Lesson 128: Rev 20 – The First Resurrection of the Souls of the Martyrs & Those Who are Living

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

Introduction: The Final Stretch and the Transition

Imagine you’re sitting in that classroom now. It’s been 14-17 months since you first walked through the door of what you thought was just a Bible study. You’ve completed Parables (3 months), Bible Logic (3-4 months), and now you’re on Revelation 20—one of the final chapters. Only two more lessons remain after this: Revelation 21 and 22.

The instructor begins with an announcement that sends a wave of excitement through the room: “You guys are almost done.”

Almost done. After over a year of intensive study, late nights reviewing notes, passing exams with 100%, attending Wash Day services, building deep relationships with your evangelist and classmates—you’re almost at the finish line.

But the instructor’s next words shift the tone: “So the goal is to pass over, right? We want to be able to pass over into God’s kingdom.”

Pass over. Passover. You’ve heard this term increasingly in recent weeks. It’s not just about completing the curriculum anymore. It’s about passing over into God’s kingdom—which, you’ve learned, means being baptized into Shincheonji, joining one of the 12 tribes, becoming a full member.

The instructor continues with an analogy: “Becoming a part of Mount Zion is like becoming a citizen of a new country, right? Has anyone ever gone into a new country without really knowing what the country is about first?”

You nod along. It makes sense. If you’re going to become a citizen of a new country, you should learn about its culture, customs, and way of life.

“In the same way, too, we have to do it for God’s kingdom. So how will you learn about the culture of heaven? It’s through the family education.”

New Family Education. This is the next phase. After you complete Revelation 22, you’ll enter New Family Education—a series of lessons taught by church leaders to prepare you for full membership, for Passover, for becoming part of the 12 tribes.

The instructor’s enthusiasm is contagious: “You are a new family. You will become a new family of God. And through these educations, you will be able to learn about heavenly culture, what to expect, how you should live a proper life of faith.”

Heavenly culture. This sounds beautiful, biblical, right. Who wouldn’t want to learn about heavenly culture?

But then the lesson takes a turn. The instructor begins teaching specific organizational practices:

Praying at the altar: “When you come to visit, which I hope most of you will for your Passover in person, the first thing we do is actually we go and pray before the altar. Amen. And then also the last thing when we leave, we also pray.”

Bowing to one another: “What do we do when we see each other? Yes, we should bow. Amen. We should bow to one another to show respect. It doesn’t matter if someone is young or old. It doesn’t matter, like, what gender. When we see one another, we always bow to one another and we say saranghamnida.”

The instructor demonstrates: “So when we bow, we put our left hand above our right hand and we place it together on our belly button… So your right hand goes under and your left hand goes on top. So like this and put it on your belly and let us say together saranghamnida and bow.”

You practice along with the class. It feels a bit awkward at first, but the instructor reassures you: “It’s not weird for us to bow to one another. It’s just a sign of respect. Amen… And even if you see in the Bible, that’s the same culture they have.”

The same culture they have in the Bible. So this is biblical, right? This is heavenly culture.

But something nags at you. When did Jesus teach His disciples to bow to one another in a specific way, with hands positioned in a specific manner? When did the apostles teach this in the New Testament?

The instructor continues: “So another one we really need to keep in mind is when we see someone who comes to teach us and we’re really excited to see them, we should also bow. Amen. To show respect to that person… And because the person who’s speaking is speaking on behalf of God, that is why we show respect.”

Speaking on behalf of God. So when Shincheonji leaders teach, they’re speaking on behalf of God. Therefore, bowing to them is showing respect to God.

The instructor anticipates objections: “Some people sometimes take it, oh, you are worshiping that person and bowing to them. No, it’s not like that…”

But the lesson cuts off mid-sentence in the transcript you have. You’re left wondering: What is it like? How is bowing to leaders who “speak on behalf of God” different from worship?

Before the lesson on Revelation 20 even begins, you’ve been introduced to organizational practices presented as “heavenly culture.” You’ve been told that to enter God’s kingdom (Mount Zion/Shincheonji), you must learn these customs. You’ve been prepared for New Family Education, where you’ll learn how to be a proper saint according to Shincheonji’s standards.

The earlier part of the lesson also contained urgent warnings:

The evangelist’s opening: “It is the time of the second coming of Jesus. Fulfillment is happening as we speak. So it is important for us to have complete faith at this time.”

Complete faith. Not just faith, but complete faith. What does that mean?

“What is the meaning of complete faith? Believing in the prophecy and the fulfillment. Amen… So it is not just believing in the explanation of the prophecy, but also the fulfilled reality of the book of Revelation.”

Complete faith means believing both the prophecy (Revelation) and the fulfillment (Shincheonji’s interpretation that the prophecy has been fulfilled through their organization). If you don’t believe Shincheonji’s fulfillment claims, you don’t have complete faith.

The evangelist continues with urgency: “Let us flee to the mountain with urgency. Let us not be like the wife of Lot who looked back and died.”

Lot’s wife. She looked back at Sodom and turned into a pillar of salt. The message is clear: Don’t look back at your old life, your old church, your old understanding. Flee to the mountain (Mount Zion/Shincheonji) with urgency. Don’t hesitate. Don’t question. Don’t look back.

“People long ago endured the hardship to go into the land of Canaan, right? And it would be the same in our time. There will be hardship. But our generation is blessed. In our generation, we will be able to enter God’s kingdom, which is heaven.”

Hardship. You’ve already experienced it—strained family relationships, exhaustion from the time commitment, the mental strain of mastering the complex interpretation system. But this is framed as necessary hardship, like the Israelites enduring hardship to reach Canaan.

“But in order for us to enter and be with God, we need to be worthy of him, right? We need to be born again of his seed and be holy because God is holy. We cannot go on sinning because we have been born of God.”

Worthy. You need to be worthy to enter God’s kingdom. You need to be born of God’s seed (which you’ve learned means accepting Shincheonji’s teaching). You need to be holy. You cannot go on sinning.

The pressure is immense. The urgency is palpable. The transition to full membership is imminent.

And you haven’t even started the actual lesson on Revelation 20 yet.

This is Lesson 128—the transition lesson. It’s not primarily about teaching Revelation 20 (though that will come). It’s about preparing you for the final step: New Family Education, Passover, full membership. It’s about introducing organizational practices as “heavenly culture.” It’s about creating urgency to “pass over” without looking back. It’s about demanding “complete faith” in Shincheonji’s fulfillment claims.

As we examine this lesson through the lens of first-century Christian understanding, historical context, and careful biblical interpretation, we’ll discover that:

1. Organizational practices are being confused with biblical truth
2. “Heavenly culture” is actually organizational culture
3. The urgency to “pass over” is pressure to commit before critical evaluation
4. “Complete faith” means unquestioning acceptance of Shincheonji’s claims
5. The transition to New Family Education is the transition to full indoctrination
6. Revelation 20’s teaching on the first resurrection is being distorted

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 20 actually teaches about the first resurrection, then explore how Shincheonji distorts this teaching, and finally address the dangerous implications of this critical transition lesson.

Part 1: Understanding Revelation 20 – The First Resurrection

The Biblical Text

Revelation 20 is one of the most debated chapters in the entire Bible. It describes the binding of Satan, the thousand-year reign, the first resurrection, and the final judgment. Let’s examine the key sections:

Revelation 20:1-3 (NIV):

“And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.”

Revelation 20:4-6 (NIV):

“I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”

Revelation 20:7-10 (Summary):

After the thousand years, Satan is released and deceives the nations (Gog and Magog) to gather for battle. Fire comes down from heaven and devours them. The devil is thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:11-15 (Summary):

The great white throne judgment. The dead are judged according to their deeds. Death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire. Anyone whose name is not found in the book of life is thrown into the lake of fire.

First-Century Christian Understanding

To understand what first-century Christians would have understood from Revelation 20, we need to consider the historical, theological, and literary context.

1. The Binding of Satan (vv. 1-3)

John sees an angel binding Satan for a thousand years, throwing him into the Abyss, and sealing it to prevent him from deceiving the nations.

Key Questions:

• When does this binding occur?
• What does the “thousand years” represent?
• Is this literal or symbolic?

First-Century Perspective:

First-century Christians would have understood this passage in light of Jesus’ teaching and the apostolic witness:

Jesus’ Teaching on Binding Satan:

Matthew 12:28-29: “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.”

Jesus spoke of binding the strong man (Satan) in order to plunder his house (rescue people from Satan’s domain). This binding began with Jesus’ ministry.

Luke 10:18: “He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.'”

Jesus declared that Satan had fallen. His power was broken.

John 12:31-32: “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

Jesus said that through His death and resurrection, the prince of this world (Satan) would be driven out.

Apostolic Teaching:

Colossians 2:15: “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

Paul taught that Christ disarmed Satan and his powers through the cross.

Hebrews 2:14: “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil.”

Christ’s death broke Satan’s power.

The Binding:

First-century Christians would likely understand Satan’s binding as having begun with Christ’s first coming—His death, resurrection, and ascension. Through these events, Satan’s power was broken and he was prevented from deceiving the nations (the gospel could now go to all nations, not just Israel).

The Thousand Years:

The “thousand years” (millennium) is symbolic language (like most numbers in Revelation). The number 1000 represents completeness, fullness, a long but definite period. It likely represents the time between Christ’s first coming and His second coming—the church age, when the gospel goes to all nations and Christ reigns through His church.

Important Note:

Throughout church history, Christians have held different views on the millennium (premillennialism, amillennialism, postmillennialism). This refutation does not focus on debating these eschatological positions. Instead, we’re examining what first-century Christians would have understood from the text in its historical and literary context, and how Shincheonji’s interpretation departs from sound biblical interpretation.

2. The First Resurrection (vv. 4-6)

This is the key passage for Lesson 128. Let’s examine it carefully:

The Text:

Revelation 20:4-6: “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”

Key Elements:

A. Those Who Participate:

• Those given authority to judge (seated on thrones)
• The souls of those beheaded for their testimony about Jesus
• Those who did not worship the beast or receive its mark

B. What Happens:

• They “came to life” (Greek: ezēsan, from zaō = to live)
• They reigned with Christ for a thousand years

C. The Designation:

• “This is the first resurrection”
• Those who share in it are “blessed and holy”
• The second death has no power over them
• They will be priests of God and Christ

D. The Contrast:

• “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended”

First-Century Understanding:

First-century Christians would have understood this passage in several possible ways:

View 1: Spiritual Resurrection (New Birth)

Some would understand the “first resurrection” as spiritual resurrection—being born again, passing from death to life through faith in Christ.

