The purpose of this Reddit post here is to have it translated into various languages.
Shincheonji beliefs around Easter
This was a brief topic brought up during an education at one point for anyone who was curious about what they teach. The “real” resurrection was by Christ for the redemption of ALL people and not just to shadow one group. It’s the utmost crucial event around which all of Christianity becomes legitimatized (1 Corinthians 15:17). For those who are celebrating, Happy Easter and have peace today 🙂
Question: Why do we not celebrate the Easter in Shincheonji?
Easter, which is observed in existing traditional churches, is a day to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus at the first coming. However, Jesus showed the resurrection at the first coming in order to tell us that the resurrection will happen in order as in 1 Corinthians 15, and to give us the same hope of the resurrection. The existing traditional churches celebrate the past event [the Easter] without knowing the first resurrection that will take place.
However, the first resurrection we are awaiting is not a past history, so it is not a festival to be celebrated. We are not celebrating the Easter not because the resurrection is not important, but because the real resurrection Jesus wanted to tell us through his resurrection at the first coming has not happened yet. The final work of God and Shincheonji is the first resurrection. Therefore, SCJ saints consider the resurrection more importantly than anyone else in the world!
no_embellishments_cz
What is the source of this text please? Was it as part of regular Bible courses (before graduation), or some kind of education for long-term members/educators, etc.? Thanks!
Raptueur
Ahahaha, kkkkkkkk🤣
Ok_Firefighter_5824
Does eternal life come from believing in the promised pastor according to SCJ? Was Jesus dying on the cross for nothing/symbolism for future? Please explain
↳ Imaginary-Fig-1315 (OP)
The logic in SCJ is that salvation does come through Jesus and by believing in Him. However, they use John 6:29 to say that just as we believe God—and therefore Jesus who was sent by God—we should believe/obey Jesus by following the one He sent (which they believe is the promised pastor). However, this contradicts Acts 4:12. Hope this helps!
↳ Ok_Firefighter_5824
Thank you for clarifying. So they basically see Jesus on the same level as the promised pastor 🤔 This is worrying.
Fredomofmind-com
The real problem with this satanic cult is that they directly denied the divinity of Jesus. They don’t believe Jesus is God; they believe Jesus is merely a prophet. And that’s why they try to discredit or even elevate Jesus “too much” as would be done at Easter. They are part of the anti-Christians because they deny the divinity and worship of Christ—the very worship that Christ always accepted (e.g., Matthew 28:9). Worst of all, the brainwashing they have is so extensive that when someone criticizes their religion, they automatically think they are being persecuted. Being persecuted as “the first Christians” becomes confirmation that they have the truth. This characteristic is shared by all sects: if you criticize their doctrine, you are attacking them, and if you are attacking them it is because they are right. This reasoning destroys critical thinking—something that is also encouraged in their “biblical courses.”
Pink_Samwise_Gamgee (EX-Shincheonji Member)
Many Christians believe in a “first resurrection.” They might not call it that, but many theologians state that the Bible is clear about a resurrection of our flesh when Christ returns (1 Cor 15). So I don’t really understand what SCJ are saying by that. Also, this first resurrection hasn’t happened yet, so why would SCJ not celebrate the event that points to it? I feel like they are just trying to deliberately throw away all Christian traditions by saying they are “not according to the word.” Ludacris! Easter is also a time to remember Jesus’ death, not just the resurrection (“Good Friday”…).
↳ Imaginary-Fig-1315 (OP)
Yea. If I’m being honest, that’s something I didn’t understand either. Because even though SCJ isn’t correct, in theory their faith would still be for nothing if it weren’t for Jesus’ resurrection, so why wouldn’t you celebrate?
Stunning_Werewolf_33
This is so confusing, so what do they believe? Has Christ resurrected or not?
↳ Imaginary-Fig-1315 (OP)
Yea, it’s a bit confusing. They do believe in the resurrection and its importance; however, they don’t believe it was for the reason of salvation. Instead, they see it as foreshadowing the first resurrection that they will participate in once all the prophecies are fulfilled. Only then do they believe salvation has truly come. But if I’m being honest, their explanations never seemed completely linear.