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.
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: Figurative Field:
Dual Meanings: The World: The environment where the Word of God (seed) is planted and spiritual growth occurs. 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). 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.
The Bible describes four types of fields (hearts) in which the word of God can be sown: ● 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.
The field is often referred to as “Jesus’ field,” meaning the church where Jesus’ gospel is preached. ● 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.
● 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.
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:
SCJ employs the figurative “field” to foster a sense of urgency and exclusivity:
SCJ asserts that their organization is the fulfillment of these parables: 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. 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: 2.- Weeds Within Christianity: 3.- Harvest in Christianity: 2. Judgment of Christianity and Babylon:
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. 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: ● Betrayal and Corruption: ● False Teachings (Weeds): ● Spiritual Night: ● Judgment and Destruction: ● The Role of the Lamp: ● The Cycle of Light and Darkness:
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.
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: 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.
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. ● Consequences of Broken Covenants ● Testing and Refinement ● The Sowing of False Teachings ● Periods of Spiritual Night ● The Necessity of a New Light ● The Plan of Redemption ● Hidden Truths and Mysteries ● The Battle Against Satan ● Preparation for the Second Coming 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.
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. 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 Lesson 16: Figurative Seed and Field Part 2 Lesson 76: The Secret of the Kingdom of Heaven, Two Kinds of Seeds and the Harvest ● 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.
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. 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 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). ● 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: ● 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. ● The Role of Disciples/Evangelists: Disciples and evangelists act as a bridge between the field and the sea. ● 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. 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.
4. Broader Application of Babylon
Shincheonji’s interpretations incorporate biblical themes but diverge significantly from the Bible in several key ways: 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.
Shincheonji teaches that the promised pastor plays a central role in the harvest at the end of the age. According to their interpretation:
Shincheonji identifies their organization, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, as the earthly manifestation of the new heaven and new earth. They teach:
To align these interpretations with the Bible, we examine key points and offer a biblical analysis.
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. This comparison provides a clear framework for critically assessing Shincheonji doctrine in light of biblical teaching.
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.
Shincheonji’s teaching elevates the role of the promised pastor beyond what Scripture supports, undermining the authority of Christ and angels in the harvest.
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.
While Shincheonji’s broader application of Babylon aligns with biblical symbolism, their focus on Christianity as Babylon’s primary representation lacks explicit biblical support.
The Bible consistently emphasizes Jesus as the central figure in Revelation, leaving no room for a modern-day promised pastor to assume this role.
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: 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.
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.
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:
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. 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.
Shincheonji teaches that the “field” represents Christianity, but the Bible consistently defines the field as the world. 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. Shincheonji teaches that angels work through the promised pastor to fulfill God’s plan, but the Bible presents angels as independent spiritual beings. Shincheonji claims the promised pastor conducts the harvest alongside angels. The Bible attributes the harvest to Jesus and His angels. Shincheonji teaches the necessity of a promised pastor. The Bible emphasizes Jesus as the only mediator and source of truth. Shincheonji focuses on Babylon as corrupted Christianity and false religions, while the Bible presents Babylon as universal corruption. Shincheonji teaches that 2,000 years of darkness were necessary for redemption. The Bible emphasizes Jesus’ work as complete and sufficient. Shincheonji claims hidden truths are revealed by the promised pastor. The Bible teaches that mysteries are revealed through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
● In the physical sense, a field is a place where seeds are sown and crops are harvested.
● 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:
A Person’s Heart: The condition of an individual’s heart determines how they receive and respond to God’s Word.
Isaiah 55:10-11: The rain and snow make the earth fertile, symbolizing how God’s Word nourishes receptive hearts.Four Types of Hearts (Fields):
■ 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.Jesus’ Field:
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.Why the Field is Associated with Christianity
● 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
Interpretation in Shincheonji Doctrine
Cross-Referenced Terms
Core SCJ Beliefs Linked to “Field”
Application and Fulfillment
Additional References for more exploration.
Field and Christianity
Field and Babylon
Psychological and Doctrinal Connection
Implications for SCJ Beliefs
Why the Field Fell into Darkness: Shincheonji’s Perspective
– 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.
– 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.
– 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.
– 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.
– 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.