John 5:24-25: “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. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.”

Jesus spoke of the spiritually dead hearing His voice and coming to life. This is spiritual resurrection—new birth.

Ephesians 2:1, 5-6: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins… But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”

Paul taught that believers have been made alive with Christ and raised up with Him. This is spiritual resurrection that has already occurred.

Colossians 3:1: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

Believers have already been raised with Christ.

In this view:

• The first resurrection = spiritual resurrection (new birth) that occurs when someone believes in Christ
• Reigning with Christ = believers’ present spiritual authority and position in Christ
• The thousand years = the church age, when believers reign with Christ spiritually
• The martyrs are highlighted because they demonstrated ultimate faithfulness

View 2: Physical Resurrection of Martyrs/Believers

Others would understand the “first resurrection” as the physical resurrection of believers (especially martyrs) that will occur when Christ returns.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

Paul taught that when Christ returns, the dead in Christ will rise first, then living believers will be caught up together with them.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”

The resurrection of believers will occur at Christ’s return.

In this view:

• The first resurrection = physical resurrection of believers when Christ returns
• Reigning with Christ = believers’ reign with Christ in His kingdom
• The thousand years = either a literal thousand-year reign after Christ’s return, or symbolic of the eternal reign
• The martyrs are highlighted because they are the primary audience of Revelation (those suffering persecution)

View 3: A Combination

Many first-century Christians might have held a combination view:

• The first resurrection begins spiritually (new birth) and is completed physically (bodily resurrection at Christ’s return)
• Believers already reign with Christ spiritually and will reign with Him fully when He returns
• The passage emphasizes the vindication of martyrs—those who remained faithful unto death will be raised and reign with Christ

What First-Century Christians Would NOT Understand:

First-century Christians would NOT understand:

❌ That the first resurrection means joining Shincheonji
❌ That “coming to life” means becoming a Shincheonji member
❌ That reigning with Christ means organizational leadership in Shincheonji
❌ That the martyrs’ souls unite with living Shincheonji members
❌ That this resurrection is happening now at a specific location (Mount Zion/Shincheonji)
❌ That you must “pass over” (be baptized into Shincheonji) to participate in the first resurrection

Why?

Because:

1. The text describes resurrection (coming to life), not organizational membership
2. The text describes those who were martyred for Jesus, not those who join an organization
3. The text describes reigning with Christ, not organizational leadership
4. The text is about vindication of faithful believers, not about one organization
5. The message is hope for persecuted Christians, not recruitment into an organization

3. The Second Death (v. 6)

Verse 6 states: “The second death has no power over them.”

What is the second death?

Revelation 20:14: “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.”

Revelation 21:8: “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

The second death is eternal separation from God—the lake of fire, final judgment.

The Promise:

Those who share in the first resurrection are protected from the second death. They will not face final judgment and eternal separation from God.

Why?

Because they belong to Christ. They have eternal life. They are saved by grace through faith.

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.”

Believers will not be judged (for condemnation). They have crossed from death to life.

Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

No condemnation for those in Christ.

First-Century Understanding:

First-century Christians would understand that those who belong to Christ—who have been spiritually resurrected through faith and will be physically resurrected when He returns—are secure. The second death (final judgment, eternal separation from God) has no power over them.

This is the blessed hope: eternal life with God, no fear of judgment, security in Christ.

4. The Rest of the Dead (v. 5)

Verse 5 states: “(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.)”

Who are “the rest of the dead”?

Those who do not belong to Christ—unbelievers who will be raised for judgment.

John 5:28-29: “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”

There will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. The righteous rise to life; the wicked rise to be condemned.

Daniel 12:2: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”

The Timing:

“The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.” This suggests that the resurrection of unbelievers for judgment occurs after the thousand years (the church age, or the period of Christ’s reign).

First-Century Understanding:

First-century Christians would understand that there are two resurrections:

1. The first resurrection: Believers (either spiritual resurrection now, or physical resurrection at Christ’s return, or both)
2. The second resurrection: Unbelievers raised for judgment

Believers participate in the first resurrection and are blessed. Unbelievers will be raised for judgment.

5. Reigning with Christ (vv. 4, 6)

The passage twice mentions reigning with Christ for a thousand years (vv. 4, 6).

What does this mean?

Present Reigning:

Believers already reign with Christ in a spiritual sense:

Ephesians 2:6: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”

We are already seated with Christ in the heavenly realms—a position of authority and victory.

Revelation 1:6: “…and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

Christ has made us a kingdom—we reign with Him as His people.

Future Reigning:

Believers will also reign with Christ in the future:

2 Timothy 2:12: “if we endure, we will also reign with him.”

Revelation 22:5: “And they will reign for ever and ever.”

The Thousand Years:

The thousand years represents the period of Christ’s reign—whether understood as the church age (present) or a future millennial kingdom or the eternal state. Believers share in this reign.

First-Century Understanding:

First-century Christians would understand that believers reign with Christ. This is both a present spiritual reality (we have authority in Christ, we are His kingdom) and a future hope (we will reign with Him in His kingdom forever).

This reigning is not about organizational leadership in a human organization. It’s about sharing in Christ’s victory, authority, and kingdom.

Part 2: Shincheonji’s Interpretation of the First Resurrection

What Does Shincheonji Teach About the First Resurrection?

While Lesson 128’s transcript is incomplete (it cuts off before the actual teaching on Revelation 20), we can understand Shincheonji’s interpretation from their broader curriculum and the context of this lesson.

Based on previous lessons and Shincheonji’s systematic teaching:

Shincheonji’s Claims:

Claim 1: The First Resurrection Is Happening Now

Shincheonji teaches that the first resurrection is not a future event but is happening now through their organization.

Claim 2: The First Resurrection Means Joining Shincheonji

“Coming to life” (the first resurrection) means:

• Hearing Shincheonji’s teaching (the word)
• Being born of God’s seed (accepting Shincheonji’s teaching)
• Being sealed (completing the curriculum and joining the 12 tribes)
• Becoming a Shincheonji member

Claim 3: The Martyrs’ Souls Unite with Living Shincheonji Members

The “souls of those who had been beheaded” (the martyrs) unite with living Shincheonji members. This is the “spirits and flesh” teaching from Lesson 127—spirits of heaven (martyrs) unite with flesh of earth (Shincheonji members).

Claim 4: Reigning with Christ Means Leadership in Shincheonji

Reigning with Christ for a thousand years means holding leadership positions in Shincheonji’s organizational structure.

Claim 5: Only Shincheonji Members Participate in the First Resurrection

If you’re not a Shincheonji member, you don’t participate in the first resurrection. You’re part of “the rest of the dead” who don’t come to life until later.

Claim 6: The Second Death Has No Power Over Shincheonji Members

Because Shincheonji members participate in the first resurrection, the second death (final judgment) has no power over them. They are saved through organizational membership.

Claim 7: You Must “Pass Over” to Participate

The emphasis in Lesson 128 on “passing over” connects to this teaching. To participate in the first resurrection, you must “pass over”—be baptized into Shincheonji, join one of the 12 tribes, become a full member.

The Problems with This Interpretation

Problem 1: The Text Describes Resurrection, Not Organizational Membership

Revelation 20:4-6 describes people “coming to life”—resurrection. This is not a metaphor for joining an organization.

The Language:

The Greek word ezēsan (they came to life) is from zaō, which means to live, to be alive. This is the same word used throughout the New Testament for:

• Physical life (Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live on bread alone”)
• Spiritual life (John 5:25, “the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live”)
• Resurrection life (John 11:25, “whoever lives by believing in me will never die”)

The Context:

The context is clearly about resurrection:

• Verse 5 contrasts those who “came to life” with “the rest of the dead”
• Verse 6 calls this “the first resurrection”
• The passage describes thrones, judgment, and reigning—resurrection language

The Problem:

Shincheonji spiritualizes “coming to life” to mean joining their organization. But the text is about resurrection—either spiritual (new birth through faith in Christ) or physical (bodily resurrection at Christ’s return) or both.

Joining an organization is not resurrection. It’s organizational membership.

Problem 2: The Martyrs Are Those Who Died for Jesus, Not Shincheonji Members

Revelation 20:4 specifically describes “the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God.”

These are martyrs:

• Beheaded (executed) for their faith
• Died because of their testimony about Jesus
• Refused to worship the beast or receive its mark

First-Century Context:

First-century Christians were being martyred for their faith in Jesus. They were executed by Rome for refusing to worship the emperor, for proclaiming Jesus as Lord, for holding to their testimony about Jesus.

Revelation is written to encourage these suffering believers: Your faithfulness will be vindicated. You will be raised and reign with Christ. The second death has no power over you.

The Problem:

Shincheonji claims the martyrs’ souls unite with living Shincheonji members. But:

1. The martyrs died for Jesus, not for Shincheonji
2. The martyrs are historical figures (Christians martyred throughout history), not spirits waiting to unite with Shincheonji members
3. The passage is about vindication of martyrs, not about organizational membership
4. There’s no biblical basis for claiming martyrs’ souls unite with living organizational members

Problem 3: Reigning with Christ Is Not Organizational Leadership

Shincheonji teaches that reigning with Christ means holding leadership positions in their organization.

But Scripture teaches that all believers reign with Christ:

Revelation 1:6: “…and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father.”

All believers are a kingdom. All believers are priests. All believers reign with Christ.

Revelation 5:10: “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

This is not about organizational hierarchy. It’s about believers’ position in Christ.

Ephesians 2:6: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”

All believers are seated with Christ—a position of authority and victory.

The Problem:

Shincheonji creates an organizational hierarchy where only leaders “reign with Christ.” But Scripture teaches that all believers reign with Christ. This is our position in Him, not organizational rank.

Problem 4: The First Resurrection Is Not Limited to One Organization

Shincheonji claims only their members participate in the first resurrection. But Scripture teaches that all believers participate:

If the first resurrection is spiritual (new birth):

All who believe in Christ are born again and pass from death to life (John 5:24, Ephesians 2:5-6). This is not limited to one organization.

If the first resurrection is physical (bodily resurrection at Christ’s return):

All believers will be raised when Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). This is not limited to one organization.

The Promise:

John 11:25-26: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'”

The promise of resurrection is for all who believe in Jesus, not just members of one organization.

The Problem:

By claiming only Shincheonji members participate in the first resurrection, Shincheonji:

• Makes organizational membership essential for resurrection
• Excludes all other believers from this promise
• Contradicts Scripture’s teaching that all who believe in Christ will be raised

Problem 5: The Second Death and Organizational Salvation

Shincheonji teaches that because their members participate in the first resurrection, the second death has no power over them—they are saved through organizational membership.

But Scripture teaches that salvation from the second death comes through faith in Christ alone:

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Whoever believes in Jesus has eternal life—not whoever joins Shincheonji.

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.”

Whoever believes has crossed from death to life—not whoever becomes a Shincheonji member.

Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

No condemnation for those in Christ—not for those in Shincheonji.

The Problem:

Shincheonji makes organizational membership the basis for protection from the second death. But Scripture teaches that protection from judgment comes through faith in Christ alone.

This is salvation by organization, not salvation by grace through faith.

Problem 6: “Passing Over” and Baptismal Regeneration

The emphasis in Lesson 128 on “passing over” connects Passover (the Jewish feast) with baptism into Shincheonji. The implication is that you must “pass over” (be baptized into Shincheonji) to participate in the first resurrection and be saved from the second death.

This is similar to baptismal regeneration—the belief that baptism itself saves you.

But Scripture teaches that salvation is by faith, not by baptism:

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.”

Baptism is an outward sign of inward faith, not the means of salvation itself.

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

The requirement is faith, not baptism into a specific organization.

The Problem:

By emphasizing “passing over” (baptism into Shincheonji) as essential for participating in the first resurrection, Shincheonji:

• Makes baptism into their organization essential for salvation
• Creates a works-based salvation system
• Contradicts the gospel of grace

The Introduction of “Heavenly Culture”

One of the most significant aspects of Lesson 128 is the introduction of what Shincheonji calls “heavenly culture.” This marks a critical transition from learning doctrine to adopting organizational practices.

The instructor explains: “In the same way, too, we have to do it for God’s kingdom. So how will you learn about the culture of heaven? It’s through the family education… You will become a new family of God. And through these educations, you will be able to learn about heavenly culture, what to expect, how you should live a proper life of faith.”

What is presented as “heavenly culture”?

Based on Lesson 128, “heavenly culture” includes:

1. Praying at the altar when entering and leaving the temple
2. Bowing to one another in a specific manner (left hand over right hand on belly button)
3. Saying “saranghamnida” (Korean for “I love you”) when greeting
4. Bowing to leaders who “speak on behalf of God”
5. Proper behavior in God’s temple (being quiet, respectful)
6. Learning from new teachers in New Family Education without questioning

The Problem: Confusing Organizational Culture with Biblical Truth

The Critical Issue:

Shincheonji is presenting organizational practices—specific to their Korean-based organization—as “heavenly culture” that is biblical and necessary for proper Christian living.

But are these practices actually biblical? Are they “heavenly culture,” or are they organizational culture?

Let’s examine each practice:

Practice 1: Praying at the Altar

Shincheonji’s Teaching:

“When you come to visit, which I hope most of you will for your Passover in person, the first thing we do is actually we go and pray before the altar. Amen. And then also the last thing when we leave, we also pray. Right. We say hi and bye to our Heavenly Father when we come to his temple.”

The Biblical Reality:

A. The New Testament Teaches We Don’t Need Physical Altars

Hebrews 13:10: “We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.”

The “altar” for Christians is Christ Himself and His sacrifice. We don’t need physical altars.

B. We Don’t Need Physical Temples

John 4:21-24: “Jesus declared, ‘A time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem… Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.'”

Jesus taught that worship is not tied to physical locations. True worship is in Spirit and truth, not at specific physical altars or temples.

Acts 17:24: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.”

God doesn’t dwell in physical temples. He dwells in His people.

1 Corinthians 3:16: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”

Believers are God’s temple. The Holy Spirit dwells in us, not in physical buildings.

C. We Have Direct Access to God Through Christ

Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

We can approach God directly, anytime, anywhere. We don’t need to pray at a physical altar in a specific building.

Hebrews 10:19-22: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.”

Christ opened the way for us to enter God’s presence directly. We don’t need physical altars or temples.

The Problem:

While praying when entering and leaving a church building is not wrong in itself, presenting it as essential “heavenly culture” that must be practiced at Shincheonji’s “temple” (altar):

1. Implies that Shincheonji’s building is God’s temple (contradicting NT teaching that believers are God’s temple)
2. Creates a sacred/secular divide (you must pray at the altar in the temple, implying God’s presence is more there than elsewhere)
3. Makes organizational location significant (you must come to this specific place)
4. Adds requirements not found in Scripture

Practice 2: Bowing to One Another

Shincheonji’s Teaching:

“What do we do when we see each other? Yes, we should bow. Amen. We should bow to one another to show respect. It doesn’t matter if someone is young or old. It doesn’t matter, like, what gender. When we see one another, we always bow to one another and we say saranghamnida.”

The instructor then teaches a specific way to bow: “So when we bow, we put our left hand above our right hand and we place it together on our belly button. So even though we are not together in person, please do it. So your right hand goes under and your left hand goes on top. So like this and put it on your belly and let us say together saranghamnida and bow.”

The Biblical Reality:

A. Bowing Is a Cultural Practice, Not a Biblical Command

Bowing is a cultural practice in many Asian cultures, including Korea. It’s a sign of respect, similar to shaking hands in Western cultures.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with bowing as a cultural greeting. However, the New Testament does not command Christians to bow to one another.

B. The New Testament Emphasizes Humility and Love, Not Specific Greetings

Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

The emphasis is on the attitude (honoring one another), not on a specific physical action.

1 Peter 5:5: “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”

Humility is the heart attitude, which can be expressed in various cultural ways.

C. New Testament Greetings Varied by Culture

Romans 16:16: “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”

In first-century Mediterranean culture, greeting with a kiss was common. Paul encouraged this cultural practice to be done “holy” (with pure motives).

But this doesn’t mean all Christians everywhere must greet with a kiss. Different cultures have different greeting customs.

D. The Specific Hand Position Is Not Biblical

The specific instruction about hand position (left hand over right hand on belly button) is not found anywhere in Scripture. This is an organizational practice, not a biblical one.

The Problem:

While bowing as a cultural greeting is not wrong, presenting it as essential “heavenly culture” with a specific hand position:

1. Makes a cultural practice into a religious requirement
2. Implies this is the biblical way to show respect (when Scripture doesn’t prescribe this)
3. Creates conformity to organizational practice (everyone must bow this specific way)
4. Adds requirements not found in Scripture
5. Can be confusing for non-Korean members who are being taught that Korean cultural practices are “heavenly culture”

The instructor even acknowledges: “And even if you see in the Bible, that’s the same culture they have. And that’s also very common within Asian culture.”

This conflates biblical culture (which varied—greetings with a kiss in Mediterranean culture) with Asian culture (bowing), presenting Asian cultural practice as biblical requirement.

Practice 3: Bowing to Leaders

Shincheonji’s Teaching:

“So another one we really need to keep in mind is when we see someone who comes to teach us and we’re really excited to see them, we should also bow. Amen. To show respect to that person… And because the person who’s speaking is speaking on behalf of God, that is why we show respect.”

The instructor anticipates objections: “Some people sometimes take it, oh, you are worshiping that person and bowing to them. No, it’s not like that…”

The Biblical Reality:

A. We Are to Respect Church Leaders

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”

Hebrews 13:17: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

We should respect and honor church leaders.

B. But Leaders Are Not to Be Elevated Above Others

Matthew 23:8-12: “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Jesus explicitly warned against creating hierarchical titles and elevating leaders.

1 Peter 5:3: “…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

Leaders are not to lord it over others. They are servants, examples.

C. We Worship God Alone

Revelation 19:10: “At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!'”

When John attempted to worship an angel, he was told, “Worship God!” Only God is to be worshiped.

Acts 10:25-26: “As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘I am only a man myself.'”

When Cornelius bowed to Peter, Peter stopped him: “I am only a man.”

The Problem:

The issue is not whether bowing as a cultural greeting is appropriate. The issue is the reasoning given: “because the person who’s speaking is speaking on behalf of God, that is why we show respect.”

This reasoning:

1. Elevates leaders to a special status (“speaking on behalf of God”)
2. Creates a hierarchy where leaders receive special honor (bowing) that ordinary members don’t
3. Can easily slide into leader worship, despite the disclaimer (“Some people sometimes take it, oh, you are worshiping that person and bowing to them. No, it’s not like that…”)
4. Contradicts Jesus’ teaching about not creating hierarchical distinctions among believers
5. Mirrors the elevation of Lee Man-hee as the one who “speaks on behalf of God”

The instructor’s disclaimer is telling: “Some people sometimes take it, oh, you are worshiping that person and bowing to them. No, it’s not like that…”

If people are perceiving it as worship, there’s a reason. The practice, combined with the reasoning (“speaking on behalf of God”), creates an environment where leaders are elevated in a way that can easily become worship.

Practice 4: Organizational Conformity

Shincheonji’s Teaching:

“So because you will be learning from new people, what kind of mindset should I have? Oh, I don’t know this person. I’ve never met them before. I don’t want to learn from them. Where is Nate? Where is my Instructor? Should we say that? No. Is it about the person? No. No, It’s about the word, right?”

The instructor continues: “Let us be very kind. Let us be those who are quick to unmute. Let us say amen very quickly. Really showing, wow, I really understand. I really agree with what is being said. Because I know it’s not coming from the person, but it’s coming from the spirit at work. Can we do that?”

The Surface Message:

On the surface, this sounds reasonable: Don’t focus on the person; focus on the word. Be kind to new teachers. Show that you understand and agree.

The Underlying Message:

But the underlying message is: Don’t question. Accept whatever is taught. Show agreement quickly. Conform to organizational expectations.

“Let us be those who are quick to unmute. Let us say amen very quickly. Really showing, wow, I really understand. I really agree with what is being said.”

This is training in organizational conformity:

• Unmute quickly (participate actively)
• Say “amen” quickly (show agreement)
• Show that you understand and agree (don’t express doubts or questions)

The Biblical Reality:

A. We Are to Test Everything

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

We are commanded to test everything, not to accept everything quickly.

1 John 4:1: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

We must test teachings, not accept them immediately.

Acts 17:11: “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

The Bereans were commended for examining Paul’s teaching against Scripture. They didn’t just say “amen” quickly; they tested what they heard.

B. Questioning Is Not Wrong

Throughout Scripture, people questioned and sought understanding:

• Abraham questioned God about Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33)
• Moses questioned God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:11-4:17)
• Gideon questioned the angel (Judges 6:11-40)
• Mary questioned the angel (Luke 1:34)
• Thomas questioned Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:24-29)

God doesn’t condemn honest questions. He engages with them.

