Is So Dangerous

This teaching is one of the most dangerous and manipulative in Shincheonji’s entire curriculum because:

1. It Ties Salvation to Organizational Membership

If the Book of Life = Shincheonji’s registry, then having your name in Shincheonji’s registry = being saved.

Salvation is no longer by grace through faith in Christ alone—it’s by organizational membership.

2. It Creates Extreme Fear of Leaving

If your name in the registry = salvation, then having your name removed = losing salvation.

This creates paralyzing fear: “If I leave, my name will be removed from the Book of Life. I’ll lose my salvation. I’ll be condemned.”

This fear keeps people trapped even when they see serious problems.

3. It Gives the Organization Ultimate Control

If the organization controls the registry (the “Book of Life”), then the organization controls who is saved and who isn’t.

This gives Shincheonji ultimate power over members—the power to determine their eternal destiny.

4. It’s Based on Faulty Logic and Scripture Twisting

The entire teaching is based on:

• Misinterpreting Philippians 4:3 (claiming Paul had a physical registry)
• Misapplying Matthew 16:19 (claiming Shincheonji has authority to bind/loose in heaven)
• Misunderstanding the Book of Life (treating it as a physical registry rather than God’s sovereign record)
• Ignoring the biblical teaching that the Book of Life is God’s record, not a human organization’s registry

5. It Contradicts the Gospel

The gospel teaches salvation by grace through faith. This teaching makes salvation dependent on organizational membership and maintaining good standing in the registry.

These are fundamentally different messages.

The Problem: Did Paul Have a Physical “Book of Life” Registry?

Shincheonji claims that because Paul said “whose names are in the book of life” (present tense), he must have had a physical book—a church registry.

But this is a massive logical leap. Let’s examine Philippians 4:3 carefully:

Philippians 4:3:

“Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

What Paul is saying:

• These women and fellow workers have contended at his side in the gospel
• Their names are in the book of life (they are saved, they belong to God)
• This is a statement of assurance—they are truly believers

Paul is NOT saying:

• “I have a physical book here with their names written in it”
• “I maintain a registry that determines who is saved”
• “The church has a physical Book of Life”

Paul is expressing confidence that these believers are truly saved—that their names are in God’s Book of Life (God’s sovereign record of those who belong to Him).

Consider these parallel passages:

Luke 10:20:

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Did the disciples have a physical book with their names written in it? No. Jesus was saying their names are recorded in heaven—they belong to God, they are saved.

Hebrews 12:23:

“To the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.”

Is there a physical book in a church somewhere with these names? No. This refers to believers whose names are recorded in God’s sovereign record—the Book of Life in heaven.

When Paul says “whose names are in the book of life,” he’s expressing the same confidence: These people are truly saved; they belong to God; their names are in God’s record.

He’s NOT saying he has a physical registry that he maintains.

What Is the Book of Life in Scripture?

The Book of Life in Scripture is God’s sovereign record of those who belong to Him—not a physical registry maintained by a human organization.

Let’s examine the biblical references:

1. Exodus 32:32-33 (Moses interceding for Israel):

“But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.’ The Lord replied to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.'”

This is God’s book—not a human registry. God determines who is in it, not Moses or any human organization.

2. Psalm 69:28:

“May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.”

The book of life is where the righteous are listed—this is God’s record, not a human registry.

3. Daniel 12:1:

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.”

“Everyone whose name is found written in the book will be delivered.” This is God’s record of those who will be saved—not a human organization’s registry.

4. Revelation 3:5:

“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.”

Jesus says “I will never blot out the name… from the book of life.” This is Jesus’ authority over the Book of Life—not a human organization’s authority.

5. Revelation 13:8:

“All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.”

“The book of life belonging to the Lamb.” This is the Lamb’s (Jesus’) book—not Shincheonji’s registry.

“From the creation of the world”—names have been written in this book from eternity, not from when people join an organization in the 21st century.

6. Revelation 20:12:

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.”

At the final judgment, “the book of life” is opened. This is God’s book, used at the final judgment—not a human organization’s registry.

7. Revelation 20:15:

“Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

At the final judgment, “anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” This is God’s determination based on His book—not a human organization’s registry.

8. Revelation 21:27:

“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

“The Lamb’s book of life”—this is Jesus’ book, not Shincheonji’s registry.

From these passages, we see clearly:

The Book of Life is:

• God’s book (Exodus 32:33)
• The Lamb’s book (Revelation 13:8, 21:27)
• A record from eternity (“from the creation of the world” – Revelation 13:8)
• Used at final judgment (Revelation 20:12, 15)
• Under Jesus’ authority (“I will never blot out” – Revelation 3:5)
• A record of the righteous (Psalm 69:28)
• A record of those who will be delivered (Daniel 12:1)

The Book of Life is NOT:

• A physical registry maintained by a human organization
• Something that can be controlled by human leaders
• Something you join by becoming a member of an organization
• Something that can be manipulated by organizational membership or leaving

The Problem: Misapplying Matthew 16:19

Shincheonji uses Matthew 16:19 to claim that what they do on earth (maintaining a registry) is “respected by heaven.”

Matthew 16:19:

“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.”

But what did Jesus mean by this?

Context: Jesus is speaking to Peter after Peter confesses that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

The “keys of the kingdom” represent:

• Authority to proclaim the gospel
• Authority to declare forgiveness of sins through Christ
• Authority to make disciples

“Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven” means:

• When the apostles proclaimed the gospel and people believed, heaven confirmed their salvation
• When the apostles declared forgiveness through Christ, heaven honored that declaration
• The apostles’ gospel proclamation had heavenly authority

This does NOT mean:

• Human organizations can maintain a registry that determines who is saved
• What any organization does on earth is automatically “respected by heaven”
• Organizations have authority to control the Book of Life

The apostles had authority because they proclaimed the true gospel of Jesus Christ. When they declared, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31), heaven honored that declaration—not because the apostles had organizational power, but because they proclaimed the truth.

Shincheonji’s claim that “whatever is done on earth for those who are truly God’s… is respected by heaven” is a misapplication of this verse. It assumes Shincheonji is “truly God’s” and therefore has authority—but this is circular reasoning. You can’t use a verse about authority to prove you have authority.

The Problem: “A New Book of Life Has Appeared”

The instructor claims:

“So, the Book of Life is a physical book, a registry of the peoples that belong to God at the first coming. Of course, we can’t find the Book of Life today like that, but a new Book of Life has appeared with those who are truly God’s people who have come out of Babylon.“

This claim is problematic for several reasons:

1. It Implies Multiple Books of Life

If there was a Book of Life at the first coming, and now “a new Book of Life has appeared,” this implies multiple Books of Life—one for each era.

But the Bible speaks of THE Book of Life (singular)—God’s eternal record, not multiple books for different eras.

Revelation 13:8:

“All whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.”

“From the creation of the world”—this is one eternal book, not different books for different eras.

2. It Claims Shincheonji Is “Truly God’s People”

The claim assumes Shincheonji is “truly God’s people who have come out of Babylon,” and therefore their registry is the new Book of Life.

But this is circular reasoning: “We are truly God’s people, therefore our registry is the Book of Life. How do we know we’re truly God’s people? Because we have the Book of Life.”

This logic doesn’t hold up.

3. It Ignores the Universal Church

If “a new Book of Life has appeared” at Shincheonji, what about the millions of Christians worldwide who are not part of Shincheonji?

• Are their names not in the Book of Life?
• Are they not saved?
• Does salvation only exist at Shincheonji?

This claim effectively denies the salvation of all Christians who are not part of Shincheonji—a staggering and unbiblical claim.

Biblical Response: The Book of Life Is God’s Sovereign Record

The biblical teaching is clear:

1. The Book of Life Is God’s Record, Not a Human Registry

Revelation 20:12:

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life.”

At the final judgment, God opens the Book of Life—not a human organization.

2. Names Are Written by God, Not by Human Organizations

Luke 10:20:

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Names are “written in heaven”—by God, not by human organizations maintaining registries.

3. Jesus Has Authority Over the Book of Life

Revelation 3:5:

“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.”

“I will never blot out”—Jesus has authority over the Book of Life, not human organizations.

4. The Book of Life Is Eternal

Revelation 13:8:

“All whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.”

“From the creation of the world”—the Book of Life is eternal, not something that “appears” in different eras with different organizations.

5. Salvation Determines Inclusion, Not Organizational Membership

Revelation 21:27:

“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

Who enters the New Jerusalem? “Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

How do names get written in the Book of Life? Through faith in Christ:

John 1:12:

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Receiving Christ → Believing in His name → Becoming children of God → Names written in the Book of Life.

This is based on faith in Christ, not on joining an organization.

The Danger: Fear-Based Control

By equating the Book of Life with their church registry, Shincheonji creates powerful fear-based control:

“If you leave Shincheonji, your name will be removed from the registry. If your name is removed from the registry, your name is removed from the Book of Life. If your name is removed from the Book of Life, you will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).”

This creates paralyzing fear that keeps people trapped:

• “I can’t leave—I’ll lose my salvation”
• “I have doubts, but I can’t risk having my name removed”
• “I see problems, but leaving means eternal condemnation”
• “I’m miserable, but I have to stay or I’ll go to hell”

This is spiritual abuse—using fear of eternal condemnation to control people.

The Bible teaches the opposite:

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 “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Not even leaving an organization.

If you are in Christ through faith, your salvation is secure—not because your name is in an organization’s registry, but because your name is in God’s Book of Life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Part 6: Misinterpreting Psalm 87 – “Born in Zion”

SCJ’s Teaching: “Born in Zion” = Joining Shincheonji

The instructor quotes Psalm 87:5-6:

“Indeed, of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.’ The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: ‘This one was born in Zion.'”

The instructor explains:

“We’ll write in the register of the peoples, that this one was born in Zion. So, our goal is to be born in the Zion of the second coming, that appears and that the Lamb dwells. That is our desire. We want to be where Jesus promised to be. So, in order to do that, we need to make sure our name is in the regis…“

The interpretation:

• Psalm 87 speaks of being “born in Zion”
• The “Zion of the second coming” is Shincheonji (Mount Zion)
• To be “born in Zion,” your name must be in the registry
• Therefore, to be saved, you must join Shincheonji and have your name in their registry

Understanding Psalm 87 in Context

Let’s read Psalm 87 in full:

Psalm 87:1-7:

“He has founded his city on the holy mountain. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, city of God: ‘I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me—Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—and will say, “This one was born in Zion.”‘ Indeed, of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.’ The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: ‘This one was born in Zion.’ As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.'”

Context: This is a psalm celebrating Zion (Jerusalem) as the city of God. It looks forward to a time when people from all nations—even Israel’s enemies (Rahab/Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Cush)—will be counted as “born in Zion.”

What does “born in Zion” mean?

In the original context: Being “born in Zion” meant being part of God’s people, having citizenship in God’s city, belonging to the covenant community.

The radical message of Psalm 87: Even Gentiles (Egyptians, Babylonians, Philistines, etc.) can be counted as “born in Zion”—they can become part of God’s people.

This was a prophetic vision of the inclusion of the Gentiles—fulfilled in the New Testament when the gospel went to all nations.

In the New Testament fulfillment:

Galatians 3:28-29:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

All who belong to Christ—Jew and Gentile—are “Abraham’s seed,” heirs of the promise. We are all part of God’s people.

Philippians 3:20:

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Believers’ citizenship is in heaven—the heavenly Zion, the New Jerusalem.

Hebrews 12:22-24:

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”

“You have come to Mount Zion… the heavenly Jerusalem.” All believers have come to Mount Zion through faith in Christ—not by joining a physical organization, but by faith.

“The church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.” All believers are part of this church, and their names are written in heaven—not in an organization’s registry.

The Problem: Shincheonji’s Interpretation

Shincheonji’s interpretation:

• Psalm 87 is about the “Zion of the second coming” (Shincheonji)
• To be “born in Zion,” you must join Shincheonji
• Your name must be in their registry (the “register of the peoples”)

This interpretation:

1. Ignores the Original Context

Psalm 87 was written about Jerusalem and the inclusion of the Gentiles into God’s people—not about a Korean organization in the 21st century.

2. Ignores the New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament shows that all believers have “come to Mount Zion” through faith in Christ (Hebrews 12:22)—not by joining a specific organization.

3. Makes Salvation Dependent on Organizational Membership

By claiming you must be “born in the Zion of the second coming” (Shincheonji) to be saved, this teaching makes salvation dependent on organizational membership rather than faith in Christ.

4. Creates a False Dichotomy

The teaching implies: Either you’re “born in Zion” (joined Shincheonji) or you’re not saved.

But the Bible teaches that all who believe in Christ are part of God’s people, citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, with names written in heaven.

Biblical Response: All Believers Are Citizens of the Heavenly Zion

The biblical teaching is:

1. Through Faith in Christ, We Come to Mount Zion

Hebrews 12:22:

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.”

“You have come”—all believers, through faith, have come to Mount Zion. This is not about joining an organization—it’s about faith in Christ.

2. Our Citizenship Is in Heaven

Philippians 3:20:

“But our citizenship is in heaven.”

Believers’ citizenship is in the heavenly Jerusalem, the New Jerusalem—not in a physical organization on earth.

3. We Are Part of the Universal Church

Ephesians 2:19-22:

“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. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

“Fellow citizens with God’s people… members of his household.” All believers are part of God’s household through faith in Christ—not through joining a specific organization.

4. The New Jerusalem Comes Down from Heaven

Revelation 21:2:

“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”

The New Jerusalem “comes down out of heaven from God”—it’s not built by a human organization on earth. It’s God’s work, not Shincheonji’s.

Being “born in Zion” means being part of God’s people through faith in Christ—not joining a specific organization in Korea.

Part 7: The Progression of Indoctrination – Where Students Are Now

The Journey to Lesson 113

By Lesson 113, students have been through an intensive, months-long indoctrination process. Let’s trace the progression:

Beginner Level (Parables – Months 1-3):

• Learned to distrust traditional Christianity (“They don’t understand parables”)
• Accepted the Betrayal-Destruction-Salvation pattern
• Formed deep friendships within the group
• Became dependent on Shincheonji for biblical understanding
• Learned to see “spiritual meanings” hidden beneath the surface

Intermediate Level (Bible Logic – Months 4-5):

• Learned pattern recognition and “Bible logic”
• Reinforced that only Shincheonji has correct interpretation
• Deepened isolation from other Christians
• Practiced interpreting everything through Shincheonji’s framework
• Learned to connect unrelated verses to create “proofs”

Advanced Level – Revelation 1-7 (Months 6-7):

• Learned the Tabernacle Temple narrative
• Identified Lee Man-hee as “white horse” and “New John”
• Accepted that Revelation is being fulfilled now
• Learned about the 144,000 and great multitude
• Visited Mount Zion (physical site visit)
• Warned not to “look back” (like Lot’s wife)
• Categorized as “three kinds of people” (wheat, weeds, birds)
• Asked to raise hand to be a priest (public commitment)
• Told they were “created according to Revelation”
• Given specific dates (1966, September 1980, March 14, 1984)
• Positioned in timeline (“You are in Revelation 7, the Salvation era”)

Advanced Level – Lesson 111 (Month 8):

• Told Satan’s 6,000-year rule is ending
• Asked: “Have I been created according to Revelation?”
• Warned not to be like dogs, pigs, or betrayers
• Called to public commitment
• Taught that fulfillment of prophecy proves truth
• Prepared to receive “words from the promised pastor”

Advanced Level – Lesson 112 (Month 8):

• Told to “remove all doubts from your heart”
• Taught “unity” means “same heart, same mind”
• Learned chapter titles from “New John” (Lee Man-hee)
• Taught two levels of being sealed (hierarchy)
• Encouraged to “shoot for the stars” (Level 2)
• Given three-era timeline with specific dates
• Positioned in “Salvation era”
• Told Revelation 7 is “still being fulfilled today”
• Introduced to “42 months of destruction”

Advanced Level – Lesson 113 (Current – Month 8-9):

• Taught persecution narrative (Moses → Jesus → “New John”)
• Told traditional churches persecute because of Satan
• Taught “stand firm until the end will be saved” (endurance = salvation)
• Identity reinforcement (“class of overcomers”)
• Told “the real goal is to enter Mount Zion” (organizational commitment)
• Taught “Book of Life = church registry”
• Told “a new Book of Life has appeared” (at Shincheonji)
• Taught “born in Zion” = joining Shincheonji
• Prepared for formal commitment (registry and pledge)

The Intensification at This Stage

Lesson 113 represents a critical escalation:

1. Salvation Is Explicitly Tied to Organizational Membership

Previous lessons hinted at this, but Lesson 113 makes it explicit:

• Book of Life = Shincheonji’s registry
• To be saved, your name must be in the Book of Life
• Therefore, to be saved, your name must be in Shincheonji’s registry
• Therefore, you must join Shincheonji and not leave

2. Fear of Leaving Is Maximized

If leaving = having your name removed from the Book of Life = eternal condemnation, then leaving becomes unthinkable.

This is the maximum level of fear-based control.

3. Persecution Complex Is Established

All critics are portrayed as persecutors controlled by Satan. This:

• Demonizes family, friends, pastors who express concern
• Makes it impossible to listen to criticism
• Creates in-group/out-group mentality
• Makes leaving seem like joining the persecutors

4. Identity Is Fully Merged with Organization

“I am an overcomer. I am part of the fulfillment of Revelation. I am born in Zion. My name is in the Book of Life. I cannot leave—it would mean losing everything, including my salvation.”

Identity is now inseparable from organizational membership.

5. Formal Commitment Is Imminent

The lesson is preparing students for the church registry and pledge—formal organizational commitment that will be very difficult to break.

The Psychological State of Students

By Lesson 113, students are likely experiencing:

1. Deep Investment

• 8-9 months of weekly classes (100+ hours)
• Significant time investment (3-4+ hours per week, plus study time, plus events)
• Deep friendships within the group (social life now centered on Shincheonji)
• Visited Mount Zion (physical pilgrimage)
• Made public commitments (raised hand to be a priest)
• Identity wrapped up in being part of the fulfillment
• Possibly recruited friends or family (now invested in their “salvation” too)
• Possibly distanced from family/friends outside who expressed concern

2. Cognitive Dissonance

The tension between:

• “Remove all doubts” vs. “Test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
• “Book of Life = registry” vs. Biblical teaching that it’s God’s sovereign record
• “Stand firm = stay in organization” vs. Biblical teaching about faith in Christ
• “Critics are controlled by Satan” vs. Legitimate concerns from loved ones
• “We’re persecuted like Jesus” vs. Accountability for problematic teaching
• “Salvation = organizational membership” vs. Salvation by grace through faith

3. Extreme Fear

• Fear of leaving (losing salvation, name removed from Book of Life)
• Fear of questioning (being like “dogs and pigs,” not being an “overcomer”)
• Fear of family/friends who criticize (they’re “persecutors controlled by Satan”)
• Fear of not being sealed “100%” (not reaching Level 2)
• Fear of missing out on being part of the 144,000
• Fear of eternal condemnation if name is removed from registry

4. Isolation

• Most or all social life is now within Shincheonji
• Distanced from family and friends outside (they’re “persecutors”)
• “Same heart, same mind” creates pressure to conform
• Difficult to voice doubts or questions (breaking “unity,” not being an “overcomer”)
• Feeling like Shincheonji is the only place where you belong
• Fear that leaving means losing all friendships and community

5. Identity Fusion

• “I am an overcomer”
• “I am part of the fulfillment of Revelation”
• “I am born in Zion”
• “My name is in the Book of Life”
• “I am in the Salvation era”
• “I was created according to Revelation”

Identity is now completely fused with Shincheonji membership. Leaving would mean losing your entire identity.

6. Sunk Cost Fallacy

“I’ve invested 8-9 months. I’ve made public commitments. I’ve recruited others. I’ve visited Mount Zion. I’ve told people I’m part of the 144,000. I’ve distanced myself from family who expressed concern. If I leave now, all of that was wasted. I can’t admit I was wrong. I have to keep going. I have to sign the registry. I have to make the pledge. I’m too far in to turn back.”

The Trap Is Set

By Lesson 113, the trap is fully set:

1. Months of investment (sunk cost)
2. Deep friendships (social pressure)
3. Identity fusion (self-concept tied to membership)
4. Persecution complex (critics are enemies)
5. Doubt suppression (“remove all doubts,” “overcomers don’t quit”)
6. Fear of leaving (losing salvation, name removed from Book of Life)
7. Isolation from outside perspectives (family/friends are “persecutors”)
8. Imminent formal commitment (registry and pledge)

Students are now primed to make formal organizational commitment—to sign the registry, take the pledge, and fully join Shincheonji.

And once they do, leaving will be even harder:

• “I signed the registry—my name is in the Book of Life. If I leave, it will be removed.”
• “I took the pledge—I made a commitment before God. I can’t break it.”
• “I’m officially a member now—I can’t go back.”

Part 8: Practical Guidance – What Should You Do?

If You’re Currently Taking This Lesson

You’ve been told:

• Traditional churches persecute Shincheonji because of Satan
• You must stand firm until the end to be saved
• You are an overcomer like Jesus
• The real goal is to enter Mount Zion (join Shincheonji)
• The Book of Life is Shincheonji’s church registry
• To be saved, your name must be in the registry
• You must be “born in Zion” (join Shincheonji)

Before you sign the registry or take the pledge, you need to:

1. Recognize the Manipulation Tactics

Understand what’s happening psychologically:

• Persecution complex (critics are demonized as controlled by Satan)
• Fear-based control (leaving = losing salvation)
• Identity manipulation (“overcomers,” “born in Zion”)
• Scripture twisting (misinterpreting Philippians 4:3, Matthew 16:19, Psalm 87)
• False equivalence (Moses → Jesus → Lee Man-hee)
• Circular reasoning (we’re truly God’s, therefore our registry is the Book of Life)
• Organizational salvation (salvation tied to membership)
• Sunk cost pressure (you’ve invested so much, you can’t turn back now)

These are manipulation tactics, not signs of truth.

2. Test the Core Claims

Ask yourself:

About the Book of Life:

• Is the Book of Life really a physical church registry?
• Did Paul really have a physical Book of Life?
• Or is the Book of Life God’s sovereign record of those who belong to Him through faith?
• Can a human organization control who is in the Book of Life?

About salvation:

• Is salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone?
• Or is salvation by joining the right organization and having your name in their registry?
• What does the Bible actually teach?

About the persecution narrative:

• Is all criticism persecution?
• Or is some criticism legitimate accountability?
• Are family members who express concern really controlled by Satan?
• Or do they love you and worry about you?

About authority:

• Does Shincheonji really have authority to “bind on earth” and have it “bound in heaven”?
• Or is this a misapplication of Matthew 16:19?
• How can we verify their authority?

