Shincheonji’s Bible Study System: the Search for the 144,000

Shincheonji’s Bible Study System: An Overview

Shincheonji Church of Jesus (SCJ) presents a structured approach to its organization, dividing its members into 12 tribes, which are considered part of the New Spiritual Israel. This division symbolizes a new heaven and new earth, with Shincheonji viewing itself as a manifestation of heaven on earth. The 12 tribes serve as the gates or doors through which members enter this spiritual kingdom. To become a member of Shincheonji, individuals must complete the Bible Study Seminar offered through one of the tribes that invites them.

The Priority of the 144,000 Priests

At the core of Shincheonji’s mission is the identification and recruitment of the potential 144,000 priests. This group is viewed as the primary target of the Bible Study system. Members are encouraged to focus on mastering the Book of Revelation, as those who achieve this mastery are considered “100% sealed” and are the ones who will be selected as priests. The process of sealing is intensive and rigorous, designed to ensure that only the most dedicated and knowledgeable individuals are chosen.

Those who do not meet the criteria for selection are classified as part of the great multitude in white. While they are also seen as recipients of salvation, their status is viewed as secondary to that of the 144,000. This group is often referred to as casualties of the intense sealing process, as they may remain loyal or fall into disbelief and leave Shincheonji.

Endurance and Perseverance

Shincheonji teaches that only those who endure and persevere until the end will gain salvation. The great multitude, while saved, is seen as a result of the initial harvesting and sealing process aimed at identifying the 144,000. Once this selection is complete, those who have mastered the Book of Revelation and are fully sealed can trigger significant eschatological events, including the full return of Jesus in spirit, represented through Lee Man He. While Lee Man He is not framed as Jesus Himself, he is viewed as a servant working alongside Jesus in spirit, embodying the will of Jesus on earth. This nuanced understanding is crucial, as Shincheonji emphasizes that Lee Man He is a vessel and God’s spokesperson through which the teachings of Jesus are conveyed.

The Anticipated Events of Salvation

The completion of the 144,000 priests is believed to set in motion significant events, including the destruction of Babylon—a term Shincheonji uses to refer to traditional Christian churches and teachings that they believe have strayed from the truth. This destruction is part of a divine judgment (by fire) that will occur, followed by the Wedding Banquet, where spiritual heaven is said to come down and unite with the earthly realm represented by Shincheonji.

Members anticipate that those participating in the Wedding of the Lamb will experience a transformation, becoming immortal and free from pain, suffering, and sin. They believe that this event will lead to a state of existence where there is no death, tears, or cries, fulfilling their hopes for permanent salvation. The urgency surrounding this event is palpable, as members are taught that it could happen at any moment. This is why there is an urgency to leave Babylon to avoid judgment and flee to the Mountain, which is Shincheonji, the Mount Zion.

The Fragility of Salvation

However, Shincheonji warns that before this anticipated event, members can lose their salvation if their faith is not strong enough. Those who leave the organization and return to what they refer to as Babylon risk falling away from the path to eternal life. This creates a sense of urgency and pressure within the community to remain steadfast in their beliefs and commitment to Shincheonji.

Key Concepts in Shincheonji

New Spiritual Israel: God’s Renewed Kingdom
New Spiritual Israel symbolizes God’s new and improved kingdom on Earth. Unlike the old Israel, which was a physical location, this new kingdom is spiritual in nature. The previous Israel fell short in following God’s will, prompting the creation of this new spiritual realm. New Spiritual Israel is distinct from traditional churches, which are viewed as part of the old spiritual Israel that has come to an end. This new kingdom is where God’s will is fulfilled, allowing His people to live in harmony with Him.

The 12 Tribes of New Spiritual Israel: The Foundation
Shincheonji divides its members into 12 tribes, each named after one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. Membership in one of these tribes is necessary to enter Shincheonji and become part of this spiritual organization. Individuals gain membership by completing the Bible Study Seminar offered by the tribe that invites them. Each tribe contributes to the new kingdom by bearing spiritual fruit and working to expand God’s reign.

The Great Multitude: The Countless People of God

The great multitude is an immense group of believers saved by God, distinct from the 144,000. They are described as a crowd so large that no one could count them, representing people from every nation, tribe, and language. These individuals achieve salvation through the blood of Jesus, symbolized by their white robes, which are “washed in the blood of the Lamb.” They join the ranks of the 144,000 after this group is sealed and emerge from a time of tribulation, which serves as God’s judgment on the churches that have strayed from His teachings.

