Shincheonji Overview

Field

by ichthus

The “field” is a critical term used figuratively to represent the world, specifically the spiritual environment where the Word of God is sown, Luke 8:11. This concept is derived from biblical parables, particularly Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 13, where He compares the kingdom of heaven to a farmer sowing seeds in his field. 1 Corinthians 3:9, Matthew 13:38.

The “field” is a multifaceted symbol representing both the individual heart’s receptiveness to God’s word and the larger context of the church (world) where this word is sown and where believers grow, ultimately leading to the harvest at the end of the age.

 

List of Parables

The “field” in the Bible has both a literal and figurative meaning, and is often associated with Christianity. Here’s a breakdown of its representations:

Literal Field:
● In the physical sense, a field is a place where seeds are sown and crops are harvested.

Figurative Field:
● A Person’s Heart: The field often represents an individual’s heart, where the “seed” (God’s word) is sown. The condition of the heart determines how the word is received and whether it produces fruit.

Associated Term


● Figurative Soil:

Dual Meanings:

The World: The environment where the Word of God (seed) is planted and spiritual growth occurs.
A Person’s Heart: The condition of an individual’s heart determines how they receive and respond to God’s Word.

Key Verses:

Luke 8:11-15 (Parable of the Sower): Different types of soil symbolize various heart conditions (path, rocky soil, thorny soil, good soil).
Isaiah 55:10-11: The rain and snow make the earth fertile, symbolizing how God’s Word nourishes receptive hearts.

Figurative Sea: The figurative sea is a multifaceted symbol representing different spiritual concepts, but it is most often associated with the world and the domain of Satan.

Four Types of Hearts (Fields):

The Bible describes four types of fields (hearts) in which the word of God can be sown:


■ Path: A hardened heart that does not understand the word, causing the seed to be taken away by the devil.
■ Rocky Ground: A heart that receives the word with joy, but lacks deep roots and withers when trouble or persecution comes.
■ Thorny Ground: A heart that hears the word, but is choked by worldly cares, the seductiveness of wealth, and other desires.
■ Good Soil: A noble and good heart that hears, retains, and perseveres in the word, producing a crop.

● The World (Specifically, the Church): On a larger scale, the field represents the world, particularly the world of Christianity or the church. This is the place where both good and bad seeds are sown and grow together until the harvest.

Jesus’ Field:

 

The field is often referred to as “Jesus’ field,” meaning the church where Jesus’ gospel is preached.
Sons of God and Sons of the Devil: Within this field, both the “sons of God” (those who believe in God’s word) and the “sons of the devil” (those who follow false teachings) coexist.

● Place of Harvest: The field is also the location where the harvest takes place. At the end of the age, angels will come to harvest the “wheat” (believers) and separate them from the “weeds” (those who do not follow God’s word), who will be burned.

Why the Field is Associated with Christianity

 

● Parable of the Sower: Jesus used the parable of the sower and the four types of soil (fields) to explain how people respond to God’s word. This parable is considered foundational for understanding other parables.
● Sowing of the Word: Jesus sowed the “good seed” (God’s word) in his “field” (the church). The devil also sowed his own seed (false teachings) in the same field.
● Growth and Harvest: The field is where the seeds of God’s word and the devil’s lies grow together until the time of harvest. The harvest represents the separation of believers from non-believers at the end of the age.
● Church as a Field: The church, as a gathering of believers, is seen as the field where God’s word is sown and where spiritual growth takes place.
● Distinguishing Good and Evil: Believers are encouraged to distinguish between the “good seed” and the “weeds” in their hearts (fields) and to ensure that only God’s word is planted there.

Biblical Foundation

  1. Matthew 13:24-30, 37-39:
    • The parable of the wheat and weeds.
    • Jesus explains:
      • The “field” represents the world.
      • The “good seed” stands for the people of the kingdom.
      • The “weeds” represent the people of the evil one.
      • The harvest symbolizes the end of the age.
  2. Luke 8:11:
    • “The seed is the Word of God,” linking the figurative “field” to the broader concept of where spiritual truths grow.
  3. James 1:18:
    • Believers, as firstfruits of God’s creation, are cultivated in the field of His Word.
  4. Romans 1:20:
    • The physical characteristics of wheat and weeds are used as analogies to explain spiritual truths.

 

Interpretation in Shincheonji Doctrine

SCJ expands on the “field” as a metaphor for spiritual realities and ties it to their belief in the promised pastor, the promised temple, and the fulfillment of Revelation:

  1. Field as the World:
    • The “field” represents the world, including all religious environments where teachings are spread.
    • It is the battleground between good (truth) and evil (false teachings).
  2. Field and the Word of God:
    • The “field” is where God’s Word is sown, nurtured, and harvested.
    • The good seed (Word of God) grows into wheat, representing believers who understand and embody the truth.
  3. Field at the Time of Harvest:
    • The “harvest” (end of the age) is when true believers (the wheat) are separated from false ones (the weeds).
    • This separation is led by the promised pastor, who interprets the fulfilled reality of Revelation.

Cross-Referenced Terms

  • Seed: Represents the Word of God.
  • Weeds: False teachings or those who spread lies.
  • Wheat: True believers born of God’s Word.
  • Harvesters: Angels or spiritual workers who assist in the gathering of the righteous.
  • Barn: Symbolizes the final resting place of the righteous, associated with God’s kingdom.

Core SCJ Beliefs Linked to “Field”

  1. Promised Pastor:
    • The one who understands the “field” and leads the harvest, identifying true believers through the correct interpretation of Revelation.
  2. Promised Teaching:
    • The teaching that distinguishes wheat from weeds, based on the fulfillment of prophecies.
  3. Promised Temple:
    • The spiritual home (the barn) where true believers are gathered.

SCJ employs the figurative “field” to foster a sense of urgency and exclusivity:

  • Believers are urged to discern between wheat and weeds, which aligns with SCJ’s emphasis on their role as the true interpreters of Scripture.
  • The harvest imagery reinforces the doctrine of fulfillment, where SCJ positions itself as the spiritual center of the end-times gathering.
  • This exclusivity creates a clear dichotomy between SCJ members (wheat) and non-members (weeds), urging adherents to commit fully to the teachings of the promised pastor.

Application and Fulfillment

SCJ asserts that their organization is the fulfillment of these parables:

  • They claim to be the “barn” gathering the wheat at the time of harvest.
  • The “field” is seen as the spiritual battleground where SCJ’s teachings overcome false doctrines.
  • Revelation’s fulfillment confirms the separation of wheat and weeds, culminating in the establishment of the New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:1).

The figurative “field” in SCJ theology encapsulates the world’s spiritual environment, the battleground of truth and falsehood. Rooted in parables and prophetic imagery, the “field” serves as a cornerstone for SCJ’s doctrines of the promised pastor, the harvest, and the fulfillment of Revelation. Through this concept, SCJ aligns itself as the key to salvation at the time of the end, urging believers to become the wheat destined for God’s eternal kingdom.

Additional References for more exploration.

The figurative “field” in Shincheonji (SCJ) doctrine is closely tied to the broader concepts of Christianity and Babylon, representing two contrasting spiritual environments within the “world.” Let’s explore how the “field” aligns with these ideas:

Field and Christianity

1.- Christianity as the Field of Sowing:

    • SCJ often interprets the field as Christianity, where God’s Word (the good seed) is sown by the Son of Man (Jesus) and His workers.
    • Matthew 13:37-38: “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom.”
      • In SCJ’s perspective, this “world” is specifically Christianity because it is the religious environment where God’s teachings are expected to take root and flourish.

2.- Weeds Within Christianity:

    • SCJ argues that Christianity, as the “field,” has been infiltrated by false teachings (weeds) sown by the devil. These “weeds” represent doctrinal corruption and division within the Christian faith.
    • Matthew 13:25: “But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat.”
      • This is interpreted to mean that while Christianity was meant to grow true believers (wheat), it has also produced false believers or teachings (weeds).

3.- Harvest in Christianity:

    • SCJ teaches that the “harvest” mentioned in Matthew 13 is the separation of true believers (wheat) from false ones (weeds) within the Christian community.
    • The harvesters (angels) are understood to work with the “promised pastor” to gather true believers into God’s barn (the promised kingdom).
    • This perspective positions SCJ as the fulfillment of this prophecy, claiming that they alone conduct the spiritual harvest of true believers from Christianity.

Field and Babylon

  1. Babylon as a Corrupted Field:
    • In SCJ doctrine, Babylon symbolizes a spiritually corrupted field—a place dominated by false teachings, doctrines, and leaders who oppose God’s truth.
    • Revelation 18:2: “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit…”
      • Babylon is portrayed as the spiritual environment where the “weeds” have taken over completely, representing false Christianity or other religious systems that mislead believers.
  2. Contrast Between God’s Field and Babylon:
    • The field of God is where the true Word (good seed) is sown and cultivated.
    • Babylon, in contrast, is a corrupted field where the devil’s lies (weeds) dominate, leading to spiritual destruction.
  3. Calling Believers Out of Babylon:
    • SCJ interprets Revelation 18:4—“Come out of her, my people”—as a divine command for true believers to leave Babylon (false Christianity or other deceptive spiritual systems) and join the true spiritual field of SCJ.
    • This reinforces their belief that SCJ is the only “barn” (kingdom) where wheat (true believers) can be gathered at the time of harvest.

Psychological and Doctrinal Connection

1. Exclusivity of SCJ’s Teaching:

    • By associating Christianity with the “field” and Babylon with its corrupted counterpart, SCJ positions itself as the sole environment where true wheat can grow and be harvested.
    • This dichotomy creates a strong psychological drive for adherents to distinguish themselves as “wheat” amidst a world (Christianity) mixed with “weeds” and to reject Babylon entirely.

2. Judgment of Christianity and Babylon:

    • SCJ teaches that during the fulfillment of Revelation, both Christianity (as a broad spiritual field) and Babylon (as a symbol of corruption) are judged:
      • Christianity is tested to reveal true believers (wheat).
      • Babylon is destroyed as the false spiritual system.
    • Revelation 18:21: “With such violence, the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again.”

Implications for SCJ Beliefs

  • Christianity is seen as the initial field where the Word of God was sown, but it has become mixed with weeds due to the work of the devil.
  • Babylon represents the culmination of spiritual corruption, entirely overrun by falsehoods.
  • SCJ claims to be the agent of harvest and restoration, calling believers out of corrupted Christianity and Babylon into the purified kingdom of God (the barn).

This framework underpins SCJ’s assertion that they fulfill the role of separating wheat from weeds and leading the true believers into the New Heaven and New Earth promised in Revelation. By connecting the figurative “field” to both Christianity and Babylon, SCJ reinforces its central narrative of being the sole arbiter of spiritual truth and salvation in the end times.

Why the Field Fell into Darkness: Shincheonji’s Perspective

In Shincheonji (SCJ) theology, the figurative “field,” representing the spiritual world of Christianity, initially flourished with the seed sown by Jesus over 2,000 years ago. However, over time, the field fell into spiritual darkness due to corruption, misunderstanding, and the infiltration of false teachings. This section explains how and why this happened, linking it to the key themes of sealing, corruption, and eventual harvest.

The field, representing both the individual heart and the world, particularly the church, falls into darkness for several reasons, primarily due to a lack of the word of God or the presence of false teachings. This darkness is not literal but rather spiritual, signifying ignorance and a departure from God’s truth.

Here’s a breakdown of why and how the field falls into darkness:

● Absence of the Word of God:
– Darkness is the opposite of light, and spiritual light is the word of God. When the word of God is not present or understood, the field is in darkness.
– This can occur when the word is taken away, is not rooted, or is choked out.
– The Bible indicates that the source of God’s word can disappear, resulting in a spiritual night.

● Betrayal and Corruption:
– When God’s chosen people betray his word and turn to false teachings, their “light” is extinguished, and they fall into darkness.
– This can happen when leaders and pastors become corrupt and no longer preach the truth.
– The tabernacle of the chosen people can become a possession of the gentiles due to betrayal, leading to a state of spiritual darkness.

● False Teachings (Weeds):
– The devil sows “weeds” (false doctrines and lies) in the same field where God’s word is sown.
– These false teachings can choke out the true word, leading to ignorance and darkness.
– False pastors use their ecclesiastical authority to prevent the light of truth from shining.

● Spiritual Night:
– The Bible describes periods of “spiritual night” where there is a lack of understanding and the true word is not present.
– This night occurs when the light of the world (Jesus) departs and the word becomes sealed, and people are unable to understand the prophecies.
– During this time, people are spiritually asleep, unable to discern the truth, which allows false doctrines to spread.

● Judgment and Destruction:
– When the chosen people fall into darkness, they are judged and destroyed.
– The “sun, moon, and stars,” which represent the chosen people or leaders, are said to darken and fall, symbolizing their loss of spiritual light.
– This darkening signifies that the pastors, evangelists, and congregation members are no longer able to speak the truth.

● The Role of the Lamp:
– Lamps are needed in the darkness to provide light. In the Bible, lamps are associated with the word and understanding.
– However, the light of a lamp is small compared to the light of the sun.
– The lamp goes out when there is a lack of the true word, and darkness prevails.

● The Cycle of Light and Darkness:
– The Bible presents a cycle where God establishes light, but darkness follows due to human betrayal and the sowing of false teachings.
– This cycle repeats throughout history, but God will always bring light back to overcome the darkness.
In summary, the field, whether referring to an individual heart or the church, falls into darkness when the word of God is absent or distorted by false teachings. This darkness represents spiritual ignorance and a departure from God’s truth. It’s also important to note that periods of darkness are followed by God’s intervention to restore the light, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the word of truth.

1. The Planting of the Seed by Jesus

  1. Jesus as the Sower:
    • In Matthew 13:37-38, Jesus is identified as the one who sows the good seed in the field (the world). The good seed represents the Word of God, which produces believers who become the children of the kingdom.
    • Jesus’ ministry was the beginning of this spiritual cultivation, spreading the truth of God’s Word and planting seeds of faith within the hearts of His followers.
  2. Purpose of the Planting:
    • The seeds were meant to grow into wheat, symbolizing faithful believers who understood and lived according to the truth of God’s Word.
    • This spiritual foundation laid by Jesus was intended to prepare believers for the harvest at the end of the age.

2. The Fall into Darkness

  1. Sealing of Truth and the Growth of Corruption:
    • The Sealing of the Scriptures:
      • According to SCJ, the truth of God’s Word became “sealed” as the apostles passed away, fulfilling prophecies such as Daniel 12:4: “But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end.”
      • With the sealing of the Scriptures, access to the correct understanding of God’s Word became limited.
    • Lack of Knowledge:
      • Hosea 4:6 states, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” As generations passed, the spiritual leaders who inherited the field lacked proper understanding and interpretation, leading to spiritual stagnation.
  2. Infiltration by the Enemy:
    • Matthew 13:25: “While everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat.”
      • SCJ interprets this as a metaphor for the devil planting false teachings and doctrines within Christianity, mingling truth (wheat) with lies (weeds).
      • False leaders arose within the field, teaching doctrines based on human interpretation rather than divine revelation.
  3. Corruption of the Field:
    • Over time, the field became dominated by weeds—false teachings, traditions, and human-centered practices.
    • Revelation 18:2 portrays Babylon as the culmination of this corruption: “She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit.”
    • This corruption led to spiritual darkness, where the true light of God’s Word was obscured.

3. The Role of Sealing in Darkness

  1. Spiritual Blindness:
    • As the truth became sealed, spiritual blindness ensued. Revelation 5:1 speaks of a scroll sealed with seven seals, which no one could open except the Lamb.
    • SCJ views this sealing as symbolic of a lack of spiritual understanding across generations, leaving the field in darkness.
  2. False Leaders and Misinterpretation:
    • Religious leaders, unable to access the true meaning of the Word, propagated distorted doctrines.
    • This led to division and confusion within Christianity, further deepening the spiritual darkness.
  3. Preparation for Revelation’s Fulfillment:
    • SCJ teaches that the sealing was part of God’s plan to preserve the truth until the appointed time of Revelation’s fulfillment, when the promised pastor would appear to unseal the mysteries and restore light to the field.

4. The Harvest in the Field

  1. Time of Harvest:
    • Matthew 13:39: “The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.”
      • The harvest occurs when the time is right to separate wheat (true believers) from weeds (false believers).
      • SCJ asserts that this period corresponds to the fulfillment of Revelation, which they claim is happening now.
  2. Restoration of Light:
    • The promised pastor in SCJ, who they believe fulfills the role of the “new John,” reveals the unsealed truths of the Bible.
    • Revelation 22:16: “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.” SCJ interprets this as the promised pastor delivering the truth to believers.
  3. Gathering the Wheat:
    • The wheat, representing believers who accept the revealed truth, is gathered into the barn, symbolizing God’s eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:1).
    • The weeds, representing those who cling to false teachings, are cast out and destroyed.

5. Symbolism of Darkness and Light

  • Darkness: Represents the era of spiritual ignorance, corruption, and false teachings that overshadowed the field (Christianity).
  • Light: Symbolizes the restoration of truth through the unsealing of the Word and the work of the promised pastor in SCJ.
  • John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” SCJ applies this verse to their mission of restoring spiritual light to a world in darkness.

Conclusion

The figurative “field” began with Jesus sowing the seeds of truth 2,000 years ago, but it fell into darkness due to the sealing of truth and the infiltration of false teachings. SCJ teaches that this period of darkness was part of God’s plan, setting the stage for the fulfillment of Revelation and the eventual harvest. At the harvest, the promised pastor, as the harvester, reveals the unsealed truth, separating wheat from weeds and restoring the field to its intended purpose: a spiritual environment of light, truth, and salvation.

Why Falling into Darkness is Part of God’s Plan in Shincheonji Doctrine

In Shincheonji (SCJ) theology, the period of spiritual darkness—when the “field” (Christianity) became corrupted by false teachings and truth was sealed—is interpreted as a necessary part of God’s divine plan. This darkness is not a failure but a prelude to revelation’s fulfillment, which highlights God’s sovereignty and ultimate purpose of salvation. Here’s why God allowed this period of darkness and how it fits into His greater plan:

1. Biblical Precedent for Darkness Preceding Light

  1. Spiritual Patterns in the Bible:
    • SCJ emphasizes that throughout biblical history, God often allowed periods of trial, confusion, and darkness before bringing light and fulfillment.
    • Genesis 1:2-3: “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep… And God said, ‘Let there be light.’”
      • This is seen as a metaphor for God allowing chaos (darkness) as a precursor to the creation of order and truth (light).
  2. Periods of Testing:
    • God allows darkness to test the faith and perseverance of His people.
    • Isaiah 45:7: “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.”
      • This demonstrates God’s control over both light (truth) and darkness (spiritual confusion) as part of His divine plan.

2. Purpose of Darkness in God’s Plan

  1. Protecting the Truth:
    • The sealing of the Scriptures, as described in Daniel 12:4, was intended to preserve the Word of God until the appointed time of fulfillment.
    • By allowing the Word to be sealed, God prevented its misuse or corruption during an era when humanity was not yet ready for its complete understanding.
  2. Separating the Wheat from the Weeds:
    • Matthew 13:30: “Let both grow together until the harvest.”
      • God allowed both true believers (wheat) and false ones (weeds) to coexist in the field. This period of coexistence created the conditions for testing and distinguishing the faithful from the unfaithful.
    • The darkness served as a filter, exposing those who remained steadfast in seeking God’s truth despite spiritual confusion.
  3. Demonstrating God’s Sovereignty:
    • Allowing darkness highlights God’s control over the process of salvation.
    • Romans 11:32: “For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.”
      • By permitting humanity to experience confusion and error, God magnifies His grace and sovereignty when He restores truth.
  4. Preparing the Field for the Harvest:
    • The period of darkness served as a necessary interval for spiritual growth and maturation.
    • Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
      • SCJ interprets this as a divine timetable where darkness prepares the way for the light of harvest and restoration.

3. God’s Wisdom in Allowing Darkness

  1. Fulfillment of Prophecy:
    • Darkness fulfills specific prophecies about the sealing of the Word and the appearance of false teachers.
    • 2 Thessalonians 2:3: “That day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed.”
      • This rebellion and rise of false leaders are viewed as part of God’s timeline leading to the end times.
  2. A Stage for the Promised Pastor:
    • SCJ teaches that the promised pastor appears during the fulfillment of Revelation to unseal the truth and lead the harvest.
    • The darkness creates a need for a leader who can guide believers out of confusion, fulfilling prophecies like Revelation 22:16: “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.”
  3. Revealing the True Believers:
    • John 3:19-21: “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
      • The period of darkness reveals who genuinely seeks the light (truth) and who clings to falsehoods.

4. Darkness as a Prelude to Restoration

  1. The Time of Fulfillment:
    • SCJ teaches that the period of darkness is part of the preparation for Revelation’s fulfillment, when God’s ultimate plan for salvation will be realized.
    • John 14:29: “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.”
      • Darkness serves to magnify the glory of fulfillment when God’s promises are revealed.
  2. The Role of Revelation’s Fulfillment:
    • When the promised pastor unseals the Word, light is restored to the field (Christianity), and true believers are gathered into the barn (God’s kingdom).
    • Revelation 22:5: “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.”
  3. Demonstrating God’s Justice and Mercy:
    • God’s allowance of darkness ensures that everyone has the opportunity to choose truth or falsehood.
    • Those who persist in darkness despite the restored light face judgment, while those who seek the truth are rewarded with salvation.

Conclusion

The fall into darkness was not an accident but a deliberate part of God’s plan to prepare humanity for the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. By allowing this period of spiritual confusion, God:

  • Preserved the purity of His Word.
  • Tested and revealed the faith of His people.
  • Set the stage for the promised pastor to restore light and truth.

In SCJ’s perspective, this darkness is now being lifted as the promised harvest takes place. The restoration of light signifies the triumph of God’s plan, where His sovereignty, justice, and mercy are fully revealed. This narrative underscores the belief that SCJ is the fulfillment of Revelation, guiding believers out of darkness and into the eternal kingdom of light.

Connections Between the Figurative "Field," Other Parables, and Prophecies

In Shincheonji (SCJ) doctrine, the figurative “field” is deeply interconnected with other parables and biblical prophecies. These connections enrich the understanding of the field as a symbol for the spiritual world where God’s Word is sown, nurtured, and harvested. Below is a comprehensive exploration of these links.

1. The Parable of the Sower and the Four Fields

  1. The Parable:
    • Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23: Jesus describes a sower who scatters seeds that fall on four types of soil:
      1. Path: The seeds are eaten by birds.
      2. Rocky Places: The seeds sprout quickly but wither due to shallow roots.
      3. Thorns: The seeds grow but are choked by weeds.
      4. Good Soil: The seeds produce a fruitful harvest.
  2. Interpretation in SCJ Doctrine:
    • The four soils represent the hearts of people who receive the Word of God (seed) in the spiritual field:
      • Path: Represents people who hear the Word but fail to understand it, allowing the devil to snatch it away.
      • Rocky Places: Symbolizes those who accept the Word with joy but fall away when faced with trials or persecution.
      • Thorns: Refers to those who are distracted by worldly worries and deceitfulness, preventing spiritual growth.
      • Good Soil: Represents those who hear, understand, and act on the Word, producing abundant spiritual fruit.
    • This parable emphasizes that the condition of the field (heart) determines the outcome of the seed’s growth, highlighting the importance of spiritual preparation.
  3. Relation to the Harvest:
    • The good soil aligns with the wheat in the parable of the weeds (Matthew 13:24-30). Both symbolize true believers who will be harvested into God’s barn.
    • The “field” is thus the environment where both true believers and false ones coexist until the time of separation.

  1. Daniel 12:4 – The Sealing of the Word:
    • “But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end.”
    • This prophecy indicates that the truth of God’s Word would remain sealed, leaving the spiritual field (the world) in darkness. At the appointed time, the sealed Word would be revealed to restore light to the field.
  2. Isaiah 5:1-7 – The Vineyard as a Field:
    • Isaiah compares Israel to a vineyard (a type of field) that was carefully tended but yielded bad fruit.
    • This prophecy reflects God’s disappointment with His people’s spiritual corruption and foreshadows the coming of a new, fruitful field during Revelation’s fulfillment.
  3. Jeremiah 31:27-28 – Planting a New Seed:
    • “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will plant the kingdoms of Israel and Judah with the offspring of people and of animals.”
    • This prophecy connects to the idea of sowing God’s Word (good seed) in a new spiritual field during the time of restoration.
  4. Hosea 10:12 – Plowing the Field for Righteousness:
    • “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground.”
    • This verse links the field to repentance and spiritual readiness, echoing the themes of nurturing good soil for God’s Word.

3. Connections with Other Parables

  1. The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32):
    • In this parable, the kingdom of heaven is compared to a mustard seed, which starts small but grows into a large tree where birds perch.
    • The mustard seed grows in the field, symbolizing how God’s Word, though seemingly small, expands to bring blessings and shelter to all believers.
  2. The Hidden Treasure in the Field (Matthew 13:44):
    • The kingdom of heaven is likened to treasure hidden in a field, which a man sells everything to buy.
    • The field here represents the spiritual world where the ultimate truth (God’s Word and His kingdom) is hidden. Discovering this treasure requires dedication and sacrifice.
  3. The Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16):
    • Although this parable focuses on a vineyard rather than a field, it parallels the idea of laboring for God’s kingdom.
    • The vineyard (a field-like setting) signifies the spiritual work of spreading God’s Word and preparing for the harvest.

4. The Harvest as Fulfillment

  1. Revelation 14:14-16 – The Harvest of the Earth:
    • “Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”
    • This prophecy explicitly links the field to the final harvest at the end of the age, where true believers (wheat) are separated from false ones (weeds).
  2. Jeremiah 8:20 – Missed Opportunity:
    • “The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.”
    • This verse warns of the consequences of spiritual unpreparedness, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the time of harvest.
  3. Revelation 22:2 – Healing of Nations:
    • The “field” is restored to its intended purpose, yielding fruits of righteousness in the new heaven and new earth.

5. The Role of the Promised Pastor

  1. Unsealing the Word:
    • SCJ teaches that the promised pastor is the harvester who reveals the truth hidden in the field and guides true believers to salvation.
    • This role fulfills prophecies such as Revelation 10:8-11, where the “little scroll” is consumed and proclaimed to many nations.
  2. Gathering into the Barn:
    • The barn symbolizes the eternal kingdom of God, where true believers are gathered after the harvest (Matthew 13:30).

Conclusion

The figurative “field” is a multifaceted symbol in both Jesus’ parables and biblical prophecy. It represents the spiritual world where God’s Word is sown, nurtured, and ultimately harvested. The connections with the parable of the sower, the mustard seed, and the hidden treasure enrich its meaning, while prophecies like Daniel 12:4 and Revelation 14:14-16 underscore its role in the fulfillment of God’s plan. By linking the field to these narratives, Shincheonji emphasizes its central doctrine of harvest, restoration, and salvation under the guidance of the promised pastor.

The Field in Darkness: Another Perspective

According to Shincheonji Doctrine, God allows the field, representing both individual hearts and the world, particularly the church, to fall into darkness for extended periods, including a period of approximately 2000 years, for several interconnected reasons. These reasons revolve around the concepts of testing, judgment, and the eventual restoration of truth, emphasizing the ongoing conflict between God’s will and human failings.

● Consequences of Broken Covenants
God initially provided the law to people, but they broke the law and the covenant. As a consequence, God allowed them to experience darkness. This darkness is a form of judgment, a consequence of straying from God’s word and breaking the covenant. God does not abandon his people arbitrarily, but rather as a result of their actions.

● Testing and Refinement
The periods of darkness can be understood as a test of faith and a process of refinement. This idea is related to the concept of the harvest, where there is a separation of the good seed from the weeds. The time of darkness allows people to demonstrate their true allegiance.

● The Sowing of False Teachings
The devil sows “weeds” (false doctrines and lies) in the same field where God’s word is sown. These false teachings can choke out the true word, leading to ignorance and darkness. Satan’s influence is a significant factor in why darkness persists.

● Periods of Spiritual Night
The Bible describes periods of “spiritual night” where there is a lack of understanding and the true word is not present. This night occurs when the light of the world (Jesus) departs and the word becomes sealed. For instance, the 400-year period between the Old and New Testaments is characterized as a time when God said nothing new, leading to confusion and the rise of various denominations. Also, after Jesus ascended to heaven, the world entered a period of spiritual night because the light had left.

● The Necessity of a New Light
When the world has become dark due to a lack of the word, it needs a new light. This is why God chooses new pastors and messengers to bring the light of truth into the world. This process is seen as a pattern of establishing light after a period of darkness. This pattern is evident with the first coming of Jesus and the expectation for a new light at the second coming.

● The Plan of Redemption
The 2000 years of darkness after Jesus’s ascension is part of God’s plan of redemption, allowing both good and evil to coexist and giving people the option to choose the truth. God is working towards the restoration of his kingdom.

● Hidden Truths and Mysteries
Some of the truths and mysteries of God’s kingdom are hidden until a specific time. During the 2000 years, people have had limited spiritual understanding, but a time comes when these mysteries are revealed.

● The Battle Against Satan
The 2000 year period of darkness also illustrates the ongoing war against Satan and his influence. This time of darkness is a period where the devil is working to destroy God’s people and prevent the spread of truth.

● Preparation for the Second Coming
The period of darkness is not just a time of suffering, but also a time of preparation for the second coming of Jesus, a new dawn that will ultimately overcome the darkness. This is why God continues to work, even when it appears the world is in darkness.

In summary, God allows the field to fall into darkness for 2000 years due to a combination of human betrayal, the influence of Satan, the sealing of the word, and as a part of his plan for redemption. This darkness serves as a time of testing, judgment, and preparation for the ultimate restoration of light and truth, highlighting the importance of continually seeking God’s word and staying awake spiritually.