C. Blind Conformity Is Dangerous

Matthew 15:14: “Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Following teachers blindly without testing their teaching is dangerous.

The Problem:

By training students to:

• Accept new teachers without question
• Say “amen” quickly
• Show agreement immediately
• Not express doubts or questions

Shincheonji is creating a culture of conformity where critical thinking is discouraged and organizational teaching is accepted without evaluation.

This is not biblical discernment. This is organizational control.

The Bigger Picture: Organizational Culture as “Heavenly Culture”

What’s Really Happening:

Shincheonji is introducing organizational practices—some cultural (bowing), some organizational (praying at the altar, specific hand positions, bowing to leaders, conformity training)—and presenting them as “heavenly culture” that is biblical and necessary.

Why This Is Dangerous:

1. It Confuses Cultural/Organizational Practices with Biblical Truth

Students are led to believe that these practices are biblical requirements, when in fact they are organizational practices.

2. It Creates Dependency on the Organization

If you need to learn “heavenly culture” from Shincheonji, and this culture is essential for “living a proper life of faith,” then you need Shincheonji to know how to live as a Christian.

3. It Makes Organizational Conformity a Spiritual Issue

If not bowing correctly, not saying “amen” quickly, or not accepting teachers without question is presented as not having proper “heavenly culture,” then organizational conformity becomes a spiritual issue.

4. It Adds Requirements to the Gospel

The gospel is simple: Believe in Jesus and be saved. But Shincheonji adds: Believe in Jesus AND learn heavenly culture (organizational practices) AND conform to organizational expectations.

5. It Prepares Students for Full Organizational Control

By introducing these practices now, Shincheonji is preparing students for full organizational involvement where these practices (and many more) will be expected and enforced.

The New Testament’s Teaching on Christian Living

What Does the New Testament Actually Teach About How Christians Should Live?

Not Organizational Practices, But Heart Transformation:

Romans 12:1-2: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Christian living is about transformation from the inside out, not conformity to external practices.

The Fruit of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

This is what Christian living looks like—not specific bowing practices or organizational conformity, but the fruit of the Spirit.

Love as the Defining Mark:

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 defining mark of Christians is love, not organizational practices.

Freedom in Christ:

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

Christ set us free. We are not to be burdened by rules and regulations about how to bow, where to pray, or how to show agreement.

Colossians 2:20-23: “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”

Human-made rules and regulations have “an appearance of wisdom” but lack real spiritual value.

The Danger of Adding Requirements:

Galatians 1:6-9: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”

Adding requirements to the gospel (in Galatia’s case, circumcision and following Jewish law; in Shincheonji’s case, organizational practices and membership) perverts the gospel.

Part 4: The Pressure to “Pass Over” (Passover Preparation)

The Language of “Passing Over”

Throughout Lesson 128, there’s repeated emphasis on “passing over”:

“So the goal is to pass over, right? We want to be able to pass over into God’s kingdom.”

“Becoming a part of Mount Zion is like becoming a citizen of a new country, right?”

“And also, because we will be going into new family education, we’ll be like one step closer to actually becoming a part of God’s kingdom.”

“I hope most of you will for your Passover in person.”

What Does “Passing Over” Mean in Shincheonji?

“Passing over” refers to:

1. Completing the Revelation curriculum
2. Completing New Family Education
3. Being baptized at Passover (Shincheonji’s baptism ceremony, often held around the time of the Jewish Passover)
4. Joining one of the 12 tribes
5. Becoming a full Shincheonji member

The Biblical Passover

The Original Passover:

Exodus 12 describes the original Passover:

• The Israelites were slaves in Egypt
• God sent plagues on Egypt to secure their release
• The final plague was the death of the firstborn
• God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and put its blood on their doorframes
• The angel of death would “pass over” houses with the blood and spare the firstborn
• This event led to Israel’s exodus from Egypt

The Passover Lamb:

The Passover lamb was a sacrifice whose blood protected the Israelites from judgment.

The Fulfillment in Christ:

The New Testament teaches that Jesus is the Passover Lamb:

1 Corinthians 5:7: “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!'”

1 Peter 1:18-19: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”

The Meaning:

Jesus is the Passover Lamb. His blood protects us from judgment. Through His sacrifice, we are freed from slavery to sin and brought into God’s kingdom.

Passing Over:

In biblical terms, “passing over” means:

• God’s judgment passes over us because of Christ’s blood
• We pass from death to life through faith in Christ
• We are freed from slavery to sin and brought into God’s kingdom

This happens when we believe in Christ, not when we join an organization.

Shincheonji’s Distortion of Passover

What Shincheonji Does:

Shincheonji takes the biblical concept of Passover and applies it to their baptism ceremony and organizational membership:

1. Passover = Baptism into Shincheonji

“Passing over” means being baptized into Shincheonji at their Passover ceremony.

2. Passover = Entering God’s Kingdom (Mount Zion/Shincheonji)

“We want to be able to pass over into God’s kingdom” = joining Shincheonji.

3. Passover = Becoming a Citizen of a New Country

“Becoming a part of Mount Zion is like becoming a citizen of a new country” = becoming a Shincheonji member.

4. Passover = Protection from Judgment

Just as the Passover lamb’s blood protected Israelites from judgment, Shincheonji membership protects you from the second death.

The Problems:

Problem 1: Organizational Membership Replaces Christ’s Blood

In the biblical Passover, the lamb’s blood protects from judgment. In Shincheonji’s version, organizational membership protects from judgment.

This replaces Christ’s blood with organizational membership as the means of protection.

But Scripture is clear:

1 John 1:7: “…the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

Hebrews 9:22: “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

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!”

Christ’s blood, not organizational membership, protects us from judgment.

Problem 2: Baptism Becomes the Means of Salvation

By making “passing over” (baptism into Shincheonji) the way to enter God’s kingdom, Shincheonji makes baptism the means of salvation.

But Scripture teaches that salvation is by faith, not by baptism:

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.”

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

Baptism is an outward sign of inward faith, not the means of salvation itself.

Problem 3: Mount Zion = Shincheonji

Shincheonji equates “passing over into God’s kingdom” with joining their organization (Mount Zion).

But God’s kingdom is not an organization. It’s the realm where God reigns, entered by faith in Christ.

John 3:3: “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'”

You enter God’s kingdom by being born again (through faith in Christ), not by joining an organization.

Problem 4: Creates Urgency and Pressure

The language of “passing over” creates urgency and pressure:

• You must pass over to enter God’s kingdom
• You must become a citizen of this new country
• You must complete the process (curriculum, New Family Education, baptism, joining a tribe)
• You’re almost there—don’t stop now

This urgency prevents students from pausing to evaluate. They’re so close to “passing over” that stopping now would mean missing God’s kingdom.

But this is manipulation, not biblical teaching.

Problem 5: The Analogy of Citizenship

The instructor uses the analogy of becoming a citizen of a new country: “Has anyone ever gone into a new country without really knowing what the country is about first?… In the same way, too, we have to do it for God’s kingdom.”

This analogy makes Shincheonji membership seem reasonable: Of course you should learn about the “country” (Shincheonji) before becoming a “citizen” (member).

But the analogy is flawed:

A. God’s Kingdom Is Not an Organization

God’s kingdom is not a country with organizational structure, leadership hierarchy, and membership requirements. It’s the realm where God reigns, entered by faith.

B. You Don’t Need Organizational Education to Enter God’s Kingdom

You don’t need to complete New Family Education to enter God’s kingdom. You need to believe in Jesus.

C. The Analogy Makes Organizational Membership Essential

By comparing Shincheonji membership to citizenship in a new country, the analogy makes organizational membership essential for entering God’s kingdom.

But Scripture teaches that faith in Christ, not organizational membership, is what brings us into God’s kingdom.

The True Passover

What Is the True Passover?

1 Corinthians 5:7: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”

Christ is our Passover. His sacrifice is complete. His blood protects us from judgment.

How Do We “Pass Over”?

We “pass over” from death to life, from judgment to salvation, from slavery to freedom through faith in 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.”

We cross over (pass over) from death to life by believing in Jesus.

Colossians 1:13: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”

God has already brought us into His kingdom through Christ. This happens by faith, not by organizational membership.

What About Baptism?

Baptism is important—it’s the outward sign of inward faith, the public declaration of our identity in Christ.

Romans 6:3-4: “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in His death and resurrection.

But baptism doesn’t save us. Faith saves us. Baptism is the outward expression of that faith.

You Don’t Need Shincheonji’s Passover:

You don’t need to be baptized at Shincheonji’s Passover ceremony to “pass over” into God’s kingdom. You pass over by believing in Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb.

If you want to be baptized, you can be baptized in any biblical church that proclaims the true gospel. You don’t need Shincheonji’s organizational baptism.

Part 5: “Complete Faith” and the Demand for Unquestioning Belief

The Concept of “Complete Faith”

The evangelist’s opening in Lesson 128 introduces the concept of “complete faith”:

“It is the time of the second coming of Jesus. Fulfillment is happening as we speak. So it is important for us to have complete faith at this time. What is complete faith? What is the meaning of complete faith? Believing in the prophecy and the fulfillment. Amen. Yes. So it is not just believing in the explanation of the prophecy, but also the fulfilled reality of the book of Revelation.”

What Does “Complete Faith” Mean in Shincheonji?

According to this lesson, “complete faith” means:

1. Believing the prophecy (Revelation)
2. Believing the fulfillment (Shincheonji’s claim that Revelation has been fulfilled through their organization)

In other words, “complete faith” means accepting Shincheonji’s interpretation and fulfillment claims without question.

The Implication:

If you don’t believe Shincheonji’s fulfillment claims, you don’t have “complete faith.” Your faith is incomplete, deficient, insufficient.

This creates pressure: You must believe Shincheonji’s claims to have complete faith. Doubting or questioning means your faith is incomplete.

The Problems with “Complete Faith”

Problem 1: Faith Is in Christ, Not in an Organization’s Claims

Biblical faith is trust in Jesus Christ—His person, His work, His promises.

Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Faith is confidence in God’s promises, not in an organization’s interpretation claims.

John 14:1: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

Jesus calls us to believe in Him, not in organizational claims.

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

Saving faith is in Jesus, not in accepting an organization’s fulfillment claims.

The Problem:

Shincheonji redefines faith as believing their interpretation and fulfillment claims. But biblical faith is trust in Christ, not acceptance of organizational teaching.

Problem 2: This Demands Unquestioning Acceptance

By defining “complete faith” as believing both prophecy and fulfillment (Shincheonji’s claims), Shincheonji demands unquestioning acceptance of their teaching.

