Shincheonji’s Teaching

Shincheonji interprets “selling” figuratively as teaching.

The Physical Fulfillment of Revelation page 435 – “Figuratively speaking, the buying and selling goods (Mt 13:45-46) represents the receiving and preaching of the precious pearls of God’s word.”

However, in the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, the Wise Virgins claim they cannot sell their oil and even fear they might “run out.” Since Shincheonji interprets olive oil as the word of testimony and selling as teaching, this raises a fundamental question: Why were the Wise Virgins unable to sell their oil?

Shincheonji’s Counter Argument

Shincheonji argues that the parable emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the wedding banquet of the Lamb, as the hour of His return is unknown. Because of this, the Wise Virgins could not “sell” their oil to the Foolish Virgins. 

Instead, they pointed the Foolish Virgins to the oil seller. Additionally, Shincheonji claims that the olive oil symbolizes more than just the word of testimony. It also represents a deeper understanding of the fulfillment of Revelation.

Shincheonji may also argue that having the olive oil at this time means fully internalizing the word of testimony. For this reason, the Wise Virgins were unable to sell their oil to the Foolish Virgins. They might further assert that this lack of preparedness on the part of the Foolish Virgins explains why they were ultimately unable to enter the wedding banquet.

Christian Response

While the parable does emphasize the importance of preparedness, Shincheonji’s explanation does not address the core issue: Why were the Wise Virgins unable to sell their oil if selling means teaching?

The Wise Virgins Should Have Been Able to Teach

If SCJ’s interpretation of selling as teaching is accurate, the Wise Virgins, who represent those with a deeper understanding of the testimony, should have been able to share their oil (teach) with the Foolish Virgins. SCJ theology emphasizes evangelism and striving to become one of the 144,000 sealed priests. A key part of this involves teaching others the testimony of Lee Man-hee. However, the Wise Virgins’ inability to “sell” their oil suggests either a lack of understanding or a failure on the part of the sealed to fulfill SCJ’s mission of teaching and evangelism. This contradiction undermines SCJ’s emphasis on sharing spiritual knowledge as a hallmark of their faith.

Internalization of the Word Should Not Prevent Sharing

SCJ claims the Wise Virgins fully internalized the word of testimony, which is why they could not share their oil. However, this creates a theological inconsistency. If internalization prevents sharing, then Lee Man-hee, who claims to be the central figure of SCJ, should also be unable to “sell” the oil (teach) to others. Yet SCJ relies heavily on Lee Man-hee’s role as the one who teaches and provides access to the testimony. This contradiction raises questions about the role of internalization in SCJ’s theology and whether it aligns with their broader teachings on evangelism.

SCJ’s Interpretation Suggests a Restrictive View of God’s Grace

The parable’s depiction of the Wise Virgins refusing to sell their oil implies a scarcity of spiritual resources in SCJ’s interpretation. This contradicts the biblical portrayal of God’s wisdom and grace as abundant and overflowing. 

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” 

Similarly, 

John 7:38-39 describes the Holy Spirit as “rivers of living water” flowing out of believers, emphasizing its abundance. SCJ’s interpretation risks portraying God’s grace as something hoarded by a select group, rather than freely available to all who seek it.

God’s Wisdom Cannot “Run Out”

SCJ’s interpretation of the Wise Virgins fearing their oil might “run out” suggests a scarcity of spiritual knowledge. However, the Bible consistently presents God’s wisdom as limitless.

Isaiah 55:1 invites all to come and receive freely from God’s provision.

Ephesians 3:20 describes God as able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” The idea that the oil could run out conflicts with the biblical teaching that God’s wisdom and provision are inexhaustible.

The Holy Spirit Works Directly in Believers, Not Through a Mediator

SCJ’s interpretation implies that access to the Holy Spirit is mediated through Lee Man-hee and cannot be shared by others. However, Jesus explicitly promised that the Holy Spirit would be sent directly to believers. 

In John 14:16-17, Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever… for he dwells with you and will be in you.” The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, empowering them directly without the need for another intermediary. 

1 Timothy 2:5 further emphasizes, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” SCJ’s portrayal of Lee Man-hee as a necessary conduit for the Holy Spirit contradicts this clear biblical teaching.

Conclusion

Shincheonji’s (SCJ) interpretation of the Wise Virgins’ inability to sell their oil reveals fundamental contradictions in their theology. If selling represents teaching, the Wise Virgins, with their supposed deeper understanding of the testimony, should have been able to share their oil with the Foolish Virgins. SCJ’s claim that internalization of the word prevents sharing introduces an inconsistency, as their theology heavily depends on Lee Man-hee’s ability to “sell” the oil through teaching. This creates a double standard that undermines SCJ’s evangelistic framework.

Also, it shows an inconsistency in SCJ’s interpretation of the Olive Oil. At one point, the Olive Oil means the word of testimony, then the goal post is shifted, to infer that it’s one’s deeper understanding of the word of testimony. Yet, when the foolish virgins go to the oil sellers, the Olive Oil becomes the word of testimony for the oil sellers to sell. This shifting goal post is consistent throughout the doctrines of SCJ, and how they will change the meanings of parables when convenient to their theology.

Furthermore, SCJ’s interpretation portrays God’s grace and wisdom as scarce, contradicting the biblical message of abundance. Passages like James 1:5, John 7:38-39, and Isaiah 55:1 affirm that God’s wisdom and provision are limitless, freely available to all who seek Him. The suggestion that the oil could “run out” is incompatible with these teachings and diminishes the infinite nature of God’s grace.

Finally, SCJ’s portrayal of Lee Man-hee as a necessary conduit for the Holy Spirit contradicts clear biblical teaching. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be sent directly to believers (John 14:16-17) and affirmed that He is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). SCJ’s framework replaces the direct relationship believers have with Christ and the Holy Spirit with a flawed dependency on a human intermediary.

The parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins emphasizes personal readiness and individual responsibility, not reliance on intermediaries. SCJ’s interpretation, which attempts to align the Wise Virgins’ actions with their doctrinal claims, creates more theological inconsistencies than it resolves and fails to uphold the biblical message of grace, wisdom, and direct access to God through Christ.