– 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 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
2. The Fall into Darkness
3. The Role of Sealing in Darkness
4. The Harvest in the Field
5. Symbolism of Darkness and Light
Conclusion
Why Falling into Darkness is Part of God’s Plan in Shincheonji Doctrine
1. Biblical Precedent for Darkness Preceding Light
2. Purpose of Darkness in God’s Plan
3. God’s Wisdom in Allowing Darkness
4. Darkness as a Prelude to Restoration
Conclusion
Connections Between the Figurative "Field," Other Parables, and Prophecies
1. The Parable of the Sower and the Four Fields
2. Prophecies Related to the Field
3. Connections with Other Parables
4. The Harvest as Fulfillment
5. The Role of the Promised Pastor
Conclusion
The Field in Darkness: Another Perspective
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Core Shincheonji Teachings on the Figurative Field
1. The Field Represents Different Realities
2. The Process of Cultivation
3. Association with Other Parables
4. Figurative Field in Prophecies
5. Field and the Promised Pastor
Additional Insights for Further Context
How Shincheonji Would Interpret Key Bible Verses
1. The Field as the World (Matthew 13:38)
2. Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23)
3. Wheat and Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
4. Hosea 10:12 – Sowing Righteousness
5. Isaiah 5:1-7 – The Vineyard
6. Revelation 14:14-16 – The Harvest
7. Jeremiah 31:27-28 – Planting a New Seed
8. John 4:35-36 – Fields Ripe for Harvest
9. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 – God’s Field
Key Themes in Shincheonji’s Interpretation
Lessons
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.
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.
This lesson categorizes “fields” into four types: the path, the rocky ground, the thorny ground, and the good soil.
Figurative Elements That Represent the Heart and Its Condition
● 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.
● 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.
Connections between Figurative Field and Figurative Sea
– 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 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.
– 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.
– 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”.
– 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.
Let's assess whether SCJ's interpretation aligns with biblical teachings in context
1. Shincheonji’s Teaching on the Figurative “Field”
2. Biblical Interpretation of the “Field”
Matthew 13:24-30, 37-39 – The Parable of the Wheat and Weeds
Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 – The Parable of the Sower
Revelation 18 – Babylon the Great
3. Addressing Darkness in the Field
5. Correct Biblical Interpretation
Biblical References
1. The Figurative “Field” in Matthew 13
Shincheonji’s Interpretation:
Biblical Context and Analysis:
2. Darkness in the Field
Shincheonji’s Interpretation:
Biblical Context and Analysis:
3. The Role of Angels
Shincheonji’s Interpretation:
Biblical Context and Analysis:
4. Babylon and the Broader Field
Shincheonji’s Interpretation:
Biblical Context and Analysis:
5. The Harvest
Shincheonji’s Interpretation:
Biblical Context and Analysis:
Conclusion
Analysis of Shincheonji’s Harvest Doctrine and Connection to New Jerusalem
1. The Promised Pastor and the Harvest
2. New Heaven, New Earth, and Holy City New Jerusalem
Cross-examining Shincheonji’s Teachings
1. The Role of Angels in the Harvest
2. Shincheonji as the New Heaven and New Earth
3. The Promised Pastor’s Role in Revelation
4. Babylon as Corruption
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
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
Context or Contradiction?
1. The Field as the World, Not Just Christianity
Shincheonji Interpretation:
Biblical Perspective:
Implication:
2. The Role of Angels in the Harvest
Shincheonji Interpretation:
Implication:
3. Darkness in the Field
Shincheonji Interpretation:
Implication:
4. Babylon and Corruption
Shincheonji Interpretation:
Implication:
5. The Role of the Promised Pastor
Shincheonji Interpretation:
Implication:
Conclusion: Biblical Perspective on Shincheonji’s Doctrine
Shincheonji’s Interpretation of Angels as Spirits Working Through Flesh
Biblical Perspective on Angels and Their Role
Shincheonji’s Application of Angels to the Promised Pastor
Biblical Counterpoint:
Summary
Key Takeaways for Critical Thinking:
Biblical Context
1. The “Field” as the World, Not Just Christianity
Shincheonji’s Interpretation:
Biblical Context and Explanation:
2. Darkness in the Field and Its Causes
Shincheonji’s Interpretation:
Biblical Context and Explanation:
3. The Necessity of Light and the Role of the Promised Pastor
Shincheonji’s Interpretation:
Biblical Context and Explanation:
4. The Harvest and the Role of Angels
Shincheonji’s Interpretation:
Biblical Context and Explanation:
5. Babylon and Spiritual Corruption
Shincheonji’s Interpretation:
Biblical Context and Explanation:
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
Key Verses:
2. Darkness in the Field
Key Verses:
3. The Role of Angels
Key Verses:
4. The Harvest
Key Verses:
5. Jesus as the Sole Mediator
Key Verses:
6. Babylon and Spiritual Corruption
Key Verses:
7. God’s Plan of Redemption
Key Verses:
8. Hidden Truths and Mysteries
Key Verses:
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: