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

Lesson 124: Rev 16 – The Seven Bowls of Wrath

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

Introduction: The Weight of Being “The Only One”

Imagine you’re sitting in that classroom, nearing the end of months of intensive Bible study. You’ve learned about betrayal, destruction, the beast, the mark, the 144,000, the temple. You’ve been told you’re part of something special, something prophesied, something essential to God’s plan.

And now, the instructor’s voice carries a new weight of seriousness:

“Being part of God’s Kingdom requires tremendous courage because we must carefully consider our actions. What we are doing now isn’t familiar to most people.”

The room feels heavier. This isn’t just another lesson about symbols and prophecy. This is personal.

“Since you are walking this path, and as the Bible describes it as a narrow road, what will you encounter on your journey to the kingdom of heaven? Persecution.”

The word hangs in the air. Persecution. You’ve probably already experienced some tension with family or friends about your involvement in these Bible studies. Maybe they’ve asked questions you couldn’t fully answer. Maybe they’ve expressed concern. Maybe you’ve had to conceal how much time you’re spending in class.

The instructor continues: “Who will be used to persecute and put you on trial? Family. Friends. Strangers. Close personal people.”

Your mind immediately goes to specific faces. Your mom who’s been asking questions. Your friend who said this seems like a cult. Your pastor who warned you about Shincheonji.

“Are these trials strange or promised? They are promised. Amen.”

So this is normal. Expected. Prophesied. The opposition you’re facing isn’t a warning sign—it’s confirmation you’re on the right path.

“Because you are doing something different from the world and becoming someone who is no longer part of it, the world will hate you and try to stop you at every opportunity.”

The message is clear: opposition = validation. If people are concerned, it means you’re doing something right. If they try to stop you, it means the enemy is threatened by your progress.

Then comes the weight of responsibility:

“For many of you, you are the only one in your family who has this sword. You alone in your family know the path to heaven. If you cannot overcome, what chance remains for your family members? What chance exists for your friends and those connected to you? None – there is no chance.”

Let that sink in. You are the only one. The only one in your family who knows the truth. The only one who can save them. If you give up, if you leave, if you let persecution stop you—your family has no chance. None.

“You are very, very special because you were called to be that light, to be that lifeline for those connected to you. The enemy knows this, which is why he will try even harder to hinder your journey.”

Special. Chosen. The lifeline. The only hope. The pressure is immense, but it’s framed as privilege. You’ve been chosen for this crucial role. Your family’s eternal destiny depends on you staying committed.

“But we must persevere. We need faith that recognizes God is with us and we can succeed. As the saying goes, ‘I can do all things through Christ.'”

And then the lesson shifts to Revelation 16—the seven bowls of wrath. You learn that these bowls represent people, specifically people from Shincheonji who are filled with God’s word and pour out judgment on the false churches of “Babylon.”

The instructor explains: “When someone becomes like a proper bowl filled with the word, they can participate in God’s work.”

This will be you. Once you “pass over” (graduate and are sealed), you’ll become one of these bowls—a vessel filled with God’s word, doing God’s work, pouring out truth on the false teachings of other churches.

The message is clear: You’re almost there. You’re almost ready to become a full member, a sealed person, a bowl filled with God’s word. You just need to pass the exams, overcome the persecution, ignore the concerns of family and friends, and commit fully to Shincheonji.

But is this biblical? Is this what Revelation 16 actually teaches? Is the persecution you’re experiencing really confirmation that you’re on the right path? Are you really the only hope for your family’s salvation?

As we examine this lesson through the lens of first-century Christian understanding, historical context, and careful biblical interpretation, we’ll discover that Shincheonji is using powerful psychological manipulation techniques to deepen your commitment at a critical moment—right before final exams and full membership.

This refutation will draw extensively from the 30 chapters of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story,” which provides comprehensive analysis of how Shincheonji’s system works and why it departs so dramatically from biblical Christianity. We’ll also reference “The Revelation Project – Day 1-6 (Dr. Chip Bennett & Dr. Warren Gage),” “How First-Century Christians Read Revelation Like a Political Cartoon,” and other resources to understand both the historical context and Shincheonji’s specific claims.

For those seeking additional resources and support, visit https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination for comprehensive analysis of Shincheonji’s teachings, testimonies from former members, and resources for families.

Let’s begin by examining what Revelation 16 actually means, then explore the psychological manipulation in the persecution narrative, and finally address the unbearable pressure of being told you’re the “only hope” for your family’s salvation.

Part 1: Understanding Revelation 16 – The Seven Bowls of Wrath

The Biblical Text

Let’s read Revelation 16 in full to understand its context and meaning:

Revelation 16:1-21 (NIV84):

“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, ‘Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.’

The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly and painful sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped his image.

The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead man, and every living thing in the sea died.

The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: ‘You are just in these judgments, you who are and who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged; for they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.’ And I heard the altar respond: ‘Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.’

The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.

The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. Men gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.

The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East. Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.

‘Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.’

Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.”

First-Century Christian Understanding

To understand what first-century Christians would have understood from this passage, we need to consider several important contexts:

1. The Exodus Pattern

The seven bowls clearly parallel the plagues of Egypt in Exodus. Notice the similarities:

Exodus Plagues:

• Water turned to blood (Exodus 7:14-24)
• Painful sores/boils (Exodus 9:8-12)
• Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29)
• Death and judgment (Exodus 11-12)

Revelation 16 Bowls:

• Sea and rivers turned to blood (bowls 2-3)
• Painful sores (bowl 1)
• Darkness on the beast’s kingdom (bowl 5)
• Final judgment and destruction (bowl 7)

First-century Christians would immediately recognize this pattern. Just as God judged Egypt and delivered His people through the Exodus, so God will judge the world and deliver His people at the end of the age.

As “The Revelation Project – Day 1-6 (Dr. Chip Bennett & Dr. Warren Gage)” explains, Revelation uses Old Testament imagery and patterns to communicate its message. The Exodus pattern is one of the most prominent—God delivering His people from oppression and judging their oppressors.

2. The Cosmic Scope

Notice the scope of the judgments in Revelation 16:

• Bowl 1: poured on “the land”
• Bowl 2: poured on “the sea” (every living thing in the sea died)
• Bowl 3: poured on “the rivers and springs of water”
• Bowl 4: poured on “the sun”
• Bowl 5: poured on “the throne of the beast” (his kingdom plunged into darkness)
• Bowl 6: poured on “the great river Euphrates” (preparing for Armageddon)
• Bowl 7: poured “into the air” (earthquake, cities collapse, islands flee, mountains disappear)

These are cosmic, universal judgments affecting the entire created order—land, sea, rivers, sun, air. This is not a local event in one country or one organization. This is God’s final judgment on the entire world system opposed to Him.

3. The Finality

The seventh bowl concludes with a voice from the throne saying, “It is done!” (16:17). This is the same phrase Jesus spoke on the cross: “It is finished” (John 19:30).

The bowl judgments represent the completion of God’s wrath. After these judgments, Babylon falls (Rev 17-18), Christ returns (Rev 19), Satan is bound (Rev 20), and the new creation comes (Rev 21-22).

These are the final judgments before the consummation of all things. They’re not past events in Korea in the 1980s-1990s—they’re future (from John’s perspective) judgments that will precede Christ’s return.

4. The Literary Structure

Revelation contains three series of seven judgments:

• Seven Seals (Rev 6-8)
• Seven Trumpets (Rev 8-11)
• Seven Bowls (Rev 15-16)

Many biblical scholars understand these as recapitulation—different visions of the same period of judgment, each series intensifying and adding detail. As “How First-Century Christians Read Revelation Like a Political Cartoon” explains, Revelation uses repetition and intensification to communicate its message, much like a political cartoon uses exaggeration and symbolism.

The bowls are the most intense series, representing the final, complete outpouring of God’s wrath before Christ’s return.

5. The Symbolism of “Bowls”

In Revelation, bowls (Greek: phialē) are containers that hold something to be poured out. In 15:7, we’re told these bowls are “filled with the wrath of God.”

The imagery is of God’s wrath being poured out on the earth—like pouring liquid from a bowl. The focus is not on the bowls themselves (as containers) but on what they contain (God’s wrath) and where it’s poured (on the earth and its systems).

First-century Christians would understand this as symbolic imagery of divine judgment, not as literal bowls or as code for specific people.

What First-Century Christians Would NOT Understand

First-century Christians reading Revelation 16 would NOT understand:

❌ That the bowls represent seven specific people in a Korean organization ❌ That these judgments already happened in the 1980s-1990s in Korea ❌ That “pouring out bowls” means preaching against other churches ❌ That this is about one organization judging other Christian denominations ❌ That they needed to identify which seven people fulfilled this prophecy

Why? Because:

1. The text doesn’t suggest this interpretation: Nothing in Revelation 16 suggests the bowls are people or that this is about one organization judging others.
2. The scope is cosmic, not local: The judgments affect land, sea, rivers, sun, air—the entire created order, not one country or religious community.
3. The finality is clear: These are the final judgments before Christ’s return and the new creation, not events in recent history.
4. The pattern is Exodus: Just as the Exodus plagues were literal (though also symbolic), so the bowl judgments represent real, cosmic divine judgment.
5. The context is Christ’s return: Revelation 16 leads directly into the fall of Babylon (17-18), Christ’s return (19), and the new creation (21-22).