The Ongoing Selection Process for the 144,000

Shincheonji emphasizes that the selection of the 144,000 priests is an ongoing process. All recruits who complete the Shincheonji Bible Study Seminar become part of the great multitude in white, including those who may not be selected for the role of the 144,000. The founder of Shincheonji, Lee Man Hee, is believed to be the only one who knows when the revelation of the 144,000 will be fully disclosed. Therefore, the process of finding and selecting these individuals continues as new members are integrated into the system.

The Role of the 144,000 Priests

The role of the 144,000 priests is critical within Shincheonji’s framework. These individuals are considered to be “100% sealed,” meaning they have mastered the content of the fulfillment of Revelation and are capable of teaching it to all nations. This mastery includes a profound understanding of the scriptures, enabling them to guide others in the truth of God’s word.

The 9-Month Bible Study System and Its Limitations

Intensive and Time-Consuming:
At the heart of Shincheonji’s approach is a 6 to 9-month intensive Bible study program conducted at the Zion Christian Mission Center or affiliated branches. This program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Bible from Shincheonji’s perspective.

Focus on Revelation and Prophecy:
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on the Book of Revelation, which Shincheonji believes is currently being fulfilled through their organization and its appointed pastor.

Deprogramming Individuals:
The program aims to “deprogram” participants from their previous theological beliefs, which Shincheonji labels as the false teachings of “Babylon.” This process demands significant time and a willingness to embrace Shincheonji’s interpretations.

Challenges of the System

Time Constraints and Urgency:
The 9-month intensive study raises concerns about accessibility for those with limited time or resources. Shincheonji teaches that the “harvest” time is short, creating urgency for participants to complete their studies. This urgency is at odds with the lengthy commitment required.

Exclusion of Vulnerable Populations:
Individuals with illnesses, mental health challenges, disabilities, or limited resources may find it impossible to complete the intensive study. This raises serious questions about whether the system is truly accessible to everyone seeking salvation.

The “One-Month of Life” Dilemma:
The hypothetical scenario of someone having only a month to find salvation versus the 9-month study highlights a critical flaw: if salvation hinges on completing this specific program, those unable to participate for practical or physical reasons may be excluded from God’s grace, leading to feelings of unfairness.

The Focus on Identifying Potential Priests

Shincheonji’s main intention is to identify the potential 144,000 priests among new recruits. They emphasize a process of “constant 100% sealing effort,” which involves evaluating the minds and hearts of participants throughout their studies. While Shincheonji claims that salvation is open to everyone and that God desires all to be saved, the demands of the program can be daunting. Participants are often told that prioritizing worldly and material concerns over studying the word of God can hinder their progress.

According to Shincheonji, only a fraction of recruits—approximately 25%—are deemed “Good Soil” and successfully become members after completing the Bible Study Seminar. This statistic echoes the parable of the four fields, highlighting the selective nature of their recruitment process. This raises critical questions about how new recruits are targeted and whether they are handpicked for their potential to become part of the 144,000.

The “Great Multitude” and Its Role

While Shincheonji asserts that the great multitude also receives salvation, their primary focus on the 144,000 suggests a hierarchy, positioning the multitude as secondary. This is framed as “God’s objective and will is to harvest the people born of God’s seed…and create the new kingdom.”

The Weeds in the Field:
The teaching that “two seeds are sown in the field” implies that some individuals, even after exposure to the teachings, will not be “harvested.” This reinforces an exclusive mindset.

“Come out of her, my people”:
Shincheonji cites Revelation 18:4 to assert that “there are people in Babylon who don’t belong to God.” This suggests that those not chosen for the 144,000 are seen as not fully belonging to God, making the great multitude appear as an afterthought.

Critical Questions and Concerns

Is Salvation Conditional?
Shincheonji’s emphasis on membership in the twelve tribes and completion of their Bible study program implies that salvation is conditional rather than freely given through grace. This challenges the notion that “God cannot save all of humanity at once,” suggesting that time is needed to “deprogram” from “Babylon.”

Does God Favor a Select Few?
The focus on the 144,000 and the view of the great multitude as secondary imply that God prioritizes a select few, contradicting the belief that God desires all people to come to the truth. This raises concerns about the nature of God’s love.

Is God’s Plan Efficient?
If the goal is to save as many as possible, it seems counterproductive to require individuals to complete an extensive and exclusive Bible study program before being considered for salvation. Additionally, the process of converting believers from other churches and labeling them as “Babylon” may hinder the spread of the gospel.

Why the Need for a Fresh Start?
Shincheonji claims that traditional churches have become corrupt, necessitating a fresh start for the New Covenant’s gospel. This raises questions about why God’s word would fail over 2000 years, requiring a complete reset. Their method of spreading the gospel appears slow, contradicting claims that “events will occur where people will come” rapidly.