3. Research Independently

Don’t just accept what Shincheonji teaches. Research independently:

• What do biblical scholars say about the Book of Life?
• What do commentaries say about Philippians 4:3, Matthew 16:19, Psalm 87?
• What do former members say about their experiences?
• What do cult researchers say about Shincheonji’s practices?

Resources:

• closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination
• Biblical commentaries on Philippians, Matthew, Psalms, Revelation
• Testimonies from former members
• Research on high-control religious groups

4. Listen to Your Doubts

Despite being told to “remove all doubts” and be an “overcomer” who “doesn’t quit,” your doubts are important:

• Doubts about the Book of Life = registry equation
• Doubts about the persecution narrative (are critics really controlled by Satan?)
• Doubts about tying salvation to organizational membership
• Doubts about the pressure to sign the registry and take the pledge
• Doubts about the interpretation of Scripture

Don’t suppress these doubts. They’re your mind’s way of protecting you.

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

5. Talk to Someone Outside Shincheonji

Don’t make this decision in isolation:

• Talk to a pastor or Christian counselor outside of Shincheonji
• Talk to family or friends who can give objective perspective
• Read testimonies from former members
• Discuss your concerns with someone who isn’t invested in Shincheonji

Shincheonji wants you to make this decision in isolation, surrounded only by members who will pressure you to sign. Don’t let them isolate you.

6. Don’t Sign the Registry or Take the Pledge Yet

If you have any doubts, don’t sign the registry or take the pledge.

Once you formally commit, it will be much harder to leave:

• Psychological pressure (“I made a commitment before God”)
• Fear (“If I leave, my name will be removed from the Book of Life”)
• Social pressure (“Everyone knows I’m a member now”)

Take time. Research. Pray. Talk to people outside. Don’t let Shincheonji pressure you into a commitment you’re not sure about.

If You’re Having Serious Doubts

If you’re experiencing serious doubts, cognitive dissonance, or feeling trapped:

1. Your Doubts Are Valid

Despite being told to “remove all doubts” and that doubters are like “dogs and pigs,” your doubts are valid and important.

God gave you a mind to think, discern, and test. Use it.

2. Salvation Is Not Tied to Organizational Membership

The core biblical truth:

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 having your name in an organization’s registry.

If you leave Shincheonji, you are not losing your salvation—because salvation was never based on organizational membership in the first place.

3. The Book of Life Is God’s Record, Not Shincheonji’s Registry

The Book of Life is:

• God’s sovereign record
• The Lamb’s book (Revelation 21:27)
• A record from eternity (Revelation 13:8)
• Under Jesus’ authority (Revelation 3:5)

It is NOT:

• A physical registry maintained by Shincheonji
• Something controlled by human organizations
• Something you join by becoming a member

Your name is in the Book of Life if you have faith in Jesus Christ—not if you’re a member of Shincheonji.

4. Critics Are Not Controlled by Satan

Family members, pastors, former members, and researchers who express concern about Shincheonji are not “persecutors controlled by Satan.”

They are people who:

• Love you and worry about you
• See problematic teaching and practices
• Want to protect you from spiritual abuse
• Have legitimate concerns based on evidence

Listen to them. Consider their perspectives. Don’t dismiss them as “Satanic persecution.”

5. Leaving Is Not Failure

Despite being told that “overcomers get up and don’t quit,” leaving Shincheonji is not failure.

Sometimes, the most courageous and wise thing you can do is leave an unhealthy situation.

Proverbs 14:15:

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”

Leaving after recognizing problems is not “staying down”—it’s wisdom, discernment, and obedience to God’s call to test all teaching.

If You’re Ready to Leave

If you’ve decided that Shincheonji’s teaching is unbiblical and you want to leave:

1. Know That Leaving Is the Right Decision

Leaving an organization that:

• Ties salvation to organizational membership
• Uses fear of losing salvation to control members
• Demonizes all critics as controlled by Satan
• Twists Scripture to support organizational authority
• Demands conformity and suppresses doubts

…is not betraying God. It’s choosing truth and freedom.

2. Prepare for the Emotional Difficulty

Leaving will be difficult because:

• You’ve invested 8-9 months (sunk cost)
• You’ve formed deep friendships (social loss)
• Your identity has been tied to membership (identity crisis)
• You’ve made public commitments (shame and embarrassment)
• You may have recruited others (guilt)
• You’ve been taught leaving = losing salvation (fear)
• You’ve distanced from family/friends outside (isolation)

But difficulty doesn’t mean you’re making the wrong choice. Sometimes the right choice is the difficult one.

2 Timothy 1:7:

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

3. Remember: Your Salvation Is Secure in Christ

If you have faith in Jesus Christ, your salvation is secure—regardless of organizational membership:

John 10:28-29:

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

“They shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Not even leaving an organization can snatch you out of Christ’s hand.

Romans 8:38-39:

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

Nothing—including leaving Shincheonji—can separate you from God’s love in Christ.

4. Reconnect with Support Systems

• Reach out to family and friends outside Shincheonji (especially those who expressed concern)
• Find a healthy church community (one that teaches salvation by grace through faith)
• Consider counseling to process your experience (especially if you’re experiencing trauma)
• Connect with former members who understand what you’re going through

Resources:

• closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination – testimonies, support, resources
• Local pastors and Christian counselors
• Support groups for former cult members

5. Rebuild Your Identity in Christ

Your identity is not:

• “Former Shincheonji member”
• “Someone who failed to be an overcomer”
• “Someone whose name was removed from the Book of Life”
• “Someone who was part of the fulfillment but left”

Your identity in Christ is:

• Child of God (Galatians 3:26)
• Sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)
• Part of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)
• Loved unconditionally (Romans 5:8)
• Citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20)
• Member of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27)

This identity cannot be taken away by leaving an organization.

6. Process Your Experience

Leaving a high-control group like Shincheonji can be traumatic. You may experience:

• Grief (loss of friendships, community, identity)
• Anger (at being deceived, manipulated)
• Shame (at being “fooled,” at recruiting others)
• Fear (residual fear about losing salvation)
• Confusion (about what to believe now)
• Isolation (loss of social network)

These feelings are normal and valid. Give yourself time and grace to process.

Consider:

• Journaling about your experience
• Talking to a counselor who understands spiritual abuse
• Reading testimonies from other former members
• Studying Scripture in a healthy context (not through Shincheonji’s lens)
• Being patient with yourself as you heal

7. Learn to Trust Again

After experiencing manipulation and deception, it’s normal to struggle with trust:

• Can I trust churches?
• Can I trust Christian teachers?
• Can I trust my own judgment?
• Can I trust God?

Rebuilding trust takes time. Some helpful steps:

Trust but verify:

• When you hear teaching, test it against Scripture
• Research multiple perspectives
• Don’t accept teaching just because someone claims authority

Find healthy community:

• Look for churches that encourage questions
• Look for leaders who are accountable and transparent
• Look for communities that teach grace, not fear

Remember God is trustworthy:

• God did not deceive you—Shincheonji did
• God’s Word is true—Shincheonji’s interpretation was false
• God loves you—Shincheonji used fear to control you

Psalm 118:8:

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”

Part 9: The True Gospel vs. Shincheonji’s Gospel

Shincheonji’s Gospel (as taught in Lesson 113):

Salvation requires:

1. Understanding the “correct” interpretation of Revelation (Shincheonji’s interpretation)
2. Recognizing Lee Man-hee as “New John,” the promised pastor
3. Coming out of “Babylon” (leaving traditional churches)
4. Entering “Mount Zion” (joining Shincheonji)
5. Having your name in the “Book of Life” (Shincheonji’s church registry)
6. Being “born in Zion” (formally joining Shincheonji)
7. Standing firm until the end (never leaving)
8. Being an “overcomer” (enduring despite doubts)
9. Being “sealed with the word of testimony” (committed to Shincheonji’s teaching)

Salvation is maintained by:

• Staying in Shincheonji (not leaving)
• Keeping your name in the registry
• Enduring persecution (criticism from family/friends/churches)
• Being unified (same heart, same mind)
• Removing all doubts
• Overcoming (never giving up, never leaving)

Salvation is lost by:

• Leaving Shincheonji
• Having your name removed from the registry
• Not standing firm until the end
• Being like “dogs and pigs” (questioning, doubting)
• Listening to “persecutors” (critics)

The Biblical Gospel:

Salvation is:

1. By Grace Through Faith in Christ Alone

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 a gift, received by faith—not earned by organizational membership or maintained by endurance.