Shincheonji’s Interpretation

Now let’s examine Shincheonji’s interpretation as presented in Lesson 124:

Claim 1: “A bowl represents a person”

The lesson states: “What is the true meaning of a bowl in this context? A bowl represents a person. Evidence from Scripture: Acts 9:15 provides clear evidence of how a bowl symbolizes a person. In this verse, Paul becomes God’s chosen instrument and vessel.”

The Problem:

This is proof-texting—taking a verse out of context to support a predetermined conclusion.

Let’s look at Acts 9:15 in context:

Acts 9:15: “But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument [skeuos—vessel/instrument] to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.'”

Yes, Paul is called a “chosen instrument” or “vessel.” This is metaphorical language describing Paul’s role as God’s instrument to proclaim the gospel.

But this doesn’t mean that every reference to vessels, bowls, or containers in Scripture is code for a person. Context determines meaning.

In Revelation 15-16, the context is clear:

• The bowls are containers that hold God’s wrath (15:7)
• They are poured out on the earth, sea, rivers, sun, etc. (16:1-21)
• The focus is on what they contain (God’s wrath) and where it’s poured (on the earth)

The bowls in Revelation 16 are not people—they’re symbolic imagery of God’s judgment being poured out.

Claim 2: “The 7 bowls come from the TTT (Shincheonji)”

The lesson states: “This connects to what we will see in Revelation chapter 16, where the 7 bowls come from the Tabernacle of the Temple of the Testimony (TTT).”

The Problem:

Revelation 15:5-6 says: “After this I looked and in heaven the temple, that is, the tabernacle of the Testimony, was opened. Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues.”

The seven angels come from the temple in heaven, not from an organization on earth. As we discussed in the refutation of Lesson 121, the temple in Revelation 15 is explicitly located “in heaven” (15:5).

Shincheonji claims to be this temple, but the text clearly locates it in heaven, not on earth.

Claim 3: “These bowls are filled with God’s word/judgment to pour on Babylon churches”

The lesson implies that the seven bowls represent Shincheonji members who are filled with God’s word and pour out judgment (by preaching against) other churches.

The Problem:

Revelation 16 describes cosmic judgments—painful sores, seas turning to blood, rivers becoming blood, scorching sun, darkness, earthquake, hailstones. These are not descriptions of preaching or teaching.

The judgments in Revelation 16 are God’s direct intervention in judgment, not human preaching or organizational activity.

Claim 4: “This already happened”

Shincheonji teaches that Revelation 16 was fulfilled in their history when Shincheonji members confronted and exposed the “Babylon” churches.

The Problem:

If Revelation 16 has already been fulfilled, then:

• Where was the cosmic earthquake that split cities and made islands flee? (16:18-20)
• Where were the hundred-pound hailstones? (16:21)
• Where did the sea turn to blood and every living thing die? (16:3)
• Where was Armageddon? (16:16)
• Where was the voice from the throne saying “It is done!”? (16:17)

The events described in Revelation 16 have clearly not happened. Claiming they’ve been fulfilled requires ignoring the actual content of the chapter.

The Biblical Understanding of Bowls/Vessels

Let’s look at how Scripture actually uses the imagery of bowls and vessels:

1. Vessels for Different Purposes:

2 Timothy 2:20-21: “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”

Paul uses vessel imagery to describe Christians who are useful to God. But notice:

• This is clearly metaphorical (Paul explains what he means)
• It’s about moral purity and usefulness, not about being literal containers
• It doesn’t mean every vessel reference in Scripture is about people

2. Vessels of Mercy and Wrath:

Romans 9:22-23: “What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory?”

Paul speaks of “vessels of wrath” and “vessels of mercy”—people who experience God’s wrath or mercy. But again, this is clearly metaphorical language in Paul’s argument about God’s sovereignty.

3. Bowls in Revelation:

In Revelation, bowls appear in several contexts:

Revelation 5:8: “And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”

Here, bowls contain the prayers of the saints. The bowls are symbolic containers, and the text explicitly tells us what they symbolize (prayers).

Revelation 15:7: “Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever.”

Here, bowls contain God’s wrath. Again, symbolic containers, and the text tells us what they contain (God’s wrath).

The pattern is clear: When Revelation uses bowl imagery, it tells us what the bowls symbolize or contain. We don’t need to decode them as people—the text explains its own symbolism.

The Danger of Proof-Texting

Shincheonji’s interpretation demonstrates the danger of proof-texting—taking verses out of context to support predetermined conclusions.

The method:

1. Start with a conclusion: “The seven bowls must be seven people in Shincheonji”
2. Find a verse that mentions vessels/instruments and people: Acts 9:15
3. Claim this “proves” that bowls = people
4. Apply this to Revelation 16, ignoring the actual context

This method can be used to “prove” almost anything. For example:

• Jesus said “I am the door” (John 10:9)
• Therefore, every door in Scripture represents Jesus
• The door of Noah’s ark (Genesis 7:16) = Jesus
• The door Rahab used (Joshua 2:15) = Jesus

This is absurd, but it’s the same method Shincheonji uses. Context determines meaning, not proof-texting.

As Chapter 8 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, Shincheonji’s interpretive method systematically ignores context, literary genre, historical background, and authorial intent. Instead, they impose their predetermined conclusions onto the text through proof-texting and symbolic substitution.

Part 2: The Persecution Narrative – Manipulation Through Fear

The Setup

Lesson 124 begins with an extended section on persecution. Let’s examine the key statements and their psychological functions:

Statement 1: “Being part of God’s Kingdom requires tremendous courage”

This immediately frames involvement in Shincheonji as requiring courage. Why? Because you’re doing something difficult, something that will bring opposition.

Psychological Function:

• Prepares students for negative reactions from family/friends
• Reframes opposition as evidence of doing something important
• Creates expectation that difficulty = validation

Statement 2: “What we are doing now isn’t familiar to most people”

This acknowledges that Shincheonji’s teachings and practices are unusual, but frames this as positive—you’re part of something special that others don’t understand.

Psychological Function:

• Normalizes the strangeness of Shincheonji’s system
• Creates in-group/out-group distinction
• Suggests that being different = being right

Statement 3: “Since you are walking this path, and as the Bible describes it as a narrow road, what will you encounter on your journey to the kingdom of heaven? Persecution.”

This connects Shincheonji involvement to Jesus’ teaching about the narrow road (Matthew 7:13-14) and promises of persecution (John 15:18-20).

Psychological Function:

• Provides biblical justification for expected opposition
• Makes opposition seem prophesied and inevitable
• Suggests that experiencing opposition confirms you’re on the right path

The Biblical Teaching on Persecution

Let’s examine what the Bible actually teaches about persecution:

1. Jesus Promised Persecution:

John 15:18-20: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”

2 Timothy 3:12: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

Yes, Jesus promised that His followers would face persecution. This is biblical.

2. But Not All Opposition Is Persecution:

It’s crucial to distinguish between:

Legitimate Persecution:

• Opposition because of faith in Christ
• Suffering for righteousness’ sake
• Being hated because of Jesus’ name

Consequences of Error:

• Opposition because of false teaching
• Concern from family because of involvement in a harmful group
• Criticism because of deceptive practices

2 Peter 2:1-3: “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.”

False teachers also face opposition—not because they’re righteous, but because they’re teaching error. Opposition to false teaching is not persecution—it’s discernment.

3. Persecution Doesn’t Validate Every Group:

Many groups throughout history have claimed persecution as validation:

• Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple
• David Koresh and the Branch Davidians
• Heaven’s Gate
• Various cults and extremist groups

All of these groups told their members: “The world opposes us because we have the truth. Opposition proves we’re right.”

But opposition doesn’t prove you’re right. It might mean you’re wrong. It might mean people are rightly concerned about harmful teachings or practices.

4. We Must Examine Why We’re Opposed:

1 Peter 4:15-16: “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, praise God that you bear that name.”

Peter distinguishes between:

• Suffering for doing wrong (which brings no honor)
• Suffering for being a Christian (which is honorable)

We must honestly examine why we’re facing opposition. Is it because of genuine faith in Christ, or because of involvement in a group with problematic teachings and practices?

The Manipulation in Shincheonji’s Persecution Narrative

Let’s examine how Shincheonji manipulates the persecution narrative:

Manipulation 1: Preemptively Labeling All Criticism as Persecution

By teaching students that they will face “persecution” from family, friends, and others, Shincheonji preemptively labels all criticism and concern as persecution.

The Effect:

• Family concern = “persecution from the enemy”
• Pastor’s warning = “persecution from Babylon”
• Friend’s questions = “persecution trying to stop you”
• Critical thinking = “doubt from the enemy”

This prevents students from seriously considering whether the concerns might be legitimate. All opposition is automatically categorized as persecution, which validates involvement rather than prompting reconsideration.

Manipulation 2: Making Opposition = Validation

The lesson teaches: “Because you are doing something different from the world and becoming someone who is no longer part of it, the world will hate you and try to stop you at every opportunity.”

The Effect:

• Opposition confirms you’re on the right path
• The more people oppose you, the more right you must be
• Lack of opposition might mean you’re not committed enough

This creates a closed system where opposition validates involvement and lack of opposition creates anxiety about insufficient commitment.

Manipulation 3: Creating a Siege Mentality

The lesson lists who will persecute you:

• Family
• Friends
• Strangers
• Close personal people

Everyone is a potential persecutor. The world is against you. You’re surrounded by opposition.