Biblical Justifications for Exclusivity

Shincheonji uses specific Bible verses to reinforce the belief that only a few will be chosen for salvation:

• The Narrow Path: SCJ interprets Luke 13:23-24, where Jesus speaks of the “narrow door,” to mean that salvation is difficult to attain and requires dedication.
• Will Jesus Find Faith? Luke 18:8 raises the question of whether anyone will remain faithful at the second coming, suggesting that most of humanity will not meet the necessary requirements.
• The Few Righteous: Examples from the Old Testament, like Noah and Jacob, illustrate that God’s chosen people have historically been a minority.
• First Fruits: The idea of the 144,000 as “first fruits” implies they are a distinct and special group, with the majority being “harvested” later.

These interpretations support the belief that only a select few will serve as priests, while the great multitude comes as a result of their work. This creates a system where the focus is not on mass salvation, but on identifying a specific group to rule alongside Christ. The 144,000 are seen as those who are “sealed” with the word of God, having demonstrated mastery of the scriptures, particularly Revelation.

Emphasis on Growth

Shincheonji highlights its growth through large graduation ceremonies, often boasting over 110,000 participants in recent years. These events are presented as evidence of divine favor and fulfillment of biblical prophecy. They also emphasize the increasing number of MOUs signed with pastors and churches worldwide as validation of their teachings.

Despite this emphasis on growth, the goal of sealing 144,000 members has not yet been realized. Since the 1990s, Shincheonji has conducted seminars and celebrated its first 100,000 graduation in 2019, but the sealing process for the 12 tribes remains ongoing. They assert that individuals can join at the last minute and still be among the chosen. This focus on sealing underscores that it’s not just about increasing numbers, but ensuring that members meet specific criteria.

Departures and Unbelief

While Shincheonji celebrates growth, it acknowledges that some members leave, often attributing this to “unbelief” and the influence of Satan. Departures are commonly linked to individuals not being “100% sealed” or reverting to “elementary teachings.”

The Sealing Process

The sealing of the 144,000 is an ongoing and intensive process involving mastery of the Bible, particularly Revelation. Members must pass tests and exams to be considered sealed. This process is crucial, as the presence of Satan poses a risk of members leaving. Those who are sealed do not alter the teachings of Revelation, indicating a need for commitment and qualification for their roles.

The Ongoing Need for Sealing

The continuous sealing process reflects the understanding that, despite growth, members can still depart. It emphasizes the need for qualified and spiritually steadfast individuals. The sealing involves testing members’ ability to understand and explain scripture, with a system in place to determine readiness.

A Call to Action

Shincheonji encourages members to work diligently and fulfill their duties before the harvest time ends. They stress that even if there are more than 144,000 members, not all will be included in that group, and the sealing process demands effort, constant study, and evangelism.

Not a Guaranteed Position

There are indications that membership in Shincheonji does not guarantee inclusion among the 144,000. Even leaders risk losing their positions if they do not remain fully committed.

Psychological Tactics and Exclusivity

Shincheonji employs tactics that foster an “us vs. them” mentality, portraying the world as spiritually dead while positioning themselves as the sole saviors. This rhetoric creates urgency and can lead members to believe they are the chosen ones, while others face condemnation. This mentality can be seen as a form of psychological manipulation.

The Subtlety of Teaching

Shincheonji is careful in its presentation of beliefs, especially regarding the role of Lee Man He. New recruits may initially reject the idea of Lee Man He as a vessel for Jesus if presented too directly. Instead, Shincheonji builds a foundation of trust by using the Bible to justify its claims, revealing core teachings gradually during the Bible Study. This approach allows them to present complex ideas in a more palatable way, using figurative language and drawing parallels between biblical events and contemporary beliefs. The dedication of members in memorizing and mastering the Bible, along with the social bonding and support they provide to each other, plays a significant role in influencing new recruits to conform to their teachings.

Conclusion

Shincheonji’s Bible study system, while thorough, is inherently exclusive and potentially unfair. Its focus on the 144,000 and the rigorous 6-9 month study program can create barriers to participation. This raises critical questions about salvation, God’s intentions, and the effectiveness of Shincheonji’s methods. The idea of exclusive salvation for a select few, while others are merely an afterthought, is concerning. While Shincheonji claims to follow God’s word, their system invites deeper reflection on the nature of salvation and whether God’s love and grace are truly meant for all, regardless of their circumstances or ability to engage in intensive study.