Core Shincheonji Teachings on the Figurative Field

1. The Field Represents Different Realities

  • Individual Hearts: The “field” is often interpreted as the hearts of individuals where God’s Word is sown. Shincheonji aligns this with the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23), where the condition of the “soil” (hearts) determines the growth of the Word.
  • The Church or Christianity: The field is also seen as the religious environment (particularly Christianity) where God’s Word is planted but corrupted by false teachings (weeds). This ties into Matthew 13:24-30 and Shincheonji’s view that true believers (wheat) must be separated from false ones (weeds).
  • The World: While Shincheonji primarily focuses on Christianity, they acknowledge that the field may also represent the broader world, particularly in parables like the wheat and the weeds.

2. The Process of Cultivation

  • Sowing the Seed: Shincheonji teaches that God’s Word is the seed (Luke 8:11), and its planting signifies the spread of the Gospel. Jesus is identified as the original sower, with the promised pastor continuing this work in modern times.
  • Corruption by Weeds: The devil is said to sow false doctrines and lies (weeds) in the same field, leading to the coexistence of truth and falsehood until the time of harvest (Matthew 13:25).
  • Harvest Time: The harvest represents the end of the age, where true believers (wheat) are gathered into God’s barn (kingdom), while false believers (weeds) are destroyed. Shincheonji claims the promised pastor is central to this harvest process.

3. Association with Other Parables

  • Four Types of Soil (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23):
    • Shincheonji views this parable as explaining why some accept and bear fruit from God’s Word while others fall away.
  • Wheat and Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43):
    • This is one of the most prominent parables referenced, as Shincheonji emphasizes the separation of true believers from false ones in Christianity.
  • Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32):
    • The growth of the mustard seed into a tree is likened to the establishment of God’s kingdom, starting small and growing large.

4. Figurative Field in Prophecies

  • Isaiah 5:1-7: Israel is depicted as God’s vineyard, but it fails to produce good fruit. Shincheonji may interpret this as a warning against spiritual corruption.
  • Hosea 10:12: “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground.”
    • Shincheonji uses this to highlight the necessity of repentance and spiritual readiness.

5. Field and the Promised Pastor

  • Shincheonji emphasizes that the promised pastor is the ultimate worker in the field, fulfilling the role of harvesting true believers and separating them from weeds. They claim this aligns with Revelation’s fulfillment and the interpretation of parables.

Additional Insights for Further Context

  1. Judgment of the Field:
    • Shincheonji interprets the judgment of the field as occurring during the harvest (Revelation 14:14-20), where angels and the promised pastor separate believers.
  2. God’s Sovereignty in the Field:
    • Shincheonji acknowledges that God oversees the entire process of planting, nurturing, and harvesting in the field. However, their focus on the promised pastor as a key figure introduces a human intermediary not emphasized in the Bible.

How Shincheonji Would Interpret Key Bible Verses

Below is an explanation of how Shincheonji might interpret key Bible verses related to the figurative “field” based on their doctrinal framework. Shincheonji often reinterprets verses in light of their unique eschatology, emphasizing the role of the promised pastor, the fulfillment of Revelation, and the concept of spiritual harvest.

1. The Field as the World (Matthew 13:38)

  • Verse: “The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one.”
  • Shincheonji Interpretation:
    • The “field” is often narrowed to represent Christianity, seen as the spiritual environment where God’s Word was sown through Jesus and His apostles.
    • The “good seed” represents true believers who follow God’s Word, while the “weeds” are false believers and teachers who spread lies and false doctrines.
    • The coexistence of wheat and weeds is interpreted as the current state of Christianity, where truth and falsehood grow together until the harvest.
    • The harvest (end of the age) is conducted by the promised pastor working with angels to separate the wheat (true believers) from the weeds (false believers).

2. Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23)

  • Verses: Jesus describes seeds falling on four types of soil: the path, rocky ground, thorny ground, and good soil.
  • Shincheonji Interpretation:
    • The “seed” is the Word of God, and the different soils represent the condition of people’s hearts or their readiness to accept the Word.
    • Shincheonji might link the “good soil” to members of their church who fully understand and accept their teaching, particularly the fulfillment of Revelation as taught by the promised pastor.
    • The other types of soil represent people who fail to understand or persevere due to distractions, persecution, or spiritual blindness.

3. Wheat and Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)

  • Verses: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a man sowing good seed, followed by an enemy sowing weeds. At the harvest, the wheat is gathered, and the weeds are burned.
  • Shincheonji Interpretation:
    • The “man” sowing the good seed is Jesus, who planted the Word of God in His first coming.
    • The “enemy” is the devil, who sowed false doctrines within the church, creating divisions and false teachings.
    • The “wheat” represents true believers who accept and follow Shincheonji’s teachings, while the “weeds” are false believers and leaders who cling to traditional interpretations of Christianity.
    • The “harvest” occurs in Shincheonji’s view at the time of Revelation’s fulfillment, with the promised pastor and angels conducting the separation.

4. Hosea 10:12 – Sowing Righteousness

  • Verse: “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground.”
  • Shincheonji Interpretation:
    • The “unplowed ground” is understood as hearts or spiritual environments that need to be prepared to receive God’s Word.
    • Shincheonji might link this verse to their evangelism efforts, claiming that those who accept their message are sowing righteousness in good soil.
    • The “fruit of unfailing love” is seen as the spiritual growth and understanding that result from accepting Shincheonji’s teachings.

5. Isaiah 5:1-7 – The Vineyard

  • Verses: God’s vineyard (Israel) is cultivated but produces bad fruit, leading to its destruction.
  • Shincheonji Interpretation:
    • The “vineyard” is reinterpreted as the church or spiritual Israel (Christianity) that failed to produce good fruit due to corruption and false teachings.
    • Shincheonji might argue that just as God judged Israel for failing to bear fruit, Christianity is now being judged, with the promised pastor acting as God’s instrument to restore true faith.

6. Revelation 14:14-16 – The Harvest

  • Verses: “Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”
  • Shincheonji Interpretation:
    • The “Son of Man” with the sickle is linked to Jesus and the promised pastor, who together oversee the harvest.
    • The “harvest of the earth” is interpreted as the gathering of true believers into Shincheonji, seen as the barn of salvation.
    • Shincheonji often emphasizes that the harvest is a process currently happening under the guidance of the promised pastor.

7. Jeremiah 31:27-28 – Planting a New Seed

  • Verses: “The days are coming… when I will plant the kingdoms of Israel and Judah with the offspring of people and of animals.”
  • Shincheonji Interpretation:
    • This prophecy is interpreted as God planting new seeds of truth through Shincheonji during the fulfillment of Revelation.
    • The “new seed” is linked to their doctrine, which they claim fulfills God’s promise to restore His kingdom.

8. John 4:35-36 – Fields Ripe for Harvest

  • Verses: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
  • Shincheonji Interpretation:
    • The “fields” are interpreted as the current state of the world, particularly Christianity, which is ready for judgment and separation of wheat from weeds.
    • The promised pastor is seen as leading this harvest, gathering those who recognize the fulfillment of Revelation into Shincheonji.

9. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 – God’s Field

  • Verses: “You are God’s field, God’s building.”
  • Shincheonji Interpretation:
    • Shincheonji may use this verse to support their claim that their organization is the true “field” where God’s Word is sown and bears fruit.
    • They might argue that other churches have become fields corrupted by false teachings and need to be restored through their teachings.

Key Themes in Shincheonji’s Interpretation

  1. Central Role of the Promised Pastor:
    • The promised pastor is consistently positioned as the key figure in planting, cultivating, and harvesting God’s field.
  2. Field Narrowed to Christianity:
    • Shincheonji often narrows the “field” to the church or Christianity, interpreting verses through the lens of their eschatological framework.
  3. Focus on the Fulfillment of Revelation:
    • Many verses are tied to Shincheonji’s claim of fulfilling Revelation, with their teachings as the ultimate truth.

By reinterpreting these verses, Shincheonji constructs a theological framework that emphasizes their centrality in God’s redemptive plan, while often diverging from the broader biblical context.

Lessons

Lesson 01: It is Time for Harvest
This lesson refers to the Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 37-39), which indirectly discusses the “field,” where good seeds (wheat) and bad seeds (weeds) are sown.

Lesson 03: “The path/rocky ground/thorns/good soil” = Representations of how people receive the word of God (Mark 4:10-14)

Lesson 15: Figurative Seed and Field Part 1
It establishes that the “field” has a dual meaning, representing both an individual’s heart and the world of believers. This highlights the personal and collective implications of the word.

Lesson 16: Figurative Seed and Field Part 2
This lesson categorizes “fields” into four types: the path, the rocky ground, the thorny ground, and the good soil.

Lesson 76: The Secret of the Kingdom of Heaven, Two Kinds of Seeds and the Harvest

 

Figurative Elements That Represent the Heart and Its Condition

Several figurative elements represent a person’s heart or heart condition, as seen in Shincheonji teachings. These elements often symbolize how receptive, righteous, or hardened a person’s heart is towards God’s word. Here’s a list of these elements and their meanings:

● Field/Soil: A field is a primary symbol for a person’s heart. The condition of the field reflects the state of the heart in receiving the word of God.
– The four types of fields (path, rocky, thorny, good soil) represent different heart conditions. A path represents a hardened heart where the word cannot penetrate, rocky ground signifies a shallow heart that doesn’t allow the word to take root, thorny ground represents a heart choked by worldly concerns, and good soil represents a receptive heart that bears fruit.

● Bowl (Container/Vessel): A bowl or vessel is another symbol for a person’s heart, as it is a container that holds spiritual food (the word). The contents of the bowl determine its value. A heart filled with God’s word is a noble vessel, while one filled with false teachings is not.
● Censer: A censer, a container for incense, also represents a person’s heart, with the incense symbolizing the prayers of the saints. A heart that has the law of God is a righteous heart. The smoke from the censer represents the prayers rising to God.
● Cooking Pot: A cooking pot represents a person or an organization like a church. It can signify the condition of a person’s heart in relation to the spiritual food they receive.
● Scales: Scales represent the word of God that weighs one’s faith and actions. This means that the heart is judged by the word. A heart is “heavy” if it is filled with righteous words and deeds and “light” if it is not.
● Earth: Earth represents flesh or people, or saints. A person’s heart is often compared to the soil in which seeds are sown.
● House: A house is mentioned as representing the heart. The heart is the house in which one dwells and the landscape that surrounds it, which can be either good or bad.
● Rock: The rock represents the word of judgement. The heart can be hardened like a rock, preventing the word from entering.
● Lampstand: The lampstand represents a person of duty with the spirit who illuminates the darkened hearts with the light of God’s word. This emphasizes the heart’s need for spiritual illumination.
● Wineskin: A wineskin is a type of vessel that is used to hold new wine, and is also symbolic of a person’s heart. This can be a place where the new teachings, or new wine, is stored.
● Grave: The grave represents a place where people who do not have the word of life gather, indicating an organization of false teachings. It shows the state of a heart that is dead to the word of God.
● Mountain: The mountain represents a church. The heart of a person can either be part of a true or false church depending on the condition of the heart.
● Leaves: The leaves of the tree of life are compared to evangelists who heal the hearts of nations through the word. This indicates that a person’s heart, if healthy, can bear fruit in the form of evangelism.
● Idol: An idol can be a representation of a person who teaches lies and does not have the truth in their heart.
● Breath: Figurative breath represents the word of life, which can either be present or absent from the heart.
● Keys: Figurative keys represents the wisdom to discern the secrets of the Bible, which are necessary to enter heaven.
● Water: Figurative water is the word of life, which is necessary for a healthy heart. A heart that does not have the word is like a spring without water.

These elements illustrate different facets of the human heart, emphasizing its crucial role in receiving, understanding, and acting upon the word of God. The heart is seen as a dynamic entity that can be transformed through the word, but is also vulnerable to deception and hardening.

Connections between Figurative Field and Figurative Sea

The SCJ teachings present a complex relationship between the figurative field and the figurative sea, both of which are essential concepts for understanding the spiritual meanings within the parables.

Here’s a breakdown of their connections:

● Shared Symbolism of the World: Both the field and the sea can represent the world, but with different nuances.
– The field is often a more specific representation of the world, referring to the place where the word of God is sown. It can represent a person’s heart or the church.
– The sea, however, generally symbolizes the world under Satan’s rule, characterized by a mixture of truth and falsehood, and a place of spiritual darkness and turmoil. It’s a place of “much water, but none of it is drinkable”. It is also described as a place where people are lost and aimlessly wander.

● The Sowing and the Gathering: The field is where the seed (the word of God) is sown. The sea, on the other hand, is where people are gathered, as fish in a net. This shows a progression: the word is sown in the field, and the resulting people are then found in the sea (the world).
– The field is where the initial growth takes place when the word of God takes root.
– The sea is where people exist before being “caught” by the word of God or other influences, which can be good or bad.

● Two Types of Fields and Seas: Just as there are different types of soil in a field (good soil, path, rocky, thorny), there are also two types of seas:
– The field can be a heart that is open and receptive to the word (good soil), or it can be resistant to it (path, rocky, or thorny soil).
– The sea can be either Satan’s sea, which is the world of falsehood or God’s sea, which is a sea of glass, symbolizing the pure word of God.

● Transition from Field to Sea (and back): People who initially receive the word in the field (their hearts) can either stay rooted in the truth or be drawn into the sea. The sea represents the world where people can be led astray by false teachings, temptations, and the ways of the world.
– Those who stay rooted in the word can become like a river, spreading the word to others.
– People can transition from the field to the sea, representing a departure from the truth.
– The goal is for people to be drawn out of the sea of the world (Satan’s sea) and into God’s kingdom, represented by the “sea of glass”.

● The Role of Disciples/Evangelists: Disciples and evangelists act as a bridge between the field and the sea.
– They receive the word (water) from the spring (pastor) and become a river, carrying that word to the world (sea).
– They also function as the “fishermen,” who cast the net (word) into the sea to gather people.

● Babylon and the Sea: SCJ teachings connect the sea with Babylon, a symbol of false teachings and the world system that opposes God. Babylon is also characterized as a mixed entity, just like the sea. This reinforces the idea that the sea is a place of spiritual confusion and false teachings.

In summary, while the figurative field represents the individual heart or the church where the word of God is initially sown and grown, the figurative sea represents the larger world, often under the influence of Satan, where people are either lost in falsehood or being gathered by the truth. The field and the sea are not mutually exclusive; instead, they represent a spiritual journey where people can transition between the two, and the goal is to move from the sea of falsehood to the “sea of glass” that is the pure word of God. The connection also highlights the importance of the word of God in both places and the critical role of pastors, disciples and evangelists who bring the message of truth, acting as bridges between the field and the sea.

List of Parables

Let's Us Discern

Please take the time to check the Bible verses we’ve provided as references. Use them as a guide for your own understanding and discernment. It’s important to verify and confirm information with external sources, witnesses, and experts to ensure validity and transparency. Additionally, remember to pray for wisdom as you seek to identify any errors and ensure that your understanding aligns with biblical teachings.

Reports

Let's assess whether SCJ's interpretation aligns with biblical teachings in context

Shincheonji (SCJ) theology links the figurative “field” to biblical parables, prophecies, and doctrines, often integrating their unique interpretation to support their claim as the fulfillment of Revelation. While SCJ draws on Scripture for its concepts, there are critical differences between its teachings and broader Christian interpretations of these passages. Below is an analysis of these differences, a biblical interpretation based on context, and an acknowledgment of SCJ’s broad application of Babylon to non-Christian religions.

1. Shincheonji’s Teaching on the Figurative “Field”

  • SCJ interprets the field in Matthew 13:38 as representing Christianity specifically, where God’s Word (the good seed) is sown, but it becomes corrupted by false teachings (weeds).
  • The darkness in the field is attributed to the sealing of the Word (Daniel 12:4) and the infiltration of false teachings, which SCJ claims to correct through their promised pastor.
  • Babylon in Revelation is seen as encompassing not only corrupted Christianity but also false systems and religions outside Christianity.

2. Biblical Interpretation of the “Field”

Matthew 13:24-30, 37-39 – The Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

  1. The Biblical Context:
    • Jesus interprets the parable directly:
      • The “field” is the world, not just Christianity.
      • The “good seed” are the people of the kingdom of God.
      • The “weeds” are the people of the evil one (sown by the devil).
      • The harvest occurs at the end of the age, when God’s angels will separate the righteous from the wicked.
  2. Key Difference:
    • SCJ narrows the “field” to mean Christianity, whereas the Bible explicitly states it represents the world (Greek: κόσμος, kosmos). This broader interpretation includes all humanity, not just Christians.
    • The parable emphasizes God’s patience in allowing both wheat and weeds to grow until the harvest, reflecting His mercy and final judgment, rather than a specific focus on doctrinal corruption within Christianity.

Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 – The Parable of the Sower

  1. The Biblical Context:
    • The four types of soil represent different responses to the Word of God:
      • The path: those who hear but do not understand.
      • Rocky places: those who receive the Word with joy but fall away under trial.
      • Among thorns: those distracted by worldly concerns.
      • Good soil: those who hear, understand, and produce fruit.
  2. Key Difference:
    • SCJ emphasizes a corporate or institutional interpretation, tying the soils to collective religious environments, while the Bible’s context points to individual responses to the Word.

Revelation 18 – Babylon the Great

  1. The Biblical Context:
    • Babylon symbolizes a corrupt system opposed to God, characterized by idolatry, greed, and oppression. It represents both spiritual corruption and worldly powers that lead people away from God.
    • Revelation 18:4 calls believers to “Come out of her,” a general plea for all who follow God to separate themselves from corruption.
  2. Key Difference:
    • SCJ includes non-Christian religions within Babylon, which aligns with the Bible’s broader depiction of Babylon as representing all systems and ideologies opposed to God.
    • However, SCJ’s focus on corrupted Christianity as the primary expression of Babylon lacks biblical specificity. The Bible does not single out Christianity but includes all forms of spiritual rebellion.

3. Addressing Darkness in the Field

  1. SCJ’s Teaching:
    • SCJ claims the darkness in the field results from the sealing of the Word (Daniel 12:4) and the rise of false teachings within Christianity. They teach that the promised pastor unseals the Word to restore light.
  2. Biblical Context:
    • Daniel 12:4 speaks of sealing a vision until the time of the end, referring to God’s sovereignty over revealing His plans at the appropriate time. This sealing does not cause spiritual darkness but reflects God’s control over His redemptive timeline.
    • Darkness in the world results from human sin and rebellion (John 3:19-21). The unsealing of the Word occurs through the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, not a specific modern-day pastor.

4. Broader Application of Babylon

  1. SCJ’s Perspective:
    • Babylon represents not only corrupted Christianity but all false systems and religions that do not belong to God.
  2. Biblical Context:
    • This interpretation aligns with the Bible’s depiction of Babylon as a symbol of all systems opposed to God, including idolatry, materialism, and political or religious corruption.
    • Revelation 17:5 refers to Babylon as “the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth,” indicating its universal scope in representing all spiritual corruption.

5. Correct Biblical Interpretation

  • The field in Matthew 13 refers to the world, encompassing all humanity. Christianity is part of the field but not its entirety.
  • The parables of the sower and the wheat and weeds emphasize individual and corporate responses to God’s Word, pointing to the final judgment where God separates the righteous from the wicked.
  • Babylon represents all forms of spiritual rebellion and corruption, not exclusively Christianity or any single religious system.

Biblical References

1. The Figurative “Field” in Matthew 13

Shincheonji’s Interpretation:

  • The “field” is interpreted as Christianity, where the Word of God (good seed) was planted by Jesus, but it has become corrupted by false teachings (weeds).
  • The harvest is the separation of wheat (true believers) from weeds (false believers) through the work of the promised pastor at the time of Revelation’s fulfillment​.

Biblical Context and Analysis:

  • Matthew 13:38 explicitly states: “The field is the world (κόσμος, kosmos), and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one.”
    • The field represents the entire world, not just Christianity. SCJ narrows this interpretation without explicit biblical support.
  • Matthew 13:39: “The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.”
    • SCJ teaches that angels are spirits working through people, particularly the promised pastor. Biblically, angels (Greek: ἄγγελοι, angeloi) are described as spiritual beings who directly carry out God’s will (Hebrews 1:14, Luke 1:26-38) and are not exclusively tied to specific human intermediaries.

2. Darkness in the Field

Shincheonji’s Interpretation:

  • Darkness in the field (Christianity) results from the sealing of the Word (Daniel 12:4) and infiltration by false teachings. SCJ claims that the promised pastor unseals the Word and restores light​.

Biblical Context and Analysis:

  1. Sealing of the Word:
    • Daniel 12:4: “But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end.”
      • This refers to God’s decision to conceal certain truths until the appointed time. Biblically, the unsealing occurs through Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:1-5), not a modern-day figure.
  2. Darkness and False Teachings:
    • John 3:19: “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
      • Darkness results from human sin and rejection of God’s truth, not solely the sealing of prophecy.
    • 2 Peter 2:1: “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.”
      • False teachings infiltrate communities, but the Bible does not specify that this is limited to Christianity.

3. The Role of Angels

Shincheonji’s Interpretation:

  • Angels are spirits that require physical bodies to work. They are believed to act through the promised pastor, who SCJ claims fulfills Revelation’s prophecies​.

Biblical Context and Analysis:

  1. Angels as Spiritual Beings:
    • Hebrews 1:14: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
      • Angels are spiritual beings sent by God to serve His purposes. There is no explicit biblical teaching that they require human bodies to operate.
  2. Jesus and Spirit:
    • Acts 1:9-11: Jesus ascended into heaven and will return in the same way.
      • The Bible teaches that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2). While the Holy Spirit works through believers (John 14:26), the idea that Jesus operates solely through a specific promised pastor is not explicitly supported in Scripture.

4. Babylon and the Broader Field

Shincheonji’s Interpretation:

  • Babylon includes all false systems, corrupted Christianity, and religions outside of Christianity. SCJ emphasizes separating from Babylon during the time of Revelation’s fulfillment​.

Biblical Context and Analysis:

  1. Babylon as a Symbol of Corruption:
    • Revelation 17:5: “Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.”
      • Babylon represents all systems of spiritual rebellion and corruption, including idolatry and immorality (Isaiah 47:1-9, Jeremiah 51:6-9).
  2. Call to Separate:
    • Revelation 18:4: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins.”
      • This call to separate from Babylon is directed at all believers, urging them to leave systems of corruption. SCJ’s inclusion of non-Christian religions aligns with the broad biblical depiction of Babylon but narrows its application by focusing primarily on corrupted Christianity.

5. The Harvest

Shincheonji’s Interpretation:

  • The promised pastor conducts the harvest by separating true believers (wheat) from false ones (weeds). The barn represents SCJ as the final resting place of the righteous​.

Biblical Context and Analysis:

  1. The Role of the Angels:
    • Matthew 13:39: “The harvesters are angels.”
      • The Bible explicitly attributes the work of the harvest to angels, not to any human figure. Angels are God’s appointed agents for judgment.
  2. The Barn as God’s Kingdom:
    • Matthew 13:30: “At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.”
      • The barn represents the final gathering into God’s eternal kingdom, not an earthly organization.

Conclusion

Shincheonji’s interpretations incorporate biblical themes but diverge significantly from the Bible in several key ways:

  1. The field in Matthew 13 refers to the entire world, not Christianity alone.
  2. The unsealing of the Word is the work of Jesus Christ, not a specific modern-day figure.
  3. Angels are spiritual beings who serve God directly, not through exclusive human intermediaries.
  4. Babylon represents all spiritual corruption, but SCJ’s focus on Christianity is narrower than the broad biblical depiction.
  5. The harvest is conducted by angels, not by a promised pastor.

While SCJ emphasizes the corruption of Christianity and the role of their promised pastor in restoring truth, the Bible consistently points to God, Jesus Christ, and His angels as the central figures in these processes. Any interpretation should respect the full biblical context to avoid narrowing or distorting its message.

Analysis of Shincheonji’s Harvest Doctrine and Connection to New Jerusalem

1. The Promised Pastor and the Harvest

Shincheonji teaches that the promised pastor plays a central role in the harvest at the end of the age. According to their interpretation:

  • Angels harvest believers, but they act through physical representatives. The promised pastor, referred to as “New John,” coordinates this process as the one who understands the fulfillment of Revelation.
  • Jesus uses the promised pastor to fulfill prophecies by bringing believers into Shincheonji, which they describe as the “barn” of salvation (Matthew 13:30)​.

2. New Heaven, New Earth, and Holy City New Jerusalem

Shincheonji identifies their organization, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, as the earthly manifestation of the new heaven and new earth. They teach:

  • The Holy City New Jerusalem is the spiritual city of God, prepared as a bride, that descends to unite with the new heaven and new earth on Earth (Revelation 21:1-4). This unification is described as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom​.
  • The new heaven and new earth is said to be created by the promised pastor following the blueprints shown to him by God, much like Moses built the tabernacle​.

Cross-examining Shincheonji’s Teachings

To align these interpretations with the Bible, we examine key points and offer a biblical analysis.

1. The Role of Angels in the Harvest

  • Shincheonji’s Teaching: Angels work through the promised pastor and believers who act as their “sickles” to harvest true believers​.
  • Biblical Context:
    • Matthew 13:39: “The harvesters are angels.”
      • The Bible attributes the act of harvesting directly to angels without indicating they require human intermediaries. Angels are God’s spiritual servants who act independently under His command (Hebrews 1:14).
    • Revelation 14:14-16: The Son of Man swings His sickle over the earth, symbolizing divine authority in the harvest. There is no explicit mention of a human pastor coordinating this process.

2. Shincheonji as the New Heaven and New Earth

  • Shincheonji’s Teaching: Shincheonji Church is identified as the new heaven and new earth on Earth, where God’s will is fulfilled (Revelation 21:1-4). They claim this earthly kingdom awaits the descent of the Holy City New Jerusalem to unite with it​.
  • Biblical Context:
    • Revelation 21:1-2: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away… I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.”
      • The new heaven and new earth, along with the Holy City, represent the complete restoration of creation under God’s reign. It is not described as being initiated by a human organization but is a divine act of renewal.
    • Isaiah 65:17: “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.” This prophecy also emphasizes God as the initiator, not humans.

3. The Promised Pastor’s Role in Revelation

  • Shincheonji’s Teaching: The promised pastor (New John) is the only one who has seen and heard the fulfillment of Revelation. He testifies to its truth and builds God’s kingdom on Earth​.
  • Biblical Context:
    • Revelation 1:1-2: The revelation is given to John the apostle through Jesus Christ to show what must soon take place. The Bible does not mention a future “New John” but emphasizes Jesus as the central figure of Revelation.
    • Revelation 22:18-19 warns against adding to or taking away from the words of the prophecy, underscoring the completeness of the biblical text.

4. Babylon as Corruption

  • Shincheonji’s Teaching: Babylon symbolizes not only corrupted Christianity but also false systems, including non-Christian religions​.
  • Biblical Context:
    • Revelation 17:5: Babylon is described as “the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth,” representing global corruption and rebellion against God.
    • This broader application aligns with the Bible, as Babylon represents all systems opposing God, not limited to Christianity.

Key Points for Comparison

Shincheonji’s Teaching Biblical Teaching
Angels work through the promised pastor for harvest Angels are God’s spiritual agents (Matthew 13:39).
Shincheonji is the new heaven and new earth The new heaven and earth are God’s divine act (Revelation 21:1-2).
Promised pastor fulfills Revelation as New John Revelation focuses on Jesus as central (Revelation 1:1-2).
Babylon includes non-Christian religions Biblical Babylon represents global corruption (Revelation 17:5).

Conclusion

Shincheonji’s interpretations, while incorporating biblical references, significantly diverge from the Bible’s emphasis on God’s direct role in fulfilling prophecy. Their doctrine assigns key roles to the promised pastor and their organization, which the Bible does not explicitly support. Instead, the Bible focuses on God’s sovereignty, Jesus as the central figure, and the ultimate restoration of creation through divine action. Any alignment with biblical teaching must prioritize these themes while avoiding additions or alterations to Scripture.

Similarities and Differences

Comparison of Shincheonji Doctrine and Biblical Context: Angels, Field, Harvest, and the Promised Pastor

 

Category Shincheonji Doctrine Biblical Context
Angels Angels are spiritual beings that work through human vessels, including the promised pastor, to fulfill God’s will and the harvest. Angels are independent spiritual beings created by God to serve Him directly. They carry out His commands and minister to believers without requiring human intermediaries (Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 103:20-21).
Role of Angels in Revelation Angels assist the promised pastor by acting through him to interpret and fulfill Revelation. Angels act under Jesus’ direct authority, executing tasks such as gathering the harvest (Matthew 13:41; Revelation 14:14-16). They do not depend on humans for their work.
Field The field represents Christianity, where the Word was sown but later corrupted by false teachings. The field represents the world (Matthew 13:38), encompassing all people. It is where the Word of God is sown, and both wheat (true believers) and weeds (false believers) grow together.
Darkness in the Field Darkness is attributed to the sealing of the Word (Daniel 12:4) and the infiltration of false teachings within Christianity. Darkness arises from human sin and rejection of God’s truth (John 3:19-21). The sealing of the Word (Daniel 12:4) reflects God’s sovereignty, with unsealing through Jesus (Revelation 5:1-5).
Harvest The promised pastor oversees the harvest as God’s instrument, working with angels to gather true believers into Shincheonji. Jesus directs the harvest, which is conducted by angels at the end of the age (Matthew 13:39; Revelation 14:14-16). The role of humans in the harvest is not mentioned.
Babylon Babylon includes corrupted Christianity and non-Christian religions. Babylon symbolizes global spiritual corruption, including idolatry and rebellion against God. It encompasses all systems and ideologies opposed to God (Revelation 17:5; Revelation 18:4).
Promised Pastor The promised pastor is a vessel for Jesus and angels, fulfilling Revelation by unsealing the Word, guiding believers, and establishing the New Heaven and New Earth. Jesus is the sole unsealer of Revelation (Revelation 5:1-5). He is the only mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). There is no biblical mention of a future “promised pastor.”
New Heaven and New Earth Shincheonji describes itself as the earthly manifestation of the New Heaven and New Earth, awaiting the descent of the Holy City New Jerusalem to unite with them. The New Heaven and New Earth are God’s ultimate act of restoration, ushered in by His power at the end of the age (Revelation 21:1-4; Isaiah 65:17). It is not tied to a specific earthly organization.

Key Insights from the Table

 

  1. Angels and Human Vessels: Shincheonji’s teaching that angels require human vessels contrasts with the Bible, which portrays angels as spiritual agents working directly under God’s authority.
  2. Field: While Shincheonji narrows the field to Christianity, the Bible explicitly identifies the field as the world, emphasizing God’s inclusive plan of salvation.
  3. Harvest: Shincheonji assigns the role of harvesting to the promised pastor alongside angels, but the Bible reserves this task for Jesus and angels alone.
  4. Promised Pastor: Shincheonji elevates the promised pastor as a key figure in Revelation’s fulfillment, a role not supported by Scripture, which centers on Jesus as the unsealer of prophecy and Savior.
  5. Babylon: Both Shincheonji and the Bible recognize Babylon as a symbol of spiritual corruption, though Shincheonji’s emphasis on Christianity as Babylon is narrower than the Bible’s universal scope.
  6. New Heaven and New Earth: The Bible describes this as a divine act of restoration, while Shincheonji ties it to their organization’s identity.

This comparison provides a clear framework for critically assessing Shincheonji doctrine in light of biblical teaching.

Verses

Context or Contradiction?

The figurative “field” is central to Shincheonji’s theology, tied to parables and Revelation. While Shincheonji emphasizes their unique interpretations, the Bible offers a broader and clearer perspective. This section aims to provide a biblical counter-interpretation with relevant verses and context to help Shincheonji members critically assess their doctrine in light of Scripture.

1. The Field as the World, Not Just Christianity

Shincheonji Interpretation:

  • Shincheonji narrows the “field” in Matthew 13:38 to represent Christianity, claiming it is the primary place where the Word is sown and corrupted by weeds (false teachings)​.

Biblical Perspective:

  • Matthew 13:38: “The field is the world (κόσμος, kosmos), and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom.”
    • The “field” is explicitly defined by Jesus as the world, encompassing all humanity, not just Christians. This broader interpretation aligns with the universal nature of God’s kingdom (John 3:16).
  • Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
    • Sin and corruption are not limited to any specific group but are universal, affecting all people and systems.

Implication:

Shincheonji’s focus on Christianity as the sole field ignores the broader biblical context. The “field” includes all people, cultures, and systems—pointing to God’s inclusive plan of salvation.

2. The Role of Angels in the Harvest

Shincheonji Interpretation:

  • Shincheonji claims that angels work through the promised pastor and members of their church to conduct the harvest.Biblical Perspective:
  • Matthew 13:39: “The harvesters are angels.”
    • The Bible states that angels, as God’s spiritual messengers (Hebrews 1:14), directly carry out the harvest at the end of the age.
  • Revelation 14:14-16: The Son of Man (Jesus) swings His sickle to reap the harvest.
    • The authority of the harvest belongs to Jesus, with angels assisting Him. There is no biblical evidence that humans, including a promised pastor, are appointed to this role.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”
    • The judgment and separation of the righteous from the wicked are overseen by Christ, not delegated to human intermediaries.

Implication:

Shincheonji’s teaching elevates the role of the promised pastor beyond what Scripture supports, undermining the authority of Christ and angels in the harvest.

3. Darkness in the Field

Shincheonji Interpretation:

  • Shincheonji attributes the field’s darkness to the sealing of the Word (Daniel 12:4) and the rise of false teachings, claiming the promised pastor restores light.Biblical Perspective:
  1. Sealing of the Word:
    • Daniel 12:4: “But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end.”
      • The sealing of the Word reflects God’s timing for revealing His plans. Jesus, not a promised pastor, unseals the Word (Revelation 5:1-5).
    • Revelation 22:10: “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.”
      • The Word is already unsealed through Jesus’ first coming and the Holy Spirit’s work in guiding believers (John 14:26).
  2. Darkness and False Teachings:
    • John 3:19-21: “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
      • Darkness arises from human sin and rejection of God’s truth, not exclusively from the sealing of prophecy.
    • 2 Peter 2:1: “There will be false teachers among you.”
      • The Bible warns about false teachings but emphasizes the role of Scripture and the Holy Spirit, not a singular human figure, in discerning truth.

Implication:

Shincheonji’s emphasis on the promised pastor as the sole source of restored light conflicts with the biblical teaching that Jesus and the Holy Spirit guide believers into truth.

4. Babylon and Corruption

Shincheonji Interpretation:

  • Babylon represents not only corrupted Christianity but also non-Christian religions and systems opposed to God.Biblical Perspective:
  • Revelation 17:5: “Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.”
    • Babylon symbolizes global spiritual corruption, including idolatry, greed, and immorality, not limited to Christianity.
  • Isaiah 47:8-11: Babylon is described as proud and self-reliant, opposing God’s sovereignty.
  • Revelation 18:4: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins.”
    • The call to separate from Babylon applies universally to all systems and ideologies that oppose God, not exclusively to corrupted Christianity.

Implication:

While Shincheonji’s broader application of Babylon aligns with biblical symbolism, their focus on Christianity as Babylon’s primary representation lacks explicit biblical support.

5. The Role of the Promised Pastor

Shincheonji Interpretation:

  • The promised pastor, referred to as “New John,” fulfills Revelation by unsealing the Word, gathering believers, and establishing God’s kingdom on Earth.1. The Role of Jesus:
    • Revelation 1:1: “The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.”
      • Revelation centers on Jesus, who reveals God’s plan to John the apostle. There is no mention of a future “New John.”
    • Hebrews 12:2: Jesus is “the author and perfecter of faith.”
      • Jesus alone fulfills Revelation’s promises and leads believers to salvation.
  1. Unsealing the Word:
    • Revelation 5:1-5: Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the only one worthy to open the scroll and its seals.
      • The unsealing of Revelation is completed through Jesus’ work, not a modern-day pastor.
  2. Building God’s Kingdom:
    • John 18:36: Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
      • God’s kingdom is spiritual and eternal, not tied to a specific human organization.

Implication:

The Bible consistently emphasizes Jesus as the central figure in Revelation, leaving no room for a modern-day promised pastor to assume this role.

Conclusion: Biblical Perspective on Shincheonji’s Doctrine

Shincheonji’s interpretations of the figurative field and related concepts often narrow biblical teachings or assign roles to their promised pastor that Scripture reserves for Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Key biblical insights include:

  1. The field represents the entire world, not just Christianity (Matthew 13:38).
  2. The harvest is conducted by angels under Jesus’ authority (Matthew 13:39, Revelation 14:14-16).
  3. Darkness in the world results from sin and human rejection of God, not the temporary sealing of prophecy (John 3:19-21).
  4. Babylon symbolizes global corruption, not just Christianity (Revelation 17:5, Revelation 18:4).
  5. Jesus is the sole unsealer of Revelation and the builder of God’s kingdom (Revelation 5:1-5, John 18:36).

Shincheonji members are encouraged to critically evaluate their doctrines in light of Scripture’s broader context, focusing on the centrality of Christ in God’s redemptive plan.

Shincheonji’s Interpretation of Angels as Spirits Working Through Flesh

Shincheonji doctrine teaches the following about angels:

  1. Angels Are Spirits: Shincheonji acknowledges that angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve His purposes.
    • Psalm 103:20-21 and Hebrews 1:14 describe angels as ministers who carry out God’s will and serve those who will inherit salvation​.
  2. Angels Work Through Flesh: Shincheonji claims that spirits, including God, Jesus, and angels, interact with the physical world by working through human vessels. This teaching aligns with their belief in the promised pastor being a vessel through which Jesus and angels operate to fulfill Revelation​.
  3. The Dual Role of Angels and Messengers: In Shincheonji, the Greek word for angel (ἄγγελος) can mean “angel” or “messenger.” They interpret passages like Revelation 1:20 and 22:16 to mean that angels work through human messengers to accomplish God’s purposes.

Biblical Perspective on Angels and Their Role

The Bible presents angels as spiritual beings who serve God directly and act as His messengers, but their operation does not explicitly require human vessels.

  1. Angels Are Spiritual and Independent Beings:
    • Hebrews 1:14: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
      • This verse identifies angels as spirits sent by God to serve His purposes directly, without the need for human intermediaries.
  2. Angels Act According to God’s Command:
    • Psalm 103:20-21: “Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.”
      • Angels are described as obedient servants of God, carrying out His commands without reliance on physical vessels.
  3. Interaction with Humans:
    • While angels have appeared to humans (e.g., Gabriel appearing to Mary in Luke 1:26-38), these interactions are not described as angels requiring human bodies or vessels to operate.
  4. Jesus’ Authority over Angels:
    • Matthew 13:41: “The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.”
      • Angels act under Jesus’ direct authority at the time of judgment, without delegation to human figures.

Shincheonji’s Application of Angels to the Promised Pastor

Shincheonji teaches that the promised pastor (referred to as “New John”) is the vessel through which Jesus and angels work to fulfill the prophecies of Revelation. This includes:

  • The promised pastor’s role in guiding believers and interpreting the fulfillment of Revelation with the aid of angels​.

Biblical Counterpoint:

  • Revelation 5:1-5: Jesus, as the Lamb of God, is the only one worthy to open the sealed scroll and reveal its contents. No human, including the promised pastor, is granted this authority.
  • Revelation 14:14-16: The Son of Man (Jesus) wields the sickle for the harvest, and angels carry out the harvest under His command. The Bible does not indicate human involvement in this process.

Summary

While Shincheonji incorporates a unique interpretation of angels working through human vessels, the Bible consistently presents angels as independent spiritual beings under God’s authority. Their role is to serve God and fulfill His commands directly, not through human intermediaries.