The Effect:

• Creates “us vs. them” mentality
• Increases dependence on the group (the only “safe” place)
• Isolates students from outside perspectives
• Makes leaving seem like surrendering to the enemy

Manipulation 4: Connecting Persecution to Salvation

The lesson states: “If we encounter hardships and give up because we feel it’s too much to bear, have we won or lost? We lost. The only way we can truly win against the enemy is to continue pushing forward.”

The Effect:

• Staying despite opposition = winning/salvation
• Leaving despite opposition = losing/damnation
• Enduring persecution becomes proof of salvation
• Creates pressure to stay regardless of legitimate concerns

The Psychological Harm

This persecution narrative causes significant psychological harm:

Harm 1: Relationship Damage

When family members’ concern is labeled “persecution,” students are taught to dismiss or resist it. This damages relationships and prevents healthy family communication.

Parents who are genuinely concerned about their child’s involvement in a high-control group are not persecutors—they’re loving parents. Labeling them as persecutors is harmful and unjust.

Harm 2: Suppression of Critical Thinking

When all questioning is labeled “doubt from the enemy,” students suppress their own critical thinking. Legitimate questions and concerns are dismissed as spiritual attacks rather than examined honestly.

Harm 3: Increased Commitment Through Sacrifice

The more students endure “persecution” (opposition from loved ones), the more committed they become. This is the “sunk cost fallacy”—having invested so much (including damaged relationships), they feel they can’t turn back.

Harm 4: Martyrdom Complex

Students develop a martyrdom complex—seeing themselves as suffering for truth, persecuted for righteousness. This feeds spiritual pride and makes it difficult to consider that they might be wrong.

Harm 5: Isolation

As students resist family concern and distance themselves from friends who question their involvement, they become increasingly isolated. This isolation increases dependence on Shincheonji and makes leaving more difficult.

As Chapter 13 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, the persecution narrative is a common technique in high-control groups. It serves to:

• Preemptively discredit criticism
• Increase commitment through sacrifice
• Create isolation from outside perspectives
• Validate the group’s claims through opposition

The Biblical Response to Opposition

How should Christians actually respond to opposition?

1. Examine the Source and Reason:

Ask honestly:

• Why am I facing opposition?
• Is it because of genuine faith in Christ or because of involvement in a controversial group?
• Are the concerns legitimate?
• Am I being persecuted for righteousness or experiencing consequences of error?

2. Listen to Wise Counsel:

Proverbs 12:15: “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”

Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Don’t automatically dismiss all opposition as persecution. Listen to the concerns of people who love you. Consider whether they might have valid points.

3. Test Everything:

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

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 teachings you’re receiving. Don’t assume opposition means you’re right. Test whether the teachings align with Scripture.

4. Seek Unity, Not Division:

Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

If your involvement in a group is causing division with family and other Christians, this should prompt serious reflection. While Jesus’ message sometimes causes division (Matthew 10:34-36), we should always seek unity where possible and examine whether division is necessary or avoidable.

5. Be Humble:

Proverbs 26:12: “Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”

Be willing to consider that you might be wrong. Humility means being open to correction, not assuming all opposition is persecution.

The Unbearable Weight

Let’s return to one of the most psychologically damaging statements in Lesson 124:

“For many of you, you are the only one in your family who has this sword. You alone in your family know the path to heaven. If you cannot overcome, what chance remains for your family members? What chance exists for your friends and those connected to you? None – there is no chance.”

Read that again slowly. Let the weight of it sink in.

You are the only one. You alone know the path to heaven. If you give up, your family has no chance. None.

This is one of the most manipulative and psychologically harmful teachings in Shincheonji’s curriculum. Let’s examine why.

The Theological Problems

Problem 1: It Makes You the Savior

The statement “If you cannot overcome, what chance remains for your family members? None – there is no chance” makes you responsible for your family’s salvation.

But Scripture is clear about who saves:

John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

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.”

1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”

God saves. Jesus is the mediator. The Holy Spirit draws people to Christ.

You are not your family’s savior. You are not the only hope for their salvation. God is perfectly capable of reaching your family members without you, and your leaving Shincheonji doesn’t doom them to hell.

Problem 2: It Denies God’s Sovereignty

The statement implies that God’s ability to save your family depends entirely on you staying in Shincheonji. If you leave, God has no other way to reach them.

This denies God’s sovereignty and power. Does the omnipotent God of the universe have only one way to reach your family—through your involvement in one specific organization?

Romans 8:28-30: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

God’s purposes cannot be thwarted by human actions. He is sovereign over salvation. Your family’s eternal destiny is in God’s hands, not yours.

Problem 3: It Confuses Our Role

Yes, Christians are called to share the gospel with others, including family members. But there’s a crucial difference between:

Biblical Evangelism:

• Sharing the gospel (the good news of salvation through Christ)
• Trusting God with the results
• Recognizing that we plant and water, but God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

Shincheonji’s Teaching:

• You must recruit family to Shincheonji
• Their salvation depends on your success
• If you fail or leave, they have “no chance”

The first is biblical; the second is manipulation.

Problem 4: It Misrepresents the Gospel

The statement assumes that the “path to heaven” is joining Shincheonji and accepting their interpretation of Revelation. But this is not the gospel.

The gospel is:

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.”

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 through faith in Jesus Christ, not through joining an organization or accepting a specific interpretation of Revelation.

If your family members trust in Christ, they are saved—whether or not they ever join Shincheonji or accept Shincheonji’s teachings.

The Psychological Harm

This teaching causes severe psychological harm:

Harm 1: Unbearable Pressure

Imagine carrying the weight of your entire family’s eternal destiny on your shoulders. If you stay committed, they might be saved. If you leave, they’re doomed. The pressure is crushing.

This creates:

• Intense anxiety and guilt
• Fear of making the “wrong” decision
• Paralysis (unable to leave even if you want to)
• Sense of overwhelming responsibility

Harm 2: Manipulation Through Guilt

If you’re considering leaving Shincheonji, this teaching immediately triggers guilt: “But what about my family? If I leave, they have no chance. How can I be so selfish?”

This guilt keeps people trapped in the organization even when they recognize problems with the teaching or practices.

Harm 3: Damaged Family Relationships

This teaching often leads to aggressive, relationship-damaging evangelism. Students feel desperate to recruit family members because their eternal destiny depends on it.

This can result in:

• Constant pressure on family to attend Bible studies
• Inability to have normal family relationships (everything becomes about recruitment)
• Conflict when family members resist
• Resentment on both sides

Harm 4: False Responsibility for Others’ Choices

This teaching makes you responsible for other people’s choices. But each person is responsible for their own response to God.

Ezekiel 18:20: “The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.”

You are responsible for your own choices, not for your family members’ choices. You can share the gospel, but you cannot make them believe. Their response is between them and God.

Harm 5: Spiritual Pride Mixed with Anxiety

This teaching creates a toxic mixture of spiritual pride (“I’m the only one who knows the truth”) and anxiety (“If I fail, they’re doomed”).

This combination is psychologically destabilizing and spiritually harmful.

The Reality: God’s Love for Your Family

Here’s the truth that Shincheonji doesn’t want you to know:

God loves your family members more than you do.

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.”

2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

God desires your family members’ salvation even more than you do. He is actively working to draw them to Himself. He has multiple ways to reach them—through His Word, through other Christians, through circumstances, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Your involvement in Shincheonji is not God’s only plan for your family’s salvation.

In fact, your involvement in Shincheonji might be hindering your family’s salvation by:

• Damaging your relationship with them through aggressive recruitment
• Associating Christianity with a high-control group
• Causing them to view the gospel with suspicion
• Preventing you from sharing the true gospel (salvation through faith in Christ alone)

The Biblical Role in Family Members’ Salvation

What is your actual biblical role regarding your family’s salvation?

1. Live a Godly Life:

1 Peter 3:1-2: “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”

Your godly life—characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—is a powerful witness.

2. Share the Gospel:

Romans 10:14-15: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”

Share the gospel—the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Not Shincheonji’s interpretation of Revelation, but the simple gospel: Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead, and offers salvation to all who believe.

3. Pray for Them:

1 Timothy 2:1-4: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Pray for your family members’ salvation. God hears and answers prayer.

4. Trust God with the Results:

1 Corinthians 3:6-7: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

You plant and water (share the gospel, live a godly life, pray), but God gives the growth. Trust Him with the results.

5. Respect Their Freedom:

God Himself respects human freedom. He doesn’t force anyone to believe. He invites, draws, convicts—but ultimately allows people to choose.

You should do the same. Share the gospel, but respect your family members’ freedom to accept or reject it. Don’t manipulate, pressure, or coerce.

What If You Leave Shincheonji?

If you leave Shincheonji, what happens to your family’s salvation?

Nothing changes regarding their salvation.

Their salvation never depended on your involvement in Shincheonji. It depends on their relationship with Jesus Christ.

In fact, leaving Shincheonji might actually help your family’s salvation by:

1. Restoring Damaged Relationships:

When you leave, you can begin to repair relationships damaged by aggressive recruitment attempts or by the secrecy and deception required by Shincheonji involvement.

2. Sharing the True Gospel:

Free from Shincheonji’s system, you can share the simple, beautiful gospel of salvation through faith in Christ—not a complex system of symbols and organizational membership.

3. Demonstrating Humility and Integrity:

Admitting you were wrong and leaving a harmful group demonstrates humility and integrity. This can be a powerful witness to your family.

4. Removing Barriers:

Your involvement in Shincheonji may have created barriers between your family and Christianity. Leaving removes those barriers and allows them to consider the gospel without the association with a controversial group.

5. Allowing God to Work:

Sometimes God works more effectively when we get out of the way. Your desperate, pressure-filled recruitment attempts (driven by the belief that you’re their only hope) may have been hindering God’s work in their lives.

The Contrast with Biblical Teaching

Let’s contrast Shincheonji’s teaching with biblical teaching:

Shincheonji:

• You are the only hope for your family’s salvation
• If you leave, they have no chance
• Their eternal destiny depends on your staying committed
• You must recruit them to Shincheonji
• Failure = their damnation

Biblical Teaching:

• God is the hope for your family’s salvation
• God has multiple ways to reach them
• Their eternal destiny depends on their response to Christ
• You share the gospel and trust God with results
• God is sovereign over salvation

The difference is fundamental. Shincheonji’s teaching places unbearable weight on you and makes you responsible for something only God can do. Biblical teaching acknowledges your role (sharing the gospel) while recognizing God’s sovereignty and power.

A Word to Those Carrying This Weight

If you’re in Shincheonji and carrying the weight of believing you’re the only hope for your family’s salvation, please hear this:

This is not your burden to carry.

Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

The burden Shincheonji has placed on you—that your family’s eternal destiny depends entirely on you—is not from Jesus. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Your family’s salvation is in God’s hands, not yours.

This doesn’t mean you don’t care about their salvation. It means you trust God with what only He can do—save them.

You can leave Shincheonji without dooming your family.

In fact, leaving might be the best thing you can do for your family’s spiritual well-being and for your relationship with them.

God loves your family more than you do, and He is more powerful than Shincheonji.

Trust Him. He is faithful.

Part 4: The “Word” = Shincheonji’s Interpretation

The Substitution

Throughout Lesson 124, there’s constant emphasis on “the word”:

• “Mastering the word is the true way to perfect ourselves”
• “The more of the word you have, the more of God you have”
• “With God with you, you can withstand persecution”
• “The bowl of our heart needs to be filled with God’s food”
• “When filled with God’s food, we can become appointed workers”
• “We must be sealed with the word”

On the surface, this sounds biblical. Christians should value God’s Word, study Scripture, and let it shape their lives.

But in Shincheonji’s system, “the word” doesn’t mean what you think it means.

What “The Word” Means in Shincheonji

In Shincheonji’s teaching, “the word” refers to:

1. Shincheonji’s Interpretation of Revelation:

When students are told to “master the word,” they’re being told to master Shincheonji’s interpretation of Revelation—the symbolic system, the historical narrative, the identification of Lee Man-hee as the promised pastor.

2. The “Open Word”:

Shincheonji claims to have the “open word”—the true interpretation of Revelation that other churches don’t have. “The word” means this exclusive interpretation.

3. Organizational Knowledge:

“Mastering the word” means memorizing Shincheonji’s teachings well enough to pass the final exams. It’s organizational knowledge, not biblical understanding.

4. The Content of the Curriculum:

“The word” is the content taught in the Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. It’s the curriculum, not Scripture itself.

The Biblical Meaning of “The Word”

Let’s examine what Scripture actually means by “the word”:

1. Jesus Is the Word:

John 1:1, 14: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Jesus is the Word of God—God’s ultimate revelation of Himself. The Word is not an interpretation system or organizational knowledge. The Word is a person: Jesus Christ.

2. Scripture Is God’s Word:

2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Scripture—the Bible—is God’s written word. It’s God-breathed, living, active, and sufficient to equip us for every good work.

3. The Gospel Is the Word:

Colossians 1:5-6: “The faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.”

Acts 8:4: “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”

The word is the gospel—the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

4. God’s Revelation and Commands:

Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Throughout Scripture, “the word” refers to God’s revelation—His commands, His promises, His truth revealed in Scripture and ultimately in Christ.

The Substitution in Action

Shincheonji takes biblical language about “the word” and substitutes their own meaning. Let’s see how this works:

Biblical Statement: “The more of the word you have, the more of God you have”

What it sounds like: The more you know Scripture and know Christ, the closer you are to God.

What Shincheonji means: The more you master Shincheonji’s interpretation of Revelation, the more of God you have.

Biblical Statement: “We must be sealed with the word”

What it sounds like: We must be marked by God’s truth in Scripture.

What Shincheonji means: We must accept Shincheonji’s teachings and pass the final exams to be officially sealed as members.

Biblical Statement: “Mastering the word is the true way to perfect ourselves”

What it sounds like: Studying Scripture and growing in Christ perfects us.

What Shincheonji means: Memorizing Shincheonji’s curriculum well enough to pass exams with 100% is the way to perfection.

This is a classic bait-and-switch. Biblical language is used, but the meaning is changed to serve organizational purposes.

The Problems with This Substitution

Problem 1: It Replaces Christ with Knowledge

In biblical Christianity, knowing God means knowing Christ personally through faith. It’s a relationship, not information.

John 17:3: “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Philippians 3:8: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”

But in Shincheonji’s system, “having more of the word” means having more organizational knowledge. The focus shifts from knowing Christ personally to mastering an interpretation system.

Problem 2: It Creates Performance-Based Spirituality

The statement “Mastering the word is the true way to perfect ourselves” creates a performance-based spirituality where your spiritual status depends on how well you master Shincheonji’s teachings.

But biblical Christianity teaches that:

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.”

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.”

God perfects us through His grace, not through our mastery of an interpretation system.

Problem 3: It Makes Organizational Knowledge Essential

By equating “the word” with Shincheonji’s interpretation, the organization makes itself essential to knowing God. You can’t have “the word” without Shincheonji. You can’t know God without their interpretation.

But Scripture teaches:

1 John 2:27: “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.”

John 6:45: “It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.”

We don’t need an organization to mediate between us and God. We have direct access through Christ.

Problem 4: It Shifts Authority from Scripture to Organization

When “the word” means Shincheonji’s interpretation rather than Scripture itself, authority shifts from the Bible to the organization.

Students are no longer asking “What does Scripture say?” but “What does Shincheonji teach?”

This is a fundamental shift in authority that undermines biblical Christianity.

The “Bowl” Metaphor

Lesson 124 uses the bowl metaphor extensively:

“The bowl represents a tool that holds food, and food symbolizes the word of God. The word should be contained in a person’s heart. There are 2 types of food and 2 types of bowls to consider. We must ensure we are the proper bowl – one that belongs to God, not Satan. If we find ourselves as Satan’s bowl, we must empty it out and fill it with God’s food.”

The Implication:

• If you’re in Shincheonji, you’re a bowl filled with God’s food (Shincheonji’s teaching)
• If you’re in other churches, you’re a bowl filled with Satan’s food (other interpretations)
• You must empty out other teachings and fill yourself with Shincheonji’s teaching

The Problem:

This creates a binary: Shincheonji’s teaching = God’s food; all other teaching = Satan’s food.

But what if Shincheonji’s teaching is actually the false food? What if by “emptying out” sound biblical teaching from your previous church and “filling up” with Shincheonji’s interpretation, you’re actually moving from truth to error?

The metaphor assumes Shincheonji is right, but this is precisely what needs to be examined, not assumed.

The Biblical Understanding of Being Filled

Scripture does talk about being filled, but with what?

Filled with the Holy Spirit:

Ephesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

Acts 2:4: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

Filled with the Knowledge of God’s Will:

Colossians 1:9: “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”

Filled with Fruit of Righteousness:

Philippians 1:11: “Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

Filled with Joy and Peace:

Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Notice what we’re to be filled with:

• The Holy Spirit
• Knowledge of God’s will (through the Spirit’s wisdom)
• Fruit of righteousness
• Joy and peace

We’re not told to be filled with an organization’s interpretation system or to master a curriculum to achieve perfection.

The Exam Pressure

The lesson emphasizes: “Throughout this course, while taking exams, we should have the heart to truly understand and master the content we’ve been studying. Our goal extends beyond just achieving a good grade – though we should all aim for 100%.”

The Pressure:

Students must pass exams with high scores (ideally 100%) to “pass over” and be sealed. This creates intense pressure to memorize Shincheonji’s teachings.

The Problem:

This makes salvation dependent on performance—on how well you master and regurgitate Shincheonji’s interpretation system.

But biblical salvation is:

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.”

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 is by grace through faith in Christ, not by passing exams on an interpretation system.

The True Word

The true Word is:

Jesus Christ: He is God’s ultimate revelation. To know Him is to know God.

Scripture: God’s written word, sufficient to equip us for every good work.

The Gospel: The good news of salvation through faith in Christ.

You don’t need Shincheonji’s interpretation system to have “the word.” You need Jesus Christ, Scripture, and the gospel.

And these are freely available to all—not mediated through an organization, not dependent on passing exams, not requiring mastery of a complex symbolic system.

Part 5: The Urgency to “Pass Over”

The Language of “Passing Over”

Throughout Lesson 124, there’s repeated emphasis on “passing over”:

• “Let’s pass over quickly and get to work”
• “For those interested, stay tuned. Let’s pass over quickly and get to work”
• “There will be an opportunity for those who pass over to help in this ministry”

This language of “passing over” is significant and intentional. Let’s examine what it means and why it’s used.

The Biblical Allusion: Passover

The term “pass over” alludes to the Passover in Exodus 12:

Exodus 12:12-13: “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.”

In the Exodus account, God “passed over” the houses marked with lamb’s blood, sparing them from judgment. The Passover became a central Jewish festival commemorating God’s deliverance from Egypt.

The Christian Understanding:

Christians understand Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb:

1 Corinthians 5:7: “Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”

John 1:29: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'”

Christ’s death is our Passover—His blood protects us from judgment, and through Him we’re delivered from slavery to sin.

Shincheonji’s Use of “Pass Over”

In Shincheonji’s system, “passing over” means:

1. Completing the Curriculum:

Students must complete all levels (Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced) and pass the final exams.

2. Achieving High Scores:

The emphasis on “aiming for 100%” indicates that high exam scores are expected for “passing over.”

3. Being Sealed:

“Passing over” leads to being “sealed”—officially becoming a full member of Shincheonji and being counted among the 144,000.

4. Transitioning from Student to Worker:

Those who “pass over” transition from passive learners to active workers—recruiting new students, participating in HWPL, serving in the organization.

5. Escaping Judgment:

The implication is that those who “pass over” (join Shincheonji) are protected from God’s judgment, while those who don’t are subject to judgment.

The Problems with This Usage

Problem 1: Making Salvation Organizational

By tying “passing over” (escaping judgment) to completing Shincheonji’s curriculum and becoming a member, salvation becomes organizational rather than personal faith in Christ.

But Scripture teaches:

Acts 16:31: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

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 is through faith in Christ, not through organizational membership.

Problem 2: Making Salvation Performance-Based

The emphasis on passing exams with high scores (100%) makes salvation dependent on performance—on how well you master Shincheonji’s teachings.

But Scripture teaches:

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.”

Salvation is by grace, not by performance.

Problem 3: Creating Urgency Through Fear

The repeated emphasis on “pass over quickly” creates urgency driven by fear—fear of judgment, fear of being left out, fear of not being sealed.

This urgency prevents careful reflection and critical thinking. Students are pressured to commit quickly rather than taking time to examine the teachings carefully.

Problem 4: Misusing Biblical Imagery

Using Passover imagery to describe organizational membership misuses biblical symbolism. The Passover points to Christ’s sacrifice, not to joining an organization.

When Shincheonji uses this imagery for organizational purposes, they’re taking something sacred and redirecting it toward their own agenda.

The Psychological Function of Urgency

The urgency to “pass over quickly” serves several psychological functions:

Function 1: Preventing Critical Thinking

When you’re told to “pass over quickly,” you don’t have time to:

• Carefully examine the teachings
• Research Shincheonji’s history and practices
• Talk to former members
• Consult with pastors or biblical scholars
• Pray and reflect on whether this is truly from God

The urgency prevents the careful discernment that might lead you to question or leave.

Function 2: Increasing Commitment

The pressure to pass exams with high scores increases commitment. Students invest significant time and energy in studying, memorizing, and preparing for exams. This investment (sunk cost) makes it harder to walk away.

Function 3: Creating Artificial Scarcity

The urgency creates a sense that there’s limited time or opportunity. You need to “pass over quickly” before it’s too late. This artificial scarcity motivates action based on fear rather than careful consideration.

Function 4: Transitioning to Active Involvement

“Passing over” marks the transition from passive student to active worker. The urgency to “get to work” prepares students for immediate involvement in organizational activities—recruitment, HWPL, etc.

This immediate involvement further deepens commitment and makes leaving more difficult.

The Biblical Understanding of Urgency

Does the Bible teach urgency about salvation? Yes, but in a different way:

Biblical Urgency:

2 Corinthians 6:2: “For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Hebrews 3:15: “As has just been said: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.'”

There is urgency about responding to the gospel. We shouldn’t delay trusting in Christ. Today is the day of salvation.

But notice the difference:

Biblical Urgency:

• Urgency to trust in Christ
• Based on God’s grace and invitation
• Motivated by love, not fear
• Allows time for understanding and genuine faith
• Focuses on relationship with Christ

Shincheonji’s Urgency:

• Urgency to complete curriculum and pass exams
• Based on organizational requirements
• Motivated by fear of judgment and being left out
• Prevents careful examination
• Focuses on organizational membership

The biblical urgency is about responding to God’s grace in Christ. Shincheonji’s urgency is about organizational commitment.

The Danger of Rushing

Proverbs 19:2: “Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!”

Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

Scripture warns against hasty decisions. Important decisions—especially those affecting your spiritual life, relationships, and future—should be made carefully, with prayer, wisdom, and counsel.

The pressure to “pass over quickly” contradicts biblical wisdom about careful decision-making.

What You Should Actually Do

If you’re in Shincheonji and feeling pressure to “pass over quickly,” here’s what you should actually do:

1. Slow Down:

Take time. Don’t let anyone pressure you into hasty decisions. Important decisions require careful thought.

2. Research:

Research Shincheonji thoroughly:

• Read testimonies from former members
• Examine critiques of their teachings
• Learn about their history and practices
• Visit https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination

3. Compare with Scripture:

Compare Shincheonji’s teachings with Scripture. Don’t just accept their interpretation—examine it carefully against the whole counsel of God’s Word.

4. Seek Wise Counsel:

Talk to trusted pastors, biblical scholars, mature Christians. Don’t isolate yourself or only listen to Shincheonji’s perspective.

Proverbs 11:14: “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”

5. Pray:

Ask God for wisdom and discernment. He promises to give wisdom to those who ask.

James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

6. Consider the Fruit:

Matthew 7:16: “By their fruit you will recognize them.”

What is the fruit of Shincheonji’s teaching in people’s lives? Do you see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? Or do you see fear, anxiety, broken relationships, deception, and control?

7. Trust God’s Timing:

God is not in a hurry. He doesn’t pressure you into hasty decisions. If something is truly from God, it will withstand careful examination.

Part 6: HWPL Integration and the “24 Ministries”

The Organizational Structure Revealed

Lesson 124 provides a glimpse into Shincheonji’s organizational structure:

“HWPL is one of the 24 ministries. There will be an opportunity for those who pass over to help in this ministry. For those interested, stay tuned. Let’s pass over quickly and get to work.”

This statement reveals several important things:

1. HWPL is Part of Shincheonji’s Structure:

HWPL is not an independent peace organization—it’s one of Shincheonji’s 24 ministries. This confirms what we discussed in the refutation of Lesson 122: HWPL is a front organization for Shincheonji.

2. The “24 Ministries”:

Shincheonji has an organizational structure of 24 ministries. This likely corresponds to their interpretation of Revelation 4:4 (24 elders) and their claim to be the fulfillment of this prophecy.

3. Post-Graduation Involvement:

Students who “pass over” (graduate and are sealed) are expected to become involved in these ministries. This is the transition from passive student to active worker.

4. HWPL as Entry Point:

HWPL is presented as an attractive entry point for organizational involvement—who doesn’t want to work for peace? This makes the transition to active involvement seem positive and meaningful.

The “24 Ministries” in Shincheonji’s System

According to “SCJ’s Fulfillment of Revelation Part 1 and Part 2,” Shincheonji’s organizational structure includes:

The 12 Tribes:

Shincheonji is divided into 12 tribes, corresponding to their interpretation of the 144,000 (12,000 from each of 12 tribes in Revelation 7).

Each tribe has:

• A tribe leader (one of the “12 tribe leaders” who are part of the leadership structure)
• Local churches/branches
• Various ministries and departments

The 24 Elders:

Shincheonji claims to have 24 elders (corresponding to Revelation 4:4), who oversee various aspects of the organization.

The Ministries:

The 24 ministries include various departments and activities:

• Education (Bible study curriculum)
• Evangelism (recruitment)
• HWPL (peace organization)
• Media and publications
• International missions
• Youth ministry
• Arts and culture
• And others

The Function of This Structure

This organizational structure serves several functions:

Function 1: Creating Fulfillment Claims

By having 12 tribes and 24 elders, Shincheonji claims to be the literal fulfillment of Revelation’s prophecies. The organizational structure becomes “evidence” of fulfillment.

Function 2: Providing Roles for Members:

The extensive ministry structure provides roles for members after graduation. Everyone can be involved in some ministry, which:

• Keeps members busy and committed
• Provides sense of purpose and significance
• Makes leaving more difficult (you’d be abandoning your ministry)

Function 3: Expanding Organizational Reach:

Different ministries reach different audiences:

• HWPL reaches people interested in peace
• Arts and culture ministries reach creative people
• Youth ministries reach young people
• International missions expand globally

This diversification allows Shincheonji to reach more people through various entry points.

Function 4: Deepening Commitment:

As members become involved in ministries, their commitment deepens. They’re no longer just attending classes—they’re actively working for the organization, which creates stronger bonds and makes leaving more costly.

HWPL’s Role in This Structure

HWPL serves a special role in Shincheonji’s ministry structure:

1. Public-Facing Front:

HWPL provides a positive, public-facing front for Shincheonji. While Shincheonji has negative publicity due to its cultic practices, HWPL appears as a legitimate humanitarian organization.

2. Recruitment Tool:

HWPL events provide opportunities to identify and recruit potential members without immediately revealing the Shincheonji connection.

3. Legitimization:

HWPL’s consultative status with the UN and its international conferences provide legitimacy that Shincheonji uses to validate its claims.

4. Fulfillment “Evidence”:

HWPL’s peace work is presented to members as evidence that Lee Man-hee is fulfilling prophecies about the Prince of Peace and the peacemaker.

5. Member Involvement:

HWPL provides meaningful-seeming work for members—attending conferences, promoting peace initiatives, recruiting others to HWPL events.

The Deception in the Structure

There’s fundamental deception in this structure:

Deception 1: Concealed Connection:

Many people involved in HWPL events don’t know about the connection to Shincheonji. This is deliberate deception.

Deception 2: False Fulfillment Claims:

The organizational structure (12 tribes, 24 elders) is presented as fulfillment of prophecy, but it’s simply an organization choosing to structure itself according to numbers in Revelation. This is not fulfillment—it’s imitation.

Deception 3: Using Good Causes for Organizational Purposes:

HWPL uses the legitimate cause of peace for organizational purposes—recruitment, legitimization, and member involvement. This exploits people’s genuine desire for peace.

Deception 4: Gradual Disclosure:

The full organizational structure and expectations aren’t disclosed upfront. Students learn gradually about the 24 ministries, the expectation of involvement, and the time commitment required.

The Biblical Standard

How does this compare to biblical standards for church organization and ministry?

Biblical Church Structure:

The New Testament describes church leadership:

1 Timothy 3:1-13: Qualifications for overseers and deacons Titus 1:5-9: Qualifications for elders Acts 6:1-7: Selection of deacons to serve Ephesians 4:11-13: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers

Key Principles:

1. Servant Leadership:

Matthew 20:25-28: “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'”

2. Transparency:

2 Corinthians 4:2: “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

3. Focus on Christ:

Colossians 1:18: “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

4. Unity, Not Division:

1 Corinthians 1:10-13: “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas’; still another, ‘I follow Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

Shincheonji’s Structure Violates These Principles:

• Not servant leadership: Hierarchical structure with Lee Man-hee at the top
• Not transparent: Conceals connections (HWPL), uses deceptive recruitment
• Not focused on Christ: Focused on organization and Lee Man-hee
• Creates division: Separates members from other Christians (“Babylon”)

Part 7: The Progression of Indoctrination at This Stage

Where Students Are Now

By Lesson 124, students are at a critical juncture. Let’s trace the progression:

Introductory Level (Parables) – Months 1-3:

• Learned symbolic interpretation method
• Formed relationships with evangelists
• Began attending regularly
• Started viewing Bible as book of symbols

Intermediate Level (Bible Logic) – Months 4-6:

• Learned Shincheonji’s symbolic system
• Increased time commitment
• Began distrusting other interpretations
• Started viewing other churches as lacking understanding

Advanced Level (Revelation 1-11) – Months 7-9:

• Learned Shincheonji’s historical narrative
• Accepted Shincheonji as fulfillment of Revelation
• Began separating from other churches
• Accepted Lee Man-hee as “promised pastor”

Advanced Level (Revelation 12-15) – Months 10-12:

• Learned about spiritual warfare (Rev 12)
• Accepted other churches as “Babylon” (Rev 13)
• Learned about 144,000 and aspired to be part of it (Rev 14)
• Learned Shincheonji is the temple (Rev 15)
• Introduced to HWPL (Lesson 122)

Advanced Level (Revelation 16+) – Months 12-14:

• NOW: Lesson 124 – Preparing for final commitment
• Learning about persecution and how to endure it
• Being told they’re the only hope for family’s salvation
• Being pressured to “pass over quickly”
• Being prepared for post-graduation involvement in ministries

The Critical Transition

Lesson 124 marks a critical transition point:

From Learning to Commitment:

Students are transitioning from passive learning to active commitment. The focus shifts from “understanding the word” to “passing over” and “getting to work.”

From Student to Worker:

The repeated emphasis on “pass over quickly and get to work” signals the transition from student to worker. After graduation, students will be expected to:

• Recruit new students
• Participate in ministries (including HWPL)
• Attend organizational events
• Contribute financially
• Dedicate significant time to organizational activities

From Questioning to Defending:

The persecution narrative prepares students to defend Shincheonji rather than question it. All criticism is now “persecution” to be endured, not legitimate concerns to be considered.

From Individual to Organization:

Students’ identity is now fully organizational. They are:

• Part of the 144,000
• Members of Mount Zion
• The temple of God
• Peacemakers through HWPL
• The only hope for their family’s salvation

Their individual identity has been subsumed into organizational identity.

The Psychological State

By this point, students are typically in a specific psychological state:

1. High Commitment:

After 12+ months of intensive study, students have invested enormous time, energy, and emotional commitment. The sunk cost makes leaving extremely difficult.

2. Altered Belief System:

Students’ belief system has been systematically altered:

• Other churches are Babylon
• Shincheonji is the only true church
• Lee Man-hee is the promised pastor
• They are part of the 144,000
• Salvation requires organizational membership

3. Relationship Changes:

Relationships have changed:

• Strong bonds with evangelists and fellow students
• Strained relationships with family/friends who oppose involvement
• Distance from previous church and Christian friends
• Isolation from outside perspectives

4. Identity Transformation:

Identity has been transformed:

• From individual Christian to organizational member
• From learner to “sealed” person
• From ordinary believer to part of elite group (144,000)
• From passive to active (soon to be recruiter/worker)

5. Emotional Investment:

Emotional investment is high:

• Excitement about being part of something special
• Fear of judgment if they don’t “pass over”
• Anxiety about family’s salvation
• Pressure to perform well on exams
• Anticipation of graduation and being sealed

6. Cognitive Dissonance:

Despite high commitment, many students experience cognitive dissonance:

• Tension between organizational demands and personal values
• Conflict between family relationships and organizational loyalty
• Doubt about some teachings despite overall acceptance
• Awareness of deceptive practices despite believing in the mission

This cognitive dissonance creates psychological discomfort that students typically resolve by:

• Suppressing doubts
• Rationalizing problematic aspects
• Increasing commitment (to justify the investment)
• Avoiding information that challenges beliefs

The Indoctrination Techniques in Lesson 124

Let’s identify the specific indoctrination techniques used in this lesson:

Technique 1: Persecution Narrative

Preemptively labeling all criticism as persecution prevents students from seriously considering concerns from family, friends, or former members.

Technique 2: Loaded Language

Terms like “pass over,” “sealed,” “the word,” “Babylon,” “Mount Zion” have special meanings within Shincheonji that reinforce organizational identity and beliefs.

Technique 3: Thought-Stopping

When doubts arise, students are taught to stop the thought: “That’s the enemy trying to hinder me. I must push forward.”

Technique 4: Us vs. Them

The constant emphasis on persecution from “the world,” “Babylon,” and even family creates a strong us vs. them mentality.

Technique 5: Guilt and Fear

“If you cannot overcome, what chance remains for your family members? None” creates intense guilt and fear that keeps students committed.

Technique 6: Urgency

“Let’s pass over quickly and get to work” creates urgency that prevents careful reflection and critical thinking.

Technique 7: Identity Transformation

“You are very, very special because you were called to be that light” reinforces the new organizational identity and makes leaving feel like losing your identity.

Technique 8: Sunk Cost

After 12+ months of intensive study, students have invested so much that leaving feels like wasting all that investment.

Technique 9: Social Pressure

The emphasis on exams and “aiming for 100%” creates social pressure to perform well and prove commitment.

Technique 10: Future Pacing

“There will be an opportunity for those who pass over to help in this ministry” creates anticipation of future involvement, making graduation feel like the beginning rather than a decision point.

As Chapter 11 of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” explains, these techniques work together to create a powerful system of influence that makes it extremely difficult for students to leave, even when they have doubts or concerns.

The Point of Maximum Vulnerability

Lesson 124 comes at the point of maximum vulnerability:

Why This Point Is Critical:

1. High Investment, Not Yet Fully Committed:

Students have invested 12+ months but haven’t yet made the final commitment (graduation, baptism, full membership). This is the last opportunity to reconsider before full commitment.

2. Doubts May Be Surfacing:

After months of study, some students may be experiencing doubts or concerns. The persecution narrative and urgency to “pass over quickly” are designed to suppress these doubts.

3. Family Opposition May Be Increasing:

As family members become more aware of the extent of involvement, opposition may be increasing. The persecution narrative reframes this opposition as validation rather than warning.

4. The Reality of Commitment Is Becoming Clear:

Students are beginning to understand what full membership will require—time commitment, financial contribution, recruitment expectations, involvement in ministries. Some may be having second thoughts.

5. Final Exams Are Approaching:

The pressure of final exams creates stress and urgency. Students are focused on passing rather than on carefully evaluating whether they should continue.

This Is the Critical Decision Point:

Lesson 124 is designed to push students through this critical decision point—to get them to “pass over quickly” before they have time to seriously reconsider.

What This Means for Students

If you’re at this point in the curriculum, you’re at a critical decision point. The pressure to “pass over quickly” is intense, but this is actually the time to slow down and carefully consider:

Questions to Ask:

1. Have I been allowed to examine Shincheonji’s teachings critically, or have I been pressured to accept them?
2. Have I researched Shincheonji’s history, practices, and former members’ testimonies?
3. Have I compared Shincheonji’s teachings with Scripture in context, or have I only learned their interpretation?
4. Have I sought counsel from trusted pastors and mature Christians outside Shincheonji?
5. Have I honestly evaluated the fruit of Shincheonji’s teaching in my life and relationships?
6. Am I experiencing peace and freedom, or anxiety and pressure?
7. Are my relationships with family and friends improving or deteriorating?
8. Am I being encouraged to think critically, or to suppress doubts?
9. Is the urgency to “pass over quickly” allowing me time for careful discernment?
10. If I have doubts or concerns, am I free to express them and have them addressed, or am I made to feel guilty for doubting?

The Most Important Question:

Is my faith in Jesus Christ, or in an organization’s interpretation system?

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 is through faith in Christ, not through organizational membership. If you trust in Christ, you are saved—whether or not you ever join Shincheonji.

Part 8: Questions for Reflection and Discernment

If you’re studying Lesson 124 or considering “passing over,” here are questions to carefully consider:

Questions About Revelation 16

1. What is the scope of the judgments? Are the judgments in Revelation 16 local (affecting one country or organization) or cosmic (affecting land, sea, rivers, sun, air)?
2. What is the context? Does Revelation 16 describe preaching/teaching, or does it describe divine judgments (sores, blood, darkness, earthquake, hail)?
3. Has this been fulfilled? Have the events described in Revelation 16 actually happened? Where was the earthquake that made islands flee and mountains disappear?
4. What about the finality? Revelation 16:17 says “It is done!” If this has already been fulfilled, why hasn’t Christ returned and the new creation come?
5. What is a bowl? Does the text say bowls are people, or are they containers that hold God’s wrath to be poured out?
6. Is Acts 9:15 relevant? Does Paul being called a “vessel” mean that every vessel/bowl reference in Scripture is about people? Does context matter?
7. What would first-century Christians understand? Would they understand Revelation 16 as predicting seven people in a Korean organization, or as describing God’s final judgments using Exodus imagery?
8. What is the literary pattern? How do the seven bowls relate to the seven seals and seven trumpets? Are these sequential events or recapitulation (different visions of the same period)?
9. Where is the temple? Revelation 15:5 says the temple is “in heaven.” Can an earthly organization be a heavenly temple?
10. Who pours out the bowls? Does Revelation 16 say people pour out the bowls, or do angels pour them out?

Questions About the Persecution Narrative

11. Is all opposition persecution? Is there a difference between persecution for righteousness and consequences of involvement in a problematic group?
12. Why are people concerned? Are family and friends opposing you because they hate righteousness, or because they’re concerned about your involvement in a high-control group?
13. What is the fruit? Is Shincheonji’s teaching producing love, joy, peace, and healthy relationships, or anxiety, fear, and broken relationships?
14. Who else claims persecution? Do other groups (including harmful cults) also claim that opposition validates their teachings?
15. What does the Bible say? Does the Bible teach that all opposition is persecution, or does it distinguish between suffering for righteousness and suffering for doing wrong (1 Peter 4:15-16)?
16. Am I allowed to question? Am I free to express doubts and have them addressed, or am I made to feel guilty for questioning?
17. What about false teachers? Do false teachers also face opposition? Does opposition prove someone is right?
18. Am I thinking critically? Am I examining concerns seriously, or automatically dismissing all criticism as “persecution”?
19. What would Jesus do? Did Jesus teach His followers to dismiss all concerns from family as “persecution from the enemy”?
20. Is this healthy? Is the persecution narrative helping my relationships and spiritual health, or damaging them?

Questions About Family Salvation

21. Who saves? Does the Bible teach that you save your family, or that God saves them?
22. What is your role? What is your biblical role in your family’s salvation—to recruit them to an organization or to share the gospel and trust God?
23. Is this pressure biblical? Does the Bible place the unbearable weight of your family’s eternal destiny entirely on you?
24. What if you leave? If you leave Shincheonji, does your family really have “no chance” of salvation?
25. What is the gospel? Is the gospel joining Shincheonji, or trusting in Christ?
26. Does God have other ways? Does God have only one way to reach your family (through you staying in Shincheonji), or does He have multiple ways?
27. What about God’s sovereignty? Is God sovereign over your family’s salvation, or does it depend entirely on your organizational membership?
28. What about free will? Are you responsible for your family members’ choices, or are they responsible for their own response to God?
29. What is the fruit? Is this teaching producing peace and healthy evangelism, or anxiety and relationship-damaging pressure?
30. Who benefits? Who benefits from you believing you’re the only hope for your family—you and your family, or Shincheonji?

Questions About “The Word”

31. What is “the word”? When Shincheonji says “the word,” do they mean Scripture, or their interpretation of Scripture?
32. What is Jesus called? Is Jesus called “the Word” (John 1:1), or is an interpretation system called “the word”?
33. What does “mastering the word” mean? Does it mean knowing Christ and understanding Scripture, or memorizing Shincheonji’s curriculum?
34. What does “sealed with the word” mean? Does it mean accepting Shincheonji’s teachings and passing exams, or being sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14)?
35. Is this performance-based? Does “mastering the word is the true way to perfect ourselves” create performance-based spirituality?
36. What does the Bible say? Does the Bible teach that we perfect ourselves through mastering an interpretation system, or that God perfects us through His grace?
37. What is the focus? Is the focus on knowing Christ personally, or on mastering organizational knowledge?
38. What is the authority? Is Scripture the authority, or is Shincheonji’s interpretation the authority?
39. Do you need an organization? Do you need an organization to mediate between you and God’s Word, or do you have direct access through the Holy Spirit?
40. What is being substituted? Is Christ being substituted with organizational knowledge?

Questions About “Passing Over”

41. What does “pass over” mean? Does it mean trusting in Christ (the Passover Lamb), or completing Shincheonji’s curriculum?
42. Is salvation organizational? Is salvation through organizational membership, or through faith in Christ?
43. Is salvation performance-based? Is salvation dependent on passing exams with high scores, or is it by grace through faith?
44. Why the urgency? Why are you being pressured to “pass over quickly”? Does urgency prevent careful discernment?
45. What happens if you slow down? Are you allowed to take time to research, pray, and seek counsel, or are you pressured to commit quickly?
46. Is this biblical wisdom? Does the Bible encourage hasty decisions, or careful discernment?
47. What is being misused? Is Passover imagery being misused for organizational purposes?
48. What is the real urgency? Is the urgency about responding to God’s grace, or about organizational commitment?
49. Who benefits from urgency? Who benefits from you committing quickly without careful examination—you, or Shincheonji?
50. What would happen if you wait? What would happen if you took several months to research, pray, and seek counsel before deciding?

Questions About HWPL and the Ministries

51. What is HWPL? Is HWPL an independent peace organization, or one of Shincheonji’s 24 ministries?
52. Is the connection disclosed? Are participants in HWPL events told about the connection to Shincheonji?
53. Is this honest? Is it honest to present HWPL as independent while concealing the Shincheonji connection?
54. What is the purpose? Is HWPL’s primary purpose promoting peace, or serving Shincheonji’s interests (recruitment, legitimization)?
55. What are the 24 ministries? What is the organizational structure you’re being asked to join?
56. What is expected? What will be expected of you after you “pass over”—time commitment, financial contribution, recruitment?
57. Is this disclosed upfront? Were these expectations clearly disclosed at the beginning, or are you learning gradually?
58. What is the fruit? What is the actual fruit of HWPL—genuine peace and reconciliation, or organizational growth for Shincheonji?
59. Is this biblical? Does this organizational structure align with biblical standards for transparency, servant leadership, and focus on Christ?
60. What are you committing to? Do you fully understand what you’re committing to if you “pass over”?

Questions About Your Experience

61. How do you feel? Do you feel peace and freedom, or anxiety and pressure?
62. Are your relationships improving? Are your relationships with family and friends improving or deteriorating?
63. Can you express doubts? Are you free to express doubts and concerns, or do you feel guilty for questioning?
64. Are you thinking critically? Are you examining teachings carefully, or accepting them without question?
65. What is your identity? Is your identity in Christ, or in organizational membership?
66. Are you isolated? Have you become isolated from outside perspectives and relationships?
67. What have you invested? How much time, energy, and emotional commitment have you invested? Is sunk cost affecting your decision?
68. What is the cost? What is the cost of staying—relationships, time, freedom, critical thinking?
69. What is the cost of leaving? What is the cost of leaving—and are those costs being exaggerated to keep you committed?
70. What does your conscience say? Deep down, what is your conscience telling you?

The Most Important Questions

71. Who is Jesus? Is Jesus the Son of God, the Savior, the only mediator between God and humanity?
72. What is the gospel? Is the gospel salvation by grace through faith in Christ, or organizational membership?
73. How are you saved? Are you saved by faith in Christ, or by joining Shincheonji and accepting their interpretation?
74. Where is your faith? Is your faith in Christ, or in an organization and its leader?
75. What is essential? What is essential for salvation—faith in Christ, or Shincheonji’s interpretation of Revelation?

Conclusion: The True Passover

As we conclude this refutation of Lesson 124, let’s return to the imagery of “passing over.”

The True Passover

The true Passover is not completing a curriculum or joining an organization. The true Passover is Jesus Christ.

The Exodus Passover:

In Exodus 12, God commanded the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and put its blood on their doorposts. When God passed through Egypt in judgment, He would “pass over” the houses marked with blood, sparing them from judgment.

This was God’s deliverance—rescuing His people from slavery in Egypt and bringing them to the Promised Land.

Jesus, Our Passover:

1 Corinthians 5:7: “Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”

Jesus is our Passover Lamb. His blood, shed on the cross, protects us from judgment. Through His death and resurrection, we are delivered from slavery to sin and brought into God’s kingdom.