If you question whether Revelation has really been fulfilled through Shincheonji, you’re told you lack “complete faith.”

This is thought control. It prevents critical evaluation by making questioning a spiritual deficiency.

The Biblical Reality:

Scripture commends testing and evaluation:

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

Acts 17:11: “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

The Bereans tested Paul’s teaching. They didn’t accept it blindly. And they were commended for this.

Testing teaching is not a lack of faith. It’s biblical discernment.

Problem 3: It Conflates Belief in Scripture with Belief in Shincheonji

“Complete faith” = believing the prophecy (Scripture) AND the fulfillment (Shincheonji’s claims).

This conflates belief in Scripture with belief in Shincheonji. If you reject Shincheonji’s claims, you’re rejecting Scripture.

But this is false. You can believe Scripture completely while rejecting Shincheonji’s interpretation of Scripture.

Rejecting Shincheonji’s claims is not rejecting Scripture. It’s rejecting one organization’s interpretation.

Problem 4: It Makes Salvation Dependent on Accepting Organizational Claims

If “complete faith” is necessary for salvation, and “complete faith” means accepting Shincheonji’s fulfillment claims, then salvation depends on accepting organizational claims.

But Scripture teaches that salvation depends on faith in Christ alone:

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Whoever believes in Jesus has eternal life—not whoever believes in Shincheonji’s fulfillment claims.

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

Salvation requires believing in Jesus’ lordship and resurrection, not believing in Shincheonji’s fulfillment claims.

The Urgency: “Fulfillment Is Happening as We Speak”

The evangelist declares: “It is the time of the second coming of Jesus. Fulfillment is happening as we speak.”

The Message:

This is happening NOW. Fulfillment is occurring RIGHT NOW. You’re living in the most important time in history. You must act NOW.

The Effect:

This creates intense urgency:

• You can’t delay
• You can’t take time to evaluate
• You must commit NOW
• You might miss the fulfillment if you hesitate

The Problem:

This urgency prevents critical thinking. When you’re told “fulfillment is happening as we speak,” you don’t have time to pause, research, pray, seek counsel, or evaluate carefully.

But major life decisions—especially spiritual commitments—should not be made under pressure. They should be made with careful thought, prayer, and discernment.

The Biblical Reality:

A. We Should Test Claims of Fulfillment

Matthew 24:4-5: “Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah,” and will deceive many.'”

Jesus warned that many would make false claims. We must be careful not to be deceived.

1 John 4:1: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

We must test claims, not accept them immediately because of urgency.

B. God Doesn’t Pressure Us

God gives us time to think, pray, and seek understanding. He doesn’t pressure us into hasty decisions.

Isaiah 30:18: “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”

God is patient. He doesn’t rush us.

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 is patient, wanting everyone to come to repentance. He doesn’t create false urgency.

The Warning: “Don’t Look Back Like Lot’s Wife”

The evangelist warns: “Let us flee to the mountain with urgency. Let us not be like the wife of Lot who looked back and died.”

The Biblical Story:

Genesis 19 tells of Lot’s escape from Sodom. God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. Lot and his family were told to flee and not look back. Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt.

Shincheonji’s Application:

“Flee to the mountain” (Mount Zion/Shincheonji) with urgency. Don’t look back at your old life, old church, old understanding. If you look back, you’ll be destroyed like Lot’s wife.

The Problems:

Problem 1: Misapplication of Scripture

Lot’s wife looked back at Sodom—a city being destroyed for wickedness. She longed for the sinful life she was leaving.

But Shincheonji applies this to:

• Looking back at your family
• Looking back at your former church
• Looking back at your previous understanding
• Questioning Shincheonji’s teaching

This is a misapplication. Your family, your former church, and your questions are not Sodom. They’re not wicked cities being destroyed.

Problem 2: Creates Fear

The warning creates fear: If you look back (question, doubt, consider leaving), you’ll be destroyed like Lot’s wife.

This fear prevents critical evaluation. You’re afraid to look back, afraid to question, afraid to reconsider.

But fear-based control is not biblical discipleship.

2 Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

God’s Spirit doesn’t make us fearful. He gives us power, love, and self-discipline (sound judgment).

Problem 3: Isolates from Support Systems

By warning against “looking back,” Shincheonji isolates students from:

• Family who have concerns
• Friends who question the teaching
• Former church communities
• Outside information

This isolation makes it harder to leave and easier to control.

The Biblical Reality:

A. We Should Honor Family

Ephesians 6:2: “‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise.”

We should honor our parents, not dismiss their concerns as “looking back at Sodom.”

B. We Should Seek Wise Counsel

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

We should seek counsel from multiple sources, not isolate ourselves from everyone except one organization.

C. We Should Test Everything

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

Testing teaching is not “looking back at Sodom.” It’s biblical discernment.

The Blurred Lines Between Biblical Teaching and Organizational Practice

One of the most subtle yet dangerous aspects of Lesson 128 is how it blurs the lines between biblical teaching and organizational practice. Students are being prepared to accept organizational customs, hierarchies, and requirements as if they were biblical mandates.

Let’s examine how this confusion is created and why it’s dangerous.

The Technique: Presenting Organizational Practices as Biblical

Throughout Lesson 128, organizational practices are introduced with biblical-sounding language:

Example 1: “Heavenly Culture”

The term “heavenly culture” sounds biblical and spiritual. Who wouldn’t want to learn about heaven’s culture?

But what’s actually being taught is organizational culture—specific practices unique to Shincheonji (or borrowed from Korean culture and presented as universal Christian practice).

The Confusion:

Students hear “heavenly culture” and think: “This is how things are done in heaven. This is God’s way. This is biblical.”

But they’re actually learning: “This is how things are done in Shincheonji. This is the organization’s way. This is organizational practice.”

Example 2: “Speaking on Behalf of God”

The instructor says: “And because the person who’s speaking is speaking on behalf of God, that is why we show respect.”

This sounds biblical. Of course we should respect those who speak God’s word.

But the implication is that Shincheonji leaders uniquely “speak on behalf of God” in a way that requires special honor (bowing).

The Confusion:

Students hear: “These leaders speak on behalf of God (like prophets), so I should honor them specially.”

But the biblical reality is: All believers can teach God’s word. Teachers should be respected, but they’re not special mediators who uniquely “speak on behalf of God.” They’re fellow servants who teach Scripture.

Example 3: “God’s Temple”

The instructor refers to Shincheonji’s building as “God’s temple” where you must pray at the altar when entering and leaving.

This sounds biblical. The Bible talks about God’s temple.

But the New Testament is clear that believers are God’s temple, not physical buildings.

The Confusion:

Students hear: “Shincheonji’s building is God’s temple (like the Jerusalem temple), so I must show special reverence there.”

But the biblical reality is: God doesn’t dwell in buildings. He dwells in His people. All of life is worship, not just what happens in a specific building.

Example 4: “Proper Life of Faith”

The instructor says: “We will be able to learn about heavenly culture, what to expect, how you should live a proper life of faith.”

This sounds biblical. Of course we should learn how to live a proper life of faith.

But what’s actually being taught is how to conform to organizational expectations.

The Confusion:

Students hear: “I’m learning biblical Christian living.”

But they’re actually learning: “I’m learning Shincheonji’s organizational expectations.”

Why This Confusion Is Dangerous

Danger 1: It Makes Organizational Practices Seem Mandatory

When organizational practices are presented as “heavenly culture” or “proper life of faith,” they seem mandatory—not optional cultural practices, but biblical requirements.

This creates guilt and pressure: If you don’t bow correctly, if you don’t pray at the altar, if you don’t show agreement quickly, you’re not living a “proper life of faith.”

But these are organizational practices, not biblical mandates.

The Biblical Principle:

Romans 14:1-4: “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”

Paul taught that disputable matters (cultural practices, non-essential customs) should not divide believers. We have freedom in Christ regarding these matters.

Colossians 2:16-17: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”

We should not be judged by external practices. The reality is found in Christ, not in organizational customs.

Danger 2: It Creates a Works-Based System

When students must learn and practice specific organizational customs to live a “proper life of faith,” Christianity becomes about following rules rather than relationship with Christ.

The Biblical Gospel:

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 and Christian living are by grace through faith, not by following organizational practices.

Galatians 3:3: “Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?”

We begin by the Spirit (faith), not by the flesh (works, rules, practices).

Danger 3: It Elevates the Organization

When the organization is the source of “heavenly culture” and teaches you how to live a “proper life of faith,” the organization becomes essential.

You need the organization to know:

• How to worship properly
• How to show respect properly
• How to live as a Christian properly

This makes the organization a mediator between you and God.

The Biblical Reality:

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

Christ is the only mediator. We don’t need an organization to mediate between us and God.

Danger 4: It Prevents Critical Evaluation

When organizational practices are presented as biblical mandates, questioning them seems like questioning God.

If you question whether you need to bow to leaders, you’re questioning “heavenly culture.”

If you question whether Shincheonji’s building is “God’s temple,” you’re questioning biblical truth.

But these are organizational practices, not biblical mandates. Questioning them is not questioning God; it’s exercising biblical discernment.

Danger 5: It Prepares for Full Organizational Control

By introducing these practices now and presenting them as “heavenly culture,” Shincheonji is preparing students for full organizational involvement where many more practices, expectations, and requirements will be introduced.

Students who accept these initial practices without question will be more likely to accept future requirements without question.

This is progressive indoctrination—gradually introducing organizational control disguised as biblical teaching.

Distinguishing Biblical Truth from Organizational Practice

How Can You Tell the Difference?

Here are some questions to help distinguish biblical truth from organizational practice:

Question 1: Is This Explicitly Taught in Scripture?

• Biblical truth: Explicitly taught in Scripture (e.g., “Love one another” – John 13:34)
• Organizational practice: Not found in Scripture, or loosely connected to biblical principles (e.g., specific hand position when bowing)

Question 2: Is This Practiced by Christians Worldwide?

• Biblical truth: Practiced by faithful Christians across cultures and throughout history (e.g., baptism, communion, gathering for worship)
• Organizational practice: Unique to one organization or culture (e.g., Shincheonji’s specific bowing practice)

Question 3: Is This Essential for Salvation or Christian Living?

• Biblical truth: Essential truths are clearly stated in Scripture (e.g., faith in Christ for salvation)
• Organizational practice: Presented as essential but not found in Scripture’s essential teachings

Question 4: Does This Create Freedom or Bondage?

• Biblical truth: Creates freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1)
• Organizational practice: Creates bondage to rules and regulations (Colossians 2:20-23)

Question 5: Does This Point to Christ or to the Organization?