2. Through Jesus Christ Alone

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.”

Salvation is through Jesus—not through Lee Man-hee, not through Shincheonji, not through having your name in a registry.

3. Secure in Christ

John 10:28-29:

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

Believers “shall never perish”—salvation is secure in Christ, not dependent on organizational membership.

4. Sealed by the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 1:13-14:

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

When you believe, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit—not by having your name in an organization’s registry.

5. Available to All Who Believe

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”—salvation is available to all who believe, not just to members of one organization.

6. Not Based on Works

Titus 3:5:

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

“Not because of righteous things we had done”—salvation is not based on our endurance, our overcoming, our organizational loyalty.

7. Results in Freedom

Galatians 5:1:

“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.”

Christ sets us free—not to be burdened by fear of losing salvation, not to be controlled by organizational demands, but to live in freedom.

The Difference

Shincheonji’s gospel:

• Salvation by organizational membership
• Maintained by endurance and loyalty
• Lost by leaving
• Creates fear and control
• Makes Christ insufficient (Christ + organization)
• Ties salvation to human authority

Biblical gospel:

• Salvation by grace through faith
• Secured by Christ’s work
• Cannot be lost (believers are secure in Christ)
• Creates freedom and assurance
• Makes Christ sufficient (Christ alone)
• Ties salvation to God’s grace, not human authority

These are two different gospels.

Galatians 1:8-9:

“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!”

Shincheonji’s gospel is “a gospel other than” the biblical gospel. It’s a different message—one based on organizational membership rather than grace through faith.

Conclusion: The Choice Before You

Two Paths

You are being presented with two paths:

Shincheonji’s Path:

• Sign the registry (have your name in the “Book of Life”)
• Take the pledge (formal organizational commitment)
• Enter Mount Zion (join Shincheonji)
• Be “born in Zion” (become a member)
• Stand firm until the end (never leave)
• Be an overcomer (endure despite doubts)
• Ignore critics (they’re persecutors controlled by Satan)
• Remove all doubts
• Have the same heart and mind as everyone else
• Trust that your salvation depends on maintaining membership

Biblical Path:

• Trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation
• Receive salvation as a free gift by grace through faith
• Be sealed by the Holy Spirit when you believe
• Know that your salvation is secure in Christ
• Test all teaching against Scripture
• Listen to legitimate concerns from family and friends
• Bring your doubts to God and seek truth
• Be part of the universal church (all believers)
• Know that your name is in God’s Book of Life through faith in Christ
• Live in freedom, not fear

Which path sounds like the gospel of grace?

Which path sounds like Jesus’ teaching about rest and freedom?

Which path would first-century Christians have recognized as biblical?

The question is not: “Should I sign the registry and take the pledge?”

The question is: “Where is my faith placed—in Christ alone, or in organizational membership?”

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.”

Salvation comes through faith in Christ—not through signing a registry, not through organizational membership, not through enduring in a group.

John 6:47:

“Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.”

“The one who believes has eternal life”—present tense, secure, based on faith in Christ.

You Are Loved

Wherever you are in this journey—hear this:

You are loved by God—not because your name is in an organization’s registry, not because you’ve endured in a group, not because you’ve been an “overcomer” who never quit—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 about Shincheonji, before you heard of the Book of Life registry, before you tried to be an “overcomer”—Christ died for you.

That’s the gospel. That’s the good news.

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.”

God’s love drives out fear—the fear of losing salvation, the fear of having your name removed from a registry, the fear of not enduring until the end.

If you’re living in fear, that’s not from God. God’s love casts out fear.

May you find freedom, rest, and assurance in Christ alone.

Part 10: Understanding the Church Registry and Pledge (What’s Coming Next)

What the Registry and Pledge Likely Involve

While the document cuts off before fully explaining the registry and pledge process, based on former member testimonies and Shincheonji’s practices, here’s what students can expect:

The Church Registry:

1. Personal Information Collection

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number
• Email
• Emergency contact
• Previous church affiliation (if any)
• Date of “coming out” of Babylon
• Date of completing the course
• Tribe assignment (one of the 12 tribes)

2. Spiritual Information

• Date of “sealing” (completing the course)
• Level of sealing (Level 1 or Level 2)
• Commitment to Shincheonji’s teaching
• Acknowledgment of Lee Man-hee as “the promised pastor”

3. The Significance

• This registry is presented as “the Book of Life”
• Having your name in it = being saved
• Having your name removed = losing salvation
• This creates powerful control through fear

The Pledge:

Based on former member testimonies, the pledge typically involves:

1. Verbal or Written Commitment

• Acknowledging Lee Man-hee as the promised pastor
• Committing to Shincheonji’s teaching as the revealed word
• Promising to remain faithful to Shincheonji
• Committing to evangelize (recruit others)
• Promising not to add to or subtract from the revealed word
• Committing to the authority structure of Shincheonji

2. Public Declaration

• Often done in a group setting
• May involve raising your hand or standing
• May involve reciting the pledge together
• Creates public commitment (harder to back out)

3. Spiritual Significance

• Presented as a covenant before God
• Breaking the pledge = betraying God
• Creates guilt and shame around leaving

The Psychological Impact

Once you sign the registry and take the pledge:

1. Commitment Escalation

You’ve now:

• Invested 8-9 months in the course
• Made multiple public commitments (raised hand to be a priest, visited Mount Zion)
• Signed an official registry
• Taken a formal pledge
• Given your personal information
• Publicly identified as a Shincheonji member

Each step increases commitment and makes leaving harder.

2. Fear Intensification

Before signing: “If I join, my name will be in the Book of Life.”

After signing: “My name is in the Book of Life. If I leave, it will be removed. I can’t leave—I’ll lose my salvation.”

The fear becomes more concrete and immediate.

3. Identity Lock-In

Before signing: “I’m considering joining Shincheonji.”

After signing: “I am a Shincheonji member. This is who I am. My name is in the Book of Life. I am born in Zion. I am part of the 144,000 (or great multitude). This is my identity.”

Identity becomes locked in, making leaving feel like losing yourself.

4. Social Pressure

Before signing: “I’m still deciding.”

After signing: “Everyone knows I’m a member. If I leave, I’ll disappoint everyone. I’ll be seen as a betrayer. I’ll lose all my friendships.”

Social pressure to stay intensifies.

5. Guilt and Shame

If you later have doubts:

“I signed the registry. I took the pledge. I made a commitment before God. How can I break it? What kind of person breaks a commitment to God? I must be weak, faithless, like the ‘dogs and pigs’ they warned about.”

Guilt and shame prevent leaving even when you see problems.

Why Shincheonji Uses This Process

The registry and pledge serve several organizational purposes:

1. Information Collection

Shincheonji now has your:

• Full name and contact information
• Address
• Previous church affiliation
• Emergency contact

This information can be used to:

• Track you if you try to leave
• Contact you if you stop attending
• Identify your previous church (to avoid recruiting there again)
• Contact family if needed

2. Commitment Lock-In

The formal process of signing and pledging creates psychological commitment that’s hard to break.

Research on commitment shows: Public, written commitments are much harder to back out of than private, verbal ones.

3. Control Through Fear

By equating the registry with the Book of Life, Shincheonji creates fear-based control:

“Your salvation depends on keeping your name in this registry. Don’t leave, or you’ll lose everything.”

4. Legal Protection

By having members formally sign and pledge, Shincheonji can claim:

• “They joined voluntarily”
• “They made an informed commitment”
• “They agreed to our teaching”

This provides legal protection if members later claim they were deceived.

5. Organizational Growth Tracking

The registry allows Shincheonji to:

• Track membership numbers
• Claim growth (“We have hundreds of thousands of members”)
• Organize members into tribes
• Assign roles and responsibilities

Red Flags in the Registry and Pledge Process

Healthy churches:

• Don’t equate membership with salvation
• Don’t claim their registry is the Book of Life
• Don’t use fear of losing salvation to prevent leaving
• Don’t demand pledges that create guilt about questioning or leaving
• Don’t collect extensive personal information for control purposes
• Allow members to leave freely without fear of eternal consequences

Shincheonji:

• Equates registry with the Book of Life (salvation tied to membership)
• Uses fear of losing salvation to prevent leaving
• Demands pledges that create guilt and shame
• Collects personal information
• Makes leaving extremely difficult through fear, guilt, and social pressure

This is a red flag for spiritual abuse and cult-like control.

What You Should Know Before Signing

If you’re being asked to sign the registry and take the pledge, know this:

1. You Can Say No

Despite the pressure, despite the months of investment, despite the friendships—you can say no.

You are not obligated to sign just because you’ve taken the course.

2. Signing Doesn’t Make You More Saved

If you have faith in Jesus Christ, you are already saved—by grace through faith, sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Signing a registry doesn’t make you more saved. Not signing doesn’t make you less saved.

Your salvation is in Christ, not in organizational membership.

3. This Is a Point of No Return (Psychologically)

Once you sign and pledge, leaving becomes much harder:

• Fear intensifies (“My name will be removed from the Book of Life”)
• Guilt increases (“I made a commitment before God”)
• Social pressure escalates (“Everyone knows I’m a member”)
• Identity locks in (“I am a Shincheonji member”)

If you have any doubts, don’t sign. Take time. Research. Pray. Talk to people outside.

4. You’re Not Betraying God by Not Signing

Shincheonji will make you feel like not signing = betraying God, rejecting the truth, being like “dogs and pigs.”

But not signing an organization’s registry is not betraying God.

God doesn’t require organizational membership for salvation. He requires faith in Christ.

5. Leaving Later Is Possible But Harder

If you sign and later realize you want to leave, you can still leave. Many former members have left after signing.

But it’s harder because:

• The fear is more intense
• The guilt is stronger
• The social pressure is greater
• The identity crisis is deeper

It’s better to not sign in the first place if you have doubts.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

If you’re being pressured to sign the registry and take the pledge, ask yourself:

1. Am I signing because I’m convinced this is true, or because I feel pressured?

• Have I had time to research independently?
• Have I talked to people outside Shincheonji?
• Have I tested the claims against Scripture?
• Or am I signing because everyone expects me to, because I’ve invested so much time, because I don’t want to disappoint people?

2. Do I truly believe the Book of Life is Shincheonji’s registry?

• Is this biblical?
• Did Paul really have a physical Book of Life?
• Or is the Book of Life God’s sovereign record?
• Am I comfortable with the idea that my salvation depends on organizational membership?

3. Am I comfortable with the persecution narrative?

• Are family members who express concern really controlled by Satan?
• Are pastors who warn about Shincheonji really persecutors?
• Or might they have legitimate concerns?
• Am I willing to dismiss all criticism as “Satanic persecution”?

4. What happens if I want to leave later?

• Will I be free to leave without fear of losing salvation?
• Or will I be told my name will be removed from the Book of Life?
• Will I be able to leave without guilt and shame?
• Or will I be labeled a betrayer, like Judas?

5. Is this decision reversible?

• Can I change my mind later without consequences?
• Or is this a permanent commitment?
• What are the psychological, social, and spiritual consequences of leaving after signing?

If you’re not comfortable with the answers to these questions, don’t sign.

Part 11: For Family and Friends of Someone Taking This Course

If Your Loved One Is at This Stage

If your family member or friend is at Lesson 113 and being asked to sign the registry and take the pledge, here’s what you need to know:

1. This Is a Critical Moment

Lesson 113 is the preparation for formal organizational commitment. Once they sign and pledge, leaving becomes much harder due to:

• Intensified fear (losing salvation)
• Increased guilt (breaking a commitment to God)
• Deeper identity fusion (I am a Shincheonji member)
• Greater social pressure (everyone knows I’m a member)

If possible, intervention should happen before they sign.

2. They’re Experiencing Intense Psychological Pressure

After 8-9 months of indoctrination, they’re experiencing:

• Sunk cost fallacy (“I’ve invested so much, I can’t turn back now”)
• Identity fusion (“I am an overcomer, born in Zion, part of the fulfillment”)
• Fear (“If I don’t join, I’ll miss out on salvation”)
• Isolation (“My friends are all in Shincheonji; if I don’t join, I’ll lose them”)
• Persecution complex (“People who criticize are controlled by Satan”)
• Doubt suppression (“I must remove all doubts and be an overcomer”)

They’re not thinking clearly. They’re in a state of psychological manipulation.

3. Direct Confrontation May Backfire

Because of the persecution complex (“critics are controlled by Satan”), direct confrontation may backfire:

If you say: “This is a cult! You’re being brainwashed! Don’t sign!”

They may hear: “You’re persecuting me like they persecuted Jesus. This proves Shincheonji is right—they said traditional Christians would persecute us. I need to stand firm and not listen to you.”

Direct confrontation can push them deeper in.

4. Ask Questions Instead

Instead of confronting, ask questions that encourage critical thinking:

About the Book of Life:

• “Can you show me in the Bible where it says the Book of Life is a physical church registry?”
• “Did Paul really have a physical Book of Life, or was he expressing confidence that these believers were saved?”
• “If the Book of Life is God’s record, how can a human organization control it?”

About salvation:

• “Is salvation by grace through faith in Christ, or by joining an organization?”
• “If you leave Shincheonji, do you really lose your salvation?”
• “What does Ephesians 2:8-9 say about how we’re saved?”

About the persecution narrative:

• “Are we really persecuting you, or are we concerned because we love you?”
• “Is all criticism persecution, or might some criticism be legitimate?”
• “If we’re controlled by Satan, why would we be worried about you?”

About the commitment:

• “Are you signing because you’re convinced, or because you feel pressured?”
• “Have you had time to research this independently?”
• “What happens if you want to leave later?”

Questions encourage thinking without triggering the persecution complex.

5. Share Your Concerns with Love

Express your concerns from a place of love, not judgment:

“I love you, and I’m concerned. I’ve noticed you’ve changed—you’re distant, you’re defensive, you’re spending all your time with this group. I’m worried about the teaching that salvation depends on organizational membership. I’m worried about the fear-based control. I’m not trying to persecute you—I’m trying to protect you because I love you. Can we talk about this?”

6. Provide Resources

Gently offer resources:

• Testimonies from former Shincheonji members
• Biblical teaching on salvation by grace through faith
• Information about the Book of Life from biblical scholars
• Resources on spiritual abuse and cult-like groups

Don’t force them to read/watch. Just offer: “If you’re interested, I found some information that might be helpful. No pressure—just if you want to look at it.”

7. Keep the Door Open

Even if they sign and join, keep the door open:

“I don’t agree with your decision, and I’m worried about you. But I love you, and I’m here for you. If you ever have doubts, if you ever want to talk, if you ever want to leave—I’m here. No judgment. I love you.”

Many people leave Shincheonji eventually. When they do, they need to know they have somewhere to go.

8. Pray

Pray for:

• Their eyes to be opened to the truth
• Protection from deception and manipulation
• Courage to ask questions and think critically
• Freedom from fear-based control
• Restoration of relationship

James 5:16:

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

9. Don’t Give Up

Even if they sign and join, don’t give up on them.

Many former members say: “My family never gave up on me. Even when I was deep in Shincheonji, they kept reaching out, kept loving me, kept the door open. When I finally realized the truth and wanted to leave, I knew I could come back to them.”

Your consistent love and open door may be what saves them in the end.

Resources for Family and Friends

For more information and support:

• closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination – Comprehensive resources, testimonies, refutations
• Testimonies from former members – Understanding what your loved one is experiencing
• Biblical resources on salvation – To counter Shincheonji’s false gospel
• Resources on spiritual abuse – Understanding manipulation tactics
• Support groups for families – Connecting with others in similar situations

You are not alone. Many families have walked this path. There is hope.

Part 12: The True Meaning of the Book of Life – A Biblical Study

What First-Century Christians Understood

When first-century Christians heard about “the Book of Life,” what did they understand?

They would have understood it through their Jewish background and Old Testament knowledge:

1. The Book of Life in Jewish Thought

In Jewish tradition, God was understood to keep a record of the righteous:

Exodus 32:32-33:

“But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.’ The Lord replied to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.'”

This is God’s book—a record of those who belong to Him.

Psalm 69:28:

“May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.”

The “book of life” is where the righteous are listed—God’s record.

Daniel 12:1:

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.”

“Everyone whose name is found written in the book will be delivered”—this is God’s record of those who will be saved.

Jewish understanding: God keeps a record (metaphorically or literally) of those who belong to Him, the righteous, those who will be delivered.

2. The Book of Life in Revelation

When John wrote Revelation, first-century Christians would have understood “the Book of Life” through this Jewish background:

Revelation 3:5:

“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.”

First-century understanding: Jesus promises that those who are victorious (who persevere in faith) will have their names permanently in God’s book. He will acknowledge them before the Father.

Revelation 13:8:

“All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.”

First-century understanding: Those whose names are in the Lamb’s book will not worship the beast (Rome). The book belongs to the Lamb (Jesus), and names have been written “from the creation of the world”—this is God’s eternal decree, not a human registry.

Revelation 20:12, 15:

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books… Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

First-century understanding: At the final judgment, God will open the book of life. Those whose names are in it will be saved; those whose names are not will be condemned. This is God’s judgment based on His record, not a human organization’s registry.

Revelation 21:27:

“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

First-century understanding: Only those whose names are in the Lamb’s book will enter the New Jerusalem. This is determined by God, not by human organizations.

First-century Christians would NOT have understood:

• The Book of Life as a physical registry maintained by a church
• Organizational membership as determining who is in the book
• Human leaders as having authority to add or remove names

They would have understood:

• The Book of Life as God’s sovereign record
• God’s decree from eternity determining who is in the book
• Faith in Christ as the basis for inclusion

The Book of Life and God’s Sovereignty

The biblical teaching on the Book of Life emphasizes God’s sovereignty:

1. Names Written “From the Creation of the World”

Revelation 13:8:

“All whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.”

Names have been written “from the creation of the world”—this is God’s eternal decree, not something that happens when you join an organization in the 21st century.

2. God Determines Who Is In the Book

Exodus 32:33:

“The Lord replied to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.'”

God says “my book”—it’s His book, and He determines who is in it.

3. Jesus Has Authority Over the Book

Revelation 3:5:

“I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life.”

Jesus says “I will never blot out”—He has authority over the book, not human organizations.

4. The Book Is Used at Final Judgment

Revelation 20:12:

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life.”

At the final judgment, God opens the book—not a human organization.

The Book of Life is about God’s sovereignty in salvation, not about human organizational control.

How Do Names Get Written in the Book of Life?

The Bible teaches that names are written in the Book of Life through faith in Jesus Christ:

1. Through Believing in Jesus

John 1:12:

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Receiving Christ → Believing in His name → Becoming children of God → Names in the Book of Life

2. Through Being Born Again

John 3:3:

“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'”

Being born again (spiritually) through faith in Christ → Names in the Book of Life

3. Through God’s Grace

Ephesians 1:4-5:

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

God chose us “before the creation of the world”—this is His sovereign grace, not our organizational membership.

4. Through the New Birth

1 Peter 1:3:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

New birth through Christ’s resurrection → Living hope → Names in the Book of Life

Names are written in the Book of Life through faith in Christ, not through joining an organization.

Can Names Be Removed from the Book of Life?

This is a complex theological question with different perspectives:

Perspective 1: Names Cannot Be Removed (Once Saved, Always Saved)

John 10:28-29:

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

“They shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Those who are truly Christ’s cannot lose their salvation.

Revelation 3:5:

“I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life.”

“I will never blot out”—Jesus promises not to remove the names of those who are victorious (who truly believe).

This perspective: True believers’ names are permanently in the Book of Life and cannot be removed.

Perspective 2: Names Can Be Removed (Conditional Security)

Exodus 32:33:

“The Lord replied to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.'”

God says He will “blot out” those who sin against Him.

Revelation 22:19:

“And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.”

God will “take away” from those who tamper with His word.

This perspective: Names can be removed if people turn away from faith.

What Both Perspectives Agree On:

1. God Has Authority Over the Book

Both perspectives agree that God (not human organizations) has authority over the Book of Life.

2. Faith in Christ Is the Basis

Both perspectives agree that faith in Christ is the basis for inclusion in the Book of Life, not organizational membership.

3. Human Organizations Cannot Control It

Both perspectives agree that human organizations cannot add or remove names from the Book of Life.

What Neither Perspective Teaches:

Neither perspective teaches that:

• The Book of Life is a physical church registry
• Organizational membership determines inclusion
• Human leaders can add or remove names
• Leaving an organization means losing salvation

Shincheonji’s teaching contradicts both perspectives by claiming their registry is the Book of Life and that organizational membership determines salvation.

The Book of Life and Assurance

The biblical teaching on the Book of Life is meant to provide assurance, not fear:

1. Assurance for Believers

Philippians 4:3:

“Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

Paul expresses confidence that these believers’ names are in the Book of Life—this is assurance, not fear.

Luke 10:20:

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

“Rejoice that your names are written in heaven”—this is cause for joy and assurance, not fear.

2. Motivation for Faithfulness

Revelation 3:5:

“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.”

This is motivation to remain faithful—not through fear of losing salvation, but through confidence in Christ’s promise.

3. Warning for the Unrepentant

Revelation 20:15:

“Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

This is a warning for those who do not have faith in Christ—not a threat to manipulate believers into staying in an organization.

The Book of Life should provide:

• Assurance for those who trust in Christ
• Motivation to remain faithful
• Warning for those who reject Christ

It should NOT provide:

• Fear of losing salvation by leaving an organization
• Control by human leaders claiming authority over the book
• Manipulation through threats of having your name removed

Shincheonji’s use of the Book of Life creates fear and control, not assurance and motivation. This is a perversion of biblical teaching.

Part 13: Conclusion and Final Encouragement

Summary: What We’ve Learned About Lesson 113

Lesson 113 is one of the most dangerous and manipulative lessons in Shincheonji’s curriculum because it:

1. Creates a Persecution Complex

• Moses → Jesus → “New John” (Lee Man-hee) pattern
• Traditional churches persecute because of Satan
• All critics are demonized as persecutors
• Family/friends who express concern are controlled by Satan

2. Uses Fear-Based Control

• “Stand firm until the end will be saved” (endurance = salvation)
• Leaving = losing salvation
• Not being an “overcomer” = failure and condemnation

3. Manipulates Identity

• “You are an overcomer like Jesus”
• “Righteous = overcoming (never giving up, never leaving)”
• Identity fused with organizational membership

4. Ties Salvation to Organizational Membership

• “The real goal is to enter Mount Zion” (join Shincheonji)
• Book of Life = Shincheonji’s church registry
• Your name in the registry = salvation
• Leaving = name removed = losing salvation

5. Twists Scripture

• Philippians 4:3 (claiming Paul had a physical Book of Life)
• Matthew 16:19 (claiming Shincheonji has authority to bind/loose in heaven)
• Psalm 87 (claiming “born in Zion” = joining Shincheonji)
• Proverbs 24:16 (redefining righteousness as overcoming/never leaving)

6. Prepares for Formal Commitment

• Church registry (collecting personal information)
• Pledge (formal commitment that creates guilt about leaving)
• Public declaration (social pressure)

This lesson uses sophisticated psychological manipulation to:

• Create fear of leaving (losing salvation)
• Suppress doubts (“remove all doubts,” “overcomers don’t quit”)
• Demonize critics (persecution complex)
• Lock in identity (I am an overcomer, born in Zion)
• Prepare for formal commitment (registry and pledge)

The Core Issue: Two Different Gospels

At the heart of Lesson 113 is a fundamental contradiction between two gospels:

Shincheonji’s Gospel:

• Salvation requires joining the right organization
• Salvation is maintained by endurance and loyalty
• Salvation is lost by leaving
• Your name in an organization’s registry determines your eternal destiny
• Fear, control, and performance-based acceptance

Biblical Gospel:

• Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone
• Salvation is secured by Christ’s work, not our endurance
• Salvation cannot be lost because it’s based on Christ, not us
• Your name in God’s Book of Life is determined by faith in Christ
• Freedom, assurance, and grace-based acceptance

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!”

Shincheonji’s gospel is “a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.”

It’s a perversion of the gospel of grace, replacing it with a gospel of organizational membership, fear, and control.

The Path Forward: Choosing Truth

If you’re at this crossroads—being asked to sign the registry and take the pledge—you have a choice:

You can choose fear, or you can choose freedom.

You can choose organizational control, or you can choose Christ’s grace.

You can choose to suppress your doubts, or you can choose to seek truth.

2 Corinthians 3:17:

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom—not fear, not control, not manipulation.

If you’re experiencing fear, control, and manipulation, that’s not from the Spirit of the Lord.

John 8:32:

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Truth sets you free. Deception enslaves.

If Shincheonji’s teaching is true, it will stand up to examination. If it’s false, examination will expose it.

Don’t be afraid to test. Don’t be afraid to question. Don’t be afraid to seek truth.

1 Thessalonians 5:21:

“Test everything; hold fast what is good.”

You Are Not Alone

If you’re struggling with this decision, know that you are not alone:

Thousands have walked this path before you:

• Thousands have been at this same crossroads
• Thousands have felt the same pressure, fear, and confusion
• Thousands have chosen to leave
• Thousands have found freedom, healing, and genuine faith in Christ

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

You are not the first to have doubts. You are not weak for questioning. You are not alone.

And most importantly: God is with you.

Psalm 46:1:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

God is your refuge—not an organization, not a registry, not a group. God Himself.

Deuteronomy 31:6:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

“He will never leave you nor forsake you”—even if you leave Shincheonji, even if you lose friendships, even if you face criticism. God will never leave you.

A Prayer for Those at This Crossroads

“Heavenly Father,

I’m at a crossroads. I’ve been taught that signing this registry and taking this pledge is necessary for salvation—that my name in this registry is my name in the Book of Life. But I have doubts. I’m confused. I’m afraid.

Your Word says to test everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21). I want to test what I’ve been taught. Please give me wisdom to discern truth from error.

Your Word says salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Help me to understand what this means. Is my salvation really dependent on organizational membership? Or is it secure in Christ?

Your Word says where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). I don’t feel free—I feel afraid, controlled, pressured. Is this from You?

Your Word says perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). I’m living in fear—fear of losing salvation, fear of leaving, fear of having my name removed. Is this Your love?

Please open my eyes to see truth clearly. Give me courage to ask questions. Give me strength to resist pressure. Give me wisdom to make the right decision.

Help me to remember that You are my refuge, my strength, my salvation—not an organization, not a registry, not a group. You alone.

If I need to leave, give me courage. If I need to stay and ask questions, give me boldness. If I need to reach out for help, give me humility.

Thank You that nothing can separate me from Your love in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). Thank You that my salvation is secure in Christ, not in organizational membership.

Guide me in truth. Lead me in freedom. Hold me in Your love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Final Words of Encouragement

To those considering signing:

Take your time. Don’t let anyone pressure you. This is too important a decision to make under pressure.

Research independently. Talk to people outside Shincheonji. Read testimonies from former members. Study Scripture in context.

Listen to your doubts. They’re trying to protect you.

And remember: Your salvation is in Christ alone, not in organizational membership.

To those who have already signed and are having doubts:

It’s not too late. You can still leave. Many have left after signing, and they’ve found freedom, healing, and genuine faith in Christ.

Your name in Shincheonji’s registry is not your name in God’s Book of Life. Your salvation is not dependent on organizational membership.

If you have faith in Christ, your salvation is secure—regardless of what any organization says.

Reach out for help. Talk to family, friends, pastors outside Shincheonji. Connect with former members. You don’t have to walk this path alone.

To those who have left:

You made the right decision. Leaving an organization that uses fear-based control and ties salvation to membership is not betraying God—it’s choosing truth.

Give yourself time to heal. The psychological impact of this experience is real. Be patient with yourself.

Rebuild your identity in Christ—not as a former Shincheonji member, but as a child of God, sealed by the Holy Spirit, loved unconditionally.

Your story can help others. When you’re ready, consider sharing your testimony to help those still in or considering joining.

To family and friends:

Don’t give up. Keep loving. Keep praying. Keep the door open.

Your consistent love and open door may be what saves them in the end.

The Truth That Sets Free

The truth is:

You are loved by God—not because your name is in an organization’s registry, but because you are His creation.

You are saved by grace through faith in Christ—not by organizational membership.

Your name is in God’s Book of Life if you have faith in Jesus—not if you sign a registry.

You are free in Christ—free from fear, free from control, free from performance-based acceptance.

Galatians 5:1:

“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.”

Christ has set you free. Don’t let anyone—not an organization, not a leader, not a group—burden you again with a yoke of slavery.

John 8:36:

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed—truly, completely, eternally free.

May you find that freedom in Christ alone.

Resources and Further Reading

For comprehensive examination of Shincheonji’s claims:

• closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination

For understanding Revelation in first-century context:

• “How First-Century Christians Read Revelation Like a Political Cartoon”
• “The Revelation Project” by Dr. Chip Bennett & Dr. Warren Gage
• “John & Revelation Project – Part 1-8”

For understanding Shincheonji’s claims about fulfillment:

• “Prophecy and Fulfillment”
• “SCJ’s Fulfillment of Revelation Part 1”
• “SCJ’s Fulfillment of Revelation Part 2”
• “The Real Reasons Behind the Tabernacle Temple’s Destruction and Sale”

For understanding the biblical gospel:

• “Betrayal, Destruction, Salvation – A Christian Response”
• “Wedding Banquet of the Lamb and the First Resurrection”

For testimonies and support:

• Former member testimonies at closerlookinitiative.com
• Support groups for those leaving high-control religious groups
• Christian counselors experienced in spiritual abuse recovery