How We “Pass Over”:

We “pass over” from death to life, from judgment to salvation, not by joining an organization or passing exams, but by faith in Jesus Christ.

John 5:24: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”

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

This is grace. This is the gospel. This is what sets us free.

You Don’t Need Shincheonji

You don’t need Shincheonji to “pass over.” You don’t need to complete their curriculum, pass their exams, or join their organization.

You need only Jesus Christ.

If you trust in Christ, you have already “passed over”:

• From death to life (John 5:24)
• From darkness to light (1 Peter 2:9)
• From slavery to freedom (Galatians 5:1)
• From judgment to salvation (Romans 8:1)

You are already:

• A child of God (John 1:12)
• Sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14)
• Part of God’s people (1 Peter 2:9-10)
• A member of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27)

You don’t need organizational membership to have these things. You have them through faith in Christ.

The Freedom of the Gospel

The gospel offers freedom that Shincheonji cannot:

Freedom from Performance:

You don’t need to pass exams with 100% to be accepted by God. You’re accepted through Christ’s perfect performance, not yours.

Freedom from Fear:

You don’t need to fear judgment if you don’t “pass over quickly.” Christ has already borne your judgment on the cross.

Freedom from Unbearable Responsibility:

You don’t need to carry the weight of your family’s salvation. God is sovereign, and He loves your family more than you do.

Freedom from Organizational Control:

You don’t need an organization to mediate between you and God. You have direct access through Christ.

Freedom to Think:

You don’t need to suppress doubts or dismiss all criticism as “persecution.” You’re free to examine everything carefully and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Freedom in Relationships:

You don’t need to damage relationships through aggressive recruitment or by viewing family concern as “persecution.” You’re free to love your family and maintain healthy relationships.

An Invitation

If you’re in Shincheonji and struggling with the pressure to “pass over,” please know:

You can leave. Leaving is not “losing” or “giving up.” It’s choosing truth over error, freedom over control, Christ over organization.

Your family’s salvation doesn’t depend on you staying. God is sovereign and loves your family. Trust Him.

You won’t be judged for leaving. If you trust in Christ, you are saved—whether or not you ever join Shincheonji.

There is support available. Many people have left Shincheonji and found healing, restoration, and genuine faith in Christ. You’re not alone.

God’s grace is sufficient. Whatever you’ve done, whatever you’ve invested, whatever mistakes you’ve made—God’s grace is sufficient. He welcomes you with open arms.

The Real Work Ahead

Shincheonji says “Let’s pass over quickly and get to work.” But what is the real work God calls us to?

The Work of Believing:

John 6:28-29: “Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’ Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'”

The primary work God requires is believing in Jesus. Not organizational activity, but faith.

The Work of Love:

John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The work Jesus calls us to is love—loving God and loving others. This is the mark of true discipleship.

The Work of Making Disciples:

Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus calls us to make disciples—teaching people to follow Christ, not to join an organization.

The Work of Living Godly Lives:

Titus 2:11-14: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

The work God calls us to is living godly lives—self-controlled, upright, eager to do good—while we wait for Christ’s return.

The Work of Proclaiming the Gospel:

Romans 10:14-15: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”

The work God calls us to is proclaiming the gospel—the good news of salvation through faith in Christ.

This is the real work—not organizational recruitment, not HWPL activism, not mastering an interpretation system. The real work is believing in Christ, loving others, making disciples, living godly lives, and proclaiming the gospel.

The Seven Bowls – What They Really Mean

Let’s return to Revelation 16 one final time. What do the seven bowls really mean for Christians today?

1. God’s Judgment Is Real:

The seven bowls remind us that God’s judgment is real. Sin has consequences. God will judge the world in righteousness.

2. God’s Patience Has Limits:

The bowls represent the completion of God’s wrath—the final judgments before Christ’s return. God is patient, but His patience has limits. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

3. Christ Will Return:

The bowls lead directly to Christ’s return (Revelation 19). They remind us that history is moving toward a conclusion—Christ will return, judge the world, and establish His kingdom.

4. We Must Be Ready:

Revelation 16:15: “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

In the middle of the bowl judgments, Jesus gives a warning: Be ready. Stay awake. Keep your clothes (maintain your righteousness). Don’t be caught unprepared.

5. Our Hope Is in Christ:

The bowls remind us that our hope is not in escaping judgment through organizational membership, but in Christ who bore our judgment on the cross.

Romans 5:9: “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”

6. We Live in Light of Eternity:

The bowls remind us to live in light of eternity—to prioritize what matters eternally (relationship with God, love for others, proclaiming the gospel) over what is temporary (organizational status, earthly success, human approval).

7. God’s Justice Will Prevail:

The bowls remind us that God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Evil will be judged. Righteousness will triumph. God will make all things right.

This is what the seven bowls mean—not that seven people in Korea poured out judgment on other churches, but that God will judge the world, Christ will return, and we must be ready.

A Final Word

If you’re reading this and you’re in Shincheonji, facing the pressure to “pass over,” please take time to carefully consider what you’re being asked to commit to.

Don’t let urgency prevent discernment.

Don’t let fear of persecution prevent you from listening to legitimate concerns.

Don’t let guilt about your family’s salvation keep you trapped in an organization.

Don’t let sunk cost (the time and energy you’ve invested) determine your future.

Instead:

Take time. Slow down. Important decisions require careful thought.

Research. Learn about Shincheonji’s history, practices, and former members’ experiences. Visit https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination for comprehensive information.

Compare with Scripture. Examine Shincheonji’s teachings against Scripture in context, not just their selected proof-texts.

Seek counsel. Talk to trusted pastors, biblical scholars, mature Christians outside Shincheonji.

Pray. Ask God for wisdom and discernment. He promises to give it (James 1:5).

Trust God. Trust that God is sovereign, that He loves you and your family, and that He will guide you into truth.

Remember the gospel. The gospel is simple: salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. If you trust in Christ, you are saved. You don’t need organizational membership to be saved.

The True Hope

The true hope is not “passing over” into Shincheonji membership. The true hope is Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:27: “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Christ in you—not an organization, not a curriculum, not a leader, not a ministry structure—Christ in you is the hope of glory.

1 Timothy 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.”

Christ Jesus is our hope—not Shincheonji, not Lee Man-hee, not HWPL, not the 24 ministries. Christ alone is our hope.

Hebrews 6:19-20: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Our hope is an anchor—firm and secure—because it’s grounded in Christ, who has entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf. He is our high priest, our mediator, our hope.

This hope doesn’t depend on organizational membership. It doesn’t depend on passing exams. It doesn’t depend on mastering an interpretation system. It depends only on Christ and His finished work on the cross.

The Invitation Still Stands

Jesus’ invitation still stands:

Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

If you’re weary from the pressure to perform, burdened by the weight of your family’s salvation, exhausted from the urgency to “pass over quickly”—come to Jesus. He offers rest.

His yoke is easy. His burden is light. He doesn’t demand that you pass exams with 100%, master a complex interpretation system, or carry the unbearable weight of others’ salvation.

He simply invites you to come to Him, trust in Him, and find rest.

Revelation 22:17: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”

The invitation is simple: Come. If you’re thirsty, come. If you wish, take the free gift of the water of life.

It’s free. It’s a gift. You don’t earn it by passing exams or joining an organization. You receive it by faith in Christ.

This is the gospel. This is the good news. This is what sets us free.

Resources and Support

If you’re struggling with these questions or considering leaving Shincheonji, please know you’re not alone. Many people have walked this path before you and found freedom, healing, and genuine faith in Christ.

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

• Comprehensive analysis of Shincheonji’s teachings
• Detailed refutations of specific doctrines
• Information about Shincheonji’s history and practices
• Testimonies from former members
• Resources for families affected by Shincheonji
• Support for those considering leaving or who have left
• Connection with healthy Christian communities
• Biblical teaching on the passages Shincheonji misuses
• Information about HWPL and the 24 ministries
• Guidance for recovery and healing after leaving

You don’t have to figure this out alone. There are people who understand, who can answer your questions, who can support you, and who can help you find genuine faith in Christ and connection with a healthy Christian community.

Your family is not alone either. If you have family members in Shincheonji, there are resources to help you understand what they’re experiencing and how to help them.

God’s grace is sufficient. Whatever you’ve done, whatever you’ve invested, whatever mistakes you’ve made—God’s grace is sufficient. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

There is hope. Many former members have found healing, restored relationships, and genuine faith in Christ. You can too.

The truth will set you free. Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Knowing the truth about Shincheonji’s teachings and practices, and knowing the truth of the gospel, will set you free.

A Prayer

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

“God, I’m confused and overwhelmed. I’ve invested so much time and energy in Shincheonji, but I have questions and doubts. I’m feeling pressure to ‘pass over quickly,’ but I’m not sure this is right.

Please give me wisdom to discern truth from error. Give me courage to examine these teachings carefully, even if it’s uncomfortable. Help me to see clearly what is from You and what is from human organization.

If Shincheonji’s teachings are true, confirm it. If they’re false, reveal it. I want to know the truth, whatever the cost.

Protect my mind from manipulation. Protect my heart from fear and guilt. Protect my relationships with family and friends.

If I need to leave Shincheonji, give me the courage to do so. If my family’s salvation is at stake, I trust You to reach them—You love them more than I do.

Most of all, help me to know You personally through Jesus Christ. Let my faith be in Him alone, not in any organization or interpretation system.

I trust You to guide me into truth. Thank You for Your patience, Your grace, and Your love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.”