Key Takeaways for Critical Thinking:

  1. Angels Act Directly: Scripture describes angels as spiritual entities that operate independently, not through human vessels.
  2. Jesus’ Central Role: Revelation emphasizes Jesus as the sole authority in the fulfillment of prophecy and the judgment process.
  3. No Human Intermediaries Required: While humans may serve as messengers of the Gospel, the Bible does not ascribe to them the role of vessels for angels.

This distinction invites Shincheonji members to critically examine their doctrine in light of the full biblical context, encouraging a Christ-centered understanding of spiritual authority.

Biblical Context

1. The “Field” as the World, Not Just Christianity

Shincheonji’s Interpretation:

  • Shincheonji interprets the “field” as Christianity or the church, where God’s Word was sown but became corrupted by false teachings (weeds).

Biblical Context and Explanation:

  1. The Field Is the World:
    • Matthew 13:38: “The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one.”
      • Jesus clearly defines the field as the world (kosmos), encompassing all humanity, not just Christians or the church. This broader understanding highlights God’s universal sovereignty and plan for salvation.
  2. God’s Plan for the World:
    • 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.”
      • The world, as the field, is the object of God’s love and redemptive work, not just a specific religious group.
    • Isaiah 45:22: “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”
      • This verse reinforces God’s inclusive invitation to salvation, emphasizing that the field represents all nations and peoples.
  3. Christianity Is Part of the Field, Not the Whole:
    • While Christianity may be part of the field, it is not the sole focus. The Bible consistently points to God’s concern for all humanity, including non-believers.

2. Darkness in the Field and Its Causes

Shincheonji’s Interpretation:

  • Darkness in the field results from the sealing of God’s Word (Daniel 12:4), broken covenants, and the devil’s sowing of false teachings. They claim the promised pastor restores light.

Biblical Context and Explanation:

  1. Darkness as a Result of Sin:
    • John 3:19-21: “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
      • Darkness arises from humanity’s rejection of God’s truth and deliberate sinful behavior.
    • Isaiah 59:2: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you.”
      • Sin causes separation from God and spiritual darkness.
  2. God’s Sovereignty Over Darkness:
    • Isaiah 45:7: “I form the light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.”
      • While God permits darkness as part of His sovereign plan, it is never arbitrary but serves His purpose of redemption and judgment.
  3. False Teachings and the Devil’s Role:
    • Matthew 13:25: “But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.”
      • The devil sows false teachings, but God allows the weeds (false believers) to coexist with the wheat (true believers) until the harvest.
    • 2 Peter 2:1: “There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord.”
      • False teachings have been a challenge throughout history, not exclusively tied to Christianity or specific periods.
  4. The Sealing and Unsealing of God’s Word:
    • Daniel 12:4: “Roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end.”
      • The sealing of the Word refers to God’s timing in revealing His plans. Jesus unseals the Word, as shown in:
    • Revelation 5:1-5: “The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
      • The Bible attributes the unsealing solely to Jesus, not to any human pastor or intermediary.

3. The Necessity of Light and the Role of the Promised Pastor

Shincheonji’s Interpretation:

  • Shincheonji claims that the promised pastor brings new light after 2,000 years of darkness, unsealing hidden truths.

Biblical Context and Explanation:

  1. Jesus as the Light of the World:
    • John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
      • Jesus Himself is the eternal source of light. The Bible does not suggest the need for additional human mediators after Jesus.
    • John 1:9: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”
      • Jesus is the true light that illuminates all truth, and His work is sufficient.
  2. The Role of the Holy Spirit:
    • John 14:26: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
      • The Holy Spirit, not a promised pastor, guides believers into truth and reminds them of Jesus’ teachings.
  3. No Mention of a Promised Pastor:
    • 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
      • Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity. The Bible does not reference a future promised pastor.

4. The Harvest and the Role of Angels

Shincheonji’s Interpretation:

  • Shincheonji claims the promised pastor, working with angels, conducts the harvest.

Biblical Context and Explanation:

  1. Angels Are the Harvesters:
    • Matthew 13:39: “The harvesters are angels.”
      • The Bible explicitly states that angels, not humans, are responsible for the harvest at the end of the age.
    • Revelation 14:14-16: “The Son of Man swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.”
      • Jesus directs the harvest, emphasizing His authority over the process.
  2. Judgment Belongs to Jesus:
    • Matthew 25:31-32: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory… He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
      • Jesus alone oversees the separation of believers from non-believers at the final judgment.

5. Babylon and Spiritual Corruption

Shincheonji’s Interpretation:

  • Babylon represents corrupted Christianity and other false religions.

Biblical Context and Explanation:

 

  1. Babylon Represents Universal Corruption:
    • Revelation 17:5: “Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.”
      • Babylon symbolizes all systems of spiritual rebellion and idolatry, not just Christianity.
    • Jeremiah 51:7: “Babylon was a gold cup in the Lord’s hand; she made the whole earth drunk.”
      • Babylon’s corruption affects all nations, reflecting a universal scope.
  2. Call to Separate from Babylon:
    • Revelation 18:4: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins.”
      • God’s people are called to separate from all forms of spiritual corruption, not just one specific religious group.

Summary of Key Bible Verses

Category Key Bible Verses
Field as the World Matthew 13:38, John 3:16, Isaiah 45:22
Darkness in the Field John 3:19-21, Isaiah 59:2, Daniel 12:4, Revelation 5:1-5
False Teachings Matthew 13:25, 2 Peter 2:1
Jesus as the Light John 8:12, John 1:9, Hebrews 1:1-2
Angels and the Harvest Matthew 13:39, Revelation 14:14-16, Matthew 25:31-32
Babylon and Corruption Revelation 17:5, Jeremiah 51:7, Revelation 18:4

List of verses

1. The Field as the World

Shincheonji teaches that the “field” represents Christianity, but the Bible consistently defines the field as the world.

Key Verses:

  1. Matthew 13:38: “The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one.”
  2. 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.”
  3. Isaiah 45:22: “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”
  4. Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
  5. Revelation 5:9: “With your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

2. Darkness in the Field

Shincheonji attributes darkness to the sealing of God’s Word and human sin, claiming their promised pastor restores light. The Bible emphasizes Jesus as the sole source of light.

Key Verses:

  1. John 3:19-21: “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
  2. Isaiah 59:2: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you.”
  3. Isaiah 9:2: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
  4. John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
  5. 2 Corinthians 4:6: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
  6. John 1:4-5: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
  7. Revelation 21:23: “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”

3. The Role of Angels

Shincheonji teaches that angels work through the promised pastor to fulfill God’s plan, but the Bible presents angels as independent spiritual beings.

Key Verses:

  1. Hebrews 1:14: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
  2. Psalm 103:20-21: “Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.”
  3. Matthew 13:39: “The harvesters are angels.”
  4. Revelation 14:6: “Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth.”
  5. Luke 1:26-27: “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth.”
  6. Acts 12:7: “Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell.”

4. The Harvest

Shincheonji claims the promised pastor conducts the harvest alongside angels. The Bible attributes the harvest to Jesus and His angels.

Key Verses:

  1. Matthew 13:39: “The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.”
  2. Revelation 14:14-16: “Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”
  3. Matthew 25:31-32: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory… He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
  4. Matthew 9:37-38: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
  5. John 4:35-36: “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
  6. 2 Timothy 4:1: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead.”

5. Jesus as the Sole Mediator

Shincheonji teaches the necessity of a promised pastor. The Bible emphasizes Jesus as the only mediator and source of truth.

Key Verses:

  1. 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
  2. John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
  3. Hebrews 12:2: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
  4. Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
  5. Hebrews 7:25: “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

6. Babylon and Spiritual Corruption

Shincheonji focuses on Babylon as corrupted Christianity and false religions, while the Bible presents Babylon as universal corruption.

Key Verses:

  1. Revelation 17:5: “Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.”
  2. Revelation 18:4: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins.”
  3. Jeremiah 51:7: “Babylon was a gold cup in the Lord’s hand; she made the whole earth drunk.”
  4. Isaiah 47:5: “Sit in silence, go into darkness, Queen City of the Babylonians; no more will you be called queen of kingdoms.”
  5. 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10: The mystery of lawlessness describes corruption on a global scale.

7. God’s Plan of Redemption

Shincheonji teaches that 2,000 years of darkness were necessary for redemption. The Bible emphasizes Jesus’ work as complete and sufficient.

Key Verses:

  1. John 19:30: “It is finished.” (Jesus’ words on the cross affirm the completion of redemption.)
  2. 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.”
  3. Hebrews 9:12: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
  4. Colossians 1:13-14: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”
  5. Romans 5:8: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

8. Hidden Truths and Mysteries

Shincheonji claims hidden truths are revealed by the promised pastor. The Bible teaches that mysteries are revealed through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Key Verses:

  1. Romans 16:25-26: “The mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings.”
  2. Ephesians 3:5: “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel.”
  3. Colossians 1:26-27: “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.”
  4. John 14:26: “The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

Summary of Key Bible Verses by Category

Category Key Bible Verses
Field as the World Matthew 13:38, John 3:16, Isaiah 45:22, Psalm 24:1, Revelation 5:9
Darkness in the Field John 3:19-21, Isaiah 59:2, Isaiah 9:2, John 8:12, 2 Corinthians 4:6, John 1:4-5, Revelation 21:23
Role of Angels Hebrews 1:14, Psalm 103:20-21, Matthew 13:39, Revelation 14:6, Luke 1:26-27, Acts 12:7
Harvest Matthew 13:39, Revelation 14:14-16, Matthew 25:31-32, Matthew 9:37-38, John 4:35-36, 2 Timothy 4:1
Jesus as Mediator 1 Timothy 2:5, John 14:6, Hebrews 12:2, Acts 4:12, Hebrews 7:25
Babylon and Corruption Revelation 17:5, Revelation 18:4, Jeremiah 51:7, Isaiah 47:5, 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10
Plan of Redemption John 19:30, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 9:12, Colossians 1:13-14, Romans 5:8
Hidden Truths Revealed Romans 16:25-26, Ephesians 3:
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