• Biblical truth: Points to Christ and His sufficiency (Colossians 2:10)
• Organizational practice: Points to the organization and makes it essential

Applying These Questions to Lesson 128:

Praying at the altar in Shincheonji’s building:

• Not explicitly taught in Scripture (NT teaches we are God’s temple)
• Not practiced by Christians worldwide (most don’t have altars)
• Not essential (we can pray anywhere)
• Creates focus on physical location (bondage to place)
• Points to Shincheonji’s building as special (organization-focused)
• Conclusion: Organizational practice, not biblical mandate

Bowing to leaders who “speak on behalf of God”:

• Not explicitly taught in Scripture (NT teaches equality among believers)
• Not practiced by Christians worldwide (cultural practice in some places, not universal)
• Not essential (respect can be shown in many ways)
• Creates hierarchy (bondage to organizational structure)
• Points to leaders as special mediators (organization-focused)
• Conclusion: Organizational practice, not biblical mandate

Saying “amen” quickly to show agreement:

• Not explicitly taught in Scripture (Bereans tested teaching)
• Not practiced by Christians worldwide (healthy churches encourage questions)
• Not essential (understanding is more important than quick agreement)
• Creates pressure to conform (bondage to organizational expectations)
• Points to organizational teaching as unquestionable (organization-focused)
• Conclusion: Organizational practice, not biblical mandate

The New Testament’s Teaching on Christian Liberty

We Have Freedom in Christ:

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

Christ set us free from bondage to rules and regulations. We should not be burdened again.

We Are Not to Be Judged by External Practices:

Colossians 2:16-17: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”

The reality is found in Christ, not in external practices.

We Should Not Submit to Human Rules:

Colossians 2:20-23: “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”

Human-made rules have “an appearance of wisdom” but lack real spiritual value.

What Matters Is the Heart:

1 Samuel 16:7: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

God looks at the heart, not at external conformity to organizational practices.

Matthew 23:25-28: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”

Jesus condemned the Pharisees for focusing on external practices while neglecting the heart.

True Christian Living:

Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

This is what God requires—not specific bowing practices or organizational customs, but justice, mercy, and humility.

Matthew 22:37-40: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The essence of Christian living is love for God and love for others, not conformity to organizational practices.

Part 7: The Progression of Indoctrination at the Final Transition

Where Students Are Now

By Lesson 128, students are at a critical transition point:

Timeline:

• Started: 14-17 months ago
• Completed: Parables (3 months), Bible Logic (3-4 months), Revelation 1-19 (8-10 months)
• Current: Revelation 20 (one of the final lessons)
• Remaining: Revelation 21-22 (2 more lessons)
• Next: New Family Education, then Passover (baptism), then full membership

This is the transition from learning to commitment.

The Psychological State at This Stage

1. Maximum Investment

Students have invested:

• Time: 14-17 months, 100+ hours in classes, countless hours in one-on-ones, Wash Day services, events
• Emotional energy: Deep relationships with evangelist and classmates, complete identity transformation
• Mental energy: Mastering the entire interpretation system from Parables through Revelation
• Relationships: Severely strained or broken family relationships, isolation from non-Shincheonji friends
• Identity: Complete identity as one of the sealed, the 144,000, the bride

The sunk cost is enormous. After 14-17 months, leaving feels impossible.

2. Complete Worldview Transformation

Students’ entire worldview has been completely transformed:

Before Shincheonji:

• Mainstream Christian understanding
• All Christians are part of the body of Christ
• Churches are communities of believers
• Salvation is by grace through faith

Now (After 14-17 months):

• All other churches are Babylon (home for demons)
• Only Shincheonji is the true church
• Salvation requires organizational membership (born of God’s seed, sealed, part of 12 tribes, name in registry)
• Lee Man-hee is the promised pastor, essential for understanding Scripture
• Family’s concerns are “persecution from Satan”
• Outside information is “Satan’s domain”
• Questioning is lack of “complete faith”

This complete worldview transformation makes it nearly impossible to consider alternative perspectives.

3. Anticipation of Completion

After 14-17 months, students are finally approaching the finish line:

• Only 2 more lessons after this (Revelation 21-22)
• Then New Family Education
• Then Passover (baptism)
• Then full membership in one of the 12 tribes

This anticipation creates powerful forward momentum. Students are so close to completion that stopping now feels like wasting everything.

4. Introduction to Organizational Life

Lesson 128 marks the beginning of introduction to organizational life:

• “Heavenly culture” (organizational practices)
• New Family Education (next phase of training)
• Passover preparation (baptism ceremony)
• Meeting new leaders and teachers
• Learning organizational customs and expectations

This transition prepares students for full organizational involvement.

5. Pressure at Maximum

Multiple sources of pressure converge:

• Sunk cost: “I’ve invested 14-17 months; I can’t stop now”
• Social pressure: Evangelist, classmates, organizational expectation of completion
• Fear: Missing the wedding, not participating in the first resurrection, being part of “the rest of the dead”
• Urgency: “Fulfillment is happening as we speak,” “Don’t look back like Lot’s wife”
• Anticipation: “I’m so close to completion and full membership”
• Identity: “I am one of the sealed; this is who I am”

6. Information Control Fully Internalized

By this stage, information control is completely internalized:

• Automatic dismissal of doubts (“lack of complete faith”)
• Automatic dismissal of family concerns (“persecution,” “looking back at Sodom”)
• Automatic dismissal of outside information (“Satan’s domain”)
• Automatic defense of Shincheonji against any criticism
• Automatic acceptance of organizational teaching (“say amen quickly,” “show agreement”)

These thought-stopping mechanisms operate automatically, preventing critical evaluation.

The Specific Indoctrination Tactics in Lesson 128

Let’s identify the specific indoctrination tactics operating in this transition lesson:

Tactic 1: Creating Urgency Through Fulfillment Claims

“It is the time of the second coming of Jesus. Fulfillment is happening as we speak.”

This creates urgency: This is happening NOW. You must act NOW. You can’t delay.

Tactic 2: Demanding “Complete Faith”

“Complete faith” = believing both prophecy and fulfillment (Shincheonji’s claims).

This prevents questioning: If you question, you lack “complete faith.”

Tactic 3: Using Fear of Missing Out

“Don’t look back like Lot’s wife” + emphasis on “passing over” + first resurrection language.

This creates fear: If you don’t complete, you’ll miss the first resurrection, you’ll be part of “the rest of the dead,” you’ll be destroyed like Lot’s wife.

Tactic 4: Introducing Organizational Practices as Biblical

“Heavenly culture,” “proper life of faith,” “speaking on behalf of God.”

This confuses organizational practices with biblical truth, making organizational conformity seem like biblical obedience.

Tactic 5: Preparing for New Authority Figures

“You will be learning from new people… Let us be very kind… Let us be those who are quick to unmute. Let us say amen very quickly.”

This prepares students to accept new teachers without question, reinforcing conformity and discouraging critical evaluation.

Tactic 6: Using the Citizenship Analogy

“Becoming a part of Mount Zion is like becoming a citizen of a new country.”

This makes organizational membership seem reasonable and necessary, like learning about a country before becoming a citizen.

Tactic 7: Emphasizing Worthiness

“We need to be worthy of him, right? We need to be born again of his seed and be holy because God is holy.”

This creates pressure to prove worthiness through organizational involvement and conformity.

Tactic 8: Creating Forward Momentum

“You guys are almost done… The goal is to pass over… We’ll be like one step closer to actually becoming a part of God’s kingdom.”

This creates forward momentum that prevents pausing to evaluate. Students are focused on the next step, not on reflecting on what they’ve learned.

Tactic 9: Isolating from Support Systems

“Don’t look back” + dismissing family concerns as “persecution” + avoiding outside information.

This isolates students from anyone who might help them evaluate critically.

Tactic 10: Making Organizational Membership Essential

Throughout the lesson, organizational membership is presented as essential for:

• Participating in the first resurrection
• Entering God’s kingdom
• Learning “heavenly culture”
• Living a “proper life of faith”
• Being protected from the second death

This makes leaving feel like losing salvation.

The Progression from Lesson 1 to Lesson 128

Let’s trace the progression of indoctrination from the beginning to this final transition:

Introductory Level (Parables) – Months 1-4:

• Hook: Free Bible study, no organizational connection revealed
• Foundation: Symbolic interpretation system introduced
• Separation begins: “Don’t go beyond what is written” (don’t compare with other sources)

Intermediate Level (Bible Logic) – Months 5-7:

• Deepening: More complex symbolic system
• Authority established: Shincheonji has the correct interpretation
• Isolation increases: More time commitment, relationships deepen

Advanced Level (Revelation 1-11) – Month 8:

• Revelation begins: Organizational history as Revelation’s fulfillment
• Identity shift: You could be part of the 144,000
• Investment increases: Exams, Wash Day services, organizational involvement

Advanced Level (Revelation 12-18) – Month 9:

• Demonization: All other churches are Babylon, home for demons
• Requirements introduced: Must be sealed, part of 12 tribes
• Fear maximized: Judgment coming on Babylon, must come out
• Wedding introduced: The goal, the ultimate fulfillment

Advanced Level (Revelation 19) – Month 9:

• Wedding details: Four requirements, all met through Shincheonji
• Organization made essential: Cannot participate without Shincheonji
• Anticipation builds: Completion near

Advanced Level (Revelation 20) – Month 9:

• Transition begins: From learning to commitment
• First resurrection: Organizational membership presented as resurrection
• “Heavenly culture” introduced: Organizational practices as biblical
• “Passing over” emphasized: Baptism into Shincheonji as entering God’s kingdom
• “Complete faith” demanded: Unquestioning acceptance of fulfillment claims
• New Family Education introduced: Next phase of indoctrination

The progression is carefully designed to:

1. Hook students without revealing organizational connection
2. Establish Shincheonji’s interpretive authority
3. Gradually increase time commitment and isolation
4. Transform identity and worldview completely
5. Demonize all alternatives
6. Make organizational membership essential for salvation
7. Create urgency and anticipation for completion
8. Transition from learning to organizational commitment
9. Introduce organizational practices as biblical truth
10. Prepare for full organizational involvement

By Lesson 128, students are:

• Completely invested (9 months, entire identity)
• Completely isolated (from outside information and relationships)
• Completely convinced (worldview totally transformed)
• Completely committed (anticipating completion and full membership)
• Completely controlled (information control internalized, thought-stopping automatic)
• At the transition point (moving from learning to organizational commitment)

This is the most critical juncture because:

1. Final Decision Point

After Lesson 128, only 2 lessons remain (Revelation 21-22). Then New Family Education, then Passover. This is the final opportunity to pause and evaluate before making a full, public commitment (baptism).

2. Introduction to Organizational Life

Lesson 128 introduces organizational practices, customs, and expectations. Students are being prepared for full organizational involvement, not just doctrinal study.

3. Maximum Pressure with Minimum Critical Thinking

All pressure tactics converge (sunk cost, social pressure, fear, urgency, anticipation, identity) while critical thinking is at its lowest (information control internalized, “complete faith” demanded, questioning discouraged).

4. The Trap Is Fully Set

Students have:

• Invested too much to leave (sunk cost)
• Too many people to disappoint (social pressure)
• Too much to lose (salvation, according to Shincheonji)
• Too close to completion (anticipation)
• Nowhere else to go (all other churches are Babylon)
• No ability to evaluate critically (information control internalized)

5. Public Commitment Approaching

Passover (baptism) is a public commitment. Once students are baptized into Shincheonji, leaving becomes much harder:

• Public declaration of membership
• Deeper organizational involvement
• More relationships within the organization
• More time commitment
• More identity investment
• More organizational expectations

What This Means for Students

If you’re at this stage, you need to understand:

1. This Is a Transition, Not Just Another Lesson

Lesson 128 is not just teaching Revelation 20. It’s transitioning you from student to member, from learning to commitment, from doctrine to organizational involvement.

2. “Heavenly Culture” Is Organizational Culture

The practices being introduced are organizational practices, not biblical mandates. You’re being prepared for organizational conformity, not biblical Christian living.

3. “Complete Faith” Means Unquestioning Acceptance

“Complete faith” is a thought-stopping technique. It prevents you from questioning or evaluating Shincheonji’s claims.

4. “Passing Over” Is Organizational Commitment

“Passing over” is not entering God’s kingdom through faith in Christ. It’s being baptized into Shincheonji and becoming a full member.

5. You’re at Maximum Vulnerability

The combination of massive investment (14-17 months), complete isolation, transformed worldview, organizational dependency, and internalized information control makes you maximally vulnerable. You’re less able to evaluate critically than at any previous point.

6. The Pressure Is Intentional

The urgency, fear, anticipation, and social pressure are intentional tactics to carry you through to full commitment without pausing to evaluate.

7. You Don’t Need Shincheonji

Despite 14-17 months of teaching, you don’t need Shincheonji to:

• Understand Scripture (the Holy Spirit teaches believers)
• Be saved (salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone)
• Participate in the first resurrection (all believers participate through faith in Christ)
• Enter God’s kingdom (you enter by believing in Jesus)
• Live a proper Christian life (the Holy Spirit produces fruit in believers)

8. Leaving Is Still Possible

Despite the massive investment and pressure, leaving is still possible. Many people have left at this stage and found freedom, healing, and genuine faith in Christ.

9. Your Family’s Concerns Are Valid

If your family has concerns about Shincheonji, those concerns are likely valid. They see things you can’t see because you’re too close and too invested. Don’t automatically dismiss their concerns as “persecution” or “looking back at Sodom.”

10. You Have the Right to Pause

You have the right to pause, step back, research, pray, and seek counsel before making a public commitment (baptism). Don’t let pressure, sunk cost, or fear push you into a decision you’ll regret.

For Family Members

If your loved one is at this stage:

1. This Is a Critical Transition Point

Your loved one is transitioning from student to member. After baptism (Passover), leaving becomes much harder.

2. They’re Under Enormous Pressure

They’ve invested 14-17 months. They’re so close to completion. The pressure to finish is immense.

3. They’re Being Introduced to Organizational Life

They’re learning organizational practices presented as “heavenly culture.” They’re being prepared for full organizational involvement.

4. Don’t Give Up

Even at this late stage, people can still leave. Continue to express love and concern.

5. Provide Outside Information

Share resources like this refutation, testimonies from former members, and biblical teaching. Even if they dismiss it initially, it may plant seeds of doubt.

6. Maintain the Relationship

Don’t cut off the relationship. Maintain connection so they have somewhere to turn if they decide to leave.

7. Pray

Pray for God to open their eyes, protect their mind, and give them courage to evaluate critically and leave if necessary.

8. Seek Support

Connect with other families affected by Shincheonji. Visit https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji-examination for resources and support.

Part 8: Questions for Reflection and Discernment

If you’re at this stage (Lesson 128, approaching completion and Passover), these questions are designed to help you pause and evaluate before making a public commitment to Shincheonji. Take time with each question. Write down your answers. Pray for wisdom. Seek counsel from trusted people outside Shincheonji.

Don’t let pressure, momentum, or fear prevent you from making an informed decision.

Questions About the First Resurrection

1. What Is the First Resurrection?

• Revelation 20:4-6 describes people “coming to life” and reigning with Christ. Is this organizational membership, or resurrection (spiritual and/or physical)?
• Can you show from the text where it says the first resurrection means joining Shincheonji?
• Isn’t “coming to life” resurrection language, not organizational membership language?

2. Who Participates in the First Resurrection?

• Revelation 20:4 describes “the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus.” Are these Shincheonji members, or martyrs who died for Jesus?
• Can you show from Scripture where it says only Shincheonji members participate in the first resurrection?
• Doesn’t Scripture teach that all believers participate in resurrection through faith in Christ (John 5:24, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)?

3. What Does “Reigning with Christ” Mean?

• Does Revelation 20:4, 6 say reigning with Christ means organizational leadership in Shincheonji?
• Doesn’t Scripture teach that all believers reign with Christ (Revelation 1:6, 5:10, Ephesians 2:6)?
• Is reigning with Christ about organizational hierarchy, or about believers’ position in Christ?

4. The Second Death:

• Revelation 20:6 says the second death has no power over those who share in the first resurrection. Is this protection based on organizational membership, or on faith in Christ?
• Can you show from Scripture where it says Shincheonji membership protects from the second death?
• Doesn’t Scripture teach that faith in Christ protects from judgment (John 3:16, 5:24, Romans 8:1)?

5. First-Century Understanding:

• Would first-century Christians reading Revelation 20 understand it as describing joining Shincheonji in Korea 1900+ years later?
• Or would they understand it as hope for resurrection and vindication for those suffering persecution?
• Which interpretation makes more sense in the historical context?

Questions About “Passing Over”

6. What Is Passover?

• In the Bible, Passover commemorates Israel’s exodus from Egypt, when the angel of death “passed over” houses with lamb’s blood on the doorframes (Exodus 12).
• The New Testament teaches that Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). His blood protects us from judgment.
• Is Shincheonji’s “Passover” (baptism ceremony) the same as the biblical Passover?

7. How Do We “Pass Over”?

• Does the Bible teach that we “pass over” by being baptized into Shincheonji?
• Or does it teach that we “pass over from death to life” by believing in Jesus (John 5:24)?
• Is salvation by organizational baptism, or by faith in Christ?

8. Entering God’s Kingdom:

• Does “passing over into God’s kingdom” mean joining Shincheonji?
• Or does it mean entering God’s kingdom by being born again through faith in Christ (John 3:3, 5)?
• Can you enter God’s kingdom without Shincheonji membership?

9. The Citizenship Analogy:

• The instructor compares joining Shincheonji to becoming a citizen of a new country. Is God’s kingdom an organization with membership requirements?
• Or is God’s kingdom the realm where God reigns, entered by faith in Christ?
• Does this analogy make organizational membership seem necessary when Scripture teaches faith alone is necessary?

Questions About “Heavenly Culture”

10. What Is “Heavenly Culture”?

• Are the practices being taught (bowing in a specific way, praying at the altar, saying “amen” quickly) found in Scripture?
• Or are they organizational practices (some cultural, some organizational) being presented as biblical?
• Can you show from the New Testament where these specific practices are commanded?

11. Praying at the Altar:

• Does the New Testament teach that we must pray at a physical altar in a specific building?
• Or does it teach that believers are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16), that God doesn’t dwell in buildings (Acts 17:24), and that we can approach God anywhere through Christ (Hebrews 4:16)?
• Is Shincheonji’s building “God’s temple,” or are believers God’s temple?

12. Bowing to Leaders:

• Does the New Testament command specific bowing practices?
• The instructor says we bow to leaders because they “speak on behalf of God.” Does this elevate leaders to a special mediatorial role?
• Doesn’t Scripture teach that Christ is the only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) and that leaders are fellow servants, not lords (1 Peter 5:3)?

13. Organizational Conformity:

• The instructor says: “Let us be those who are quick to unmute. Let us say amen very quickly.” Is this biblical discernment, or organizational conformity?
• Doesn’t Scripture command us to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and examine teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11)?
• Is quickly saying “amen” without evaluation wise, or dangerous?

14. Cultural vs. Biblical:

• Are the practices being taught universal Christian practices, or specific to Korean culture/Shincheonji organization?
• If they’re cultural/organizational, why are they being presented as “heavenly culture” that is biblical and necessary?
• Doesn’t this confuse cultural practices with biblical truth?

Questions About “Complete Faith”

15. What Is “Complete Faith”?

• Shincheonji defines “complete faith” as believing both prophecy and fulfillment (their claims). Is this the biblical definition of faith?
• Doesn’t Scripture define faith as trust in Christ (John 14:1, Acts 16:31, Hebrews 11:1)?
• Is faith in Christ, or acceptance of organizational claims?

16. Can You Question?

• If you question whether Revelation has been fulfilled through Shincheonji, are you told you lack “complete faith”?
• Does this prevent critical evaluation by making questioning a spiritual deficiency?
• Doesn’t Scripture commend testing and evaluation (Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1)?

17. Fulfillment Claims:

• The evangelist says: “Fulfillment is happening as we speak.” How do you know this is true?
• Have you tested these claims against Scripture, history, and evidence?
• Or have you accepted them because questioning means lacking “complete faith”?

18. Urgency:

• Why is there such urgency (“fulfillment is happening as we speak,” “don’t look back like Lot’s wife”)?
• Does this urgency prevent you from pausing to evaluate carefully?
• Doesn’t God give us time to think, pray, and seek understanding (Isaiah 30:18, 2 Peter 3:9)?

Questions About Organizational Membership and Salvation

19. Is Organizational Membership Essential?

• Based on Shincheonji’s teaching, can you be saved without being a Shincheonji member?
• If not, doesn’t this make organizational membership essential for salvation?
• Does this contradict Scripture’s teaching that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 16:31)?

20. The Four Requirements:

• Shincheonji teaches four requirements for entering the wedding: born of God’s seed, sealed, part of 12 tribes, name in registry. Are these requirements met through faith in Christ, or through organizational membership?
• If through organizational membership, isn’t this salvation by organization rather than salvation by grace?
• Can you show from Scripture where these four requirements are listed as organizational requirements?

21. The Test:

• Ask yourself honestly: “If I left Shincheonji, would I still be saved, according to Shincheonji’s teaching?”
• If the answer is no, what does that reveal about the organization?
• Doesn’t this make Shincheonji essential in a way that contradicts Christ’s sufficiency (Colossians 2:10)?

Questions About Your Experience

22. Your Investment:

• You’ve invested 14-17 months. But is this a reason to continue if the teaching is false?
• Would you rather “waste” 14-17 months by leaving now, or waste the rest of your life by staying in false teaching?
• Which is the greater loss?

23. Your Relationships:

• How have your family relationships changed since joining Shincheonji?
• Are they improving or deteriorating?
• If your family sees problems you don’t see, could it be because they have perspective you lack?

24. Your Freedom:

• Do you feel free to question, research, and evaluate?
• Or do you automatically dismiss doubts and outside information?
• Galatians 5:1 says “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Do you feel free, or controlled?

25. Your Spiritual Life:

• Is your relationship with Jesus Christ growing?
• Do you experience His presence, peace, and joy?
• Or has your spiritual life become focused on organizational involvement, passing exams, and maintaining status?

26. Fruit:

• Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Are you experiencing more of these, or less?
• Are you experiencing more anxiety, fear, guilt, pressure, and broken relationships?
• Matthew 7:16 says “by their fruit you will recognize them.” What is the fruit of Shincheonji’s teaching in your life?

Questions About New Family Education and Passover

27. What Comes Next?

• After Revelation 22, you’ll enter New Family Education. Do you know what this involves?
• Are you fully informed about time commitment, financial expectations, organizational involvement, and relationship costs?
• Are you willing to commit to this for the rest of your life?

28. Passover (Baptism):

• Passover is a public commitment to Shincheonji. Once you’re baptized, leaving becomes much harder.
• Are you ready to make this public commitment?
• Or do you have doubts, questions, and concerns that you’re suppressing?

29. The Pressure:

• Do you feel pressure to complete and “pass over”?
• Where is this pressure coming from (sunk cost, social pressure, fear, urgency, anticipation)?
• Is this pressure from God, or from the organization?

30. Peace:

• Do you have peace about proceeding to New Family Education and Passover?
• Or do you have unease, doubt, and concern?
• Colossians 3:15 says “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Do you have Christ’s peace, or anxiety and pressure?

Questions About Biblical Interpretation

31. First-Century Context:

• Have you studied Revelation 20 in its historical and literary context?
• Have you learned what first-century Christians would have understood?
• Or have you only learned Shincheonji’s interpretation without comparing it to mainstream Christian understanding?

32. Mainstream Understanding:

• Why does Shincheonji’s interpretation differ so dramatically from 2000 years of Christian interpretation?
• Is it credible that the entire church has been wrong for 2000 years and only Shincheonji (since 1984) has the correct interpretation?
• Or is it more likely that Shincheonji has departed from sound biblical interpretation?

33. Testing Teaching:

• Have you tested Shincheonji’s teaching against Scripture in context?
• Have you researched outside sources to see how other Christians understand these passages?
• Or have you avoided outside sources because you were told they’re “Satan’s domain”?

Questions About Shincheonji’s Track Record

34. Former Members:

• Why have so many people left Shincheonji?
• What do former members say about their experience?
• Have you read testimonies from former members, or have you avoided them because you were told they’re “persecution”?

35. External Perspective:

• How is Shincheonji viewed by mainstream Christianity?
• How is it viewed by cult experts and religious scholars?
• Why is it widely recognized as a cult?

36. Deception:

• Has Shincheonji used deceptive practices in recruitment (hiding organizational connection, using front names)?
• If so, can good fruit come from deceptive methods?
• Jesus said He is “the truth” (John 14:6). Does deception align with following Jesus?

Questions for Deep Reflection

37. Your Gut:

• What does your gut tell you about Shincheonji?
• Have you had moments of doubt, concern, or unease?
• What if those feelings are your conscience or the Holy Spirit warning you?

38. If You Could Start Over:

• If you could go back to before you joined Shincheonji, knowing what you know now, would you join?
• If not, why are you continuing?
• Is it because you genuinely believe, or because of sunk cost, social pressure, and fear?

39. Your Identity:

• Who are you apart from Shincheonji?
• Can you imagine your life without Shincheonji?
• Shouldn’t your identity be in Christ, not in an organization?

40. Your Decision:

• Ultimately, what will you decide?
• Will you proceed to New Family Education and Passover despite unanswered questions and concerns?
• Will you take time to research, reflect, pray, and seek counsel outside Shincheonji?
• Or will you recognize that Shincheonji’s teaching doesn’t align with Scripture and leave?

These 40 questions are designed to help you think critically and biblically about Shincheonji’s teaching on Revelation 20, the transition to organizational commitment, and the broader implications of “passing over” (baptism into Shincheonji). Don’t rush through them. Take time with each one. Write down your answers. Pray for wisdom. Seek counsel from trusted people outside Shincheonji.

This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Don’t let pressure, momentum, sunk cost, or fear push you into a commitment you’ll later regret. Take the time you need to make an informed, prayerful decision.

As the 30 chapters of “Testing Shincheonji’s Claims: Two Lenses, One Story” emphasize, asking critical questions is not a sign of weak faith or lack of “complete faith”—it’s a sign of biblical discernment. God gave you a mind to think, a conscience to guide you, and His Spirit to teach you. Use these gifts to evaluate carefully what you’re being taught and what you’re being asked to commit to.

Conclusion: The True Resurrection and the True Hope

The False Resurrection vs. The True Resurrection

Shincheonji’s “First Resurrection”:

• Joining Shincheonji organization
• Being baptized at Passover ceremony
• Becoming a full member of one of the 12 tribes
• Organizational membership as “coming to life”
• Dependent on organizational involvement

The Biblical First Resurrection:

• Spiritual resurrection: Being born again through faith in Christ (John 5:24, Ephesians 2:5-6)
• Physical resurrection: Being raised bodily when Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
• For all believers, not just one organization’s members
• Dependent on faith in Christ alone

The Difference:

Shincheonji’s “first resurrection” is organizational membership. The biblical first resurrection is spiritual and/or physical resurrection through faith in Christ.

The True Hope of Resurrection

The Promise:

John 11:25-26: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'”

Jesus is the resurrection and the life. The promise of resurrection is for all who believe in Him.

Spiritual Resurrection (Already):

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.”

Believers have already crossed from death to life. This is spiritual resurrection—we were dead in sin, but God made us alive in Christ.

Ephesians 2:4-6: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”

We have been made alive with Christ and raised up with Him. This is our present reality.

Physical Resurrection (Not Yet):

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

When Christ returns, the dead in Christ will be raised, and living believers will be transformed. This is our future hope.

1 Corinthians 15:51-54: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.'”

We will all be changed—our mortal bodies will be transformed into immortal, imperishable bodies. Death will be defeated.

The Second Death Has No Power:

Revelation 20:6: “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”

Those who belong to Christ—who have been spiritually resurrected through faith and will be physically resurrected when He returns—are protected from the second death (eternal separation from God).

Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

No condemnation. No second death. No judgment. We are secure in Christ.

How Do You Participate?

You participate in the first resurrection by believing in Jesus Christ:

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Whoever believes in Jesus has eternal life—spiritual resurrection now, physical resurrection later.

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

This is the only requirement: Believe in Jesus.

You Don’t Need Shincheonji:

You don’t need to join Shincheonji to participate in the first resurrection. You participate by believing in Jesus Christ. This is God’s promise to all who believe, not just to members of one organization.

The True Passover

Christ Is Our Passover:

1 Corinthians 5:7: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”

Christ is our Passover Lamb. His sacrifice is complete. His blood protects us from judgment.

How We “Pass Over”:

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.”

We cross over (pass over) from death to life by believing in Jesus.

Colossians 1:13: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”

God has already brought us into His kingdom through Christ. This happens by faith, not by organizational baptism.

You Don’t Need Shincheonji’s Passover:

You don’t need to be baptized at Shincheonji’s Passover ceremony to “pass over” into God’s kingdom. You pass over by believing in Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb.

The True Christian Life

Not Organizational Practices, But Heart Transformation:

Romans 12:1-2: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Christian living is about transformation from the inside out, not conformity to organizational practices.

The Fruit of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

This is what Christian living looks like—not specific bowing practices or organizational conformity, but the fruit of the Spirit.

Love as the Defining Mark:

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 defining mark of Christians is love, not organizational practices.

Freedom in Christ:

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

Christ set us free. We are not to be burdened by organizational rules and regulations.

The Invitation

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 14-17 months of intensive study, burdened by organizational demands, exhausted from anxiety and pressure—come to Jesus. He offers rest.

His yoke is easy. His burden is light. He doesn’t demand that you master a complex interpretation system, pass exams with 100%, attend twice-weekly services, bow in specific ways, or carry the weight of organizational expectations.

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

John 6:37: “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”

Come to Jesus. He will never drive you away. You don’t need organizational membership. You don’t need to “pass over” through Shincheonji’s baptism. You just need Jesus.

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 completing a curriculum or joining an organization. You receive it by faith in Christ.

The Truth Will Set You Free

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

The truth about Shincheonji—that their interpretation doesn’t align with Scripture, that their methods are manipulative, that their organization is controlling—will set you free.

The truth about the gospel—that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, that you have direct access to God, that Christ is sufficient—will set you free.

The truth about yourself—that you are loved by God, that you are valuable apart from organizational status, that you have the freedom to choose—will set you free.

Don’t let fear, guilt, pressure, sunk cost (14-17 months), or social pressure keep you in bondage. The truth will set you free.

A Prayer

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

“God, I’m at the final stage of Shincheonji’s curriculum. I’m about to transition to New Family Education and Passover (baptism). But I have questions and doubts that I’ve been suppressing.

I’ve been told I need “complete faith”—that I must believe both the prophecy and the fulfillment (Shincheonji’s claims). But I’m not sure. I have concerns.

Please give me wisdom to discern truth from error. Give me courage to examine these teachings carefully, even though I’ve invested 14-17 months. 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, despite the massive investment, social pressure, and fear. Help me to trust that You love me and will guide me.

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

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

In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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 New Family Education and what comes after
• 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.